APH & TBDHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.

Algoma Public Health's added one in North Algoma - stemming from close contact with a known case - the 13th case reported in this region, and the fourth in recent days, after three were confirmed on Friday.

The health unit doesn't confirm whether the cases are linked or specify which community, simply describing North Algoma as "Dubreuilville, Michipicoten First Nation, Missinabie Cree First Nation, Wawa, and White River".

This brings the health unit to 473 total, with seven currently "active", including one in hospital.

The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added one case in the Thunder Bay area - stemming from travel outside northwestern Ontario - bringing the health unit to 3395 total, though the number "active" has dropped to four.

The Porcupine Health Unit's just reporting recoveries, leaving it with only two "active".

Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Pans Provincial Throne Speech

Ontario's Progressive Conservative government is setting economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as its focus as it enters a new legislative session - less than a year before the next provincial election.

Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell delivered a throne speech this morning, outlining the priorities for Premier Doug Ford's PC government, though mostly focusing on past efforts for health-care and long-term care amid the pandemic and touting the province's vaccination rates, while stating Ontario's now in a "new phase" of the pandemic, cautioning against panic if cases rise as people head indoors more often amid the colder weather - even assuring "if additional public health measures are needed, they will be localized and targeted".

Algoma-Manitoulin New Democrat Michael Mantha isn't happy with what was said.

Though the speech did focus upon health and long-term care, Mantha says it was lacking on plans.

Mantha says the speech also failed to show support for other sectors in the province.

The Algoma-Manitoulin MPP says this is especially problematic due to the extended summer break when the legislature was prorogued amid the federal election, warning that Premier Doug Ford's instead putting forward an agenda featuring cuts.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

More COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region over the weekend.

Algoma Public Health reported three in North Algoma - all stemming from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 472 total, with six currently "active", including one in hospital.

The health unit doesn't specify community, but describes North Algoma as "Dubreuilville, Michipicoten First Nation, Missinabie Cree First Nation, Wawa, White River" - it also doesn't confirm whether the three cases are linked, or simply separate cases within this region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added five cases in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2440, though the number "active" dropped to 46 - it's also reporting seven more presumed or confirmed to be variants of concern, bringing that total to 1187.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit added a single case in the Timmins area and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, bringing its total to 2211, with five "active".

Northern Lights Ford Urging Community to Help Scare Hunger Over October

A Wawa car dealership is looking to "scare hunger" this month.

The annual "Northern Lights Ford Scares Hunger" campaign is now underway, and receptionist Wynter Krell explains how the campaign works.

Krell notes a few items will be accepted.

Krell adds Northern Lights Ford will also collect donations at the newly rebranded John's Your Independent Grocer on October 16th.

"Northern Lights Ford Scares Hunger" continues to the end of October.

PHSD Confirms New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added five in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2435, with 47 "active", one in the northern part of the Sudbury District - which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nation communities - and the rest in Greater Sudbury.

The heath unit's showing six active outbreaks: four at Greater Sudbury schools; another at a Greater Sudbury mine project; and the other at a congregate living setting in Greater Sudbury.

Chapleau Council Approves Purchase Order, Authorizes Funding Applications & Considers Overnight RV Parking

Chapleau Town Council's continuing a key project and eyeing support for a few more.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council approved a roughly $4400 purchase order for work on the Water Treatment Plant.

Meanwhile, Council authorized a pair of funding applications, including one to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for work at the Recreation Centre - Mayor Levesque says this is unrelated to current upgrades to the arena washrooms.

Levesque explains the other application - to FedNor's Tourism Relief Fund - relates to restoration of the Museum and Heritage Train.

Council's also considering options for overnight recreational vehicle parking.

While Mayor Levesque acknowledges there are some places that are being used fairly commonly - such as behind the Town Hall or near Peace Park or the sewage plant - he says a designated area is being considered: the arena parking lot.

No final decision has been made on that, with the topic expected to come back up in a later meeting.

