Winter Storm Warnings for Wawa/Dubreuilville/White River/Chapleau Areas

Keep your shovel ready - winter isn't over quite yet.

While spring officially arrives Monday, Environment Canada's issued a winter storm warning for much of the region - from Wawa north through Dubreuilville, White River, and Pukaskwa Park, south through Agawa and Lake Superior Park, and east through Chapleau and Gogama - expecting 30 to 50 centimetres of snow tonight into Saturday - that's in addition to some snow expected today, ahead of the "main event".

It'll be combined with "gusty" winds, which could reduce visibility to near zero, making dangerous travel conditions, with the agency believing "significant travel delays and road closures are likely".

The snow's expected to be a bit lighter further south, with a weather advisory for Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, and Batchawana Bay, expecting just 10 to 15 centimetres.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Still 1 for Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 27 since Monday - 22 in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District - though known "active" cases fell slightly, to 136 - still one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 41 in hospital, two in ICUs.

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Much of Region

Winter doesn't seem to be over quite yet.

Environment Canada's issued a winter storm watch for much of the region - from Wawa north through Dubreuilville, White River, and Pukaskwa Park, south through Agawa and Lake Superior Park, and east through Chapleau and Gogama - expecting 25 to 50 centimetres of snow with gusty winds resulting in blowing snow late Thursday into Saturday.

A similar winter storm watch has been issued for Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, and Batchawana Bay, expecting just 15 to 25 centimetres Thursday night into Saturday, with blowing snow that may reduce visibility.

APH Reports 98th COVID-19 Death, New Cases in North Algoma

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting one in which COVID contributed but was not the underlying cause of death - that brings the health unit's death toll to 98 - it last reported two deaths in its previous update, a week ago.

It's also reporting 61 new cases over the last week, down from the previous week - 36 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, fifteen in the Elliot Lake area, eight in Central and East Algoma, 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 are down to 83, with four in hospital, one in an ICU.

No Charges Expected After Commercial Vehicle Fire South of Wawa

No charges will be laid after a vehicle fire shut down Highway 17 near Wawa Monday night.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle explains the incident involved a tractor-trailer just south of Wawa.

While the highway was closed for a few hours, Nickle assures that was mainly a precaution and people remained safe.

Constable Nickle says no further investigation's required, so the case is closed with no charges.

Joel Bernard Wins 6th Annual Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby

Organizers of Dubreuilville's annual winter derby are thanking supporters.

The 6th Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby was held Saturday, with Joel Bernard claiming first place with an 11.17 pound pike, followed by Eric Casey with a 10.7 pounder, then Derek Massey with a 9.52 pounder, Patrice Bernard with an 8.47 pound fish, and Dave Marshall with an eight pound pike.

The $1000 Early Bird Prize went to Samantha Fawcett, while Lise Noël claimed the member prize, and the five registration prizes of $1000 each went to Austin Hemphill, Yvan Cyr, Denis Lortie, Austin Éric Hemphill, and Christian Nic Désormeaux.

The Dubreuilville Magpie Rod and Gun Club thanks Alamos Gold for sponsoring the Early Bird prize, Columbia Forest Products for road maintenance, Diane Dechamplain for the derby signs, Typer's Live Bait for patrolling, pictures, and videos, all committee members, and all 151 participants.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Still 1 in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 22 since Friday - thirteen in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases fell to 138 - still one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 42 in hospital, three in ICUs.

Superior East OPP Offer Advice for March Break

Local police are offering a few safety tips as kids are out of school for the March Break.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle urges parents to talk with their kids about staying safe.

Constable Nickle also emphasizes ice and water safety - staying away unless supervised - and caution while out playing.

Constable Nickle has a warning for drivers, too.

Constable Nickle also advises those travelling not to post about your trip on social media until you're back, as it otherwise advertises that your home is empty.

Michipicoten First Nation Hires Former Wawa Clerk as New Executive Officer

Michipicoten First Nation has a new Executive Officer.

Cathy Cyr - who's a member of Batchewana First Nation - is starting in the role today, with Michipicoten First Nation touting her "wealth of experience and knowledge" from her former roles as Municipal Clerk, Community Emergency Management Coordinator, and Acting CAO for the Municipality of Wawa - she retired from the Municipality in mid-December.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Including 1 in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 34 since Wednesday - 31 in Greater Sudbury, two in the Manitoulin District, and one in the Sudbury District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 175 - including one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 37 in hospital, three in ICUs.

