Local and Regional News, Tuesday 5/12/2026
A Ontario Provincial Police investigation in Fort Frances has resulted in impaired driving charges against a local resident. Police say officers with the Rainy River District OPP, assisted by the Treaty Three Police Service, responded Saturday to a report of a suspected impaired driver. Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, later determining the driver was allegedly impaired and also prohibited from operating a vehicle. Fort Frances resident Lindsay Copenace, age 43, has been charged with operation while impaired, failure or refusal to comply with a demand, and operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code.
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date. The OPP is reminding the public that suspected impaired drivers should be reported immediately by calling 9-1-1.
Two Fort Frances residents are facing multiple drug trafficking and weapons charges following a major police investigation. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Community Street Crime Unit, along with several regional enforcement teams, executed a search warrant May 7th in Fort Frances. Police say officers seized large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, and oxycodone, along with Canadian and U.S. currency, weapons, and evidence of drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the seizure is more than 326-thousand dollars.
As a result of the investigation, 53-year-old Jason Alexa and 45-year-old Deidre Jarvis are each charged with multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and prohibited weapons-related offences. Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date. Police are asking anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The Ontario Provincial Police are inviting prospective officers to learn more about a career in policing at a special recruitment event next month in Thunder Bay. OPP Bound: North Edition will take place June 12th and 13th at Confederation College and will feature interactive sessions, a panel with current OPP members, fitness testing, and an Indigenous cultural dinner with Elders teachings. Participants who successfully complete the shuttle run at level seven or higher will receive a certificate to include with their application. Anyone interested must meet the OPP’s minimum hiring requirements and pre-register, as spots are limited. More information on upcoming recruitment events can be found online at opp.ca/events.
New wildlife sightings are creating excitement around Voyageurs National Park.
Kate Fenske with the Voyageurs Conservancy says researchers recently spotted cougar kittens near the park for the first time in recorded history.
Fenske says the sighting is a promising sign that the ecosystem around Voyageurs is thriving. She also says all four visitor centers will reopen for the summer season beginning May 23rd, just ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
Visitors are reminded that even with warmer temperatures arriving, lake water remains dangerously cold this time of year.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the latest recipients of funding through the Support Our Troops license plate grant program. American Heroes Outdoors received 50-thousand dollars to provide outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing, skiing, and hiking for veterans and their families. The Magnus Veteran Foundation was awarded 100-thousand dollars to continue its Five Pillar Wellness Program focused on medical, physical, psychological, spiritual, and social support. Another 100-thousand dollar grant went to Support the Troops Minnesota to help veterans facing financial hardships, including preventing evictions and utility shutoffs. State officials say the grants are made possible through Minnesotans purchasing Support Our Troops license plates, which continue to fund programs benefiting veterans and military families across the state.
Minnesota lawmakers are making a final push on veterans legislation as the state legislature approaches its May 18 adjournment deadline. Last week, the Minnesota House unanimously passed five veterans-related bills, including measures allowing temporary closures of Veterans Homes during federal compliance issues, expanding burial eligibility at State Veterans Cemeteries for National Guard members and their families, and creating new standards for Veterans Affairs grants. Another bill would establish the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force in state statute, while another enacts recommendations tied to Special Guerrilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos. Meanwhile, the Senate approved a broader Veterans and Military Affairs omnibus bill on a 67-to-nothing vote. The updated legislation now heads back to the House for final approval before the end of session.