Chapleau's Jeremy Pilote Reels in Biggest Fish of 2026 Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

Anglers have left the ice as the 34th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby's wrapped up.

Derby board member Melanie Farrington is happy with the response to this year's event.

Melanie Farrington on Response to Wawa Ice Fishing Derby
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

About 975 participants joined in the derby with nearly 100 fish brought in, though it was Jeremy Pilote of Chapleau who brought in the biggest fish of the derby - and the biggest northern pike - at 15.4 pounds - Pilote came in 2nd at the Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby in February.

Topping the lake trout category was Kris Bain of Sault Ste. Marie (originally from Hawk Junction) with a 10.18-pounder, while Luigi Bruni of Sault Ste. Marie (who reeled in the 2025 derby's biggest fish) had the biggest whitefish at 4.21 pounds.

Pilote, Bain, and Bruni each won a 2026 Sea-Doo Spark for 2 riders, the prize for 1st place in each category.

Bain is thrilled with his win.

Kris Bain, Wawa Ice Fishing Derby 2026 Lake Trout Winner
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

First time derby participant Trevor MacDonald of Sudbury won the $20,000 entry draw Saturday night.

Trevor MacDonald on Winning 2026 Derby Entry Draw
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Pat Tait won the Early Bird Draw for a Fly-In Fishing Trip for 2 for 3 Days to Watson's Windy Point Lodge and Dave Carmanico won the Early Bird Draw for a Fly-In Fishing Trip for 2 for 3 Days to Pine Portage Lodge, while the Icehole Jackpot Draw winners were: Dave Howson (Strikemaster Maven Auger 8"); Madelin Jordan (Garmin Vivid 5cv Fishing Bundle & Eagle Claw Rod Case); Robert Summers (Alpha Auger 8"); Justin Carrick (2.5HP Yamaha Outboard); Sean Zasada (STIHL Chainsaw MS 250 Gas); and Leona Schram (Aqua Vu Underwater Camera).

Standings:

Lake Trout:

10.18 lb caught by Kris Bain of Sault Ste. Marie on Hawk Lake

9.77 lb caught by Jessy Dechamplain of Dubreuilville on Manitowik Lake

6.97 lb caught by Casey Shimel of Michigan on Manitowik Lake

6.78 lb caught by Colin Booth of Wawa on Wawa Lake

6.64 lb caught by Jacob Hubbard of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Manitowik Lake

6.58 lb caught by Francis Dechamplain of Dubreuilville on Manitowik Lake

6.46 lb caught by Brigitte Guay of Dubreuilville on Manitowik Lake

6.36 lb caught by Kari Smith of Wawa on Manitowik Lake

6.18 lb caught by Justin Carrick of Michigan on Manitowik Lake

6.15 lb caught by Jenny Hughes on Manitowik Lake

Northern Pike:

15.4 lb caught by Jeremy Pilote of Chapleau on Hawk Lake

14.34 lb caught by Brent Snyder of Michigan on Hawk Lake

9.11 lb caught by Ryan Barry of Fauquier on Hawk Lake

8.18 lb caught by Jeffrey McConnell of Hawk on Hawk Lake

7.12 lb caught by Crisp Jr. Marshall of Pickford, Michigan on Hawk Lake

6.54 lb caught by Robert Moss of Sault Ste. Marie on Manitowik Lake

6.49 lb caught by David Geroux on Hawk Lake

6.15 lb caught by Ramsey Michalski of Michigan on Hawk Lake

6.12 lb caught by Yvon Desrochers of Wawa on Hawk Lake

6.11 lb caught by Paul Flood of Echo Bay on Manitowik Lake

Whitefish:

4.21 lb caught by Luigi Bruni of Sault Ste. Marie on Wawa Lake

3.91 lb caught by Robert Mann of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.89 lb caught by Lindsay Robinson on Wawa Lake

3.47 lb caught by Anders Dereski of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.45 lb caught by Jamie Robinson of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.43 lb caught by Jared Lindsay of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.4 lb caught by Travis Gendron of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.24 lb caught by Carol Anne Robinson of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.17 lb caught by Patricia Bernath of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.16 lb caught by Andre Brabant of Wawa on Wawa Lake

Former Wawa Resident Wins MVFA Cash Draw Grand Prize

Wawa’s Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighter's Association has wrapped up its 2025-26 annual cash draw fundraiser, holding its final draws on Sunday.

