APH Reports 31st COVID-19 Death, PHSD Reports 107th

More COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in its region.

Algoma Public Health reported its 31st death from the illness on Saturday - two days after its 30th - though it gave no further details.

The health unit reported a total of 106 cases over the weekend: 72 in the Sault Ste. Marie area; eighteen in Central and East Algoma; twelve in the Elliot Lake area; and four in North Algoma, which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations.

That left it with 631 known "active" cases - plus three "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma" - with fifteen cases in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported its 107th death from the illness on Friday - two days after it last reported deaths linked to the illness - with figures showing it was the 97th in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit also added 165 new cases in Greater Sudbury, sixteen in the Sudbury District, and seventeen in the Manitoulin District, leaving it with 541 "active" - including five in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - while 54 cases are in hospital, six in ICUs.

PHU & TBDHU Report New COVID-19 Deaths, More Cases for APH

More COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in neighbouring regions.

The Porcupine Health Unit's reporting two - ten days after it last reported a death linked to the illness - bringing its death toll since the pandemic began to 46, fifteen just this year.

It's also reporting 29 new cases in the James and Hudson Bay region, 25 in the Timmins area, nine in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, and another in an unknown region - that leaves it with 428 known "active" cases, eight in hospital.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting its 79th death linked to the illness - just a week after its 78th - while reporting 96 new cases in the Thunder Bay area since Wednesday, 43 in unspecified First Nation communities, and five in unspecified district communities, leaving it with 304 known "active" cases, 41 in hospital, eight in ICUs.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's added 42 cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, two in Central and East Algoma, two in the Elliot Lake area, and twelve in North Algoma - which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations - leaving it with 601 "active" - plus three "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma" - with eleven cases in hospital.

Wawa's Northern Nationals Drag Race Cancelled for 3rd Year

Wawa's Northern Nationals Drag Race is staying off the track for third year.

A release issued by Wawa's Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson - on behalf of the Wawa Drag Race Committee - says the committee's "made the difficult decision" to cancel this year's event - like 2020 and 2021 - acknowledging it "may be disappointing to some", but citing "several factors, but most importantly the realities of COVID [which] have made planning, funding, and organizing large events extremely difficult".

It further notes the committee's lost several members over the last two years - requiring more volunteers to come forward "to spend the countless hours it takes to organize an event like this" - and points to "a lack of sponsorship due to the economic situation, the uncertainty of the status of the situation in August, and the negative perception of events that specifically target visitors from outside the Algoma Public Health Unit".

Emphasizing the drag races can't happen "without our community's support", the release also calls on community members interested in the event's "continued success" to contact a committee member and ask how you can help, adding the committee "look[s] forward to getting back to racing with everyone in the future".

Fail to Remain Charge for Wawa Driver After Collision in Town

A Wawa man's been charged over a collision in town.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the two-vehicle collision on Mission Road around 2:47 Wednesday afternoon - one vehicle fled the scene following the collision, but police later located the suspected driver, arresting the Wawa 35-year-old on a charge of failure to stop after accident.

They've been released from custody, set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in April.

Edmonton Resident Charged With Uttering Threats Over Wawa Domestic Dispute

Uttering threats charges have been laid against an Edmonton resident over a Wawa domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called to a Pinewood Avenue address around 10:36 Wednesday night, with investigation leading to the arrest of an Edmonton 35-year-old on charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm - spousal and uttering threats to damage property.

They've been released from custody, set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in April.

Time & Tickets Running Out for MVFA Cash Draw

Time and tickets are running out for the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association's annual cash draw.

The final three $1000 draws - and the $10,000 grand prize draw - will be made in just over a week, and association President Kyle Ouellet reminds the fundraiser supports the local firefighters.

It's estimated that fewer than 300 tickets are left.

