2008: A year in review

Editor’s Note: Another year has passed and as it has for the past 89 years, the Record has kept track of the happenings in and around Rainy River. Here is a review of the stories making the paper in 2008.

January
Work on Rainy River’s first outdoor ice rink in years was completed adjacent to the Rainy River arena.
Evan Biddell Nesmoe, the 24-year old son of Baudette resident Davy Nesmoe, on Monday, December 17, when he was declared the winner of the inaugural season of Project Runway Canada.
January is Alzheimer’s Month. Because the cause was so dear to her heart the annual Alzheimer Dinner to Remember was renamed the Linda Johnston Dinner to Remember. Johnston passed away the previous summer after a battle with cancer. She organized the Alzheimer event for years before as well as helped with other events raising money for the organization in Rainy River.
RR, Emo and Chapple get prov. funding to help manage waterworks costs
Ashley Stamler of Rainy River announced that she will spearhead efforts to have a skate-park constructed in Rainy River. Initial costing puts the price tag for such a facility at $50,000 to $70,000.
After several years absent from Rainy River, recycling has returned.
O.P.P. Constable Anne McCoy took over as Communication Services Officer on Jan. 3, 2008 when Constable Doug Irish went back to regular patrol duties.
Ontario’s Municipal Affairs took Rainy River Town Council to task for having so many unpaid tax bills in the community.
Rainy River and District Chamber of Commerce announced dates for its annual trade show and continued lobbying area radio station B-93 for better reception in Rainy River.
Almost $3,000 was raised for Alzheimers at the Linda Johnston Dinner to Remember.
The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association was sued for wrongful dismissal by former employee Russell Richards.
Police investigated two break-and-enter’s in Rainy River. One was residential and the other was at Susan’s Corner Store.
RRHS students researched the names of those listed on the cenotaph at RR Legion. They then wrote historical essay’s on each of the names and the Record published them weekly.
The US border reopened to Canadian cattle but with a great deal of red tape.
As of Jan. 31st U.S. law will require a person to present a government issued photo ID such as a driver’s licence and a birth certificate or citizenship card. Prior to this date just a driver’s license was adequate.
Peter Michniewich of Rainy River and his passenger escaped injury at Canada customs when his truck caught on fire. RR fire dept. responded to the fire call quickly and put the fire out.
MPP Howard Hampton predicted that Ainsworth Mill in Barwick would close within 3-6 months if the province did not do something to help the reeling forestry sector.
Fort Frances Division of Customs Super Intendent Doug Cuthbertson announced that all border services officers will be armed over the next couple of years. Because of the firearms training he said that he feels the summer students program at the border will be phased out.
Angie Armstrong-skip, Cheryl Matthew-third, Sheri McQuaker-second and Sherri Grant, won the RR Ladies Bonspiel Saturday night with an extra end 9-8 win over Debbie Armstrong's rink.

February
With the frigid temperatures some times comes breaks in water lines and there was a big one on First Street's 300 block. Water was flowing like it was spring thaw, but it was no where near warm enough to thaw. Windchill factors were in the -40s C so the job of repairing the problem was not a pleasant one for members of the town crew but they did get it fixed.
Local resident and business owner Dale Lowes had people’s heads turning when he drove around town in his 1978 two seat snowmobile. The D’Alete as he calls it was customized by him and many people stopped to have a gander at it when he parked it across from the Legion.
Meghan Shanks of Thunder Bay, has been hired as the new Rainy River Recreation Director.
There was a close fire call at Rainy River High School. A shed on the northeast corner of the school had some garbage stored in it that caught fire. However, the RR fire dept. extinguished the fire preventing any major damage to the school.
Oliver Gibbins of Morson won the Pelican Landing winter fishing tournament.
Two Manitoba residents were arrested for drug trafficking in the Emo area.
Tim Nordin rink of Rainy River (with Dale Morrison, Dave Seguin, and Dale Ossachuk) won a berth to the firefighters national curling championships to be held in Thunder Bay.
Lake of the Woods Township decided against a recycling service in their community.
A racist video that ended up on the internet saw four First Nations pull their kids out of Fort Frances High School.
A new fitness centre opened at the Rainy River Community Centre.
Students at Our Lady of the Way School were visited by Burton Penner of Borealis Dog Sled Adventures and 18 of his 33 dogs as part of Voyageur Day at the school.
Ken Vogan and Cindy Miller took home top prizes at the 11th Annual Morson Fish Derby.
The province announced it will provide $23,450 for improvements at the Stratton Cattle Sales Barn.

