Suspected drugs have been seized after a traffic stop near White River.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were responding to a traffic complaint on Highway 17 late Sunday afternoon when they stopped the vehicle north of White River, with subsequent investigation revealing suspected hydromorphone, alprazolam, and other unidentified pills.
That led to the arrest of a 54-year-old and a 21-year-old - both from Winnipeg - on charges of possession of a schedule I substance - opioid (other than heroin) - for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking. Both have been released from custody, scheduled to appear in Marathon court at a later date.
White River Speeding Stop Leads to Other Charge
A stop for speeding near White River has led to another charge.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say a member of the OPP's Northwest Region Emergency Response Team was travelling on Highway 17 around 5 o'clock Saturday night when they noticed a vehicle speeding near White River.
They initiated a traffic stop, with subsequent investigation revealing two people who are not permitted to be together, which led to the arrest of a 24-year-old from Cambridge on a charge of "failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court".
They've been released from custody, with an October Wawa court date.
Porcupine Health Unit Reports 9th COVID-19 Death
Another COVID-19-related death has been confirmed in the region.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit is reporting its ninth death related to the illness, a man in his 70s who was admitted to Timmins and District Hospital after testing positive on July 19th.
It emphasizes his case was not related to an institutional outbreak, with no further information being provided to the public.
He was the sole remaining active case for the health unit, which has reported 73 since the pandemic began.
Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts still has one "active" case - its 94th, reported more than a week ago - while the neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit also has one, its 103rd case.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in weeks.
Wawa Preparing to Reopen Municipal Offices
Wawa's preparing to reopen its municipal offices - and restart transit.
The Municipality says as of Tuesday, September 8th, it will reopen the municipal offices to the public, though visitors will need to wear masks, sanitize their hands, and sign-in at the front lobby for contact tracing purposes - those who are sick or aren't feeling well are asked to stay home.
The Wawa Public Library's also opening under similar conditions.
In addition, the Municipality's reopening Council meetings to in-person attendance, but limited to eight people - those planning on attending are asked to call ahead so they can be screened, though meetings will still be streamed on the Municipality's YouTube page.
Meanwhile, plans are to restart transit service that same day, running 8:45 to 2:45 weekdays with reduced seating capacity and increased steps for cleaning and sanitizing the bus - again, users are asked to wear a mask and wash hands prior to getting on the bus, and to refrain from using it if sick.
Good news for frequent riders: any monthly pass that was still valid after March 24th is extended to September 30th, while a 10-day pass valid after March 24th is extended until the end of the year.
Chapleau Council Approves Repairs for Refuse Truck
Chapleau Council approved thousands of dollars in repairs to the local garbage truck.
During their meeting this week, Council authorized a purchase order of more than $29,000 for repairs by Cervus Equipment Peterbilt - something Mayor Michael Levesque says comes after the Township noticed "a lot of repairs" were needed for the refuse truck over recent months.
Levesque notes - while the truck's out of service - the Township's needed to rent a truck from Toronto at the cost of $7500 a month, but says that was the closest and cheapest option available.
The mayor also says it isn't "feasible" to simply replace the truck at this time, as it is only in its sixth year out of a ten-year life expectancy, and a replacement would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Virtual LDHC Palliative Care Program Memorial Butterfly Release Arrives
Wawa's hospital is asking the community to help honour those who've passed with a special celebration. The Lady Dunn Health Centre's Palliative Care Program is holding its second "Memorial Butterfly Release", taking the event virtual, by asking residents of Wawa - and Dubreuilville, White River, and surrounding area - to put butterflies in their windows today. Wawa Family Health Team Nurse Practitioner Tricia Provost notes an template's printed in a recent edition of the Algoma News.
Provost also encourages everyone to post pictures of their butterflies on social media, with the hashtag #LDHCbutterflyrelease
Chapleau Man Charged Over Domestic Dispute
A Chapleau man's been charged over a domestic dispute earlier this week.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called about an incident on Adele Street around 5 o'clock Monday night, with subsequent investigation leading to the arrest of a 57-year-old Chapleau man on a charge of "uttering threats - cause death or bodily harm - spousal".
He has been released from custody, with a future Chapleau court date.
Chapleau Recreation Centre Roof Getting Reinforced for New Condenser
Chapleau's arena will see its roof reinforced as a major piece of equipment is replaced.
