Festive RIDE Campaign Continues

While Christmas may be over, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding their annual Festive RIDE campaign's continuing until the holiday season ends, in the new year.

Superior East OPP Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle reminds "we all have a role to play in keeping roads safe", with advice for drivers.

Constable Nickle notes penalties for impaired driving include immediate licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, and expensive fines - even worse if convicted - and there is "zero tolerance" for young, novice, or commercial drivers, meaning zero alcohol in their blood while driving.

LDHC Foundation Reminds Wish Campaign Continues

While Christmas is behind us, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is reminding there's still time to help grant a wish from the local hospital.

The foundation's Wish campaign continues into the new year, and Foundation Chair Susan Switzer reminds funds raised through the annual mailout support the "One for the Dunn" campaign.

The Wish Campaign ends January 7th, though the Foundation reminds donations are accepted any time of year.

APH & TBDHU Report COVID-19 Deaths

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting a death in which COVID contributed to but was not the underlying cause of death, bringing its death toll since the pandemic began to 86, 65 in 2022 alone - it does not report where the deaths occurred.

It last reported a death on Tuesday.

It's also reporting 26 new cases since Tuesday - thirteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area, ten in the Elliot Lake area, two in Central and East Algoma, and another in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - pushing known "high risk active" cases up to 74, with eight in hospital, one in an ICU.

Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting its 131st COVID death, though it is giving no further details - it's also reporting 182 new cases over the last week, an increase from the previous week - it no longer reports "active" case counts, but shows 28 in hospital.

LDHC Foundation's Wish Campaign Underway Amid the Holidays

With Christmas nearly here, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's asking residents to help grant a wish from the local hospital.

The foundation's annual Wish Campaign continues through the holiday season, and - speaking last week, after the Foundation's 50/50 Draw - Foundation Chair Susan Switzer noted it's going "really well" so far.

The Wish Campaign supports the Foundation's "One for the Dunn" initiative supporting the hospital's MediTech expansion, which has a goal of raising $140,000.

Vice-Chair Lorraine Pihelgas notes donors will be publicly recognized.

Donations can be made online or via mail, even after Christmas, as the campaign ends January 7th.

Superior East OPP Urge Drivers to Be Careful Over Holidays

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding revellers to be safe during the holiday season.

Superior East OPP Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle warns impaired driving is one of the major causes of fatalities on the road.

While officers will be out in the community conducting RIDE checks as part of the Festive RIDE campaign, Constable Nickle reminds "we all have a role to play in keeping roads safe".

Local Closures for the Holidays

Local municipalities are set to close for the holidays.

The Municipality of Wawa notes its offices are closed tomorrow through January 2nd, with the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre's arena and pro shop following the same schedule - Infrastructure Services will just be closed through Tuesday, and take Monday, January 2nd off, while the landfill is only closed Sunday and Monday, and on New Year's Day and January 2nd.

The transit service - which does not run on weekends anyway - will be closed Monday and Tuesday, and the following Monday, January 2nd.

In Chapleau, the Library's already closed today, though the Civic Centre will close tomorrow - both reopen January 4th - while the landfill's only closed Saturday through Tuesday this weekend and the following weekend, and the arena's only closed Saturday through Monday both weekends.

The Chapleau Family Health Team's closed tomorrow through January 1st, while Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre is closing the laboratory, COVID assessment centre, Diabetes Education, and Dubreuilville clinic December 26th and 27th and January 2nd - diagnostic imaging will only close December 26th.

Superior East OPP Warn Businesses of Point of Sale Terminal Fraud

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding businesses to beware of a particular type of credit card fraud.

Superior East OPP warn fraudsters could manipulate a point of sale terminal in as little as ten seconds to alter the amount being charged to a credit card, then navigate the terminal so the card number can be entered manually, entering a stolen card's number so it will instead be charged the full amount - the fraudster can then point out they were overcharged, and try to use the card they pretended to pay with knowing it'll be declined and the merchant may agree to refund the "overcharged" amount to a different debit or credit card, allowing the fraudster to leave with all the merchandise and the "overcharged" money, while another person's charged for the transaction.

