Local and Regional News, Wednesday 4/29/2026
The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened the final round of funding for its Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.
The program supports local and regional efforts to improve roadway safety and reduce serious injuries and fatalities for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Nearly one billion dollars is available nationwide for planning and infrastructure projects, with applications due by May 26th.
Eligible applicants include cities, counties, tribal governments, and regional planning organizations, with a required local match of at least 20 percent.
Officials say this is the last opportunity to apply under the current funding cycle, which was created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
More information is available through the Department of Transportation’s grant website.
The Town of Fort Frances is saying thank you to the volunteers who help make the community stronger every day.
Residents are invited to the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Barbeque this Thursday, April 30th, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre.
The event will take place in the upstairs auditorium, with staff also available downstairs in the main auditorium for anyone needing accessibility accommodations due to the elevators being out of service.
Organizers say the afternoon will feature great food, laughter, and a chance to connect with fellow volunteers while recognizing the people who give their time, energy, and heart to local causes.
All volunteers are welcome to attend and enjoy a well-deserved thank you from the community.
Emerging farmers say a key path to success has taken a major setback after the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled a 300-million-dollar program aimed at helping historically disadvantaged farmers gain access to land.
The Biden-era program offered grants and low-interest loans for needs such as farmland down payments, with many projects focused on Black, Indigenous, immigrant farmers, and women.
Amanda Koehler, a young urban farmer from Saint Paul, says rising land costs already make it difficult for first-generation producers to get started, especially those without family farmland to inherit.
Supporters warn losing the program could slow efforts to bring a new generation into agriculture as many older farmers retire.
Federal officials say the program involved discriminatory preferences and wasteful spending.
The Fort Frances Public Library is calling on volunteers for its annual spring cleanup.
The event is set for May 15th at 10 a.m., with a rain date of May 22nd. Organizers say volunteers are needed to help tidy up the library grounds and gardens.
Tasks will include picking up garbage, pruning shrubs and trees, and general weeding. Officials say you can give as much—or as little—time as you’re able, and every helping hand makes a difference.
To sign up or learn more, call the library at 807-274-9879.