Algoma Public Health's confirmed its first new COVID-19 case in nearly a month.
The health unit is giving few details about its 25th confirmed case, except that they've been self-isolating since they were tested Tuesday and close contacts have been notified.
It's unknown how the person was exposed, considered evidence of ongoing community spread in Sault Ste. Marie and area, though the health unit warns community spread's likely throughout Algoma and everyone should continue practicing physical distancing since any close contact could be a possible exposure.
This is the only active case for the health unit, which last reported a case June 19th.
Multiple Forest Fires Burning in Chapleau District
Multiple forest fires continue to burn in the region.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is showing five active fires in the Chapleau district: a 40-hectare blaze being held east of Upper Green Lake; a 0.1-hectare fire being held west of Woman Lake; a 0.1 hectare fire east of Lower Prairie Bee Lake, within The Shoals Provincial Park; a 0.2 hectare fire north of that blaze; and a 0.1 hectare fire far southeast of Chapleau.
The fire hazard mostly ranges from medium to extreme for most of the Northeast.
Heat Warnings for Chapleau & Gogama
Caution is being urged amid heat warnings for the Chapleau and Gogama areas.
Environment Canada expects daytime temperatures in the low thirties, reaching the mid to high thirties with the humidex, with temperatures only dropping to the high teens overnight.
It's expected to cool down this weekend, but may stay in the upper twenties.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns the heat can cause issues - particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and alcohol or drug users - emphasizing the need to drink plenty of liquids, stay in the shade, and take breaks from the heat.
Few Active COVID-19 Cases in Region
Few COVID-19 cases remain in the region.
Algoma Public Health's reporting no active cases, though it is waiting on results from over 1000 tests - it has seen 24 cases with no deaths.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts and the Porcupine Health Unit also say they have no active cases, but they're no longer reporting pending test numbers.
Both have seen 67 cases, with two deaths in the Sudbury district and eight for Porcupine.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting two active cases - including one in hospital - though it has had 89 recoveries and one death.
Pair of Chapleau Residents Charged With Breaching Conditions in Separate Incidents
Two Chapleau residents have been arrested for breaching release conditions.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say a 25-year-old Chapleau man was arrested Thursday night, amid a report they were breaching their conditions - he was charged with "failure to comply with released order - other than to attend court".
Early Friday morning, officers responded to a call about another person breaching release conditions, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old Chapleau on a charge of "failing to comply with conditions of undertaking given to officer in charge".
Both have been released from custody, with future Chapleau court dates.
ADSB Summer Learning Going Virtual
Summer learning is going virtual for a local school board.
The Algoma District School Board says it's continuing to provide "summer learning", with over 275 elementary students and over 300 secondary students taking part across the district using online resources.
Students are being divided into groups of eight to ten - with one-on-one instruction time, as well - offering the Primary Literacy program for Grades 1 and 2, Junior Numeracy for Grades 3 to 5, the Junior or Intermediate English Language Learners program for Grades 6 to 8, and - for secondary students - an expanded offering of eLearning courses requiring a 5.5-hour daily commitment.
Those participating will be provided with a device by the board, if needed.
It is also touting additional learning ideas for the summer months, including "Summer Learning Bingo" for Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Animal Abuse and Spousal Assault Charges Over Wawa Incident
Animal abuse and spousal assault charges have been laid after a domestic dispute in Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called to an incident Friday morning, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old person on charges of: spousal assault; overcome resistance by attempting to choke, suffocate, or strangle another person; and cruelty to animals - unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury.
They've been released from custody, with a future Wawa court date.
Few COVID-19 Cases Still Active in Region
Few COVID-19 cases remain active in the area.
Algoma Public Health currently has none, though it is awaiting results from over 900 tests as of Sunday morning.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says all 67 cases it has reported are "resolved" - including 2 deaths.
The Porcupine Health Unit still has one active case - it has had 67, including 8 deaths.
None of the three have reported a new case in the last week-and-a-half.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit, however, has three active cases - including one in hospital - with two of the cases reported late last week, a woman in her 80s and a woman in her 60s, both in the Thunder Bay area.
That health unit's reported a total of 92 cases so far, though only one death.
Wawa Man Charged With Meth Possession
Local police have arrested a Wawa man's on a meth possession charge.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant Thursday evening at a Winston Road residence, with the search yielding an unspecified quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine.
The 36-year-old Wawa man has been charged with possession of a schedule I substance, but released from custody until a future court date.
PHSD to Require Face Coverings in Businesses
Sudbury District business will soon need to step up face covering requirements.
As part of COVID-19 prevention efforts, Public Health Sudbury and Districts says - as of Wednesday - owners and operators of commercial establishments - and public transit - will be required to have policies in place to stop people from entering if they aren't wearing a face covering, such as a medical or non-medical mask, bandana, scarf, or cloth.
Among measures expected are signs and verbal reminders, though businesses will not be required to turn away the customer if they aren't following face covering policies.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe emphasizes this is in addition to physical distancing and hand sanitizer use, adding that "establishing common expectations about routine face covering helps reduce [the risk of spreading COVID-19] now and will pave the way to successful Stage 3 reopening", as well as protect us against a potential second wave, keeping businesses and services "up and running".
No such move has been announced for the Algoma District at this time.
Heat Warnings for Much of Region
Caution is being urged amid heat warnings for most of the region.
