PHSD Warns of West Nile Virus After Bird Tests Positive

A local health unit's warning about the dangers of West Nile virus as a bird's tested positive in the Greater Sudbury area.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it has received confirmation an American Crow tested positive, but noted the virus hasn't been detected in mosquitoes in the region this year - it last was detected in the region last year, though Algoma Public Health reported earlier this month that it had confirmed its first human case of West Nile since 2018, after a wild crow in Sault Ste. Marie tested positive.

PHSD emphasizes the bird testing positive reminds that "although the overall risk of a person becoming infected is low, the virus is still present", urging precautions such as wearing Health Canada-approved insect repellent and light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, ensuring there are no holes or tears in screen doors and windows of your home, and removing - or weekly changing - of standing water around your home.

Wawa Public Library's Bingo Reading Summer Challenge Ending

Time's almost up for a special summer contest at the Wawa Public Library.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the Bingo Reading Summer Challenge is meant to encourage literacy among the family, with families encouraged to do it together.

Noting there will be prizes for kids and adults, Jarrell says entries will be accepted right until the draw's made at 4 o'clock Friday afternoon.

John's Hosting Annual PC Children's Charity BBQ

JJAM FM and John's Your Independent Grocer in Wawa are inviting everyone to mark the coming long weekend with a barbecue helping a great cause.

Cassidy Michalcewicz of John's Independent encourages people to attend the annual PC Children's Charity Barbecue being held today.

Michalcewicz emphasizes the funds support a good cause.

Michalcewicz notes the barbecue's been well supported in past years.

The barbecue runs from 11 am to 2 pm at John's Your Independent Grocer in Wawa, and will be broadcast live here on JJAM FM.

Small Wawa Area Forest Fire Already Out

A small forest fire is already out after being confirmed in the Wawa area.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says "Wawa 15" was reported Wednesday, located on the south shore of Babitabonanik Bay on White Lake near Pic Mobert, but was called "out" before growing beyond a tenth of a hectare in size.

The Ministry's also announced a major fire in the Kirkland Lake area - about 80 kilometres west of Latchford - is now "being held" at 889 hectares in size, noting "FireRanger crews have established a hoseline perimeter and are making good progress on this fire".

The fire hazard's mainly low to moderate from Marathon to Cochrane to the Quebec border and south, but high above that line.

OPP Investigating Stolen Vehicle Found on Fire

Marathon OPP are requesting public help as they investigate a stolen vehicle.

Investigators say Marathon OPP and Fire responded to a vehicle fire on Highway 17 in Laberge Township (halfway between White River and Marathon) around 2 o'clock Saturday morning, with officers learning that the vehicle - a blue 2022 Ram 2500 - had been stolen earlier that night from a cottage at Cedar Lake in Brothers Township, just west of where it was found.

Anyone with information about this incident's asked to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Chapleau Area Wildfire Quickly Confirmed Out

A small forest fire is already out after being confirmed in the Chapleau area.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says "Chapleau 12" was reported Tuesday, located about 2 kilometres east of Leaning Lake, but never grew beyond a tenth of a hectare in size before it was declared "out".

The fire hazard's moderate to high across the northeast, with an area of low hazard stretching from Kirkland Lake and Cochrane to Lake Superior.

2 New Wildfires in Region

A couple new forest fires have been reported in the region.

As of its Wednesday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry listed "Chapleau 10" as a tenth of a hectare in size - located about 13 kilometres west of Foleyet and 1.6 kilometres north-northwest of Wakagami Lake - though it is listed as "being held", while "Wawa 13" was listed as 4-tenths of a hectare in size - located about 13 kilometres east of Negwazu Lake and 18 kilometres north of Highway 519 - and was not yet under control, though aerial support was helping address the Wawa district fire.

Fires were also reported in the Timmins, North Bay, and Parry Sound regions.

The fire hazard is generally high across the northeast, with some areas of moderate hazard.

Pre-Fishing Contest Ending as 42nd Annual Wawa Salmon Derby Nears

Fishing is coming to an end ahead of the Wawa Salmon Derby.

