Thousands of Sudburians hit the streets ... just for the health of it (and two good causes)
Sunday afternoon with the wind at their backs, some 2,000 Sudburians of all fitness levels took their place on the starting line in front of Memorial Park downtown for the 14th annual SudburyROCKS!! Race, Run, Walk For The Health Of It. For many years branded the Race, Walk, Run For Diabetes, SudburyRocks!! has been rebranded the Race, Walk, Run For The Health Of It, and now benefits two charities. Since growing from SudburyROCKS!! running club in 2005, the annual race has become the largest competitive running event in Northern Ontario, attracting crowds of competitive athletes and amateurs alike. View the full photo gallery and story here.
Ministers at FONOM: Sorry about funding cuts, but we're fighting a massive deficit
There were lots of sympathetic statements, but two provincial cabinet ministers attending the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities session Friday made it clear to delegates that cuts to the provincial budget won't be reversed. With about a dozen protestors outside FONOM on Friday -- held at the Holiday Inn on Regent Street – upset about education cuts, Steve Clark, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, fielded questions in the 'bear pit' session from politicians from across the North. Read the full story here.
Lower Wanapaitei River issued a flood watch
A flood watch has been issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for the lower Wanapitei River, until May 21. Residents along Wanapitei River down to the French River, are asked to keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updates on flood conditions and avoid fast-moving water. The townships of Secord, Laura, Cox, Waldie, Allen and Struthers, may also be affected. Read the full story here.
Radio host reaches fundraising goal with the help of Dragon's Den Michael Wekerle
Less than two months ago, KiSS 105.3 morning host Shannon King announced that if she could raise $5,000 in support of treatment costs for Sudburian Mario Diotte, she would shave off her beautiful golden locks. Not long after announcing her goal with Sudbury.com, that barbershop appointment has become a reality — thanks to a fateful meeting with one big-hearted entrepreneur. Read the full story here.
Finlandia SISU Ball Drop raises $37,000 for senior spa
In a rain of thunder, 737 golf balls were dropped outside of Finlandia Village this afternoon, one of which belonged to Dennis LaChance, winner of the second annual SISU Ball Drop and $10,000 prize. LaChance may have claimed the grand prize, but if you ask Executive Director of the Finlandia SISU Charitable Foundation Patricia Clizia, it was a "win for all of the residents here at the village." Who through the success of this event, will have their spa room refurbished with a $20,000 tub designed for their mental and physical comfort. Read the full story here.
New Notre Dame Ave. Tim Hortons to open within next month
If you've driven down Notre Dame Avenue lately, you may have noticed a new Tim Hortons restaurant under construction on the roadway. According to an email from a spokesperson from the chain, the new restaurant, located at 887 Notre Dame Ave., will open within the next month. It's owned by franchisee Elaine Niemi, and will replace the current location at 1181 Notre Dame Ave. (at the intersection of Lasalle and Notre Dame). Read the full story here.
A streaky set of provincials for Northern Chill 14U boys
Any time you can leave the provincial championships having won as many sets as you lost, things are not all bad. When you accomplish this with a team making their first ever excursion to the world of OVA (Ontario Volleyball Association) competitive tournaments, all the better. Coming off a silver medal performance at their last set of games in Vaughan, the Northern Chill 14U Boys took their first ever shot at the all-Ontario playdowns with a little extra giddy-up in their step. Read the full story here.
A pleasant bonus from a bocce experience
What started as a physical activity outing has grown into something bigger - much, much bigger - for Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School Special Education teacher Julian Colilli and his team of newcomers to the sport of bocce. Thanks to their performance at the end of March at a regional tournament hosted by Ecole Secondaire Macdonald-Cartier, the Knights team of Jordan Burke, Ashlynn Pfaff, Janie Smart, Ruth Hamelin and Hannah Sirkka are off to Toronto next week, site of the Special Olympics Invitational Youth Games, all part of the 50th anniversary celebration for the group on a world-wide setting. Read the full story here.
Cloudy skies carry into Monday
Cloudy skies in the forecast for today and a high of 11. Northeast 20 km/h winds expected to reach 40 km/h by the afternoon, bringing a slight chill to the day. Overcast weather should carry into the evening as we reach the low of 4.
