Deadline for Input on Wawa's Proposed 2024-27 Capital Budget

Only hours are left to provide input on the Municipality of Wawa's proposed capital budget.

Treasurer Manuela Batovanja explains the draft Capital Budget nearly a month ago covers not just next year, but several, making it the Municipality's first "true multi-year budget".

Batovanja outlines the size of the capital budget.

Continuing projects mentioned include the Cemetery and Landfill expansions, though key projects outlined for 2024 include: a Town Hall redesign study; two phases of renovations at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre; structural repairs for the Drill Rig, followed by beautification; Fire Hall renovation design and drawing; and sidewalk replacement and ongoing pavement preservation.

The presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel - with the slide show on the Municipality's website - plans are to accept public input until the end of today, so the capital budget can be brought up for Council approval November 7th.

The draft operating budget will be presented after that.

APH Reports 106th COVID-19 Death

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting its 106th since the pandemic began (it doesn't say where) - it last reported a death five months ago, in late July.

The health unit's also reporting 54 new cases over the last week - 45 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, five in the Elliot Lake area, three in Central and East Algoma, and another in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations), the first in three weeks - more than doubling known "high risk active" cases to 59, with six in hospital, one in an ICU.

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services & Health Sciences North Sign Collaboration Agreement

A collaboration agreement's been signed by Sudbury's hospital and an organization offering Indigenous health services in Northeastern Ontario.

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services - as a core partner of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team - has signed the agreement with Health Sciences North, intended to transform health care for Indigenous peoples "by embracing their unique cultural knowledge, traditional practices, medicines, and improving access and awareness of Indigenous Health Services available in the North East Region".

The Maamwesying Ontario Health Team was announced last October, to integrate health care services for clients in communities including the Michipicoten, Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, and Chapleau Ojibwe First Nations, as well as the urban Indigenous population in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mischief Charge Over Wawa Domestic Dispute

A mischief charge has been laid after a Wawa domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a disturbance on Broadway Avenue shortly before 9 o'clock Saturday morning, with subsequent investigation leading to the arrest of a Wawa 33-year-old on charges of mischief under $5000 and failure to comply with release order.

The accused - who will not be identified due to the domestic nature of the incident, to protect the victim - was remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.

Wawa, Chapleau & Dubreuilville to Receive Less in OMPF, White River More

Some local communities will receive a little less from the provincial government next year - but one will get a little more.

The Ontario government's unveiled next year's Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund rates, noting that - like recent years - a total of $500-million will be spread among 390 municipalities.

That includes a total of $1,482,500 for the Municipality of Wawa - down $54,500 from the 2023 allocation, which was already a decrease of more than $50,000 from the previous year - while Dubreuilville's will drop $21,500 - to $292,900 - and Chapleau will see a smaller decrease of $10,500, to $1,351,600.

Better news for the Township of White River, which will receive $523,300, a $28,900 increase from this year, which was already nearly $20,000 more than 2022.

2 Teens Dead After Collision Between Massey & Espanola

Two teens are dead and three more people injured after a collision on Highway 17 between Massey and Espanola.

Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the two-vehicle collision on Highway 17 in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township shortly before 1 o'clock this morning, finding a pickup truck had collided head-on with a commercial motor vehicle.

A 19-year-old from Espanola was pronounced dead at the scene while a 17-year-old also from Espanola was taken to hospital, but died from their injuries - three other people were taken to hospital with unspecified injuries.

This comes just days after a similar fatal collision in that area: a 78-year-old from White River was killed in a collision also involving a commercial vehicle on Highway 17 in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township around midnight Friday morning.

5 People Dead (3 Children) in Sault Ste. Marie Shootings Attributed to Intimate Partner Violence

Five people are dead - including three children - blamed by Sault Police on intimate partner violence.

Sault Ste. Marie Police say they responded to a call of someone breaking into a residence in the 200 block of Tancred street around 10:20 last night, finding a 41-year-old killed by a gunshot wound, though the shooter had fled the scene before officers arrived.

Ten minutes later, police responded to a call of someone with a firearm at a residence in the 200 block of Second Line East, arriving to find a 45-year-old injured with a gunshot wound - they were taken to hospital - and, inside the residence, three dead children - ages six, seven, and twelve.

Police say the 44-year-old shooter was also found dead, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

While the investigation's ongoing, police say the incidents are connected and not "random acts of violence" - with "no ongoing risk to public safety" - adding they're instead the result of intimate partner violence - as such, investigators will not be releasing the names of the victims or the accused.

A statement from Police Chief Hugh Stevenson says the "community is once again faced with the tragic and unnecessary loss of life", adding "the grief the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims are facing is unimaginable" and "our hearts go out to them.", further urging "everyone to please watch out for each other. If you are struggling, or if you see someone you know struggling, please make use of the mental health supports available in our community."

Mayor Matthew Shoemaker similarly asks people to "look out for one another and offer support during this incredibly challenging time", emphasizing "there are no words to adequately address such a tremendous loss", calling it an "unspeakable tragedy" and "inconceivable act of violence".

The Algoma District School Board's also issued a statement, saying its community "is heartbroken and mourns the loss", noting the children were students with the board, so counsellors and support staff have been put in place "at schools impacted by this tragedy".

PHSD Reports More COVID-19 Cases, Fewer Active

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 28 since Friday - 26 in Greater Sudbury, two in the broader Sudbury District - though known "active" cases dropped to 143.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 41, including two in ICUs.

Wawa Library Marks It Red for Dyslexia

The Wawa Public Library's "marking it red" for dyslexia today.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell notes October's Dyslexia Month, and the local library will show off what it has to help those with dyslexia.

Jarrell encourages people to come in between 1 pm and 3 pm to see and ask questions about the collection, including how it was obtained and how they plan to enlarge it.

