A Chapleau man's facing a pair of charges after a reported violation of court-ordered release conditions.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they received the report around noon on Sunday, with an officer locating the individual a short time later, arresting them on charges of failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court and drive motor vehicle - no licence.
The 25-year-old's been released from custody, scheduled to appear in Chapleau court in August.
Update on Regional COVID-19 Figures
Algoma Public Health has not reported a new case in more than two weeks - with all 21 reported cases considered "resolved" with no deaths - though it is still awaiting results from 430 tests.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts also says all 64 of its reported cases are "resolved" - including two deaths - with the health unit last reporting a new case May 14th, though it is currently investigating 770 other cases.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has not reported a new case in nearly a month, with only one of its 65 reported cases still considered "active", though it is investigating 307 other cases.
It has reported seven COVID-19-related deaths.
To the northwest, the neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed its 85th case - along with a new outbreak at Pioneer Ridge Long-Term Care Home in Thunder Bay - though only four of its cases are considered "active", with one death.
Chapleau Council Preparing to Vote on 2020 Budget
Chapleau Town Council's set to vote on this year's budget.
After generally agreeing on a 2.5% levy increase last month, a Township notice says Council intends to adopt the budget in a meeting this Wednesday.
After last month's meeting, Mayor Michael Levesque noted that COVID-19 had a major effect on the budget - including on licences and permits - though the major change to operations relates to restrictions from the pandemic.
Council also agreed to a CAO recommendation to keep the museum/tourist information centre closed for the season, though that could be revisited later.
Superior East OPP Investigating After Lock Cut on Gate of Private Property
Local police are investigating a mischief complaint after a lock was cut off a gate to private property long used to illegally dump waste.
A Twitter post from Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay says the gate was installed this spring on a road near Firesand Creek - just off Highway 101 - because of years of people illegally dumping yard waste and other materials on the property, but the lock was recently cut off the gate, prompting the mischief call.
Tremblay reminds the municipal landfill accepts brush and yard waste free of charge, warning the illegal dumping creates a pattern that escalates to include mattresses, shingles, and appliances, adding "trail cams are very affordable".
Wawa Council Approves Arena Truss Recoating Plan
Wawa Municipal Council's approved plans to repaint the arena's roof trusses.
In a special lunchtime meeting today, Council approved a staff recommendation to award the job to Ottawa-based Hastings Painting Corporation - one of the few to submit a proposal - with Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson noting the work could begin as early as Monday, with "substantial completion" expected before August 1st.
Patterson had previously told Council that the work was recommended following a structural inspection of the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, specifically the arena.
Wawa Council Considering Arena Truss Recoating Recommendation
Wawa Municipal Council is holding a lunchtime meeting today to consider a single topic: arena truss recoating.
Included on the agenda is a staff report on the topic, as well as a resolution to accept a staff recommendation to award the job to Ottawa-based Hastings Painting Corporation, with a by-law confirming that.
Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the recoating was recommended in a structural inspection of the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, and specifically the arena.
Patterson notes the trusses are starting to show how long it's been since they were last painted.
While it's still unclear when the arena or community centre will be able to reopen, Patterson says the hope is - if the project moves forward - that the work will be done "relatively quick", before the facility reopens.
The meeting is being held electronically at noon, livestreamed on the Municipality's YouTube page.
Superior East OPP Charge 2 Stunt Drivers in 13 Hours
Superior East OPP have been kept busy with fast drivers, laying stunt driving charges twice over only thirteen hours.
The first incident occurred around 12:30 Tuesday afternoon on Highway 519 near Dubreuilville, where an eastbound vehicle registered a speed of 144 kilometres an hour in a posted 80 kilometre an hour zone - the driver, a 41-year-old from Dubreuilville, was stopped and charged with "race a motor vehicle - excessive speed" and "operate a motor vehicle without insurance".
The second incident occurred around 2:40 Wednesday morning, when an officer observed a vehicle travelling at 153 kilometres an hour in a posted 90 kilometre an hour zone on Highway 17 near Wawa - that driver, a 31-year-old from Quebec, was charged with "race a motor vehicle - excessive speed".
Both drivers have had their driver's licences suspended and the vehicle impounded for seven days, while the drivers are scheduled to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice next month.
Chapleau Seeking Firefighters
Chapleau's looking for more firefighters.
The Chapleau Volunteer Fire Department says it's accepting applications for volunteer firefighter, noting potential recruits will need to undergo a physical agility exam, written aptitude test, criminal reference check, and medical.
Application information's available on the Township's website, with a deadline of 4 pm on Friday, June 19th.
Wawa Council Calls Special Meeting on Arena Truss Recoating
Wawa Municipal Council has called a special meeting for the end of the week, to consider a single topic: arena truss repainting.
Included on the agenda is a staff report on recoating arena trusses, as well as a resolution to accept a staff recommendation to award the job to Hastings Painting Corporation, with a by-law to confirm that.
Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson's previously warned Council that the truss work must be done this year.
The meeting will be held Friday at noon, and - like other recent meetings - will be held electronically, livestreamed on the Municipality's YouTube page.
Family of Four Safe After ATV Breaks Down North of SSM
A family of four is safe after being stuck on an ATV trail between Wawa and the Sault.
