Chapleau Prepares For 1st Advance Poll

Chapleau voters eager to cast their ballots for the municipal election can do so this weekend.

The first day of advance voting is this Sunday, September 30th, giving voters the opportunity to vote for one mayoral candidates, up to four candidates for Council, and possibly a school board trustee.

There are two candidates for Mayor: first-term incumbent Michael Levesque; and businessman and previous candidate Ryan Bignucolo.

Six people are running for four seats on Council: current councillors Gerard Bernier and Rick Smith; former councillor Lisi Bernier, currently acting vice principal at Chapleau High School; Chapleau Public School principal Nicolle Schuurman; Our Lady of Fatima elementary school principal Natalie Tessier; and local teacher Alex Lambruschini.

Local trustees have been acclaimed for the French Public (Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario) and English Separate (Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board) school boards.

There is a race for the English Public (Algoma District School Board) trustee: longtime trustee Russell Reid seeks re-election, opposed by former Michipicoten First Nation Chief Joseph Buckell.

There’s also a race for the French Separate (Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel Ontario) trustee: incumbent Garry Bruneau is opposed by Luc Tessier.

Potential voters can check if they're on the voter's list at the Township Office - it's recommended you do so today if you wish to vote on Sunday, though you can register to vote on site.

Voters are reminded to bring ID to cast their ballot during this Sunday's advance voting, which runs from 10 o'clock Sunday morning until 5 that night, in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

More advance voting will be held Wednesday, October 17th, with Election Day Monday the 22nd.

Wawa Takes Back The Night

Wawa residents march to "Take Back The Night" this evening.

CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois explains the annual Take Back the Night event is a show of support for women who experience violence.

Paula Valois Statistics of Violence Against Women

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While there has been a greater societal focus on such violence - including from the #MeToo and Time's Up movements - Valois emphasizes that it's a much more widespread problem than just celebrities, politicians, and the business world.

Paula Valois Highlights Violence As Widespread Problem

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Valois says it's an important cause to discuss.

Paula Valois Importance of Discussing Violence

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Valois adds more can be done and that depends on speaking out.

Paula Valois On How To Get Society To Progress

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Valois invites everyone to come out for Take Back The Night, meeting at Queen's Park by 7 o'clock, when opening remarks will be made before the march to the Community Centre.

She notes anyone who cannot make the walk can also meet the marchers are the Community Centre, where there will be speakers and art on display.

Dubreuilville's Meet the Candidates Night

Voters in Dubreuilville have an opportunity to meet with candidates this evening, with a "Meet the Candidates Night" being held.

While second-term councillor Beverly Nantel has been acclaimed as mayor, there are six candidates for four Council seats: Chantal Croft; Alain Cyr; Nancy Dery (Rioux); Hermyle Langlois; Leandre Moore; and Helene Perth.

Moore and Perth are incumbents, while Croft served on Council from 2006 to 2010 and Langlois was a member of Council from 1997 to 2003.

The "Meet the Candidates Night" starts at 7 o'clock in the downstairs multi-use hall of the Municipal Complex.

Chapleau Recreation Centre Grand Re-Opening Date Set

Chapleau's Recreation Centre will officially reopen its doors in a couple weeks.

The Township of Chapleau's announced renovations at the multi-use centre are nearly complete, with plans for a "Grand Re-Opening" event on October 10th, at 6 pm.

Aside from opening remarks, the event will include a tour of the Centre and demonstrations of the audio and visual capabilities of the Community Hall and Curling Lounge.

In addition to the Grand Re-Opening at the Recreation Centre, the Chapleau Fire Department will be holding its annual open house, just outside of the Recreation Centre.

A release from the Township notes the renovations are "valued at $1.75-million and are funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, FedNor", and local sponsorships, including "generous contributions from Goldcorp Borden Gold, the Rotary Club of Chapleau, and the New Horizon Rebekah Lodge 391" - the outside funding covers 96 percent of the costs, with the Township's own costs totalling less than $75,000.

