APH Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths, Plus New Cases in North Algoma

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting one in which COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death, and another in which it contributed but was not the underlying cause - that brings the health unit's death toll to 97 - it also reported two deaths in its last update, a week ago.

It's also reporting 80 new cases over the last week, up from the previous week - 49 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seventeen in the Elliot Lake area, eleven in Central and East Algoma, and three 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 94, with eight in hospital.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Public Health Sudbury and Districts is preparing for an "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office tomorrow.

Wawa Resident Asks Municipal Council for Ideas on Supporting Donations for Ukraine

A Wawa resident's seeking help raising and sending donations to support Ukrainians more than a year into the devastating invasion by Russia.

"Gear for Ukraine" organizer Jana Strouhalova appeared before Wawa Municipal Council last night, explaining she was looking for ideas on ways to assist her efforts to send clothing to those in need on the front lines, emphasizing the importance of the support.

Councillor Mitch Hatfield suggested speaking with the United Church about clothing donations and the Rotary Club when shipping costs were discussed, while Mayor Melanie Pilon thanked Strouhalova for bringing the "very very worth cause" to Council's attention.

Mayor Pilon also asked Strouhalova to write a letter to the Municipality outlining her efforts and needs, suggesting the Municipality could then forward it to its "vast network" of business and other connections.

Donation boxes can be found at the Thrift Barn and Circle K - while Strouhalova's initial focus was hats and mitts, she now says they're particularly in need of underwear and socks for kids and adults.

Wawa BIA's Fate, Tourism Plan, Wildlife Feeding Ban Included in Wawa Council Agendas

Wawa Municipal Council's holding back-to-back meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which includes presentations from Jana Strouhalova on donation for Ukraine and from Bannakin Travel and Tourism on the Five Year Tourism Plan, plus follow-up on a memo about a proposed by-law prohibiting feeding of wildlife, discussion on Council appointees for the Fire Advisory Committee, and an update on the Wawa BIA dissolution.

Those three items will be followed up in tonight's regular Council meeting, which includes a by-law to dissolve the Wawa Business Improvement Area - up for second and third reading, which would affirm the move - plus by-laws to prohibit feeding wildlife and establish a Wawa Municipal Fire Advisory Committee - there are also two "in-camera" items, both legal issues: one relates to the Marina Divestiture, the other about an offer to purchase property.

The meetings will be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight, in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

PHSD Reports 206th COVID-19 Death, Fewer Cases in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting is 206th - the 179th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death on Friday.

The health unit's also reporting 41 new cases since Friday - 36 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 167 - just one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 49 cases in hospital, five in ICUs.

It's next holding an "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office Thursday.

Wawa's St. Augustine French Immersion Holding Bottle Drive for Gr. 7/8 Trip

Some Wawa students will be out in the community tonight to collect bottles after the derby weekend.

St. Augustine French Immersion Catholic School Grade 6, 7, and 8 teacher Mike Fell explains students are conducting the bottle drive tonight to support a big trip.

Fell notes milk jugs and monetary donations will also be accepted as part of the bottle drive, which runs from 5 pm to 8 pm tonight.

Chapleau Council Holding Meeting With Slim Agenda

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

The fairly light agenda for tonight's meeting is a resolution to re-issue tender documents for storm sewer replacement and a by-law for Provincial Gas Tax funding.

There are also two "in-camera" items, both relating to items "about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees".

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

Hawk Junction & Dubreuilville Preparing for Winter Derbies

A couple local communities are almost set to reel in derbies.

The 6th Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby will be held next Saturday, March 11th, and Dubreuilville Magpie Rod and Gun Club Vice President Roger Gamache says there are a number of prizes, including some for club members.

Saturday the 11th will be busy, as the Hawk Junction Local Services Board Family Fishing Derby will be held on Hawk Lake, and LSB member Enos Evans explains it's the return of a longtime tradition.

Reminding there will be prizes for adults and youth, Evans notes registration for the Hawk Junction derby is Friday from 6 pm to 8 pm and Saturday morning, from 7 am to 11 am.

Winners Reel in Prizes From Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

Anglers have left the ice as the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby's wrapped up.

Derby Chair Scott Popert says the 31st annual event went well.

With nearly 100 fish caught over the weekend, Wawa's Wendy Leclair reeled in the largest of the derby - a 17.45-pound pike - to claim the $10,000 top prize for Wawa Lake, while a 13.49-pound pike from Roland Charbonneau of Noelville won the $10,000 top prize for Manitowik Lake, and a 10.61-pound pike from Ramsey Michalski of Pickford, Michigan claimed Hawk Lake's $10,000 top prize.

Rounding out the top six for Wawa Lake: Gilbert Gratton of Wawa (12.12 lb pike); Andre Brabant of Hanmer (11.45 lb pike); Asher Orton of Chapleau (8.6 lb lake trout); Kay Vallee of Sault Ste. Marie (7.07 lb lake trout); and Jazlyn Sewell of Sault Ste. Marie (6.1 lb lake trout).

Rounding out the top six for Manitowik Lake: Jake Mullen of Rosseau, Ontario (8.78 lb lake trout); Jason Dure of Wahnapitae (8.21 lb pike); G. Wayne Rhyno of Manitouwadge (7.63 lb pike); Chantal Bernard of Dubreuilville (5.97 lb pike); and Yvette Nault of Wawa (5.63 lb lake trout).

Rounding out the top six for Hawk Lake: Kathy Bain of Hawk Junction (10.49 lb pike); Troy Russell of Sutton, Ontario (8.51 lb pike); Thomas Michalski of Pickford, Michigan (7.7 lb pike); David Bouchard of Sault Ste. Marie (7.32 lb pike); and Paul Daigle of Chapleau (7.25 lb pike).

