PHSD Reports 222nd COVID-19 Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 194th in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit's COVID-related death toll to 222, though this was a death where COVID contributed to but was not the underlying cause - it last reported a death at the start of October.

The health unit's also reporting 41 new cases since Monday - 38 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District - pushing known "active" cases up to 179 - the highest since early March - with 66 in hospital, four in ICUs.

Manitouwadge Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Murdering Brother

A Manitouwadge man will spend at least a decade-and-a-half behind bars for murdering his younger brother nearly three years ago.

40-year-old Jessie Allen was convicted of second-degree murder in May, after the court heard he suddenly stabbed his 18-year-old brother, Wayne, in front of their father at the older man's house in Manitouwadge in January 2021 - police found the teen with life-threatening injuries, but he was later pronounced dead in hospital.

While the charge carries an automatic life sentence, a judge still needed to confirm that and set the period of parole ineligibility - which could've ranged from ten to 25 years - with the judge sentencing Allen this week to life with no chance at parole for fifteen years.

NL Ford & Wawa Food Bank Thank Community for Let's Scare Hunger Together Support

Wawa's food bank is thanking the local Ford dealership and the community for their support in a recent campaign.

Lonna Rilley of Northern Lights Ford thanks everyone who supported the October-long "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign.

Wawa Community Food Bank volunteer Dyanne Smart was overwhelmed by emotion from the "absolutely wonderful" support.

Smart notes food bank use is about the same as before, if not higher, amid the rising cost of living - particularly food costs - and says she's "just very grateful" for all the support for the food bank.

PHSD Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics, Including in Chapleau

Several flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held in Chapleau this month.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it's holding an "appointment only" clinic at its Chapleau office today - and every other Wednesday this month - offering COVID-19 vaccine for those at least six months old, adding flu shots may also be available for those who've booked a COVID-19 shot appointment.

APH Reports Surge in COVID-19 Cases

A surge in COVID-19 cases is being reported in the region.

Algoma Public Health's reporting 52 new cases over the last week - 36 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, eleven in the Elliot Lake area, and five in Central and East Algoma - pushing known "high risk active" cases up to 70, including fourteen in hospital, one in an ICU.

The health unit's also showing several outbreaks - including three at Sault Area Hospital, in its 2A, 3A, and 3B units - two with the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association, and one each for Extendicare Van Daele, St. Joseph's General Hospital, and Windsor Place Retirement Residence.

LDHC Warns About Visiting Emergency Department Amid Staffing Shortage

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre is flagging issues with a staffing shortage.

Noting the winter weather - which prompted the closure of Highway 17 for about ten hours, ending around noon - the hospital says it's "experiencing a physician staffing delay", with the road closure delaying the arrival of the "coverage physician".

While it assures the Emergency Department remains open "with the support of our local physicians", it's asking people only visit the ED if you have an emergency - if you're unsure whether it is an emergency, the hospital recommends seeking advice from a Registered Nurse by calling Health Connect Ontario at 8-1-1 or by visiting ontario.ca/healthconnectontario, both of which are available 24/7.

It also warns that patients who come to the hospital will be prioritized "based on medical needs", and may experience "longer wait times".

Any questions or comments can be emailed to feedback@ldhc.com

Superior East OPP Issue Advice for Halloween

As kids prepare to trick-or-treat, local police are reminding of some important safety tips.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle has some advice for parents about trick-or-treating.

Constable Nickle reminds parents to check treats before their children eat them, and has some warnings for trick-or-treaters.

Nickle also reminds costumes should fit properly and "be as visible as possible", with the children able to see and move easily, and reminds drivers to be extra cautious and drive slowly.

Let's Scare Hunger Together & Food for Fines Campaigns for Wawa Food Bank Ending

A couple month-long campaigns supporting the Wawa Food Bank are in their final day.

Northern Lights Ford's "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign is set to wrap up, and Kelly Moore-McKenzie says there are a few items that are especially wanted, gearing more toward healthier foods, as much as possible.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell says the library's also been gathering support for the food bank this month.

