Wawa Resident Campaigning to Become Miss North Ontario

A Wawa resident's asking for support as she's hoping to become Miss North Ontario.

Morgandy Leadbetter explains she's competing in the Miss North Ontario Regional Canada Pageant is to be a role model, something she believes she's already achieving.

Leadbetter notes voting for People's Choice is underway now, noting it could put her in the "Top Ten" fast-track for the title.

Voting continues until November 15th - at missnorthontario.ca - with the 15th anniversary event to be held in Sudbury November 19th to the 21st.

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

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.

Algoma Public Health's added five in Sault Ste. Marie - nearly all stemming from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit's total to 545, with the number "active" ticking up slightly, to 58, including two in hospital.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 53 cases since Friday - one in the Sudbury District, another in the Manitoulin District, the rest in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit's total to 2887, though the number "active" actually dropped, to 206.

Of those "active", one is in the northern part of the Sudbury District - which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - plus three in the western part of the district, one in the Manitoulin District, and the rest in Greater Sudbury.

It also reported 55 more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1543.

The health unit notes it has "appointment-only" vaccination clinics happening at its Chapleau office tomorrow, and at the Foleyet Nursing Station Thursday.

Chapleau Winter Parking By-Law Now In Force

As November's now underway, the Township of Chapleau's reminding its winter parking by-law is now in force.

The by-law - which applies from November 1st to April 30th - prohibits parking on any street between 1 am and 8 am, including the full 66-foot right-of-way running from the front lot line on one side of the street to the front lot line on the opposite side of the street.

With the by-law now in force, the Township's asking drivers park entirely within their property limits and that landlords ensure tenants have off-street parking spaces free of snow - and the Township warns creating parking spaces in snow banks isn't permitted, nor is clearing the snow on the side of the road in front of your home into large piles.

Wawa's winter parking by-law took effect October 15th, prohibiting parking on any street between 1 am and 8 am while it is also illegal to park on any boulevard.

APH & TBDHU Report New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Warns of Potential Public Exposure

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

Algoma Public Health's added eleven in Sault Ste. Marie - nearly all from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit's total to 540, with 57 active - the most in weeks - including one in hospital.

The Algoma District School Board - meanwhile - is reporting more cases linked to its schools, as individuals at the Grand View and East View public schools in the Sault have tested positive - it already reported one case linked to Grand View, so an outbreak has been declared for that school.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit added six cases over the weekend - three in the Thunder Bay area, three in unspecified First Nation communities - bringing its total to 3426, with fourteen "active", including one in a hospital ICU.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning of potential public exposure at Peppi Panini Lounge and Bar in Greater Sudbury between 5 pm October 23rd and 1:30 am on the 24th.

The health unit also notes it has "appointment-only" vaccination clinics happening at its Chapleau office Wednesday, and at the Foleyet Nursing Station Thursday.

PHSD Urges Adding Flu-Shot to "To-Do List"

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is urging everyone to add the flu shot to your "to-do list".

Noting the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic - with the health unit's region currently one of the province's hot spots - PHSD's emphasizing it's "more important than ever" to get the influenza vaccine early.

It's launching its annual flu campaign today, with shots available in various ways - that information is available on its website.

Algoma Public Health launched its flu shot campaign last month, with appointments available for clinics in the Wawa area by calling 705-856-7208.

The provincial government's also encouraging everyone to get the flu shot, launching one of the largest flu immunization campaigns in Ontario history, noting last year's uptake was the highest in recent history.

APH & PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, ADSB Reports More Linked to SSM Schools

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

Algoma Public Health added eleven in Sault Ste. Marie - one stemming from international travel, the rest from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit's total to 529, with 46 active - the most in weeks - including one in hospital.

The Algoma District School Board's confirmed individuals associated with its Grand View Public School in Sault Ste. Marie have tested positive - it already sent the River View Public School in the Sault to remote learning because of multiple cases, while the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board's reported a total of four cases at three schools in the Sault.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 34 cases in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit's total to 2834 - though the number "active" only rose by one, to 212.

It also reported 29 more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1488.

PHSD Reports 32nd COVID-19 Death, More Cases Across Region

Another COVID-19 death's been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is providing few details about its 32nd death linked to the illness, except that it is in Greater Sudbury - all other COVID-19 deaths in its region have been reported in Greater Sudbury.

