MVFA Cash Draw's $1000 Valentine's Day Draw Nears

Time is running out for early birds to get a ticket for the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association's annual cash draw.

As the next $1000 draw will be made on Valentine's Day, Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association Executive Committee President William Moore explains the draw supports local fire services.

In addition to the Wednesday morning draw, there will be three more $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw, all of which will be made at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby on Sunday, March 3rd.

Split the Pot Lottery Returns, LDHC Foundation Participating

Wawa's hospital is again "splitting the pot" with other hospitals in a unique online lottery.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Coordinator Alisha Allin explains the province-wide "Split the Pot Lottery" is back, calling it "a spin on a traditional 50/50 lottery".

Allin emphasizes this supports the local hospital.

It's on until March 21st - with some early bird draws - with details and tickets at splitthepot.ca, or by contacting the local Foundation.

Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby Returns

Anglers are heading out on the ice in Chapleau this weekend, as the Rotary Club of Chapleau hosts the community's 26th annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby.

Noting there are still some tickets available, acting Rotary Club president Luc Tessier reminds there are cash prizes for the top eight pike, with a fair amount on the line for the top three.

Tessier reminds funds raised through the derby can support various causes.

Registration runs from 2 pm to 10 pm today at the Community Hall, with fishing on the Chapleau River - including Mulligan's Bay - running from 7 am to 4 pm tomorrow.

JJAM FM will be broadcasting live updates from 11 am to 4 pm.

Superior East OPP Remind No Ice Is Safe Ice Ahead of Chapleau Derby

Local police are issuing a few safety reminders ahead of the Chapleau derby.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle emphasizes "no ice is safe ice", especially in this mild winter.

Constable Nickle also recommends anglers fish with a buddy or group - making sure you know rescue procedures - as well as taking an emergency kit and ensuring your vehicle's in top condition - she also reminds everyone to fish sober and especially warns against drinking and driving.

PHSD Reports 251st COVID-19 Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting a death in Greater Sudbury in which COVID contributed but was not the underlying cause of death - that brings the health unit's COVID death toll to 251, 218 of those in the city - it last reported a death January 19th.

The health unit's also reporting nine new cases since Monday - seven in Greater Sudbury, two in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dipped to 59, with 37 in hospital.

LDHC Joining in New Split the Pot Lottery

Wawa's hospital foundation is again partnering with several others for a unique online lottery.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Coordinator Alisha Allin explains today marks a new round of the province-wide "Split the Pot Lottery", which she calls "a spin on a traditional 50/50 lottery".

While Allin says the last time the Foundation participated - last fall - was "very successful", she's very optimistic about the new campaign.

Allin emphasizes this will support the Foundation.

Details - and tickets - can be found at splitthepot.ca, though tickets may also be purchased via debit or credit card by contacting the Foundation.

Hoffmann Tapped to Represent Wawa Council on New Superior East OPP Board

Councillor Jim Hoffmann will continue to represent Wawa Municipal Council amid a change in local police boards.

As the provincial government's changing local boards for areas policed by the OPP to be one board for the entire detachment area, that means Wawa's Police Services Board - a remnant from the days when the community had its own municipal police service - will cease to be, replaced by an OPP Superior East Detachment Board.

Speaking last night, Wawa CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explained the province has finally released proposed regulations outlining the division of costs for boards - to be allocated equally between communities - the term length and remuneration for members, and the general makeup of the boards.

In the case of the local detachment, the board would - as had been expected by local communities - have one Council representative from each of the main municipalities covered - Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, and Hornepayne - plus two community reps and two provincial appointees, for a total of nine board members.

Council passed a resolution confirming Deputy Mayor Hoffmann as the Council rep to the board, continuing his current role on the Wawa Police Service Board.

Input is being accepted on the provincial regulations - posted on the Ontario Regulation Registry - until Tuesday, February 13th.

Wawa Council Starting 2025-27 Budget Discussions

Wawa Municipal Council's getting an early start on budget discussions.

Less than a month after passing this year's budget, a special meeting will be held tonight, with a single item on the agenda: 2025-27 budget discussions, including a presentation, though it's mainly to go over the process, reasoning, and priorities for the budget, as well as set dates for future meetings to brainstorm budget goals and other budget-related items.

The public is able to attend the meeting, which will be held in Council Chambers at 6:30 pm, and broadcast on the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Chapleau Derby Moves Ahead Despite Mild Weather

Despite the mild weather, the Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby will be held this weekend.

Rotary Club of Chapleau acting president Luc Tessier acknowledges concerns stemming from recent weather conditions.

A post from derby organizers does assure, however, that patrols found ice was an average of 12 inches thick on Monday - as boundaries were posted - though there was slush on the ice surface, which could be slippery in places - and organizers emphasize "ice on rivers is dynamic and the thickness can vary due to currents and eddies under the ice", so "be mindful of ice conditions" - there is some promise in the weather forecast, which expects a 60 percent chance of flurries or showers on Saturday, with a high of only -3 Celsius.

