A local site has received a special honour from Lake Superior Magazine: a spot on the cover.
The magazine has announced the winners of its 23rd annual Lake Superior Photo Contest, with the picture “Old Woman Bay from Nokomis Lookout” claiming 1st place in the Lake or Landscape category.
As its name indicates, the photo was taken from Lake Superior Provincial Park, by Gerry Kaiser of Windsor - it earned Kaiser $150, a calendar, and a subscription to the magazine, which chose that same picture to grace the cover of its photo contest edition.
While the photo claimed first in its category, the contest's Grand Prize winner was actually "Sunset on the Graveyard Coast", which captures the namesake of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan.
Superior East OPP January Statistics
January was difficult for drivers on local roads, with Ontario Provincial Police responding to more than four dozen collisions over the month.
Superior East OPP have released statistics from January, showing they responded to 49 motor vehicle collisions, though none were fatal.
Staff Sergeant Megan Cavanagh's reminding drivers to follow road and weather conditions, reducing speed and increasing following distance, as driving too fast for conditions is the most common cause of winter collisions.
She's also reminding driving while impaired by drugs is a crime, with those charged for it facing the same penalties as those charged with driving while impaired by alcohol.
Superior East OPP are encouraging those who observe a suspected impaired driver to call the OPP or 911.
In total, Superior East OPP had 578 calls for service during January, laying 14 Criminal Code charges - and one impaired driving charge - with nine drug-related "occurrences".
Deadline Nears For Prospective Wawa Councillors
Time is running out for prospective Wawa councillors to put their name forward to fill two vacant seats.
Those interested have just two more weeks - until 2 p-m Tuesday, February 20th - to submit expressions of interest, so long as they're a Canadian citizen who either resides in Wawa, is the owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant.
They must also be at least 18 years of age, and not legally prohibited from voting or disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.
Ontario's Municipal Act outlines a few ways people could be disqualified from being part of Council, including by being an employee of the municipality, by holding an administrative position with the municipality, by holding one of several other roles - like clerk, treasurer, or integrity commissioner - or by being a judge of any court.
Applications are on the municipal website, but must be mailed to the Municipality, attention Deputy Clerk Cathy Cyr.
Exactly how Council will choose from the applicants - if there are more than two - has not been confirmed, though the subject is expected to come up during either the February 13th regular Council meeting or the Corporate Planning and Policy Manual Committee meeting scheduled for February 27th.
Their term will only last until the end of November, as the next municipal election is October 22nd - nominations for the election open May 1st, about two months after the two new councillors are to be appointed.
Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby Results
Results are in for the first ever Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby!
Organizers of Dubreuilville's newest derby are thanking supporters who showed up despite the cold weather.
Dubreuilville Magpie Rod and Gun Club President and Secretary Chantal Mantha says the derby fell slightly short of the 200 participants hoped, but still had a great attendance.
Despite a morning with temperatures hitting minus 40, Mantha says quite a few fish were reeled in.
The big winner of this year's derby was Chantal Croft, who caught a 12 lb, 7 oz (36.5-inch) fish, while Yvan Cyr came in second with an 11-pounder, followed by Derek Pelletier with a 9 lb, 1 oz fish, Yanick Roy's 8 lb, 13 oz fish, and John DeFrancesco's 7 lb, 12 oz catch.
Cindy Bernard claimed the participation prize of $4300, while John Nelson won the second participation prize of a one-day guided trip sponsored by Algoma Adventures (worth $400), and Loic Bouchard won free entry into next year's derby.
With the winter derby now over, the club's now preparing for their annual Dubreuilville Magpie Walleye Derby, coming June 9th and 10th.
Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby Almost Here
Anglers will be hitting the Magpie River ice tomorrow for the debut of a brand new derby: the Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby.
Though the organization already hosts a walleye derby in early June, Dubreuilville Magpie Rod and Gun Club President and Secretary Chantal Mantha explains the idea of holding a winter derby came from a board member.
Mantha says there will be cash prizes for the top five fish.
Mantha notes those amounts are based on a minimum of 200 entries for the derby - a number she's confident will be met.
There's also a $5000 registration prize, which Mantha says can be won alongside one of the standing-based prizes - that means a possible total payout of $12,000.
While ticket sales are being cut-off today, anglers who don't have a ticket can still register between 6 a-m and noon on Saturday at the derby site on the Magpie River - fishing runs from 8 to 4 tomorrow, with prizes awarded on the river at 5 p-m.
Wawa Emergency Services Charity Hockey Game Result
Numbers are in from Wawa's Emergency Services Charity Hockey Game held Saturday, January 27th.
The annual event raised $1395.65 from those who came out to see members of the local Ontario Provincial Police detachment, the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department, and Algoma District Paramedic Services face off on the ice.
Funds raised support Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429's "Lift For The Legion" campaign, aimed at making the Legion Hall more accessible by creating a barrier-free washroom in the clubroom and adding an elevator lift.
Chapleau Winter Carnival Hockey Tournament Registration Deadline
Time is running out for prospective teams to sign up for Chapleau's upcoming Taste of the North Winter Carnival Hockey Tournament.
The open hockey tournament will be held at the A.W. Moore Arena Friday, February 16th through Sunday the 18th - Carnival Weekend - but teams have to register by 4:30 today to participate.
There is a fee of $600 per team.
Anyone interested is urged to call the Township's Assistant Economic Development Officer, Charley Goheen, at 705-864-1330.
Wawa Outdoor Rink Open
An annual Wawa tradition is back: the outdoor rink at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
After weeks of work, the rink has posted a green flag indicating it's open for the public to enjoy.
While discussing the rink with JJAM FM News in January, Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson noted the ice will be open as much as possible.
The rink remains open as long as the weather allows.