March
A gas leak caused an explosion at a Fort Frances school.
Rainy River Toy Library Inc. set its sights on acquiring the former RR Duty Free building to house its Toy Library and Day Care.
RRHS Skip-Jared McQuaker, Third-Alyshia Langlais, Second-Ben Miller and Lead Alyssa Jodoin won NORWOSSA Mixed Curling Silver in Fort Frances.
RR Figure Skating Club held their annual ice show with a Four Season’s theme.
A new program to help prevent falls in the senior population has proven to be vastly popular in this area. SAGES (Sage Advice and Gentle Exercises for Seniors), promoted by the Northwestern Health Unit has been held weekly at the RR Seniors Depot and Stratton Seniors Centre and in Bergland as well.
The Rainy River Record won 2nd in the Canadian Community Newspaper Association's National Better Newspapers Competition for Best Spot News Photo. The paper’s winning photo, taken by Editor Ken Johnston, was of the farm fire at Herman Krahn’s place.
Dale Morrison-skip, Cheryl Morrison-third, Al Wolanicki-second and Susan Wolanicki-lead won the RR Open curling bonspiel.
Taylor Armstrong’s rink of Grandpa Don Jarvis, Chalina Abraham and Danielle Abraham won the Jr. Curling wrap-up bonspiel.
RR and Dist. Chamber announced the moving of its annual trade show to Apr. 26th to avoid conflicts with other area events.
The Chamber is also spearheading efforts to get a handi-van or a bus service reinstated in Rainy River.
Riverview School revived an old tradition called a Cake Walk to raise money for a trip to Winnipeg. It proved to be very popular.
Local celebrities were invited to read to students at Riverview School as part of a literacy program called a Story and a Snack.

April
Sheila McIntosh (nee McKenzie) returned to Rainy River after more than two decades away. She is now the Librarian and C.E.O. at the Rainy River Public Library.
Clinton Park celebrated his 104th birthday at the Rainy River Long Term Care Facility. He is Rainy River’s oldest resident and was born and raised here.
It was announced that Railroad Daze will be rejuvenated in the summer.
RRHS students travelled to Europe over their spring break.
Chip burglars caused extensive damage at the RR Community Centre. Thieves broke into the facility and stole some chips and pop. However, the window they broke caused pipes to freeze and water to flood and ruin flooring on the main level of the complex.
Up until March 31, 2008 residents were able to take advantage of an agreement signed in 2004 between Passport Canada and Services Ontario. It allowed Services Ontario offices to offer passport application services while Service Canada Centres were established or expanded. The agreement was not renewed.
Jen Ricci, wife of former RR man Troy Ricci landed a part in a major Disney production called Camp Rock.
At 1400 hrs. on 04 April 2008 Rainy River District OPP officers responded to Sturgeon Creek Alternative School in Stratton, Ont. There had been a non-specific threat directed at the school. All the students left the school while Officers and staff members inspected the building to ensure everyone’s safety. No one was hurt and no suspicious material was been reported.
Greyhound Canada announced plans to cancel bus services between Fort Frances and Thunder Bay.
Bubbles the clown entertained local children at the RR Community Centre.
Damage estimates are in for the Chip Burglary at the RR Com. Centre. They topped $120,000 and the RR Rec. Bd. has offered a reward to info. leading to the conviction of anyone involved.
Due to high costs and an apparent lack of interest by most of the public the chamber of commerce shelved ideas for a handi-van in RR.
The Rainy River opened April 11th.
RR Town Council spoke to the O.P.P. at their regular council meeting about crime and what can be done in light of the recent break in at the RR Com. Centre.
Courtney Hansen, 13, of McCrosson-Tovell School in Bergland will be going to the National Science Fair Competition as part of team Ontario.
Danny Usiski, Jr., of Rainy River received more than a handful of awards for his contributions to the LoW Bears High School Hockey team this year. He received plaques for Most Valuable Player, Section 8A All Section Team 2007-08 and All Northwest Conference Team 2007-08.
Town council settled out of court with former Clerk Treasurer Deb Bowman in a wrongful dismissal case. While the details of the settlement were confidential council did reveal that it was repealing her termination and granting her retirement.
RRHS students Molly Bartlett & Kristin Moen, Kate Bartlett & Brenley Anderson qualified to compete in the NWOSSA badminton championships.
Dennis Richard Copenace Jr., age 21 years of Big Island First Nations Territory was arrested and taken into police custody. He has been charged with Break and Enter to the Rainy River High School and Breach of his Recognizance Order.
RR Community Choir entertained audiences with their annual spring concerts.
RRHS’ Molly Bartlett and Kristin Moen qualified for All Ontario badminton in girls doubles.
Of the $287,055 legal bills associated with the Bowman wrongful dismissal case. Clerk Veldron Vogan said that insurance picked up $250,000. The balance will be paid by the taxpapers.
Former RR O.P.P. Officer made the pages of a provincial magazine for doing innovative work with remote control airplanes. The hobby turned into a tool. The plane Sharpe was recognized for would allow police to do aerial photography when needed.
Despite a late season freak snow storm the RR Trade show was well attended and deemed a success.

