Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Sudbury Sec issues honourary diploma to famous alumni Alex Trebek:
While fans across the world have sent Alex Trebek good wishes since his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March, here in his hometown, we sent him something special: an honourary high school diploma. Trebek, the beloved host of Jeopardy!, was a fresh-faced Grade 9 student when he enrolled at Sudbury High in 1953, minus his famous mustache which came (and went) years later. Heather Downey, principal at what is now Sudbury Secondary School, said administrative assistant Barb Hamilton came up with the idea of sending Trebek an honourary high school diploma to go along with the real one he received in the 1950s. The idea cropped up when Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre was encouraging the community to sign a Greater Sudbury flag showing our support for Trebek and his health challenges. Get the full story here.
Sudbury council votes unanimously to declare climate emergency:
In a rare unanimous vote on a contentious issue, Greater Sudbury city council voted 13-0 on Tuesday to declare a climate emergency. Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh, who moved the motion, presented a petition signed by thousands of adults and hundreds of children in support of the declaration. Many of them were in council chambers, with dozens of other supporters forced to sit in chairs set up outside to handle the overflow crowd. “Children are asking adults to do something,” McIntosh said. “The number of people here tonight is a true reflection of how important this issue is.” The city has made some progress already, she said, such as using electric cars, solar panels, water protection measures and landfill reforms. In addition to helping the environment, McIntosh said fighting climate change saves taxpayers money in the long run, with insurance costs already rising because of extreme weather leading to a surge in claims. Her motion, seconded by Ward 4 Coun. Geoff McCausland and Ward 8 Coun. Al Sizer, would have city staff prepare a report before the end of the year outlining a plan on how to minimize the city's carbon footprint, with a goal of getting to zero by 2050. Full story can be found here.
Tempers flare as Ward 5 councillor tries to rope premier into KED battle:
Tempers flared at city council Tuesday night as frustration at the lengthy legal battle over the Kingsway Entertainment District emerged yet again. Councillors were debating a motion to move the new art gallery and library to a site on Shaughnessy Street, a move necessary if staff is to apply for funding from upper levels of government. The original plan was to build the facilities where Sudbury Arena is located on Elgin Street. But with the legal fight delaying building a new arena on The Kingsway, a new location was needed to proceed. Ward 5 Coun. Bob Kirwan introduced a motion to have Mayor Brian Bigger ask Premier Doug Ford to do what he can to bring the LPAT process to a conclusion. Kirwan said the downtown BIA and casino opponent Tom Fortin have served notice they will appeal to a higher court if they lose the LPAT fight, something that could delay the project for years. More on this story here.
HSN Foundation hires new chief fundraiser:
The Health Sciences North Foundation, the Health Sciences North Volunteer Association, the NEO Kids Foundation and the Northern Cancer Foundation have named Anthony Keating as their new president and chief development officer. Keating is an award-winning Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) who has served in fundraising leadership roles over the past 14 years with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Kids Help Phone, Seneca College and the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John’s, Nfld. Since 2016, he served as campaign director, Major Gifts, at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in Toronto where he successfully co-led a $50 million research campaign to completion a year ahead of schedule, and was also responsible for raising millions of dollars for Malignant Hematology priorities. In 2010, he received the “New to Fundraising Professional of the Year” award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). More on this story can be found here.
Wanted Wednesday: Man allegedly assaulted someone while at the hospital:
Greater Sudbury Police have an outstanding arrest warrant for 38-year-old Jason Robinson. It's alleged that on Sept. 28, 2018, Robinson assaulted someone while he was at the hospital. Robinson was on court-ordered conditions at the time of the assault. He is known to be in the Greater Sudbury Area. Jason Robinson is described as being 5-10 tall, about 170 lbs. with brown hair and hazel eyes. He is wanted for assault, and failure to attend court. Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to his arrest. 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).
St. Charles students raise money to crush cancer:
St. Charles College students and staff spent the day outside Wednesday raising money for the Northern Cancer Foundation. A sunny day with a nice breeze set the backdrop for the second Cards Crush Cancer event — an outdoor concert with a variety of other activities such as bubble soccer, an obstacle course, face painting, food trucks and water balloons. The concert was an opportunity to showcase student talent. Performing on stage throughout the day was the school rock band, the choir, soloists acts, as well as a teacher band. Teacher co-ordinators Jennifer Humphrey, Amanda Montgomery and Jessica Demore said St. Charles has a lot of support from its own community. “We're really lucky to have the school community that we do,” said Montgomery. This is the second year for Cards Crush Cancer. Last year, they raised $12,000. They were hoping to meet or exceed that amount this year.
Are they travelling in a Big Red Car? The Wiggles perform in Sudbury Oct. 17:
Australian children's musical entertainers The Wiggles have announced they will return to Greater Sudbury Oct. 17 during their Party Time Tour of Canada. The concert will take place starting at 6 p.m. at the Sudbury Arena, according to a poster about the concert issued by a local radio station. “CANADA! We cannot wait to bring our Party Time Tour to you!” the group said on their Facebook page. “Come and see Emma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony off the screen and on the stage! The Party Time Tour will feature Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and a brand new Wiggly friend, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn! You can sing and dance along to all your favourite classic Wiggles songs as well as plenty of new favourites!” An internet pre-sale takes place May 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (password PARTYTIME). The Wiggles' website said tickets officially go on sale May 31 at 10 a.m.
Thursday Weather:
Another beautiful sunny day on tap for Thursday. Clear and sunny skies throughout the day with the high hitting 19. Chilly temperatures will roll in this evening with the overnight low dropping all the way down to 3. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
