Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Premier may be at North Bay pride parade, and Sudbury's queer community will be there too:
Members of Greater Sudbury's queer community — along with Sudbury MPP Jamie West — are hopping on a bus to North Bay early Saturday morning. They're planning to take part in North Bay's pride parade, where they'll be voicing their opposition to the new PC Ontario government's plans to make changes to the sex ed. curriculum. That's because Premier Doug Ford may be taking part in the event too. The premier's office apparently contacted North Bay Pride about Ford taking part in the pride parade, although organizers haven't heard back yet. If you're interested in travelling on the bus to North Bay Pride, you're asked to email [email protected].
NHL vs Docs continues to grow in its third year:
The NHL returns to Sudbury on Aug. 12 for the third annual NHL vs Docs hockey game. The event has grown in leaps and bounds and organizers have expanded the entertainment to a day-long event. This year's game has been moved from the Countryside Arena to the Sudbury Arena in order to accommodate more hockey fans. Festivities kick off at 11:30 a.m. with a barbecue and activities outside the front entrance of the arena. NHLers will be on hand for the fun and will be meeting and greeting fans and signing autographs. Tickets for the game are $22 each, with proceeds going towards NEO Kids. The players include Nick Foligno, Marcus Foligno, Josh Anderson, Seth Jones, Scott Harrington, Boone Jenner, Dalton Prout, Ben Chiarot, Derek MacKenzie, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Damien Giroux, Zack Stortini and Joe Bowen, Canadian Sportscaster. Find the full story here.
Sudbury.com picks up four national awards:
Sudbury.com and its printed counterpart, the Northern Life newspaper, has picked up four awards in a national newspaper competition. News Media Canada announced the winners today of its annual Canadian Community Newspaper Awards competition. "We want to thank our staff for putting in the extra effort to make this happen, our advertisers for helping support the work we do and, of course, our readers who rely on us every day to keep them informed about what's happening in our community," Publisher Abbas Homayed said. Northern Life earned Best All-Round Newspaper (circ. 25,000 and over) and Best Front Page (circ. 25,000 and over). In the Best Editorial Page category (circ. 25,000 and over), Northern Life place second. Sudbury.com won second place in Canada in the Best Website category (circ. 12,500 and over).
Still denying guilt, Espanola man gets 17 years for sex crimes involving young teen boys:
Paul McColeman is going to prison for a long time, but the the 45-year-old Espanola man convicted June 28 of 34 sex-related crimes still maintains he did nothing wrong. McColeman was sentenced Tuesday to 17 years in a penitentiary for a luring and assaulting numerous young teen boys over seven or eight years. Labelled a long-term offender for the next 10 years, the former service station owner and search and rescue volunteer is banned for life from owning weapons, will have to give up a sample of his DNA and will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his days. More on this story here.
Sudbury continues to be under fire ban as crews tackle a couple of forest fires in the area:
As of evening of July 17, there were 53 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 21 are not yet under control, 32 are either being held, under control or being observed. This is according to the forest fire situation update put out by the province's Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services division. There were 10 new starts in the region, three of which have already been declared out. Waterbombers were on the scene of two Chapleau fires Tuesday afternoon. Chapleau 17 is located 19 km north of Foleyet, and Chapleau 16 is located 23 km northwest of Foleyet. Both of these fires are 1 hectare in size, and are not yet under control. Check back with Sudbury.com daily for updates on the Northeast region forest fire situation.
First bloom of the year: Blue-green algae found on Clearwater Lake:
The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has advised Public Health Sudbury & Districts that results from samples taken July 12 from Clearwater Lake are positive for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). The samples contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins. Blue-green algal blooms could also appear in other parts of the lake. Because blooms are not anchored, they can move from one location to another through wind and water action. New blooms can also form. All residents on lakes should look for blooms in their area. Blue-green algal blooms have an unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell, and can produce toxins. Residents should avoid using or drinking water from areas where blooms are visible. The highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential risks to people and pets.
Crime of the Week: Levack home invasion suspect sought:
Greater Sudbury Police Service and Crime Stoppers are asking for the public's assistance to locate the suspect or suspects involved in a home invasion in Levack this past spring. On May 27 at around 3:40 a.m., an unknown man allegedly forced his way into a residence on Copper Street in Levack. The homeowner was awakened and confronted the suspect, who inquired about the location of safe within the residence. The suspect was told there was no safe. He then fled the residence on foot and was possibly met by two people. They were last seen running across the train tracks toward Nickel Street. Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Sudbury Police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS (8477) or www.sudburycrimestoppers.com.
Wanted Wednesday: Stolen credit card and stolen merchandise have cops looking for Steven Rivers:
The Greater Sudbury Police Service has outstanding warrants for the arrest of Steven Rivers. It is alleged that on Sept. 1 2017, Steven Rivers used a stolen credit card and committed fraud by making a purchase. It is also alleged that on Dec. 4 2017, Rivers attended a retailer on Lorne Street and and stole merchandise. Rivers is known to be in the city of Greater Sudbury. If you know this person and where he is presently located, you are urged to call the Crime Stoppers tip line toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS or locally at 705-222-TIPS (8477). You must call this number to be eligible for a cash reward. Tips can also be submitted online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com.
Summer tradition continues: Gem and mineral show starts Friday:
A Sudbury summer tradition continues this weekend with the 36th annual Sudbury Gem and Mineral Show, which takes place at the Carmichael Arena July 20-22. This year's show will features 21 dealers carrying minerals, gems, rocks, fossils in their natural state or handcrafted into items including beads and jewellery. A certified gemologist from Toronto will be on hand to do gemstone identification (does your treasured ring feature a diamond or a piece of polished glass?). Show visitors can learn how to make wire-wrapped jewellery. Each child attending the show receives a show favour consisting of a specimen of nepheline syenite, a mineral used in making glass, porcelain, ceramic glazes, enamels, paints, paper, plastics and foam rubber. The kids can also try their hand at gold panning, and making a mineral collection and pebble people. The show runs 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Thursday Weather:
Another bright and sunny day on tap for Thursday. Mainly sunny skies with a high of 27 today. A few clouds in the evening with the low sitting at around 16. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
