Northern Lights Ford Scares Hunger Hits the Road As Campaign Hits Halfway Point

A Wawa car dealership's going on the road to help "scare hunger" this weekend.

The annual "Northern Lights Ford Scares Hunger" campaign is now underway - looking to "put a mask on hunger" by raising support for the Wawa Community Food Bank - and Wynter Krell explains the campaign's taking it's "Hunger Wagon" to the local grocery store to raise more support.

As the campaign hits the halfway point, Krell is positive about the response so far, highlighting one place in particular.

Krell reminds non-perishable food donations will still be accepted at Northern Lights Ford up to October 29th, and those who need to arrange a pickup can call the dealership.

Wawa Winter Overnight Parking By-Law Takes Effect

Wawa residents are reminded the town's winter parking by-law is now in force.

Though the snow hasn't arrived yet, the by-law - intended to help with snow clearing efforts - applies from October 15th to May 15th, prohibiting parking on any street between 1 am and 8 am - and the Municipality reminds it's also illegal to park on any boulevard.

The Municipality warns any vehicle, trailer, or vessel found breaking the rules will be removed, with the owner fined and charged for the removal cost and daily storage fees, which will need to be paid in full before the item's released.

Wawa Building Department Temporarily Closing

Wawa's building department is closing for a week.

A notice on the municipal website warns the Building Department will be closed this Friday, October 15th through the following Friday, the 22nd, 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.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Also Sees More

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 479 total, though the number "active" is down to five, with one in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added three cases in Greater Sudbury and another in the western part of the Sudbury District, bringing it to 2530, with 75 "active".

It's also reporting three more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1256.

PHSD Confirms 33 New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 33 since Friday - two in the western part of the Sudbury District, the rest in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2526, with 73 "active".

It's also reporting 24 more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1253.

Algoma Public Health's reporting some good news, with more recoveries bringing the number of "active" cases down to six, with only one in hospital.

The two health units are holding local vaccination clinics today: in the curling rink of Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 2 to 6 this afternoon, and by appointment or walk-in at PHSD's office in Chapleau.

APH Reminds Flu Shot Season Has Arrived

Flu shot season has arrived.

Algoma Public Health says influenza vaccination is now being offered, recommended for everyone at least six months old - it emphasizes immunization against the flu will be important this fall due to other respiratory illnesses circulating in communities, helping protect individual, family, and community health and preventing increases in flu-related hospital visits.

It notes flu shots are available from your primary healthcare provider, participating pharmacies, and public health community clinics, with appointments now available for clinics in the Wawa area by calling 705-856-7208.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, Warnings of Possible Exposure

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

Algoma Public Health confirmed one in North Algoma - the 15th and the health unit's 478th - leaving the health unit with ten "active" cases - two in hospital - plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added three in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2493, though the number "active" declined to 60 - while thirteen more were confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1229.

It's also warning of potential "high-risk" exposure at a large social gathering on Whipporwill Avenue in Greater Sudbury on October 1st.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit didn't confirm any new cases, but it is warning of possible exposure on an Air Canada flight from Toronto to Timmins at 9:10 pm on October 6th.

APH Warns of Fraudulent Calls

Algoma Public Health's warning of fraudulent calls claiming to be made on their behalf.

The health unit says an individual claiming to be employed by APH has been making calls to businesses in the region, providing false information about the Reopening Ontario Act and threatening to close businesses.

In turn, the health unit reminds businesses to be cautious and recognize signs of a fraudulent call, such as the caller not providing their full name, position title or department - all legitimate APH staff should be able to produce ID cards, while public health inspectors or enforcement officers can produce a badge.

Another sign of attempted fraud is if they're soliciting money or goods.

Anyone who doubts an inspector is encouraged to call the health unit, to verify the inspector's identity.

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

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added thirteen in Greater Sudbury and another in the western part of the Sudbury District - bringing the health unit to 2490, with the number "active" rising to 62 - while seven more were confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1216.

It's also warning of potential "high-risk" exposure at The Grand in Greater Sudbury between 10:30 pm last Saturday (October 2nd) and 3:30 am Sunday (October 3rd), urging anyone who was on the dance floor to self-isolate immediately - regardless of vaccination status - and stay isolated until October 13th, not attending any Thanksgiving gatherings this weekend.

Both Public Health Sudbury and Districts and Algoma Public Health are urging people be safe over the long weekend, emphasizing the best way is to be fully immunized with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine - and stay home if feeling unwell - with small gatherings safer, particularly with windows open or outdoors, physically distancing and washing hands frequently, with high-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected, though they note virtual gatherings remain the safest option, as COVID-19 - and esepcially the Delta variant - continue to circulate in the region and across the province and country.

Crime Stoppers Asking for Public Help Regarding Hornepayne Pharmacy Attempted Robbery

Crime Stoppers is asking for public help identifying a suspect in an attempted robbery at the Hornepayne Pharmacy.

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Crime Stoppers says an unknown male attempted to gain access to the business around 7 o'clock the morning of September 25th, smashing the window in the door before the owner came to the door - the man then brandished a firearm and demanded narcotics and money, but ended up fleeing the scene before police arrived.

He's described as about five feet ten inches tall with thin build and was wearing a dark mask, ball cap, grey hoodie, and a brown jacket.

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

Superior East OPP Watching Roads and Trails Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Local police will be watching the roads over the Thanksgiving long weekend, joining a national campaign.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle explains the detachment's participating in Operation Impact, which will mean a focus on road safety.

Constable Nickle reminds officers will be watching for the main causal factors in fatal collisions.

