Superior East OPP Remind Drivers to be Careful Following Return to School

With school back after the holiday break, police are reminding drivers to be careful.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police remind there is an increase and pedestrian traffic during the school year, and school buses are also back on roads.

Because of that, police remind motorists must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its overhead red signal lights flashing - whether or not its "STOP" arm is extended - and the vehicle must remain stopped until the bus moves or the signal lights stop flashing.

Anyone who illegally passes a stopped school bus could be fined $490 to $2000 for a first offence, or $1000 to $4000 with possible jail time for a subsequent offence - both mean six demerit points.

Drivers are also reminded to be cautious of pedestrians, taking extra care near parked cars and travelling slowly through intersections.

Superior East OPP December 2018 & Festive RIDE Stats

Local police were kept busy over December.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to about 523 calls for service last month, including ten violence-related incidents, eleven property-related occurrences, seven drug-related cases, and an impaired by alcohol incident.

On local roads, officers responded to eighteen motor vehicle collisions and issued one seven-day warn range suspension.

140 RIDE checkpoints were conducted.

Speaking of RIDE checks, Superior East OPP have also released results from the recent Festive RIDE campaign - which ran November 23rd to January 2nd - with one impaired by alcohol charge, one seven-day warn range suspension, one refusal to give breath sample charge, one suspended driving charge, and four charges under the Highway Traffic Act.

There may be some crossover in charges laid through Festive RIDE and December's statistics.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Early Bird Deadline Approaches

Organizers of Wawa's annual ice fishing derby are reminding there's still time to qualify for the derby's early bird draws.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Chairperson Scott Popert explains the early bird deadline is next week.

Derby Chair Scott Popert Reminds Early Bird Is Near

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Popert notes sales have been strong so far, with about 100 more tickets sold now, compared to this time last year - and he reminds there's an estimated $140,000 in cash and prizes for the derby, including not just the early bird draws, but the registration prize of $30,000 and prizes for the top six fish caught on each of the three derby lakes

The committee is also looking for volunteers to help with the event, including as lake patrollers and hut attendants - anyone interested can contact Popert.

The 28th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 1st through 3rd.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Touts Successful Campaign

With the holiday season now past, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's thanking residents who helped grant a wish from the local hospital.

Foundation Vice Chair Susan Switzer says the annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign saw overwhelming support, raising $12,917 over the holiday season.

LDHCF Vice Chair Susan Switzer Reacts to Campaign Result

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Switzer reminds the Foundation is marking its tenth anniversary this year - noting about $450,000 has been raised over the last decade - and she expects some special celebrations, including the four major campaigns of the year, including the spring mail-out campaign.

She also emphasizes the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation accepts donations outside of its various campaigns, with donors able to direct their money to the Foundation's general fund, or separate funds for cancer care, palliative care, or long-term care.

Memory Cafe Returns to Wawa

Wawa will see a special event for those with memory issues tonight: the Memory Cafe.

Alzheimer Society First Link Coordinator Christy Reid explains the event is an opportunity to socialize for some people who might not get out very often.

Christy Reid Explains Memory Cafe

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Wawa Family Health Team Geriatric Program Coordinator Jolene Binda encourages those interested to come out.

Jolene Binda Encourages People to Attend Memory Cafe

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Including music from The Goodtimers and snacks, the Memory Cafe runs from 6:30 to 8:30 tonight, at the Wawa Goose Seniors Club.

Admission is by donation, to offset costs for the event.

Harte Gold Announces Commercial Production

White River's new mine is touting a major milestone: commercial production.

In an update on operations at the Sugar Zone Mine, Harte Gold says commercial production has been achieved as of January 1st - only three months after receiving the needed permits.

The Sugar Zone Mill's been operating consistently at the permitted 575 tonnes per day since commissioning, averaging a 90.8 percent gold recovery rate for December - expected to improve during the transition to commercial operation.

While 16,400 tonnes were processed at the mill last month, Harte Gold says stockpiles are estimated to contain about 19,500 tonnes at an average grade over 5 grams per tonne, while underground mining's accelerating.

Harte Gold's working on a yearly budget and life of mine plan, which it expects to improve overall economics, forming the basis of a feasibility study expected in the first quarter of the year.

Red Pine Exploration Positive Drill Results For Surluga Deposit and Minto Mine South

Red Pine Exploration is touting more positive drill results at its Wawa Gold Project.

The Toronto-based exploration company says new results from confirmation drilling in the higher-grade zones of the Surluga Deposit show intersection of high-grade gold in the current resource footprint, including 32.16 grams per tonne gold over 2.91 metres true width.

