Wawa Municipal Council Chooses 2 New Councillors

Wawa Municipal Council will soon have a couple new members.
After hearing from four candidates to fill the seats formerly held by Yvan Besner and Tamara Liddle, Council has chosen to appoint Pat Tait and Julia Rowe as councillors - they'll serve out the remainder of the current term, which ends at the end of November.
Julia Rowe - a teacher at Michipicoten High School who has also served as acting vice principal at the school - says she is "really looking forward to the opportunity to represent the people of Wawa" and work with the other members of Council, emphasizing her ability to listen to people as a key part she brings to her new role.
 

Julia Rowe on What She Brings To Council Role

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Pat Tait - a former Algoma Ore Division welder who'd also worked at Weyerhaeuser, Wesdome, and Rentech - says it "feels good" to be appointed - noting he's been interested in joining council "for a while" and has "ample time" to give it his full attention, as he's now retired - but he notes his past work experience will help on Council.

Pat Tait on What He Brings to Council

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Before announcing the resolution - which was passed unanimously - Mayor Ron Rody commended all four candidates (Rowe, Tait, Cathy Cannon, and Robert Reece), saying they all have "potential" to be councillors, and encouraging them all to run in the upcoming municipal election this fall.
Rowe and Tait are expected to be sworn-in during the April 10th regular meeting of Council.

Wawa Teen Hoping to Be Miss North Ontario Winding Down Sponsorship Drive

A Wawa teen's wrapping up a key part in her bid to become Miss North Ontario.
Sarah Morris explains one requirement for the pageant is that she raise $600 in advertising and sponsorships, which includes a "Wish Me Luck" page she's started.

Sarah Morris Explains Wish Me Luck Page

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Morris says she plans to submit her advertising and sponsorships on Monday, encouraging anyone interested to contact her by email at morris.kj.sarah@gmail.com or by calling 705-852-0997.
She's also raising funds supporting the pageant's favoured charity, Northern Ontario Families of Children With Cancer, but notes she can raise funds for that cause up until the pageant, which is the final weekend of April

Meeting For Potential Wawa Councillors Delayed

Wawa Municipal Council will wait a little longer to choose two new colleagues.
A notice from the Municipality says the special meeting scheduled for Thursday night has been rescheduled to Monday, March 26th.
The meeting will give each of the four candidates - Catherine Cannon, Robert Reece, Julia Rowe, and Pat Tait - a chance to make a short statement to Council, who will then ask the candidates a few questions before choosing two of them to fill the vacant seats.
As with most Council meetings, the March 26th special meeting will be held at 6 pm in Council Chambers.

Wawa Municipal Council to Consider Water Rates

Water rates will be a big focus as Wawa Municipal Council meets tonight.
Included on the agenda is a presentation from KPMG on the water rate by-law, which will cover water meters installed in recent years.
Council will also consider the 2018 Capital Budget, as well as a staff recommendation to purchase a landfill compactor, and a proposed zoning by-law amendment for 683E Highway 17 North.
There are also two in-camera items on the agenda, both legal issues relating to offers to purchase properties on Highway 101 and Third Avenue.
This is the last regular meeting before Council is expected to fill two vacant seats - a meeting to hear from the four candidates is scheduled for Thursday night.
Aside from the in-camera items, tonight's meeting is open to the public, starting at 6 o'clock in Council Chambers.

Wawa Teen Hoping to Be Miss North Ontario

A Wawa teen is asking for support as she is campaigning to become Miss North Ontario.
Sarah Morris explains she's representing Wawa in the pageant as a way to help promote the community.

Sarah Morris On Why She Wants To Be Miss North Ontario

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Morris notes she needs to raise $600 in advertising and sponsorships - including through a "Wish Me Luck" page - by March 26th, and encourages anyone interested to contact her by email at morris.kj.sarah@gmail.com or by calling 705-852-0997.
She'll also be raising funds supporting the pageant's charity, Northern Ontario Families of Children With Cancer, through a tea and bake sale at the Mission Motors customer appreciation day event from 11 to 2 Friday.