Police recommend business owners and staff familiarize themselves with the terminals, password protecting processes like manual card entry and changing total charge amounts - if a refund's declined, look closer at the initial transaction prior to refunding a different card, and - if you suspect someone is or has defrauded your business, contact police, as it's likely they have done so at other businesses and will continue to do so until caught.

PHSD Reports 194th 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 to but was not the underlying cause, bringing the health unit's death toll up to 194, including 168 in the city - it last reported a death two weeks ago.

The health unit's also reporting 40 new cases since Monday - 33 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 199 - 43 in hospital, four in ICUs - with the number of "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District down slightly, to eleven - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting 39 new cases over the last week - it no longer breaks that down by region or reports "active" case counts, but does show nine in hospital, one in an ICU.

Highway 17 Reopens, Closes, Reopens, Closes, Finally Stays Open

Update: Highway 17 is again open from Wawa south to Sault Ste. Marie.

Those travelling through the area are reminded to be careful, driving according to road and weather conditions.

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Update: Highway 17 is again open south of Wawa - but you might not get more than halfway to Sault Ste. Marie.

Though 511 is showing the weather-related closure has ended, it is showing 17 closed at Montreal River "due to vehicle removal".

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Highway 17 is again closed south of Wawa due to weather conditions.

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation says the highway's closed between Wawa and Batchawana "due to weather", with no estimated time for reopening - it reopened for about two hours late this morning before closing again.

While only light snow's expected in Wawa this afternoon, a snow squall warning's in effect for areas between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie, and 5 to 10 centimetres of snow is expected to arrive in the Wawa overnight, with a further 10 tomorrow, as a major winter storm hits the region - Environment Canada's issued warnings about the storm for much of the province, advising people consider altering plans through the holiday weekend as travel conditions may be dangerous.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, meanwhile, says a "Flood Watch" is in effect for the Wawa area until Monday, with "intense winds" expected through Saturday.

Wawa's Draft 2023 Capital Budget Presented

The Municipality of Wawa's seeking public input, as Council considers capital plans for the next four years.

In a special meeting last night, staff presented Council with a draft 2023 Capital Budget, which actually outlines projects not just for next year but for the next four years, through 2026, many "highly dependent" on outside funding, intended to align with the municipality's strategic plan and infrastructure needs.

In total, it proposes $264,000 from taxation, $957,000 from reserves, and $405,000 from grants or other sources to fund a total of $1,626,000 in new recommended projects, bringing the total for 2023's capital (with previous commitments) to $5,019,716 (up a little more than a quarter-million from 2022's total capital budget) though there is a focus on maximizing outside funding while matching the asset management and strategic plans, regulatory requirements, and other needs.

Continuing projects outlined include the Liquefied Natural Gas project, the 5-Year Tourism Plan, Cemetery Expansion, Landfill Expansion, and hydrant rehabilitation, while new projects raised include: a study of the Town Hall including possible renovation, which could see it redesigned to meet accessibility standards; condition, needs, and architecture assessments of the Fire Hall; a Community Fire Risk Assessment; repairs to the Infrastructure Services building; continued sidewalk rehabilitation and pavement preservation; a new Water truck; a new "roll off" truck for the landfill; a mini-excavator and trailer that could be useful for multiple departments; water distribution upgrades recommended in the recent water and wastewater study; and work on the MMCC's sports field, which is already funded by an Ontario Trillium Fund grant.

Also included are filters for the Water Treatment Plant, which were noted to have had availability problems and skyrocketed in cost amid supply issues.

A number of other projects are subject to funding, including changes to make the Tourist Information Centre more accessible and a few projects at the MMCC - like it's HVAC system - following the capital budget presentation, Council did approve plans to submit funding applications for Phase 1 and 2 of the "MMCC Modernization Project".

The presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel or the Municipality's website - plans are to accept public input until January 6th, then bring the capital budget up for Council approval January 10th, then - once that's confirmed - the draft operating budget would be presented February 7th, so it can come up for Council approval March 7th.