It's also touting the discovery of high-grade quartz veins in the Minto Stockwork at its Minto Mine South Project, along with recent high-grade gold discoveries in the Jubilee Shear.

President and CEO Quentin Yarie says the drilling results are "confirming that a higher-grade resource accessible using the underground developments of the Surluga Mine is possible at the Surluga Deposit", adding Red Pine's nearing the completion of its first phase of infill drilling with many results so far suggesting zones of stronger gold mineralization.

Local Police Remind Vehicle Owners to "Lock It Or Lose It"

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding drivers to "lock it or lose it".

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police are urging vehicle owners to lock unattended vehicles at all times - even in your own driveway - and never leave a running vehicle unattended, noting it takes only a few seconds for a theft to occur.

Police advise against leaving valuables in your vehicle in plain view, as "would-be" thieves look for easy-to-steal items such as loose change, purses, wallets, and electronic devices.

They also recommend parking your vehicle in a locked garage if you can and completely closing all windows while parked.

Further recommendations can be found on the OPP website.

Anyone with information about thefts from vehicles - or other crimes - is urged to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Cannabis-Related Charges For 2 Men in White River

Two drivers are facing cannabis-related charges after being stopped in White River.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they stopped a 21-year-old British Columbia driver early on the afternoon of December 29th, with officers detecting an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle, leading them to seize a small amount of dried cannabis.

The driver was charged with driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available.

On the evening of January 1st, officers stopped a 27-year-old Etobicoke man for failing to move over, with officers again detecting an odour of cannabis from inside the vehicle - that led them to seize a small amount of cannabis, with charges laid for driving with cannabis readily available, and being a Class G-1 licence holder unaccompanied by a qualified driver.

While cannabis is legal to possess and consume, OPP remind you can only have it in a vehicle if it's still in its unopened original packaging or is in baggage that is fastened closed and is not otherwise readily available.

Dubreuilville ALS Activist Eddy Lefrançois Dies

Local residents and ALS activists across Canada are mourning the death of an ALS activist from Dubreuilville.

ALS Canada has confirmed that Eddy Lefrançois died on Friday, calling it "a tremendous loss for the ALS community of a champion, advocate, and friend".

Lefrançois was recognized in the House of Commons in late May, with Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes praising him as an example of someone who's defied the odds and refused to be limited, since he was given three to five years to live in 1992.

Carol Hughes Honours Eddy Lefrançois in House of Commons

Lefrançois had long been an ALS activist, including with his "25k for 25y" campaign to raise $25,000 to mark 25 years since his diagnosis - his "Let's Roll Out ALS" team even raised nearly $17,500 for Sault Ste. Marie's Walk for ALS last year alone.

He continued to use his website and social media even as the disease took away his ability to speak, appearing in several videos or Facebook posts as an ALS Canada ambassador - in recent months, using "eye gaze technology" to get out his message, including one for the holidays.

Eddy Lefrançois Christmas Message For ALS Canada

Lefrançois was even the subject of a January 3rd post on the organization's Facebook page, encouraging people to "make a resolution to give hope to people living with ALS" and "send an email to your MP".

Memory Cafe Returning to Wawa

Wawa will soon see the return of a special event for those with memory issues and their care partners: the Memory Cafe.

Speaking with JJAM FM's Town Talk recently , Wawa Family Health Team Geriatric Program Coordinator Jolene Binda explained the event - jointly hosted with the local Alzheimer Society - is a chance for some fun for some people who might not get out very often.

Jolene Binda Explains The Memory Cafe

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The event will include music from The Goodtimers and snacks, with admission by donation, to offset costs to host the event.

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to register by calling the Alzheimer Society at 705-856-0000.

The Memory Cafe runs from 6:30 to 8:30 Wednesday night, at the Wawa Goose Seniors Club.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Wrapping Up Wish Upon A Star Campaign

With the New Year now here, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is preparing to wrap up its annual holiday fundraising campaign.

The foundation's annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign concludes tomorrow - Foundation Chair Lina Rody explains it will help pay for phase two of the hospital's recent digital radiography upgrade.

Lina Rody on LDHCF Wish Upon A Star Campaign Purpose

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rody notes donations to the campaign can be made at the hospital and online.

Next month marks the 10th anniversary for the foundation, with more than half-a-million dollars raised to support the local hospital over the last decade.

2019 Chapleau Pike Fishing Derby Sells Out A Month Early

Chapleau's premier derby is out of tickets - more than a month before the event.

