PHSD Reports 169th COVID-19 Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting a death in Greater Sudbury in which COVID contributed but was not the underlying cause, bringing the health unit's death toll to 169 - it last reported a death on Wednesday.

It's also reporting 85 new cases since Wednesday - 77 in Greater Sudbury, seven in the Sudbury District, and one in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 275 - still two in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 23 in hospital, two in ICUs.

APH Reports 61st COVID-19 Death, More Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's giving no further details about its 61st COVID-related death - the 40th this year - it last reported a death in mid-July.

The health unit's also reporting 26 cases since Tuesday - 21 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, two in Central and East Algoma, and three in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down to 127 while the number in hospital is up to 22 with one in an ICU.

OPP Watching Roads/Trails/Waterways Over Labour Day Weekend

Ontario Provincial Police are hitting the roads for the long weekend.

As increased traffic's expected - especially as it's the final long weekend of the summer - Superior East OPP Constable Ashley Nickle says officers will be focusing on the "Big Four" driving offences over the Labour Day weekend.

Superior East OPP Cst. Ashley Nickle Explains The "Big Four"
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Constable Nickle notes the goal is to educate the public on the importance of safe driving behaviours and increase public compliance - in order to enhance traffic safety, reducing injuries and deaths - with a message for everyone heading out.

Meanwhile, Ontario Power Generation's reminding boaters and swimmers to "stay clear, stay safe" this long weekend.

OPG's warning that - while you may feel you understand the risks - conditions for riverbeds below dams can change quickly and without warning, emphasizing it's important to obey warning signs, fencing, and safety booms when approaching hydroelectric facilities.

Over $2000 Raised As PC Children's Charity Barbecue Returns After 2 Years Away

JJAM FM and John's Your Independent Grocer in Wawa are inviting everyone to start the long weekend with a barbecue - and help a great cause.

Emphasizing it's a good social event that really helps out kids, Cassidy Michalcewicz of John's Your Independent Grocer explains the PC Children's Charity Barbecue raises funds for the namesake charity, which is focused on ensuring kids don't go hungry.

Cassidy Michalcewicz Explains Purpose of PC Children's Charity
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

As the barbecue's been cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic, Michalcewicz reminds it's simple: offering hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausages plus a drink and a bag of chips for a small fee - and she reminds there's a raffle to win the barbecue and propane tank.

The barbecue runs from 11 am to 2 pm at John's Your Independent Grocer in Wawa.

UPDATE: Organizers say $2010 was raised through the barbecue, and congratulate Sylvie Hince for winning the barbecue and propane tank.

CHADWIC Home Announces Return of Annual Golf Tournament

Organizers are calling on golfers to prepare for the annual CHADWIC Home Charity Golf Tournament.

Community Outreach Worker Pam Carruthers explains the event's meant as a fun fundraiser raising awareness about the services CHADWIC Home offers.

Pam Carruthers on Purpose of CHADWIC Golf Tournament
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Carruthers notes the tournament's for mixed teams of three, with a few prizes on the line.

Anyone wanting to register can contact CHADWIC Home at 705-856-2848 by next Friday, September 9th, with the tournament to be held Saturday, September 17th.

PHSD Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths in Greater Sudbury

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting two more deaths in which COVID was the underlying cause - both in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit's death toll to 168 - it last reported a death on Monday.

It's also reporting 97 new cases since Monday - 88 in Greater Sudbury, five in the Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 240 - two in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations), the same as Monday - with 37 in hospital, one in an ICU.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 55 since Thursday - 44 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, six in Central and East Algoma, and five in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down to 141, including thirteen in hospital.

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is holding an "appointment only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today - book through the provincial system or call the health unit.

North Algoma's moved to appointments rather than 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.

Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Mantha Tables Abuse Prevention Bill

A local New Democrat's once again trying to establish a special committee on abuse prevention.

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha's reintroduced "An Act to Proclaim Abuse Prevention Week and to Establish an Abuse Prevention Framework Advisory Committee" - dubbed "Loverin's Law", in memory of Charmaine Loverin, touted as "a tireless advocate for our youth, and for ensuring that they have the tools and supports available to stop the circle of abuse and violence that has affected so many in Ontario".

Aside from establishing the advisory committee, it would also proclaim the week beginning on the first Sunday in October each year as Abuse Prevention Week, with Ontario schools to teach an evidence-based curriculum focused on abuse prevention, as Mantha says the government doesn't currently provide education and prevention tools to help protect elementary school or secondary school-aged children from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Assault & Mischief Charges Laid Over Wawa Domestic Dispute

A Wawa resident's facing assault and mischief charges over a recent domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to the incident on Hillcrest Avenue around 1:30 the morning of August 22nd, with investigation leading to the arrest of a Wawa 30-year-old on a charge of domestic mischief and two counts of spousal assault.

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

Drug & Firearm Charges After Search Warrant Executed in Wawa

Drug and firearm charges have been laid after a search warrant was executed in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers - assisted by the Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Unit - executed the warrant at a Mackey Street residence around 11:30 last Thursday morning, locating stolen property related to several recent thefts, as well as weapons and a small quantity of drugs.

A 43-year-old Wawa man's been charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, and four counts each of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order, and careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition.

He's been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.

PHSD Reports 166th COVID-19 Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 166th linked to COVID - the 144th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death on August 22nd.

It's also reporting 87 new cases since Friday - 78 in Greater Sudbury, six in the Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 200, with 33 in hospital, two in ICUs.

