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

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 74 cases since Thursday - 49 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, eleven in Central and East Algoma, thirteen in the Elliot Lake area, and another in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - though known "high risk active" cases are down to 125, with thirteen in hospital, two in ICUs - both up from Thursday.

The health unit has seven "active" outbreaks at the moment: at Algoma Manor, Extendicare Maple View, Ontario Finnish Resthome, and Sault Area Hospital, and at Golden Birches in Blind River.

Small Forest Fire Reported in Chapleau Region, Now Out

A small forest fire was reported in the Chapleau region - but it's already out.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services says "Chapleau 15" was confirmed Monday, a tenth of a hectare in size on an island on Duck Lake, but it has since been declared out.

Two other fires were reported in the Sudbury region - a lightning-caused fire under control at a tenth of a hectare in size on the northeast side of Tank Lake, and a fire not yet under control at two-tenths of a hectare in size, located 300 metres west of Fox Road and one kilometre east of Rat Lake.

The fire hazard's low to moderate for much of the northeast.

Incoming Wawa Mayor "A Little Nervous" and "Thrilled"

Wawa's incoming mayor says she's "a little nervous" but "thrilled" as she's been acclaimed to the role.

The Municipality of Wawa's confirmed Melanie Pilon has been acclaimed as the sole candidate for the job, noting she's been a councillor since February 1st, as well as a long-time Wawa resident and a proud Anishinaabe Kwe, who currently serves as a Senior Consultant on Indigenous Relations for Bell Canada.

Saying she feels "wonderful" and "honoured", Pilon explains why she ran.

Pilon notes she has plans for the new term.

Pilon thanks everyone in the community who's supported her - particularly all the kind words - adding she looks forward to working with everyone who's put their name forward for Council.

While Pilon was the only candidate for mayor, Wawa has nine in the running for four Council seats: current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Angela Calaiezzi, Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffmann, Leah Isosaari, Joseph Opato, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

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Correction: A previous version of the story stated Pilon is serving as Deputy Mayor for the remainder of Council's term. This was incorrect information provided in a now-corrected municipal press release.

Wawa Fall Recreation Registration Night

Wawa residents are being encouraged to sign up for local recreation programs in a special event tonight.

Wawa Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains the Fall Recreation Program Registration Night event.

White explains it's a great place to come if you're not quite sure what programs you'd like to register your child in - or learn about some programs for adults - as many will be offering information or registrations.

White notes some other popular programs.

White also says there will be information on a special soccer program.

The Fall Recreation Program Registration Night event runs from 5 to 7 this evening, at the Goose Nest Market.

PHSD Reports 165th COVID-19 Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 165th linked to COVID - the 143rd in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death on August 15th.

It's also reporting 58 new cases since Friday - 46 in Greater Sudbury, eight in the Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 153, with 23 in hospital, one in an ICU.

The "active" cases include one in the northern Sudbury District - down from the three reported Friday - the community isn't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Candidates Certified for Local Municipal Elections, Many Acclamations

Ballots are set for the upcoming fall municipal election in many local communities - but one won't be heading to the polls.

Chapleau has acclaimed the candidates for the new council term, as Ryan Bignucolo was the only one in the running for mayor - his third bid for the role - while only four filed for the four Council seats: current councillor Lisi Bernier, her husband Paul Bernier, Catherine Ansara, and Alex Lambruschini.

In Wawa, current councillor Melanie Pilon's been acclaimed as mayor, though there are nine people competing for four Council seats: current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Angela Calaiezzi, Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffmann, Leah Isosaari, Joseph Opato, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

Dubreuilville mayor Beverly Nantel has been acclaimed for a second time, with five people in the running for four Council seats: current councillors Gerard Lévesque, Luc Lévesque, and Hélène Perth, as well as new candidates Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill.

All local school board trustee positions were acclaimed: longtime English Public trustee Russell Reid, longtime English Separate trustee Carol MacEachern, and longtime local French Public trustee Josée Bouchard, while Luc Tessier's been acclaimed as representative for Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board, and longtime incumbent Roger Lemoyne's been acclaimed as representative for Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the French Separate board.

White River's more complicated, as it saw two mayoral candidates: Tara Anderson Hart and current councillor Mark Hubbard, but only two candidates for four council seats: Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek, both of whom are current councillors - those two were acclaimed, with nominations to be accepted from 9 am to 2 pm tomorrow for the remaining two seats.

If more than two candidates file tomorrow, then those two seats would be put to an election, along with the role of mayor.

Municipal elections across Ontario will be held October 24th.

Chapleau Council Set to Hold August Meeting

Chapleau Town Council will receive an update on the fall municipal election tonight.