CSC Nouvelon Announces New Superintendent of Education

A new executive's been announced at the local French Catholic school board.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Jhonel Morvan has been appointed Superintendent of Education, set to start November 1st.

Morvan started his career in education in 1990, holding positions in Haiti and Canada, including as a lecturer and professor at various universities, an elementary and secondary school teacher in Ontario, a school principal in Haiti, and head of summer programs in Ontario, most recently working for the Ontario Ministry of Education as a Manager of the Curriculum Policy Unit.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, Holding Local Vaccination Clinics

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

Algoma Public Health's added one in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 469 total, though the number "active" has dropped to eight.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added four in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2430, though the number "active" is down to 44.

It's also reporting four more confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, totalling 1180.

The two health units are holding local vaccination clinics today: at Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 1 to 4 this afternoon, and by appointment only at Chapleau's health unit office.

Chapleau Possibly Nearing New CAO Hire

Chapleau could soon have a new top administrator.

Mayor Michael Levesque says recruitment efforts could be nearing an end.

Recruitment efforts were launched last October.

SE OPP Lay Four Impaired Driving Charges Over Five Days, 2 in Same Night

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police are lamenting trouble on local roads, with officers laying four impaired driving charges in just five days.

The first was September 8th, with officers responding to a single vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Sandy Township shortly after 10 o'clock that night, with subsequent investigation leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old Timmins man on charges of: operation while impaired - alcohol or drugs; failure or refusal to comply with demand; and driving while under suspension.

About an hour later, officers observed a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of Highway 101 in Chewett Township, leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old man from Atikokan on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol or drugs and obstruct peace officer.

Three days later - around 9:30 pm on September 11th - officers conducting a RIDE check on Chemin Du Lac in Dubreuilville determined a driver was impaired by alcohol, leading to the 55-year-old Dubreuilville resident's arrest on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol or drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

Two days later - around 7:45 pm on September 13th - officers responded to a traffic complaint about a person driving an electronic bike on Second Avenue in Wawa, with subsequent investigation leading to the arrest of a 57-year-old Wawa man on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol or drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

All four have been released from custody, with the Wawa man expected to appear in court next week, and the others to appear in court in early November.

WMC Holding Special Meeting for Strategic Planning & More

Wawa Municipal Council's holding an extra meeting tonight, with a pair of items on the agenda.

That includes a resolution to receive and endorse the Wawa Drinking Water Quality Management System operational plan, as well as a "Wayfinders Strategic Planning Session".

The meeting will be livestreamed on the Municipality's YouTube channel, starting at 6:30 tonight.

APH & PHSD Add COVID-19 Cases, Plan Local Vaccination Clinics

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

Algoma Public Health's added one in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 468 total, though the number "active" has stayed at ten.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added nineteen cases - all in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2426 total, though the number "active" is down to 48.

It's also reporting 23 more confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, totalling 1176.

The two health units are continuing to hold vaccination clinics this week: one will be held at Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 1 to 4 tomorrow, while an appointment-only clinic will be held at the Public Health Sudbury and Districts office in Chapleau tomorrow.

OPP Investigating Hornepayne Attempted Robbery

Police are investigating an attempted robbery at a Hornepayne business.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say an unknown male attempted to enter the Front Street business around 6:45 Saturday morning, and - when confronted by the owner - demanded a firearm while brandishing a firearm.

The suspect fled the scene after police were called and attempts to locate him were unsuccessful - police are asking for public's assistance identifying the individual, who's described as a male in his 30s, about five feet ten inches tall with thin build, grey hooded sweatshirt, brown jacket, and a light coloured ball cap.

Anyone with information is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers.

CTC Holding 2nd September Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's holding its final meeting of the month.

The agenda for tonight's meeting includes a purchase order for a flow meter for the Water Treatment Plant, funding applications for washroom and changeroom upgrades at the Recreation Centre and restoration of the Museum and Heritage Train, and discussion about overnight recreational vehicle parking.

