Assault & Other Charges Over White River Domestic Dispute

A White River resident's facing assault and other charges after a domestic dispute in town.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to the incident on Winnipeg Street early Thursday morning, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 40-year-old on charges of spousal assault, failure to comply with release order, two counts of fail to comply with probation order, and two counts of failure to comply with undertaking.

They've been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.

TBDHU Reports 67th COVID-19 Death, APH & PHSD Report More Cases

Another COVID-19 death's been reported in a neighbouring region.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed its 67th death related to the illness, two weeks after its 66th.

It's also reporting 29 new cases in the Thunder Bay area and five in unspecified First Nation communities, though it has also removed one from the case count due to data quality checks, bringing the health unit's total to 3642, with 127 "active", two in hospital.

Algoma Public Health added eighteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in the Elliot Lake area, bringing it to 1208 total, with 371 "active", eleven in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 30 in Greater Sudbury, 28 in the Manitoulin District, and four in the Sudbury District, bringing it to 3950 total, with 324 "active".

It has also released new vaccination figures, reporting 81.1% of the health unit's residents five or older are partially vaccinated, with 77.5% fully - that's 77.5% of the overall population partially vaccinated, 74% fully.

And the neighbouring Porcupine Health's added two cases in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, bringing the health unit to 2279 total, with nine "active".

MVFA Cash Draw Returns to Support Wawa Firefighters

Wawa's firefighters are reminding an annual campaign is back - with a few weeks before an upcoming draw.

The annual Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association cash draw has returned, offering ticket holders the chance to win up to five draws for $1000 or the grand prize of $10,000.

Association President Kyle Ouellet explains it supports local fire services.

Ouellet notes tickets are available in the community - particularly through firefighters - with the "Early Bird" draw to be held the morning of December 23rd - at the Fire Hall - the winning ticket will be entered back in for the chance to win the Valentine's Day draw, and the others at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

Chapleau Winter Carnival Cancelled for 2nd Year Due to COVID-19

Some unfortunate news for Chapleau, as the Township's cancelled next year's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

Citing "ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions and capacity limits" imposed by the provincial government and local health unit, the Township says it has made the "unfortunate" decision, but emphasizes it was "made with the community's safety in mind" and the Township is "committed to following all safety protocols in place".

This is the second straight year the carnival's been cancelled because of the pandemic, though the Township assures the long-standing tradition will continue.

Impaired Driving Charges Laid After Single Vehicle Collision in Wawa

Impaired driving charges have been laid after a single vehicle collision in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the incident on Tamarack Avenue shortly after 5 o'clock Monday evening, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 38-year-old from Kitchener on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

They've been released from custody with a January court date.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, But Fewer Active

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - but "active" cases are down.

Algoma Public Health added 37 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, another in the Elliot Lake area, and another in Central and East Algoma, bringing it to 1189 total, though the number "active" is down slightly, to 361, including nine in hospital.

It's also warning of a couple potential "low risk" exposures: at a Tim Horton's on John Street in the Sault between 9 and 9:30 am and 1 to 5 pm November 30th; and at the Montana's BBQ and Bar in the Sault between 7:30 and 9 pm November 27th.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 22 cases in Greater Sudbury, three in the Sudbury District, and five in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 3888 total, though the number "active" is down slightly, to 285.

It has also released new vaccination figures, reporting 80.9% of the health unit's residents five or older are partially vaccinated, with 77.4% fully - that's 77.3% of the overall population partially vaccinated, 73.9% fully.

The health unit's holding an "appointment-only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today.

LDHCF Thanks Community for Support on Giving Tuesday

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's thanking the community for its support during a recent one-day initiative.

Foundation Assistant Thea Desgagne says yesterday's "Giving Tuesday" was a "huge success".

Desgagne adds that the Foundation was "incredibly surprised" as the total is nearly four times its original goal.

The initiative comes amid the Foundation's annual Wish Campaign, which continues through the holidays (until January 8th), raising support for the purchase of an automated medication dispensing unit for the local hospital.

APH & PHSD Report COVID-19 Deaths & More Cases

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its sixteenth - just three days after it saw its fifteenth - though it is giving no further details.

It has also confirmed 29 new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit's total to 1150, with 378 currently "active", nine in hospital.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed its 39th death related to the illness - just a week after the health unit's 38th, bringing its death toll over November to seven - though it is similarly giving no details, with figures only showing it was in Greater Sudbury, like all other deaths for the health unit.

