Wawa Council Expresses Opposition to Potential APH/PHSD Merger

Wawa Municipal Council's speaking out against a potential merger of local health units.

While the boards of health for Algoma Public Health (which represents an area including Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River) and the neighbouring Public Health Sudbury and Districts (whose coverage area includes Chapleau) voted late last year to explore the feasibility of a merger, Wawa Council's sent a letter to both, expressing opposition to the idea.

Noting a number of concerns around the size of the area that would be served, Mayor Melanie Pilon says one of the biggest concerns is Wawa "losing its voice".

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker (who sits on APH's board) raised objections to the idea when it was voted on by the board in November, noting concerns about representation with a merged agency as well as a commitment to not reduce staff - something APH has since done, anyway.

The board of local women's shelter CHADWIC Home (which serves Chapleau as well as Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and neighbouring communities) has also sent a letter warning the health unit boards that "any reduction in service available in our area would be problematic for our clients and for the communities at large" and urging it to "keep in mind the valuable and necessary role that these services play in the smaller, northern communities and work hard to ensure their continued presence and level of service in our area".

APH's board had discussed in September provincial government pressure for health units to merge, as the province has offered funding for units who "voluntarily" merge, which prompted the neighbouring Porcupine and Timiskaming units to explore the option.

The PC government had planned in 2019 to merge the province's dozens of health units into ten, with a single one for northeastern Ontario, claiming larger agencies would mean cost savings and lead to improved public health services.

Chapleau's Taste of the North Winter Carnival Continues

Festivities are ramping up for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival, as the weekend arrives.

After last night's opening events, Leisure and Cultural Services Manager Carole Ouellette says several others are happening tonight.

Ouellette notes more is planned through the weekend - including VR games and laser tag Saturday evening and the Chapleau Cree Youth Pike Fish Derby on Sunday - with the full schedule on the Carnival's Facebook page.

Carnival keychains are available at the Civic Centre today and the arena through the weekend.

Wawa Winter Carnival Goes to Candyland

Wawa's annual Winter Carnival is promising a weekend of fun activities, encouraging everyone to enjoy "Candyland".

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White says events start today with a chili luncheon at the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre, followed by free public skate - and then the big opening.

White reminds things ramp up tomorrow, continuing through Family Day Monday - carnival buttons are available at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, with the event schedule on the "Wawa Recreation" Facebook page.

Registration Deadline Near for Wawa Triples Curlign Funspiel

Time's running out for curlers to sign up for the upcoming Wawa Triples Curling Funspiel.

While the event's scheduled for February 24th, the registration deadline - with payment - is this Monday, February 19th.

For details, contact Andy Stevens by calling 705-856-2884 or 705-975-3441, or Jim Hoffmann at 705-852-1274.

Michipicoten FN Community Trust Election for 1 Trustee Seat

A local election's being held tomorrow: for the Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust.

While an election was held in December, a single trustee position is open - nominations will open from 9 to 11 tomorrow morning, followed by voting from noon to 6 pm in the MFN 10-plex Common Room.

All Michipicoten First Nation band members are encouraged to participate, but reminded you have to be at least 18 to vote - with applicable ID - and potential trustees must be at least 25, and present.

The Trust was established through a settlement agreement on land claims, to ensure the management of compensation.

Superior East OPP Encourage Safety Over Family Day Weekend

As the Family Day long weekend arrives, Ontario Provincial Police are warning everyone to be a little more careful.

Superior East OPP Constable Ashley Nickle encourages parents to talk to their kids about being safe.

Constable Nickle also suggests teaching kids road safety - staying on sidewalks, when possible, or the left side of the road - and have them stay away from water or ice unless with an adult, especially as the warmer weather's made the ice very unpredictable.

Drivers are also reminded to take their time and watch for kids along roads, while snowmobilers are warned to check ice and trail conditions before heading out.

