A Chapleau resident's facing assault and mischief charges over a domestic dispute last week.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to the incident around 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 32-year-old on charges of spousal assault, spousal assault with a weapon, and three counts of domestic mischief.
The accused has been released from custody, awaiting a Chapleau court date - they are not being publicly identified, to protect the victims' identity.
Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Winds Up 29th Annual Event
Anglers have left the ice as the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby's wrapped up for a 29th year.
With dozens of fish caught over the weekend, Dennis Quinn of Echo Bay reeled in the largest of the derby - a 14.9-pound pike - to claim the top prize on Wawa Lake, while an 11.48-pound pike from Bob Spekking of Marathon topped the Hawk Lake results, and local Clyde Smith's 10.81-pound lake trout was the largest for Manitowik Lake.
Other winners include Robert Case - who won the $30,000 registration prize draw - and the five Early Bird prize winners of $1000 each: Larry Garton of Goulais River and locals Julia Rowe, Derek Lamon, Jr., Christien Lapointe, and Kerry-Lee Labbe.
Planning has already started for next year's derby, to be held March 5th through 7th.
Local Police Issue Safety Reminders for Derby Weekend
Local police are issuing a few safety reminders ahead of the Wawa derby.
Noting there may be higher snowmobile traffic in the community this weekend, Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Trevor Tremblay urges everyone to be cautious driving in town.
Tremblay also warns snowmobilers to beware "hidden hazards" out on the ice, like pressure ridges or old holes under the snow, or open water.
Anglers are also warned to secure your ice hut and to avoid keeping any valuables inside when you're not there, and Constable Tremblay urges people not to drink and drive - cars or snowmachines - reminding it's illegal to drink out on the ice.
Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Reeling in Anglers for 29th Year
Anglers are gathering in Wawa today, as they look to reel in prizes at the 29th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.
Derby Chairperson Scott Popert notes there's a big prize that doesn't even require luck out on the ice.
Popert reminds there are also five "Early Bird" prizes of $1000 and six identical prizes for the top fish from each of the three derby lakes, given out on a "pick what you want" process, the angler with the biggest fish going first.
Some tickets are still available, to be sold during registration, which runs from 1 to 10 this afternoon at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre
Fishing runs from 8 am to 4 pm Saturday and 8 am to 1 pm Sunday, with a dance Saturday night.
JJAM FM is live-on-location at the derby from 12 noon to 4 pm Saturday afternoon, 7 pm to 9 pm that night, and 10 am to 2 pm Sunday.
MVFA Annual Cash Draw Set to Wrap Up
A lucky supporter of Wawa's firefighters will soon be $10,000 richer.
The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association annual cash draw is set to wrap up this weekend, with its final three $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw, and Captain Craig Spooner encourages everyone to buy a ticket to help the firefighters.
While tickets are no longer available at local stores or from firefighters, they will be sold at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby until they sell out or until the draws are made at 5:00 pm Sunday, during the derby's prize ceremony.
Wawa's St. Joseph French Immersion Gr. 7/8 Students Holding Fundraising Bake Sale
Some Wawa students are selling baked goods tonight to raise funds for a big trip.
St. Joseph French Immersion Catholic School Grade 7 and 8 teacher Adam Carricato explains the bake sale supports this June's Grade 7 and 8 trip to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.
Carricato says - if that amount is raised - all costs would be covered, thanks to the support of the community.
The bake sale will be held from 1 pm to 8 pm at the Community Centre - during derby registration - though another fundraiser for the trip is coming soon: a bottle drive will be held Tuesday, March 10th, from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Local Catholic & French Schools Closed Amid Province-Wide Strikes
Many local schools are closed today, as Ontario's Catholic and French school teachers are walking off the job for the day.
Both the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association and the Association of Franco-Ontarian Teachers are holding province-wide one-day walkouts, prompting the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, and the Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario to cancel classes for the day.
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation is also holding a targeted strike today, though not locally - exploratory talks between the OSSTF and the government broke down Tuesday night, with no more scheduled at this time.
