APH Confirms 40th COVID-19 Case, Again in SSM

Algoma Public Health's reporting another case of COVID-19.
The health unit says its 40th case is in the Sault Ste. Marie area - where all but five of its cases have been located - it's unknown how they were exposed but they were tested Wednesday, and have been self-isolating since.
This is the health unit's only "active" case, it has confirmed three more recoveries.
Meanwhile, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported its 91st case, leaving it with five "active" cases, including one self-isolating outside of its region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts still has two "active", while the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has none.

PHSD Confirms 112th COVID-19 Case

More COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 112th case is a Greater Sudbury resident whose infection is travel-related - it's one of two "active" cases for the health unit.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's also more cases - one in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, another in Timmins - bringing the health unit's total to 90, four of which are "active", though one is self-isolating outside of the health unit's region.
Figures on Algoma Public Health's website show three "active" cases - out of the 39 it has reported - while the neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit has only one of 109.

Action Urged to Save Lake Superior Mainland Caribou

Alarms are being raised for Lake Superior mainland caribou along the north shore.
A group of caribou supporters who've been working with Michipicoten First Nation are warning that the population has been dwindling, dropping from over 1000 in 2014 to "likely less than 40" divided among three "small and isolated" populations by early 2018, with those on Lake Superior island particularly hard hit by predators.
Noting an aerial survey last winter found no caribou or signs of them - though it was conducted later in the season and covered a smaller area - they're calling for an intensive aerial survey early this winter to detect what few caribou are left, then immediately move them to a predator-free island in Lake Superior - what they call "the only chance these caribou have".
They're further urging everyone to press the provincial government - particularly Premier Doug Ford and Environment Minister Jeff Yurek - noting public pressure worked to help rescue the last Lake Superior island caribou in 2018.

HSCDSB Recognizes Late Former Trustee

The Huron-Superior Catholic School Board's recognizing a former Wawa trustee who passed away earlier this month.
A statement from the board recognizes Gerald Beerkens as a native of Holland and long-time resident of Wawa who passed away on October 8th, noting he was a former high school teacher who became a trustee with the Michipicoten District Roman Catholic Separate School Board in 1973 - it further touts him as "instrumental in the successful amalgamation" of the HSCDSB in 1998, with Beerkens elected Vice-Chair of the new board, holding the role until 2000, and again from 2001 to 2004, when he became chair - he retired as a trustee in 2010.
Beerkens was recognized for his service and accomplishments as a Catholic trustee in 2013, when he was given the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association Award of Merit.

Argonaut Gold Board Approves Construction of Local Magino Gold Mine

A local mining project is moving forward.
After several years in development, Argonaut Gold says its board of directors has approved construction of its Magino Gold project near Dubreuilville, expecting a two-year construction period starting in January, following the closure plan filing and posting of a financial assurance bond with the province - the first gold pour is expected during the first half of 2023.
Argonaut's feasibility study outlines a 10,000 tonne a day processing facility with average annual gold production of 150,000 ounces over the first five years, and an expected seventeen-year mine life.
Initial capital recently was estimated between $360 and $380-million US, though the project's backed by a fixed bid pricing proposal for a significant portion of that initial capital requirement, along with secured debt financing of up to $175-million, by way of a $50-million bought deal offering of senior unsecured convertible debentures and the extension and expansion of its existing revolving credit facility for up to $125-million.

Superior East OPP Lay Dozens of Charges Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police were kept busy over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
The local detachment says 80 speeding charges were laid over the weekend, along with 20 charges for moving violations and six for seatbelt-related offences.
OPP remind "drivers, passengers, and other road users can significantly contribute to safe roads by avoiding risks and complying with all traffic laws".

Chapleau Pentecostal Church Launching Fundraiser for Haiti

Chapleau Pentecostal Church is putting the focus on Haiti over the next week, with modified versions of the church's annual Haiti Dinner and Auction.
Pastor Dot Guertin explains the biggest change is to the auction.

Guertin adds the usual dinner has changed to a "Take-Out Chili Night" on Saturday the 24th, the same day the auction ends.
Pastor Dot reminds funds raised support the church's "Haiti Children's Fund", which is focused on feeding children at a mission in Haiti - and Guertin says it has seen results.

Guertin adds people can also support a child for only $41 a month, through ERDO - part of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada - which sends the child to school and provide them with school outfits, supplies, and shoes.

Chapleau Council Holding Special Meeting on CAO Recruitment

Chapleau's continuing recruitment efforts for a new top administrator.
A special meeting of Chapleau Council will be held tonight with a single item: an "in-camera" item about labour relations or employee negotiations related to the recruitment of a Chief Adminstrative Officer.
The topic was discussed in-camera during last week's meeting, with Mayor Michael Levesque confirming at the time that the recruitment process is moving forward.

In the interim, Mayor Levesque says an "arrangement" has been made with the previous CAO, who is "carrying the fort" at this time and "available for the transition".
As the item is "in-camera", it will not be open to the public.

White River Man Charged After Drug Search Warrant Executed

A White River man's facing several drug-related charges - and more.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers assisted the Northeast Region Community Street Crime Unit in executing a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant at a White River residence around 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, with a subsequent search finding unspecified quantities of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
Several weapons and cash were also seized, with the total street value of the seizure - including the drugs - estimated at $5500.
Charges laid were: possessing a schedule I substance - cocaine - for the purpose of trafficking; possessing a schedule I substance - methamphetamine; possessing a schedule I substance - methamphetamine - for the purpose of trafficking; possessing a schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000; and three counts of possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose.
The 24-year-old's been released from custody with a future Wawa court date.

