Wawa Holding 1st Meetings of 2024, Set to Vote on Budget

Wawa Municipal Council's starting off their year by holding a trio of meetings - set to include confirmation of this year's budget.

First up is a Committee of Adjustment meeting to address an application for a minor variance, then a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include monthly reports from department heads, discussion on the proposed name change for High Falls Road - and other connected roads - as well as proposed changes to the waste disposal site's levels of service, plus an update on the drill rig monument, the 2024 operating and capital budget and schedule of fees, a zoning notice for short-term accommodations, and a request for an additional waiver of fees for the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes a resolution to continue repair work on the drill rig, and by-laws to adopt the new schedule of fees and otherwise implement the budget - Treasurer Manuela Batovanja explains the budget presented in early December proposes a rise in the municipal levy.

Batovanja notes increasing operational costs and necessary capital work will also mean a rise for water and sewer services.

The meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting seventeen since Friday - eleven in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, two in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dipped slightly, to 64.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures Wednesday, but last showed 41 in hospital, three in ICUs.

Impaired Driving Charges After Single Vehicle Collision in Chapleau

Impaired driving charges have been laid after a single vehicle collision in Chapleau.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the collision on Fox Lake Road shortly before 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, determining through investigation that the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages.

The Chapleau 23-year-old was charged with operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), then released with a March court date, though she was also issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and the vehicle's impounded for seven days.

Highway 17 Closed South of Wawa Due to Weather

Highway 17 is closed south of Wawa due to weather conditions.

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation says the highway's closed between Wawa and Batchawana "due to weather", with no estimated time for reopening.

Though Sault Ste. Marie only has a moderate chance of flurries before Tuesday night, Environment Canada is forecasting flurries with the risk of snow squalls and local blowing snow for Wawa through Tuesday - 2 to 4 centimetres expected this afternoon, 5 to 10 tonight, and another 10 tomorrow - though 30 to 50 centimetres of snow's expected for the Montreal River Harbour through tomorrow.

Early Bird Deadline for Dubreuilville's Magpie Winter Pike Derby

Time's almost up for early birds to register for Dubreuilville's Magpie Winter Pike Derby.

Roger Gamache of the Dubreuilville Magpie Rod and Gun Club says there are a number of prizes in the derby, including one requiring you register no later than today.

To register, etransfer $120 to dmwd2015@hotmail.com - details on registering can be found on the derby's Facebook page.

The derby will be held March 9th.

Chapleau Council Set to Hold 1st Meeting of 2024

Chapleau Town Council's set to hold its first meeting of the year.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are reports on the Municipal Accommodation Tax and airport de-icing equipment, a request for improvement to the baseball diamond, Canada Day budget approvals, and four "in-camera" items, all relating to Human Resources.

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.

Early Bird Deadline Nears for Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

Organizers of Wawa's annual ice fishing derby are reminding there's still time to qualify for the derby's early bird draws.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby President Shayne Wardrop emphasizes the deadline is less than a week away.

Wardrop notes tickets are available through himself, at Canadian Tire in Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie, Superior Coast Outfitters in Wawa, or online, through wawaicefishingderby.com

The annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 1st through 3rd.

Preparations Ramping Up for Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby

Preparations are ramping up, as Chapleau's annual ice fishing derby nears.

With the event less than a month away, organizer Luc Tessier of the Rotary Club of Chapleau reminds there's a few options to get tickets.

Tessier notes there are cash prizes for the top eight fish, including $10,000 for the biggest.

The Rotary Club of Chapleau presents the 26th annual Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby Saturday, February 10th.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting fourteen since Wednesday - twelve in Greater Sudbury, one in the broader Sudbury District, another in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 65.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures Wednesday, but last showed 41 in hospital, three in ICUs.

APH Warns Students Face Suspension Without Required Vaccinations

Algoma Public Health's urging parents to protect school communities from preventable diseases - warning thousands of students could be suspended otherwise.

Emphasizing "high levels of vaccination contribute to herd immunity which keeps dangerous diseases away from our children", the local health unit's sending out about 6000 letters to parents and guardians in Algoma whose child does not have up-to-date immunization records - either because they haven't received an update or because they're overdue for one or more vaccine - warning Ontario law requires youth under age 18 to have received certain vaccines or have a valid exemption on file or be suspended up to 20 days, which could continue to happen if the information's not received.

Suspensions are set to start in April and May if records aren't up to date with all mandatory vaccines included or a valid exemption on file.