With the Recreation Centre renovations ending, the Township is announcing another major project: the Downtown Revitalization project, which will use the 2010 Revitalization Plan as a starting point, for redeveloping Birch Street between Monk and Lansdowne Streets - including underground infrastructure and streetscaping - though public meetings are expected later this fall for input from residents.

1st Chapleau Municipal Election Candidate's Night

Chapleau voters are being offered a chance to hear from Council candidates tonight.

The CRDC is hosting an All Candidate's Night open forum this evening, intended as an opportunity for voters to meet candidates and ask questions ahead of the first advance poll, which will be held this Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm at Civic Centre Council Chambers.

The Rotary Club of Chapleau will also host a Candidate's Night the day after this weekend's advance poll, Monday, October 1st.

Tonight's All Candidate's Night open forum starts at 7 o'clock, upstairs at the Anglican Church.

Alzheimer Coffee Breaks Happening in Wawa

Wawa businesses, organizations, and residents are being asked to take a "coffee break" to support a good cause.

The local Alzheimer Society is reminding everyone to look out for coffee break events being held in town as part of their annual campaign already underway, and First Link Coordinator Christy Reid says anyone can support the Coffee Break campaign.

Christy Reid Explains How To Hold A Coffee Break

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Reid emphasizes funds raised through the local Coffee Break campaign stay local, supporting programs to help those with dementia, their caregivers, and their families.

Dubreuilville Strongman Challenge Returning...as Masters Championship

After a year away, Dubreuilville's Strongman Challenge is coming back - with Strongman's masters.

The Strongman Challenge Dubreuilville Committee say they'll be hosting the first "Masters Strongman Championship" next fall.

Noting the committee's very excited to host the championship, Leisure and Cultural Services Director Rejean Raymond explains that - similar to past years - twelve athletes from Canada and around the world will be competing in eight events over two days, though there is a slight difference from past iterations of Dubreuilville's Strongman Challenge.

Rejean Raymond on Masters Strongman Championship

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Raymond emphasizes this is the first time the Masters has been done in Ontario - and he believes the first time in Canada - adding other details of the event are still being worked out, such as other events that may be held the same weekend.

The Masters Strongman Championship will be held in Dubreuilville September 13th and 14th, 2019.

Wawa's Terry Fox Run Raises Strong Support

Despite rainy weather just hours before, Wawa residents were eager on Sunday to run, walk, or bike in the annual Terry Fox Run, supporting the fight against cancer.

The annual event was able to raise $5883.40 - nearly $450 more than last year - surpassing this year's goal of 100 participants with 103, up 20 from last year - and more support is expected from other runs to be held by local schools this week.

Speaking before the run, organizer Nadine Cartledge noted she'd seen a number of people taking selfies and promoting the event on social media, pointing to the support for Terry's dream.

Nadine Cartledge Talks To Terry Fox Run Participants

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM Radio

Cartledge further emphasized local fundraising efforts leave organizers "humbled" - having now raised nearly $86,000 since 1997.

She further highlighted participants who were survivors of cancer, those participating in a loved one's memory, and those running in supporting of a loved one with cancer - encouraging everyone to think about their personal contribution to Terry Fox's legacy - and thanked volunteers who made the run possible - like Brian Lachine - as well as John's Valu-Mart for providing refreshments, and JJAM FM for advertising and promoting the event.

Tim Hortons Wawa Brings Back Smile Cookies For a Cause: THRIVE

As you pick up your morning coffee or a meal this week, you could get an extra smile to help support a local cause.

The annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign kicks off today, with Wawa's Tim Hortons supporting children's treatment centre THRIVE - the former "Children's Rehabilitation Centre of Algoma" - which has a satellite office in Wawa.

Occupational therapist Jamie Kirk and therapy assistant Jennifer Boylan explain that THRIVE is a "multi-disciplinary team that provides services in the community, daycares, schools, and the home environment to children of various ability 0-18 years of age ".

