LDHC Palliative Care Program Cancels 3rd Annual Memorial Butterfly Release

Unforeseen circumstances have prompted a major change for the Lady Dunn Health Centre Palliative Care Program's 3rd Annual Memorial Butterfly Release.

Saying they're "very disappointed", organizers explain they were not able to acquire live butterflies after all, and so they're cancelling the live butterfly release portion of the event - that means no live butterfly kits for community members, with ticket sales to be refunded.

Those who still want to memorialize a loved one could have their donation forwarded to the LDHC Foundation.

While a small gathering will still be held for long-term care residents, their families, and staff on Wednesday, it is not open to others and plans are no longer to livestream the event.

CTC Discussing Municipal Accommodation Tax, RZone Policy & More In August Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to hold their sole meeting of the month.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting is a construction agreement for the Recreation Centre Washroom Upgrades, as well as resolutions to implement a Municipal Accommodation Tax and the Respect Zone - or "RZone" - Policy, which Mayor Michael Levesque says is meant to address concerns about "numerous attacks on social media".

Council will also consider awarding contracts for the Bi-Annual Bridge Inspections and the development and hosting of a new municipal website, amending the budget for Streetlight Replacement, and issuing a $33,000 purchase order for repairs of refrigeration equipment.

There are also four "in-camera" items: one involving solicitor-client privilege with respect to the RZone policy; another regarding CAO recruitment; one relating to other labour relations or employee negotiations; and the last relating to the Buddy Swanson Awards.

The public can listen in on the meeting by calling 1-800-974-5902, entering conference ID 5116623 - it starts at 6:30 tonight.

Food Shortages Causing Increase in Chapleau & Wawa Area Bear Sightings

Food shortages are causing an increase in bear sightings in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry says parts of the prvince are experiencing shortages of natural food shortages for bears, with the Chapleau and Wawa areas experiencing "sporadic berries".

The Ministry says that shortage is directly related to human-bear interactions, prompting an increase in reports of problem bears, as they're searching for alternate food sources, particularly to fatten up for hibernation.

As a result, the Ministry's urging everyone be careful not to attract bears, storing garbage securely in an enclosed area until the morning of collection, cleaning food residue and grease from outdoor barbecue grills after use, putting away bird feeders until the winter, keeping pet food indoors, and picking ripe fruit from trees and off the ground.

Wawa Salmon Derby Ends Early, But Prizes Awarded for Largest Fish

Boats and lines are out of the water, as the Wawa Salmon Derby's wrapped up its 39th year.

While high winds and converging currents cancelled fishing on Sunday, the weekend saw several fish caught, including a 19.45-pound salmon which earned George Sherrard and Keith Kilty the $3000 top prize and $500 more from JJAM FM for the biggest fish of the day.

The $2000 second prize went to an 18.95-pounder - Friday's largest, earning $500 from Tbaytel - caught by Allan and Spencer Moyle, who also won the $500 Early Bird prize from Brookfield Power.

The $1000 third prize went to a 15-pound fish from David McClary, while Andre and Aiden Roy won a draw for the $500 prize from Trans Canada Chrysler, meant for Sunday's biggest fish.

AMK Ballot Appears Set for Federal Election

A week into the federal election campaign, and the local ticket appears to be set.

Only two parties announced candidates for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing ahead of the election call: the NDP are backing incumbent Carol Hughes for her fifth term, the Conservatives picked professional engineer John Sagman.

The Liberal Party's since announced Duke Peltier as their pick - he's currently in his fourth term as chief of Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territories, but has taken leave to run in the federal election - while the People's Party of Canada's showing professional forester and businessman Harry Jaaskelainen of Echo Bay as their candidate.

Though the Green Party website doesn't list a local candidate, the party has confirmed that it's Stephen Zimmerman, a high school teacher from Laird Township.

The nomination process is open until next Monday, August 30th - three weeks before the September 20th election day - with a complete list of confirmed candidates to be released September 1st.

APH, PHSD & PHU Confirm New COVID-19 Cases Over Weekend

A few COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region.

Algoma Public Health's added two in the Sault Ste. Marie area - both stemming close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 418, with ten "active".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added three in Greater Sudbury but removed one previously reported in the Manitoulin District - saying it was reported in error - putting the health unit's total at 2238, with 29 "active".

It also reported three more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that to 1041.

The Porcupine Health Unit - meanwhile - confirmed two more cases in the Timmins area and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, bringing it to 2160 total - it last reported four "active", but that was before these cases.

APH, PHSD & TBDHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

Several COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region.

Algoma Public Health's added two in the Sault Ste. Marie area - one stemming from international travel, the other from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 416, with eight "active".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added five in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2236, with 31 "active" - and it's reporting seven more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that to 1038.

The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Heath Unit's only reporting one new case - bringing it to 3354, with five "active" - though it's also reporting a 188th case with a variant of concern was identified.

33rd Winnie's Hometown Festival Arrives in White River

White River is bustling with excitement this weekend, as the Winnie's Hometown Festival is back.

Festival Coordinator Brandi Greenwood explains this year's 33rd annual event - which has a theme of "Winnie and the Hundred Acre Bush" - is much closer to previous years than last year's mostly virtual event.

