Robbery & Trespassing Charge over Chapleau Incident

Robbery and trespassing charge has been laid after an incident in Chapleau.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a reported robbery on Lansdowne Street shortly before 5 o'clock Saturday morning, with subsequent investigation revealing the accused entered the victim's property, attempted to steal a vehicle, and - when confronted - assaulted the victim.

That led to the arrest of a Chapleau 42-year-old on charges of robbery with violence and trespassing at night, though the accused was released from custody with an October court date.

PHSD Reports 1st Local Human Case of Lyme Disease

A local health unit's warning to beware ticks as it's confirmed a human case of Lyme disease.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says laboratory results have confirmed an adult tested positive for the disease - which can cause serious complications to the heart, joints, and nervous system - likely locally acquired in the Sudbury East area.

While it emphasizes that "reports of locally acquired Lyme disease remain uncommon", the health unit warns "people need to protect themselves when enjoying the outdoors", recommending measures to protect yourself from ticks, including: avoiding walking in tall grass; clearing debris and overgrown vegetation, grass, bushes, and trees from yards; keeping wood piles or bird feeders away from homes; and wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes with closed-toe shoes, as well as Health Canada-approved insect repellants.

Signs of Lyme disease include a red bull's eye-shaped rash around the bite area, as well as symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, stiff neck, and swollen glands.

Wawa Public Library Winding Down Summer Reading Fun

Wawa's library is winding down its "summer reading fun" as summer nears its end.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Suzie Jarrell reminds the Bingo Reading Summer Challenge draw is this Friday.

Jarrell notes the TD Summer Reading Club officially comes to an end next week, just ahead of the Labour Day weekend.

Jarrell reminds there are a number of clubs before the end, and emphasizes there are other things happening at the library, such as the New Horizons Knitting Club for seniors.

Wawa Salmon Derby Reels in Many Large Fish for 41st Year

Boats and lines are out of the water, as the Wawa Salmon Derby's wrapped up its 41st year.

While numerous fish were reeled in over the weekend, the largest was a 26.85-pound salmon that earned Dale McRae and Claude Samson the $3000 top prize and $500 more for the biggest fish of Friday, while the $2000 second prize - and $500 for Saturday's biggest fish - went to a 22.5-pounder caught by Dawson Chandler, and a 22.35-pounder from Scott Nuttall and John McCaulay claimed the $1000 third prize.

Robert Moreau and Julian Boucher caught the largest lake trout - a 7.15-pounder - reeling in the $1000 prize, along with $250 for a 20.9-pound salmon that came in seventh.

Chapleau Council Holding August Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to hold its sole meeting of the month tonight.

Included on tonight's agenda are resolutions to allow temporary extension of the Legion Patio Bar and address a request for washroom facilities at the Splash pad, and a by-law affirming an agreement for an update to the Aviation Facilities Assessment for the Chapleau Municipal Airport.

There are also multiple "in-camera" items, relating to: the HandiTransit Bus Contract; CAO Performance Management Plan; possible disposal of a parcel of land; and an update on a granting opportunity.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight in Civic Centre Council Chambers, though details on accessing it electronically can be found on the Township's website.

Clipped Fish Caught at Wawa Salmon Derby

A special fish was reeled in during the Wawa Salmon Derby.

Thunder Bay Salmon Association member Len Doherty explains the organization runs a hatchery, and it appears one of those fish ended up as an entry in the local derby.

Doherty notes the Thunder Bay hatchery releases 250,000 fingerlings into Lake Superior - through the Kam River - each year, using eggs collected in the fall - usually from the Nipigon River - but he says there could be a local tie in the future.

Doherty adds his presence at the Wawa derby was a coincidence - he just likes to attend the event.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry also had a presence, collecting samples - stomachs, scale, and fins - from salmon and lake trout, so they could be analyzed for stomach contents, genetics, weight, and age, to keep an eye on the health of the fishery.

Wawa Public Library Holding Stranger Things Escape Room Fundraiser

A special fundraiser's being held to support Wawa's library this weekend.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains they've set up an "escape room".

While it's meant to be a lot of fun, Jarrell reminds it's also a fundraiser.

Jarrell says some time slots may still be available - and there are options for people without a full 4-person team - contact the Library to make arrangements.

Jarrell also reminds "summer reading fun" is coming to an end: one week is left in the Library's Bingo Reading Summer Challenge - the deadline's 4 pm next Friday, August 25th - with End of the Summer party happening the following Monday, August 28th.

35th Annual Winnie's Hometown Festival Arrives in White River

White River looking back at "when it all began" this weekend, getting back to the roots of the annual Winnie's Hometown Festival.

Festival Coordinator Nicole Simpson notes this year's event celebrates a key milestone.

Simpson notes new events include a "Community Spirit Gathering" and barbecue at the Winnie the Pooh Park from noon to 4 today, and more...

Simpson reminds there are a number of returning events, including the Family Fish Derby, and more...

Weekend passes are available at the Township Office or "at the door", with more details on the Winnie's Hometown Festival Facebook page.

Deadline for Wawa Fire Services Survey

Time's almost up for Wawa residents wanting their say on local fire services.

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin reminds the Municipality has a survey asking for feedback on fire services.

