MNRF Want Information on Shot and Abandoned Moose Near White River

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to know who shot and abandoned multiple moose in separate incidents along the Road 50 loop near White River.

The MNRF says conservation officers were informed about the incidents between September 7th and November 1st, finding: a bull moose of Road 50, about two kilometers from North Reagan Road; a cow moose near kilometer nine on Road 100; a cow moose twelve kilometers down North Reagan Road, off Highway 17; and two cow moose six kilometers down North Reagan Road, off Highway 17.

Anyone with information about who may be responsible for one or more of the incidents is urged to call the ministry's Wawa office, go to the ministry's website, call the ministry's TIPS line - toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 - or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, which is 1-800-222-8477.

Wawa Fall By Hand Festival Arrives

Wawa residents are getting a chance to see the works of many local artisans - and get an early start on Christmas shopping - at the By Hand Festival this weekend.

Noting there are 27 exhibitors registered - mostly local, but also from Chapleau, Marathon, and Sault Ste. Marie - Festival Coordinator Maria Reid emphasizes that there will be "all kinds of unique and unusual items".

Reid notes the By Hand itself isn't out to make money, so entry is by silver collection, to cover the costs for holding the event.

The By Hand Festival will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 6 to 9 o'clock tonight, and 10 to 3 tomorrow.

OPP Ask For Help Identifying Man Who Died Near Montreal River Harbour

Ontario Provincial Police are asking for help identifying a man who died along the coast of Lake Superior between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie two years ago.

Police believe the man was travelling along Highway 17 sometime between the spring and fall of 2016, but died near Montreal River Harbour.

Foul play is not suspected in the man's death.

With the assistance of the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, police have determined the man was between the ages of 45 and 65, and about 5’3” to 5’8” tall.

It's believed he was wearing a blue JanSport backpack and may have been carrying an elongated cardboard box containing a rifle.

He also had a number of personal affects with him: a black San Diego Chargers baseball hat; an axe with a wooden handle and leather cover; a tent in a blue cover; blue jeans; a dark windbreaker jacket with the words "Direct Energy" embroidered on the front; a white-collared shirt with blue vertical stripes; brown and beige shoes with white shoes laces; a pocket knife with a purple carabiner attached; top-rimmed eye glasses with black case; a small, red flashlight; and an orange utility knife.

Inspector Tina Chalk of the Counter Exploitation and Missing Persons Section encourages anyone who thinks the man "sounds even vaguely familiar" to contact police, emphasizing "no tip is too small".

Interim OPP Commissioner Brad Blair adds that "all leads and tips are followed up" and a missing person investigation's never closed until it's resolved.

Further information about this man's case is available via video.

Anyone with information is urged to call police or the Ontario Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains at 1-877-9-FINDME (1-877-934-6363).

Lady Dunn Health Centre Cuts Ribbon for Upgraded Digital Imaging Department

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre has unveiled a major upgrade.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the Digital Imaging Department Wednesday, highlighting new equipment which will provide better quality images using less exposure and in less time, and allowing for new tests not previously available - it's also noted to be more ergonomically friendly for the medical radiation technologist taking the image.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation - and its donors - have provided much of the funding.

Kadean Ogilvie-Pinter, the hospital's CEO and Director of Patient Services, explains that the Foundation originally raised $150,000 to upgrade the department's software, but the hospital ended up requesting further support to help with the equipment, too.

Ogilvie-Pinter notes the Foundation has already raised about $100,000 in its second phase of the campaign, with plans to reach $150,000 - for a total contribution of $300,000, with the hospital itself to cover the remaining $250,000 of the project.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre says 2012 x-rays were completed at the hospital between April 1st last year and March 31st of this year, with chest, knee, and hip x-rays the most common.

Lady Dunn Health Centre to Cut Ribbon for Digital Imaging Department

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre's preparing to unveil a major upgrade.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for the Digital Imaging Department this afternoon, after the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation was able to raise enough support to upgrade the department to "the most up-to-date technology on the market".

It is the largest project undertaken by the Foundation: the first phase of fundraising raised $150,000 and the second phase has raised $100,000 more, though it that phase is still underway and set to continue with the upcoming Wish Campaign, which runs during the holiday season.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held from 1 to 2:30 this afternoon, including a tour of the x-ray room.

Wawa Prepares For Remembrance Day

Canadians will take a moment to remember Canadian soldiers and their sacrifices, as Remembrance Day arrives this Sunday.

Larry Harvey of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 in Wawa reminds the day will mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending the First World War, emphasizing the impact that war had on Canada.

Harvey notes the Legion has launched the "Bells of Peace" initiative mark this anniversary, asking churches and community buildings with bells to ring them 100 times at sunset on Remembrance Day.

Ceremonies will be held in Chapleau and Wawa - Wawa's will start with a march from the Legion to the cenotaph around 10:30, followed by a short ceremony with wreath laying at the cenotaph, a service at Michipicoten High School, and a march back to the Legion, where everyone is invited to join in a lunch.

Chapleau Bear Bins to Hibernate For Winter

Chapleau's warning residents that bear bins will be hibernating for the winter this weekend.