Jamie Kirk and Jennifer Boylan Explain THRIVE Services

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Kirk says the support from the Smile Cookie campaign will mean a lot for the local office.

Jamie Kirk Highlights Smile Cookie Importance to THRIVE

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

100 percent of the Smile Cookie proceeds in Wawa will be donated to support the local THRIVE office, with cookies sold for the next week - or until they run out.

Tim Hortons notes last year's Smile Cookie campaign was able to raise $6.5-million across Canada.

Wawa Raising Flag for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Wawa is paying tribute to children living with cancer in a special ceremony today.
The Municipality is raising the "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" flag at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre at 3:30 this afternoon.
Mayor Ron Rody will also speak as the flag's officially raised.
Everyone is encouraged to see the raising of the flag, and recognize that roughly 4000 children are living with cancer in Ontario alone, with 400 new cases diagnosed each year.

Highway 17 Reopens South of Wawa Due to Collision

511 Northeastern Ontario has tweeted that Highway 17 is now open south of Wawa, though emergency crews are working in the area of the collision earlier today.
No further details have been given about the collision, which happened about 65 kilometres south of town, near Orphan Lake.

*This story has been updated to reflect Highway 17 has been reopened*

PC Children's Charity BBQ Raises Over $1100

Organizers of Wawa's annual President's Choice Children's Charity Barbecue are thanking the community for its support.
The eleventh annual event held earlier today at John's Valu-Mart was able to raise $1130.05.
That money will be used to support the P-C Children's Charity, which helps families of children with special needs.
Congratulations are also in order for Damjam Van Binda, the winner of the barbecue and propane tank used for the event.
Sponsors for the event included the Algoma Ice Man, Canadian Tire, Davidson Fuels, Old Dutch Chips, Weston Bakeries, John's Valu-Mart, and JJAM FM.

Sault Ste. Marie Boater Found Dead in Hornepayne Area Lake

The search for a missing boater near Hornepayne has ended in tragedy.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they have recovered the body of 31-year-old Benjamin Mackay of Sault Ste. Marie.
Police started searching for Mackay shortly after 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, with an extensive search of Obakamiga Lake in Cholette Township assisted by an OPP helicopter as well as several family members and friends.
Mackay's body was discovered around 5:30 Wednesday evening.
No further details have been given.

Victims Identified & More Details of Highway 17 Collision That Killed 4, Injured 5

Two of the four people killed in a Sunday night crash south of Wawa were children.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have officially identified the victims of the crash: 45-year-old Fatos Metko and his 14-year-old son, Fioralb Metko, both of Calgary, as well as 51-year-old Cynthia Caraoa and her nine-year-old daughter, Anika Caraoa, both of Winnipeg.
Police say Fatos and Fioralb Metko were in the southbound vehicle involved in the collision, and were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two people in the vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Five "familial occupants" were in the northbound vehicle, all taken to hospital with serious injuries, including Cynthia and Anika Caraoa, who both succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Further details have also been revealed about the cause of the collision: police say preliminary investigation has revealed the southbound vehicle struck a moose, then crossed into the northbound lane, where it collided with the northbound vehicle.
The incident happened around 10:19 Sunday night - about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township - closing the highway from Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie for about 15 hours.
A Detective Inspector of the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch is now heading the investigation, assisted by the OPP's Superior East and Sault Ste. Marie detachment Crime Units and the OPP's Technical Collision Investigation Team, though they're also asking anyone with information about the collision or who may have been in the area at the time to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.

*This story was updated at 9:40 am to reflect the relationship between the victims*

Moose Involved in Highway 17 Collision That Killed 4, Injured 5

A moose was involved in the collision which killed four people and injured five others south of Wawa Sunday night.
While their initial release giving some details from their preliminary investigation did not mention the animal, Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed to JJAM FM News that a moose was involved in the collision, though they haven't clarified how.
Police have said a southbound vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle on Highway 17 about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township, around 10:19 Sunday night.
Two people from the southbound vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, while the two others in the vehicle were taken to hospital.
All five people from the northbound vehicle were taken to hospital with various injuries, with two later succumbing to those injuries.
OPP are withholding the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
Police are continuing to investigate, with assistance from OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators.

