Stay up to date with what’s happening in your community.
More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting three since Monday - one in Greater Sudbury, two in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases stable at twelve, three in hospital.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit shows a jump of 38 cases over the last week - up from the previous week - leaving it with one in hospital.
Progress has been made on a major forest fire in the region.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says "Wawa 3" - also known as the "Depew Fire", located east of White River, south of Trent Lake and Round Lake, and five kilometres northwest of Duffy Lake - is now "under control" at 6678.1 hectares in size - it has been listed as "being held" for more than two weeks, and hadn't grown in size for about a week before that - travel and access restrictions in that area were lifted last week.
Further east, the "Chapleau 3" fire - located two kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake - remains 3916.9 hectares in size - with travel and access restrictions in that area - while the "Chapleau 6" fire - located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and one kilometre east of Bolkow Lake - remains 1229 hectares in size - both fires are considered "not under control" despite not growing in size for more than two weeks.
While the fire hazard is mostly low to medium for the region - with pockets of high hazard - and local air quality warnings have been lifted, the Restricted Fire Zone remains in place for the entire fire region of Ontario, suspending burning permits and banning open air burning.
Impaired operation charges have been laid after a traffic complaint in Dubreuilville.
Superior East OPP say they received the complaint from a concerned citizen about a possible impaired driver travelling around town early the afternoon of June 20th, with officers locating the suspect vehicle and investigation revealing the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages.
The 26-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie was arrested on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), but has been released from custody with a court date next month.
A prominent Wawa figure has died: Russell Reid.
An obituary posted online says the 64-year-old "passed away suddenly" on Monday, "after a brief battle with cancer".
Known for 30 years as the "face" of the Regional Employment Help Centre - where he's remembered as "an amazing mentor, boss, friend, and leader - Reid was heavily involved in the Wawa community for decades, as a member of the Rotary Club since 1999 - as well as a member of various other boards and organizations - and served as trustee for North Algoma and Chapleau with the Algoma District School Board since 1994, including two years as chair and five years as vice chair, plus involvement in principal and vice-principal selections, director and superintendent selections, the Special Education Advisory Committee, and Operations and Budget Committee - he'd also been actively involved in the Ontario Public School Board Association, including as Regional Director, receiving in 2020 the OPSBA President's Award in recognition of 25 years of service to public education in Ontario.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre next Tuesday, July 4th, from 3 pm to 5 pm - memorial donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Wawa.
An arrest's been made over multiple property crimes in Chapleau.
Superior East OPP say they've arrested a 32-year-old from Chapleau on charges of theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, and two of break, enter a place.
Police say the charges are linked to the theft of a bicycle on Monk Street reported June 14th, the theft of an ATV from a Lansdowne Street residence reported June 17th, the theft of another bicycle from a Lorne Street residence, and two break-and-enter occurrences that happened on Connaught Street - those were reported June 20th, though the break-and-enters had occurred earlier in the month.
The accused was released from custody, set to appear in court next month.
Impaired driving and other charges have been laid over a collision in Wawa earlier this month.
Superior East OPP say they responded to a report of a vehicle striking a boat trailer and nearby vehicle on Superior Avenue around 3 o'clock on June 16th - while the suspect vehicle left the scene prior to police arriving, officers were able to locate the driver, determining they'd consumed alcoholic beverages, leading to the 46-year-old Wawa resident's arrest on charges of: operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs; operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); dangerous operation; and failure to stop after accident.
They've been released from custody, set to appear in court next month.
Smoke from wildfires continues to cause air quality issues in the region.
Special air quality statements remain in effect for much of Northern Ontario - including for the Wawa, White River, and Chapleau areas - warning that "very high levels of air pollution have developed" from smoke from fires in Quebec and Northern Ontario, though air quality and visibility can fluctuate considerably over short distances and hour-to-hour.
It emphasizes - while smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations - people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects, recommending everyone take action to reduce exposure to smoke, taking breaks where you can find clean, cool air, and drinking lots of water to help your body cope - if breathing becomes uncomfortable, stop or reduce activity level, contacting your health care provider if you develop severe symptoms.
Air quality concerns remain from forest fires - despite some improvement.
Special air quality statements remain in effect for much of Northern Ontario - including locally - warning smoke from fires in Quebec and Northern Ontario has caused "very high levels of air pollution", effecting air quality and visibility - Environment Canada emphasizes smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects - it recommends everyone take action to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, and to stop or reduce activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable, contacting your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says no new fires were confirmed in the Northeast on Monday, leaving 26 "active" in the region, including the 3916 hectare "Chapleau 3" located two kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake - there are travel and access restrictions in the area around that blaze - while the "Chapleau 6" fire remains 1229 hectares in size, located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and one kilometre east of Bolkow Lake - both fires are considered "not under control" despite not growing in size for two weeks.
The Northwest was a bit more active, with one new fire, leaving it with 41 active.
The fire hazard is low for much of this area, with some pockets of moderate and even high hazard - though the Restricted Fire Zone suspending fire permits and banning open air burning remains in place for the entire fire region of Ontario.