Noting the draw sold out Saturday night, Association Past President Mike Krell congratulates the winners.

MVFA Past President Mike Krell on 2025-26 Cash Draw Result
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

To confirm, Courtney Proulx of Sault Ste. Marie (but originally from Wawa) won the $10,000 grand prize, while the final 3 $1000 winners were: Carol Peters of Wawa, Jeff Farquiharson of Sudbury, and Sam Tremblay of Wawa.

Wawa's Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association Set to Wrap 2025-26 Cash Draw

Time is running out to get tickets for Wawa's Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association's annual cash draw.

The final 3 $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw are set to be held this Sunday, March 8th, during the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby’s prize ceremony, and Association Past President Mike Krell emphasizes the draw supports the local fire department's equipment purchases.

Mike Krell on Firefighter Equipment Purchases
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Krell notes it also supports a bursary for local students going into emergency services.

As the winning ticket is put back in for subsequent draws, one ticket could conceivably win more than once - Diane Spencer of Wawa won the $1000 draw in December and Vincent Prevost won $1000 on February 13th.

Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, available from local firefighters or in many places throughout Wawa - they will be consolidated and sold at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby over the weekend, until they sell out.

Wawa Library Debuting Tabletop Mahjong

The Wawa Public Library is launching a new semi-regular program this weekend: tabletop mahjong.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell touts the support of a local volunteer to launch this program.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell on Tabletop Mahjong
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Open to anyone interested - new or experienced players - at no cost, the library’s tabletop mahjong starts Saturday, March 7th, at 11 am.

PHSD Warns of Norovirus in Region

Norovirus seems to be spreading in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns it has received increased reports of gastrointestinal illness in child care centres, long-term care homes, and other community settings in its region - which includes the Chapleau area - which it says is "likely due to norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily can have serious impacts on people who are more vulnerable, including young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions".

It reminds norovirus most often spreads through unwashed hands or through shared items and hard surfaces, recommending washing hands thoroughly and staying home if you are ill - and for at least two days after symptoms stop.

Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches, and sometimes fever.

Hawk Junction Readying for Annual Family Ice Fishing Derby

Hawk Junction's readying for the return of a longtime tradition.

Hawk Junction Local Services Board Secretary-Treasurer Heather Rainville touts the event.

Heather Rainville on Hawk Junction Family Ice Fishing Derby
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rainville notes there will be trophies while the kitchen will be open, though cash only.

The Hawk Junction Annual Family Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Hawk Lake next weekend - on Saturday, March 14th - with registration on the Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Wawa Council Presented Proposed 2026 Operating Budget

Wawa Municipal Council's had its first look at this year's operating budget.

A month after seeing the initial draft for the capital budget, Council looked at the proposed operating budget for 2026, told staff sought to keep increases down - limiting a rise in payroll by cutting the Asset Management Coordinator position while transit operation's been brought in-house - but it does include an increased contribution to infrastructure and higher insurance costs, while OPP costs are up 11% and Algoma Public Health's levy is up 8%, and capital purchases and construction costs continue to rise, but the province still has not reassessed properties since 2016, which means taxation's based on values a decade old.

In the end, the proposed budget is set to rise 0.07% - $10,692 - to $15,911,272, though it proposes a levy of $5,879,623 - up $220,276 from 2025, an increase of 3.89% - along with a 1.8% increase of the capital levy introduced last year - combined, those increases are expected to amount to $13.74 more per month or $164.91 for the year for a house of $100,000 assessed value.