A notice on the Township's website says the bear bins will be locked tomorrow, then removed for winter storage.

It does thank residents who've helped to reduce bear attractants by depositing household garbage in the bins.

This is another sign of the winter season, as Chapleau's winter parking by-law took effect last Thursday, November 1st, prohibiting parking on municipal streets between 1 am and 8 am until May.

Another notice on the Township's website warns citations will be issued for vehicles contravening that by-law regardless of weather conditions - and the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense.

Wawa Council Approves Air Pack Purchase For Fire Department

Wawa Municipal Council has approved plans to replace the Fire Department's self-contained breathing apparatus units.

The request was made by Fire Chief Sabourin, who explains the department was looking to replace its fourteen "air packs", due to age.

Sabourin says the equipment can't be retrofitted to meet current standards, so complete replacements are needed.

While it has been approved now, the purchase will be included in next year's capital budget.

Municipality of Wawa Assuming Responsibility for Goose and Holiday Lights

The Municipality of Wawa is taking responsibility for the decorative goose and holiday lights in town.

As the Wawa Business Improvement Area has indicated it's no longer within the BIA's ability to put up and maintain the lights, Wawa Municipal Council has approved a resolution to accept the transfer of the assets - Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson assures "Christmas will not be cancelled" and "preliminary moves" have been made to ensure the holiday lights do go up this year.

Last night's resolution also authorizes an "initial capital investment" of up to $25,000, which Patterson says is because of concerns about the condition of the lights, one of the reasons the BIA asked the municipality to assume responsibility.

Patterson notes he had about $2500 left over in the parks budget for beautification - which will go toward covering the $25,000 - while the BIA will provide $7000 to repair the existing lights and purchase new energy efficient lights, with the rest coming from municipal reserves.

The BIA has also committed to fund and pay the monthly hydro bill for the lights, as long as the organization exists.

As for future years, the resolution passed last night directs staff to create an operating budget for the Beautification of Broadway Avenue starting with the 2019 budget - a move Patterson says will help with transparency.

Patterson says community input will be needed to determine what the community wants from "beautification", working closely with and possibly expanding the scope of the Beautification Committee, which is responsible for many of the flowers along Broadway Avenue.

Wawa To Act as Guarantor for Legion Funding Application

The Municipality of Wawa will act as a guarantor for some funding backing the local Legion's efforts to build a lift in the Legion hall - but there's a catch.

Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill explains Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 requested the municipality act as a guarantor for $50,000 in funding - with the EDC matching that amount - to allow the Legion to move forward on a federal government funding application.

O'Neill emphasizes the municipality won't actually pay out any money, as the Council resolution stipulates that the municipal funding guarantee will be cancelled if either of the Legion's applications to the federal or provincial governments are not approved.

In total, the Legion has applied for $200,000 in funding to build the lift - half from the province, half from the feds - with the remaining costs of the project expected to come from local fundraising.

This would build upon work already done at the Legion Hall: the installation of a barrier-free washroom and a ramp in the downstairs area.

Wawa's Limited Predator Control Hunt Extended Again

Wawa's limited predator control hunt will continue into the new year.

Wawa Municipal Council's approved a resolution extending the hunt until March 31st, 2019 and from November 16th, 2019 to December 31st, 2019.

A resolution passed last December had extended the hunt for November 16th to December 31st of this year, with a specified group of hunters allowed to discharge shotguns or rifles discharging rimfire cartridges or straight walled pistol cartridges to deal with nuisance coyotes and wolves.

They're restricted to the golf course and the snow dump at the end of Tamarack from half an hour before sunrise until 9:30 each morning.

French Public School Trustee Results Remain The Same

No change has been found after a recount of votes for Wawa and Chapleau's French Separate school board trustee.

A release from the Township of Chapleau says the recount confirmed the numbers originally reported: that incumbent Garry Bruneau won 276-273 over Luc Tessier.

That means Bruneau will return for another term as a trustee with the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario - he'll be joined by fellow incumbent Roger Lemoyne, who was re-elected to represent Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the board.

Chapleau Town Council had ordered the recount for the town's trustee results, but - as he represents not just Chapleau, but also Wawa, White River, and unorganized territory in the region - each community was required to recount their results, so it took slightly longer than the Chapleau councillor results recount released last Thursday.

While there was a slight variation in the allocation of votes, that recount saw no difference in who was elected, with current councillor Rick Smith and incumbent councillor Gerard Bernier returning, joined by two new councillors: Chapleau Public School Principal Nicolle Schuurman and Chapleau High School vice principal Lisi Bernier, who was a member of Council prior to the 2014 election.

They're set to be sworn-in - along with incumbent Mayor Michael Levesque - on the first Monday of December, the 3rd.

Northern Lights Ford's WE Scare Hunger Campaign Result

The Wawa Food Bank's thanking the local Ford dealership and the community for their support.

Northern Lights Ford's wrapped up its October-long "We Scare Hunger" campaign, and - while employee Danette Mathias concedes it didn't raise as much as last year - she is proud of what was raised.

Wawa Food Bank volunteer Margaret Chapman thanks the community for its support.