Local police are asking for public help as they investigate graffiti in Chapleau.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the graffiti to buildings on Birch and Lorne streets occurred the night of June 19th or morning of June 20th, and ask anyone with information to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting two since Friday - both in Greater Sudbury - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to twelve.
The health unit now only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed three cases in hospital.
A Wawa man's facing numerous charges after a collision on Mission Road.
Superior East OPP say they responded to the two-vehicle collision around 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon, finding the suspect vehicle had fled the scene prior to officers arriving, though it was located a short time later, near a snowmobile trail off Highway 101.
According to police, officers determined while interacting with the driver that he'd consumed alcoholic beverages, with further investigation revealing he was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle, had taken the vehicle without consent - and that there was a firearm and ammunition in the vehicle.
As a result, the 25-year-old was arrested on 21 charges: operation while Impaired - alcohol and drugs; operation while Impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); Dangerous Operation Causing Bodily Harm; Fail to Stop at Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm; Flight from Peace Officer; Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent; Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm; Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm; Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose; Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime; Possession of Firearm knowing Serial Number has been Tampered With; Fail to Comply With Probation Order; three counts of Operation while Prohibited; two of Careless Storage of Firearm or Ammunition; two of Transport Firearm or Ammunition in a Careless Manner; and two of Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order.
He was remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.
Dozens of forest fires continue to burn across Northern Ontario.
That includes the "Chapleau 3" fire - two kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake - which is still listed as "not under control", though it has not grown above 3916 hectares in two weeks days - travel and access restrictions remain in place near the fire - as well as "Chapleau 6" - located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and one kilometre east of Bolkow Lake - which is also not under control, but has stayed about the same size for about as long, though its mapped size did increase by ten hectares, to 1239, in recent days.
Smoke from fires has prompted Environment Canada to issue special air quality statements for many parts of the North, including the Chapleau area.
Other fires of note include the 300 hectare "Cochrane 11" - just west of Fort Albany, causing the evacuation of the remote First Nation community - the 18,400 hectare "Cochrane 7" northeast of Lake Abitibi, a nearly 5900 hectare fire in the Sudbury district and another 1370 hectares in size.
The fire hazard is high to extreme for much of the north, faling to moderate to low in the White River area and further north and west - the Restricted Fire Zone suspending fire permits and banning open air burning remains in place for the entire fire region of Ontario.
Chapleau's unveiled its new "Welcome Guide".
The nineteen-page guide outlining local sites, services, clubs, and more is now available digitally on the Township's website, or in physical form at other places in the community.
Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.
Included on tonight's agenda are resolutions: confirming the agreement for CAO/Clerk services from Lynne Duguay, who started a week ago; allowing the local Legion to extend its outdoor patio on Canada Day; awarding the tender for the Civic Centre Heating Controls Project; and accepting a staff recommendation to rent a street sweeper.
There's also two "in-camera" items: one relating to CAO recruitment, the other about the Chapleau PUC.
The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight, in Civic Centre Council Chambers.
Wawa residents are being challenged to get active over the next few days, as ParticipACTION's annual "Community Challenge" nears an end.
Wawa Family Health Team dietician Justine Glover explains the initiative - which has been running all month - is meant to encourage physical activity.
Glover encourages community members to log "move minutes" through the ParticipACTION app or website, noting the challenge ends this Friday, June 30th - as of Sunday afternoon, Wawa was the 7th most active community in Ontario, but wasn't in the Top 20 for Canada.
Wawa's Ecole publique l'Escalade is inviting the community out for a "garage and craft sale" this weekend.
Noted to include toys, books, clothing, puzzles, and more, the event's set to run from 9 am to 12 noon on Sunday.
The school's also hosting a barbecue and talent show next Wednesday, June 28th, at 5 pm.
A colourful event is set to encourage fitness in Wawa this weekend.
Organizer Pauline Dawson explains Wawa's EarlyON Child and Family Centre and the Superior Children Centre are hosting a "Family Color Run" on Sunday.
Dawson notes there's a difference to this year's event.
Dawson encourages all families to join in the Family Color Run, which runs from 11 am to 2 pm tomorrow, at the Wawa Beachfront.
Local MP Carol Hughes talked up Algoma in the House of Commons.
Speaking recently, Hughes urged Canadians to come to Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, touting events and features of the region.
Hughes also highlighted White River's annual Winnie's Hometown Festival, among other events across the region, emphasizing the one-minute time limit for Member's Statements meant she could only give a small sampling of events happening this summer.
Time's almost up for Wawa residents wanting their say on a "refresh" of the Municipality's Strategic Plan.
CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explains everyone's encouraged to participate in the process.
O'Neill notes there are a few options.
The survey's open until midnight, with O'Neill expecting the "engagement process" on the Strategic Plan to end with a draft report in August, leading to adoption of the updated plan in September.
Hawk Junction will be bustling with excitement tomorrow.
A penny sale supporting the Hawk Junction Cemetery will be held from 10 am to 2 pm at the Hawk Junction Community Hall - hosted by the Friends of Pine Grove - while the annual Hawk Junction Local Services Board Horseshoe Pitch will be held at the Hawk Junction Community Centre, with registration at 11 am and competition at 12 noon.
