Local Residents Asked To Answer Survey On Internet Service

Local residents are being encouraged to talk about their internet service in a regional survey.
The survey's been launched by the Northeast Superior Regional Broadband Network, a partnership of thirteen organizations and communities, including Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and Hornepayne, as well as the Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, Michipicoten, and Pic Mobert First Nations.
Dubreuilville Economic Development Officer Melanie Pilon says the group is seeking to gather information about the current state of service in the region - and they want an in-depth look to see any problems in any of the communities.

Melanie Pilon Emphasizes Survey Importance

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Pilon emphasizes it's important that people complete this survey at home, if they can, as it includes a speed test to gather important information about internet service quality - though you could complete another survey and speed test at a camp or separate business location.
Paper versions of the survey are available at Economic Development offices, Town or Band Halls of each community - the online version can be found through the EDC of Wawa website and Facebook page, or you can contact the EDC of Wawa or Dubreuilville for more information.

4th Annual Dub Wild Run Almost Here

Dubreuilville's getting ready for a messy, fun challenge: the fourth annual Dub Wild Run.
Leisure and Cultural Services Director Rejean Raymond emphasizes it's not a race, but a "challenge" to see if you can complete the roughly 5 kilometre course of obstacles - even working with others.

Rejean Raymond Outlines Dub Wild Run Course

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Raymond warns participants will get dirty and wet - particularly as the event's held rain or shine - though he expects fantastic weather, especially as it's now held mid-day in June, compared to previous years.
He also reminds the first 75 registrants get a special t-shirt, noting people can register at the Municipal Office or online - sending their form and e-transfer to money@dubreuilville.ca - or simply register between noon and 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
The Dub Wild Run officially starts after rules are read to participants at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.

Superior East OPP Officer Charged In Highway 17 Collision

A local Ontario Provincial Police officer's facing a careless driving charge after an OPP cruiser collided with a civilian vehicle on Highway 17 earlier this month.
Superior East OPP say the officer was on-duty in uniform when his fully marked black and white police cruiser collided with a civilian motor vehicle also in the southbound lane of Highway 17.
The OPP vehicle did not have emergency lights activated at the time of the collision, which occurred at 7:30 pm on Friday, June 8th, in the Township of Alanen - an earlier release had stated the collision happened at Hammer Lake.
The officer was taken to hospital with what police describe as non-life-threatening injuries, as were the two occupants of the other vehicle, a 21-year-old female driver and a 25-year-old female passenger - they were also assessed with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police is 27-year-old Provincial Constable Garrett Roth of Hornepayne, a member of the O-P-P for two years and five months - he's been charged with careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
Superior East OPP have confirmed to JJAM FM News that Constable Roth has not been suspended, and remains on active duty at this time.

Chapleau Council Loosens Skateboarding Ban

Rules for skateboarding are loosening in Chapleau.
Council's approved a revised by-law regarding skateboards, in-line skates, rollerskate, and "other conveniences drawn, propelled, or driven by any kind of muscular power" - such as scooters - ending the ban on their use on local streets by allowing them in neighbourhoods or on small volume roads.
Mayor Michael Levesque outlines exceptions where skateboarding will still be prohibited - all "high volume" or high traffic areas.

Mayor Levesque Outlines Where Skateboarding Is Banned

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque notes items such as ramps are still banned from local streets and sidewalks, but reminds that tricks using ramps can still be done at the local skatepark, which will continue to be maintained.

Algoma-Manitoulin Re-Elects Michael Mantha For Third Term

New Democrat Michael Mantha will represent the Algoma-Manitoulin riding for a third consecutive term.
Unofficial results show Mantha with just shy of 16,000 votes - over 58 percent of ballots cast - and the re-elected MPP is thankful for the support.

Michael Mantha Reacts to Re-Election

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Progressive Conservative Jib Turner was the closest to Mantha, receiving just shy of 25 percent of ballots cast.
He says he's surprised by the result - based on the support he'd heard while campaigning - and expresses disappointment that a non-government MPP will again represent the riding.

Jib Turner Reacts to Michael Mantha's Re-Election

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Turner was followed by Liberal Charles Fox, who finished with a little more than 8 percent - he congratulates Mantha.

Charles Fox Congratulates Michael Mantha on Re-Election

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

After Fox was Northern Ontario Party candidate Tommy Lee with shy of 5 percent, Green Party candidate Justin Tilson with nearly 4 percent, and Libertarian Kalena Mallon-Ferguson finishing with less than 1 percent.

Provincially, Doug Ford is premier-elect, as the PCs claimed a total of 76 seats, while the NDP form the official opposition with 40 seats.
The Liberals only have 7 - one shy of being able to maintain recognized party status - with outgoing premier Kathleen Wynne re-elected in her riding, though she announced she's stepping down as Liberal leader.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner was elected in Guelph, making him the first Green MPP elected to the Ontario Legislature.

All preceding figures are based on unofficial results.

Michipicoten Golf Club Open For The Season

Wawa golfers can now start hitting the greens.
The Michipicoten Golf Club officially opens for the season today, with pins and tees out front, though Club President Craig Spooner does note you may need to walk for the first few days, suggesting you ask at the club whether carts can be used at this time.
While the Club is opening for the season, Spooner is urging all golfers to get their memberships - particularly due to financial concerns at the Club.