They remind participants aren't allowed to fish within the boundaries on the Chapleau River or Mulligan's Bay until the derby begins at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, and note there are still tickets available for the 26th annual derby - registration will be held Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm at the Community Hall.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Tables Petition to Raise Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit

Local MP Carol Hughes is touting calls for better financial support for volunteer firefighters.

Saying "volunteer firefighters account for 71 percent of Canada's total firefighting essential first responders, and an additional 8000 essential search and rescue volunteers who respond to thousands of incidents each year", the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP's tabled a petition calling for an increase to the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit from the current $3000 a year to $10,000 a year for those committing to 200 hours of service, noting "that comes out to only about $450 per year, or $2.25 an hour...but if volunteers work more than 200 hours, the tax credit becomes even less", emphasizing "these essential volunteers not only put their lives on the line, but also play an important role in keeping property taxes low".

Hughes reiterated the petitioners' call for the federal Liberal government to support an already-tabled bill that would increase the tax credit, urging them to pass it ahead of the 2024 fire season, particularly after last year's record-breaking fire season.

PHSD Reports New 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 ten since Friday - nine in Greater Sudbury, another in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dipped slightly, to 61.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures Wednesdays, but last showed 37 in hospital, two in ICUs.

Wawa Council Holding 1st February Meetings

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

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 discussion on the cenotaph, a draft short-term accommodation licensing by-law, tenders for Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre upgrades, composition of new OPP Detachment Boards, and the downtown Community Improvement Plan.

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions appointing a municipal representative to the OPP Superior East Regional Detachment Board and awarding contracts for MMCC upgrades, as well as by-laws amending the Waiver of Municipal Facility Fees policy and authorizing the renaming of the High Falls Road to Scott Falls Road - a move Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says is aimed at ending confusion for tourists.

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.

Wawa Seniors Goose Club to Discuss Income Tax in Upcoming Lunch & Learn

Wawa seniors are being offered a chance to have a bite to eat and learn about an important topic later this week.

The Wawa Seniors Goose Club is hosting its monthly Lunch and Learn this Wednesday, February 7th, starting at 11:30 am, this time featuring Bill Devries as a guest speaker, discussing seniors and income tax - it also offers pizza, coffee or tea, and dessert, sponsored by the Wawa Pharmacy.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, at the Wawa Goose Club.

Fishing Prohibited for Chapleau Derby Participants Ahead of Event

Organizers are reminding anglers not to fish ahead of next weekend's Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby.

Per the derby's rules, participants aren't allowed to fish between February 3rd and the start of the derby at 7 am this Saturday, February 10th.

Rotary Club of Chapleau acting president Luc Tessier notes there will be over $70,000 in prizes on the line in this year's derby.

Tessier reminds there are a few ways to get your ticket.

Tickets will be on sale until the day of the 26th annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby, which is Saturday, February 10th - registration will be held Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm at the Community Hall.

NAPS Arrests 3 in Chapleau Drug Bust

Three people are facing charges after a major drug bust in Chapleau.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police say a search warrant was executed on Blue Jay Crescent on Thursday - as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking at that address and into Brunswick House First Nation - with a search of the home resulting in the seizure of a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine, as well as cash, and "paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking".

A 36-year-old man, a 41-year-old woman, and a 35-year-old woman were arrested without incident, charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime - all three were released with an April court date.

Iris Place Holding Paint Night Fundraiser

Wawa residents are being encouraged to paint in support of the local drop-in centre.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains a Paint Night fundraiser will be held on Valentine's Day.

Richardson notes the event will support Iris Place.

Space is limited - tickets can be obtained by contacting Richardson at Iris Place - with the Paint Night fundraiser happening Wednesday, February 14th from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Wawa Residents Encouraged to Light Candles for Ukraine February 24th

Wawa residents are being encouraged to light a candle to show support for Ukraine later this month.

As February 24th marks the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Jana Strouhalova says she has a way to honour those affected by the war.

Strouhalova adds another incentive to join in.

Strouhalova notes she's still accepting donations of clothing to send to Ukrainians, as well as monetary donations to support that.

Wawa Mayor Discusses Upcoming Meeting Stemming From ROMA Conference

Wawa's mayor is touting attendance at a recent conference.

Mayor Melanie Pilon says she attended last week's Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto - taking part in "several learning sessions, delegations, and meetings with other mayors from across Northern Ontario" - but notes a meeting with the provincial Minister of Infrastructure's been set for later this month, to discuss improving local broadband.

Mayor Pilon notes she also had a meeting regarding the ADSAB apportionment formula, but has another highlight of the conference: a meeting of the Northern Ontario Women Mayor's Caucus.

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