There's also a single "in-camera" item, relating to CAO recruitment.

Aside from the "in-camera" portion, the public can listen in by calling 1-800-974-5902, entering conference ID 5116623 - the meeting starts at 6:30 tonight.

APH, PHSD & PHU Report COVID-19 Cases Over Weekend

Several COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region over the weekend.

Algoma Public Health added one in the Elliot Lake area, bringing the health unit to 467 total, though the number "active" is down to ten.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added eight in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2407 total, leaving it with 56 "active" - though it's also warning of three instances of "low risk" exposure: at the Garson Community Centre and Arena on September 13th and 21st; at Buzzy Brown's Brassiere in Greater Sudbury September 18th; and at Fionn MacCool's in Greater Sudbury September 19th.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's also reported a pair of cases - one in the Timmins area, the other in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - bringing its total to 2209 - it last reported sixteen active, but that was before these cases.

APH, PHSD & PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting one in the Sault Ste. Marie area - the health unit's 466th, though the number "active" is down to eleven.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added seven in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2399, though the number "active" is down slightly, to 49: one in the northern part of the Sudbury District, another in the western part, the rest in Greater Sudbury.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's added two in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - bringing the health unit to 2207 total - though the number "active" stayed at sixteen, as two more "resolved" were reported.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit - which hasn't reported a new case since Monday - still has two "active".

PA Day for Local Schools, Faith Day for HSCDSB, Early Franco-Ontarian Day for CSCNO

Local students have the day off, as all four local school boards are holding a PA Day.

While it is a "Professional Activity Day", the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board's also noting today is its annual "Faith Day", with a "virtual experience" for employees after the day's program at their workplace or school, including workshops focusing on anti-racism and anti-discrimination.

Meanwhile, the Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is marking Franco-Ontarian Day a day early with a live broadcast this morning, featuring artists, comedians, singers, videographers, dancers, and other creators - the event is being put on for all twelve of Ontario's French-language school boards.

As it is a PD Day for Algoma, the board's local schools held their festivities on Thursday, though local students can watch the virtual festivities.

This comes less than a week ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - while it won't be a provincial holiday in Ontario, the Algoma District School Board's indicated there will be a commemoration in schools, encouraging everyone to wear orange to mark "Orange Shirt Day" September 30th.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Case, Warns of Possible Exposure

Another COVID-19 case has been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added one in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2392, though the number "active" is down to 50 - with one more confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, bringing that to 1153.

It's also warning of "potential low-risk public exposure" for those who attended Lot 88 Steakhouse & Bar in Greater Sudbury last Saturday, between 8 and 10 pm - the warning does not apply to those who dined in the outdoor patio section.

ADSB Reports Enrolment Higher Than Projected

Enrolment's higher than expected at the local English public school board.

The Algoma District School Board says the number of students enrolled in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 as of September 14th was up by 433 from board director's March report, with 208 more Junior or Senior Kindergarten students and 225 more in elementary grades.

There were also 282 more secondary students than expected, while the number enrolled in "alternative secondary programs" was down from projections, though the board notes - given the "alternative nature" of the programs - enrolment normally reaches projection by Thanksgiving.

The A-D-S-B's reporting 98% of its students returned to in-person, with 1.5% of elementary students or their families choosing virtual or remote learning, and 3% of secondary students going that direction - that's down substantially from last September, when 13.8% of the board's students were virtual or remote.

HSCDSB Director Retiring in Spring

The local English Catholic school board's director is stepping down in the new year.

Rose Burton Spohn's announced she'll retire this spring, after nearly five years as the Director of Education for the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board.

Prior to that, she was a Superintendent of Education with the board since 2013, overseeing its Student Success initiative, various elementary schools, the board's New Teacher Induction Program, Parent Involvement Committee, Digital Learning Steering Committee, and Student Senate.

The board says it will soon begin the recruitment and selection process for a replacement, with Burton Spohn's official retirement date to be announced after that selection's made.