While Nickle notes the summer saw reduced traffic compared to previous years - due to the pandemic - she says there's been more traffic of late, but there have also been multiple single or multiple vehicle collisions over the last week, "luckily" resulting in only "non-life-threatening injuries", at most.

Nickle also reminds everyone to slow down, noting two recent incidents of stunt driving on Highways 101 and 129, where the vehicles were clocked travelling over 160 kilometres an hour where the posted speed limit is only 80 - both had their vehicle automatically impounded for fourteen days and their licence automatically suspended 30 days.

OPP say they've already seen 208 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads this year, with more than 39,400 collisions reported before October began - 5100 resulted in injuries, 195 in deaths, including 46 collisions involving a commercial motor vehicle resulting in 54 deaths.

Charge Announced in Hwy 17 Collision Near Pinewood Drive

A charge has been announced in a collision that happened on Highway 17 near Pinewood Drive on Tuesday.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle explains the incident involved multiple vehicles.

Constable Nickle says one of the drivers - who is from the Sault Ste. Marie area - has been charged with "left turn not in safety" under the Highway Traffic Act.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, APH Wanrs of Potential Exposure on Toronto to SSM Flight

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

Algoma Public Health's added three - one in North Algoma, one in the Sault Ste. Marie area, and the other in the Elliot Lake area - bringing it to 477 total, with nine "active" - including two in hospital - plus a case of a non-resident temporarily in Algoma.

It's also warning of potential exposure on Air Canada flight AC 8325 from Toronto to the Sault on Monday, October 5th, specifically the flight crew and those who sat in rows one to five.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added six in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2476, with the number "active" rising to 50.

It's also reporting ten more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1209.

Two of the new cases are outbreak-related - the health unit's currently showing four: a new outbreak at the Lot 88 Steakhouse and Bar in Greater Sudbury as of yesterday; an outbreak reported Sunday at a Greater Sudbury daycare, and outbreaks at two Greater Sudbury schools, both reported September 26th.

Superior East OPP Investigating Hwy 17 Collision Near Pinewood Dr

Ontario Provincial Police are continuing to investigate a collision that happened on Highway 17 near Pinewood Drive on Tuesday.

Superior East OPP Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle explains the incident involved multiple vehicles.

Constable Nickle says the collision is still under investigation, with charges expected.

Multiple other collisions have been seen in the region in recent days, including incidents on Saturday, Sunday, and a single vehicle collision involving a tractor-trailer just south of Mijinemungshing on Monday morning - both occupants of that vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

That collision's still under investigation, as well.

SE OPP Warn Drivers to Slow Down After Recent Stunt Driving Incidents

Local police are warning drivers to follow the speed limit on local roads.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle explains a pair of drivers were charged with stunt driving in the last week.

Constable Nickle notes - under newly toughened laws for stunt driving - both drivers had their vehicles impounded for fourteen days and license suspended for thirty.

This comes as local police are preparing for "Operation Impact", a Thanksgiving weekend road safety initiative focusing on aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving, and failure to wear seatbelts.

Cathy Cannon Sworn-In As New Wawa Councillor

Wawa has a new councillor.

That's Councillor Cathy Cannon taking her oath of office last night, replacing Councillor Robert Reece, who resigned two weeks ago - Council decided the same night to simply appoint Cannon as a replacement, as she was the first runner-up in the 2018 election.

Mayor Ron Rody welcomed Cannon.

With Cannon sworn-in to the role, she joined Council for last night's back-to-back meetings - she'll serve for the roughly thirteen-month remainder of Council's term, as the next municipal election's scheduled for November 2022.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting sixteen in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2470, with the number "active" rising to 49.

Two of the new cases are outbreak-related - the health unit's currently showing three: a new outbreak at a Greater Sudbury daycare, and outbreaks at two Greater Sudbury schools, both reported September 26th.

Algoma Public Health currently has six "active" cases - including one in hospital - plus another case of a non-resident temporarily in Algoma.

Wawa Council to Welcome New Member Amid Back-to-Back Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council welcomes a new councillor amid a pair of meetings tonight.

Cathy Cannon is set to take a seat vacated by Robert Reece's departure last month - at the time, Council decided to simply appoint Cannon as a replacement, as she was the first runner-up in the 2018 election, just 20 votes shy of the fourth place candidate.

Council will then continue a Corporate Planning Committee meeting which will include a presentation from the Wawa EDC on the Wawa Age Friendly Plan, followed by discussion on the municipal strategic plan, a disaster recovery plan, and a request for municipal representation for a Wawa Arts Council.

That'll be followed by a regular meeting, which includes a resolution to approve an expenditure for a new fire truck, as well as three "in-camera" items: a personnel issue about the Wawa Transformational Plan report received in August; a legal issue about a request for road access; and a legal issue about a settlement agreement.

The meetings will be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 tonight - the public can attend with restrictions or watch through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's added one in the Sault Ste. Marie area - stemming from international travel - bringing the health unit to 474 total, though the number "active" has dropped to six, including one in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting fourteen in Greater Sudbury since Friday - bringing the health unit to 2454, though the number "active" is down to 44 - with twelve more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that total to 1199.

Chapleau Fall Clean-Up Begins

Chapleau's opening up its landfill site for local residents free of charge.

A notice on the Township's website notes - starting today - the municipal landfill site is accepting residential waste for free, during regular hours, as part of "Fall Clean-Up".

It reminds materials must be sorted into steel, wood, building products, and other household waste - and that items like automotive batteries, tires, pressurized tanks, fridges and freezers, derelict vehicles, and construction, demolition, or renovation material will not be accepted.

The "Fall Clean-Up" period continues through Saturday, October 9th.