APH Reports 85th COVID-19 Death, Declining Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's another death in which COVID contributed but was not the underlying cause of death, bringing the health unit's death toll to 85, 64 this year alone.

It's also reporting 28 new cases since Thursday - 25 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, two in Central and East Algoma, and another in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down slightly, to 59, with ten in hospital, one in an ICU.

PHSD Urges Precautions Amid 20-Year High in Respiratory Illness

A local health unit's urging precautions to reduce the spread of respiratory illness as it reports a 20-year high in recorded influenza cases.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts notes influenza activity started unusually early this year, with the number of confirmed cases so far this season surpassing counts reported over the entire season for more than 20 years, though only "influenza A" has been identified in the community, but it does warn of ongoing COVID-19 transmission and illness.

Emphasizing everyone should be up-to-date on COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, the health unit's recommending wearing a "well-fitted" mask when indoors or in crowded spaces, covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue or upper sleeve, washing hands often and using hand sanitizer - especially after contact with others or in a shared or public space - and especially staying away from people who are sick or staying home if you are.

Highway 17 Closed Amid Winter Weather

Update: Environment Canada's downgraded its snow squall watch between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie to a snow squall warning, only expecting 15 to 25 centimetres more of snow by late tomorrow afternoon, though the heavy and blowing snow will reduce visibility.

Highway 17 remains closed.

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Highway 17 is closed south of Wawa amid the snow and wind.

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation say the highway's been closed between Wawa and Batchawana "due to weather", with no estimated time for reopening.

This comes as Environment Canada has a snow squall watch in effect for Agawa, Lake Superior Park, Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, and Batchawana Bay, expecting 20 to 40 centimetres of snow by late tomorrow afternoon, with the heavy snow and blowing snow reducing visibility.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Local Vaccine Clinic Planned

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 63 since Friday - 33 in Greater Sudbury, 23 in the broader Sudbury District, and seven in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 203 - 39 in hospital, three in ICUs - with thirteen "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District, the same as Friday - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

The health unit's holding an "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today, for those at least twelve or older - 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.

Environment Canada Expects Major Storm Heading Into Holiday Weekend

Bad news for those looking to travel for the holidays.

Environment Canada's issued a special weather statement for Wawa, White River, Pukaskwa, Agawa, Lake Superior Park, Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, Batchawana Bay, Chapleau, and Gogama, warning a "significant winter storm" is expected late this week, into the holiday weekend.

It's expecting snow to begin for areas near to lake Superior Thursday, reaching James Bay on Friday, with snow at times heavy and accompanied by "very strong" northerly winds Friday into Saturday, making blizzard conditions possible for areas near to the northern shores of Lake Superior and downwind of Lake Nipigon, while "a multi-day lake effect snow event" is expected into the weekend for locations east of Superior.

While the weather agency has "high confidence in a high impact winter storm", details on wind speeds or specific snowfall amounts "remain highly uncertain at this time".

Those planning to travel are warned to consider altering those plans "as travel conditions may become dangerous" and "extensive utility outages are possible" while "bitterly cold wind chill values" are expected Friday, into the weekend.

Environment Canada's also issued a snow squall watch for areas between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie, warning 20 to 40 centimetres of snow's expected to arrive between this evening and Wednesday evening, with reduced visibility from heavy and blowing snow.

Winners Announced for Wawa's Festival of Lights

Winners have been named for Wawa's annual Festival of Lights.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White says the annual decoration contest was "a great success".

White's also happy to announce the winners.

55 Third Avenue came in third last year, while 56 Winston Road was 2021's number one.

White also commends everyone who participated or came out to watch Friday's Santa Claus Parade, saying "it was just amazing".

Wawa Public Library Silent Auction Considered Success

The Wawa Public Library's thanking the community for supporting a recent fundraiser.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell says the silent auction that wrapped up Saturday went quite well.

Jarrell highlights one particular item donated for the auction.

Jarrell also thanks everyone who participated by placing bids - including winners, who've been contacted - and a few other donors.

Jarrell says funds raised through the silent auction help the library to get "little extras".

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