Those talks broke down after Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced the government was backing down on some demands - like increasing class sizes and mandatory e-learning - though the four teachers' unions say that hasn't been reflected at the bargaining table, adding Lecce has repeatedly made public announcements about the government's stances that differ from the stances of government negotiators, with the AEFO even saying Lecce's claims "came dangerously close to constituting lies, half-truths, and bargaining in bad faith".
Tickets Being Pulled Ahead of MVFA Cash Draw's Final Draws
Time's running out to get a ticket ahead of a few big draws supporting Wawa's firefighters.
While the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association annual cash draw wraps up this weekend, Captain Craig Spooner notes tickets will be pulled from local stores and from firefighters later today.
Spooner notes tickets will be available at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby until they sell out or until the final three $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw are made at 5 pm Sunday, during the derby's prize ceremony.
Wawa Council Discusses Proposed Fixed Rate for Water Billing
Wawa Municipal Council appears steadfast after hearing concerns about proposed water and sewer services billing.
CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill has recommended the initial implementation of water meter-based billing aim to cover the $1.5-million in revenue needed for water and wastewater services with a 70/30 split: 70% of the costs to be covered by a "fixed" component on the user's bill, relating to the size of the pipe into their meter, the remaining 30% to be covered by a variable rate, a charge per cubic metre of water used.
During their Corporate Planning Committee meeting last night, Council heard concerns from Viking Restaurant owner Roland Lachappelle, who questioned why he would need to pay the fixed rate during periods where he'd have water turned off for the season - and so isn't using the "service" - noting concerns not just for himself, but for seniors in the community - and further warning that the "cost of living here is getting out of control", driving people away from town.
O'Neill replied that the fixed rate is meant to cover many aspects of the service, with Mayor Ron Rody saying it relates to the service of having the pipes and the clean water available when service is turned on - Rody did admit Lachappelle was "absolutely right" about increasing costs in small towns, but noted the costs for water and sewer service is required by provincial law to be paid by users, not subsidized by property taxes - something the municipality has yet to reach.
Council has not yet confirmed the plans for water meter-based billing or related rates.
Wawa Council Approves Purchase of Street Furniture for Broadway Ave
Wawa Municipal Council's approved the purchase of new "street furniture" for Broadway Avenue.
Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the furniture includes a few things normally placed on Broadway's sidewalks during the warmer tourist season.
Patterson notes there will be two types of benches.
Council needed to approve plans for the street furniture soon - as the $40,000 funding from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario has to be spent by the end of the month - and Patterson says the order will be put in quickly, so the furniture can arrive in time to be put out at the normal time.
The Council resolution passed last night notes most of the more than $50,000 cost will be covered by the AMO funding, with roughly $9300 plus HST coming from the Municipality's capital budget.
The purchase was included in the capital budget presented to Council last month, though Patterson says he was able to get a bulk discount by increasing the order's size.
No Fishing on Derby Lakes Ahead of Wawa Ice Fishing Derby
With the annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby nearly here, organizers are reminding participants to stay off the lakes.
According to derby rules, there is no fishing on the Wawa, Hawk, and Manitowik Lakes for any derby contestants for the rest of the week, until fishing officially opens for the derby Saturday morning.
Derby Chair Scott Popert reminds there are still tickets available for the derby - with prizes for the top six fish from each of the three derby lakes.
Popert notes the prizes will go on a "pick what you want" process, with the angler who caught the biggest fish going first and so on.
Registration for the 29th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby runs from 1 pm to 10 pm Friday, with fishing on Saturday and Sunday.
Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings
Wawa Municipal Council will discuss water, broadband, and more in back-to-back meetings tonight.
First up is a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which includes a delegation from the Northeast Superior Regional Broadband Network, as well as discussion on a confidentiality and non-disclosure policy, a report on a fee increase for additional garbage collection, and a local business' concerns about the water service flat rate.
That will be followed by a regular meeting of Council, which includes a new water and wastewater supply management by-law, as well as two "closed session" items, both personnel issues relating to staffing.
Aside from the "closed session" portion, tonight's meetings are open to the public, starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers.