Today's the last day in the five-day pre-derby fishing contest, offering any anglers registered for the derby a chance at a $50 prize for the largest fish caught today, though Derby Chair Brad Buck reminds anglers could reel in much bigger prizes this weekend.

The 42nd annual derby runs this Friday, August 23rd, through Sunday, August 25th.

2 Wildfires Burning in Chapleau Fire District

A couple forest fires continue to burn in the Chapleau district.

As of its Tuesday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry listed "Chapleau 9" as a 2-hectare wildland fire that is "not yet under control" about 61 kilometres northwest of Timmins, on the west side of Groundhog River Waterway.

It's one of two in the Chapleau district, as "Chapleau 8" - first reported last Thursday - is still "being observed" at about 2-tenths of a hectare in size.

The fire hazard is mostly moderate to high across the northeast, with pockets of low hazard, including east of Chapleau and for the northwestern portion of Shoals Provincial Park.

36th Annual Winnie's Hometown Festival Arrives in White River

White River's bustling with excitement this weekend, with the 36th annual Winnie's Hometown Festival.

Festival Coordinator Nicole Simpson notes a special theme for this year's celebrations.

Simpson says there are a couple other active events back, including the Mud Run.

Simpson also highlights a "barbecue celebrating culture and community spirit gathering".

Other events happening today include the re-enactment of Winnie and Captain Colborne, followed by the Shirt Tail Parade late this afternoon, the family and teen dance party this evening, and the fireworks at dusk, while tomorrow's festivities include Winnie's Fun Land and Trade Show, the Slo-Pitch Tournament, and adult dance, with the festival ending Sunday with the double feature drive-in movie, showing Inside Out 2 and The Fall Guy.

Weekend passes are available at the Township Office or "at the door", with more details on the Winnie's Hometown Festival Facebook page.

Wawa Salmon Derby's Pre-Fish Contest Set to Begin

Anglers will start hitting the water this weekend for the chance at some prizes for the upcoming Wawa Salmon Derby.

While the 42nd annual derby isn't for another week, the five-day "pre-fishing" contest starts tomorrow, and Derby Chair Brad Buck notes participants can reel in a nice prize.

Buck reminds the "pre-fish" - which runs through Wednesday, August 21st - is open to anyone registered for the derby, which runs August 23rd to 25th - registration's open until 5 pm next Friday, August 23rd.

Wawa Gets Federal Funding for New Accessible Transit Van

Wawa's getting federal support for a change in local transit service.

The federal government's announced $161,980 through its Rural Transit Solutions Fund for the purchase of a new accessible transit van, with the Municipality of Wawa to contribute a further $40,496 - an announcement Municipal CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill is happy to make.

O'Neill notes the Municipality won't need to wait long for the vehicle, either.

A government release quotes Mayor Melanie Pilon as saying she's "grateful" for the federal investment to help "offer an accessible and affordable public transportation option to residents in Wawa, especially those requiring mobility assistance" - she also emphasized to JJAM FM News that Infrastructure Services Assistant Director Rebecca Weatherall has been crucial to seeing the project through.

Registration Opens for CHADWIC Home Golf Tournament

Golfers can start signing up for an event supporting the local women's shelter.

CHADWIC Home Public Awareness and Marketing Intern Morgandy Leadbetter explains registration's now opened for the annual CHADWIC Home Golf Tournament.

As preparations are underway, Leadbetter also has a message for local businesses and organizations.

Leadbetter reminds the tournament supports CHADWIC Home, which supports Wawa, Chapleau, and all other communities and First Nations within North Algoma.

The tournament's set to be held Saturday, September 14th.

Wawa Council to Consider By-Law to License Short Term Rental Accommodations

Wawa Municipal Council's set to consider a by-law to license and regulate short-term accommodations during a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include a presentation on the Asset Management Plan and Policy Update, as well as monthly reports from department heads, memos on RFPs for MMCC Digital Communications and Wawa Downtown Marketing Video Services, and a draft policy for the Downtown CIP Financial Incentive Program.

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions to award contracts based on the RFPs discussed in the prior meeting, as well as the by-law to license, regulate, and govern short-term rental accommodations in Wawa and a policy for a Civic Achievement Award.

