Local and Regional News, 4/28/2026
Ontario Provincial Police in the Rainy River District have charged one person following an impaired driving investigation in Fort Frances.
Police say officers responded Friday, April 24th to a single-vehicle crash on Kings Highway. Investigators say the vehicle left the roadway, striking and damaging a streetlight, hydro pole, and fire hydrant.
Following the investigation, police determined the driver had allegedly been operating the vehicle while impaired. Forty-six-year-old Christopher Morrisseau of Couchiching is charged with operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs, along with dangerous operation.
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Ontario Court at a later date. The OPP reminds the public to call 9-1-1 immediately if they suspect an impaired driver.
With the boating season approaching, the Canada Border Services Agency is reminding private boaters about reporting requirements when entering Canadian waters or crossing into Canada by boat.
The CBSA says all travellers entering Canada by boat must report to border officials without delay. Boaters must also report if they land on Canadian soil, anchor or moor in Canadian waters, or load or unload people or goods.
Officials say failing to report, even just to refuel, can lead to penalties, including fines starting at one-thousand dollars, or seizure of the vessel.
Travellers should also have proper identification ready, declare all goods onboard, and know that certain items like firearms, fireworks, some bait, and cannabis are restricted or prohibited.
Most private boaters can report by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-888-226-7277 or by visiting a designated marine reporting site. More information is available through the Canada Border Services Agency.
The International Falls Police Department is warning residents about a recent fraud scheme in the area.
Officials say they’ve received reports of door-to-door sales offering internet and television services that require upfront payment. Victims say they paid for the services but never received the promised equipment.
Police are urging residents to use caution when dealing with unsolicited sales and to avoid making advance payments.
If you believe you may have been a victim, you’re asked to contact the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 218-283-4416 and request to speak with an International Falls officer. Authorities are asking the public to share the information to help spread awareness.
Canadian National Railway is planning upcoming work on a railway bridge in Fort Frances that could impact navigation on Rainy Lake.
According to a notice filed under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, Canadian National Railway will conduct maintenance on the bridge beginning May 10th through June 1st. During that time, the bridge will remain in a down position at all times.
The project is located at mile 84 of the Fort Frances subdivision, crossing Rainy Lake. Officials say the work is subject to federal approval, and public comments regarding potential impacts to marine navigation can be submitted through Transport Canada.
More information is available through the Common Project Search Registry.
A major change impacting northern Minnesota public lands is now official.
Donald Trump has signed H.J. Resolution 140 into law, overturning a 2023 order that protected more than 225-thousand acres near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park from mining activity.
The original order, known as Public Land Order 7917, had blocked mineral leasing in the region for 20 years. With the reversal, those protections are now lifted. Supporters of the rollback say it opens the door for resource development, while conservation groups strongly oppose the move.
Save the Boundary Waters called the decision disappointing, citing environmental concerns and public support for long-term protections. The change follows earlier approval by Congress using the Congressional Review Act.
A proposed solar project near Fort Frances is moving into its next phase. FirstLight Energy has been approved for a 57-megawatt solar installation on the northeast side of town.
Project leaders say environmental studies and permitting will continue through 2026, with construction approval expected by the end of 2027.
The company is partnering with Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and says strong support from the municipality helped drive the project forward. Officials note some design changes have been made since initial presentations, and the public will get a closer look at the plan during an open house later this summer.
FirstLight is also exploring a battery storage component, with a decision on that expected later this year.