Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Arrest at a New Sudbury gas station part of outlaw biker bust:
It turns out that arrest at a New Sudbury Petro Canada station on Aug. 1 was related to a joint operation aimed at what police say is a network of drug-trafficking outlaw bikers. Greater Sudbury Police didn't release any information about the arrest yesterday, but Friday morning finally revealed a few details of what went on. GSPS was part of a joint operation involving Niagara Police Service, Ottawa Police Service and the OPP's Biker Enforcement Unit. The target: outlaw motorcylce clubs associated with the Hells Angels, namely Hells Angels Nomads, and the Red Devils Motorcycle Club and the Hooligans Motorcycle Club, both of which police say function as farm teams for the Hells Angels. "The multi-jurisdictional investigation related to drug trafficking involving the Hells Angels Nomads, Red Devils Motorcycle Club and the Hooligans Motorcycle Club resulting in numerous search warrants being executed and arrests being made in our community and in other jurisdictions," GSPS said in a release to media. Police said in order not to jeopardize other parts of the joint operation in other communities, it was necessary to withhold information from the public on Thursday. "However, we will be providing complete details to our media partners in the near future," GSPS said.
Police identify man who robbed a New Sudbury convenience store:
Greater Sudbury Police have identified the man responsible for the robbery of a convenience store on July 21. GSPS are seeking the assistance of the public to locate 28-year-old, Michael Mills, also known as “Spinelli". A warrant has been issued for Mills' arrest. Anyone with information related to his whereabouts is asked to contact 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers 705-222-TIPS (8477).
OPP assigns investigative unit to look into reports of B.C. murder suspects in the North:
While there hasn’t been a single credible sighting of B.C. murder suspects Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky in Ontario, dozens of unconfirmed reports from across the North put them in the province, such that the OPP has assigned an investigative unit to look into the claims. Police say they’ve received dozens of reports from Kapuskasing, Iron Bridge, Cochrane and Sudbury, none of which bore fruit. GSPS said in a statement Friday that if a sighting of the pair in Sudbury is confirmed, police will notify the community immediately. With “numerous reports” of suspicious vehicles and young men who bear a resemblance to McLeod and Schmegelsky, the OPP said Friday it has assigned an investigative unit to look into the sightings. More on this story here.
Back with the Pack: Stortini joins Wolves coaching staff:
The Sudbury Wolves have announced that alumni Zack Stortini has joined the organization as an assistant coach for the upcoming season, returning to the team that gave him his start in his hockey career nearly 20 years ago. The Elliot Lake native joined the Sudbury Wolves in 2001 and played four seasons with the team, amassing 120 points and racking up a whopping 746 penalty minutes. Stortini was drafted in the third round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, where he played all but one of his 257 NHL games. The big, bruising forward bounced around the American Hockey League from 2011 to 2019, with stints in Milwaukee, Hamilton, Norfolk, Lehigh Valley, Binghamton, San Jose and Charlotte. Get the full story here.
Check out Afrofest Sudbury in Bell Park this Saturday:
Bell Park will be buzzing with the sights and sounds of Afrofest Sudbury this Saturday, Aug. 3. This is a non-profit community event and is an annual festival aimed at celebrating Afro culture through music, food, dance, fashion, art and craft. The goal is to share an experience of the Afro culture. Afrofest Sudbury is a free event featuring performances by African inspired local talents and vendors. Festivities kick off at noon and will run until 4 p.m. More information can be found at afrofestsudbury.ca.
XTERRA: Conquer the Crater hits Kivi Park this weekend:
XTERRA: Conquer the Crater will be held at Kivi Park this weekend. Not only are 10 to 15 World Age Group spots up for grabs which allow people to compete at the 2019 XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, there will also be a number of family-friendly events including the “Kids of Steel” Duathlon and “Sudbury Saturday Night” Social with 46 North Brewing. The weekend will be full of live music, great food and drink beyond the athletic events. Full event schedule can be found here (https://www.sudbury.com/sports/xterra-conquer-the-crater-hits-kivi-park-this-weekend-1620770).
Many stores and services will remain open on Civic Holiday:
There's no need to worry about a lack of retail opportunities on Aug. 5. For most retail outlets in Greater Sudbury, including grocery stores, it will be business as usual, with a few exceptions. The New Sudbury Centre will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Walmart on Lasalle Boulevard will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., The Super Store on Lasalle Boulevard will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Independent Grocers throughout the city will be open, although their hours of operation vary depending on the location. Several municipal services are being affected by the holiday. Find out what services will be closed on Monday here.