Wawa Staff Reviewing Options and Factors for Vallee Park Bridge

Wawa Municipal staff's looking into options - and factors - for putting in a new bridge at Vallee Park.
While the Municipality decided when the bridge went out that it wouldn't be replaced at that time, Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says some local support for the idea has led it to be reviewed.

Patterson notes the original Council decision stemmed from a number of factors.

Patterson notes there are "several property lines up and down that terrain" - with "only a very small chunk" being municipal property, while other parts are power line allowances, Crown land, and even private land - though he does suggest something could be worked out to allow a trail, pointing to this volunteer group as a way to help move it forward.
Though Council is set to receive a report on the situation, Patterson says the direction given to staff was to work with the local group to see how the issues can be addressed.

More COVID-19 Cases Reported in Region

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and District has confirmed its 111th case, a Greater Sudbury resident who had contact with a travel-related case - that leaves the health unit with three "active" cases.
Meanwhile, the Porcupine Health Unit says its 87th case is currently self-isolating outside of its region - the health unit confirmed another case over the weekend, though its website only shows one "active" case.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has reported its 109th case - a Thunder Bay area-resident whose exposure is travel-related - the only "active" unit for the health unit.
Algoma Public Health - which reported two more cases over the weekend - currently has five "active".

Chapleau Council Reviews Pair of Committee of Adjustment Items

A pair of Committee of Adjustment items are moving forward after last week's Chapleau Council meeting.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains Council reviewed a request for a lot addition on Martel Road.

Council also took a second look at a request for a lot severance concerning the Beaudry Estate - that would split it into five separate properties, recognizing existing use.
Mayor Levesque says both items are expected to come up for approval in a resolution at the next Council meeting, on October 26th.

Algoma Public Health Confirms More COVID-19 Cases

Algoma Public Health's reported a pair of new COVID-19 cases over the weekend.
The health unit says its 38th case - reported late Friday - stems from close contact with a case related to international travel, warning anyone who travelled on an Ontario Northland bus from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury October 7th - and a different bus from Sudbury to Yorkdale in Toronto the same day - should contact their local health unit.
On Saturday, APH reported its 39th case, stemming from unknown exposure, which the health unit warns is evidence of community spread in the Sault Ste. Marie area - both of the cases are in that area, which has seen all but five of Algoma's cases.
As of Saturday, Algoma had five "active" cases.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts had two "active" as of Sunday, while the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit had one as of Friday - though a new case was reported Saturday - and the neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit had one as of Friday.

PHSD Reports 110th COVID-19 Case

Another COVID-19 case has been reported in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 110th case stems from international travel - the Greater Sudbury resident was tested Wednesday and is now self-isolating.
Combined with more recoveries, the health unit has two "active" cases.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reported its 108th case is in the Thunder Bay area, with the cause of exposure still "pending" - this is the only "active" case for the health unit.
Algoma Public Health currently has three "active" while the Porcupine Health Unit has one.

Superior East OPP Urge Safe Driving Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding drivers to be safe this long weekend - and warning they'll be out there looking for anyone who isn't.
Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay notes police will be focusing on the "Big Four" factors in fatal collisions - aggressive, distracted, or impaired driving and lack of proper seatbelt use - though he's highlighting one in particular.

Constable Tremblay also warns against tailgating.

Constable Tremblay also notes the weather is changing - with a little bit of snow recently - so drivers should beware frost or snow on the roads, and consider putting on winter tires.
While the annual Operation Impact campaign is held this weekend, OPP note they've responded to 209 fatal motor vehicle collisions across the province this year, with 224 deaths - speed is noted to be the leading causal factor, with the OPP noticing a nearly 30% increase in excessive speeding this year.

Chapleau Wrapping Up Fall Clean Up

Chapleau's wrapping up "Fall Clean Up" with a special event this weekend.
As part of the annual clean up campaign, the municipal landfill site's been accepting residential waste for free since Tuesday, an offer that ends tomorrow, when the annual Hazardous Waste Collection Event is held.
Meanwhile, the Township's reminding residents that the fall cleaning of the municipal cemeteries will happen on or after October 15th, with all lot decorations - like structures, ornaments, candles, and other embellishments - to be removed in accordance with the Cemetery By-Law - headstones, monuments, and markers are excepted.
The Municipality of Wawa's also reminding that artificial flower arrangements, wreaths, and decorations must be removed from cemetery plots by October 15th, though one wreath or flower arrangement is allowed on a plot for special occasions, so long as they're removed within 30 days.

Northern Lights Ford Taking "Hunger Wagon" on Road to Scare Hunger

A Wawa car dealership's going on the road to help "scare hunger" this weekend.
Danette Mathias of Northern Lights Ford explains - as part of the month-long "Northern Lights Ford Scares Hunger" campaign - the dealership's taking its "Hunger Wagon" to the local grocery store to raise support for the Wawa Food Bank.

Mathias notes non-perishable food donations will also be accepted at Northern Lights Ford all month, adding donors could win a $25 gift card.

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