The Rotary Club of Chapleau says it has sold out of tickets for the upcoming 22nd annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby, with Derby Committee Chair Jocelynne Bernier noting the club's excitement.

Jocelynne Bernier Thanks Supporters For Buying Derby Tickets

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bernier highlights about $80,000 in prizes for the event, including the entry draw for a 2019 Dodge Ram 4x4, as well as a $10,000 grand prize in the fishing, along with a Honda four-wheeler for second, and $4000 for third.

Chapleau's annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, February 9th.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Continuing Campaign Into 2019

While Christmas is behind us, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is reminding there's still time to help grant a wish from the local hospital.

The foundation's annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign continues into the new year, raising funds to support the hospital's recent digital radiography upgrade.

Foundation Chair Lina Rody thanks the community for its support - having already raised $150,000 for phase one of the campaign, and $100,000 more in phase two - and she notes next year will mark a major milestone.

Lina Rody Highlights Upcoming LDHCF Anniversary

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Donations can be made at the hospital, online, or via mail - names of donators will be displayed on a Christmas tree in the hospital lobby.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Reminds Holiday Campaign Underway

With Christmas a day away, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's asking residents to help grant a wish from the local hospital.

The foundation's annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign continues through the holiday season, raising funds to support the hospital's recent digital radiography upgrade.

Foundation Chair Lina Rody notes that donator's names will be displayed on the "Holiday Wish Tree" in the hospital lobby.

Lina Rody on Donating to LDHCF Wish Upon A Star Campaign

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Donations can be made at the hospital, online, or via mail, even after Christmas - the campaign continues into the new year.

Wawa Residents Face Drug Trafficking-Related Charges

Two Wawa residents are facing drug charges after police seized suspected fentanyl.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were assisted by the Community Street Crime Unit and Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau in executing a search warrant at a Regina Crescent residence Wednesday, with officer seizing about 40 tablets of suspected fentanyl - an estimated street value of about $2400.

Police arrested two people, charging a 29-year-old Wawa man with trafficking in a schedule one substance - an opioid other than heroin - as well as failing to comply with a probation order, while a 28-year-old Wawa woman was charged with possessing for the purpose of trafficking a schedule one substance - an opioid other than heroin - as well as possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

They're scheduled to appear in court before spring.

Wawa Holding Off On Water Meter-Based Billing

Wawa will not start billing for water services based on usage at the start of the new year.

While the Municipality previously planned to start using water meters for billing at the start of 2019, Mayor Ron Rody explained to JJAM FM's Town Talk that is no longer the plan.

Mayor Ron Rody Explains Delay For Water Meter Billing

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rody says he doesn't want to set a date for water meter-based billing at this time, preferring to wait until technical and billing aspects are "worked through" - and he promises once that is done, residents will be given a "heads-up" with information about the new billing.

Wawa Mayor Says Ransomware Attack Resolved

The Municipality of Wawa has resolved a ransomware attack revealed early last week.

Speaking with JJAM FM's Town Talk, Mayor Ron Rody noted that the municipality has received decryption keys and regained access to its servers - and the focus is now on preventing future attacks.

Mayor Ron Rody on Future Protection Against Ransomware

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rody assures that it appears the system was only infected with ransomware - and there was no actual breach of data going out to the attackers - with the focus instead to get a ransom from the municipality.

The mayor won't say whether a ransom was paid, but notes the municipality was in communication with the southern Ontario communities of Midland and Wasaga Beach - both of whom paid ransoms over $30,000 after similar attacks - and they put Wawa in contact with experts to help.

White River Woman Charged Under New Impaired Driving Laws

A White River woman's facing charges under Canada's new impaired driving rules.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers stopped a pickup truck driving erratically in White River Tuesday night - the same day the stricter anti-impaired driving rules took effect - with the officers detecting the odour of alcohol on the driver's breath.

Follow-up investigation led to charges of operation while impaired by alcohol and operation while impaired (blood alcohol concentration 80 plus) - the 47-year-old woman also had her driver's licence suspended and the vehicle was towed and impounded.

She's set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in February.

Wawa Woman Charged With Possessing Property Obtained By Crime

A Wawa woman's been charged in connection to a late November theft.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the Community Street Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a Churchill Avenue residence on Tuesday, December 18th, in connection to a theft-related call at a Tamarack Avenue home on November 29th - numerous items were reported stolen in that incident.

Police arrested a 22-year-old Wawa woman with possessing property obtained by crime under $5000 - she's set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in February.