While Council already approved the replacement of the Recreation Centre's condenser, they agreed during Monday's meeting to amend this year's budget to accommodate an $18,550 purchase order for repairs to the roof.
Mayor Michael Levesque says this stems from the condenser project.
Levesque notes the reinforcement costs are in addition to the roughly $500,000 cost for the condenser.
Chapleau Adopts New Clearing & Cleaning of Land By-Law
Chapleau's adopted a new by-law on the clearing and cleaning of land. Passed during Monday's Council meeting, Mayor Michael Levesque says the by-law addresses "general maintenance around one's property and the expected standards".
As Council has approved it, Levesque says the by-law's now in force.
Promotion Approved for Chapleau Firefighter
A promotion's been approved for a Chapleau firefighter.
Mayor Michael Levesque says Council's approved a recommendation from the fire chief, to fill a vacancy.
It's not the only fire department-related decision made by Council in Monday's meeting, as they agreed to a more than $10,000 purchase order for a washing machine for Fire Department turnout gear, though Mayor Levesque notes this is an important new piece of equipment for the fire department which was included in the 2020 Capital Budget.
Chapleau Council Holding August Meeting
Chapleau Council has a busy night ahead, with their sole scheduled meeting for the month.
Included on the agenda are by-laws about 2020 tax rates, deferrals of assessment-related residential tax increases for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities this year, as well as clearing and cleaning of land.
There are several resolutions, including purchase orders for repairs to the refuse truck, for a washing machine for Fire Department turnout gear, for LED streetlights, as well as the appointment of a new captain to the Fire Department, and an amendment to the 2020 budget regarding repairs to the Recreation Centre roof, with a related purchase order.
Council will also go "in-camera" for three items: one relating to the Dufferin Street Project, the others involving "personal matters about identifiable individuals".
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.
FedNor Support Announced for 3 Local Initiatives
Some local communities are getting federal support for project to help diversify and grow the economy.
Economic Development and Official Languages Minister Mélanie Joly has announced a total of $4-million in FedNor funding for 16 projects, including nearly $200,000 for the Township of Chapleau to implement phase two of its Community Investment Initiative, to explore new economic development opportunities - this funding will enable it to retain its Economic Development Officer for three years.
Two Dubreuilville projects are getting support: over $67,000 for the Township to purchase trail grooming equipment and complete infrastructure upgrades to a one-kilometre section of the Mooseback Trail system, and $117,000 for Dubreuilville's EDC to complete a full market feasibility study and business case to establish a thermal wood processing facility in Dubreuilville.
New COVID-19 Case Confirmed in Sudbury
Another case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Sudbury over the weekend.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 94th case is a man in his 40s from an unspecified Sudbury District community - he's self-isolating after being tested last Monday.
It's unclear how he contracted the coronavirus, with no history of travel or contact with another known case.
He's the only "active" case for the health unit, as it has also reported one more "resolved" case in recent days.
There are no "active" cases for Algoma Public Health or the neighbouring Porcupine and Thunder Bay District health units.
38th Wawa Salmon Derby in the Books
Boats and lines are out of the water, as the Wawa Salmon Derby's wrapped up its 38th year.
Though modified amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the derby still saw several fish caught, including a 13.2-pound salmon which earned Trevor and Debbie Halverson the $3000 top prize and $500 more from Trans Canada Chrysler for the biggest fish of Sunday.
The $1000 second prize went to an 11.9-pounder caught by Pierre Gauthier and Chris Fournier - the largest of Saturday, earning them a further $500 from JJAM FM - while an 11.7-pounder from James Tremblay and Laura Doucette came third. Anders and Caleb Dereski did claim $500 from Tbaytel for largest salmon on Friday, though the 9.9-pounder came in 8th overall.
Wawa Integrity Commissioner Recommends Pay Suspension for Councillor Hatfield
Wawa's Integrity Commissioner has recommended Councillor Mitch Hatfield apologize and have her pay suspended for three months over a code of conduct violation.
A recent report from the Municipality's Integrity Commissioner says an investigator filed the complaint in July, claiming they became aware of the violation amid a different investigation - the complaint claimed Hatfield violated the Code of Conduct by releasing to a member of the public confidential information about an Integrity Commissioner investigation involving an anonymous complainant.