It also proposes an 8% rise in the water rate - from $1.07 per cubic meter to $1.16 - and a 4% rise in the sewer fee - from 57 to 59 cents per cubic meter - moves expected to amount to a $5.45 rise in the average monthly bill - or $65.45 for the year - for the average single detached house using 70 cubic meters of water and 61 of sewer - Council was told that while water and wastewater usage had been dropping from 2020 to 2024, it actually rose in 2025, nearly back to 2024's level.

Treasurer Heather Rainville - who was delivering her first budget in that role - also noted the capital budget has been modified from the version presented in February, cut down from about $5.77-million to about $5.4-million with some change in the source of funding for a few projects, while about $310,000 more will be put away for long-term capital planning this year, and $430,000 more in 2027.

While it was noted Council has options to lower the levy increase - including reducing capital projects, cutting services, using reserves, increasing user fees, or eliminating the capital levy increase - those were not recommended, and Council seemed in favour of approving the budget as presented.

The full presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel, with public input to be accepted until Friday, March 13th, so the budget - operating and capital - can be brought for a vote in Council's next meeting, on Tuesday, March 17th.

Council's also expected to vote on the schedule of fees in that meeting, though it would not include changes for certain seasonal items like curling and ice fees, which would be reviewed with any changes to be proposed ahead of next season.

5 Charged in Brunswick House First Nation Fentanyl Bust

Five people are facing charges as police have seized fentanyl as part of a drug investigation in Brunswick House First Nation.

Nishnawbe Aski Police say their Intelligence Unit, Emergency Response Team, and the OPP's Street Crime Unit executed a search warrant in the community on Monday, seizing an unspecified quantity of fentanyl, cash, and "paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking" while arresting five people - a 26-year-old, a 33-year-old, a 36-year-old, a 41-year-old, and a 58-year-old, all from Brunswick House First Nation - on charges including possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.

The accused in their 30s were remanded into custody while the others were released on conditions, all with future court dates, while NAPS says their investigation's continuing.

No Fishing Rule In Force Ahead of Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

With just days left before the annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, organizers are reminding participants to stay off the lakes.

According to derby rules, there is no fishing on the Wawa, Hawk, and Manitowik Lakes for any derby contestants for the rest of the week, until fishing officially opens for the derby Saturday morning.

Emphasizing they don't want anyone to miss out, derby board member Melanie Farrington encourages anglers to get tickets now.

Melanie Farrington on Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Ticket Sales
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Registration for the derby runs from 8 am to 8 pm Friday, March 6th, with fishing on Saturday and Sunday.

No Fishing Rule Set to Take Force Ahead of Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

With just days left before the annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, organizers are reminding participants will soon need to stay off the lakes.

According to derby rules, there is no fishing on the Wawa, Hawk, and Manitowik Lakes for any derby contestants after midnight tonight until fishing officially opens for the derby Saturday morning.

Derby board member Melanie Farrington reminds some prizes could be reeled in this weekend without even hitting the ice.

Melanie Farrington on Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Draws
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Farrington encourages anglers to get their tickets now at wawaicefishingderby.com - registration runs from 8 am to 8 pm Friday, March 6th, with fishing on Saturday and Sunday.

Wawa Council to Get 1st Look at Draft 2026 Operating Budget

A month after Council saw the draft Capital Budget, Wawa Municipal Council's set to get its first look at this year's operating budget.

Presentation of the 2026-2027 Operating Budget is one of only a few items on the agenda for tonight's Committee of the Whole meeting, along with a report recommending a "zero tolerance policy" for bullying at municipal property.

Council's also set to hold a regular meeting, including a resolution on "strengthening affordability requirements for federal broadband funding and universal access programs" and an "in-camera" item about a legal issue regarding "a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board".

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

Chapleau Council Considering Ecole Sacre-Coeur Crosswalk Request

Chapleau Town Council is considering a request from Ecole Sacre-Coeur for cross walk patrol ahead of the start of school and after the school day ends

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains the situation.

Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on Ecole Sacre-Coeur Request
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bignucolo acknowledges the French Catholic school's open to solutions, and Council just wants to ensure they pick the best solution for the issue.

Chapleau Council Confirms Interim CAO

Chapleau Town Council has confirmed the temporary appointment of an interim Chief Administrative Officer.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo outlines the current CAO situation.

Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo Explains CAO Situation
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Raymond's been employed by the Township since 2019, previously holding various roles with the Township of Dubreuilville, including CAO, mayor, and councillor.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Judith Meyntz was no longer CAO.

Wawa Council to Consider Request to Sever Land Along Scenic High Falls Road

Wawa Municipal Council is set to consider a change to property lines next month.

The Municipality of Wawa's issued notice for a public meeting to consider an application for consent to sever land along Scenic High Falls Road to create an area for a long-term lease agreement for a tourism project.

Additional information's available by contacting CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill, while those who want to make a written comment can send it to O'Neill by emailing moneill@wawa.cc by 4 pm Friday, March 13th.

The meeting's set to be held Tuesday, March 17th, at 6:30 pm, the same night as Council will hold a public meeting on a proposed zoning by-law amendment for a Montreal Avenue property.

Wawa Student Appointed Algoma Student Trustee for CSC Nouvelon

Students with local French Catholic schools have a couple new representatives to the board - including one from Wawa.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says École secondaire Saint-Joseph Grade 11 student Havana Thibodeau-Bello will be the new student trustee for the Algoma District in the 2026-27 school year.

This comes the week after Thibodeau-Bello was recognized by the board for "her leadership, vision, and commitment to school and community life" and for "embod[ying] the values of responsibility, collaboration, and civic engagement" by serving as Prime Minister for her school's Student Parliament and sitting on the board's Student Senate.

The board's also announced Emilie Philippe - a Grade 11 student from Val Caron - will serve as the representative for the Sudbury/Manitoulin District.

The new student trustees start in those roles August 1st.

Wawa Council to Consider Montreal Avenue Zoning Amendment in March

Wawa Municipal Council is set to consider a zoning amendment for a Montreal Avenue property next month.

The Municipality of Wawa's issued notice for a public meeting to consider amending the Zoning By-Law to add a residential unit as a permitted use at Montreal Avenue, which is currently zoned as General Industrial.

Additional information's available at the Municipal Office or by contacting CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill or Chief Building Official Kevin Sabourin, while those who want to make a written submission or give an oral statement during the meeting must contact O'Neill by emailing moneill@wawa.cc by 4 pm Monday, March 16th.

The meeting's set to be held Tuesday, March 17th, at 6:30 pm.

CSC Nouvelon Honours Wawa Student for Leadership

A Wawa student's being honoured for her leadership.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is touting École secondaire Saint-Joseph Grade 11 student Havana Thibodeau-Bello, saying "through her leadership, vision, and commitment to school and community life, [she] embodies the values of responsibility, collaboration, and civic engagement that lie at the heart of the education offered" in its schools, as she serves as Prime Minister for her school's Student Parliament and sits on the board's Student Senate.

It congratulates her for her involvement and thanks her for "helping give a strong and inspiring voice to francophone students in Northern Ontario".

Superior East CFDC Marks Over $30m in Loans

A local organization is marking a major milestone in supporting businesses.

The Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation is celebrating over $30-million in loans in its over 36 years in operation, something it says has supported over 3000 jobs - that includes over $2-million in local and regional loans approved last year, impacting 46 jobs and helping "leverage" over $926,000 from other sources.

Covering Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, Chapleau, and neighbouring First Nations, the Superior East CFDC provides business counselling & investment services to small & medium-sized businesses, among other services.

Chapleau to Hold Final February Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting is a request from Ecole Sacre-Coeur for cross walk patrol ahead of the start of school and after the school day ends, as well as a letter from Maison Boreal Home and a request regarding Wildwood Bible Camp.

There are five "in-camera" items, all human resources items.

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.

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