PHSD Reports 192nd COVID-19 Death, 18th in Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving few details about its 192nd death linked to the illness, except that it's the eighteenth in the broader Sudbury District, and that COVID contributed to but was not the underlying cause of death.

As it didn't update figures on Friday - due to Remembrance Day - the health unit's also reporting 81 cases since Wednesday - 70 in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 176, with the number in the northern Sudbury District down to only one - the community isn't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Hospitalization figures weren't updated "as a result of changes to the data source".

New Local Councils to Begin Term With Swearing-In Ceremonies Tonight

It's the start of the new term for some local councils.

Wawa will see its new Council sworn-in tonight, including new mayor Melanie Pilon, returning councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, former councillor Joe Opato, and new councillor Jim Hoffmann - the meeting's only intended for the swearing-in and addresses from the new Council, who are set to hold two meetings over the next eight days for training, with their proper first meeting on December 13th.

Tonight's meeting will begin at 6:30, in Council Chambers.

Chapleau will have an almost entirely new Council, with new mayor Ryan Bignucolo and new councillors Catherine Ansara, Paul Bernier, and Alex Lambruschini joining returning councillor Lisi Bernier - that meeting is also set to be held at 6:30 pm, in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

In Dubreuilville, returning mayor Beverly Nantel's set to start her second term, joined by returning councillors Luc Levesque and Helene Perth and new councillors Julila Hemphill and Krystel Levesque - that meeting starts slightly later, at 7:00 pm.

3 Wawa Youths Charged With Assault

Three Wawa youths are facing assault charges over an incident last Friday.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an assault in progress on Mackey Street shortly before 10 o'clock Friday night, with subsequent investigation leading to the arrest of two sixteen-year-olds and a fifteen-year-old on charges of assault causing bodily harm - one of the sixteen-year-olds was also charged with a count of assault.

They cannot be publicly identified, under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All three were released from custody, set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice next month.

Highway 101 Closed From Chapleau to Foleyet for Emergency Road Work

Highway 101 remains closed east of Chapleau, for emergency road work.

The highway's fully closed from the junction of Highway 129 to Highway 7072 in Foleyet, as work continues to repair a damaged culvert - recent weather saw water over the roadway over the weekend, prompting the repair work.

There is no estimated time for when 101 will reopen.

APH & TBDHU Report COVID-19 Deaths

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

Algoma Public Health's giving few details about its 77th death from the illness - the 56th this year alone - except that COVID was the underlying cause of death - it last reported a death last Tuesday.

The health unit's also reporting 37 new cases since Tuesday - 33 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, three in Central and East Algoma, and another in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down slightly, to 133, with 29 in hospital, two in ICUs.

The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting its 123rd COVID death, along with 137 new cases - it no longer reports "active" case counts, but does show 45 in hospital, two in ICUs - and it's also reporting 125 new lab-confirmed cases of influenza.

Sexual Assault Charges Laid in White River

Sexual assault charges has been laid in White River.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a complaint of a sexual assault on Spruce Street in White River early Saturday afternoon, with the subsequent investigation assisted by the Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Unit, leading to the arrest of a 53-year-old from White River on two counts of sexual assault.

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

Remembrance Day Nears, Wawa Legion Reminds of Changes to Local Plans

With Remembrance Day almost here, preparations are underway for tomorrow's ceremonies.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 Poppy Campaign Chairman Larry Harvey notes the forecast and other circumstances have forced a change to plans in Wawa, including moving the venue for the longer ceremony from Michipicoten High School.

Larry Harvey on Wawa's Remembrance Day Plans
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Harvey further reminds everyone to wear a poppy, noting funds raised support a few things, particularly veterans.

Larry Harvey on Purpose of the Poppy Fund
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Poppies are available throughout the community.

In Chapleau, plans are to proceed as normal, with the wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph starting around 10:30 am.

Wawa & Dubreuilville to See Declining OMPF Support, Rise for Chapleau & White River

Some local communities will receive a little less from the provincial government next year - but a few will get a little more.

The Ontario government's unveiled next year's Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund rates, noting that - like this year - a total of $500-million will be spread among 389 municipalities.

That includes a total of $1,537,000 for the Municipality of Wawa - down $56,500 from the 2022 allocation - amounting to about $944 per household, a $34 drop from this year.