Craig Spooner on Need for Golf Club Memberships

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Spooner emphasizes membership revenue helps sustain the club "moving forward", and the club can't afford to see it decrease again.
Aside from memberships, Spooner says the Club is also looking at another way to help: reviving attempts to get rid of shareholder status, which was granted to those who helped build the course in the 1960s, and was not ended when the club went non-profit in 1979.

Craig Spooner Explains Benefit of Dissolving Club Shares

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While an attempt to get rid of shareholder status about a decade ago failed, Spooner underscores the benefits of being a true non-profit, and encourages shareholders to talk with him about the proposal.
League nights are also set to start next week - Wednesday, May 30th for the Ladies and Thursday the 31st for the Men - with the Seniors league to start soon and Junior Golf to begin after the school year ends.

Wawa Residents May See Smaller Tax Bills For 2018

Many Wawa residents could see their tax bills dropping this year.
Municipal CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Chris Wray notes - while the newly-passed budget does include a levy increase of nearly $18,000 - that will be covered by increased assessments rather than an increased rate.
As for the effect on tax bills, Wray says the average change for the 1372 residential properties listed will actually be a $20 reduction, mostly due to a change in assessments.

Chris Wray Explains Average Residential Tax Bill Changes

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Wray says the average for "commercial occupied" properties is also down, with the increase coming from "commercial unoccupied" properties - like mining claims or places with no structures - with the 434 properties in that category seeing an average rise of $126.
Water and sewer rates are rising - up 4% for the year - though Wray also reminds this should be the last year using the current fee structure for water and sewer services, expecting rates using the water meters to be in force for January 1st.

Wawa Municipal Budget Meeting Moved Up

A week after taking a deep dive into the proposed municipal budget, Wawa Municipal Council is set to vote on it - even earlier than planned.
The Municipality says the meeting originally planned for Wednesday, May 23rd, has been moved up for the second time - to 4 o'clock this afternoon.
The agenda includes a resolution to accept the 2018 operating budget and related by-laws setting tax rates and the schedule of fees.
Last week's presentation laid out a levy of $4,748,992 - that's nearly $30,000 higher than last year's budgeted levied taxes, but it would actually be achieved by reducing the levy by 0.07 percent, due to an increase in assessments.
Just over $433,000 of the operating budget has already been allocated for the capital budget (major equipment purchases or projects) which was approved in March.
Council will also consider writing off taxes and vesting three properties, as well as two yearly by-laws regarding agreements for the upcoming Northern Nationals Drag Race, one with Luskville Dragway Company Limited - which helps run the event - and the other with the Wawa Volunteer Firefighters Association, for assisting and hosting the event.
The meeting is open to the public, starting at 4 o'clock in Council Chambers.

Nominations Open for "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award

Chapleau's putting out the call for nominations for the annual "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award.
The award's named for a former councillor, volunteer, and coach, and Mayor Michael Levesque explains Swanson's family has established the award for those who've similarly dedicated themselves to the community.

Mayor Levesque on Buddy Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Nominations are being accepted until 4 p-m on Tuesday, June 5th - forms are available at the Civic Centre and on the township's website.
Those nominations will be reviewed by a committee that will name two winners later this year.

Chapleau Peace Park Flower Bed Adoption Event Coming

Flower beds at Chapleau's Louis Dube Peace Park will be up for "adoption" early next month.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains members of the Peace Park group will hold an event at the park to help people choose flower beds to adopt.

Mayor Levesque on Peace Park Flower Bed Adoption Event

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque emphasizes there isn't a large responsibility for adopted flower beds, assuring those who adopt don't even need to plant the flowers, just ensure care and maintenance, such as weeding of the bed.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 2nd, from 10 to 2.

Chapleau Town Council to Consider Budget

Chapleau Town Council's preparing to pass the annual budget.
That's the main item on tonight's agenda - adopting the 2018 Municipal Budget - though Council's also set to consider by-laws for a Municipal Automotive Material Services Agreement and funding for the Ontario Main Street Revitalization Initiative.
Also on the agenda are resolutions: approving the design of the Civic Centre rear entrance canopy and authorizing the CAO to issue a tender package for that work; opening and recording bids for the Public Works pickup truck; awarding the tender for kitchen equipment; and authorizing a purchase order for water main valves and galvanized pipe at the recreation centre.
Council will also consider a request from Ecole Secondaire Catholique Trillium for a daytime fire permit, the Fire Chief's recommendation for an appointment to the Fire Department Auxiliary Force, and a request with respect to graduation at Chapleau High School.
The agenda also includes updates on the airport renovation and the multi-use centre project, and correspondence from Goldcorp Borden Gold, IAMGOLD, Canadian Pacific Railway, and Chapleau Health Services.
Open for everyone to attend, the meeting begins at 6:30 tonight, in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

Amber Alert Over For Child in Northwestern Ontario

An Amber Alert's been cancelled, as police have located a young boy who was last seen in the Thunder Bay area.
Ontario Provincial Police issued the alert shortly after 11 o'clock this morning, saying they were looking for an 8-year-old boy and a 47-year-old woman, but the alert was withdrawn about two hours later, with officials saying the child has been located safe.
While the OPP have confirmed a child abduction investigation is ongoing, no other details have been given, including the relationship between the boy and the woman, who share a last name.