Environment Canada says daytime temperatures for the Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River areas be near or above thirty degrees until the weekend - particularly with the humidex - while the Chapleau area can expect temperatures into the upper thirties with the humidex.
Local health units warns the heat can cause many issues - particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, alcohol or drug users, the homeless, and those working or exercising in the heat - and recommend wearing loose-fitting light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric, drinking plenty of liquids, seeking shade, and taking breaks from the heat.
Financing Found to Restart White River Mine
Some good news for a local mine, as Harte Gold has announced a financing package that should let it reopen the Sugar Zone Mine.
The Toronto-based mining company says it has entered into a binding term sheet with Appian Capital Advisory LLP for up to $30-million in financing in exchange for 9.5-million shares, an $18.5-million US credit facility, and a 0.5 percent net smelter royalty.
That will be used to reopen the White River mine in mid-July, taking a phased approach that will start with backfill and select mining operations, leading to mill operations late this month, once a sufficient stockpile's developed.
Harte's dropped its old production target for the year - now hoping to see 20,000 to 24,000 ounces in 2020, leading to 60,000 to 65,000 next year - though it expects a return to 800 tonnes per day will cost about $35-million.
The company's also moving from contract mining to owner-operator mining - expected to cut costs, increase efficiency, and improve long-term sustainability of the operation - while preparing a feasibility study to see if it could use the Sugar and Middle Zones to reach 1200 tonnes per day.
Drug and Other Charges Laid Against Stunt Driver Near Chapleau
Drug and other charges have been laid against a stunt driver in the Chapleau area.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers were conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 101 near Shoals Provincial Park around 5:50 last Thursday night when they observed an eastbound vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed - radar showed 133 kilometres an hour in the posted 80 kilometres an hour zone.
A subsequent traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine pills, with investigation revealing the driver was also suspended.
The 45-year-old Valley East man was arrested on charges of possessing a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, as well as race a motor vehicle - excessive speed, and two counts of driving while under suspension.
He's been released from custody with a future Chapleau court date.
ADSB Trustees Confirm Balanced Budget
Algoma District School Board trustees have confirmed a balanced budget for the year.
In their meeting earlier this week, trustees approved a $164.8-million budget for 2020-21, which includes commitments to continue with its Support for Board Improvement Plan, technology-related professional development for teachers, increased technology for students - with system upgrades - supports for special education and mental health, and capital improvements to the learning environments in schools.
The board notes there may be "additional enhancements", as well, as it awaits additional special project funding announcements and September 2020 enrolment figures.
Dangerous Operation and Drug Charges After Chapleau Traffic Complaint
Dangerous operation and drug charges have been laid after a traffic complaint in Chapleau.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a complaint on Lorne Street around 8:45 Saturday night, finding the driver slouched over the steering wheel, sleeping.
While the driver did pass a roadside test, officers found them they possessed suspected methamphetamine pills, leading to charges of dangerous operation, possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, and possession of a schedule I substance - opioid other than heroin.
The 38-year-old Chapleau resident's been released from custody with a future Chapleau court date.
OPP Still Watching for Violations After Canada Day
While Canada Day's now over, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding they're still watching roads, trails and waterways amid continued celebrations into the weekend.
Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay in particular reminds boaters not to get out on the water while impaired.
Constable Tremblay emphasizes the OPP "can't be everywhere, but we can be anywhere", and urges everyone to follow public health and safety guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly limits on social gatherings and physical distancing.
Pair of Ontario Residents Charged After Speeding Stop Near Wawa
A pair of Ontario residents are facing various charges after being stopped for speeding near Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers conducting speed enforcement on Highway 17 near Coldwater River stopped a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed around 7:30 Monday night - the driver provided a false name, but gave his real name after he was confronted about it.
Subsequent investigation revealed multiple driving suspensions, leading to the 30-year-old Thunder Bay man's arrest on charges of obstruct peace officer, driving while under suspension, speeding, drive vehicle with cannabis readily available, and two counts of operation while prohibited.
Police also arrested a passenger - a 32-year-old from Barrie - on a charge of possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.
Both were released, with future Wawa court dates.
Spousal Assault Charge After Chapleau Domestic Dispute
A spousal assault charge has been laid after a domestic dispute in Chapleau.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the incident happened around 5:30 last Friday night, with officers arresting a 41-year-old after further investigation.
They've been released, scheduled to appear in Chapleau court on a later date.
Free Park Admission and 2 Weeks of Free Fishing for Canada Day
The Ontario government's celebrating Canada Day with free park admission and free fishing.
Premier Doug Ford's confirmed day use at all provincial parks will be free tomorrow, while Canadians can fish without a licence from July 4th to 19th, double the length of last year's free fishing period around Canada Day.
Pair of Wawa Students Receive Scholarships
A pair of Wawa students are being honoured with special scholarships.
The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says sixteen students from its secondary schools in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie were awarded a "Bishop Alexander Carter Foundation Scholarship" valued at $1000, recognizing them for being an enlightened believer, effective communicator, thoughtful thinker, independent learner, collaborator, considerate person, and responsible citizen, or for obtaining the highest mark in Religious Teaching and illustrating themselves the most in school pastoral activities.
Recipients included Nicolas Lafreniere and Demily Thibodeau-Bello, both from Wawa's Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph.
Lafreniere was also a recipient of the board's "Vision Scholarship", along with classmate Bianca Hryhorchuck, and two students from Chapleau's ESC Trillium, Annabelle Hazen and Yanick Lepage.