The final draws will be made Sunday, March 6th, at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

White River Woman Killed in Ambulance-Snowplow Crash Identified

Police have identified the White River woman killed in Sunday's ambulance-snowplow collision near the Dubreuilville turnoff.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say 68-year-old Connie Halverson was the passenger in the ambulance who was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, just south of the intersection of Highways 17 and 519, about 40 kilometres north of Wawa, late Sunday morning.

A paramedic in the ambulance sustained what police describe as "life-threatening injuries" while another received "non-life-threatening injuries" - the plow driver was not injured.

The O-P-P's North East Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement - TIME - team are assisting with the investigation.

Local School Boards Confirm 2022-23 Calendar

Local school boards have confirmed their calendar for next school year.

A joint release from the Algoma District School Board, Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, and Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario outlines the 194-day calendar, which is the same for all four boards.

Staff will return for the 2022-23 school year on Thursday, September 1st, though that will be a Professional Activity Day, with classes beginning after the Labour Day weekend, on Tuesday, September 6th.

Aside from September 1st, PA Days will also fall on September 23rd, October 24th, November 18th, February 3rd, May 19th, and June 9th, while the Christmas break will run December 19th through January 2nd, and March Break will be March 13th through 17th.

First term exams for secondary students will be held from January 27th to February 2nd, with second term exams from June 26th to 30th, which is the last day of classes for all students.

APH Reports 30th COVID-19 Death, More Cases for PHSD

Algoma Public Health's reporting its 30th death from COVID-19.

The health unit's giving no further details about the death, which comes four days after its 29th linked to the illness.

It's also reporting 40 new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, three in Central and East Algoma, three in the Elliot Lake area, and sixteen in North Algoma, which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations.

That leaves it with 590 known "active" cases - plus two "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma" - with eleven cases in hospital.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 96 cases in Greater Sudbury, eight in the Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District, leaving it with 460 "active", including seven in the Northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

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

PHSD Reports 2 More COVID-19 Deaths, APH Sees New Cases

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in Sudbury.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving no further details about the deaths, except that they're the 105th and 106th linked to the illness for the health unit, and the 95th and 96th in the city.

It's also reporting 192 new cases in Greater Sudbury since Friday, plus 29 in the Sudbury District and seventeen in the Manitoulin District, leaving it with 406 known "active" cases, including seven in the Northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

The health unit's holding "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Chapleau and District Family Health Team today and at the health unit's office tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's added 86 cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area since Sunday plus nine in Central and East Algoma; four in the Elliot Lake area; and another in North Algoma - which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations - leaving it with 593 known "active" cases - including fourteen in hospital - plus two "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma".

A walk-in vaccination clinic's being held at Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre banquet room from 1 to 4 today.

Break & Enter and Uttering Threats Charges After Wawa Domestic Dispute

Break and enter and other charges have been laid after a Wawa domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the incident on Mission Road around 11:15 Friday night, with investigation leading to the arrest of a Wawa 50-year-old on charges of break, enter a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence plus two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

They've been released from custody with an April date in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice.

Assault With Weapon & Forcible Confinement Charges Over Wawa Domestic Dispute

A Wawa resident's facing assault and forcible confinement charges over a local domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called to a Hillcrest Avenue address around 3:55 Saturday morning, with investigation leading to the arrest of a Wawa 32-year-old on charges of spousal assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, and attempt to obstruct justice.

They've been released from custody, set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in March.

Impaired Driving Charges After Single Vehicle Collision Near Wawa

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

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the collision on Highway 17 at Catfish Lake Road around 10:41 last night, with investigation determining the driver was impaired by alcohol.

Charged with operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), the 44-year-old Niagara Falls man has been released from custody, set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in April.

1 Dead, Paramedic Seriously Injured After Ambulance and Snowplow Collide

One person is dead and a paramedic severely injured after an ambulance collided a snowplow on Highway 17, near the Dubreuilville turnoff.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the collision just south of the intersection of Highway 17 and 519 - about 40 kilometres north of Wawa - around 11 o'clock Sunday morning, with investigation revealing a southbound ambulance struck a southbound snowplow.

