Stay up to date with what’s happening in your community.
A major death for a local mining company.
Alamos Gold's announced Chairman Paul J. Murphy has passed, noting he'd been a director since 2010 and chair since 2015, overseing "a period of transformative growth" including its recent buyout of Argonaut Gold, which has led to the integration of Argonaut's Magino Mine with Alamos' adjacent Island Gold Mine.
Impaired driving charges have been laid after a vehicle ended up in a ditch east of Chapleau.
Superior East OPP say they responded to the single vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Chewit Township early last Wednesday morning, and - while speaking with the driver - officers determined he'd consumed an alcoholic beverage, so he was taken to the Chapleau detachment for further testing, resulting in the 51-year-old Timmins man's arrest on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
Set to appear in court next month, the man was also issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and the vehicle impounded for seven days.
OPP remind the public that - if you see a possible impaired driver on roads, waterways, or trails - "make the call" and dial 9-1-1.
Some cookies have added an extra smile for a local organization.
Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson says last month's Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie campaign went well.
Richardson notes that isn't the only donation the local drop-in centre has seen.
Richardson says these come at a key moment, as Iris Place is set to change locations.
Richardson reminds everyone to watch Iris Place's Facebook page for updates on phone number and address - as well as potential changes to the timeline - with Thursday set to be the "last actual day" for Iris Place's current location, followed by a Christmas luncheon for members at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre on Friday.
Two Quebec residents are charges for using fake ID in Chapleau and Wawa.
Superior East OPP say the two attempted to use false identification at a business in the Town of Chapleau around 4 o'clock last Wednesday afternoon, but they fled the scene before police arrived - they were, however, located around 11 o'clock the next day, attempting to use false ID at a business in the Town of Wawa.
Officers searched the suspects and seized 20 to 25 pieces of false ID each, leading to the arrest of the 41-year-old and the 48-year-old on numerous charges of identity theft, plus personation with intent to obtain property, and possession of a forged document with intent.
Wawa residents held vigil in support of Bridgette Hagen, after she was seriously injured in a shooting at the Northern Credit Union last week.
The vigil took place at St. Paul's Anglican Church on Monday, just four days after Hagen - an employee at the credit union - was shot several times by someone who then killed himself.
Hagen was airlifted to Sudbury and has undergone multiple surgeries, including amputating her right hand and part of her forearm - an update on a GoFundMe page launched to support Hagen and her family says she underwent abdominal surgery on Sunday, which went well, allowing her to be taken off blood pressure medication, though it notes "a lot of pellets [remain] in the soft tissues of the chest" - those that pose a risk were removed, but removing those remaining could potentially damage surrounding tissues, emphasizing she is "doing as best as can be expected under the circumstances".
While the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch is still investigating - assisted by the Superior East OPP Crime Unit - no charges are expected, though anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the OPP.
Chapleau staff of Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources are giving back to the community today with a food drive.
Conservation Officer Melissa Fairbairn explains conservation officers will be accepting the donations to support families in need during the holiday season.
Fairbairn says there isn't a particular goal set, just hoping to get as much support as possible to support families in need.
The food drive runs from 10 this morning until 3 o'clock this afternoon, at the Chapleau Valu-Mart.
The Wawa Public Library's thanking the community for supporting a week-long silent auction.
CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell says the fundraiser went well.
Jarrell notes the funds raised will help the library with "whatever they might need", such as craft items.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources wants to know who shot a cow moose near Chapleau.
Conservation Officers were informed October 16th that a cow moose was shot and abandoned in a "cut block" off of Kebskwasheshi Road in Eaton Township a few days to a week before it was discovered
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Ministry's TIPS line - toll free - at 1-877-847-7667 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The Wawa Public Library's hosting a new session of a well-received event tonight.
CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the "Coffee and Culture" event with Johanna Rowe.
Jarrell notes everyone's welcome to attend the event, which starts at 6 pm tonight - refreshments will also be offered.
Wawa residents are being thanked for supporting an annual tradition helping the needy in the community.
The Wawa Volunteer Fire Department and staff from St. Augustine French Immersion Catholic School held their annual Christmas Hamper Holiday Food Drive over the weekend, more than filling three half-ton trucks - or six pallettes - with non-perishable donations, and collecting a further $1925 in monetary donations.
