Wawa's Algoma News Review Publishes Final Edition

Wawa's weekly newspaper has printed its final edition, after nearly six decades.

A frontpage letter from owner Ken Warwick in yesterday's edition of the Algoma News Review confirms that it is the final, noting the paper had been published about 58.5 years, since 1964 - he bought the business in 2014, and notes in his letter that he "hoped it would have a ten year run before, ultimately, the economics of the newspaper business would have deteriorated", adding his "estimation proved to be about right" as it is still "modestly profitable" but "the time commitment it requires to produce...each week is not really something that makes sense any longer" - especially amid staffing challenges, particularly for writers but also kids to deliver the paper - and Warwick says he's decided to "invest [his] time on other ventures" with his wife, though they thank subscribers and readers for their patronage, carriers who've been instrumental in delivering the paper, and employees and retail partners who worked hard to get it into people's hands.

The Algoma News is marking the final edition with a special bonus, including old edition as a centrefold.

The paper's other frontpage article is an announcement that ANP Office Supply has purchased Hughes Supply Co., which was started by Sheila and Walter Hughes in Iron Bridge 25 years ago - its inventory's being integrated into ANP's at its secondary warehouse in Bruce Mines, bolstering ANP's position as one of the largest office and industrial suppliers in Northern Ontario - and ANP says this will "greatly expand their presence towards Sudbury".

ANP also touts big plans in Wawa: a new store and warehouse, which it says will put the company in "a position to grow to the western part of Ontario, as well".

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, 4 in Northern Sudbury District

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - including the northern Sudbury District.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 54 cases since Monday - 45 in Greater Sudbury, seven in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 92 known "active" cases, 21 in hospital.

The "active" cases include four in the northern Sudbury District - which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - the health unit reported none in that region in Monday's update.

This comes after the Township of Chapleau announced its Recreation Centre was closed for the week, as staff tested positive for COVID.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Including 1 in North Algoma

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

Algoma Public Health's added 28 since Thursday - eighteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area, six in Central and East Algoma, three 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 49 known "active" cases, six in hospital, one in an ICU.

APH Warns of Increase in Opioid-Related EMS Calls

Algoma Public Health's warning anyone using "street drugs" to take extra precautions, amid an increase in opioid-related EMS calls.

The health unit emphasizes "substance use and opioid poisoning does not discriminate", urging anyone who uses drugs to carry naloxone and always have someone with them when they use, starting with a low dose and increasing slowly - never mixing substances, even alcohol - and calling 911 immediately if you suspect opioid poisoning.

Vandalism at Chapleau Waterfront

Vandals have struck Chapleau's waterfront.

Mayor Michael Levesque sarcastically thanks those defaced several plaques at the far end of the waterfront's promenade, near the boat launch.

Levesque notes it's unclear what measures will need to be taken to fix the vandalism, as it's unknown whether it was permanent marker used - or something else - and whether the material used for the placards could be properly cleaned.

Chapleau Recreation Centre Closed Due to COVID-19, Chapleau Looking to Ease Leisure & Culture Services Director Workload

Chapleau's arena is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains the situation.

This comes as the Township's looking for a new management figure in the department, a move Mayor Levesque attributes to increased workload for the current director.

Mayor Levesque explains recruitment efforts are underway.

Mayor Levesque expects an update on that situation after the interview process.

PHSD Reports 154th COVID-19 Death, No Longer Any Active Cases in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving few details about its 154th death, the 135th in Greater Sudbury, and the 111th in which COVID was the underlying cause of death.

It's also reporting 86 cases since last Wednesday - 78 in Greater Sudbury, two in the broader Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 92 known "active" cases, eighteen in hospital, one in an ICU.

It's no longer showing any "active" in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Wawa Public Library Summer Reading Fun Includes Story Walk, Bingo

Wawa's library is encouraging kids to join in some summer reading fun.

New Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Suzie Jarrell notes a new event's being tried locally: a "Story Walk", now set up.

Jarrell also reminds the Bingo Reading Summer Challenge is now underway.

Items to do include checking out a movie, reading certain types of books, or participating in programming at the library, which is open for in-house programming this summer.

Pukaskwa National Park Walkway Reopens

A popular walkway in the region has reopened.

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP - and Indigenous Services Minister - Patty Hajdu has officially announced the completion of a $540,000 improvement to the Hattie Cove Wetland Walkway in Pukaskwa National Park, replacing the boardwalk with a "new, more sustainable structure": a pre-fabricated floating walkway able to move up and down with the changing water levels

The walkway officially reopened last month, re-connecting the park's popular Suspension Bridge Trail and Coastal Hiking Trail.

