Progress on Forest Fires in Region

Progress is being made on some forest fires in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is reporting "Sault Ste. Marie 2" is now "under control" at one hectare in size - located north of Batchawana Provincial Park - it was initially reported at two-tenths of a hectare in size on Sunday.

Meanwhile, "Timmins 4" - which was reported Monday night - is listed as "being held" at one hectare in size, located about half a kilometre west of Upper Kasasway Lake, and northwest of "Timmins 2", which is being held at 4645 hectares in size, about four kilometres west of Gogama, on the west side of Highway 144.

Chapleau Completes Phase One of Downtown Revitalization Project

Chapleau's moving forward with plans to revitalize the downtown.

A release from the Township announces the conclusion of the "first phase" in the Downtown Revitalization Project: the completion of detailed designs and engineering required to redevelop Birch Street between Monk and Lansdowne Streets, including underground infrastructure and streetscaping.

The Township emphasizes that revitalizing the downtown is a "key component" of efforts to "attract new residents, businesses, and tourists to the community".

It thanks individuals and businesses who provided comments during the planning phase - or attended the open house - and notes the phase was funded by the Township with "generous contributions" from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and FedNor.

Plans are now to work with "upper tiers of government to leverage funding toward construction costs", in the hope the work will be done in a single construction season, to mitigate the negative impacts on local businesses and disruption to traffic and the public.

LDHC Palliative Care Program's Memorial Butterfly Release Arrives

Wawa's hospital is set to honour those who've passed with a special celebration.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre's Palliative Care Program is holding its first annual "Memorial Butterfly Release" and the hospital's Director of Patient Care, Louise Needham, explains there are two main reasons.

Louise Needham on Reason for Memorial Butterfly Release

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Needham adds organizers believe the release of the butterflies and the celebrations will help those grieving, denoting change and the emergence from the "cocoon" of mourning.

She also notes a spiritual belief that you can whisper a message to a butterfly, then release it to the sky so the message will be delivered.

Needham reminds everyone's invited to attend, with the celebrations geared to all ages.

Louise Needham Explains Memorial Butterfly Release Celebrations

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Needham adds there will also be music, with the event culminating in the release of over 100 "Painted Lady" butterflies - they sold out early last week.

The Memorial Butterfly Release runs from 2 to 4:30 this afternoon in the Lady Dunn Health Centre's Long Term Care Garden.

North York Man Charged With Stunt Driving Between Wawa and White River

A Toronto area man's facing a stunt driving charge after being pulled over for speeding between Wawa and White River around 8 o'clock Monday morning.

Warning speeding can "significantly alter" summer vacation plans, Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed to JJAM FM News that an SUV was detected driving just shy of 160 kilometres an hour on Highway 17 near Obatanga Provincial Park - almost 70 kilometres an hour above the posted limit of 90.

Charged with stunt driving is a 53-year-old North York man, whose driver's licence is now suspended seven days while the vehicle's impounded for seven days.

TSB Investigators Return to Office to Continue Hawk Junction Plane Crash Investigation

Investigators are continuing to look into a Hawk Junction plane crash which killed two people.

While the Transportation Safety Board says investigators have concluded their on-site investigation and returned to their Toronto offices, they have taken pieces of the wreckage and components of the aircraft to analyze or test as part of the ongoing investigation.

They're expected to determine which of five "levels" of investigation is needed, though the TSB notes that could change if something is uncovered during the investigation.

Both of the people on the commercial float plane were killed when the plane crashed shortly after taking off from Hawk Lake headed for Oba Lake around 9 o'clock Thursday morning - it crashed beside the power substation on Montgomery Avenue in Hawk Junction.

Though Superior East Ontario Provincial Police aren't releasing any identifying information until post-mortem examinations are held, a Facebook post from Hawk Air confirms the two killed were members of the "Hawk Air Family", pilot Adam Hobbs and his co-worker, Bob Gregorini.

Chapleau To Introduce New Department Director During Busy Meeting

Chapleau Town Council has a busy night ahead - including a few delegations.

Included on tonight's agenda are delegations from AECOM and the Missinaibi Enhanced Sustainable Forest Management Corporation, as well as the official introduction of the Township's new Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Rejean Raymond.

Formerly Dubreuilville's mayor - as well as a councillor and CAO - Raymond's most recently been Leisure and Cultural Services Director for the Township of Dubreuilville.

Council will also consider approving the Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan for Superior East and Neighbouring Communities, as well as purchase orders for road salt and winter sand, a tender for the Civic Centre Accessibility Project, and scope changes for an inspection at the water treatment plant and risk assessment for water and waste water facilities.

There'll also be an update on the CRDC's upcoming "Gold Rush Nationals" drag race, coming August 23rd to 25th.

Open to the public, tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

Two Confirmed Dead in Hawk Junction Plane Crash

Two people were killed in yesterday's small plane crash in Hawk Junction.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say investigation has confirmed that two adults - both of the plane's occupants - are deceased as a result of the crash, though any information about their identities is being withheld until post-mortem examinations are held at an unspecified later date.

The Transportation Safety Board has confirmed investigators are on site and are expected to remain all of today and tomorrow as they conduct "field work", which could include interviews.