That will be put toward the Wawa Christmas Hampers, which Hamper Fund President Richard Watson reminds offer a few items to brighten the season for the less fortunate in the community.
The hampers are set to go out next week.
Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre is looking to showcase a variety of healthcare careers.
The local hospital's holding a career expo tomorrow, with about 18 exhibits featuring career possibilities in the healthcare field, including not just physician, nurse, lab and diagnostic imaging, but also support services, building services, health information, finance, and administration.
Though directed at high school students, the event is open to the general public.
The career expo runs from 10 am to 3 pm Thursday, December 12th at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
Recipients have been announced for Wawa's revived Civic Achievement Award.
Mayor Melanie Pilon highlights this year's recipients.
Pilon reminds the purpose of the award.
Mayor Pilon thanks everyone who put forward nominations for the award, and commends all volunteers for "powering" the community - the mayor had also recognized Councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield for their efforts to bring back this award.
A "cake and coffee social" will be held to recognize the recipients on Friday, January 10th, at 2 pm in the downstairs conference room of the town hall.
Chapleau Town Council's moving forward on a few items, after this week's special meeting.
Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains a key item was bids to provide garbage bins to the Township, which would be provided to residents for easier garbage collection.
Bignucolo says there were three bids received - all over what was budgeted - with those to be evaluated and brought back to Council for a decision in next week's meeting.
Mayor Bignucolo notes Council did give the go-ahead to apply for grants for two Economic Development positions.
Bignucolo adds Council also approved a festive request.
Council is set to hold its final meeting of the year next Monday, December 16th.
Wawa Municipal Council's holding its final pair of 2024 meetings tonight.
First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include an update on a draft municipal alcohol policy review, as well as a request for extension of the Tourist Information Centre operating season, the purchase of a long stick excavator, and the 2025 schedule of fees.
That'll be followed by a regular meeting of Council, including a resolution to again authorize the discharge of firearms for predator control - the Municipality's allowed a limited predator control hunt since the start of 2017 - Council will also consider adopting the 2025-2030 Wawa Age Friendly Plan, and approving the 2025 Council meeting schedule.
The meetings are set to be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.
The Wawa Public Library's wrapping up a week-long silent auction.
CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell reminds the auction supports the library.
Jarrell notes bids will be accepted via Facebook, email, or at the library until 5 pm tonight.
An annual effort to support children in the Wawa area this holiday season came to a close over the weekend.
Superior East OPP Constable Suzanne Lacasse explained Saturday's event.
Josee McCoy - manager of Wawa's Red Apple store - says "a great big thank you" to those who supported the recent toy drive and Fill A Sleigh Day, adding the "support does not go unnoticed".
Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association President Steven Rothwell also commends the support.
Wawa's Christmas Hampers are set to go out next week.
Wawa's getting into the festive season, launching an annual holiday initiative.
Community Services and Tourism Coordinator Melanie Coe explains the Festival of Lights starts tonight, intended to promote the festive spirit - and she reminds how to participate, whether you signed up or just want to vote.
Coe notes there are also some prizes.
Coe reminds holiday festivities ramp up this weekend with the "Bundle Up! Market" at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre this Saturday, December 7th from 3 pm to 8 pm - Santa will be there from 3 pm to 6 pm, and a "sip-and-shop" with the bar open from 6 pm to 8 pm - while the annual Santa Claus Parade is next week, on Friday, December 13th.
Chapleau Town Council's called a special meeting for next week.
Three items are on the agenda: a request for tender for wheeled garbage bins; support for two interns for Economic Development; and a handi-transit bus request for Christmas lights.
The meeting will be held at 12 noon Monday, December 9th.
Some Wawa students will see a special show tomorrow.
Ecole publique l'Escalade Principal Michel Bedard explains a special musician's visiting.
Bedard notes the concert serves two purposes: to promote French-Canadian music and the French language and to promote activities the community can enjoy together, so St. Augustine French Immersion students have also been invited, though the doors are open to anyone - simply bring a non-perishable food item to support the Wawa Community Food Bank.
The concert begins at 9:30 am Wednesday morning.
The Wawa Public Library's putting a few items up for auction.
CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the library's launched a silent auction fundraiser.
Emphasizing funds raised will help the library with "whatever they might need" - such as craft items - Jarrell notes bids will be accepted until 5 pm next Tuesday, December 10th.