Almost Time to "Spring Forward" As Daylight Saving Time Arrives

Get ready to lose a little more sleep over the next few days.
Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, and that means it's time to "spring ahead", setting clocks forward an hour at 2 am Sunday.
If you're planning to head to sleep before then, it's recommended you set your clock ahead before going to bed.
Fire officials also recommend taking this opportunity to check or change batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Hawk Junction Family Fishing Derby Nearly Here

Hawk Junction is welcoming anglers of all ages this weekend.
The Hawk Junction Annual Family Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, March 10th, offering trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the adult and youth (under 16 years of age) categories, as well as random prize draws.
Registration will be held at the Hawk Junction Community Hall from 6 pm to 8 pm tonight and 7 am to 11 am tomorrow morning, with fishing from 8 am to 3:30 pm tomorrow - the weigh-in deadline is 4 pm.

Wawa Marks International Women's Day

Wawa women are marking International Women's Day with a special event today.
CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois explains the event will be "fun and interactive", including a light lunch and information booths from local service providers - all focusing on the theme of "Press for Change".

Paula Valois Explains International Women's Day Event

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Valois says one hope from the event is that women understand there is still "a long way to go towards achieving equality"

Paula Valois on Message from International Women's Day

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

All women are invited to today's event, which runs from 11 to 2 in the Community Centre Banquet Room.
Valois notes the community bus is available for any women who need transportation to attend, with CHADWIC Home covering that cost.

Potential Wawa Councillors Revealed

Four potential councillors will appear before Wawa Municipal Council next week.
The Municipality of Wawa's Deputy Clerk, Cathy Cyr, has confirmed to JJAM FM News that Catherine Cannon, Julia Rowe, Pat Tait, and Robert Reece are the four candidates to fill two vacant seats.
A fifth expression of interest was received, but after the deadline, so it was not considered.
Council is using a process similar to the one used to replace Councillor James Neufeld in August 2015.
Mayor Ron Rody explained that process after it was confirmed by Council two weeks ago.

Mayor Rody Explains Council Vacancy Filling Procedure

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

In addition to the names of the candidates, Deputy Clerk Cathy Cyr has confirmed that the interviews will be done in a special meeting will be held next week, at 6 pm on Thursday, March 15th, just days after the next regular meeting of Council, which will be held Tuesday, March 13th.
As usual, the meeting will be held in Council Chambers and will be open to the public to attend.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby 2018 Results

Anglers have left the ice as the 27th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby is now in the books.
Derby President Scott Popert is calling it a "great success", noting there were "lots" of entries, great weather, an "awesome" amount of fish reeled in - and several big winners.

Scott Popert on Registration and Early Bird Winners

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Brent Snyder of Moran, Michigan reeled in the largest fish in the derby, a 16.6-pound pike, claiming the top prize on Hawk Lake.
The other top prizes went to locals, with Wawa's Maurice Lecours reeling in Wawa Lake's biggest fish - a 12.57 pound lake trout - and Dubreuilville's Marc Belanger topping the standings for Manitowik Lake with a 9.6-pound pike.
A full breakdown of results can be found on the derby's website.
Popert adds organizers are listening and talking about how to improve the derby for future years.

MVFA Annual Cash Draw Final Winners

Wawa's firefighters are thanking the community for their support, after a very successful fundraising campaign - the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association's Annual Cash Draw sold out hours before the final draws were to be made Sunday night.
Ahead of the Valentine's Day draw last month, Captain Craig Spooner explained the main purpose of the campaign.

WVFD Captain Craig Spooner Explains MVFA Draw Purpose

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Wawa's Rene Derasp claimed the big $10,000 grand prize, while Gerry Desrochers and Ashley Omilida each won $1000, with Jody Renaud and Crystal Morden sharing a $1000 ticket.

2 Presentations of Monies Raised for "The Lift for the Legion" Campaign

Presentation #1

Pictured standing left to right- Rob Sanderson, Mary-Anne Pearson, Albert Nicholas, Sam Rowe

Presentation #2

Pictured  standing from Left to Right- Rob Sanderson, Mary-Anne Pearson, Albert Nicholas, Sam Rowe

The first presentation of $1850.00 was made to the Legion Branch #429 of the monies raised from the Emergency Services hockey game played Jan 27 2018. The Wawa's Emergency Service teams were comprised of individuals of the local Ontario Provincial Police department, Wawa Volunteer Fire department and the Algoma District Paramedic Service. 

The second presentation of $2000.00 was made to the Legion Branch #429 from the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association.

The Legion would like to thank everyone for the donation.

For more information about the lift for the legion accessibility campaign, call Mary-Anne Pearson, president of the Wawa legion, 705-856-7203.

