WAVS Taking Pre-Orders Ahead of Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

As Tim Hortons prepares for its Smile Cookie campaign, the local beneficiary is looking to get a jump on it.

Though the cookies won't arrive until next Monday, May 1st, Wawa and Area Victim Services Executive Director Beverly Boyd says those eager to get several can order ahead.

WAVS Exec Director Beverly Boyd on Pre-Ordering Smile Cookies
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Boyd adds that's not limited to Wawa residents.

WAVS Executive Director Beverly Boyd on Out of Town Delivery
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Boyd notes the upcoming local Smile Cookie campaign will support WAVS in paying off a recently purchased van, which was also the objective of the last local campaign, back in September.

Wawa's Spring By Hand Festival Approaching

As spring properly arrives, a seasonal tradition's nearing for Wawa.

Coordinator Maria Reid says the Spring By Hand Festival coming next weekend will have a lot to offer.

Maria Reid on 2023 Spring By Hand Festival Vendors
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Seen as an opportunity to do some Mother's Day shopping, the By Hand is "first and foremost a craft show" for locals, and admission's simply by silver collection, to help cover the event's costs.

The event will be held Saturday, April 29th, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Wawa Public Library Launching New Seniors Program Due to Grant

The Wawa Public Library's celebrating support for seniors programming.

Talking to JJAM FM's Town Talk, CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explained the federal government's providing a grant supporting senior-based, senior-led programs, including a "New Horizons Knitting Connection" launched earlier this month.

WPL CEO Sue Jarrell Explains Seniors Knitting Club
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell notes this summer will also see "New Horizons Intergenerational Buddy Reading".

WPL CEO Sue Jarrell on Intergenerational Reading Program
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell adds a "Shut-In Outreach Program" is also planned, and the grant's supporting a few other helpful changes in the library, such as a new coffee cart and more comfortable chairs.

Final Day for Donations to UCW First United Church in Wawa Thrift Shop

Preparations are underway for a popular Wawa event: the UCW of First United Church's Thrift Shop.

It's set to be held next Thursday, April 27th, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm, Friday, April 28th from 1 pm to 4 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday, April 29th from 9 am to 4 pm, and "Bag Day" Monday, May 1st, from 9 am to 8 pm.

While the multi-day event isn't set to happen for another week, today is the last day donations are accepted, though organizers ask for no electronics or large furniture.

AOD Open House Happening Today

A special event's being held today for Wawa residents, particularly former Algoma Ore Division workers.

Noting this year marks 25 years since the local operations shut down, organizer Andy Stevens explains today's AOD open house is an opportunity to socialize.

Andy Stevens on Purpose of AOD Open House
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stevens notes the event also includes information for those retirees but also about the historic impact on this community.

Andy Stevens on AOD History in Wawa
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Free of charge, the AOD Open House runs from 1 pm to 4 pm this afternoon at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre - Wawa Transit service to the event is also free.

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings

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

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which includes discussion about changes to the oath of office due to the new King, Charles III, plus a draft policy on citizen complaints, the first quarter financial report, and a report on the Municipality's engineer of record.

That'll be followed by tonight's regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions supporting the Wawa Public Library's plan for drag storytime in June, authorizing plans to submit a funding application for the Inclusive Community Grants program, accepting a staff recommendation to discontinue "bands of assessment" for a graduated tax rate in the commercial class - starting next year - and a staff recommendation to pursue an accessible electric van and charging infrastructure to replace the existing Wawa Transit gas-powered minibus.

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 New COVID-19 Cases, Still None for Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting eighteen since Wednesday - fourteen in Greater Sudbury, one in the broader Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 66, with eighteen in hospital, four in ICUs.

There have not been any "active" cases listed for the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) in three weeks.

AOD Open House Coming

Wawa residents - particularly former Algoma Ore Division workers - are being encouraged to "save the date" for the upcoming "AOD Open House".

Organizer Andy Stevens explains the whole community is invited to the event next week, marking a major anniversary.

Andy Stevens Explains AOD Open House
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stevens says it's an opportunity to socialize - maybe reminisce about the days when AOD was open - and to educate people about its historic impact on this community.

The AOD Open House will be held Tuesday, April 18th, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre - transit service to the event will be free, simply contact Wawa Transit as normal.

Wawa Fire Department Seeking New Volunteer Members

The Wawa Volunteer Fire Department's looking for a few more volunteers.

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin explains there are a few vacancies to fill.

Wawa Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin on WVFD Situation
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Chief Sabourin outlines the main requirements for potential firefighters.

Wawa Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin on Firefighter Requirements
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While an open house was held last night, Sabourin says anyone who couldn't make it can contact him for more information.

Wawa Library Hosting Pokemon Go Club

Pokemon fans are being encouraged to talk about it, play, and even swap in Wawa this weekend.