The Township of Dubreuilville's also seeing a drop, down $17,400 to only $314,400 - the equivalent of $964 per household, down $54 from this year.

There's better news for the Township of Chapleau, which is set to receive $1,362,100 - an increase of $8900 - raising the per household rate by $12, to $1174.

Even better news for the Township of White River, as it’s getting a $18,700 increase to $494,400, the equivalent of $1059 per household, which is a $78 increase.

PHSD Reports 191st COVID-19 Death, Slight Increase in Cases in Northern Sudbury District

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

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports its 191st death - the 166th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported COVID deaths on Friday.

The health unit's also reporting 51 cases since Monday - 47 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and another in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 236, with 37 in hospital, one in an ICU - the same as Monday.

The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is up slightly, to three - the communities aren't specified (the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations), and there are no longer any outbreaks in the region.

APH Reports 76th COVID-19 Death

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

Algoma Public Health's giving few details about its 76th death from the illness - the 55th this year alone - except that COVID was the underlying cause of death.

APH last reported a death last Thursday, November 3rd.

The health unit's also reporting 76 new cases since Thursday - 61 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, eight in Central and East Algoma, five in the Elliot Lake area, and two in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - though known "high risk active" cases have dropped to only 134, with 29 in hospital, one in an ICU.

Changes to Wawa's Remembrance Day Plans

Some changes have been announced for Remembrance Day in Wawa.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 Poppy Campaign Chairman Larry Harvey explains "some issues have come up".

Larry Harvey on Change to Wawa's Remembrance Day Plans
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Harvey notes there are also changes preceding that service.

Larry Harvey on Plans for Ceremony at the Cenotaph
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Harvey thanks municipal officials and staff for accommodating the change and making arrangements so quickly, and he has a reminder for those wanting a wreath for this Friday's ceremony.

Larry Harvey's Reminder on Remembrance Day Wreaths
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Harvey encourages people to get wreath orders in by tomorrow, and reminds that poppies are available throughout the community.

Improving COVID-19 Situation for PHSD, Despite Dozens of New Cases

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - but it does appear to be improving.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 81 since Friday - 75 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases have dropped to 244, with 37 in hospital, one in an ICU, both down from the previous report.

More promising news: the number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is down to only two - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations, though the health unit has declared an end to the outbreak in the long-term care area of Chapleau Health Services, which was declared October 20th.

The Chapleau hospital says it will "cautiously resume normal operations" "over the next few days", with patients to be contacted to rebook previously postponed appointments and visitor restrictions to "gradually ease".

It still recommends wearing a mask and maintaining two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, staying home when possible, and getting your vaccine booster and flu shot as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19" - it also emphasizes those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.

Applications Available for Wawa Christmas Hampers

Applications are now available for a Wawa tradition supporting those in need: the Christmas Hampers.

Christmas Hamper Fund President Richard Watson explains the hampers are meant for those in need in the community - families, seniors, anyone having a tough time, such as with reduced working hours - offering a few items to brighten the season.

Richard Watson on Christmas Hampers' Christmas Dinner
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Watson notes there's a little extra to help out.

Richard Watson on Christmas Hampers' Christmas Gift Card
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Encouraging anyone who may need some help to file, Watson notes applications can be found at the Town Hall, the Thrift Barn, and the Wawa Food Bank, but must be submitted at the Town Hall - the deadline is November 25th.

Curling Training Session Offered in Wawa

Wawa curlers are being offered a special opportunity for training late this month.

The Wawa Curling Leagues are sponsoring a training session with two instructors from the Soo Curling Leagues, Robert and Rejeanne MacLeod, to be held Saturday, November 26th, covering topics such as ice safety, rock delivery, and sweeping - while participants are encouraged to bring equipment, brooms will be available, if needed.

Those interested must register by November 15th, by contacting either Diane Spencer at 705-856-4408, Andy Stevens at 705-856-2884, Jim Hoffmann at 705-852-1274, Danette Mathias at 705-856-4432, or Tom Terris at 705-856-7257.

A student session will also be held November 25th.