Charges Laid After Disturbance at Wawa Derby Dance

A Wawa man's facing charges after a disturbance over the weekend.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to an incident on Chris Simon Drive shortly before 11 o'clock Saturday night (Superior East OPP have confirmed to JJAM FM News that the incident occurred at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby dance, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre), arresting one person for public intoxication, though - once transported to the local detachment - they instigated an altercation with officers.

The 33-year-old's been charged with two counts of assault a peace officer and one of being intoxicated in a public place, but was released from custody with a court date next month.

Wawa Council Expresses Concern About Proposed New Federal Riding Boundaries

Wawa Municipal Council is expressing concern about a planned redrawing of Northern Ontario's federal electoral districts.

In their meeting earlier this week, Mayor Melanie Pilon brought up the final report tabled by the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Ontario last month - which would see the province gain a seat but major changes to many current boundaries - as she notes concerns about the loss of a voice for this region.

Councillors expressed similar concerns during this week's meeting, and raised questions about whether provincial riding boundaries would follow suit.

While Mayor Pilon concedes there are commonalities with other communities within the riding - including Sault Ste. Marie - she emphasizes concerns the large urban centre of the city would "swing" votes, and note concerns that the new ridings would see the local Northeast Superior Mayors Group communities further split - as the Chapleau area's annexed into the new "Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk" riding - though she notes that has yet to be discussed by the group.

The proposed redrawing's in the "Objections from MPs" phase until May - Northern MPs including Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat Carol Hughes have voiced opposition to the new riding boundaries - though Pilon's resigned to the proposal becoming reality.

6th Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby Arrives

Dubreuilville's reeling in its annual winter derby this weekend.

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

Gamache reminds tickets are $120 - simply etransfer dmwd2015@hotmail.com.

Fishing runs from 8 am to 4 pm tomorrow.

Superior East OPP Safety Advice for Local Derbies

Local police are issuing a few safety reminders as anglers hit the ice this weekend.

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".

Urging snowmobilers to slow down, Nickle also recommends fishing with a buddy or group, wearing an inflatable vest or floater suit, and carrying rescue equipment, including ice picks, rope, a first aid kid, flashlight, waterproof matches, emergency blankets, and a fully charged phone.

Superior East OPP Offers Advice Ahead of March Break

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have some important tips for the upcoming March Break.

Constable Ashley Nickle advises those travelling to be careful.

Constable Nickle also urges parents to talk with their kids about staying safe - including when playing outdoors - and reminds drivers to slow down and keep an eye out for kids, especially around parks, playgrounds, and crosswalks.

Hawk Junction Family Fishing Derby Arrives

Families are being encouraged to get out on Hawk Lake this weekend, for the return of a longtime tradition.

Hawk Junction Local Services Board member Enos Evans explains the Family Fishing Derby is coming back.

Evans notes there'll some prizes.

Registration runs from 6 pm to 8 pm tonight and 7 am to 11 am tomorrow morning - at the Hawk Junction Community Hall - with fishing from 8 am to 3:30 pm tomorrow, final weigh-in at 4 pm.

Wawa Library Hosting Seed Swap

Gardeners are being encouraged to talk and swap seeds in Wawa this weekend.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the library's teamed up with the Wawa Family Health Team and the Wawa Area Food Strategy for a "Seed Swap".

Jarrell notes there'll also be some support for newer gardeners, including to help save seeds for future years.

While she says they're open to flower seeds, Jarrell says the focus will be food, suggesting it can help tackle shortages and make people more self-sustaining, and even encourages those without seeds to come out.

The Seed Swap runs from 12 noon to 2 pm Saturday afternoon, at the Wawa Public Library.

Charges Laid After Domestic Dispute in Hornepayne

Multiple charges have been laid after a domestic dispute in Hornepayne.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called to Front Street early the morning of March 1st, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 31-year-old from Hearst on charges of harassing communications, criminal harassment - repeatedly communicate, and breach of recognizance.

The accused - who will not be identified due to the domestic nature of the incident, to protect the victim - was released from custody with a future court date.

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