APH Warns of More Potential Exposures to Measles in Sault Ste. Marie

Algoma Public Health is warning of more potential exposures to measles in its region.

The health unit says it is investigating additional potential exposure locations in and around Sault Ste. Marie, with the exposures happening May 7th at North Shore Tractor in Echo Bay, as well as Jiffy Lube on Trunk Road, the Service Canada Office on Bay Street, the Taj Indian Cuisine restaurant on Great Northern Road, Hakim Optical on Great Northern Road, Station Tower Optometry, and at Princess Auto on Northern Avenue.

It previously warned of possible exposure on Ontario Northland buses from Barrie to Sudbury and from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie on April 17th and May 2nd, linked to cases in Central Algoma.

The health unit says most people born before 1970 are considered immune to the highly contagious disease from natural exposure, whereas those born after are recommended to have two doses of a measles vaccine for full protection, as those who are vaccinated are "very unlikely to get sick or spread measles if exposed", whereas anyone who isn't fully vaccinated and hasn't had measles is considered susceptible, with those at higher risk of severe illness including infants and children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

Usually starting 7 to 12 days after exposure - but can take up to 21 - symptoms of measles include runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, fever, and eventually a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body, though complications could include ear or brain infections, pneumonia, vision or hearing loss, and death.

APH does recommend checking your vaccination status and ensuring your family's immunizations are up to date.

Crime Stoppers Seeks Help Finding Man Missing Since March 2023

Crime Stoppers is asking for public help in a high-priority missing persons case, finding a man missing more than two years.

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Crime Stoppers says Jake Corbiere was last seen in the Soo on March 12th, 2023, described as 5 feet ten inches tall with a thin build, brown eyes, and short brown hair.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Sault Ste. Marie Police or Crime Stoppers.

New Forest Fires Reported in Chapleau District

The Chapleau area's seen a few more forest fires in recent days.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Chapleau 2" was confirmed at 3 hectares in size late Sunday afternoon - located near the northern edge of Woman River Forest Provincial Park, and approximately 12 kilometres west of Wakami Lake - while "Chapleau 3" was reported Monday, east of Highway 129, near the shore of Mather Lake - it is being held at three-tenths of a hectare in size, with a FireRanger crew assigned and a belly tanker helicopter dropping water onto the fire Monday afternoon.

The fire hazard is moderate to high across the Northeast.

1st Wawa Scouts Wrapping Up Cookbook Fundraiser, Preparing New Efforts

Local Scouts are wrapping up a fundraising campaign - and preparing for another.

Jason North - group administrator for 1st Wawa Scouts - outlines the ongoing fundraiser.

North explains the cookbook's designed specifically for youth.

North notes the books will be ordered tomorrow, so go to 1stwawa.ca today to place your order.

Once this fundraiser concludes, the Scouts will immediately turn to its annual tree planting fundraiser, with plans to plant trees in the Dubreuilville area this year.

Algoma Mine Rescue Competition Beginning in Wawa

Some local mines are showing off their skills in Wawa.

The annual Algoma District Mine Rescue Competition's starting today, with teams from Wesdome's Eagle River Mine, Barrick Hemlo, Discovery Porcupine's Borden Gold Mine, and Alamos Island Gold competing.

Mine Rescue Officer Mike Krell notes the event will show off some important skills.

Wesdome Eagle River will also put on a demonstration of a vehicle extrication and some extinguisher training Thursday afternoon.

The competition is hosted at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

APH Warns of Another Exposure to Measles in Region

Algoma Public Health is warning of another potential exposure to measles in its region.

Noting another confirmed case in Central Algoma, the health unit says it is investigating an additional exposure on Ontario Northland buses, warning anyone who was on bus #1249 from Barrie to Sudbury between 12:24 pm and 5:08 pm Friday, May 2nd, at the Ontario Northland bus terminal in Sudbury between 5:10 pm and 7:40 pm May 2nd, bus #1501 from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie from 5:40 p-m to 11:25 pm, or the Blind River A&W between 8:26 pm and 11 pm to monitor for symptoms.

APH previously warned of possible exposure on an Ontario Northland bus from Barrie to Sudbury and from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie on April 17th, linking that trip to a case of measles in Central Algoma - the first reported in the region.

The health unit says most people born before 1970 are considered immune to the highly contagious disease from natural exposure, whereas those born after are recommended to have two doses of a measles vaccine for full protection, as those who are vaccinated are "very unlikely to get sick or spread measles if exposed", whereas anyone who isn't fully vaccinated and hasn't had measles is considered susceptible, with those at higher risk of severe illness including infants and children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

Usually starting 7 to 12 days after exposure - but can take up to 21 - symptoms of measles include runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, fever, and eventually a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body, though complications could include ear or brain infections, pneumonia, vision or hearing loss, and death.

APH does recommend checking your vaccination status and ensuring your family's immunizations are up to date.

