Celebration of Life for Russell Reid

A celebration of life is being held for a prominent Wawa figure who passed away last week.

64-year-old Russell Reid died "after a brief battle with cancer" on June 26th - he was known for 30 years as the "face" of the Regional Employment Help Centre and was heavily involved in the Wawa community for decades as a member of various boards and organizations - he also 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.

The celebration of his life will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 3 pm to 5 pm this afternoon - memorial donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Wawa, of which Reid was a member since 1999.

Chapleau Area Forest Fires Now Being Held

Progress has been made on a couple forest fires in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is showing the 3916 hectare "Chapleau 3" fire - located two kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake - and the 1229 hectare "Chapleau 6" fire - located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and one kilometre east of Bolkow Lake - are now considered "being held" - neither fire has grown in about three weeks.

Despite the progress, access and travel restrictions remain in place in the area of "Chapleau 3".

This comes just days after another fire in the region - "Wawa 3", or the "Depew Fire", east of White River - was classified as "under control" at 6678 hectares in size.

While there has been progress on forest fires in recent weeks, the Restricted Fire Zone banning open air burning remains in place for the entire fire region of Ontario.

Superior East OPP Safety Reminders Amid Start of Summer

School's out for the summer, and local police are reminding everyone to be careful and watchful for kids.

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

Constable Nickle reminds kids playing near roads to wear bright clothing and watch for and give lots of room for vehicles - as they may not stop for you - though drivers are warned more kids will be outside, so drive slower and pay attention, as being distracted for even a second can have devastating consequences.

Nickle wishes everyone a fun - but safe - summer.

Wawa & Chapleau Students Receive Special Scholarships

Some local students are being honoured with special scholarships.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says two students from each of its secondary schools have been awarded "Vision Scholarships" valued at $500, for reflecting the board vision of "thriving French-language Catholic students, proud and ready to take place in their society".

Local recipients are Marguerite Bouffard and Madrix Bouchard from Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph in Wawa and Marianne Fournier and Lilianne Levesque from Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium.

ParticipACTION Community Challenge Ending

Wawa residents are being urged to record their physical activity by the end of the day, as ParticipACTION's annual "Community Challenge" ends at midnight.

Wawa Family Health Team dietician Justine Glover explains the initiative - which has been running all month - is meant to strengthen communities through physical activity and sport, even offering a prize.

Glover encourages community members to log "move minutes" through the ParticipAction app or website by 11:59 pm - as of Thursday, Wawa was only eighth in Ontario, and isn't in the Top 20 for Canada.

Local Canada Day Celebrations Planned

Big celebrations are planned for Canada Day in local communities.

For Wawa, Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains that includes the Goose Nest Market and Street Fair.

White notes there will be various things for kids, with Climb'n Fun back, but a little different.

In addition, White highlights music from Wawa Music Festival artists, as well as the 2nd annual Canada Day Bike Decorating Contest and Parade, which will be bigger than the first year.

Details of events can be found through "Wawa Recreation" on Facebook, but - due to the Restricted Fire Zone that bans open air burning - Wawa's fireworks are being postponed for another time.

As for Chapleau, Assistant Leisure and Cultural Services Director Carole Ouellette notes there are some new activities, focused at the waterfront.

Ouellette also highlights the duck race, as well as the kids bike parade and decorating contest - which starts at 12:30 at Cedar Grove, going to the pavilion for the opening ceremonies - and something special in the evening.

Ouellette assures plans are still to have fireworks at dusk, to end the night.

A link to the "Canada Day Celebration" Facebook page can be found through the Township of Chapleau Facebook page, though a schedule was also mailed out.

OPP Emphasizes Safety Equipment Use Amid Canada Day Long Weekend

Ontario Provincial Police will be watching the roads, trails and waterways today and over the weekend.

Superior East OPP Constable Ashley Nickle says this weekend will see a focus on safety equipment - including seatbelts.

Constable Nickle also has a reminder for bicycles and ATVs.

Nickle further reminds boaters to wear a life jacket or personal floatation device.

The OPP says - over the last five years - hundreds of people of all ages have died in OPP-investigated traffic or marine incidents in which failure to wear safety equipment was the primary cause or a contributing factor in their death, with: 279 killed in collisions where they didn't wear seatbelts; 114 killed in marine incidents without a lifejacket; 54 killed in off-road incidents without a helmet; and nineteen killed in motorcycle incidents without a helmet.

Constable Nickle also notes officers will be watching for the other "Big Four" factors in fatal collisions: impaired, aggressive, and distracted driving, as well as lack of seatbelts.

PHSD & PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

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 on White River Area Forest Fire, Now "Under Control"

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 Driving Charges After Dubreuilville Traffic Complaint

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.

Wawa REHC Executive Director/ADSB Trustee Russell Reid Dies

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.

Arrest Over Series of Property Crimes in Chapleau

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 & Other Charges After Wawa Collision

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.

Wildfire Smoke Leads to Air Quality Issues in Region

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 Despite Improvement on Forest Fires

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.

Numerous Charges After Wawa Collision

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 Burning Across Northern Ontario

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.

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