Local and Regional News, Friday 3/6/2026

The Ontario Provincial Police say the shelter-in-place advisory in Atikokan has now been lifted.
The advisory was issued Wednesday evening after reports of gunshots in the Don Park area. When officers arrived, they located one individual deceased and began searching for two suspects believed to be armed and dangerous.
Police now say both suspects have been located, and there is no longer an active threat to public safety. Residents who were asked to shelter in place can now resume normal activities.
The investigation continues involving the OPP Northwest Region Crime Unit and the Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from the Emergency Response Team, canine unit, and forensic identification services.
A heavy police presence may remain in Atikokan as the on-scene investigation wraps up.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.

A reminder for listeners that Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend.
Clocks will move forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. That means when the clock reaches 2 a.m., it will jump ahead to 3 a.m. This change is often called “spring forward.”
With the time change, sunrise and sunset will both occur about an hour later than the day before. That means darker mornings, but more daylight in the evening hours.
Daylight Saving Time will remain in effect through most of the year, ending on Sunday, November 1, when clocks will move back one hour at 2am, commonly known as “fall back.”
Experts recommend changing clocks before going to bed Saturday night and also using the time change as a reminder to check smoke detector batteries and other household safety devices.

Rainy Lake Medical Center is encouraging the community to help raise awareness for Colon Cancer Awareness Month by wearing blue today, March 6.
Staff at the hospital will be sporting their Support Squad shirts to honor patients, survivors, and families impacted by colon cancer, while also reminding the public about the importance of early detection.
Health officials say regular screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer. Anyone age 45 or older — or those with a family history of the disease — is encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about scheduling a screening.
Colonoscopies are available locally at Rainy Lake Medical Center, making it easier for area residents to get checked close to home.
Community members are invited to join in by wearing blue and helping turn the Borderland blue in support of awareness, prevention, and those affected by colon cancer.

Warm temperatures and recent rainfall are changing trail conditions across Voyageurs National Park.
Park officials say snowmobile trails remain open and recently groomed, but riders should expect mixed conditions. Shaded sections are still mostly rideable, while sun-exposed areas may have little or no snow. Slush has also been reported in scattered areas on frozen lake surfaces, though there is still enough snow on lake trails to provide lubrication for snowmobiles.
Several snowmobile routes remain open, including the Purple Trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls, the Green Trail connecting Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake and Ash River, the Chain of Lakes trail, the Yellow Trail between Ash River and Kettle Falls, and the Blue Trail from East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake.
On the ice roads, the Rainy Lake Ice Road is open to Cranberry, while the Kabetogama Lake Ice Road is open but currently departs from the Gappa Landing boat launch instead of the visitor center. Some spur roads and the Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop remain closed.
Ski and snowshoe trails across the park remain open and packed, including the Rainy Lake Recreation Trail, Black Bay Ski Trail, Echo Bay Ski Trail, and several snowshoe routes.
Visitors are reminded to check trail conditions before heading out and remember that ice is never one hundred percent safe. The latest trail updates can be found on the Voyageurs National Park alerts and conditions page.

International Falls community members are invited to support local students at an upcoming Purple Pride fundraiser.
Longtime supporter Terry “Crazy” Thompson stopped by the studio to talk about the event, which comes just weeks after another big hockey tradition returns to town.
Thompson says the annual event brings alumni and visitors back to the Falls every year.

But the next big date to mark on the calendar is April second, when Purple Pride hosts its Big Prize Bingo fundraiser at the VFW.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., food will be available at 5:30, and bingo begins at 7 p.m. with eleven prizes valued at five hundred dollars or more.
Thompson says all proceeds go toward supporting student activities in the International Falls school district.

For more information or to help support Purple Pride, organizers encourage alumni classes and community members to get involved ahead of the April second event.