PHSD Warns of Increase in Overdoses

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning of an increase in overdoses in its region.

The health unit says there is a rise in drug poisonings - overdoses - and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, though the cause is unknown, so it is reminding street drugs could be cut or mixed with dangerous substances such as benzos, fentanyl, or carfentanil, and reports include needing to use multiple doses of naloxone to reverse poisonings.

It urges caution, not using drugs when you're alone - but not using them at the same time as an accompanying friend - and to avoid mixing drugs with other drugs or alcohol - it also recommends carrying a naloxone kit, and - in the case of a suspected overdose - call 9-1-1.

Superior East OPP Ask for Help Finding Missing Man Believed to Be in Wawa Area

Ontario Provincial Police are asking for public help finding a missing Toronto man believed to be in the Wawa area.

Superior East OPP say Erasmus "Russ" Smuntochilla has been missing since October 2024, though the investigation into his disappearance didn't start until April 19th, when Superior East OPP were notified of an abandoned vehicle in the Sand River parking lot - about 70 kilometres south of Wawa, within Lake Superior Provincial Park - a vehicle revealed to be registered to the missing man, who is described as a white male, five feet ten inches (178 centimetres) tall, with thin build, short grey hair, and brown eyes.

Noting the warmer temperatures are expected to mean an increase in travellers, hikers, boaters, and anglers in the Sand River area, police are asking anyone who interacts with a male matching Smuntochilla's description - or observes any items on the trails or in the waterways near Sand River that may belong to the missing man - to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers, emphasizing "even small, seemingly insignificant information could air police".

Crime Stoppers Seeking Help on BnEs at MTO Yards

Crime Stoppers is asking for public help solving two break-and-enters last month.

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Crime Stoppers says unknown individuals gained access to Ministry of Transportation yards in Hilton Beach around 8 pm April 12th and in Searchment between 10 am April 12th and 12 noon on April 14th, making off with about $10,000 worth of tools and equipment.

Investigators believe the same suspects were involved in both incidents, as a U-Haul van was observed entering both properties during the time frame.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Wawa Council Approves Tender for Goose Nest Mural

Wawa Municipal Council's approved a slightly different plan for a mural at the Goose Nest Market.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the chosen bidder deviated slightly from the original request.

Patterson says the longevity of the mural was investigated.

While Council approved awarding the $13,149 contract to Drift Mural Company, exact details of the contract - such as a potential warranty-style guarantee for minimum lifespan - still need to be confirmed in a future by-law.

Council also agreed to award the contract for the Drinking Water System Rehabilitation project - which includes work on the intake - to LTL Directional Drilling Services Ltd. for up to $2,774,072.94.

Chapleau Moving Forward on Dufferin Street Reconstruction

Chapleau Town Council's moving forward on work for a key roadway.

Noting Council has now awarded the tender for reconstruction of Dufferin Street, Mayor Ryan Bignucolo emphasizes Dufferin and work on it is "really important".

Bignucolo notes support on an aspect of the project.

Mayor Bignucolo expects the contract to be signed soon, determining the timeline for the project.

Re-Elected SSMA Liberal MP Ready to Roll Up Sleeves for Riding

Returning Liberal MP Terry Sheehan says he's excited to "roll up his sleeves" and get to work for the riding.

Though it was a tight race for much of the time results were coming in, preliminary results show Sheehan won Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma with 30,271 votes - about 47.3% of votes cast - ahead of Conservative Hugh Stevenson with 28,648 - about 44.8% - trailed by the NDP's Laura Mayer with 4215 votes - about 6.6% - while Green candidate Robyn Kiki Eshkibok had 531 and Christian Heritage Party candidate James Collins had 297.

Stevenson - who resigned as Sault Ste. Marie Police Chief to run in the election - conceded the race via social media Tuesday afternoon, congratulating Sheehan "for an honourable election", wishing Sheehan and his team "the very best in the future", and thanking his own team and volunteers, emphasizing "change is coming, just not today" and "our country will continue to grow and meet the challenges ahead".

Sheehan - who's no stranger to tight races, winning over Conservative Sonny Spina by only 247 votes in 2021 - says he's "ready to hit the ground running".

Noting unique opportunities and challenges throughout the riding, the Liberal outlines priorities including weathering "the unpredictable Donald Trump tirades" - tariffs or otherwise - tearing down interprovincial trade barriers while using Canadian steel and minerals, as well "the most ambitious housing program that we have seen", helping provinces and First Nations ensure there are more doctors and facilities for health care in underserviced areas, and expanding high speed broadband coverage.

Wawa Student Heading to Ontario Skills Competition

A Wawa student's heading to Toronto for a major competition next week.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says École secondaire Saint-Joseph grade 11 student Greysen Parisé claimed bronze by finishing third in the Welding contests at the Skills Ontario Qualifying Competitions in North Bay early this month, advancing to the provincial-level competition.

