Newmarket Pair Charged in White River Gas Theft

Two Newmarket residents are facing charges after a theft of gas in White River.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the incident late Sunday afternoon, finding the vehicle southbound on Highway 17 near Wawa about half an hour later, with both occupants of the vehicle arrested without incident.
The 39-year-old man and 34-year-old woman were charged with theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, and failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court, while the man was also charged with another count of failure to comply with relase order and two counts of fail to comply with probation order.
They've been released from custody with a future Wawa court date.

Fail to Comply Charges for Dubreuilville Man

Fail to comply charges have been laid against a Dubreuilville man.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a wanted person who'd attended the Detachment for an unrelated matter early Sunday morning, leading to his arrest on charges of fail to appear or comply with appearance notice.
The 74-year-old's been released from custody, scheduled to appear in Wawa court in September.

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Electronic Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council's holding back-to-back electronic meetings tonight.
First up: a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, set to start with two "in-camera" items about legal issues - a Code of Conduct complaint and a sale of land - with an integrity commissioner report to be discussed in open session after.
There'll also be discussion about the Northeast Superior Regional Broadband Network and draft policies on general reserve and reserve funds and on surplus and deficit.
That'll be followed by a regular meeting, which will includes a by-law confirming an agreement for operation of the Harry McCluskie Municipal Marina, as well as a related management agreement with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans for long-term management of the marina slips.
The sole scheduled meetings for the month, they'll be livestreamed on the Municipality's YouTube page, starting earlier than usual, at 5:30 tonight.

Most of Ontario Moving to Stage 3 of Reopening Soon

Nearly all Ontario businesses and public spaces can reopen just ahead of the weekend.
Premier Doug Ford's announced most of Ontario's health units can enter "Stage 3" of the province's reopening process this Friday, including the local Algoma Public Health, Public Health Sudbury and Districts, Porcupine Health Unit, and Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Under Stage 3, indoor gathering limits will rise to a maximum of 50 people - with a maximum of 100 for outdoor gatherings - though physical distancing requirements remain in effect.
That includes community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals, open houses, and conferences.
While most businesses and events will be able to reopen, there are some still prohibited, including: amusement and water parks; buffet-style food services; dancing at restaurants and bars; overnight stays at camps for children; private karaoke rooms; prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports; saunas, steam rooms, bath houses, and oxygen bars; or table games at gaming establishments.
This comes just days after the provincial government extended all COVID-19-related emergency orders until July 22nd, while legislation's been introduced that would allow the government to extend the province's state of emergency declaration from the current July 24th date into next year.

Chapleau Council Holding Sole July Meeting

Chapleau Council has a busy night ahead, with their sole scheduled meeting for the month.
Included on the agenda is a report from the Integrity Commissioner, as well as a by-law confirming an agreement for engineering services for the design and project management of the Sewage Lagoon Dechlorination System, a request from the Northeast Superior Regional Broadband Network, the tender for replacing the condenser at the Recreation Centre, an appointment to the Auxiliary Fire Department, and the tender for the purchase of LED street lights.
Council will also consider a pair of minor variance applications and three purchase orders.
Members of the public can listen in on tonight's meeting by calling 1-800-974-5902, entering conference ID 5116623 - the meeting starts at 6:30 pm.

APH to Require Face Coverings in Public Places in Algoma

Face coverings will soon be required in public places across Algoma.
Algoma Public Health says - as of Friday, July 17th - businesses and organizations must adopt a policy requiring the public to wear a face covering such as a non-medical mask in all enclosed public spaces, such as the indoor premises of businesses and organizations, or on public transit systems.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Marlene Spruyt says there's a need to "step up preventive measures" in public spaces as the province continues reopening and essential travel continues between other regions.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts implemented a similar requirement last Wednesday.
This comes as Algoma has a single active case of COVID-19 - reported Thursday, in the Sault Ste. Marie area - while there are no active cases in the Sudbury district.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed its 68th - and only active - case, a man in his 20s in the Cochrane area, while the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has a single active case.

Algoma Public Health Confirms 25th COVID-19 Case

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.

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