2 Teens Charged Over Damage to Elliot Lake Arena

Two teens are facing charges over extensive damage at Elliot Lake's Centennial Arena.

East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police say they've arrested two Elliot Lake 17-year-olds on two counts each of break, enter a place with intent to commit indictable offence and one count each of mischief over $5000 - the charges stem from a break-in at the arena reported Friday morning, when contractors noticed extensive damage, including a still running "Zoom-Boom" that had smashed into a large structural post, seven large commercial fire extinguishers deployed everywhere, and all food in the canteen cupboards and refrigerator damaged and thrown on the floor, a total estimated cost over $50,000.

Police also note security camera footage show the same group of youth trespassing and attempting to break into Elliot Lake's Central Avenue Public School.

The investigation's noted to be ongoing into the incident, which came just before the city celebrated its "Kraft Hockeyville" status with a special exhibition game in Sudbury, due to existing issues with the Centennial Arena, which the community's been raising money to fix up.

Small Wildfire Confirmed in Wawa District

A small forest fire's burning in the Wawa district.

As of its Tuesday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources listed "Wawa 16" as a 1.3-hectare wildland fire that is "not yet under control", located one kilometre north of Lorna Lake and about 20 kilometres west of Highway 614, though one FireRanger crew was assigned to the fire, which was confirmed that morning.

The Ministry's also confirmed an 840 hectare fire in the Cochrane district, with the fire hazard mostly low to moderate across the northeast, except the northern half of the Cochrane district, which is moderate to high.

Iris Place Hosting Open House & Silent Auction Fundraiser

Iris Place is opening its doors - and putting a few things on the auction block to raise funds.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains today's event.

Richardson highlights some items that'll be on the auction block.

Richardson invites everyone to come out for refreshments and fellowship at the Open House and Silent Auction, which runs from 4 pm to 8 pm today at Iris Place on Broadway Avenue - winners of the auction will be announced tomorrow.

Wawa's Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Wawa's boil water advisory has been lifted.

The Municipality's announced that "recent water samples collected and analyzed were found to be in compliance with provincial regulations" so the advisory issued Saturday morning has now been rescinded, with Algoma Public Health approving the lifting of restrictions on using the municipal water supply.

Covering all households and businesses connected to the Wawa water supply system - including in the Michipicoten River Village - the advisory had warned against using water from the municipal system for any activities where it may be ingested without first bringing it to a "roiling boil" for at least one minute prior to use.

Those with questions are encouraged to call Algoma Public Health at 705-356-2551 or municipal employees at 705-856-2244, extension 287 or 705-914-0291.

Wawa Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect, But May Soon Lift

Wawa's boil water advisory remains in effect.

Noting the advisory will remain until an order is issued - in consultation with Algoma Public Health - to rescind it, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill does note some positive news.

O'Neill says the Municipality's hopeful those results will arrive later today, and possibly lead to the advisory being lifted by "suppertime", though there is no guarantee.

The advisory - which covers all households and businesses in the community, including Michipicoten River Village - warns people can still use water from the municipal system for washing and bathing - though it's best to sponge bathe younger children and infants - but it should not be used for any activities where it may be ingested, such as drinking, brushing teeth, or washing fruits and vegetables unless it is first brought to a "roiling boil" for at least one minute prior to use.

For further information, call the Municipality's Public Works Department at 705-856-2244, extension 287 or 705-914-0952.

Ecole Sacre-Coeur's Terry Fox Run Raises Over $3200

Students from a Chapleau school far surpassed fundraising expectations for its annual Terry Fox Run.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Ecole Sacre-Coeur's school community "showed incredible generosity" and surpassed their $2000 goal - already almost $100 more than last year - instead raising $3205 for the Terry Fox Foundation, which supports cancer research.

CSC Nouvelon Again Offers French Program for Anglophone Parents

Parents of local French Catholic school students can get some help learning the language.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says parents and guardians of students with the board will be able to access two free French-as-a-second-language programs offered online by Collège Boréal: a "Beginner 1" program and a "Beginner 2" program - both are fifteen-week courses, starting October 8th.

They're intended to help Anglophone or Allophone parents support their child's learning, with the board covering the cost, though space is limited.

Chapleau Council Holding 2nd September Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet for the second time this month.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are items about: an extension agreement for the canteen license; an update on street sweeping of sand on local roads; the Rural Community Immigration and Francophone Community Immigration pilot programs; and a single "in-camera" item, relating to human resources, specifically firefighter recruitment.

The meeting will be held at 6 pm tonight in Civic Centre Council Chambers - details on accessing it electronically can be found on the Township's website.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Wawa

Wawa's under a boil water advisory.

The Municipality announced Saturday morning that the advisory had been issued for the entire community - including Michipicoten River Village - warning people can still use water from the municipal system for washing and bathing - it's best to sponge bathe younger children and infants - but it should not be used for any activities where it may be ingested, such as drinking, brushing teeth, or washing fruits and vegetables unless it is first brought to a "roiling boil" for at least one minute prior to use.