Greenwood notes festivities start this afternoon with the Shirt Tail Parade from Blackfly Park to the Info Centre at 3:30 pm, followed by an important event: a reconciliation ceremony.

Greenwood highlights a number of events happening over the weekend, including the market and tradeshow, burnout competition, bush concern, cornhole tournament, lumberjack show, riding lawnmower races, Saturday night fireworks and drive-in double feature, and Sunday's Family Fish Derby.

Details can be found on the Winnie's Hometown Festival Facebook page.

Wawa Reels In 39th Annual Salmon Derby (Although Modified)

Wawa's 39th 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, Trans Canada Chrysler, and JJAM FM.

Extended Deadline Arrives for LDHC Memorial Butterfly Release Orders

Time is running out for those wishing to join in a Wawa tradition to honour those who've passed.

As today marks the extended deadline to purchase a painted butterfly kit for the Lady Dunn Health Centre Palliative Care Program's upcoming third annual "Memorial Butterfly Release", Wawa Family Health Team Nurse Practitioner Tricia Provost reminds the event is meant to honour those who've passed, by releasing a butterfly.

Kits can be ordered through Eventbrite - look up "LDHC Butterfly" - no later than today, with the event will be held Wednesday, August 25th.

Wawa Council Calls Special Meeting on Transformational Plan

Wawa Municipal Council will hold a special meeting next week.

While three items are included on the agenda, all relate to the "Wawa Transformational Plan Report".

Speaking with JJAM FM's Town Talk in June, CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill explained that it's focused on transforming from the old or traditional ways of doing things.

The meeting will be broadcast on the Municipality's YouTube channel - except an "in-camera" portion - starting at 6:30 pm Tuesday night.

Heat Warnings Increase for Parts of Region

Caution is being urged amid increasing heat warnings in the region.

Environment Canada's issued heat warnings for parts of the Algoma District - including Dubreuilville, White River, and parts south of Wawa - as well as the Chapleau and Gogama areas, warning hot and humid conditions are expected through Saturday, with humidex values ranging from 36 to 41.

It notes that could mean air quality problems, while local health units warn older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and alcohol or drug users are particularly at risk, emphasizing the need to drink plenty of liquids, stay in the shade, and take breaks from the heat.

PHSD & APH Confirm New COVID-19 Cases, APH Sees New VOC Case

Several COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added four in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2231, with 26 "active".

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's confirmed four in the Sault Ste. Marie area - including one stemming from international travel - bringing the health unit to 414, with six "active".

It's also reporting a 114th case screened positive for a variant of concern.

Careless Driving Charge Over 2 Pickup Truck Collision North of SSM

A careless driving charge has been laid after two pickup trucks collided in Goulais Township yesterday.

Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police say investigation into the collision on Highway 17 North found both trucks were northbound - the lead truck was slowing down to make a left turn when it was struck from behind by the other truck.

The driver of the rear truck - a 47-year-old from London, Ontario - has been charged with careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act.

ADSB Announces 1st Ever "Show Up Event", IGNITE 2021

Algoma District School Board's looking to get students excited for the upcoming school year.

The local English public school board's announced its first ever "show up event", IGNITE 2021, a virtual event featuring a few guests: Olympians Andre De Grasse and Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, popstar Tyler Shaw, and broadcaster Jessi Cruickshank.

In addition, the board's hosting in-person carnival-style events for its Grade 6 to 10 students at each ADSB secondary school immediately after the IGNITE 2021 virtual event - spots are limited, with those interested asked to register by noon today.

IGNITE 2021 will be held Monday, August 23rd, starting at 10 am, though the board advises joining early as spots will fill up.

Heat Warnings Issued for Parts of Region

Caution is being urged amid heat warnings in the region.

Environment Canada's issued heat warnings for parts of the Algoma District - including Dubreuilville, White River, Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, and Batchawana Bay - as well as the Chapleau and Gogama areas, warning of maximum temperatures of 28 to 30 Celsius, with humidex values reaching 35 to 38.

Local health units warn that poses particular risks 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.

Wawa Building Department to Close Temporarily

Wawa's building department is planning to close for the final week of the month.

A notice on the municipal website warns the Building Department will be closed this Monday, August 23rd through the 31st, so no municipal building permits, fire permits, inspections, or similar services will be available during that time.

In the case of an emergency, however, the Municipal Office could be contacted.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, APH Warns of Possible Exposure, Vaccination Updates

A few more COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added two in Greater Sudbury, and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 2227, with 22 "active".

It's also reporting two more cases confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that total to 1031.

The health unit's holding an "appointment-only clinic" in Chapleau today.

While Algoma Public Health isn't reporting any new cases, it is warning of potential public exposure on Air Canada Flight AC 8320 from Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto on Saturday - passengers who sat in seats 2 to 8 should contact the health unit for further information, while anyone who was on the plane is advised to self-monitor for symptoms for ten days after the potential exposure and self-isolate immediately and get tested if symptoms develop.

It's also reporting a major vaccination milestone: 75% of the region's eligible population are now considered "fully vaccinated", while 82.7% of the eligible population have received at least one dose.

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