SE OPP Lament Another Impaired Driving Charge Over Holiday Season

Local police are lamenting another impaired driving charge over the holiday season.
Superior East OPP say officers responded to a collision on Highway 101 around 50 kilometres east of Chapleau around 5 am Christmas morning - responding officers detected an odour of alcohol on the breath of the driver, who failed a subsequent breath test before being taken back to the Chapleau detachment for further testing.
That led to the arrest of a 25-year-old Chapleau resident, who has been charged with "operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs", "operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration 80 plus", "drive motor vehicle - no licence", and "operate motor vehicle without insurance".
The driver's set to appear in Chapleau court in February, though a 90-day Automatic Driver's Licence Suspension has been issued while the vehicle's been impounded for seven days.
Superior East OPP note this was the third impaired charge in their detachment area last week, and emphasize - as New Year's Eve approaches - that "no amount of alcohol or drug is safe to consume and then drive", urging everyone who observes a suspected impaired driver to call the OPP or 911.

Festive RIDE Campaign Still Underway After Christmas

While Christmas may be over, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding their annual Festive RIDE campaign's continuing until the holiday season ends, in the new year.
Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay reminds drivers that the law now allows officers to take a breath sample whether or not they suspect a driver of drinking, and such mandatory tests will be more frequent this year.

OPP say 56 people were killed in alcohol or drug-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year, and emphasize that - every day - an average of four Canadians are killed and 175 injured in impairment-related crashes.

Wawa's 1st Annual Ice Candle Celebration Day Arrives

A special new Wawa tradition is set to debut this weekend.
Wawa Cemetery Committee member - and municipal councillor - Bill Chiasson explains the committee's holding a fundraising "celebration of life", the 1st annual "Ice Candle" Celebration Day, which supports beautification of local cemeteries.

Chiasson thanks the volunteers and supporters of the event, which will see residents who've ordered an "ice candle" place them along the pathway leading to Woodland Cemetery.
While it is too late to order an ice candle, everyone is invited to attend the event, which starts at 4 pm Saturday afternoon.

Still Time to Support LDHCF Wish Campaign

While Christmas is behind us, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is reminding there's still time to help grant a wish from the local hospital.
The foundation's annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign continues into the new year, and Marketing and Foundation Assistant Angele Guy and Foundation Chair Lina Rody explain this supports an ongoing campaign to raise $125,000 for a new "Medical Device Reprocessing Device".

Donations can be made at the hospital, online, or via mail - names of donators will be displayed on a Christmas tree in the hospital lobby.
The campaign ends January 3rd.

SE OPP Remind of Festive RIDE Over Holidays

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding revellers to be safe during the holiday season, warning the annual Festive RIDE campaign is watching for impaired drivers.
Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay Reminds the campaign involves all police services across the province, intended to tackle alcohol or drug impaired driving with an increased police presence on local roads.

OPP say 56 people were killed in alcohol or drug-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year, and emphasize that - every day - an average of four Canadians are killed and 175 injured in impairment-related crashes.

Wawa Festival of Lights Christmas Decoration Contest Nearing End

With Christmas nearly hear, Wawa residents are being encouraged to get out and enjoy some of the decorations up for the holiday season - and vote for the best-looking houses.
Isabeau Allard of the Wawa EDC notes voting is underway for the Festival of Lights Christmas Decoration Contest, which has three categories.

Allard reminds Christmas is the last day for voting, which is done through an online survey - which can be accessed through the Wawa Recreation Facebook page - though paper copies are available at the Town Hall and Community Centre.
To help with voting, participants are reminded to turn on their Christmas lights from 6 pm to 9 pm tonight and tomorrow night.

Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby Sells Out

Chapleau's premier derby is out of tickets - only three weeks after they went on sale.
The Rotary Club of Chapleau says it has already sold out of tickets for the upcoming 23rd annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held February 8th.
Organizers remind there are several prizes on the line, including a $5000 tagged fish prize sponsored by RBC, the entry draw prize of a 2019 Dodge Ram 4x4 Classic, and prizes for the largest fish.

LDHCF Wish Campaign Continues Into Holidays

With Christmas nearly here, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's asking residents to help grant a wish from the local hospital.
The foundation's annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign continues through the holiday season, raising funds to support an ongoing campaign to raise $125,000 for a new "Medical Device Reprocessing Device".
Foundation Chair Lina Rody reminds that names of donators will be displayed on a Christmas tree in the hospital lobby - though you could also donate in someone else's name.

Donations can be made at the hospital, online, or via mail, even after Christmas - the campaign ends January 3rd.

MVFA Reminds Cash Draw Tickets Still for Sale

Those still looking for Christmas presents are being reminded of a way to cash in on helping Wawa's firefighters.
The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association is reminding that its annual cash draw has returned, with four more $1000 draws to go, along with the $10,000 grand prize draw.
Captain Craig Spooner reminds the draw supports a few causes, including some local students.

Spooner notes proceeds also help the firefighters with public education, as well as training and equipment.
Tickets are available in many places in the community and from local firefighters, with the next $1000 draw on Valentine's Day, on JJAM FM.