The Skills Ontario Competition will be held in Toronto from May 5th to 7th.

Chapleau Council Holding Election Delayed Meeting

A day later than normal - due to yesterday's federal election - Chapleau Town Council's set to meet for the second time this month.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are reports on the puchase of a dome over sea containers at the works garage and of a street sweeping attachment for a loader, as well as by-laws awarding the tender for reconstruction of Dufferin Street and affirming a cost reimbursement agreement with CPKC for that project.

There are also two "in-camera" items, one a human resources item, the other a legal matter.

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.

Chapleau District Sees 1st Wildfire of Season

The Chapleau area's seen its first forest fire of the season.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Chapleau 1" was reported Monday, located about 2 kilometres southeast of Jones Landing and east of Highway 17, though the fire was reported out by late that afternoon, before growing beyond a tenth of a hectare in size.

Wildland fire season officially began April 1st.

Flood Watch Issued for Chapleau Wawa District

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is warning of potential flooding in the region.

A "Flood Watch" for the Chapleau Wawa District until 5 pm Wednesday warns residents to "keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers and streams", and to "alert or monitor any children and pets under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities around waterbodies", as region water levels are already high and rising due to ongoing snowmelt, rainfall, and warming temperatures.

A "Flood Watch" means the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities, with the Lake Superior coast from Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa and Marathon specifically expected to see the worst of it, due to higher amounts of rain.

Draw Near for Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's Wheels & Waves Raffle

Time is running out for Wawa residents to pick up tickets for a raffle supporting the local hospital.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Chair Susan Switzer reminds it's easy to get tickets for the Wheels and Waves Raffle draw.

Switzer emphasizes donations support the local hospital.

Switzer says each bed costs $7500, with the Foundation hoping to raise enough for ten beds, to replace all of those in the acute care area.

This comes amid the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign - which runs through the weekend - with funds raised through that campaign also supporting the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's "We're NOT Taking This Lying Down" campaign for new hospital beds.

Liberals Win New Minority Government Term, SSMA Re-Elects Liberal, KTM Goes Blue

Canada's Liberals will again form another minority government - with a similar number of seats to the 2021 election.

In a drastic bounceback from projections at the start of the year, the Liberals claimed a sizeable plurality for the third straight election - the first under leader Mark Carney - but fell shy of the 172 seats needed for claim a majority, with the Conservatives again forming the official Opposition, despite a substantially higher seat count than 2021.

Carney won his riding - gaining a seat in Parliament - which would make him the first prime minister based in an Ottawa riding since Sir John A. MacDonald moved from Carleton to Kingston in 1887.

While his party improved its seat count, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, however, failed to hold onto the Carleton riding - which borders Carney's riding of Nepean - losing to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy after nearly 21 years in Parliament, though Poilievre suggested he would not be stepping down as leader, telling supporters "it will be an honour to continue to fight for you and be a champion for your cause as we go forward".

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, however, announced he will be stepping down after nearly eight years, after coming third in his British Columbia riding while the NDP had its worst showing in its nearly 65-year existence, falling far shy of the 12 seats needed to keep official party status.

Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May - who has announced plans to challenge official party status threshold for the NDP, asking the Speaker change the unofficial rule so there is more representation on committees - kept her British Columbia riding, though co-leader Jonathan Pedneault was unable to claim his Quebec riding, and the party also lost their other seat.

People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier also failed to regain his former riding, as his party was again shut out.

Locally, Liberal Terry Sheehan narrowly held onto the reformed riding of Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma - which now includes the Highway 17 corridor from Elliot Lake to White River, including Wawa, Dubreuilville, and Hawk Junction - edging out Conservative Hugh Stevenson, while the NDP's Laura Mayer trailed, about 40 points behind.

Chapleau's gone blue, however, with Conservative Gaetan Malette elected to represent the Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk riding - which includes Chapleau - garnering nearly half of the votes cast, ahead of Liberal Steve Black - who was about 10 points back - while the NDP's Nicole Fortier Levesque - whose party used to represent the area - only saw about 10 percent of the votes cast in the riding.

Malette thanks his "great" team and outlines some priorities for the new term.

The NDP have disappeared from Northern Ontario, with the Liberals and Conservatives splitting the region.

Nipissing-Timiskaming appears to have stayed Liberal - with Pauline Rochefort narrowly leading Conservative Garry Keller - while the newly redrawn Sudbury East-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt went to Tory Jim Belanger, who unseated Liberal Marc Serre.

The rest stuck with incumbents: Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu was re-elected in Thunder Bay-Superior North - which she's represented since 2015 - fellow Liberals Marcus Powlowski and Viviane Lapointe held onto Thunder Bay-Rainy River and Sudbury, respectively, and Conservatives Eric Melillo and Scott Aitchison kept Kenora and Parry Sound-Muskoka, respectively.

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