27th Annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Arrives

Anglers are gathering in Wawa today, as they look to reel in some prizes at the 27th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.
Derby Chairperson Scott Popert notes the derby's following last year's prize system, which he likens to having a mini-derby on each of the derby's three lakes.

Derby Chair Scott Popert On Lake-Based Standing Prizes

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Popert reminds there is also a $30,000 registration draw for anyone with a ticket - if they're 18 or older - and there'll be ten Early Bird draws of $500 each at 8 o'clock tonight.
It's too late to get a ticket for the Early Bird (the deadline was January 15th), but some tickets are still available.
Plans are to sell any remaining tickets during registration, which will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 1 pm until 10 pm today and 9 am to 12 noon tomorrow.
Fishing runs from 8 am to 4 pm Saturday and 8 am to 1 pm Sunday, with the prizes to be awarded around 5 pm Sunday night.
JJAM FM's Rick Labbe will be bringing live derby updates as he's live-on-location at derby headquarters from 12 noon to 4 pm Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm Sunday.

Final Draws Approaching for MVFA Annual Cash Draw

Wawa's firefighters are reminding time and tickets are running out for their annual cash draw.
The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighter's Association is preparing for the final four draws, and Captain Craig Spooner is encouraging everyone to get a ticket to help the draw sell out, as it supports a couple local causes.

WVFD Captain Spooner Explains MVFA Cash Draw Purpose

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Spooner reminds the winners of each draw will be entered into the remaining draws, meaning you could win multiple prizes for the same ticket.
Wawa's Jocelyn and Andre Bedard won the $1000 Early Bird Draw in December, while Dubreuilville's Andrew Thibodeau won the $1000 Valentine's Day Draw.
Tickets will be sold at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby until they sell out or the final three $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw are made at 5:30 Sunday night.

Chapleau Civic Centre Getting New Ramp

Chapleau's Civic Centre will be getting a new ramp.
Mayor Michael Levesque says the current ramp's condition has prompted plans for its replacement.

Mayor Levesque On Need To Replace Civic Centre Ramp

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque notes the Township's received a government grant for the project, with tenders already sent out to choose a contractor to do the work this summer.

Wawa Seniors Luncheon Arrives

Wawa seniors will sit down for a special lunch today, learning about some services in the community at the same time.
Mayor Ron Rody explains the third annual Seniors' Luncheon is a social and educational event.
 

Mayor Rody Explains Seniors' Luncheon

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Rody says he will be a speaker at the event, along with Legion Branch 429 President Mary Anne Pearson, and others.
Proceeds from the luncheon will support the local Lift For The Legion campaign.

Wawa B.I.A. Holding Annual General Meeting

Wawa's Business Improvement Association is set to look back at the last year and plan for this one, as they hold their annual general meeting.
As in past years, the meeting's expected to include a review of last year's activities and finances, this year's priorities, and a draft 2018 budget to be approved.
While everyone can attend the meeting, only BIA members will be able to vote on any proposed items, such as the budget.
The BIA AGM begins at 6:30 tonight in the Wawa Motor Inn's Cornell Room.

Time Running Out For Wawa Recycling Survey

Residents of Wawa are being reminded to give their opinion about recycling in town.
Green Project Coordinator Jessie Labonte says the Economic Development Corporation of Wawa launched a survey on the municipality's behalf, asking for input on a few factors regarding recycling.

Jessie Labonte Notes Recycling Survey Questions

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Labonte encourages any Wawa resident with an opinion on recycling to fill out the survey, noting those who do will be entered into a draw to win a $50 John's Valu-Mart gift card.
The survey can be found through the municipal and EDC websites, or by calling or stopping in the EDC office - they must be completed by 4 o'clock this afternoon.

Chapleau Council Considering Lowering Highway 101 Speed Limit

Chapleau Town Council is considering changing the speed limit for Highway 101 arriving in town.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains there have been concerns raised about the current limit.

Mayor Levesque On Highway 101 Speed Limit

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque says Ontario's Ministry of Transportation has told the Township it will collect data this summer, which it considers the best time to do so.
That means - though Council's thinking about the issue - a decision won't be coming until the fall.

Wawa Outdoor Rink Closed

The nice weather's having a negative side effect: Wawa's outdoor ice rink is closed due to weather.
A notice from the Municipality says the warm weather and sunshine have caused slush to develop at the rink outside the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, making it unsuitable for skating.
Skaters are reminded to watch the flag outside the rink to see if it's open: a red flag means it's closed, while green means it's considered safe for use.