Noting she's an avid Pokemon Go player, Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the library's hosting a monthly meetup for fans of the game tomorrow.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell on Pokemon Go Club
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The Pokemon Go Club starts at 11 am Saturday, at the Wawa Public Library.

Wawa Fire Department Holding Open House for Potential Recruits

The Wawa Fire Department's encouraging residents to "meet the team" as it looks to recruit new members.

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin explains an open house is being held tonight.

Wawa Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin on Open House Purpose
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Sabourin explains a few new recruits are needed.

Wawa Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin on WVFD Situation
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Sabourin outlines the main requirements for potential firefighters.

Wawa Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin on Firefighter Requirements
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Anyone who can't make tonight's open house can contact Chief Sabourin - the open house runs from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm this evening, at the fire hall.

PHSD & APH Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting four since Tuesday - one in Greater Sudbury, two in the broader Sudbury District, and another in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 64, with fifteen in hospital, four in ICUs.

Algoma Public Health's reporting 25 new cases over the last week, down from the previous week, but shows slightly more in total - thirteen in Central and East Algoma, eleven in the Sault Ste. Marie area, and three in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down to 30, with eleven in hospital, one in an ICU.

The Porcupine Health Unit's reporting thirteen cases over the last week - the same as the previous two - though there is some improvement: it no longer shows any in hospital.

PHSD Reports 211th COVID-19 Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 144th in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit's COVID-related death toll to 211 - it last reported a death at the end of March.

The health unit's also reporting 32 new cases since Wednesday - 26 in Greater Sudbury, six in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases have dropped to 63, with thirteen in hospital, two in ICUs.

TVO to Air Documentary on Local Train 185

A train travelling through the region will get a special spotlight this weekend.

TVO will air "TRIPPING Train 185" tomorrow night, a three-hour documentary following Train 185 on its journey from Sudbury to Chapleau and then to White River, and executive producer Mitch Azaria explains the producers for the "TRIPPING" series had always wanted to feature a train in the series, finding Train 185 the perfect choice.

Mitch Azaria on Reason for TRIPPING Train 185
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Azaria says he hopes viewers get a few things out of it, including the beauty of the trip, the constant "play-like" interaction of passengers and crew, and also the importance of the train.

Mitch Azaria Explains Purpose of TRIPPING Train 185
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The TVO Original "TRIPPING Train 185" airs from 7 pm to 10 pm Friday night on TVO, and will stream online afterward.

Full Conversation With Mitch Azaria on TRIPPING Train 185
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Impaired Driving & Other Charges in Wawa

Impaired driving and other charges have been laid against a Wawa resident.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a traffic complaint about a possible impaired driver on Broadway Avenue around 9 o'clock yesterday morning - after locating the vehicle, police determined the driver was impaired, leading to the 48-year-old's arrest on charges of: operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs; drive motor vehicle, no plates; drive motor vehicle, no licence; and operate a motor vehicle without insurance.

They've been released from custody, set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice next month.

Superior East OPP Watching for Seatbelt Rule Compliance Over Easter Weekend

Local police will be watching for proper seatbelt use over the coming long weekend.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle explains the local detachment is focusing on seatbelt law enforcement and education to keep our roads safer.

Cst. Ashley Nickle on Focus on Seatbelts Amid Easter
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Emphasizing seatbelts should be worn by only one person each, closely or firmly against the body - with lapbelts across the hips and a shoulder belt, if available, over the shoulder and across the chest - Nickle reminds there are consequences for not doing so.

Cst. Ashley Nickle on Charges for Seatbelt Violations
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Constable Nickle urges everyone to "buckle up every trip, everytime" - even short trips in town, as seatbelts greatly increase the chance of survival in a collision - and reminds Superior East OPP will be patrolling roads in all detachment areas, when not involved in investigations or responding to calls for service.

The Easter Long Weekend Seatbelt Campaign runs from Good Friday, April 7th, through Easter Monday, April 10th.

PHSD & PHU Post New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 22 since Monday - all in Greater Sudbury - pushing known "active" cases up to 88, with fifteen in hospital, two in ICUs.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting thirteen 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 show three currently in hospital, the same as the last several weeks.

Municipality of Wawa Completes 5 Year Tourism Plan

Wawa has a new plan to help with tourism.

The Municipality's announced the completion of a Five-Year Tourism Plan, prepared by consulting firm Bannikin Travel and Tourism.

Speaking to JJAM FM's Town Talk recently, Wawa's Community Services and Tourism Director, Alex Patterson, explained the plan - backed by government funding - is an update to a 2002 plan.

Alex Patterson Explains Background of 5 Year Tourism Plan
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson acknowledged some challenges identified in the process, including the community's online presence and the condition of the downtown, noting the plan outlines general goals to help with tourism across all four seasons, but also some specific actions to achieve those goals.

The plan's now available to read on the Municipality's website.

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