The library's "Food For Fines" campaign is also continuing the rest of the month - accepting non-perishable food items for the Wawa Food Bank in exchange for a coupon covering library fines - while a DVD sale supports the Alzheimer's Society, and people who use their library card get entered into draws in honour of Canadian Library Month - there will be a draw for kids and another for adults early next month.

Chapleau Council Talking Budget, Museum, Garbage Pickup

Chapleau Town Council's set to talk about budget variance, the museum, commercial garbage pickup, and more tonight.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are reports on 2023 budget variance and 2023 museum statistics, discussion about the 2024 Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge, commercial garbage pickup outside Chapleau, and the procedural by-law.

There are a pair of "in-camera" items: a human resources matter and an update on a legal matter.

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

NL Ford Let's Scare Hunger Campaign Continues

A Wawa car dealership is looking to "scare hunger" this month.

Northern Lights Ford's annual "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign is nearing its final days, and Kelly Moore-McKenzie reminds there's an additional incentive for supporting the Wawa Community Food Bank.

Moore-McKenzie adds Northern Lights Ford will also be at John's Your Independent Grocer to collect donations this Saturday, October 18th, from 10 am to noon.

The "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign continues to the end of October.

Wawa Library Continues Marking Canadian Library Month, Readies to Mark It Red for Dyslexia

The Wawa Public Library's continuing to mark Canadian Library Month.

While the library's wrapped up Ontario Public Library Week, CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell notes the celebration includes a few month-long initiatives still underway, including the library card promotion.

Jarrell points out October's also Dyslexia Month, and the local library will "mark it red for dyslexia" tomorrow.

Jarrell also reminds the library's "Food For Fines" campaign continues the rest of the month - accepting non-perishable food items for the Wawa Food Bank in exchange for a coupon covering library fines - while a DVD sale is supporting the Alzheimer's Society.

PHSD Reports Surge in COVID-19 Cases, Most Active Since Early Spring

Regional COVID-19 cases continue to hit levels unseen in months.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 44 new cases since Wednesday - 40 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District - pushing known "active" cases up to 161, the highest since early spring.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 41, including two in ICUs.

Deadline Nears for Input on Wawa's Proposed 2024-27 Capital Budget

Time's running out for those wishing to provide input on the Municipality of Wawa's proposed capital budget.

Treasurer Manuela Batovanja explains the draft Capital Budget presented late last month covers not just next year, but several, the Municipality's first "true multi-year budget".

Batovanja outlines the size of the capital budget.

Continuing projects mentioned include the Cemetery and Landfill expansions, though key projects outlined for 2024 include: a Town Hall redesign study; two phases of renovations at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre; structural repairs for the Drill Rig, followed by beautification; Fire Hall renovation design and drawing; and sidewalk replacement and ongoing pavement preservation.

The presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel - with the slide show on the Municipality's website - plans are to accept public input until this Wednesday, October 25th, then bring the capital budget up for Council approval November 7th, then present the operating budget November 14th.

White River Resident Dead in Highway 17 Collision Near Webbwood

A White River resident's dead after a collision in the Webbwood area.

Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the two-vehicle collision on Highway 17 in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township shortly after midnight, learning a passenger vehicle and a commercial motor vehicle had collided head-on.

A 78-year-old from White River (who has not been identified further) was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

The OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team is assisting the investigation.

How Am I Growing? Event to Be Held in Wawa

A special event to help parents of young children assess their child's development will be held in Wawa this weekend.

Registered Early Childhood Educator, Family Educator, and Triple P Facilitator Pauline Dawson explains the "How Am I Growing?" drop-in event's for parents of children up to six years old.

Dawson emphasizes this is a chance to ask questions or raise concerns about your child's development.

"How Am I Growing?" will be held from 11 am to 2 pm Saturday, at the Superior Children's Centre at 41 Algoma Avenue in Wawa.

LDHC Foundation Thanks Community For Supporting High Tea & Painting Raffle

The Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's thanking the community for supporting a couple fundraisers.

The Foundation notes its October 1st High Tea was sold out - raising $2000 - while the raffle for a Darlene Jordan painting sold out all 500 tickets within two weeks of its launch at the High Tea - more than a month before that campaign was supposed to end.

In addition to thanking those who attended the event or bought tickets for the raffle, the Foundation also thanks Alamos Gold, Judy Moore Catering, and Darlene Jordan for their support.

The funds raised will be put toward capital equipment needs at the Wawa hospital.

Wawa Library Wrapping Up Ontario Public Library Week Events

An annual celebration of Ontario libraries is wrapping up - but Wawa's library is still marking the occasion.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell notes a few guests are stopping by the library today for Ontario Public Library Week.

Jarrell reminds another event's planned tomorrow.

Jarrell also reminds the library's "Food for Fines" campaign supporting the Wawa Community Food Bank continues to the end of the month, along with a DVD sale supporting the Alzheimer Society.

Ontario Public Library Week Continues at Wawa Library

The Wawa Public Library's continuing to celebrate Ontario Public Library Week.

While the week's included some special guests, CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell notes the celebration also includes a month-long campaign supporting the food bank.

Jarrell also notes the library's focused on Alzheimer's this month.

Jarrell adds today's Clay Club is based on Robert Munsch's books and reminds the weekly New Horizon Seniors Knitting Connection group meets this afternoon.

Ontario Public Library Week festivities will continue with few artisans stopping by tomorrow, and an "Afternoon of Music" planned for Saturday.

PHSD Reports Rising COVID-19 Cases, Most Active Since Early Spring

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 33 since Monday - 30 in Greater Sudbury, two in the broader Sudbury District, another in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 141 - the highest since early spring - with 41 in hospital, two in ICUs.