So far, investigators have determined that the commercial de Havilland DHC-2 - or "Beaver" - float plane had taken off from Hawk Lake around 9 o'clock Thursday morning - headed for Oba Lake - but crashed beside the power substation on Montgomery Avenue shortly after takeoff.

While there was no fire, the plane was heavily damaged, which is expected to make the investigation more difficult.

Investigators are expected to determine within the next week what "level" of investigation is needed - there are five.

OPP remain at the scene, with Montgomery Avenue currently closed to all but local traffic until the on-scene investigation's complete - the public is asked to avoid that area during this time.

Wawa's 13th Annual William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament Nears

Organizers of Wawa's annual William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament are reminding golfers to sign up soon.

With the annual event a week away, organizers are hoping to confirm numbers urging golfers to call the pro shop to register by early next week, or before space fills up.

Suzanne Lacasse emphasizes you'll get more than just a fun time of golf.

Suzanne Lacasse on Registering for William Rose Golf Tournament

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lacasse reminds the tournament honours former Michipicoten Police Chief William G. Rose, but also supports bursaries for students going into the law enforcement field, with further proceeds to be donated to the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation.

The tournament will be held next Friday, July 19th, starting at 1 pm.

Early Bird Deadline Nears For Wawa Salmon Derby

Time is running out for anglers hoping to win a special prize with the Wawa Salmon Derby.

Derby Chair Brad Buck says the deadline is almost here for the derby's "Early Bird Prize".

Brad Buck on Early Bird Registration for Wawa Salmon Derby

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Buck reminds entries for the derby will still be accepted after the Early Bird deadline - they just won't qualify for that prize - with other prizes including $6000 for the biggest fish of the derby.

The 37th annual event will be held August 23rd to 25th.

OPP Believe All Occupants Dead After Small Plane Crash in Hawk Junction

Ontario Provincial Police believe that a small plane crash in Hawk Junction is fatal.

Superior East OPP have confirmed to JJAM FM News that they "believe all occupants of the plane are deceased", but won't confirm how many people were in the plane or whether a post-mortem examination is expected.

The OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit has been assisting with the investigation.

Emergency services responded to the crash around 9 o'clock this morning, and the Transportation Safety Board has confirmed a commercial de Havilland DHC-2 - or "Beaver" - float plane suffered significant damage, though there was no fire.

It adds the plane had reportedly just taken off from the lake, but could not verify that.

The TSB has deployed investigators from Toronto, though they aren't expected to arrive until late this evening, with field work expected to start tomorrow morning.

The crash has been connected to a power outage that affected the area.

Algoma Power representative Peggy Lund has confirmed to JJAM FM News that the outage affected 576 customers in Hawk Junction, Dubreuilville, Localsh, Missinabie, Goudreau, and some areas along Highway 101 - like Whitefish Lake - though power was restored to Hawk Junction and some nearby areas around 10 o'clock, and fully restored through the region around 12:30.

Lund could not confirm exactly why power was out nor the extent of the damage, saying only that it's still being investigated.

OPP note Montgomery Avenue is currently closed to all but local traffic, with the public asked to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

More Parking Approved For Wawa's Broadway Avenue - But Not Special RV Spots

A few more parking spaces will be added on Broadway Avenue - but no new spots intended for RVs or trailers.

Wawa's Infrastructure Services Director, Cory Stainthorpe, explains the new spots will be located between Laurier and Algoma streets, across from the Lion's Beach parking spots.

Cory Stainthorpe Explains New Broadway Ave Parking Spots

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stainthorpe notes the by-law passed by Council last night not only confirms the new spots, but also the existing angle parking above Lion's Beach - as it wasn't included in the traffic by-law - as he's opted against recommending replacing the existing parking with spaces meant to accommodate for larger vehicles, like RVs, motor homes, or vehicles with trailers.

Cory Stainthorpe Addresses Decision Against New RV Parking

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

That means there is still no designated parking for larger vehicles on Broadway Avenue itself, though Stainthorpe expects to continue looking into possible options.

Replacement Plans Approved for Wawa's Municipal Fuel System

Wawa's municipal fuel system will be upgraded.

Wawa Municipal Council has approved plans to replace the current system - which is used to supply fuel for the municipal fleet, including its heavy equipment - awarding the contract to Northwest Petroleum Limited for $199,423.53 - just shy of the $200,000 budgeted for the project.

Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe explains it's a full tank replacement, as the current system is in poor condition and requires over $60,000 in repairs to meet regulatory standards.

Cory Stainthorpe Explains Municipal Fuel System Upgrade

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stainthorpe adds the above-ground tank would mean easier inspection for possible leaks, which would be easier to deal with, as it'd be on a concrete pad rather than underground.

Municipal staff or a local contractor will do some work, including pouring the pad and installing lighting for the new system, which will be put in a slightly different spot on the property so the current system can continue operating until the new one's operational.

The project's second phase will be removal of the old system, particularly the current in-ground tanks, as well as the above-ground pumps.

During budget discussions, Councillor Pat Tait questioned the need for the system - suggesting a change to card-lock at a local private business as an alternative - but backed the upgrade after a report from Stainthorpe highlighted savings from buying fuel in bulk for the municipal system.