Covering all households and businesses connected to the Wawa water supply system, the advisory will remain in effect until microbiological water samples confirm the safety of the water, not expected until at least Monday.

For further information, call the Municipality's Public Works Department at 705-856-2244, extension 287 or 705-914-0952.

Wawa Council Calls on Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mantha to Resign

Wawa Municipal Council's calling on Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha to step down.

In their meeting last night, Council passed a resolution calling for Mantha's resignation - citing a third party investigation launched by the Ontario NDP which substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against him, and saying he must be held to a higher standard as an MPP.

The idea came up in the September 3rd Committee of the Whole meeting, at the request of multiple local residents, who cited the allegations, and Mayor Melanie Pilon emphasized it was about accountability.

Chapleau Town Council expressed their distaste with Mantha in a resolution passed last month, saying he was not welcome on Township property.

Another Small Wildfire Reported in Chapleau District

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

As of its Tuesday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources listed "Chapleau 15" as a 0.6-hectare wildland fire that is "not yet under control", located north of Ridout River - about 3 kilometres southeast of Kormak - though one FireRanger crew was committed to the fire.

"Chapleau 14" - reported on Monday - is now "under control" at 0.3 hectares in size, located east of Fraser Lake in Mississagi River Provincial Park, while "Chapleau 8" - reported August 15th - is still "being observed" at 0.2 hectares in size.

The fire hazard's mostly moderate to high across the northeast.

Small Wildfire Reported in Chapleau District

A small forest fire's continuing to burn in the Chapleau district.

As of its Monday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources listed "Chapleau 14" as a 0.3-hectare wildland fire that is "not yet under control", located east of Fraser Lake in Mississagi River Provincial Park, though one FireRanger crew has been committed to the fire.

The Ministry's also confirmed fires in the Sudbury, Timmins, and North Bay districts, with the fire hazard mostly moderate to high across the northeast.

Wawa Council Holding 3 Meetings, Will Consider Calling for MPP Mantha's Resignation

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

First up is a Committee of Adjustment meeting to discuss a minor variance application for a Superior Avenue property.

That'll be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting including monthly reports from department heads, a memo on Broadway Avenue murals, a review of the municipal alcohol policy, a request for signage honouring late NHL star Chris Simon, and a tender for airport washroom renovations.

The latter item will come back up in tonight's regular Council meeting, which also includes a resolution to award the tender for municipal refuse collection, and another resolution to officially call for the resignation of Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha - the idea came up in the September 3rd Committee of the Whole meeting, at the request of multiple local residents, who cited the allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, and Mayor Melanie Pilon said at the time Council seemed to have a firm stance.

Mayor Pilon emphasized it was about accountability.

Chapleau Town Council expressed their distaste with Mantha in a resolution passed last month, saying he was not welcome on Township property.

The Wawa Council 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.

Hydro One Hosting Open House & BBQ in Chapleau

Chapleau residents are being encouraged to learn more about their new power bills.

As residents are set to get their first electricity statement from Hydro One - after it officially acquired Chapleau Hydro at the start of August - the utility's holding a special open house today, to go over the statement and answer any questions.

At the time of the ownership changeover, Hydro One Vice President of Forestry and LDC Integration Aimee Oabel acknowledged customers would see changes to their bill.

Also featuring a barbecue, the open house runs from 4 pm to 7 pm this afternoon at the Chapleau Civic Centre.

Registration Deadline for WMHA's Summer Send Off Golf Tournament

There's still a little time and space left for golfers looking to hit the greens in support of the Wawa hockey.

The Wawa Minor Hockey Association's set to hold its "Summer Send Off" Golf Tournament next Saturday, September 21st, though today is the registration deadline, and U11 Manager Tricia Provost encourages people to sign up, noting registration is done online.

Provost says there are many fun prizes for the event.

Provost emphasizes funds raised will support the WMHA generally, particularly helping with ice fees.

Wawa Fall Festival Arrives

It's fall fair weekend in Wawa.

The annual event returns tomorrow, and Municipal Community Services and Tourism Coordinator Melanie Coe highlights some of what's happening, including many returning and new vendors.

Coe also notes a different special guest.

Free to attend, Wawa's Fall Festival runs from 11 am to 3 pm tomorrow - rain or shine - in the curling rink of Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Alzheimer Society Selling Tickets for Forget Me Not Raffle

As Wawa's Fall Festival arrives, the local Alzheimer's Society is encouraging residents to pick up tickets to a special raffle.

North Algoma Minds in Motion Coordinator Chris Rask highlights some of the prizes in the Alzheimer's Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District's annual Forget Me Not Raffle.

Rask explains there are a few ways to get tickets.

Rask also notes the "Social With A Purpose" campaign is also underway, encouraging businesses, organizations, and individuals to hold social events to collect funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

The Forget Me Not Raffle Draw will be made Thursday, September 26th.

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