Highway 17 Reopened In Time For Mother's Day

Some good news for drivers hoping to head south toward Sault Ste. Marie: Highway 17 has reopened in time for Mother's Day.
Ontario's Ministry of Transportation is reporting that the highway has fully reopened between Wawa and the Sault - it was closed around 5:30 Friday evening, after a culvert was washed out, creating a sinkhole and making it unsafe for vehicles.
Repair work was done on Saturday, with the culvert replaced.

Wawa Chess Tournament Returns For Fifth Year

Young chess masters are gathering in Wawa today.
Wawa's École Saint-Joseph is hosting its fifth Franco-Nord-Ouest Chess Tournament, bringing players from French schools in the region and dividing them into four categories: grades three and four; five and six; seven and eight; and secondary school.
They'll compete as individuals and teams.
Teacher and organizer René-Guy Nobert says attendance has been strong in the past, and is expected to be quite high this year - with half of those attending coming from schools other than École Saint-Joseph.

René-Guy Nobert on Tournament Attendance

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Nobert notes - unlike past years - this year's tournament will be held at École Saint-Joseph, using its gymnasium and the St. Joseph French Immersion gym.
He also notes parents are welcome, but reminds there are some guidelines to ensure fair and quiet play for the tournament, which runs from 9 to 3 today.

Early Morning Power Outage Planned For Wawa Area

Another early morning power outage is expected tonight.
Algoma Power says a planned loss of supply from its transmission provider means there will be a "service interruption" for all customers in the Town of Wawa, Michipicoten Village, Harbor Circuit, and Highway 17 North and South of Wawa from 11:55 p-m until 4 a-m tomorrow.
It says the outage is needed for transmission equipment replacement.
Algoma Power also reminds you should not perform any work in conjunction with the outage - due to safety concerns - emphasizing that the length of the outage could shorten or extend, depending on how effectively and efficiently the needed work is done.

Wawa Municipal Council Welcomes New Members

Wawa Municipal Council has a couple new members.
Julia Rowe and Pat Tait were officially sworn-in as councillors at the start of Tuesday night's Council meeting, filling two vacant Council seats.
Speaking after she was chosen to be a councillor two weeks ago, Rowe - a Michipicoten High School teacher and former acting vice principal - stated she was "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

When he was selected to fill the role two weeks ago, Tait noted he'd been interested in joining council "for a while" and has "ample time" to give it his full attention, as he's now retired after a career which included working as an A-O-D welder, and working at Weyerhaeuser, Wesdome, and Rentech - but he notes his past work experience will help on Council.
 

Pat Tait on What He Brings to Council

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The new councillors will serve the remainder of the current term, which ends at the end of November.

Wawa's Third Annual Seniors Expo Arrives

Wawa seniors and others are being encouraged to learn more about services in the community, as the Seniors Expo returns for a third year.
Wawa Family Health Team Geriatric Program Coordinator Jolene Binda explains the event - officially branded the "Seniors Information and Active Living Fair Northern Tour 2018" - is intended as a chance for people to socialize, but also learn about services and resources are available for seniors in town.
 

Jolene Binda Explains Seniors Expo Exhibits

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While the event generally works as a "come-and-go", Binda notes there are also scheduled presentations this year.

Jolene Binda on Seniors Expo Presentations

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Binda notes lunch will also be served, while the Sault Rising Stars will perform for an hour, as well.
The Seniors Expo runs from 10:00 am until 2 pm, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Superior East OPP Kept Busy During Easter Weekend

Local police were kept busy over the Easter long weekend.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say its detachments responded to 109 calls for service, with two Criminal Code charges laid, and 60 provincial offence notices issued.
Officers also conducted "many hours" of road safety and traffic enforcement in the region.
The Superior East OPP has detachments in Wawa, Chapleau, White River, and Hornepayne.

Wawa Man Facing Sexual Assault and Drug Charges

A Wawa man's facing multiple charges stemming from a sexual assault investigation.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the investigation was launched last Wednesday, assisted by the Sault Ste. Marie O-P-P Crime Unit, with a 30-year-old Wawa man arrested and charged with sexual assault, possession of under 30 grams of a schedule II substance (cannabis marihuana), and possession of a schedule III substance, which is not specified.
The man has been released from custody on a promise to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Wawa early next month.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Spring Campaign Underway

Following the Easter holiday, Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is asking residents to "spring ahead to better health care".
The organization's annual spring campaign is now underway, and Lina Rody explains it's one of two major fundraisers, along with the winter Wish campaign, supporting equipment purchases for the local hospital.

Lina Rody on LDHCF Spring Campaign's Goal

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM Radio

Rody reminds donations can be mailed in, made online, or dropped off at the foundation office or hospital - the campaign officially runs until the end of April.