FONOM Board Holding Monthly Meeting in Wawa

A group of Northeastern Ontario municipal leaders are in Wawa today.

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities is holding its monthly board meeting in town, expected to discuss "Catch n Release" meetings, the impacts of the "More Homes Built Faster Act", school board election funding, and FONOM's upcoming conference in Parry Sound.

They also note plans for the board to meet with Mayor Melanie Pilon and CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill "to listen about the activities of this part of Northeastern Ontario", as President Danny Whalen says "it's important for the board to experience and then appreciate how vast the FONOM boundary is, so when communities speak to their challenges, like health care, FONOM will have a better understanding when we try to help".

FONOM represents about 110 cities, towns, and municipalities across the Northeast.

Superior East OPP Remind Drivers to Stop for School Buses

Local police are reminding drivers to stop for school buses.

While Ontario school buses added flashing overhead amber lights last September - to make it easier for drivers to recognize when the bus is preparing to stop - OPP say many communities are still seeing vehicles not stopping, putting children's lives in danger.

Superior East OPP reminds drivers - including those in commercial vehicles or on snowmobiles, ATVs, or bicycles - are required by law to stop when they encounter a school bus stopped with red lights flashing - it doesn't matter if the stop arm's out - and you cannot proceed until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves.

Failure to follow the rules can result in fines of $490 to $2000 plus six demerit points, or - even worse - possibly injuring a child.

Anyone who sees a vehicle fail to stop for a school bus can call 9-1-1 or the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.

FONOM Board to Visit Wawa

A group of Northern Ontario municipal leaders are coming to Wawa.

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities says its monthly board meeting will be held in Wawa tomorrow, further noting plans for the board to meet with Mayor Melanie Pilon and CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill "to listen about the activities of this part of Northeastern Ontario".

FONOM represents about 110 cities, towns, and municipalities across the Northeast.

PHSD Reports 207th COVID-19 Death, No Longer Any Cases in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting is 207th - the 180th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death on Monday.

The health unit's also reporting 34 new cases since Monday - 28 in Greater Sudbury and six in the broader Sudbury District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 171, with 37 in hospital, five in ICUs.

There are no longer any "active" cases listed for the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations).

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting nine cases over the last week - the same as the previous week - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts, but does report three in hospital.

OPP Investigating Death in White River

Police are investigating a death in White River.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an individual in distress at a White River business around 9:30am February 28th, with the individual taken to hospital, where they were pronounced dead on March 2nd.

The Superior East and Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Units are investigating under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

They emphasize there is no threat to public safety, but ask anyone with information about this incident to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.

MHS Students Hitting the Ice Against Teachers From MHS, SJD & St. Augustine

Wawa will see a bit of a "grudge match" on the ice this afternoon, with a charity hockey game.

Michipicoten High School students will be facing off against staff from MHS, Sir James Dunn Public School, and St. Augustine French Immersion in a game raising support for food banks in Wawa and White River - admission will be by donation, either silver collection or non-perishable food item.

Concession booths will also be set up to further raise support, with door prizes for those attending.

Doors will open at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre at 1 pm, with the game beginning at 1:30 pm.

Wawa Council Approves Dissolution of BIA

Wawa Municipal Council's moving forward on plans to disband the B-I-A.

Having given it first reading in January, Wawa Municipal Council gave second and third reading to a by-law that would dissolve the Wawa Business Improvement Area - at the recommendation of its board - told by CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill that the Municipality had reached out to all members of the organization to inform them, but only one response was received, which did voice opposition, though O'Neill reminded that the BIA executive had passed a resolution calling for its dissolution, citing "continued lack of participation by...business members at meetings and little interest over the past decade to sit on the board of management".

Councillor Mitch Hatfield did note the irony of approving this move the same night that Council heard a presentation - from Bannikin Travel and Tourism on the Five Year Tourism Plan - which urged the Municipality to work with business, with O'Neill suggesting upcoming talks on refreshing the strategic plan would serve as an opportunity to look at options for that.

The BIA was formed in the 1980s to carry out infrastructure improvements and promote local shopping within the designated area - eventually expanded to cover all of Broadway Avenue, and Mission Road up to and including the Wawa Motor Inn - with each business assessed an annual levy to give it a budget for operations and projects.

Municipal staff had recommended against collecting a levy this year, and told Council that the BIA's remaining funds and other assets like the Christmas lights and BIA banners would transfer to the Municipality if the BIA's dissolved.

This comes just shy of a decade after then-Mayor Linda Nowicki pushed to dissolve the BIA due to inactivity, though she withdrew that when the organization elected a new executive and pushed to continue operations.

Wawa Banning Feeding Wildlife

Wawa's banning feeding wildlife.

A month after it was initially proposed, Wawa Municipal Council's approved a by-law to prohibit the practice, as explained to JJAM FM News by Kevin Sabourin, who is Assistant Director of Protective Services, a role that includes by-law enforcement.

While Mayor Melanie Pilon requested a period of public input after last month's presentation, Sabourin stated last night no public comments were received - Pilon suggested that raises questions as to whether the by-law's needed though Sabourin suggested it means people were fine with it and Councillors Cathy Cannon and Joseph Opato both spoke in favour of the by-law.

Speaking to JJAM FM News, Sabourin did note there have been some problems with wildlife of late.

Sabourin previously told Council that the OPP, conservation officers, and Sabourin - as a by-law official - would be able to enforce the by-law, with plans to forward the approved by-law to the provincial government so tickets could be issued.

CHADWIC Home Holding Luncheon for International Women's Day

Wawa women are marking International Women's Day with a special event today.

Pam Carruthers explains CHADWIC Home's holding a luncheon at the Legion, tying into the occasion's theme.

Carruthers notes it's a come-and-go event with some door prizes, as well, encouraging any woman who wants to come down.

The luncheon starts at 11:30 am at the Legion Hall.

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.