That's one of the items on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting, along with an agreement with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre for GIS Services, a purchase order to replace lighting at the Fire Hall.

There are two "in-camera" items: on concerning labour relations or employee negotiations, the other about information provided in confidence by Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight, in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

Certification Underway for Local Municipal Elections

Work's underway to confirm ballots for upcoming fall municipal elections.

As Friday was the deadline for nominations, municipalities are now certifying the nominees to determine candidates - and it looks like that'll mean many acclamations in the region.

That includes Chapleau, where only one candidate, Ryan Bignucolo, had filed for mayor and only four for the four Council seats: current councillor Lisi Bernier and newcomers Catherine Ansara, Paul Bernier, and Alex Lambruschini.

In Wawa, it appears current councillor Melanie Pilon will be acclaimed as mayor, though there may be nine people competing for four Council seats: current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Angela Calaiezzi, Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffman, Leah Isosaari, Joseph Opato, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

Dubreuilville mayor Beverly Nantel appears set to be acclaimed for a second time, with five people in the running for four Council seats: current councillors Gerard Lévesque, Luc Lévesque, and Hélène Perth, as well as new candidates Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill.

White River has reported no candidates heading into the deadline.

It appears no ballots will be cast for local school board trustees, with longtime English Public trustee Russell Reid apparently unopposed in his re-election bid, longtime local French Public trustee Josée Bouchard unopposed in a re-election bid, Luc Tessier unopposed in a bid to represent Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board, and longtime incumbent Roger Lemoyne unopposed in his bid to represent Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the French Separate board.

No local candidate's been listed for the English Separate board.

Wawa Clerk Cathy Cyr reminds residents to check they're on the voter's list, noting you can use the municipal website

Municipal elections across Ontario will be held October 24th.

40th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby Now In The Books

Boats and lines are out of the water, as the Wawa Salmon Derby's wrapped up its 40th year.

Organizer Brad Buck says it's been a good weekend, highlighting support from sponsors.

The largest fish of the weekend was a 16.75-pound salmon - which earned Darwin Wardell the $3000 top prize and $500 more from JJAM FM for the biggest fish of Saturday - while the $2000 second prize went to a 14.10-pounder caught by Nathan Prisel and Maggie St. Amand, and a 13.55-pounder from Alex and RoseMarie Colasacco claimed the $1000 third prize.

The largest caught Friday was a 13.15-pounder caught by Heinz and Kevin Fellinger - earning $350 for fourth place, and $500 from Tbaytel - while Kim Franklin and Mike Smith caught the largest on Sunday, an 11.85-pounder that earned $220 for seventh place plus $500 from Trans Canada Chrysler.

Andre and Aiden Roy reeled in $2000 for the largest lake trout, a 5.75-pounder caught Saturday.

The Mystery Weight Prize of $220 went to Zack & Richard White - who caught a 9.55 pound fish, just shy of the 9.60 pound mystery weight - while Heinz & Kevin Fellinger reeled in the Total Weight Prize of $100 with a total of 19.20 pounds.

PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, Still Active in Northern Sudbury District

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - with a few still active in the northern Sudbury District.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 78 cases since Wednesday - 69 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and five in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases up to 194, including 26 in hospital, one in an ICU.

The "active" cases include three in the northern Sudbury District - down by one from Wednesday's update - the community isn't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Wawa Library Hosting Afternoon of Music

The Wawa Public Library's looking to brighten the summer with an afternoon of music.

A special event's happening Saturday afternoon, featuring Isabella Imperatori and Doris Zagar, as well as dance numbers from the "Library Clogging Gals".

While there's no cost for the event, donations will be accepted, and books and other items will also be sold in the library.

The event runs from 1 pm to 3 pm tomorrow, at the library.

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

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 33 cases since Tuesday - 23 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) - pushing the health unit's known "high risk active" cases up to 128, with seven in hospital, one in an ICU.

Meanwhile, the Porcupine Health unit's added nineteen cases since Wednesday - it no longer breaks that down by region or reports "active" case counts, but does show seven in hospital, the same as Wednesday.

Many Acclamations Expected, But Some Ballots to be Cast as Municipal Election Nominations Close

Time is up for prospective councillors, mayors, or school board trustees to launch a bid for upcoming fall municipal elections.

Though candidates are still considered "unofficial" until certification, it does look like ballots will need to be cast in at least a few local communities.

