2nd Registration Night for Wawa Curling Leagues

Registration for Wawa's curlers is continuing tonight.

A second registration event's being held for Wawa's Men's, Ladies, and Mixed Curling Leagues tonight - from 6:30 pm to 8 pm - at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Experienced curlers or amateurs are welcome, and individuals interested in being a spare are encouraged to register, as well, with the Curling Club noting an instructor from Sault Ste. Marie will be coming to town next month, after the season begins in the first week of November.

Anyone looking for more information is encouraged to contact Tom Terris about the Mixed League, Danette Mathias for the Ladies League, Jim Hoffmann for the Men's League.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, None Active in Northern Sudbury District

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region - but there are fewer active.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 34 since Friday - 29 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, two in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dipped to 131 - and there are no longer any "active" in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations).

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 27, including four in ICUs.

Wawa Council to Discuss Housing, Short-Term Rentals, Community Improvement Plan

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which includes a pair of delegations - from Robert Lehman of Lehman and Associates about short-term rentals, and from Johanna Rowe of the Heritage Committee - along with discussion about the Wawa Housing Action Plan, monthly reports from department heads, curling ice extension requests, a Marina Committee recommendation regarding channel markers in the Michipicoten River, condition assessments for the Asset Management Plan, and the Community Improvement Plan Update.

That'll be followed by tonight's regular Council meeting, which includes a resolution to confirm Council travel for upcoming conferences and a by-law affirming an agreement with WSP Inc. to prepare a Downtown Community Improvement Plan - there are also two "in-camera" items, one relating to the potential sale of land and the other about a request to purchase land.

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.

Wawa Library Marks Ontario Public Library Week

Ontario is celebrating public libraries this week - and Wawa's library is marking the occasion.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell says it's a "full week" with a few special guests starting today.

Events continue tomorrow with a Halloween-themed adult craft and music from Dawn and Alex Charbonneau in the evening, a few artisans on Friday, and an "Afternoon of Music" with Isabelle and Doris Saturday, though Jarrell reminds there are also a few month-long initiatives still underway, including the library card promotion.

Jarrell notes the card promotion continues to the end of the month, with draws for children and adults to be held early next month.

BC Driver Charged After Caught Speeding Near Chapleau

A British Columbia driver's facing charges after a traffic stop near Chapleau.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers conducting general patrol shortly before 11 o'clock thursday morning observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 101, with a subsequent traffic stop revealing the driver did not have a required ignition interlock device in the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the 55-year-old from Invermere, BC on charges of operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code and speeding.

The accused was released from custody with a November court date, though the vehicle is impounded for 45 days.

Multiple Charges for Young Driver in Marathon

A young driver's facing several charges after a traffic stop in Marathon.

Marathon Ontario Provincial Police say officers observed the vehicle driving erratically in the town late Saturday morning, with the subsequent traffic stop revealing the driver was impaired by alcohol, leading to the Marathon 19-year-old's arrest on charges of: Operation While Impaired - Alcohol and Drugs; Operation While Impaired - Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus); Novice Driver - B.A.C Above Zero; Driving Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available; and Fail to Have Insurance Card.

1st Registration Night for Wawa Curling Leagues

Good news for Wawa curlers: registration starts tonight.

Organizers are holding two events so teams and curlers can sign up for the Men's, Ladies, or Mixed Leagues, the first tonight and the second tomorrow night, both running from 6:30 pm to 8 o'clock at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Experienced curlers or amateurs are welcome, and individuals interested in being a spare are encouraged to register, as well, with the Curling Club noting an instructor from Sault Ste. Marie will be coming to town next month, after the season begins in the first week of November.

Anyone looking for more information is encouraged to contact Tom Terris about the Mixed League, Danette Mathias for the Ladies League, Jim Hoffmann for the Men's League.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Highest Active Since Early Spring

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 32 since Wednesday - 27 in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District - pushing known "active" cases up to 138, the highest since early spring, including one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations).

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 27, including four in ICUs.

Wawa's Overnight Parking By-Law Set to Take Effect

Wawa residents are reminded the town's winter parking by-law is set to take force.

Though the snow hasn't arrived yet, Kevin Sabourin - the Municipality's Assistant Director of Protective Services - explains the overnight parking by-law that applies from October 15th to May 15th is intended to help with snow clearing efforts.

The Municipality warns any vehicle, trailer, or vessel found breaking the rules can be removed, with the owner fined and charged for the removal cost and daily storage fees, which will need to be paid in full before the item's released.

Chapleau residents have a little longer, as the town's winter parking by-law takes effect November 1st.

Hornepayne Resident Facing Charges Over Disturbance

A Hornepayne resident's facing charges after a disturbance in the town.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to the incident early the afternoon of September 29th, leading to the arrest of the 32-year-old on two counts of failure to comply with release order.

The accused - who will not be named, to protect the identity of the victim - was remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.

NL Ford's Let's Scare Hunger Together Campaign Stopping at John's Independent

A Wawa car dealership's going on the road to help "scare hunger" this weekend.

Now two weeks into the "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign, Northern Lights Ford will be setting up a table at John's Your Independent Grocer Saturday, to collect non-perishable food items for the Wawa Community Food Bank.