This comes as the health unit's reporting 23 new cases in Greater Sudbury while reducing the number reported in the Manitoulin District by one, bringing the health unit's total to 2800, with 211 "active".

It's also reporting twelve more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1459.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's reporting six new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area - bringing the health unit to 518, with 36 "active", the most in weeks - while the Porcupine Health Unit's added two in the Timmins area - bringing that health unit to 2224 total, with just those two "active" - and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit reported three in unspecified "district communities" and another in an unspecified First Nation community, bringing it to 3420, with sixteen "active" including one in a hospital ICU.

Chapleau's Water Advisory Lifted

Chapleau's water advisory has been lifted.

The Township says both water samples tested were found to meet Ontario Drinking Water Standards, with Public Health Sudbury and Districts lifting the advisory this morning.

The advisory was issued after equipment failure at the Water Treatment Plant caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system Tuesday morning.

Wawa Legion Launches Poppy Campaign

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Royal Canadian Legion's launched its annual poppy campaign.

Larry Harvey - Poppy Campaign Chairman for Wawa's Legion Branch 429 - explains the campaign is meant to support veterans.

Harvey notes funds can also be used for housing and care facilities for elderly, disabled, and homeless veterans, as well efforts to "instill remembrance", along with the poster and literacy contests for students, and even some bursaries.

Aside from poppies - found throughout the community - Harvey reminds wreath orders are being accepted, urging everyone to get them in early, especially for the annual ceremony in Hawk Junction, which will be held after the annual church service on Sunday, November 7th.

2021 Northern Lights Ford Scares Hunger Set to End

With Halloween almost here, a month-long campaign to "put a mask on hunger" is wrapping up.

The "Northern Lights Ford Scares Hunger" campaign supporting the Wawa Community Food Bank is set to end, and Wynter Krell notes it's had a good response so far.

Non-perishable food items - and monetary donations - can be dropped off at Northern Lights Ford before 5 o'clock tonight, though you can also call the dealership to arrange pickup.

Superior East OPP Offer Advice for a Safe Halloween

As kids prepare to trick-or-treat, local police are reminding of some important safety tips.

Superior East OPP Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle has some advice for parents about trick-or-treating.

Constable Nickle also reminds parents to check treats before their children eat them.

As for trick-or-treaters, she reminds to watch for traffic - staying on sidewalks when possible or walking opposite traffic when needed, and only crossing at crosswalks or intersections - emphasizes wearing costumes that fit properly and "be as visible as possible" - using flashlights or glowsticks and reflective tape - and warns against going to any homes with lights off.

She also reminds the importance of following COVID-19-related precautions, wearing masks when possible, keeping physical distance, and washing hands often, even if it means occasionally stopping at home.

Drivers are also reminded to be extra cautious - and drive slowly - so everyone can enjoy a safe Halloween.

Wawa Public Library Ending Ontario Public Libraries Week Celebration

The Wawa Public Library's wrapping up its extended celebration of Ontario Public Libraries Week.

While that week wrapped up last weekend, the local library continued a number of initiatives - including a bag book sale and "Food for Fines", raising support for the local food bank - which Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell notes are a way to highlight the library in our community.

Jarrell reminds there's still time left to take a picture of yourself with your library card to enter into a draw that will be made this afternoon.

Wawa Fire Department Showing Off New Tanker

The Wawa Fire Department's showing off its new fire truck today.

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin explains they needed to replace their "tanker".

As the tanker's now arrived, Chief Sabourin says the Fire Department wants to show it off, holding an open house as an opportunity to see the vehicle, tour the department, ask the volunteer firefighters questions, and even voice concerns - it runs from 3 to 6 this afternoon, at the fire hall.

Chapleau Issues Update on Water Advisory

Chapleau remains under a water advisory after problems at the water treatment plant earlier this week.

An update from the Township notes pressure has been restored after a drop Tuesday morning - caused by equipment failure at the Water Treatment Plant - and a flushing program was completed for the water distribution system that day.

It explains that two water samples must be taken 24 hours apart for laboratory testing, with the first taken yesterday and the second this morning, though testing's expected to take about 24 hours - Public Health Sudbury and Districts will then review the results and decide whether to lift the advisory.