Toronto Resident Charged After Speeding Stop Discovers Stolen Car Near Wawa
A Toronto resident's facing several charges after being stopped for speeding south of Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers conducting speed enforcement on Highway 17 about 25 kilometres south of Wawa stopped the vehicle shortly before 4 pm Saturday afternoon - further investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen and the driver had provided a false name to police, leading to the 43-year-old Toronto resident's arrest.
They've been charged with: possession of property obtained by crime over $5000; possession of property obtained by crime under $5000; obstruct peace officer; personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution, or obstruct justice; possession of a schedule I substance, cocaine; use other person's licence; and three counts each of operation while prohibited and driving while under suspension.
The accused was remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing in Sault Ste. Marie.
MMCC Ice Closed for Condenser Replacement
Wawa's hockey and curling ice is closed for the next few days, for a major equipment replacement at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains staff are replacing the condenser, a critical component of the ice plant.
While Patterson notes colder weather would have been helpful, he says there are some measures that can be taken to avoid problems.
Patterson reminds the rest of the community centre - like the gym - remains open, and the installation's expected to be finished by March 5th - just in time for this weekend's Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.
MVFA Annual Cash Draw Nears End
Time's running out to get tickets ahead of a few big draws supporting Wawa's firefighters.
The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association annual cash draw is set to wind up this weekend, with the final three $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw to be held Sunday, at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.
Captain Craig Spooner emphasizes purchasing a ticket supports a few causes.
Tickets are available in some local stores and from firefighters.
Chapleau Athletes Honoured for Recent Tournament Performance
Some Chapleau athletes are being recognized for strong results at the recent North Shore Secondary School Championship in Marathon.
Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is honouring the boys junior and senior basketball teams - and the girls' junior volleyball team - from Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium in Chapleau, noting the three teams "displayed fine form" during the recent championship, with the boys junior basketball team even winning the banner.
Wawa Legion Celebrates Accessibility for All With New Lift
Wawa's Legion Hall is celebrating its new lift today.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 is hosting an open house to mark the official opening of the "Lift for the Legion", which President Mary Anne Pearson says is intended to help those with mobility issues access the facility.
Pearson notes volunteer operators will be available at scheduled events - such as tonight's open house - otherwise those who need the lift are encouraged to call the Legion ahead of time.
The open house runs from 7 pm to 9 pm tonight.
Local School Boards Confirm Shared 2020-21 School Year Calendar
The local school boards have confirmed their calendar for next school year.
A joint release from the Algoma District School Board, Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, and Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario outlines the 194-day calendar, which is the same for all four boards.
Staff will return for the 2020-21 school year on Tuesday, September 1st, though that will be a Professional Activity Day, with classes beginning Wednesday, September 2nd.
The last day of classes will be June 29th.
Aside from September 1st, PA Days will also fall on September 25th, October 23rd, November 20th, February 5th, April 30th, and June 11th, while the Christmas break will run December 21st through January 1st, and March Break will be March 15th through 19th.
Chapleau OPP Officer Promoted to Sergeant
A Chapleau police officer's been promoted.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police officer Clay Lane was recently presented with a new warrant card and badge, confirming his promotion from constable to sergeant.
Lane was with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service for nine years before joining the OPP in 2016.
Chapleau Council Considering "Respect Zone" Policy
Chapleau Town Council's looking at a implementing a "Respect Zone" (or “R-Zone”) policy for the community.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains Council discussed the idea in Monday's Council meeting, prompted by "a number of incidents of intimidation, harassment, and inappropriate behaviour" toward town employees - including by people "under the influence".
Mayor Levesque says the policy will be partly based on one in Timmins, outlining the response to an incident involving what is deemed to be inappropriate behaviour against a town employee.
Mayor Levesque adds that he hopes the policy will also include attacks via social media.
While the full procedure hasn't been finalized, Levesque expects staff would "initially" handle the process as "an operations matter", though he believes Council would be apprised, especially if "it's serious enough" - and he notes the policy would advise town employees to call police if they feel threatened, particularly if they're alone.
The mayor adds that this policy is "kind of part and parcel" with the recently approved formal complaints policy, that outlines how the public can file a complaint about township staff or the work they do.
The proposed "R-Zone" policy's expected to come up for approval March 9th.