Wawa Festival of Lights Christmas Decoration Contest Nearing End

With Christmas nearly hear, Wawa residents are being encouraged to get out and enjoy some of the decorations up for the holiday season - and vote for the best-looking houses.
Isabeau Allard of the Wawa EDC notes voting is underway for the Festival of Lights Christmas Decoration Contest, which has three categories.

Isabeau Allard on Festival of Lights Decoration Categories
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Allard reminds Christmas is the last day for voting, which is done through an online survey - which can be accessed through the Wawa Recreation Facebook page - though paper copies are available at the Town Hall and Community Centre.
To help with voting, participants are reminded to turn on their Christmas lights from 6 pm to 9 pm tonight and tomorrow night.

Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby Sells Out

Chapleau's premier derby is out of tickets - only three weeks after they went on sale.
The Rotary Club of Chapleau says it has already sold out of tickets for the upcoming 23rd annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held February 8th.
Organizers remind there are several prizes on the line, including a $5000 tagged fish prize sponsored by RBC, the entry draw prize of a 2019 Dodge Ram 4x4 Classic, and prizes for the largest fish.

LDHCF Wish Campaign Continues Into Holidays

With Christmas nearly here, 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 an ongoing campaign to raise $125,000 for a new "Medical Device Reprocessing Device".
Foundation Chair Lina Rody reminds that names of donators will be displayed on a Christmas tree in the hospital lobby - though you could also donate in someone else's name.

LDHCF Chair Lina Rody on Donating in Honour of Others
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Donations can be made at the hospital, online, or via mail, even after Christmas - the campaign ends January 3rd.

MVFA Reminds Cash Draw Tickets Still for Sale

Those still looking for Christmas presents are being reminded of a way to cash in on helping Wawa's firefighters.
The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association is reminding that its annual cash draw has returned, with four more $1000 draws to go, along with the $10,000 grand prize draw.
Captain Craig Spooner reminds the draw supports a few causes, including some local students.

WVFD Captain Craig Spooner on MVFA Cash Draw Bursaries
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Spooner notes proceeds also help the firefighters with public education, as well as training and equipment.
Tickets are available in many places in the community and from local firefighters, with the next $1000 draw on Valentine's Day, on JJAM FM.

SE OPP Arrest Chapleau Man on Sexual Assault Charges

Ontario Provincial Police have charged a Chapleau man with sexual assault.
Superior East OPP say they arrested the 59-year-old on Monday, charging him with sexual assault and with "Intimidation - justice system - persons or general public".
The charges stem from an investigation launched November 1st, looking into a reported sexual assault in Chapleau - no further details are provided.
OPP are asking anyone with information, however, to immediately contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
The accused is scheduled to appear in Chapleau's Ontario Court of Justice in February.

Chapleau Hires New CBO/By-Law Enforcement Official

Chapleau's hired a key new employee.
A new Chief Building Official and By-Law Enforcement Official has been hired - set to start soon - and Mayor Michael Levesque (lev-ek) says it was a role they had to combine.

Mayor Levesque on Combining CBO & By-Law Enforcement Roles
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Like Chapleau, Wawa has combined the two roles, with an "Assistant Director of Protective Services", described as "encompass[ing] the joint responsibilities of Fire Chief, Chief Building Official, and By-Law Enforcement".
In May, Chapleau Council had approved the appointment of arena employees as assistant by-law enforcement officers, who Levesque said would be responsible for "a measure of" property standards and "flagrant breaches of by-laws" such as for parking, though he now notes that was always intended to be a temporary, short-term measure.

Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day Fundraiser Announced

A special fundraiser will be hitting the ice of Dubreuilville's arena early next year.
The "1st annual Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day" will see teams of various categories - including kids in Grades 4 to 8 - play in a fun event honouring Eddy Lefrancois, a Dubreuilville ALS activist who passed away earlier this year - profits from the event will go toward ALS Canada.
Teams are asked to register by contacting Eric Levesque by Thursday, January 2nd, so the schedule can be prepared for the event on January 4th - the first anniversary of Eddy's death.
Dubreuilville renamed its arena - where the event's being held - in Eddy's honour in October.

Chapleau Bids Farewell to Longtime Health Unit Board Representative

The Township of Chapleau's thanking a longtime representative on the local health unit board for their service.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains that Rita Pilon has retired from the board of Public Health Sudbury and Districts, the former Sudbury and District Health Unit.

Mayor Levesque on Retirement of Longtime PHSD Representative
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque notes - with Pilon's retirement - the Township will soon be advertising for a new municipal representative to the board.

Chapleau Council Hears Mayor AECOM Reports

Chapleau Town Council heard a few reports from an outside firm in this week's meeting.
Mayor Michael Levesque says one topic AECOM covered was the water treatment plant.

Mayor Levesque on Water Treatment Plant Refurbishment Report
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque says the firm also presented Council with a "Linear Asset Replacement Prioritization Plan".

Mayor Levesque on AECOM Asset Management Plan Report
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque admits the plan's "optimistic" - as it averages about $500,000 a year - but notes there are various sources for funding that may help - including unreliable grants, substantial reserve funds, and money freed up by eliminating debt - and emphasizes it's important to try to follow the plan, particularly for water and sewer infrastructure.
The plan was not approved this week, though the mayor expects it will be in coming months.