Sabourin notes the survey informs a broader service review - and participants will also be entered into a draw to win prizes of $250, $100, or $50, along with smoke detectors.

The survey can be found through the municipal website, with paper copies available at the Municipal Office, the Wawa Public Library, and the Wawa Seniors Goose Club, though they must be submitted today.

Superior East OPP Safety Warning for Wawa Salmon Derby

Local police are reminding anglers to be safe during the Wawa derby.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle notes you should have some equipment, depending on the type of vessel you're using.

Nickle also recommends marine radios, cell phones, GPS, tools and spare parts, and safe drinking water, further urging an equipment check - and checking the weather forecast - before heading out on the water - and she reminds a common factor in marine fatalities is not wearing a lifejacket or personal floatation device.

Nickle also warns drinking and boating is a common factor, with alcohol the number one drug contributing to drowning in Canada.

41st Annual Wawa Salmon Derby Arrives

Anglers are streaming into Wawa as the 41st annual Wawa Salmon Derby gets underway later today.

Derby Chair Brad Buck reminds there's several prizes anglers could reel in.

Buck notes entry forms will be accepted for the derby until 5 o'clock this evening, which is when fishing first begins - it continues until 8 pm tonight, then from 6:30 am to 8 pm Saturday and 6:30 am to 1 pm Sunday.

There'll also be pancake breakfasts Saturday and Sunday, as well as a Saturday night fish fry open to everyone.

Wawa Council Calling for ADSAB to Review Apportionment Formula

Wawa Municipal Council's calling on the Algoma District Services Administration Board to review its apportionment calculation.

As recommended by outside firm Municipal Government Wayfinders in the 2021 municipal transformation report, the Municipality's pursuing a review of the model - that firm suggested Wawa could save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, with a 2022 report on the issue from Municipal Tax Equity Consultants coming to a similar conclusion.

The main issue is the way the formula considers the "power dam compensatory payment" that Wawa receives from the provincial government - in lieu of property taxes from local hydro dams, which used to be taxable - as the payment is not indexed to inflation - it's currently just over $2.3-million but would be nearly $3.3-million if it had kept up with inflation - and the Municipality has continually noted uncertainty about the payment, which is only confirmed around this time each year and was almost eliminated or reduced by previous provincial governments.

A resolution passed in last night's regular Council meeting notes the reports' findings and those factors - and that the apportionment formula hasn't been reviewed since it was established in 2002 - before calling for the review.

The resolution further appointed Mayor Melanie Pilon as "the main spokesman and champion" to bring the matter to the attention of the ADSAB board.

APH & PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting fifteen over the last week - three in the Sault Ste. Marie area, three in the Elliot Lake area, and nine in Central and East Algoma - pushing known "high risk active" cases up to 23, with one in hospital.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting just one case over the last week - down from the previous week's five - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts and shows none in hospital.

Wawa Resident Facing Multiple Charges After Domestic Dispute

A Wawa resident's facing multiple charges after a domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called to a Hillcrest Avenue residence shortly after 3 o'clock Monday morning, with subsequent investigation leading to the arrest of a 47-year-old on charges of mischief under $5000, fail to comply with probation order, and two counts of failure to comply with undertaking.

The accused - who will not be identified due to the domestic nature of the incident, to protect the victim - was held for a bail hearing and subsequently released.

ONDP Say Investigation Substantiated Serious Workplace Misconduct, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mantha Staying Out of Caucus

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha won't be returning to the Ontario NDP caucus as a workplace misconduct investigation's substantiated serious allegations against him.

The Ontario NDP say the independent, third-party investigation found "several of the specific allegations of workplace misconduct were substantiated" through interviews with multiple witnesses - including those identified by Mantha - as well as other documentary evidence - including video recordings - though the party says - while Mantha initially participated in the investigation - he refused to personally attend an interview and didn't provide documents promised to and requested by the investigator.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles says Mantha won't be allowed back in the party's caucus in light of these findings, though no further details about the report's findings - or the still unspecified allegations - are being released, to maintain "the privacy and safety of the complainant".

JJAM FM News has reached out to Mantha's office for comment, but has yet to receive a response.

Stiles booted Mantha from the caucus in early April, saying only that an investigation was ongoing, with Mantha later emphasizing he'll "continue to serve the people of Algoma-Manitoulin", staying an independent MPP since.

Mantha's been Algoma-Manitoulin's MPP since 2011, even serving as the NDP's deputy whip and critic for mining, natural resources, and the Ring of Fire.

Wawa Minor Hockey Holding Annual General Meeting

Those interested in Wawa minor hockey are meeting tonight.

The Wawa Minor Hockey Association's holding its annual general meeting, noting it's open to the public, with all potential coaches and team staff invited to attend, as well as anyone interested in becoming a member of the association.

The meeting will be held at 7 pm in the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Wawa Salmon Derby Pre-Fish Ending

Fishing is coming to an end ahead of the Wawa Salmon Derby.

Today's the last day in the five-day pre-derby fishing contest, offering any anglers registered for the derby a chance at a $50 prize for the largest fish caught today, though Derby Chair Brad Buck reminds anglers could reel in much bigger prizes this weekend.

The 41st annual derby runs this Friday, August 18th, through Sunday the 20th.

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