Sault Ste. Marie OPP say they were advised Wednesday, June 3rd, that the family was stuck on the trail in the Mile Hill area after their ATV broke down - the OPP Emergency Response Team helped with the search, with the family safely located shortly after.
Wawa EDC & BIA Launch Local ShopHERE Program
Wawa residents are being encouraged to "shop here", as two local organizations are hoping to get local businesses online.
The Economic Development Corporation of Wawa and the Wawa Business Improvement Association have announced a collaboration with Google's ShopHERE program, to help local businesses and artists develop an online store at no cost, including helping with digital skills training needed to participate in the "digital economy".
A release from the two local groups says the program is now available to small businesses in Wawa, with local businesses - and artists - able to apply online, though the EDC can provide further information.
Pukaskwa National Park Reopening For Limited Use
A local national park is reopening for limited use late this week.
Starting Friday, June 5th, Pukaskwa National Park will begin offering limited visitor access and basic services, allowing visitors to access: the parking area near the visitor centre; the front country day-use trails; the day-use areas; and the front country day-use washrooms and composting toilets in the parking lot and the beginning of the Beach Trail.
Overnight parking and camping are still prohibited, while group activities and public events are still suspended, and the Coastal Hiking Trail - including the hike to the White River Suspension bridge - remains closed until further notice.
This comes as Ontario’s opening up backcountry camping at Ontario Parks - with the allowed day-use activities expanding - though campsites are limited to no more than five people unless they stay in the same household, and buildings and facilities (except for some washroom facilities) remain closed.
Recreational camping is also being allowed on Crown land, though visitors are reminded to adhere to normal rules and public health advice such as physical distancing.
Nearly All Local COVID-19 Cases Considered "Resolved"
Algoma Public Health's reporting all 21 of its reported cases are considered "resolved", though it is still awaiting results from 534 tests.
It last confirmed a case more than a week ago.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has already reported all 64 of its confirmed cases are considered "resolved" - including 2 deaths - though it's still investigating 702 cases.
Its last reported case was more than two weeks ago.
The Porcupine Health Unit says only 1 of its 65 reported cases is still "active", with no new cases since May 10th, though it's still investigating 141 other cases.
It has reported seven deaths linked to COVID-19.
Wawa BIA Reduces 2020 Levy
Wawa's Business Improvement Association is drastically reducing its levy request for the year.
Following a teleconference meeting, the BIA's directors have announced they're reducing the levy by more than 83%, meant to help local businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's also an acknowledgement that many projects and sponsorships the BIA would normally support have been cancelled.
Assault and Threat Charges After Wawa Incident
A Wawa resident's facing assault and threat charges after an incident in town.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to a reported assault at a Churchill Avenue residence around 1:45 in the afternoon last Sunday, May 24th - on arrival, officers were advised the accused had left the scene, though they were located and arrested on Ganley Street early Thursday afternoon.
The 31-year-old woman has been charged with assault, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and failure to comply with undertaking.
She's been released from custody with a future Wawa court date.
Impaired Driving Charges After Chapleau Traffic Complaint
Impaired driving charges have been laid after a traffic complaint in Chapleau.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the complaint on Beech Street around 4 o'clock Friday afternoon, though officers ended up stopping the vehicle on Birch Street - the driver ended up registering a "fail" on an Approved Screening Device and was arrested, taken to the Chapleau OPP detachment for further testing.
The 70-year-old Chapleau man's been charged with operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
Though he's been released from custody - with a future Chapleau court date - the man's been issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension while his vehicle's been impounded for seven days.
Wawa Man Charged With Breaching Conditions
A Wawa man's been charged with breaching conditions.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were informed on Thursday that a 47-year-old had violated the conditions of his release, leading to his arrest on Friday on a charge of failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court.
He's been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.
Michipicoten Golf Club Opens for Season, With Restrictions
Wawa golfers can soon start hitting the greens.
The Michipicoten Golf Club opens today, though General Manager Karl Benstead notes there are some changes, starting with tee times.
Benstead adds there are limits to the number of people playing together.
Benstead notes that restriction means leagues will not be starting yet, while many tournaments have been cancelled - and he further warns that carts will be limited to one person, or two people if they live together.
The driving range and clubhouse are closed - except for the washroom - while the pro shop uses a "drive through window" to serve customers.
More Local COVID-19 Recoveries Reported
Algoma Public Health's reporting 20 of its 21 reported cases are considered "resolved", though it is still awaiting results from more than 470 tests.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts earlier this week reported all 64 of its reported cases are considered "resolved", including 2 deaths.
It has not confirmed a new case in two weeks, though it's still investigating nearly 820 cases.
The Porcupine Health Unit says only 2 of its 65 reported cases are still "active" with no new cases in seventeen days, though it's still investigating over 175 other cases.
It has reported seven deaths linked to COVID-19.
Small Forest Fire Being Observed Near Wawa
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is "observing" a small forest fire near Wawa.
The ministry says "Wawa 2" is a 0.3 hectare fire discovered Wednesday, located on the south shore of Dodds Lake, at the north end of Lake Superior Provincial Park - it's currently listed as "being observed".
It's the only local fire reported, though there are a few others reported near Greater Sudbury and the Quebec border.