Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
New device will test drivers for pot, cocaine:
Greater Sudbury Police have a new tool in their arsenal to detect drugged driving, but the device won't be used to detect impaired driving for everyone. Sgt. Tim Burtt of the force's traffic unit says police have six Drager DrugTest 500 units, which he says resemble a Keurig coffee maker. “It's still in its infancy,” Burtt said Wednesday. “The Drager 500 is going to be used for drug screening, but not for impaired driving investigations.” Ontario's Attorney General's office have told police that the devices can be useful in detecting drug use among drivers not allowed to consume any amount of marijuana before getting behind the wheel. That includes young drivers, commercial drivers and anyone with a graduated driver's licence. But the devices can't be used to lay criminal charges, only for breaking provincial offences. While the Drager can detect a range of drugs by testing someone's saliva, Burtt said the devices will be used to determine the presence of cannabis and cocaine. Full story here.
What is GrEATer Sudbury's Best diner?
GrEATer Sudbury's Best, the series that explores the city's most comforting foods returns today with a peek inside the city's best diner, as voted by our readers. Sometimes referred to as greasy spoons, diners offer large portions and serve grilled and fried staples at affordable prices - no fuss, just great comfort food! Tune into Sudbury.com today at noon to find out what classic Nickel City staple was voted as GrEATer Sudbury's Best diner and find out what's up next in our series.
Autism Alliance hosts town hall meeting:
The Northern Ontario Autism Alliance hosted a town hall meeting Thursday evening at at the Countryside Arena. The group has rallied twice in the past month against changes being made to the Ontario Autism Program. Local MPPs France Gélinas and Jamie West attended the meeting, along with professionals who provide therapy for children living with autism, and families who are being impacted by the changes. Check back with Sudbury.com for a full story later today.
Wanted: Marcel Greene is wanted for breaching bail:
Greater Sudbury Police has outstanding warrants for the arrest of Marcel Greene, 36. It is alleged that between December 2018 and January 2019, Greene failed to comply by court ordered conditions. He is known to be in Greater Sudbury. He is wanted for three counts of breaching probation, two counts of breaching of recognizance, one charge of being unlawfully at large, as well as other outstanding charges. If you know the whereabouts of this person you are urged to contact police. If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS (8477) or www.sudburycrimestoppers.com. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and you will not be asked to testify in court.
Technology researcher says banning phones in classroom won't work:
The Canadian Research Chair on Technology in Education Thierry Karsenti believes a simple ban on cell phone usage in classrooms by the Ontario government will not work. Karesenti says there are strategies that have been tested by school districts in Ontario and elsewhere, and that we should find ways to look at the problem itself. Those strategies include having a teacher keep an eye on students from the back of class, and having students place their phones in a box as they walk in to a classroom room. Karsenti suggested more education to students on how to properly use technology and more leeway to teachers and school boards to implement a plan. Cell phones are expected to be banned in Ontario classrooms starting in September. Education Minister Lisa Thompson said in a statement Tuesday that a formal announcement is coming soon. Full story here.
Order an Alex Trebek pin and support Pancreatic Cancer Canada Foundation:
In light of the recent news of Jeopardy host (and Sudbury native) Alex Trebek's cancer diagnosis, the people behind the Up Here Festival are bringing back their Alex Trebek pins. Profits go to the Pancreatic Cancer Canada Foundation. “This limited edition one of a kind small enamel pin is now available for preorder at $5 each and is sure to make everyone speak in the form of a question?” said a Facebook statement from the Up Here crew. “We first made these enamel pins of Alex Trebek in 2017 as a special way of honouring our favourite Sudburian.” They're available online at uphere.com/shop. New orders ship March 27.
Wolves play final regular season home game Friday:
The Sudbury Wolves will host the Hamilton Bulldogs in their final home game of the regular season at 7:05 p.m. The Bulldogs will be looking for revenge, as the Wolves shut them out 4-0 this past Saturday in Hamilton. The Wolves picked up four of six points last weekend and will be looking to keep things rolling as they wrap up the regular season and prepare for the journey into the playoffs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen set a franchise record for most shutouts in a regular season Sunday with six and tied a franchise record for most shutouts in their career as a Wolf tying Mike Smith, Patrick Ehelechner and Franky Palazzese. The Bulldogs are currently ranked fourth in the Eastern division with 63 points in 66 games played. After Friday’s game, the Wolves will head to Peterborough to play the Petes on Saturday at 7:05 p.m., before travelling to Oshawa on Sunday to play the Generals at 6:05 p.m.
Friday Weather:
Some mixed precipitation to start the day, changing to periods of snow in the afternoon. Temperature steady near 2 for Friday. Periods of snow expected this evening with the low dipping to -7. Overnight low will feel like -13 with the wind chill. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