The 2nd place of each lake received $8000, 3rd place $7000, 4th place a Milwaukee Tool Package, 5th place a Fishing Kayak Package, and 6th place a Camping Package.

Other winners include Charbonneau's wife, Karen Jandrisevits - who won the $35,000 registration prize draw - and the five Early Bird prize winners of $1000 each: Pat Auger of New Liskeard, and Wawa residents Jason Crack, Victor Lucas, Jo-Anne Casavant, and Joel Dechamplain.

Final Draws Made in MVFA Annual Cash Draw

Wawa's firefighters are thanking the community for their support, after a very successful fundraising campaign.

The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association Past President Kyle Ouellet says the annual cash draw went well.

Ouellet highlights last night's winners.

They join Wawa’s Michel Albert - who won the $1000 Early Bird Draw in December - and Brian Richard of Dundas, Ontario, who won the $1000 draw on Valentine’s Day.

PHSD Reports 205th COVID-19 Death, New Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting is 205th - the 178th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death on Wednesday.

The health unit's also reporting 37 new cases since Wednesday - 29 in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 188 - still three in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 51 cases in hospital, three in ICUs.

It's next holding an "appointment only" COVID vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office Thursday, March 9th.

Superior East OPP Issue Safety Reminders Amid Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

Local police are issuing a few safety reminders ahead of the Wawa derby.

As a warning for everyone who'll be out on the ice - fishing or not - Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle emphasizes "no ice is safe ice".

Nickle also recommends fishing with a buddy or group and carrying rescue equipment - including ice picks, rope, a first aid kid, flashlight, waterproof matches, emergency blankets, and a fully charged phone - with more advice for snowmobilers.

Constable Nickle encourages everyone to watch out for others and respect their space - using "fisherman's etiquette" - and notes the Superior East OPP will be patrolling, backed up by the OPP's SAVE (Snowmobile, ATV, and Vessel Enforcement) Team out of North Bay.

MVFA Annual Cash Draw Nears An End

Time and tickets are running out for the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association's annual cash draw.

Association past president Kyle Ouellet notes the initiative wraps up this weekend.

Ouellet reminds the draw supports the firefighters.

Firefighters will be selling tickets at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre during the derby, until they sell out or the final draws are made at 5 pm Sunday, during the derby's prize presentation.

Wawa's St. Augustine Holding Bake Sale for Grade 7&8 Trip

Some Wawa students are selling baked goods alongside derby registration.

St. Augustine French Immersion Catholic School Grade 6, 7, and 8 teacher Mike Fell explains the bake sale supports a big trip.

The bake sale will be held from 1 pm to 8 pm at the Community Centre - during derby registration - though another fundraiser for the trip is coming soon: a bottle drive will be held Tuesday night, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Arrives

Anglers will be getting out on the ice this weekend, for the annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

Chair Scott Popert notes there are several prizes on the line.

Registration runs from 10 am to 10 pm today and 9 am to noon Saturday - unless tickets sell out - fishing runs from 8 am to 4 pm Saturday and 8 am to 1 pm Sunday.

A dance - featuring Soundcheck - will also be held Saturday night, starting at 9 pm.

JJAM FM will be broadcasting live updates from 11 am to 3 pm Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm Sunday.

PHSD Reports 204th COVID-19 Death, New Cases (Including in Northern Sudbury District)

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting is 204th - the 177th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death on Friday.

The health unit's also reporting 52 new cases since Monday - 44 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and five in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 197 - three in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations), up slightly from Monday - with 53 cases in hospital, three in ICUs.

It's next holding an "appointment only" COVID vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office next Thursday, March 9th.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting nine cases over the last week - down from the previous week - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts, and has not updated its hospitalization figures.

Chapleau Students Honoured for Participating in Speaking Competition

Some Chapleau students are being highlighted for participating in a recent public speaking competition.

Highlighting teachers Miss Charron and Mister Lambruschini for their work organizing - along with the local Royal Canadian Legion - Chapleau Public School Principal Nicole Schuurmann commends the ten brave students who spoke in the event.

Schuurmann also thanks the three judges, including Mayor Ryan Bignucolo, who says he quite enjoyed the event, particularly noting the variety of topics discussed.

Schuurmann echoes Mayor Bignucolo's optimism.

Bignucolo adds a couple plaques were also presented.

Mayor Bignucolo says he plans to put it up in the office.

The two students who won are heading to regional competition in Sault Ste. Marie this weekend, and - from there - could end up on the way to the provincial competition.

Public Info Session for Wawa's Water & Wastewater Master Plan

Wawa residents are being encouraged to learn more about a key plan being developed for the municipality.

A special information session will be held tonight for the Municipality of Wawa's Water and Wastewater Master Plan.

Rebecca Weatherall - Assistant Director of Infrastructure Services - recently explained to JJAM FM's Town Talk that the plan aims to ensure current and future water and wastewater infrastructure needs are met, looking at the system's capacity and the community's ability to grow.

Meant to present results and recommendations from work completed to date - and obtain feedback - the final public information centre will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre Lounge tonight, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, with a presentation beginning at 6:45 pm.

APH Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths, New Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting two in which COVID was the underlying cause of death, bringing the health unit's death toll to 95 - it also reported two deaths in its last update, a week ago.

It's also reporting 64 new cases over the last week, up from the previous week - 38 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, sixteen in the Elliot Lake area, and ten in Central and East Algoma - pushing known "high risk active" cases up slightly, to 79, with seven in hospital, two in ICUs.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Including Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting fifty since Friday - forty in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District, and five in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 192 - including two in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 62 in hospital, two in ICUs.

The health unit is holding an "appointment only" COVID vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today, for those as young as six months.

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