In the meantime, the Township's offering potable water to residents who attend the Water Treatment Plant with their own containers between until 7 pm tonight, with plans to offer it "as needed" tomorrow.

PHSD Medical Officer of Health Issues Order Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

Public Health Sudbury and Districts' Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, is warning that COVID-19 "trends in Greater Sudbury are going in the opposite direction" of the province's downward trend, signalling "a call to immediate action" - she warns "now is the time for each of us to assess our individual actions and decisions and ramp up COVID-19 precautions, layer[ing] on the protective measures such as vaccination, masking, distancing, working from home, and importantly, staying home when even mildly unwell".

While Sutcliffe says the community hasn't "done anything wrong", she emphasizes "recent numbers mean that we must do more things right", noting - while no single setting or sector is driving the current increase - there are seven active outbreaks in its service area, including at the Sudbury Jail - linked to 59 cases - and at Greater Sudbury's Memorial Park - linked to 21 cases - with the health unit reporting a seven-day rate of 82.5 new cases per 100,000 population - nearly five times the provincial rate of 17 and among the highest rates in the province.

In light of the situation, Sutcliffe's issued a class order, requiring everyone in the health unit's service area - which includes Chapleau and neighbouring First Nation communities - to follow Public Health direction if they are a case, potential case, or contact of a case.

PHSD Says to Add Flu Shot to "To Do List"

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is urging everyone to add the flu shot to your "to-do list".

Noting the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health unit's emphasizing it's "more important than ever" to get the influenza vaccine early - the health unit's set to launch its annual flu campaign on Monday, with shots available in various ways - that information is available on its website.

Algoma Public Health launched its flu shot campaign earlier this month, with appointments available for clinics in the Wawa area by calling 705-856-7208.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, Wawa Pop-Up Clinic Planned

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting three in the Sault Ste. Marie area - one stemming from international travel - bringing the health unit to 512, with 30 "active", the most in weeks.

APH is holding a local vaccination clinic today, a "pop-up clinic" with no appointment necessary at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre lounge, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 20 cases in Greater Sudbury and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing its total to 2778, with 209 "active": 199 in Greater Sudbury; four in the western part of the Sudbury District; two in the eastern part; two in the northern part, which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nation communities; and two in the Manitoulin District.

It's also reporting twelve more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1447.

Many of the new cases have been linked to outbreaks, with six considered "active": two at Greater Sudbury schools, another at the Sudbury Jail, another at a Greater Sudbury bar, one at a Greater Sudbury long-term care home, and the other at the Vale South Mine.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 33 in Greater Sudbury and two in the Sudbury District, bringing it to 2757 total, with 199 "active", the most in months.

190 of the "active" cases are in Greater Sudbury, four in the western part of the Sudbury District, two in the eastern part, two in the northern part - which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - and one in the Manitoulin District.

The health unit's also reporting 16 more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that count to 1435.

PHSD holds an "appointment-only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office every Wednesday, while Algoma Public Health's holding a "pop-up clinic" - with no appointment necessary - at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre lounge on Thursday, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Chapleau Still Under Water Advisory

Chapleau remains under a water advisory after problems at the water treatment plant.

The advisory was issued after equipment failure at the plant Tuesday morning caused a lost of pressure for the distribution system, and - while that's been restored - Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns the loss of pressure may have "created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water", advising against using the water for human consumption until testing indicates it's safe.

In the meantime, the Township's offering potable water to residents who attend the Water Treatment Plant with their own containers between 9 am to 7 pm today and tomorrow.

Chapleau Water Advisory Declared After Water Treatment Plant Equipment Failure

Update: the Township's offering potable water to residents who attend the Water Treatment Plant with their own containers by 7 pm tonight, and from 9 am to 7 pm Wednesday and Thursday.

The Township of Chapleau is under a water advisory after problems at the water treatment plant this morning.

While the Township says the distribution system lost pressure because of equipment failure at the plant, it notes pressure's since been restored, though a water advisory's in effect until further notice, as Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns the loss of pressure may have "created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water", advising against using the water for human consumption until testing indicates it's safe.

That means residents should not use the water for such as brushing teeth, washing uncooked fruits and vegetables, cooking, drinking, or making juice, infant formula, or ice - not even if it's boiled first, as that still may not make it safe for drinking - though the water can still be used for laundry or bathing, but not for small children who could swallow it.