Food Bank volunteer Donna Taylor calls this "an incredible donation" that will help ensure few items will need to be purchased before the new year - and she highlights the importance of these donations, noting it has been an "astounding" fall, in terms of the number of clients.

Taylor also highlights recent support from Naturally Superior Adventures, and reminds another major Food Bank campaign is coming: Wawa Feed the Need Day on November 25th.

Hawk Junction Remembrance Day Ceremony Approaches

As Remembrance Day approaches, members of the Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 will be marking the day with a special ceremony this weekend.

Larry Harvey reminds Legionnaires will attend a service at the Anglican Church on Sunday, followed by a wreath laying ceremony in Hawk Junction.

He also notes that time is running out to order wreaths for that ceremony or Wawa's Remembrance Day ceremony, noting there are a few options for the wreaths to be laid.

Harvey adds people can take the wreath home with them - or have them laid on veterans' graves - and emphasizes that they can be purchased not just by businesses or organizations, but individuals and families, as well.

Poppies are available throughout the community.

Wawa Without Animal Control Officer

Wawa is once again without an official animal control officer - but the Municipality's assuring concerns will be addressed.

A notice on the municipal website advises the position is currently vacant, with the contract for animal control services now under review.

Kevin Sabourin - the Assistant Director of Protective Services - says the review will look at various aspects of the agreement before a call is put out for expressions of interest, which he expects will take "a couple of months".

In the meantime, Sabourin assures that he will address calls usually made to the animal control officer - the phone number's 705-856-2244, extension 228 - though the municipality's emphasizing that owners are responsible for control of their dogs on their own property and should ensure their dog is kept on a leash at all times.

Chapleau Councillor Recount Results Released

Some numbers have changed but the elected Council has not, after a recount for some of Chapleau's municipal election results.

Ordered by Chapleau Town Council Monday night, the recount focused on councillor results, as the official count released last week showed former councillor and Chapleau High School vice principal Lisi Bernier elected with 496 votes, while Our Lady of Fatima elementary school principal Natalie Tessier just missed a seat on Council with 492.

The recount results show slightly different vote numbers: current councillor Rick Smith picked up a vote for a total of 682 (was 681); incumbent councillor Gerard Bernier remained at 642; Chapleau Public School principal Nicolle Schuurman gained a vote for a total of 549 (was 548); and Lisi Bernier remained at 496.

Tessier - on the other hand - lost two votes in the recount, down to 490, widening the margin to six votes, while local teacher Alex Lambruschini also lost a vote, down to 465 (was 466).

Even after this recount, another can still be requested of Council or a judge until 30 days after official election results were released, which would set a November 22nd deadline.

The new Council is scheduled to be sworn-in on the first Monday of December, the 3rd.

Council also ordered a recount of the French separate school board trustee results, which showed incumbent Garry Bruneau win by 276 votes to 273 for Luc Tessier.

Results for that recount are expected early next week: as the trustee represents not only Chapleau but also Wawa, White River, and unorganized territory in the region, each community needs to perform a recount of their results, which will then be compiled for the official total.

The recount order sets a 15-day limit for those results.

Chapleau Council Accepts Library Board Budget and More

Chapleau Town Council has accepted the 2019 Chapleau Public Library Board budget, which Mayor Michael Levesque notes is about the same, with a few slight changes.

Mayor Levesque notes the budget will be included within the Township's budget considerations for the coming year.

Chapleau Council also approved a by-law for a rental agreement with the Chapleau Curling Club - which Mayor Levesque says is similar to previous years - and approved a request from the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club to amend a year-old encroachment agreement allowing a wood fence and a safety net on the limits of Golf Course Road.

New Chapleau Cemetery Rules Approved By Provincial Regulator

Chapleau's cemetery rules are changing.

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario - which oversees the province's cemetery sector - has approved the revised by-law passed by Chapleau Council, meaning it can officially take effect.

Mayor Michael Levesque points to one major part of the update.

Mayor Levesque says the new by-law will be posted on the municipal website, for anyone who wishes to know what is and is not allowed.

Superior East OPP Issue Halloween Safety Reminder

As kids prepare to go trick-or-treating tonight, Superior East Ontario Provincial Police are reminding everyone to keep safety in mind.

Constable Levis Brousseau offers several tips for trick-or-treaters, including staying in areas that are better lit.

Constable Brousseau recommends costumes that are light-coloured or have reflective parts, using facepaint rather than masks, to allow for better vision.

Brousseau also emphasizes that drivers should be especially cautious, driving slowly and without distractions such as cell phones or loud music, instead watching carefully for children, as many may be wearing costumes that limit their vision or mobility.

Northern Lights Ford's WE Scare Hunger Campaign Ending

With Halloween here, a campaign to "scare hunger" is in its final day.

All month, Northern Lights Ford has been collecting donations to support the Wawa Food Bank as part of Ford Canada's "WE Scare Hunger" campaign, a nationwide initiative with the WE charity.

Service advisor Lonna Rilley explains the local campaign's hoping to improve on past donations.

Fellow employee Danette Mathias notes there's already been great support this year.

Non-perishable food items - and monetary donations - can be dropped off at Northern Lights Ford before the end of the day.