Figures also show 45 new cases in Greater Sudbury, ten in the Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 3858 total, with 292 "active".

The health unit's holding an "appointment-only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today and another tomorrow.

SE OPP Arrest Prohibited Wawa Driver in Possession of Stolen Property

A Wawa resident's facing multiple charges after a traffic stop last week.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers stopped a vehicle on Churchill Avenue early Thursday afternoon, with investigation revealing the driver was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle, was breaching court-ordered conditions, and was in possession of stolen property.

The 28-year-old's been charged with two counts of operation while prohibited and one each of failure to comply with release order, fail to comply with probation order, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

They've been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.

Deadline to Register for Wawa's Festival of Lights

Time's running out to sign up for a holiday season decoration contest in Wawa.

Organizers say those looking to compete in this year's Festival of Lights must sign up by noon today, so a map of participants can be prepared for Friday's launch.

You can register online.

Registration’s also open for floats in this year's stationary Santa Claus Parade, which will be held Friday, December 17th - the deadline for those is Friday, December 10th.

SE OPP Warn of Recent BnEs to Seasonal Properties

Local police are warning of a recent rise in break-and-enters to seasonal properties in the area.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they've responded to thirteen break-and-enter occurrences in the area this month - six of them at unoccupied residences - with most of the incidents involving locks being cut or pried open.

Police emphasize the importance of battery powered and motion activated security cameras - like game or trail cameras - noting only one of the six seasonal properties broken into had security cameras, which led to the recovery of several stolen items.

They also recommend installing motion lights or leaving on exterior lights to illuminate entryways and backyards, while making the residence look occupied with light timers and shovelled driveways or walkways and grass cut, leaving a duplicate key with a friend or neighbour instead of hiding it outside, recording or taking photos of the serial numbers of items such as tools or electronics, keeping objects like axes and hammers secured so they can't be used to assist in breaking into your residence, never posting on social media that you're away.

It's also recommended that you rely on friends and neighbours, checking on each other's properties when they're away, and noting suspicious behaviour near your residence or theirs.

Wawa Driver Charged With Impaired, Prohibited Driving & Other Offences

A Wawa driver's facing multiple charges after a traffic stop in town.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they stopped a vehicle on Klondike Street shortly after midnight Saturday morning, with subsequent investigating finding the driver was impaired by an unspecified drug and was also prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.

That's led to charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, operation while prohibited, two counts of driving while under suspension, and two of failure to comply with release order.

The 30-year-old's been released from custody, with a court date next month.

Conciliated Talks Underway Between PHSD & ONA

Conciliation talks have begun for nurses with the Sudbury district health unit.

The Ontario Nurses' Association represents 126 registered nurses and two nurse practitioners with Public Health Sudbury and Districts, but three days of negotiations between the two sides failed to lead to a new contract, prompting conciliation talks which started yesterday.

The ONA is citing the ongoing pandemic for its stance in talks, saying the nurses have been "working full-out...and are both exhausted and feeling unappreciated".

APH Reports Rising COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Sees More But Active Cases Stable

Algoma Public Health's continuing to report rising COVID-19 cases.

The health unit's added 33 - all in the Sault Ste. Marie area - bringing the health unit to 1121 total, with a record (for the health unit) 353 "active", including sixteen in hospital.

Speaking Monday, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Loo noted it currently has an average of 170 cases per 100,000 people - far above the 130 per 100,000 provincial average when Ontario went into a state of emergency - adding "the present amount of cases that we're seeing is largely driven by community transmission and a lot of unprotected, close contact activities", with hopes that recently reintroduced restrictions limiting social gatherings and organized public events to ten people indoors or 25 outdoors, suspending close contact extracurricular activities in Sault Ste. Marie schools, and strengthening masking and physical distancing measures for certain businesses and organizations in the Sault will help stem the spread.

Dr. Loo says it will take at least one or two weeks to assess if the current restrictions are enough, suggesting more could be on the way if cases don't plateau, like in the neighbouring Sudbury district.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 82 cases since Friday - 77 in Greater Sudbury, one in the Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - bringing it to 3801 total, though the number "active" is down by one, to 287.

It has eighteen "active" outbreaks, all in Greater Sudbury.

PHSD's holding vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office tomorrow and Thursday, both by appointment only.

LDHCF Wishing for Campaign Boost on Giving Tuesday

With the holiday season here, residents of the Wawa area are being asked to help grant a wish from the local hospital - particularly amid a special one-day initiative.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Chair Susan Switzer says today marks Giving Tuesday, and the foundation is hoping this will provide a substantial boost to their recently launched Wish Campaign.

