Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to get you started on this Monday morning.
Bat tests positive for rabies in Sauble-Spanish River area
The Sudbury health unit has reported a bat has tested positive for rabies and one person is undergoing a series of vaccine shots to counteract the disease. Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) said the bat was found in the vicinity of Sauble-Spanish River on August 10. PHSD said although bats are considered helpful in controlling moths, mosquitoes and beetles, it is important to be aware that many bats also carry rabies. A scratch or a bite from a bat can cause serious illness in humans and their pets. "If left untreated, rabies is fatal in humans. People can become infected with rabies when they are bitten or scratched by a rabid bat or when a rabid bat’s saliva comes into contact with broken skin or moist tissues in the mouth, nose, or eyes," said the news release from the health unit on Friday.
Skateboarders have a new park in Coniston
Community donations and the City of Greater Sudbury have helped to create a new place for skateboarders and BMXers in Sudbury. A new skateboarder park is in place in Coniston, located on Government Road, just across from the Toe Blake Memorial Arena. The new facility features a four-foot bank ramp, a grind box, a wedge ramp and a grind rail. There is also a 4-by-16 half-pipe with two four-foot extensions. Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger, who attended the opening of the park on Friday, commented that it would be a welcome thing for helping young people keep active. “This new park is just another fun activity our youth can enjoy, in a safe environment,” said Bigger. “Council is committed to investing in amenities that promote active and healthy lifestyles for our children and youth, and that contribute to the quality of life and vibrancy of our community.”
Red Lake forest fire is under control
The Municipality of Red Lake issued a news release Saturday advising that efforts will be underway soon enough to bring residents of that community back home now that the RED49 forest fire is under control. "We have received positive reports from the MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) with regards to the status of RED49. The fire is now 100 per cent contained," said a statement from the municipality earlier this afternoon. The fire began last Monday and by Friday night had grown to more than 500 hectares, coming as close as two kilometres to built up areas of the gold mining town of about 4,100 in Northwestern Ontario. There was heavy smoke throughout the town for most of the week. MNRF staff said a rainfall that occurred Thursday made a significant difference in being able to bring the blaze under control. Most of the community residents were moved out earlier this week as a precaution. People went to such communities as Dryden, Thunder Bay and even to Winnipeg.
Sudbury police seeking information about a teen fight in Hanmer
Police are requesting witnesses to an incident that is reported to have occurred in the skate park in Hanmer on or about July 22. It is alleged an assault took place involving two 13-year-old girls and a male person in his 40s according to a news release from the Great Sudbury Police Service (GSPS). A video recording of the incident -- shared on social media -- is said to show the teens involved in a fight that was somehow encouraged by the older male. As one of the girls begins to dominate in the fight, she appears to be egged on by the older male with comments of "don't stop, don't stop" as she continues to pummel the other teen. The police news release said the incident is now the subject of an active and ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division. Police also said not all parties involved in the incident have been identified and not all sides of the story have been explained. GSPS is asking anyone with information to step up and speak up. Citizens can go to the police directly or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Going to the hospital in Sudbury? Bring a mask.
Health Sciences North in Sudbury, the largest hospital in Northern Ontario, has issued what appears to be a clear no-nonsense statement on the wearing of face masks for all patients and visitors. Masks are expected to be worn there. The statement was issued Friday as part of HSN's weekly news bulletin. "We are asking all patients and visitors coming to HSN to please wear a mask as an added step to reduce the spread of germs and protect vulnerable patients," said the bulletin. It also advised that handmade masks are acceptable as are those available for sale at retailers in Sudbury. "Patients going for a procedure where they must remove their mask will be asked to store it with their personal items," the bulletin said.
Mask-wearing male with a knife attempts to rob convenience store
Police have taken a person into custody after an attempted armed robbery at a Sudbury convenience store Sunday morning. Greater Sudbury Police Service were called to the Jem Mart on Kathleen Street Sunday after a report of a male wearing a medical mask and sunglasses entered the store, took a knife out of his pocket and demanded money from the store clerk, said GSPS. Police said other customers were in the store at the time. The clerk refused to hand over any money. The suspect ran out. No one was hurt, said police. After reviewing surveillance footage, a short time later police approached a suspect in the downtown area and took him into custody without incident. No knife was recovered. Anyone with information surrounding this incident is asked to contact Greater Sudbury Police or Crime Stoppers.
Forest fires being watched across Northeastern Ontario
While the Red Lake-49 forest fire is now contained and under control, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) reports there are still a rash of several new smaller forest fires burning across Northern Ontario. Light rain showers fell most of the morning throughout the Greater Sudbury area, seeming to negate the possibility of Sudbury-63, one of the newest fires roughly one hectare in size from getting worse. It flared up and was reported on Saturday afternoon. The MNRF interactive fire map said that fire is "being held". Another Saturday afternoon fire, Chapleau-11, was also reported late Saturday afternoon. It is a third of a hectare and is reported as not being under control. Earlier on Saturday afternoon, North Bay-34 was reported as a new fire roughly a third of a hectare, but it is being reported as under control. Also in that district is North Bay-36, sized at 0.2 hectare and first reported early Saturday evening. MNRF said the fire is being observed. Sudbury-62, a fire reported on Friday evening, is seven-tenths of a hectare in size and is reported as active but under control.