Wawa Legion Celebrates Facelift, Receives Further Support from Ice Fishing Derby

Wawa's Legion showed off some recent work with a celebration over the weekend.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 President Mary Ann Pearson explains the Legion's made a few changes in recent years.

Pearson notes funding for the work has come from a few sources.

The event also saw a further boost for the Legion - Michelle Wheatley presented a cheque on behalf of the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

Pearson welcomes the support.

In addition to the ribbon cutting by Alma Meyers, remarks were read off by local figures who'd made contributions to the project, with other supporters recognized.

LDHC Board Annual General Meeting Near, Seeking New Director

A major meeting's coming up for Wawa's hospital.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre board of directors is set to hold its annual general meeting Wednesday, June 22nd - like its monthly meetings, it will be held via videoconference.

With the meeting approaching, it's accepting applications for director, asking those interested submit an application form by noon on Tuesday, June 21st.

That's the same day those wishing to attend the AGM are asked to RSVP - to get details to attend - by calling 705-856-2335, extension 3210.

PHSD Reports 151st COVID-19 Death

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

In its latest update, late Friday, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported its 151st COVID-related death - the 12th in the broader Sudbury District - it last reported a death May 27th.

The health unit also reported 30 new cases - 25 in Greater Sudbury, three in the Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - though the number of known "active" cases is down to 81 - three in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with fifteen cases in hospital.

Charges Laid Over Fatal February Ambulance/Snowplow Collision

Careless driving charges have been laid over a fatal ambulance-snowplow collision near the Dubreuilville turnoff last winter.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say investigation into the February 20th collision on Highway 17 - just south of the intersection with Highway 519 - led to the arrest of a 45-year-old Wawa paramedic on a count of careless driving causing death and another of careless driving causing bodily harm.

68-year-old Connie Halverson - a passenger in the ambulance - was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, while one paramedic sustained "life-threatening injuries" and another "non-life-threatening injuries" - the plow driver was not injured.

APH, PHU & TBDHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's added nine since Tuesday - seven in the Sault Ste. Marie area, two in Central and East Algoma - leaving the health unit with 45 "high risk active" cases, eleven in hospital.

There is one "active" outbreak, at Sault Area Hospital's 2A unit, declared Monday.

Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added 28 cases since Wednesday - 23 in the Thunder Bay area, four in unspecified First Nation communities, another in an unspecified district community - though the number of known "active" cases is down to 98, with 28 in hospital, four in ICUs.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added seven cases since Wednesday, but no longer breaks that down by region or reports "active" case counts - it does show seven in hospital, two in ICUs.

Indigenous Makers Market Coming for Wawa

Wawa's Goose Nest Market is offering a chance to see some works from local Indigenous makers.

Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains an Indigenous Makers Market will be held tomorrow, with five vendors expected.

White adds an important acknowledgement.

The Indigenous Makers Market runs from 10 am to 1 pm tomorrow, at the Goose Nests.

Wawa's Legion Celebrating External Facelift

Wawa's Legion is looking to show off a new look.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 President Mary Ann Pearson explains the Legion's holding an event to celebrate its "facelift".

The exterior changes also include a new bulletin board to advertise the Legion's events.

Noting they'll also recognize those who've supported the Legion - including some memorial donations - Pearson welcomes everyone to the event, which starts with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, followed by a reception.

Chapleau Hosting Hazardous Waste Collection Event

The Township of Chapleau's encouraging residents to bring in their hazardous waste for a special collection tomorrow.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains the Municipal Hazardous Waste collection event is a simple idea.

Mayor Levesque notes there are some things that won't be accepted.

The event runs from 9 am to 2 pm Saturday, at Chapleau's Recreation Centre Parking Lot.

Emergency Services Respond to Plane in Wawa Lake

Some excitement in Wawa last night, with a plane in Wawa Lake.

Constable Ashley Nickle explains Superior East Ontario Provincial Police received multiple reports just before 8 o'clock Wednesday night.

Nickle says the situation was safely resolved.

No further investigation is planned by the OPP.

Wawa's Seniors Garden Party Cancelled

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER CONCERNS

Wawa's seniors are being honoured with a special celebration today: the annual Garden Party.

Canadian Red Cross Coordinator for Community Services, Health, and Wellness Vangie Fournier explains the event takes place at the Lady Dunn Health Centre Long-Term Care garden area, as June is Seniors Month.

Fournier adds there's some enticing aspects, too.

The Garden Party will be held outside, so those looking to attend are cautioned to be prepared for the sun and perhaps bring a lawn chair - if it's raining, the event will unfortunately be cancelled, otherwise it runs from 1:30 to 3:00 pm this afternoon.