Superior East OPP Confirm 4 Dead, 5 Injured in Highway 17 Collision

Four people are dead and five injured after Sunday's fatal crash on Highway 17, south of Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have released some details from their preliminary investigation, including that a southbound vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle around 10:19 Sunday night, about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township.
Two occupants of the southbound vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to hospital.
Five people were in the northbound vehicle - all were taken to hospital with various injuries, with two succumbing to those injuries.
O-P-P are withholding the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
The highway has since reopened, though police are continuing to investigate, with assistance from O-P-P Technical Traffic Collision Investigators.

Highway 17 Reopens South of Wawa After Fatal Collision

Highway 17 has reopened south of Wawa after a fatal collision near town.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police announced around 1:30 Monday afternoon that the highway had fully reopened (both directions) - it was closed when police responded to a fatal collision around 10:19 Sunday night - it happened about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township.
No further details have been given about the collision, such as how many vehicles were involved, how many people were killed, and how many were injured.
OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators were on scene to help with the investigation.

Father-Son Duo Win 36th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby

Boats and lines are out of the water, as the Wawa Salmon Derby's wrapped up its 36th year.
The annual derby saw a weekend of sun and warm weather, with numerous fish caught.
That included the 20.75-pound salmon which earned Keith Barr and Keith Barr Senior the $6000 top prize and $500 more for the biggest fish of Sunday.
The father and son duo say it feels great, with the younger Barr adding they were lucky and noting it was his father's first time back for the derby in six years - though they expect to return in future years after this.
Barr Sr. describes the catch.

Keith Barr Sr Describes Catching Derby Winning Fish

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The $1000 prize for the largest lake trout went to a 7.75-pounder caught by Real Leclerc and Yolaine Lachance - they had won the Wawa Salmon Derby in 2007 and 2010.
Mya Rilley won her fourth straight Bill Young Memorial Award for largest fish caught by a youth: a 16.2-pounder caught on Saturday - it was the eighth largest salmon of the weekend.

White River's Winnie's Hometown Festival Underway

White River is bustling with excitement, as the Winnie's Hometown Festival is back.
Featuring a theme of "Flashback on Winnipeg Street", the 30th annual event officially kicked off Thursday with events including a performance by award-winning comedian Pete Zedlacher, who is originally from Wawa.
Festival Coordinator Devan Lavallee emphasizes things truly get going today, with many more events.

Devan Lavallee on Winnie's Hometown Festival Events

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lavallee notes there will also be the usual fireworks tonight, with events through the weekend including the mixed slow pitch baseball tournament, Winnie-the-Pooh Parade, "Winnie's Funland and Trade Fair", riding lawnmower races, and an adult dance on Saturday, as well as the annual fish derby and the bingo on Sunday.
Schedule information can be found on the White River website or the Winnie's 30th Annual Hometown Festival Facebook page.
Kids weekend passes are available at the Township Office - or at the door - though adults will need to pay at the door for some events.

36th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby Begins

Anglers are streaming into Wawa as the 36th annual Wawa Salmon Derby gets underway later today.
Organizer Brad Buck reminds there's several prizes anglers could reel in, including a total of $6500 for the biggest fish of the weekend.

Brad Buck Highlights 36th Wawa Salmon Derby Major Prizes

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Buck notes entry forms will be accepted for the derby until 5:00 this evening, which is when fishing first begins - it continues until 9 tonight, then from 5 am to 9 pm Saturday and 5 am to 1 pm Sunday.
There'll also be a pancake breakfast Saturday and Sunday, a farmer's market on Saturday, the Saturday night fish fry, and even Saturday night entertainment.
JJAM FM will be live on location for the derby from 11 to 3 Saturday.