There are also three "in-camera" items: a personnel issue relating to a performance appraisal; a legal issue regarding a request under the section of the Municipal Act relating to property taxes; and a legal issue regarding an offer to purchase property.

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

Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust Holding AGM

A major meeting's being held tomorrow: for the Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust.

The organization - which was established through a settlement agreement on land claims, to ensure the management of compensation - is set to hold its annual general meeting from 9 am to 2 pm Saturday, at the Michipicoten First Nation Band Office.

All members in attendance will be asked to provide proof of membership and/or photo ID to register to receive Trust information, and possibly win prizes at the end of the event.

Split the Pot Lottery Returns

Local hospitals are again "splitting the pot" with other hospitals in a unique online lottery.

The "Split the Pot Lottery" has returned for another round, supporting 62 hospitals across Ontario - including Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre and Chapleau Health Services - who will split proceeds from ticket sales, and get a greater share if the purchaser chooses to support that hospital specifically.

There will be seven early bird draws of $1000 every Tuesday and a $10,000 early bird draw every Wednesday through September 11th, then ten $1000 draws and a $7000 draw on September 17th, followed by thirteen grand prize draws to be held September 18th, expected to split a payout currently estimated to be $1.2-million.

The most recent grand prize draw in June saw the payout hit nearly $1.15-million.

Former longtime Wawa resident Adele Aquino won $2500 in the last round of the lottery, having chosen to support the Lady Dunn Health Centre when buying her tickets.

Chapleau Cree First Nation Hosting 29th Annual Pow Wow

It's an important weekend for a local First Nation.

Chapleau Cree First Nation's 29th annual Pow Wow is happening this weekend, and Health Director Marlene Kapashesit explains the event.

Kapashesit notes the gathering begins with a social night tonight.

Kapashesit also highlights dancing throughout the day, and a number of vendors.

Kapashesit emphasizes the importance of respect.

Everyone is welcome to Chapleau Cree First Nation's 29th annual Pow Wow, which will be held at the Pow Wow Grounds.

OPP Lament 6 Deaths Over Civic Holiday Weekend, Over 8000 Charges Laid

Ontario Provincial Police are lamenting a tragic Civic Holiday long weekend.

The OPP says they responded to eight fatalities: six in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads, and two off-road vehicle deaths.

OPP officers also laid 8050 charges over the long weekend: 4040 for speeding, 125 for racing or stunt driving, 235 for impaired driving, 69 for distracted driving, 554 for lack of seatbelt, and 99 for not complying with the "Move Over Law", which was a main focus of last weekend's enforcement.

Constable Ashley Nickle notes that law - intended to protect emergency service workers, including tow truck operators - requires extra caution and space near parked emergency vehicles.

Violations of the "Move Over" law carry a fine of $490-$2000 plus 3 demerit points, though subsequent offences carry penalties including a $1000-$4000 fine, driver's licence suspension for up to 2 years, and jail time up to 6 months

OPP Close Investigation Into Remains Found at Montreal River Harbour

Ontario Provincial Police have closed their investigation into human remains discovered in the region seven years ago.

The OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch says they've concluded the death investigation after investigative genetic genealogy was used by the DNA Doe Project to help identify the remains in September, with detectives then locating living family members, using their I-D to confirm the deceased's identity, though that will not be shared publicly, to respect the family's wishes.

Found by a hiker on a cliff overlooking Montreal River Harbour in July 2017, the remains had previously been determined to be a male age 45 to 65, found with clothing items, a firearm, coins, and a cardboard box - it is not known how he arrived at the location, but it's believed he may have taken a bus, walked, or hitch-hiked.

As foul play is not suspected in the death, investigators have now closed the case.

Heat Warnings for Dubreuilville & Chapleau Areas

Caution is being urged amid heat warnings in the region.

Environment Canada's warning a "heat event" is expected today and tomorrow in areas including Dubreuilville, White River, Chapleau, Gogama, Foleyet, and points south of Wawa with humidex values of 36 to 38 Celsius and overnight temperatures in the high teens at least.

It emphasizes hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and extreme heat affects everyone, though the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.