Chapleau's Taste of the North Winter Carnival Returns

Festivities are getting underway today for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

While the school broomball tournament was held earlier this week, Leisure and Culture Services Director Carole Ouellette says a few favourite events are happening tonight.

Ouellette reminds things ramp up tomorrow - with more events through Sunday - while Carnival keychains are available at the Civic Centre through Friday and at the arena through the weekend.

A full schedule of events is available through the carnival's Facebook page.

Entry Deadline Near for Wawa Winter Carnival Competitions

Time's running out to get creative for a few Wawa Winter Carnival competitions.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White reminds the Hat Competition is back.

White also notes the Colouring Competition has returned - with a big change.

Entries for the Hat and Colouring Competitions must be submitted by 4 o'clock Friday.

White adds there's also a new candy or baking competition, with entries to be dropped off at the MMCC by 2 o'clock Saturday.

The Wawa Winter Carnival arrives Friday - carnival buttons are available at the MMCC, with the event schedule on the "Wawa Recreation" Facebook page.

Timmins Man Wins MVFA Cash Draw's Valentine's Day Draw

Wawa's firefighters are congratulating the latest winner through an annual fundraising campaign.

Harold Schmidt of Timmins won $1000 in the second draw of the annual Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association cash draw this morning.

Reminding there are still three more $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw to go, Executive Committee President William Moore notes there are still some tickets left - but not many.

Supporting equipment purchases for the local firefighters, the annual cash draw's final draws will be made March 3rd, at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

Space Left for Iris Place Paint Night Fundraiser

Some space is left for a Valentine's Day fundraiser supporting Wawa's drop-in centre.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains the Paint Night fundraiser coming tonight.

Richardson emphasizes funds raised will help support Iris Place.

Tickets can be obtained by contacting Richardson at Iris Place and may even be available at the door of the Paint Night fundraiser, which will be held from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Registration Open for Wawa Triples Curling Funspiel

Curlers are being encouraged to sign up for an upcoming "Funspiel".

Scheduled for February 24th, the Wawa Triples Curling Funspiel will be limited to sixteen teams, with the registration deadline - including payment - next Monday, February 19th.

For details, contact Andy Stevens by calling 705-856-2884 or 705-975-3441, or Jim Hoffmann at 705-852-1274.

Pierre Joyal Wins 26th Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby

Lines are out of the water as Chapleau's 26th annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby is now in the books.

Nearly 700 anglers from near and far hit the ice for the Saturday derby, but the top prize of $30,000 went to a 7.93-pound pike caught by Pierre Joyal - who’d travelled from Florida to his hometown - while the $15,000 second prize went to Claude Clouthier with a 5.83-pound pike, and Steven Bernier claimed the $10,000 third prize.

While Rotary Club of Chapleau Acting President Luc Tessier acknowledges weather had been a concern, he's positive about the event.

Tessier adds funds raised by the derby helps the local Rotary Club, supporting various causes and organizations in the community.

Space Running Out for Iris Place's Valentine's Day Paint Night Fundraiser

Space is running out for a Valentine's Day event supporting Wawa's drop-in centre.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson reminds a Paint Night fundraiser will be held to support Iris Place.

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

Crafting Competitions Launched Ahead of Wawa Winter Carnival

Wawa residents are being encouraged to get creative ahead of the annual winter carnival.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains the Hat Competition is back.

White notes the Colouring Competition has returned - with a big change.

White also highlights a new contest: a candy or baking competition.

The Wawa Winter Carnival arrives Friday - carnival badges will be available at the MMCC, with the event schedule on the "Wawa Recreation" Facebook page and in a pamphlet in mailboxes soon.

Chapleau Council Holding 1st February Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to discuss tourism, planning, and more.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are items about the Chapleau Tourism Development Fund, the Strategic Plan and Community Improvement Plan, and a fire truck grant opportunity, as well as various fire protection agreements.

There are also four "in-camera" items: one relating to the sale of land; two regarding labour relations; the other about "information supplied in confidence to the municipality".

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.

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.