Sault Ste. Marie's Ron Francis Named GM For Seattle NHL Team

Sault Ste. Marie's own Ron Francis has been named GM for Seattle's yet-to-be-named NHL expansion team.

A former Soo Greyhound, Francis' NHL career spanned from 1981 to 2004, with stints in Hartford, Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Toronto, as well as two Stanley Cup wins and three Lady Byng Trophies.

After retiring, Francis was director of hockey operations and later GM for the Carolina Hurricanes, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, his first year on the ballot

He's been given complete control of operations for the new team, which will debut in 2021.

White River Man Wins $100,000 Through ENCORE

A White River man's claimed a big lottery prize.

Michel Pacaud won $100,000 through ENCORE on a June Lotto 6/49 draw, having matched six of the seven ENCORE numbers in exact order.

Though he's from White River, he purchased the ticket in Sudbury.

Report on Chapleau Bridges Affirms Council Decision to Delay Work

Chapleau Town Council's received some positive news about a few local bridges.

During Monday's regular meeting, Council received a presentation from AECOM on the 2019 Structures Inventory Summary Report, which Mayor Michael Levesque explains addressed the condition of the bridges.

Mayor Levesque says it's especially good news, as Council decided last month to defer planned work on the bridges, so they could put the money toward work on Dufferin Street, though he's previously stated that he doesn't expect the Township to receive the funds for that project until the fall, so the actual work likely won't happen until next year.

Superior East OPP Raise Concerns About Illegal Dumping

Local police are raising concerns about dumping alongside roads and in the bush.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Trevor Tremblay says such reports are far too common, including one reported in the Wawa area on Monday.

In this case, Tremblay says the items were dumped off the hydro line along the Old Tote Road, which he notes isn't too far from the municipal landfill.

Though he says officers didn't find enough evidence to continue an investigation - but he isn't giving up hope.

Constable Tremblay notes those illegally dumping items face charges under the Environmental Protection Act - which could carry fines of $1000-$2000 for the first conviction, or $3000-$4000 for subsequent offences - and there could be municipal by-law or other charges, depending on where the items are dumped.

Chapleau Mayor Addresses Downtown Revitalization Project Progress

The Township of Chapleau is touting the recent completion of the first phase in its Downtown Revitalization Project.

Backed with provincial and federal funding, that first phase recently saw the Township receive detailed designs and engineering required to redevelop Birch Street between Monk and Lansdowne Streets - including streetscaping and underground infrastructure - though Mayor Michael Levesque notes efforts to revitalize the downtown date back several years.

The mayor doesn't have a timeline for completing the next phase of the project, except that he hopes to get it done as quickly as possible once the money's in the Township's hands, adding that things are "up in the air" regarding possible funding given the current climate from the provincial government.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).