Assault Charges Over Wawa Domestic Dispute

Assault charges have been laid over a Wawa domestic dispute.

Superior East OPP say they responded to the incident on Mackey Street shortly after midnight last Thursday, leading to the arrest of a Wawa 19-year-old on two counts of spousal assault.

Their identity is being withheld due to the domestic nature of the incident, to protect the victim's identity.

They've been released from custody, set to appear in court in Wawa next month.

Impaired Driving Charges After Collision Near White River

Impaired driving charges have been laid after a single vehicle collision near White River.

Superior East OPP say officers responded to the collision on Highway 631 around 6 o'clock Christmas Eve, with investigation determining the driver was impaired by alcohol, leading to charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) for a 30-year-old from Levack.

They've been released from custody, set to appear in court in Wawa next month.

PHSD Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths, APH Sees New Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting two deaths in Greater Sudbury - one in which COVID contributed to but was not the underlying cause, another in which it was the underlying cause - bringing the health unit's death toll up to 196, including 170 in the city - it last reported a death two weeks ago.

The health unit's also reporting 59 new cases since Friday - 52 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 133 - 20 in hospital, one in an ICU - with three cases still "active" in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations).

Algoma Public Health's reporting 38 cases since Thursday - 22 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seven in Central and East Algoma, seven in the Elliot Lake area, and two in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - with "high risk active" cases up slightly, to 66, with seventeen in hospital, one in an ICU.

HSCDSB Confirms Employee Info, Possibly More Compromised by Recent Cyberattack

The local English Catholic school board's warning employee info has likely been compromised after a "significant number of files" were taken in a cyberattack just ahead of the holidays.

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board closed schools for the holidays a couple days early after they found out about the "cyber-incident" the morning of December 15th, and - in an update issued today, the first day back to classes - the board confirms "the perpetrators who compromised our network did steal a significant number of files from a Board file server", though they've since claimed those were deleted and the Board believes "the risk of misuse is low".

Still, the Board is continuing to investigate, analyzing what was taken - a process it says could take months, given the number of files - but it has determined employees employed in the last four tax years - 2019 to 2022 - are likely affected, with information such as social insurance numbers, date of birth information, compensation information, banking information, and garnishment information exposed - it promises affected employees will be notified by letter within two weeks, and offered a free two-year credit monitoring service.

The HSCDSB adds "some students and parents will likely be affected by the incident, though it will take the Board time to analyze data to determine who is affected and to what extent", with those affected to be notified "as appropriate and in light of our findings".

"Sincerely" apologizing for the "concerning" news, the Board assures it's "already made improvements to our network security, and once our investigation is complete will respond to the findings in a manner that better protects us from the very significant cyber risks which face school boards across the province today".

Multiple Charges After Driver Fails to Stop for Local Police

Multiple charges have been laid after a driver failed to stop for local police.

Superior East OPP attempted a traffic stop early the morning of December 23rd, but the driver failed to stop and continued westbound on Highway 17, with Marathon OPP attempting to stop the vehicle later, though a cruiser was struck, resulting in minor damage but no injuries.

The vehicle was eventually stopped by members of the Schreiber and Nipigon detachment - who'd deployed a "tire deflation device" - leading to the arrest of a 28-year-old from Stouffville on charges of dangerous operation, flight from peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, and mischief over $5000.

They're set to appear in court today.

PHSD Ends 2022 By Reporting New COVID-19 Cases

A local health unit finished 2022 by reporting several new COVID-19 cases.

In its latest update, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported 52 since Wednesday - 44 in Greater Sudbury, six in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 142 - 24 in hospital, two in ICUs - while the number of "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau) is up slightly, to three.

LDHC Foundation's Wish Campaign Nearing End

As we settle into a new year, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's preparing to wrap up its annual holiday fundraising campaign.

With a little time left in the "Wish campaign", Foundation Chair Susan Switzer reminds funds raised through the annual mailout support the "One for the Dunn" campaign.

Switzer calls it "a huge project".

Though the Wish Campaign ends this weekend, the Foundation reminds donations are accepted any time of year.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

Several new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting sixteen since Tuesday - eleven in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 133 - 33 in hospital, two in ICUs - with the number of "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) down to two.

Algoma Public Health's reporting 45 cases over the last week - 35 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seven in Central and East Algoma, and three in the Elliot Lake area - though "high risk active" cases are down to 62, with eleven in hospital, one in an ICU.

The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting 125 new cases over the last week - down from the previous week - while the Porcupine Health Unit's added 29 over the week.

Festive RIDE Campaign Nearing End

As New Year's Eve nears, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding everyone to celebrate safely.

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

Nickle emphasizes impaired driving is one of the major causes of fatalities on the road.

Constable Nickle warns 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.

OPP will be out on the roads for the annual Festive RIDE campaign, which concludes this weekend.

Time Running Out to Comment on Wawa's Proposed 2023 Capital Budget

Time's running low to provide input on the Municipality of Wawa's proposed capital budget.

Presented to Council last week, the draft 2023 Capital Budget outlines projects not just for next year but through 2026, with a total of $1,626,000 in new recommended projects for a total of $5,019,716, when combined with previous commitments.

Many "highly dependent" on outside funding - though also seeking to maximize it, when possible - the projects to align with the municipality's strategic plan, regulatory requirements, and infrastructure needs.

The presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel or the Municipality's website, with public input accepted until January 6th, so it can be brought up for Council approval January 10th - the draft operating budget would then be presented February 7th.

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

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 78 since last Wednesday - it didn't issue updates Friday or Monday, due to the holidays - with 67 in Greater Sudbury, nine in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District.

Despite that, known "active" cases have dropped to 134 - 33 in hospital, two in ICUs - with the number of "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District down to three - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

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.