The "active" cases include two 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.

The health unit's holding "appointment only" vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office today and tomorrow: today's clinic is intended for those up to five years old - book through the provincial system or call the health unit.

North Algoma's moved to appointments rather than 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.

Assault & Other Charges for Young Chapleau Teen

A young Chapleau teen's facing assault and other charges over an incident last week.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were notified of an assault in progress on Broomhead Road around 3:30 last Tuesday afternoon - subsequent investigation led to the arrest of a Chapleau fourteen-year-old on charges of assault, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

They've been released from custody, set to appear in Chapleau's Ontario Court of Justice next week.

2 Hornepayne Residents Charged Over Domestic Dispute

Two Hornepayne residents are facing charges after a domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to the incident on Front Street around 7 o'clock Friday morning, with investigation revealing property was damaged and one individual was assaulted in a physical altercation, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old on charges of aggravated spousal assault and fail to comply with a probation order, while a 29-year-old was charged with mischief - destroys or damages property and failure to comply with undertaking.

Both have been released from custody, set to appear in Hornepayne’s Ontario Court of Justice in October.

5 Candidates for White River's 2 Open Council Seats

Five people will compete for two seats on White River's Council.

The community only saw two candidates file before the nomination deadline - current councillors Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek - with both acclaimed, but that left two seats unfilled, prompting a brief reopening of nominations last week.

Five candidates were certified: Heather Dean; Roger Drolet; Margaret McMillan; Robert Sedore; and Raymond St. Louis - they'll run for the two unfilled seats, to join Bharad and Swarek.

White River also has two candidates for mayor: Tara Anderson Hart and current councillor Mark Hubbard.

Municipal elections across Ontario will be held October 24th.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Some 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 93 cases since Wednesday - 79 in Greater Sudbury, six in the broader Sudbury District, and eight in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases up to 229, including 29 in hospital, one in an ICU.

The "active" cases include three in the northern Sudbury District - the same as Wednesday's update - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Incoming Chapleau Mayor Excited After Acclamation

Chapleau's incoming mayor says he's "excited" after being acclaimed to the role.

Local businessman Ryan Bignucolo says he was motivated to run because he felt the community was "not moving forward" and was "losing things", with plans to address that as mayor.

Incoming Chapleau Mayor Bignucolo Reacts to Acclamation
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bignucolo adds the Township needs to ensure it's getting its "fair share" of fuel taxes, and sees other priorities.

Incoming Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on Priorities
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

In addition to economic development items, Bignucolo says there's "something about bringing a community together".

Incoming Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on Return of Festivities
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bignucolo will be joined on Council by current councillor Lisi Bernier, her husband Paul Bernier, Cathy Ansara, and Alex Lambruschini - he calls them "a great group of people" with a common interest of seeing Chapleau prosper.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, PHU Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 48 cases since Tuesday - 37 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seven in Central and East Algoma, and four in the Elliot Lake area - with known "high risk active" cases up to 153, including thirteen in hospital, one in an ICU.

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.

Meanwhile, the Porcupine Health Unit's reporting two more COVID-19 deaths - bringing its total to 73, 42 this year - it last reported a death August 17th.

The health unit's also reporting 27 new cases since Wednesday - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts, but does show seventeen in hospital.

AMK MP Hughes Opposes Proposed New Electoral Boundaries

A proposed redrawing of federal electoral districts is facing pushback from Northern MPs.

The proposed redistribution - put forward by an independent commission - would see Ontario gain a seat, for a total of 122, but would see substantial changes to many current boundaries - the most significant being the reduction of Northern Ontario's ridings from the current ten to only nine.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing NDP MP Carol Hughes says she - and all Northern MPs - are "surprised and very disappointed", warning this would be harmful to the region.

Carol Hughes on Redistribution Issue for AMK Riding
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Though Hughes agrees some changes to riding borders may be reasonable, she says this goes farther than expected, drawing comparisons with the areas that are gaining ridings under this proposal, like Brampton and London.

Carol Hughes Makes a Comparison of Redistributed Ridings
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Aside from lamenting the disappearance of the "Algoma" name from any ridings, Hughes also highlights potential economic problems - noting the North will lose over $1-million from the Canada Summer Jobs program, given how it works - but says Northern MPs will be pushing back and ensuring their voices are heard, making submissions to hearings on the proposed changes - though she has issues with those hearings, too.

Carol Hughes on Redistribution Hearings
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The local MP also flags the timing of the hearings, as they're taking place amid Ontario's municipal election period, which means mayors or councils who might want to take part may not be able to do so.

Details of the proposal can be found at redistribution2022.ca

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Seeks Changes to Northern Health Travel Grant

Local MPP Mike Mantha's pushing for changes to Ontario's Northern Health Travel Grant.

The Algoma-Manitoulin MPP's re-introduced a bill which would establish an advisory committee bringing together Northern health care providers to make recommendations to the Minister of Health on improving access to health care in the region through reimbursement of travel costs.

Pointing to high gas prices for the North, Mantha says "people in the North are not getting the same access to health care because of the high cost of travel" and not raising the rates "is putting a massive burden on Northern Ontarians who are already struggling with inflation and price gouging".

This comes after Mushkegowuk-James Bay New Democrat Guy Bourgouin called on the government to update the grant to keep up with the rising cost of gas and accommodation, warning that - given the rate of inflation - the grant isn't covering the cost of gas, let alone the cost of a hotel room.

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