Tim Hortons Wawa Cuts Hours

Wawa's Tim Hortons has cut its hours.

In a social media post, the restaurant says its new temporary hours of operation are 4 am to 5 pm as of today - it's continuing to offer drive-thru service only, though customers could also order through the Tim Hortons app or website and pickup at the door.

This comes just ahead of the annual Tim Hortons Camp Day - which raises funds for Tim Hortons Foundation Camps - though fundraising's already begun, with Camp Day bracelets and socks being sold.

40th Wawa Salmon Derby Nears Early Bird Registration Deadline

Time is running out for anglers hoping to win a special prize with the Wawa Salmon Derby.

Noting the "Early Bird" deadline is almost here, Derby Chair Brad Buck reminds the annual event is making some changes, bringing back some things suspended for the pandemic era derbies.

Buck reminds entries for the derby will still be accepted after next Monday's Early Bird deadline - they just won't qualify for that prize - with the 40th annual event to be held August 19th to 21st.

Chapleau's "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Award Presented

Chapleau's annual "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award will be presented this Canada Day.

While a first attempt failed to garner any nominations, a second try brought in eleven nominees - including eight "longstanding" volunteers - and Mayor Michael Levesque says a few were honoured on Canada Day.

Mayor Levesque notes all of the nominees receive an appreciation award from Chapleau Town Council, though the recipients of the "Buddy" Swanson Award received a special trophy made by a local artist.

Wawa Public Library Offering Summer Reading Fun

Wawa's library is encouraging kids to join in some summer reading fun.

New Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains the TD Summer Reading Club has already launched.

Jarrell notes activities planned include the Bingo Reading Summer Challenge now underway - open to kids and adults - and a Photo Scavenger Hunt coming later this month, adding that the library's open for in-house programming this summer, welcoming people to come in to learn more.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases Heading Into Canada Day

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

Algoma Public Health added eighteen in its last update - twelve in the Sault Ste. Marie area, four in Central and East Algoma, one 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 51 known "active" cases, six in hospital, two in ICUs.

Alamos Gold Eyes Greater Expansion for Local Island Gold Mine

Further expansion's planned for a local mine.

Alamos Gold says its Phase 3+ Expansion Study for the Island Gold Mine "outlines a larger, more profitable, and valuable operation than outlined in the Phase III Expansion Study released in 2020", which would bring the operation to 2400 tonnes per day - which would make it one of the largest producing mines in the country - with average annual gold production of 287,000 ounces starting in 2026, upon completion of the shaft - a 22% increase from the previous study and a 121% increase from the mid-point of 2022 production guidance of 130,000 ounces.

The study notes "consistent cost structure" with the previous study - with "productivity gains and economies of scale offsetting inflation" - while proposing "larger, longer-life operation supported by significantly increased Mineral Reserve and Resource", extending the mine life by four years from that study, which would take it to 2039.

According to Alamos, it is "well positioned" to fund the expansion, expecting "significant free cash flow growth" in 2025 and beyond, as production ramps up at the mine.

Further Vandalism at Wawa's Lion's Beach House

Vandalism continues to plague Wawa's Lion's beach house.

A post of the "Wawa Recreation" Facebook page explains both washrooms at the beach house were closed as of yesterday, after they were "smashed up again - only a few days after reopening on Monday", after they were closed Friday by vandalism that saw dispensers smashed in the men's room with no replacements currently available.

Plans are to clean up both washrooms and reopen them for tomorrow's Canada Day celebrations - but not until then, as they "don't want to have the place get damaged the day before hosting a large event".

While comments have suggested cameras, the post notes there are four around the beach house but not inside the washrooms, though footage from those cameras has been provided to the OPP, which has also agreed to patrol the area more frequently.

The Municipality emphasizes - as they are not able to be there 24/7 - they "simply cannot keep up with the amount of damage being done on a regular basis", urging anyone with information about the incidents call the police.

Vandalism has been a problem for the beach house before, including last summer and in summer 2016.

Local Students Receive Scholarship from French Catholic School Board

Some local students are being honoured with special scholarships.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says two students from each of its secondary schools have been awarded "Vision Scholarships" valued at $500, for reflecting the board vision of "thriving French-language Catholic students, proud and ready to take place in their society".

Local recipients are Indiana-Lou Impératori & Mathieu Lafrenière from Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph in Wawa and Alicia Fournier & Kaleb Boucher from Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium.

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