SE OPP Arrest Chapleau Man on Sexual Assault Charges

Ontario Provincial Police have charged a Chapleau man with sexual assault.
Superior East OPP say they arrested the 59-year-old on Monday, charging him with sexual assault and with "Intimidation - justice system - persons or general public".
The charges stem from an investigation launched November 1st, looking into a reported sexual assault in Chapleau - no further details are provided.
OPP are asking anyone with information, however, to immediately contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
The accused is scheduled to appear in Chapleau's Ontario Court of Justice in February.

Chapleau Hires New CBO/By-Law Enforcement Official

Chapleau's hired a key new employee.
A new Chief Building Official and By-Law Enforcement Official has been hired - set to start soon - and Mayor Michael Levesque (lev-ek) says it was a role they had to combine.

Like Chapleau, Wawa has combined the two roles, with an "Assistant Director of Protective Services", described as "encompass[ing] the joint responsibilities of Fire Chief, Chief Building Official, and By-Law Enforcement".
In May, Chapleau Council had approved the appointment of arena employees as assistant by-law enforcement officers, who Levesque said would be responsible for "a measure of" property standards and "flagrant breaches of by-laws" such as for parking, though he now notes that was always intended to be a temporary, short-term measure.

Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day Fundraiser Announced

A special fundraiser will be hitting the ice of Dubreuilville's arena early next year.
The "1st annual Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day" will see teams of various categories - including kids in Grades 4 to 8 - play in a fun event honouring Eddy Lefrancois, a Dubreuilville ALS activist who passed away earlier this year - profits from the event will go toward ALS Canada.
Teams are asked to register by contacting Eric Levesque by Thursday, January 2nd, so the schedule can be prepared for the event on January 4th - the first anniversary of Eddy's death.
Dubreuilville renamed its arena - where the event's being held - in Eddy's honour in October.

Chapleau Bids Farewell to Longtime Health Unit Board Representative

The Township of Chapleau's thanking a longtime representative on the local health unit board for their service.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains that Rita Pilon has retired from the board of Public Health Sudbury and Districts, the former Sudbury and District Health Unit.

Mayor Levesque notes - with Pilon's retirement - the Township will soon be advertising for a new municipal representative to the board.

Chapleau Council Hears Mayor AECOM Reports

Chapleau Town Council heard a few reports from an outside firm in this week's meeting.
Mayor Michael Levesque says one topic AECOM covered was the water treatment plant.

Mayor Levesque says the firm also presented Council with a "Linear Asset Replacement Prioritization Plan".

Mayor Levesque admits the plan's "optimistic" - as it averages about $500,000 a year - but notes there are various sources for funding that may help - including unreliable grants, substantial reserve funds, and money freed up by eliminating debt - and emphasizes it's important to try to follow the plan, particularly for water and sewer infrastructure.
The plan was not approved this week, though the mayor expects it will be in coming months.

Winners Announced for Successful NALC Literacy Lottery

Wawa's Adult Learning Centre is thanking the community for its support of a special fundraiser.
The North Algoma Literacy Coalition says its "Literacy Lottery" ended up reaching its goal, which will see over $2000 go to the coalition itself and more than $2000 go to the Rotary Club of Wawa to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, as explained by Executive Director Pat Dube.

Claiming the top prize of $1250 in President's Choice gift cards is Connie Taylor, while Elaine Christensen won the second prize of $750 in PC gift cards, and Gordon Draper won the third prize of $500 in PC gift cards.

HSCDSB Acclaims Chair and Vice Chair

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board's keeping its top representatives.
Espanola trustee Lindsay Liske's been acclaimed as chair of the local English Catholic school board - a role he held for one term prior to his election as chair last year - while Sault Ste. Marie trustee Sandra Turco will serve a second straight term as vice chair.
Director of Education Rose Burton Spohn says the last year "has been very productive" as she worked closely with Liske and Turco, and she adds that she looks forward to continuing to collaborate on a multi-year strategic plan for the board.

Time Almost Up to Get Ticket for NALC Literacy Lottery

Time is running out to get a ticket for a fundraiser supporting Wawa's Adult Learning Centre.
North Algoma Literacy Coalition Executive Director Pat Dube explains there are a few prizes on the line in the "Literacy Lottery".

Dube emphasizes that proceeds from the Literacy Lottery will help the adult learning centre purchase programming, and - with the support of the local Rotary Club - help the Dolly Parton Imagination Library provide books to local children.
Tickets are available at the NALC office - the draw will be made at 10 am tomorrow.

Chapleau Council Approves Water, Sewer, Garbage Collection Rate Increases

Chapleau Town Council has approved increases to rates for water and sewage services and garbage collection.
Though Council has approved increases, Mayor Michael Levesque explains residents will see "a bit of a relief" regarding water and sewer rates.

Mayor Levesque says Council is sticking in line with previous years for garbage collection rates, raising them two percent for 2020.
Council has not finalized the 2020 budget yet, so it's not known how tax rates may be changing next year.

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