Wawa Council Holding Joint and Back-To-Back Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council's expected to have a busy night with back-to-back meetings.

Up first is a joint Corporate Planning and Policy Committee meeting, which is expected to include a deputation about "MPAC 101".

Also on that agenda is: a draft version of a revised procedural by-law; memos on consolidation of two properties on Montreal Avenue and Main Street, as well as two properties on Beck Avenue; a report on the sale of unspecified municipal land in the Michipicoten River Village; a report on additional parking for Broadway Avenue; and a report an upgrade for the municipal fuel system.

After the committee meeting, Council's set to hold a regular meeting, with items including a resolution to declare surplus land in the Michipicoten River Village - a step required for its sale - and resolutions approving additional designated parking on Broadway Avenue and accepting a staff recommendation and awarding of tender for the municipal fuel system upgrade.

Open to the public, the meetings are set to start at 6:30 in Council Chambers.

Careless Driving Charge After Highway 17 Collision in Batchawana Bay Area

A careless driving charge has been laid in connection to a two-vehicle collision in the Batchawana Bay area last weekend.

Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed the two vehicles collided on Highway 17 near Pictograph Road around 4:30 Sunday afternoon.

Charged is a 23-year-old Thunder Bay resident, who was injured in the collision along with a passenger in their vehicle and a passenger in the other vehicle - police describe the injuries as "non-life threatening".

The collision came just a day after a motorcycle collided with an SUV on Highway 17 in Goulais Township, with the motorcyclist - identified as a 52-year-old Hamilton man - dying of his injuries.

Sault Ste. Marie OPP are still investigating that collision.

Pukaskwa National Park Holding Second Annual BioBlitz

Pukaskwa National Park's encouraging people to help discover the diversity of species in the park over the next day.

Visitor Experience Manager Amy Mackey explains a "BioBlitz" will be held to find and identify as many species as possible.

Amy Mackey on Pukaskwa National Park BioBlitz Purpose

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mackey says Pukaskwa's first BioBlitz (in August 2018) focused on a small section of the park's "front country".

Amy Mackey on Success of 2018 Pukaskwa National Park BioBlitz

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mackey emphasizes that the BioBlitz doesn't mean any closures for the park - in fact, people are encouraged to come out and participate, joining in hikes with experts and learning about the park's biodiversity - even if you've been a longtime visitor.

The BioBlitz runs from 12 noon today (Tuesday, July 9th) to 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday, July 10th).

LDHC Palliative Care Program Memorial Butterfly Release Sold Out

Wawa's hospital says it is sold out for a special way to honour those who've passed.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre's Palliative Care Program will hold its first annual "Memorial Butterfly Release" next week, though organizers say there are no longer any butterflies available to be reserved.

Members of the community are still encouraged to attend, as Jolene Binda explains it's more than simply the memorial release of the butterflies.

Jolene Binda Explains LDHC Palliative Care Butterfly Release

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The Memorial Butterfly Release will be held Wednesday, July 17th, from 2 pm to 4:30 pm.

Chapleau Man Charged With Speeding and Failing to Comply With Recognizance

A Chapleau man is facing a pair of charges after being stopped by police over the weekend.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 129 initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed around 12:45 Saturday afternoon - further investigation revealed the man was breaching court-ordered conditions.

That led to the 39-year-old's arrest on charges of speeding 1 to 49 kilometers an hour over posted limit and fail to comply with recognizance.

The man was released from custody with a court date in Chapleau next month.

Drug Charge for Edmonton Man After Disabled Vehicle Call in Wawa

Local police have laid charges against an Alberta man in a suspected meth bust in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called to a disabled pickup truck on Mission Road shortly before 11 o'clock Sunday night, finding one of the front tires was separated from the pickup.

Further investigation, however, revealed a small quantity of what's believed to be methamphetamine pills, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old Edmonton man on charges of possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine - operate unsafe vehicle, and driver without proper rear light - motor vehicle.

The man's been released, but is scheduled to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice next month.

Chapleau Resident Charged With Spousal Assault

A Chapleau resident's facing an assault charge after a domestic dispute over the weekend.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an incident in Chapleau around 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon, with investigation into the dispute leading to the arrest of a 38-year-old on a charge of assault - spousal.

The person - who is not identified, in order to protect the victim's identity - has been released with a court date next month.

Superior East OPP emphasize victims in abusive relationships are not alone and there are local resources to help, such as Wawa and Area Victim Services and CHADWIC Home.

Motorcyclist Identified in Fatal Goulais Township Collision

The motorcyclist killed in a crash in Goulais Township over the weekend has been identified.

Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police say 52-year-old Jeffory Wolfenden of Hamilton was pronounced dead in hospital after his motorcycle struck the rear of an SUV on Highway 17 between Highway 552 and Pineshores Road in Goulais Township around 2:30 Saturday afternoon.

Neither of the SUV's occupants were injured.

Highway 17 was closed for a few hours as Technical Collision Investigators were on scene, though a detour was available and the highway has since reopened.

The investigation is continuing.