Police confirm the Algoma EMS ambulance was on a call, but cannot give any more details about that.

The ambulance's passenger - identified only as a 68-year-old White River woman, with the name withheld pending notification of next of kin - was pronounced dead at the scene, while one paramedic sustained "life-threatening injuries" and another "non-life-threatening injuries" - the plow driver was not injured.

The North East Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement - TIME - team are assisting with the investigation, while the Ministry of Labour has also been called, and a post-mortem investigation is expected.

While police could not confirm to JJAM FM News what road conditions were like at the time of the collision, sections of Highway 17 were closed due to weather conditions for parts of Sunday, including around the time of the collision.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Deaths

More COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in its region.

Algoma Public Health reported its 29th death from the illness on Saturday - more than a week after its 28th - though it gave no further details.

The health unit reported a total of 151 cases over the weekend: 125 in the Sault Ste. Marie area; thirteen in Central and East Algoma; five in the Elliot Lake area; and eight in North Algoma, which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations.

That left it with 618 known "active" cases - including fourteen in hospital - plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported its 104th death from the illness on Friday - the 94th in Greater Sudbury - while reporting 136 new cases in Greater Sudbury, seventeen in the Sudbury District, and sixteen in the Manitoulin District, leaving it with 459 "active", including twelve in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Tickets Sold Out Ahead of Event

The Wawa Ice Fishing Derby's sold out, just ahead of the event.

Chairperson Scott Popert says he's happy to announced tickets are gone for the 30th annual derby.

Popert tells participants to "stay tuned" for information about registration, but reminds that the drawn prizes - like the early birds or the $30,000 registration draw - can only be won by those 18 or older, per lottery regulations - anyone who bought a ticket for a youth should ensure it's registered to them by contacting the derby through Facebook or email.

The Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 4th through 6th.

TBDHU Reports 77th COVID-19 Death, More Cases for APH & PHU

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

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's giving no details about its 78th death linked to the illness, which comes one week after it reported its 77th, and as the health unit's reporting 144 cases in the Thunder Bay area since Wednesday, plus 43 in unspecified First Nation communities and seven in unspecified district communities, leaving it with 315 known "active" cases, including 50 in hospital, eleven in ICUs.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's added 41 cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area over the last day, plus nine in Central and East Algoma, eight in the Elliot Lake area, and two in North Algoma - which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, Michipicoten First Nation, and Missinabie Cree First Nation - leaving it with 593 "active" - plus a "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma" - sixteen cases in hospital.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added twenty in the Timmins area, twelve in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, eight in the James and Hudson Bay region, five in the Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland area, and three in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, leaving it with 404 "active", nine in hospital.

Chapleau Putting Out Transit Tender

Chapleau's putting out a tender for its transit service.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains the move is overdue, stemming from an expired contract.

While it is an open tender, Levesque notes that's what is required by law, and it's possible that the township could stay with the current provider.

Tenders are expected to be opened in mid-March.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Sells Out

The Wawa Ice Fishing Derby's sold out - two weeks before the event.

Organizers for the 30th annual derby have confirmed that tickets are now gone, thanking all the supporters, as well as sponsors for prizes such as the $30,000 registration draw and cash prizes for the six largest fish on each of the two derby lakes.

The Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 4th through 6th.

28th Chapleau Cree First Nation Youth Fish Derby Near

Young anglers will be getting out on the ice this weekend, as Chapleau Cree First Nation holds its 28th annual Youth Fish Derby this Sunday.

Due to COVID-19, the derby's a virtual event this year - only open to Chapleau Cree First Nation local members - with participants able to fish the Chapleau-local lake of their choice, cutting their own holes and providing their own rods, bait, measuring tape, and other supplies.

Participants will have until 11:59 pm Sunday to email clear visible pictures of the youth with the measured fish for size prizes, though organizers encourage emailing pictures of the youth participating for entry in the youth grand prize.

Winners will be notified by email on Tuesday, February 22nd.