PHSD Reports COVID-19 Deaths in Greater Sudbury & Sudbury District

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

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports three in Greater Sudbury and another in the broader Sudbury District, bringing the health unit's death toll to 190 - 165 in Greater Sudbury, 17 in the Sudbury District, eight in the Manitoulin District - it last reported a COVID death on Wednesday.

The health unit's also reporting 59 new cases since Wednesday - 51 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and five in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases have dropped to 254, with 44 in hospital, one in an ICU, both down from the previous report.

More promising news: the number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down, from eighteen on Wednesday to only seven - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - the health unit is still showing an outbreak in the Long-Term Care Area at Chapleau Health Services, which was first declared October 20th.

In an update on Friday, Chapleau Health Services noted the continued outbreak means general visitors are still banned while "non-urgent" appointments are not available - it instead recommends calling 8-1-1 or visiting Health Connect Ontario online, for information, advice, and referrals.

It's also urging people to wear a mask and maintain two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, staying home when possible, and booking a vaccine booster "without delay" - as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19" - emphasizing those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.

APH Reports 1st Influenza Cases of the Season

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its first cases of influenza for the season.

The health unit says two cases of influenza A have been confirmed in the Sault Ste. Marie area, noting - while circulation of the flu's remained low over the past two years due to COVID-19 measures - a higher number of cases are expected as restrictions have eased.

It emphasizes those who are sick should stay home to avoid passing the flu to others, noting most people feel better after a few days of rest and drinking plenty of fluids, though - if symptoms become worse - contact your primary care provider.

As the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, it also recommends those eligible for COVID-19 testing and treatment get tested.

CUPE Education Workers Strike Despite Recently Passed Ontario Legislation, HSCDSB Closes Schools For 1 Day

Thousands of Ontario education workers have taken to picket lines despite newly passed provincial legislation aimed at blocking a strike.

While the PC government bill imposes a four-year collective agreement on the workers with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (roughly 55,000 education assistants, early childhood educators, librarians, custodians, and administrative staff) and levies fines of up to $4000 for each striking worker, CUPE still held a provincewide strike today, warning it plans to continue "until further notice", though Education Minister Stephen Lecce's asking the Ontario Labour Relations Board declare the strike and actions of union leaders illegal.

Education workers with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) picketed in solidarity with the CUPE workers, while major private sector union Unifor pledged $100,000 to help cover fines levied against CUPE strikers.

Locally, there are about 100 CUPE members with the various school boards in Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, and Hornepayne areas, and several were set up by Wawa Town Hall today.

CUPE Local 16 President Mike Gallipeau - a member of the CUPE Ontario School Boards Council of Unions bargaining team - says the main conflict is wages.

CUPE Local 16 President Mike Gallipeau on Wage Concerns
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While the union initially sought an 11.7% or about $3.25 an hour increase (the government offered 2% up to $40,000 annually and 1.25% above, but the legislation increased that to 2.5% up to $43,000 and 1.5% above), Gallipeau says their counter-offer to the government bill cut that in half, though the government refused to even return to talks unless the union withdrew its strike threat.

Gallipeau also says it is about more than wages.

CUPE Local 16 President Mike Gallipeau on Service Requests
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Gallipeau says CUPE's demand in this strike is a negotiated contract - with the legislation repealed - dismissing the possibility of binding arbitration because "the government has no interest".

The government has argued that the union's positions have been unreasonable, so they must impose a contract to deliver stability for parents and students, ensuring kids remain in classes after years of disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board closed its schools today because of the strike, though it has not said what it plans to do if it continues into next week.

The Algoma District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, and Conseil scolaire publique du Grand Nord de l'Ontario kept their schools open today and have indicated plans to keep them open at least for the immediate future.

Wawa Legion Urges Wreath Orders as Church Service & Hawk Junction Ceremony Near

As Remembrance Day approaches, Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 is reminding anyone who wants to order a wreath to do so quickly.

Local Poppy Campaign Chairman Larry Harvey reminds it's especially important to get orders in if you wish to have a wreath laid in Hawk Junction, as that'll happen after the annual church service this Sunday.

Larry Harvey on Wawa Legion Remembrance Day Church Service
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Harvey also reminds those who want wreaths for the Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday to get the order in by Wednesday - currently, plans are a return to normal for the ceremony, with a march from the Legion to the cenotaph for a wreath laying, then a ceremony at Michipicoten High School.

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