May
Masonic lodges from around the region donated $11,000 to Rainy River Hospital.
RR property taxes went up about 5%.
Susan’s Corner Store was gutted by fire.
Anthony Mason opened a new business called Computer Solutions.
Rainy River citizens Verna Barsy, Anne Mailloux, Laurene Hannam, Mary Michniewicz, Irene Hanson, Rudy Sinninghe, Dode Budreau, Vivian Hartnell, Myrna Armstrong, Bill Szlauko and Larry Armstrong were among the more than 100 area volunteers honoured by the Provincial Government in Fort Frances.
Hosting NORWOSSA soccer championships for the first time ever, Rainy River High School teams did well both winning Silver medals at the event.
Walkers raise $1,365 for Alzheimers at the annual Rainy River Alz. Walk for Memories.

June
181 years of experience were honoured at the CNR retirement party. Retiring was Peter Grant, Rick Hagarty, David Ivall, Charles (Chuck) Janzen and Bob Jarvis. Sending regrets was John Armstrong and Marvin Angus.
The remains of Susan’s Corner Store was demolished and hauled away.
RRHS students raised enough money to build a school in Sierra Leone.
Big Grassy students raised $2,100 for Jump Rope for Heart.
Spruce Creek Golf Course in Morson held its grand opening.
Former RR resident Alan McGreevy received the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Krahns hold open house to show how they have recovered from the devastating barn fire they had last year.
Four Rainy River High School Athletes received Gold Jackets Awards: Molly Bartlett, Kristin Moen, Andrew Friesen and Danny Usiski, Jr.

July
Thirty students graduate from RRHS.
The International Bridge between RR and Baudette has been deemed in need of replacement in 2018 by US officials.
Dale Morrison received the Passport to Prosperity Provincial Merit Award at RRHS grad. It was one of five handed out in the province to employers with a strong commitment to the high school coop program.
The David Thompson Brigade of canoeists retracing a historic route spent the night in Rainy River.
Alphonse Langlais was named Dawson Senior of the Year.
The Rainy River Rec. Bd. received word that it has qualified for a $15,000 grant from the Ontario Communities in Action Fund. They will use the money to purchase sports equipment.
The Rainy River O.P.P. detachment was all wet when the sprinkler system malfunctioned causing some damage to the inside of the facility.
Trisha O’Connor of Rainy River won a trip to the World Quarter Horse show in Oklahoma, where she will be a video journalist for the event.
The Rainy River Legion officially dedicated a C1 Howitzer cannon in memory of veterans.
Railroad Daze returned bigger and better than it had been in years past.

August
Glenn Crackel wins the RR Open Golf Tournament, held for the first time at Spruce Creek.
Terry Cooper was named Rainy River Citizen of the Year.
Chad Hanson and Terry Gill won the Morson Bass International tournament for the second time.
Shaw Cable announced it will discontinue offering service in Rainy River Aug. 28th.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

September
HydroOne did major upgrade work to the grid in Rainy River. They also purchased the Ainsworth line which should help reduce the frequency of outages in the west end of the district.
Dan Usiski, Jr. signs with Fort Frances Junior Sabres hockey team.
Barwick Fastball team, the Blue Knights defeated Rainy River to win the playoff championship.
The Plum Coulee Farmers of Winnipeg won the RR Labour Day Fastball Tourney.
75 bikers rolled into town as part of a ride that raised $33,000 for Alzheimers.
Four are seeking election in the federal riding of Thunder Bay-Rainy River. Russ Aegard, John Rafferty, Ken Boshcoff and Richard Neumann are the candidates.
RR Town Council rejected tenders for the sewer project opting to do some of the work itself and save the taxpayers money.
RR Covenant church celebrates 65th anniversary.
Eltjo Wiersema won the 14th annual Giant Pumpkin Festival with a 467 pounder.
Nicole Armstrong returns to Rainy River to teach at RRHS.
Jason and Oliver Gibbins become the first team to repeat as champs of the RRWT.
Dorion Ozykowski rides in the Three Flags Classic motorcycle trip hitting three countries in three days.
After reporting that there would not be a CIBC Run for the Cure due to insurance/liability complications, organizers at the provincial level found a way to make the event continue in Rainy River.