During that investigation, the Integrity Commissioner had informed Hatfield of the complainant's identity, though she was told not to reveal that or the investigation to anyone until it was made public - this new report concludes Hatfield "blatantly disregarded direction from the Integrity Commissioner to maintain confidence throughout the initial investigation process of the complainant who had requested anonymity", and finds her defence of her actions and lack of understanding of the rules "not believable or credible".
Council accepted the report last week, along with its recommendations that Hatfield's remuneration be suspended for 90 days, a written reprimand be read out at a regular Council meeting, and Hatfield verbally apologize during an open meeting, with her formal letter of apology to be posted on the Municipality's website, along with the reprimand and notification of suspension of her remuneration.
This comes just weeks after another Integrity Commissioner found Hatfield had violated the Council-Staff Relations Policy and Code of Conduct for Council, recommending she review the two policies, verbally apologize to Council for violating them, and write a letter of apology to the anonymous complainant "for treating [them] in a disrespectful manner".
Wawa Salmon Derby Reels in Modified 38th Annual Event
Wawa's 38th annual salmon derby is hitting the water today - but a little different than past years.
The "modified" version of the event does not include the usual meals at the marina or other gatherings, with anglers reminded to wear face masks and maintain physical distancing as fishing runs from 5 pm to 8 pm tonight, 6:45 am to 8 pm tomorrow, and 6:45 am to 1 pm Sunday.
While there will be no prizes for lake trout, monetary prizes will be awarded for the Top Ten salmon - including $3000 for first place - along with $500 prizes for the biggest fish on each of the three derby days, sponsored by Tbaytel, JJAM FM, and Trans Canada Chrysler.
Results are already in for the five-day pre-fishing contest, posted on the derby's Facebook page.
LDHC Palliative Care Program Preparing for Memorial Butterfly Release
Wawa's hospital is asking the community to help continue a tradition started last year, to honour those who've passed. Wawa Family Health Team Nurse Practitioner Tricia Provost explains the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have led to some changes for the Palliative Care Program's second annual "Memorial Butterfly Release".
Provost says residents of Wawa and surrounding area are asked to put butterflies in their windows, noting an example's printed in the Algoma News.
Residents are asked to put up butterflies by next Thursday, August 27th, and encouraged to post pictures on social media with the hashtag #LDHCbutterflyrelease
OPP Investigating Thefts at Remote Outpost Camps
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a series of thefts at remote outpost camps near Missanabie.
Superior East OPP say the incidents happened sometime between July 8th and August 11th, at Easey Lake, Harcourt Lake, and Martin Lake - multiple items were taken, including three 14-foot aluminum boats, two 12-volt batteries, a solar panel charge controller, and several boat fuel tanks, hoses and fittings.
Photos of the missing boats have been released, with police noting identifiable features such straps and chains attached to the transom - one was recovered by the owner, who found it had been spray painted with a camouflage pattern.
Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.
PHSD Confirms 93rd COVID-19 Case
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 93rd case is a Greater Sudbury woman in her 50s, who's currently self-isolating after being tested over last Wednesday.
As it's unclear how she contracted the coronavirus - with no history of travel or contact with another known case - the health unit warns community spread "remains possible and is likely in Sudbury and districts", urging everyone to limit "non-essential in-person gatherings of any size" - despite loosened restrictions - and maintain physical distancing of at least two metres - or six feet - from anyone who isn't from the same household or ten-person social circle, as well as wear a face covering if distancing isn't possible, particularly in indoor public spaces, where they're required.
It further reminds COVID-19's circulating at different levels around the province and Canada, so "the safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region".
This leaves the health unit with three active cases.
There are no "active" cases reported for Algoma Public Health, the Porcupine Health Unit, or the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Wawa Council Approves Meeting Cancellation
Wawa Municipal Council won't be meeting again for nearly a month.
In their special meeting yesterday, Council approved plans to cancel the regular Council and Corporate Planning Committee meetings scheduled for September 1st, meaning their next meeting will be held two weeks later, on September 15th.
That meeting may be held electronically, as Council also agreed to amend the municipality's procedural by-law so electronic meetings can continue to be held, even though the province's COVID-19-related state of emergency is over.