Food Bank volunteer Dyanne Smart emphasizes support is needed, as the organization faces changes stemming from food price inflation.

Smart does thank everyone who supports the Food Bank, saying every little bit helps.

Iris Place Holding Indian Taco Fundraiser

Wawa's Iris Place is cooking up a special fundraiser.

Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains the drop-in centre for individuals living with mental health and/or addiction issues has a special guest helping.

Richardson says orders can be called in to Iris Place until 4:30 pm Wednesday, November 8th, with the food pickup scheduled for November 10th.

PHSD Reports COVID-19 Case Levels Unseen Since Spring

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 56 new cases since Wednesday - 53 in Greater Sudbury, one in the eastern Sudbury District, two in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 176, the highest since early March.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 58, including six in ICUs.

Poppy Campaign Underway in Chapleau

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Royal Canadian Legion's launched its annual poppy campaign.

Jim Apsey - Poppy Campaign Chairman for Chapleau's Legion Branch 5 - says the campaign's a way to remember Canadian veterans and the fallen.

Aside from poppies - found throughout the community - Apsey notes people can also order wreaths to be placed during the annual ceremony at the cenotaph, with various sizes available for businesses, organizations, or individuals, and an order deadline of November 9th.

Wawa's Branch 429 is also accepting wreath orders, noting the annual ceremony in Hawk Junction will be held November 5th.

2 Campaigns Supporting Wawa Food Bank Near End

A couple campaigns supporting the Wawa Food Bank are in their final days.

As the annual "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign is set to wrap up, Kelly Moore-McKenzie of Northern Lights Ford reminds it's gathering items a few ways.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell says the library's also been gathering support for the food bank this month.

Both campaigns end tomorrow.

Legion Poppy Campaign Begins

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Royal Canadian Legion's launched its annual poppy campaign.

Jim Apsey - Poppy Campaign Chairman for Chapleau's Legion Branch 5 - says the campaign's a way to remember Canadian veterans and the fallen.

Larry Harvey - Poppy Campaign Chairman for Wawa's Legion Branch 429 - explains funds raised through donations and wreath sales support a few things, particularly veterans.

Harvey adds the funds also support youth education projects.

Aside from poppies - found throughout the community - wreath orders are also accepted - both Harvey and Apsey urge everyone to get them in early, with Harvey noting the annual ceremony in Hawk Junction will be held November 5th.

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

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

Now in the final days of its annual "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.

Food Bank volunteer Dyanne Smart emphasizes support is needed, as the organization faces changes stemming from food price inflation.

Smart does thank everyone who supports the Food Bank, saying every little bit helps.

The food drive will be at John's from 10 am to noon tomorrow, though donations can also be dropped off at Northern Lights Ford up to Tuesday, October 31st, with a weekly draw for a $25 gift card for donors.

COVID-19 Outbreak at SAH Surgical Unit, 2 Weeks After Previous Outbreak Ended

A COVID-19 outbreak's been declared at Sault Area Hospital - just weeks after another ended.

Algoma Public Health's showing an outbreak in the 3A surgical unit was declared yesterday, exactly two weeks after another outbreak in the same unit was declared over, after eleven days.

This comes two weeks after the hospital reinstated mandatory masking for all health care workers and members of the public when entering Sault Area Hospital or its community-based locations.

It's one of only two outbreaks reported by the health unit, the other in the 2nd floor of Extendicare Van Daele, which was declared October 13th.

Chapleau Council Approves CCTV Funding Agreement, Looks at Offering Garbage Pickup Outside Town

Chapleau Town Council's moving forward with a couple initiatives.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains - in their meeting this week - Council approved a funding agreement that will see some closed circuit (CCTV) cameras put up around town.

Mayor Bignucolo adds Council's also looking at offering garbage pickup outside of town, taking advantage of new equipment.

Mayor Bignucolo notes the garbage pickup will require an agreement with the Township, with set fees for the service.

Cart (0)