October
RR CIBC raised $1,530 for breast cancer at the annual Run for the Cure.
The future of the Rainy River Curling Club was discussed at a public meeting as declining membership and rising operating costs could force its closure.
RR Town council gave part of the retendered sewer project the nod and work on boring under the highway and rail tracks by Atkins Underground is expected to be completed this fall weather permitting.
John Rafferty, NDP, won the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding in the federal election.
104 year old Clinton Park and 96 year old Doris Park celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.
A major buffalo operation, Northend Farms, shut down operations just north of Rainy River.
Riverview students, Elizabeth Fraser, Skylar Arpin, Emily Fraser and Nolan Short all brought home medals from a cross country running meet at Devlin.
Former RR O.P.P. officer Marc Sharpe was honoured by the O.P.P. for his innovation with remote control planes armed with cameras.
Miriam Mast of Rainy River won the Northwest Business Centre’s 2008 Northwest High School Business Plan Contest.
Town Council announced it would help the curling club stay open by allocating $575 per month for six months to help with operating costs this season.
The curling club announced it was having a registration party to see if there is enough interest in it to keep it going.
The district celebrated as the grand opening of the CT Scanner facility at the hospital in Fort Frances was held.
Walter Wagner of Rainy River was inducted into the Rainy River District Fastball Hall of Fame.
Rainy River Recreation Centre is the new bottle return depot.
Out of the 222 runners, Emily Fraser finished 4th at the regional cross country run in Thundery Bay. Skylar Arpin was close behind in 6th, Elizabeth Fraser finished 27th, Hayley Arpin 44th, and Shelby Tymkin 99th. With a combined score of 180, the team finish 4th place out of 22 teams.

November
Thanks to an outpouring of people signing up for curling and financial assistance from the Town of Rainy River, the Rainy River Curling Club will keep its doors open this year.
Both Jr. and Sr. Girls Owls basketball teams advanced to the NORWOSSA playoffs.
RR Fire Dept. responded to a gas leak a the CN Hotel.
Our Lady of the Way School held a family literacy night.
Rainy River Hospital Aux. named the following Life Members: Rose Hanson (member since 88), Peggy Livingston (since 88), Joan Hall (since 88), Vivian Hartnell (since 88), Irene Hanson (since 93), Dode Budreau (since 88) and Pat Berg (since 88).
Deb Hagarty opened her palliative care business “Someone like me” in Rainy River.
RRHS girls basketball teams returned from the playoffs. The jrs. won silver and the srs. bronze.
RR town council announced it would hire four men to work on the sewer project this fall.
RR Public Library moved to its new location in the former Lowes Furniture building at the corner of Main St. and Hwy. 11.
Riverview School girls won silver in a volleyball tourney in Fort Frances.
Kors Pater was announced as the new pastor at RR Covenant Church.
Hundreds gathered to remember at the RR Legion Remembrance Day services.
According to the latest assessment property values dropped 5.75% in Rainy River.
RR KidSport held an entertaining fundraiser dinner at the RR Community Centre.
Myrtle Lauzon of Rainy River celebrated her 103rd birthday.
Ontario announced a new enhanced drivers license that will be acceptable at the US border.
The grade 8 girls volleyball team from Riverview School brought home silver from the regionals.
RR District Substance Abuse Prevention Team announced that it may fold after funding runs out in the spring.
RRHS School Council announced it is fundraising to complete improvements to the school’s courtyard project.

December
RR Fire Dept. responded to a gas leak at Rainy River Post Office.
Little St. railway crossing officially closed as work on installing crossing arms on the Govt. Rd. crossing continued.
Work on the town sewer system improvements was in full swing.
RR town council writes off nearly $23,000 in delinquent taxes and fees.
RR Christmas parade was a success with the float by The Source by Circuit City taking top prize.
RR Community Choir held a wonder pair of Christmas Concerts in Pinewood and Rainy River.
The annual RR Hosp. Aux. Christmas bazaar was well attended again this year.
The RR Sk8t Park project received a huge boost... a $10,000 grant from Hydro One.
22 families in the Rainy River area benefited from Salvation Army Hampers. The RR Legion donated hams and turkeys for all of them.
Record Editor Ken Johnston reminisced about his 20 years at the Record.
Former RR resident John Bouchard published another children’s book.
Legion Ladies Aux. donated $5,000 to the Legion.