Winners Announced for Successful NALC Literacy Lottery

Wawa's Adult Learning Centre is thanking the community for its support of a special fundraiser.
The North Algoma Literacy Coalition says its "Literacy Lottery" ended up reaching its goal, which will see over $2000 go to the coalition itself and more than $2000 go to the Rotary Club of Wawa to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, as explained by Executive Director Pat Dube.

NALC Executive Director Pat Dube on Purpose of Literacy Lottery
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Claiming the top prize of $1250 in President's Choice gift cards is Connie Taylor, while Elaine Christensen won the second prize of $750 in PC gift cards, and Gordon Draper won the third prize of $500 in PC gift cards.

Wawa Lions Club Thanks Community for Supporting "Christmas Cheer" 50/50 Draw

Wawa's Lions Club is also thanking the community for its support spreading some "Christmas Cheer".
The local club says Vangie Fournier's won $2025 through its holiday-themed 50/50 draw, which President Brenda Ouellette notes will help the community.

Brenda Ouellette on Lions Club Christmas Cheer 50/50 Draw Cause
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

HSCDSB Acclaims Chair and Vice Chair

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board's keeping its top representatives.
Espanola trustee Lindsay Liske's been acclaimed as chair of the local English Catholic school board - a role he held for one term prior to his election as chair last year - while Sault Ste. Marie trustee Sandra Turco will serve a second straight term as vice chair.
Director of Education Rose Burton Spohn says the last year "has been very productive" as she worked closely with Liske and Turco, and she adds that she looks forward to continuing to collaborate on a multi-year strategic plan for the board.

Time Almost Up to Get Ticket for NALC Literacy Lottery

Time is running out to get a ticket for a fundraiser supporting Wawa's Adult Learning Centre.
North Algoma Literacy Coalition Executive Director Pat Dube explains there are a few prizes on the line in the "Literacy Lottery".

NALC Executive Director Pat Dube on Literacy Lottery Prizes
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Dube emphasizes that proceeds from the Literacy Lottery will help the adult learning centre purchase programming, and - with the support of the local Rotary Club - help the Dolly Parton Imagination Library provide books to local children.
Tickets are available at the NALC office - the draw will be made at 10 am tomorrow.

Chapleau Council Approves Water, Sewer, Garbage Collection Rate Increases

Chapleau Town Council has approved increases to rates for water and sewage services and garbage collection.
Though Council has approved increases, Mayor Michael Levesque explains residents will see "a bit of a relief" regarding water and sewer rates.

Mayor Levesque on Increase to Water and Sewage Rates
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque says Council is sticking in line with previous years for garbage collection rates, raising them two percent for 2020.
Council has not finalized the 2020 budget yet, so it's not known how tax rates may be changing next year.

Chapleau Council Approves Purchase Orders, Orders RFP for New Loader

Some important work has been approved by Chapleau Council - along with plans to look for a new loader.
During last night's meeting, Council approved a nearly $12,000 purchase order for water and waste water distribution system components - as included in the operating budget - along with a nearly $7900 purchase order for repairs to the loader, to be funded by reallocations from the operating budget and reserve fund contributions.
Mayor Michael Levesque notes Council has also directed the CAO to issue a request for proposals for a rubber-tired loader.

Mayor Levesque on Decision for RFP for New Loader
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque calls it a "rather substantial purchase" of about $400,000, which would need to be approved by Council in the coming months.

Draw Nears for NALC Literacy Lottery

Wawa's Adult Learning Centre is reminding time's almost up to get tickets for a special fundraiser.
North Algoma Literacy Coalition Executive Director Pat Dube explains they're selling tickets for a "literacy lottery".

NALC Executive Director Pat Dube on Literacy Lottery Purpose
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Dube notes there are three prizes: third prize is $500 in President's Choice gift cards; second is $750 in PC gift cards; and the top prize is $1250 in PC gift cards.
Tickets are available at the NALC office - the draw will be made at 10 am Wednesday.

Chapleau MNRF Staff Thank Community for Successful Food Drive

Chapleau's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff are thanking the community for supporting their annual food drive.
Thursday's event at the Chapleau Valu-Mart was able to raise over 900 food items and more than $850, which was donated to the Chapleau Pentecostal Church.
They particularly highlight the support of Rick Smith at Miss Muggins for donating food and beverages.

Wawa Lions Club Set to Draw Winner in "Christmas Cheer" 50/50 Draw

Wawa's Lions Club will spread some "Christmas Cheer" to a lucky supporter later today.
The local club is selling tickets for a holiday-themed 50/50 draw, and President Brenda Ouellette notes funds raised will help the community.

Lions Club President Brenda Ouellette on 50/50 Draw Cause
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Oullette notes - if tickets sell out in time - the maximum possible payout is $2500.
The draw will be held at 5 o'clock tonight.

Wawa Red Cross Office Hosts Open House

As the holidays approach, Wawa's branch of the Canadian Red Cross is opening up its doors for the public to come in and say hello.
Senior Services Coordinator Darlene Trovarello calls it a chance to honour the 28 local volunteers who make local programs possible, and encourages the public to come, too.

Darlene Trovarello on Wawa Red Cross Holiday Open House
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The holiday open house runs from 12 noon to 3 pm.

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