It seems Chapleau won't need to cast ballots, as businessman Ryan Bignucolo's the only candidate to file for a mayoral bid - his third attempt in as many elections - while there are only four people who filed for the four Council seats: current councillor Lisi Bernier and newcomers Catherine Ansara, Paul Bernier, and Alex Lambruschini - the latter two had previously expressed interest, and Lambruschini did run in 2018.

The Wawa municipal website suggests current councillor Melanie Pilon - who was sworn-in at the start of February - will be acclaimed as mayor - as the only candidate shown - while nine people will compete for four Council seats: current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Angela Calaiezzi, Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffman, Leah Isosaari, Robert Reeves, Sue Smith, and - new as of today - Joseph Opato.

Dubreuilville mayor Beverly Nantel appears set to be acclaimed for a second time, while five people are in the running for four Council seats: current councillors Gerard Lévesque, Luc Lévesque, and Hélène Perth, as well as new candidates Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill.

White River has reported no candidates heading into the deadline.

It's also unclear what will be happening with local school board trustee positions: Wawa's municipal website shows longtime English Public trustee Russell Reid unopposed in his re-election bid, longtime local French Public board trustee Josée Bouchard is unopposed in a re-election bid, Luc Tessier unopposed in a bid to represent Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board, and Dubreuilville's reporting longtime incumbent Roger Lemoyne unopposed in his bid to represent Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the French Separate board.

No local candidate's been listed for the English Separate board.

Municipalities must certify candidates by 4 pm Monday, with municipal elections across Ontario to be held in October.

OPP Issue Safety Reminder for Wawa Salmon Derby

Local police are reminding anglers to be safe during the Wawa derby.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle notes you should have some equipment in your boat.

Nickle recommends an equipment check - and checking the weather forecast - before heading out on the water, and notes OPP will have increased patrols over the derby weekend.

Wawa Reels In 40th Annual Salmon Derby

Anglers are streaming into Wawa as the 40th annual Wawa Salmon Derby gets underway later today.

Organizer Brad Buck reminds there's several prizes anglers could reel in - including a few missing the last couple years.

Buck notes entry forms will be accepted for the derby until 5 o'clock this evening, which is when fishing first begins - it continues until 8 tonight, then from 6:30 am to 8 pm Saturday and 6:30 am to 1 pm Sunday.

While the usual Sunday prize ceremony isn't expected - the meal is cancelled - there will be pancake breakfasts Saturday and Sunday, as well as a Saturday night fish fry.

Deadline Arrives for Municipal Election Nominations

Time is running out for prospective councillors, mayors, or school board trustees to launch a bid for upcoming fall municipal elections, as the nomination deadline's this afternoon.

Wawa Clerk Cathy Cyr reminds there are some required qualifications.

Cyr explains the process is simple: obtain the forms from the municipal office or website, fill them out, then bring them in.

Cyr notes there is a filing fee.

Both Wawa and Chapleau are posting candidates' names on their municipal websites, along with information for prospective candidates.

Nomination papers must been submitted by 2 o'clock this afternoon, with certification to happen Monday - candidates are "unofficial" until then.

The municipal election date for all of Ontario is October 24th.

White River Hosting 34th Annual Winnie's Hometown Festival

White River is "bouncing back" this weekend, with the 34th annual Winnie's Hometown Festival.

Festival Coordinator Nicole Simpson notes new events include the "smoker barbecue cookoff" at the baseball field and - returning from several years ago - a "Hands On Event".

Simpson reminds there are a number of returning events, including the Cornhole Tournament, Trade Show, the Family Fish Derby, and a Drive-In Movie Double Feature.

Tickets are available at the Township Office or "at the door", with more details on the Winnie's Hometown Festival Facebook page.

Candidate Files for Local French Separate School Board Seat

A past candidate's making another attempt to represent the region at a local school board.

Luc Tessier's filed nomination papers to represent Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board - Tessier lost a close race for the seat in 2018, but is currently unopposed.

This comes as time's running out for nominations: prospective candidates have until 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon to file.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19, Fewer Active in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 55 since Monday - 47 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases declined to 164, including 30 in hospital.

The "active" cases include four in the northern Sudbury District - down by one from Monday's update - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

It's showing ten "active" outbreaks, all in Greater Sudbury.

SSM Service Canada Centre Now Passport Pickup Location

Good news for those needing passport service: Sault Ste. Marie has a new passport pickup location.

Sault MP Terry Sheehan's announced the city's Service Canada Centre's now been designated an additional passport pick-up location, meaning you can apply for and pick up your passport there - and the government says it offers ten-day service, meaning the passport will be available by mail or in-person pick-up after ten business days.

It's one of four newly announced locations - the others are in Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec - part of efforts intended to improve passport service delivery and decrease wait times at other offices.