Kelly Moore-McKenzie of Northern Lights Ford says there are a few items that are especially wanted, gearing more toward healthier foods, as much as possible.

The food drive will be at John's from 10 a-m to noon tomorrow - and again on Saturday, October 28th - though donations can also be dropped off at Northern Lights Ford up to October 31st, with a weekly draw for a $25 gift card for donors.

Wawa Warns of Plans to Cleanup Woodland Cemetery

The Municipality of Wawa's planning to clean up its Woodland Cemetery next week.

A notice from the Municipality warns that - per a 2019 by-law - everyone is asked to remove artificial flower arrangements, wreaths, or other decorations - including ornaments, candles, and the planting of "other embellishments" - from plots by Sunday, October 15th.

It notes a single wreath or flower arrangement's allowed on a plot for special occasions - such as Remembrance Day or Christmas - though they need to be removed within 30 days of being placed, otherwise they'll be considered abandoned and may be disposed of by staff.

Wawa Firefighters Holding Boot Drive for Breast Cancer

Wawa firefighters will be out in the community this weekend to raise funds for a good cause.

Wawa Volunteer Fire Department member Ray Renaud explains they're holding a "boot drive" in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Renaud notes a personal reason for this campaign.

Renaud adds the boot drive is only part of a month-long campaign by the local firefighters, so businesses and individuals are encouraged to contact the Fire Department - through Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin to make a donation.

The boot drive runs from 11 am to 2 pm Saturday.

49th Chapleau Arts & Crafts Fall Fair Arrives

Chapleau artisans are showing off their work today and tomorrow.

Chapleau Arts and Crafts Fall Fair Committee President Melanie Mallek says the 49th annual event has a "colourful" theme.

Mallek notes there will be many vendors.

Held at the Chapleau Recreation Centre, the Arts and Crafts Fall Fair runs from 4 pm to 9 pm tonight, and 11 am to 3 pm tomorrow - it's $5 per person, or free for children age four or under.

The Township's Handi Transit Service will be available for rides to and from the event between 4 pm and 7 pm tonight and 11 am to 3 pm Saturday.

PHSD Launches Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard

A local health unit's launched a new tool to help residents keep an eye on local activity levels of respiratory illness.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has unveiled the "Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard" for Sudbury and districts, to provide information about cases, hospitalizations, and outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well as COVID-19 detected in local wastewater - it'll be updated weekly, by 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, except on statutory holidays.

The health unit's still updating COVID-19 data three times a week - usually late Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - with case epidemiology and vaccination updates Wednesdays.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe notes "increasing activity levels of seasonal respiratory illnesses", with the combination of cooler temperatures and more time spent indoors creating "ideal conditions for the spread" of infections.

PHSD Sees Highest Number of Active COVID-19 Cases Since Early Spring

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 28 since Tuesday - 22 in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District, another in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 130 - the highest since early spring - with one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations).

The health unit's also reporting a rise in cases in hospital, to 27, with four in ICUs.

PHSD Lifts Drinking Water Advisory From Gogama

Gogama's no longer under a drinking water advisory.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says the advisory issued Monday morning - after a "malfunction" caused a temporary loss of pressure, interrupting the town's water supply - has now been lifted, as tests have confirmed the water's safe for consumption.

The health unit notes residents may notice chlorine odours or discoloured water, and suggests running cold water faucets or drinking fountains for five minutes or until the water runs clear, running water softeners through a regeneration cycle, draining and refilling hot water heaters, and removing and rinsing faucet screens to get rid of sediment.

Chapleau's Trinity United Church Soup Kettle, Wawa Legion Ladies Preparing for International Cuisine Sunday Supper

It's an important day for a couple special events.

Chapleau's Trinity United Church is holding its monthly soup kettle from 11:30 am to 1 pm today, offering a buffet lunch of soup, sandwich, dessert, and beverage.

Meanwhile, today's the deadline to pre-order for the Wawa Legion Ladies Auxiliary's "International Cuisine Sunday Supper" - which will be held this Sunday, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm - this month's supper has a theme of "Chinese", offering egg rolls, sweet and sour chicken balls, chicken fried rice, beef and green peppers, and chicken chop suey - to reserve seating, call 705-856-2152 or 705-856-9832.

New Zealander Walking Across Canada to Support Child Cancer Patients

A New Zealand "life enthusiast" is passing through the area as he runs across Canada raising support for child cancer patients in Canada and his home country.

Jon Nabbs explains he was partly inspired by the impact cancer's had on his family - and by Canadian icon Terry Fox.

Nabbs says he's already travelled almost 4000 kilometres from St. John's, arriving in Wawa Monday night - greeted by a number of people by the Goose, even speaking to some local schools on Tuesday - and he says the response has been "fantastic".

Acknowledging he's into one of the more difficult parts of the journey - set to get more difficult with the colder weather over the next couple months - Nabbs expects to make it to British Columbia in December.

Nabbs thanks Wawa for welcoming him - particularly the Klockars family - noting anyone wishing to support his efforts to fight childhood cancer can check out his website - jonnabbs.com - for updates and more information about his journey, and to donate.

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