Switzer notes donations can be made through the hospital website - or the Giving Tuesday website - with anyone requiring more information directed to call Thea at the foundation, which is 705-856-2335, extension 3147.

The Wish Campaign continues through the holiday season, raising support for the meditech expansion, specifically aiming to raise $100,000 for an automated medication dispensing unit.

Rotary Online Auction Touted As Success

The Rotary Club of Wawa is thanking the community for supporting their second annual "Rotary Online Auction", which wrapped up a week of bidding over the weekend.

Club Secretary Russell Reid says almost $17,000 in merchandise and services was donated for auction, with bids totalling "well over" 50% of that value - "almost identical" to last year's inaugural online auction, and a fair amount of the $10,000 goal.

Reid says there was "very stable, very strong" support from the community, particularly touting the merchant support as "extremely good, given the circumstances of the past two years", but also thanking all Rotarians - calling it a "very small, very active" group - especially Mark Owen, Andy Stevens, and Rob Clarke.

Funds raised from the auction will go to a variety of causes in the community, including Rotary projects for sight and hearing testing for primary students, academic achievement awards, school sports, and advancing youth leadership and citizenship, as well as community groups like the fire department, the food bank, and the hospital, and a small portion for disaster relief.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, More in Neighbouring Regions

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 40 new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 1088 total, with 330 currently "active", including fifteen in hospital.

The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's also added 40 - all in the Thunder Bay area - bringing it to 3577 total, with 93 "active" including one in hospital, while the Porcupine Health Unit's reported multiple new cases - including one in the Timmins area - bringing the health unit's total to 2276 total, with eleven "active".

APH Reports 15th COVID-19 Death, APH & PHSD See More Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's giving no details about its 15th death related to the illness, which was reported Saturday, just days after the health unit reported five deaths.

The health unit also reported a total of 51 new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area over the weekend, plus ten in the Central and East Algoma area, bringing it to 1048 total with 306 "active", including fifteen in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 39 cases in Greater Sudbury plus three in the Sudbury District and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 3719 total with 288 "active".

APH & PHSD Bring Back COVID-19 Measures Amid Surging Cases

Surging COVID-19 cases in the region have prompted the return of more restrictions as of today.

With Algoma crossing 1000 total cases since the pandemic began - most of that reported in recent weeks, as the region sees its highest amount of COVID activity ever - Algoma Public Health is restricting social gatherings and organized public events in Sault Ste. Marie to ten people indoors and 25 outdoors - that includes wedding receptions or wakes, but not the funeral or wedding ceremony - while Sault Ste. Marie businesses and organizations must reimpose strengthened masking and physical distancing requirements, prohibiting certain high-risk close contact activities.

Based on its recommendation, all four local school boards have suspended extra curricular activities at schools in the Sault - unless participants can be masked and physically distanced at all times - and the health unit's working with the boards to implement other measures like voluntary rapid antigen testing and daily symptom screening.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is similarly working with school boards to implement such measures.

Calling local COVID rates "unacceptably high", PHSD is also requiring businesses and organizations in Greater Sudbury ensure workers conduct their work remotely - unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace - and it's tightening protocols for contact followup, requiring - in certain circumstances - some people to self-isolate even if fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated children need to stay home if an unvaccinated family member's been exposed to a case.

PHSD Reimposing More COVID-19 Measures Amid High Case Counts

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is imposing more COVID-19 measures.

Saying rates "remain unacceptably high" - making it one of the province's top three most affected jurisdictions at the moment - the health unit's announced it is reinstating work-from-home requirements revoked by the provincial government in mid-July, requiring businesses and organizations in Greater Sudbury to ensure workers conduct their work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires to be on-site at the workplace.

It's also partnering with school boards, recommending voluntary rapid antigen testing for students, as well as requiring such screening or proof of vaccination for students to participate in extracurricular sports, along with strengthened health and safety measures and mandatory daily confirmation of symptom screening.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe is also tightening protocols for contact followup, requiring - in certain circumstances - some people to self-isolate even if fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated children would need to stay home if an unvaccinated family member's been exposed to a case.

Sutcliffe's also reissuing a call for everyone to limit outings, work from home, wear your mask, maintain at least two metres distance from those outside your household, get vaccinated, and stay home when ill, even with mild symptoms, emphasizing these directions "should guide your decisions on any pre-holiday celebrations".