Chapleau 17 & 22 Years Olds Charged Over Local Vandalism

A pair of Chapleau residents are facing charges after vandalism at the local grocery store.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were notified of vandalism to the Chapleau Valu-Mart garden centre around 7:45 the morning of June 2nd, with investigation determining two individuals were responsible.

Police arrested a seventeen-year-old suspect - who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act - on June 6th, with a 22-year-old arrested June 12th.

Both were charged with break and enter a place to commit indictable offence, mischief - destroys or damages property, and mischief - renders property dangerous, useless, inoperative, or ineffective - the younger accused was also charged with failure to comply with release order, while the older accused was charged with failure to comply with undertaking and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

While the teen was remanded into custody pending a bail hearing, the young adult was released with a July court date.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 35 since Monday - 29 in Greater Sudbury, five in the Sudbury District, and another in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 84 known "active" cases - three in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 29 in hospital, one in an ICU.

It's showing two "active" outbreaks, both at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit does warn there is a three-day lag in its latest data.

LDHCF Thanks Community for Successful Seedlings for Support

The Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's thanking local gardeners for supporting a fundraiser for the local hospital.

Foundation Intern Thea Desgagne says the recent Seedlings for Support campaign raised quite a bit of support.

Desgagne notes the campaign also saw a special planting project.

Desgagne also reminds the Foundation's Nine and Dine Golf Tournament's approaching - coming June 25th - with the registration deadline next Wednesday, June 22nd.

Golfers can register at the Michipicoten Golf Club Pro Shop.

Single Vehicle Collision Near Chapleau Leads to Impaired Driving Charges

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

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the collision on Highway 129 in Daoust Township around 7:30 the evening of June 2nd, with investigation determining the driver was impaired by alcohol.

The 22-year-old from Ottawa's been charged with operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), but was released from custody with a July court date.

Impaired Driving Charges After Wawa Area Traffic Complaint

Impaired driving charges have been laid after a traffic complaint near Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they received a complaint about a commercial motor vehicle not maintaining its lane on Highway 17 near Tremblay Road around 2:30 the afternoon of June 5th, with officers later locating the vehicle.

Investigation determined the driver was impaired, leading to the arrest of the 36-year-old from Toronto 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 July court date.

Special Wawa Council Meeting for Councillor Training

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a special meeting later this week - for councillor training.

A notice from the Municipality says the meeting relates only to councillor training about the procedural by-law.

Though it will be livestreamed on the Municipality's YouTube channel, the training portion (the main part of the meeting, outside of the opening and closing) will be in-camera, so closed to the public.

It starts at 9:30 am Friday, June 17th.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Holding Vaccination Clinic

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

Algoma Public Health's added 30 since Thursday - 25 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, three in Central and East Algoma, and two in the Elliot Lake area - leaving the health unit with 47 "high risk active" cases, five in hospital, one in an ICU.

There is one "active" outbreak, at Sault Area Hospital's 2A unit, declared Monday.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts is holding an "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today.

North Algoma's shifted to booking appointments rather than holding clinics: in Wawa, call the local Algoma Public Health office; in Dubreuilville, the Dubreuilville Medical Centre; in White River, the Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.

Wawa Student Honoured By Local French Catholic School Board

A Wawa student's being honoured for her perseverance, discipline, and artistic passion.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Ecole secondaire Saint Joseph Grade 12 student Tianna Morden "stands out for her perseverance and academic success", overcoming "several challenges while maintaining an exceptional academic performance" over the four years of high school.

Morden appreciates the recognition.

Morden is set to graduate soon, and has some plans for her future.

Morden was also recognized as a talented dancer - part of Defined Movement Dance - something she's been doing since the age of three, including several competitions, calling it "a lot of fun" and "a very nice atmosphere and experience".

Chapleau Council Approves Temporary Use By-Law for RV Campground

Chapleau Town Council's cleared the way for a new RV (and camper) campground in the community.

In their meeting Monday night, Council approved a temporary use by-law covering property at 8, 20, and 32 Pine Street East - the former Chapleau Public School property, near the Civic Centre - which Mayor Michael Levesque notes will allow for several vehicles to park, though certain restrictions are still being confirmed.

The temporary use by-law will apply for three years.

French Catholic School Board Welcoming Students to Kindergarten Early

The local French Catholic school board's looking to introduce new students to their schools.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says it's holding its annual Welcome to Kindergarten event at Wawa's Ecole St-Joseph at 1:30 this afternoon, with similar events at Dubreuilville's Ecole Saint-Joseph on June 21st and Chapleau's Ecole Sacre-Coeur on June 22nd.

It's meant to promote a smooth transition to Kindergarten - including several activities for children and parents - with parents to also receive important information about speech development, social and daycare services, the gentle beginnings schedule, and school transportation.

(Story edited to reflect that Ecole Sacre-Coeur’s event will be held June 22nd, not June 24th.