Historical Sexual Assault Charges After Chapleau Domestic Disturbance

Sexual assault charges have been laid over a historical sexual assault investigation, stemming from a domestic disturbance in Chapleau.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to the disturbance on Martin Road shortly before 11 o'clock yesterday morning, with subsequent investigation leading to the arrest of a Chapleau 52-year-old on three counts of sexual assault.

The accused - who will not be identified due to the domestic nature of the incident, to protect the victim - was released from custody, with a March court date in Chapleau.

Police emphasize victims of sexual assault are not alone and there are local resources to help, such as Wawa and Area Victim Services, which supports "all communities in Superior East".

Superior East OPP Urge Good Judgement On and Around Ice

Local police are reminding "no ice is safe ice" after a number of incidents across the North - including a truck going through the ice of Wawa Lake.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say no-one was injured when the pickup went through the ice after driving along the shoreline Monday night, but emphasize "this could have ended in tragedy if the vehicle was in deeper water", urging everyone to "use good judgement on and around the ice".

Constable Ashley Nickle emphasizes the "unseasonably warm weather" has left ice unstable in many areas.

Constable Nickle warns ice is especially unsafe near moving water - like creeks and streams - and reminds colour can give some indication of quality.

Constable Nickle also offers a "rule of thumb" for how thick the ice should be before travelling on it.

Constable Nickle especially warns to avoid ice that's recent frozen, thawed, and frozen again - as that cycle weakens the ice - and reminds travellers to tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.

Assault & Mischief Charges Over Wawa Domestic Dispute

Assault and mischief charges have been laid over a Wawa domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a disturbance on Hillcrest Avenue shortly after 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, with investigation leading to the arrest of a Wawa 22-year-old on charges of spousal assault and two counts of mischief.

The accused - who will not be identified due to the domestic nature of the incident, to protect the victim - was released from custody, with a February court date in Wawa.

Timmins Driver Faces Impaired Driving Charges in Wawa

A Timmins driver's facing impaired driving charges after a traffic stop in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers conducting "proactive patrol" stopped a vehicle on Mission Road shortly after 10 o'clock Monday night, with investigation revealing the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages.

The 25-year-old was charged with operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), then released with a February court date, though she was also issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and the vehicle's impounded for seven days.

Criminal Charges After Wawa Domestic Disturbance

Criminal charges have been laid after a domestic disturbance in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an incident on Mission Road shortly after 10 am Sunday, with investigation revealing an individual violated their release conditions by communicating with someone while on conditions not to, leading to the arrest of a Wawa 25-year-old on three counts of fail to comply with probation order.

The accused - who will not be identified due to the domestic nature of the incident, to protect the victim - was released from custody, with a February court date in Wawa.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, No Longer Any Active in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting two in Greater Sudbury and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing the health unit's death toll to 249, 217 of which have been in Greater Sudbury, fourteen in the Manitoulin District.

The health unit's also reporting fifteen new cases since Monday - eleven in Greater Sudbury, one in the broader Sudbury District, three in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dipped to 61, with 41 in hospital, three in ICUs.

For the first time since mid-November, the active cases no longer including any in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Wawa Touts Donation to Support New Marina Playground

The Municipality of Wawa's touting a "generous donation" that funded the new marina playground.

A release from the Municipality says Harvey and Cindy West made the donation, quoting Mayor Melanie Pilon as saying it "made this project a reality and all of us are very thankful for their continued generosity", further noting the Wests have supported marina operations throughout the years, volunteering time and financial support to help build a new boat launch and dredge the marina basin, with a quote from Harvey West saying the two "are proud to support youth and the future marina users in Wawa", emphasizing "play areas provide many benefits to the community, including better social skills and physical strength in our youth".

Weapons Charges for Man Accused of Waving Firearm at Vehicles in Batchewana Bay Area

Weapons charges have been laid after a man was reported waving a firearm at vehicles north of Sault Ste. Marie.

Sault OPP say they responded to the report of a man holding a beer and waving a firearm, trying to flag down vehicles on Highway 17 near Chippawa Falls in Tilley Township (in the Batchewana Bay area) shortly after 1:30 pm Monday afternoon, with officers finding the man a short time later holding a 22-calibre rifle while walking unsteadily in the middle of the highway - police ordered him to drop the firearm, and he complied and was arrested.

The 66-year-old from Bracebridge has been charged with handling a firearm in a careless manner, careless storage of a firearm, unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm within 8 metres of a road, being intoxicated in a public place, and having open container of liquor in unauthorized place, then released with a February court date.

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