Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Man charged in stabbing back in court today:
The man facing two attempted murder charges in a stabbing in June is expected to resolve his charges Tuesday. Alex Stavropoulos, 25, is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on Dec. 17 where he is expected to enter a plea or pleas. Stavropoulos is charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and one count of breaching probation. Sudbury.com will bring you coverage from today's court appearance so be sure to check back with us.
A stolen toilet seat and the public washroom challenges faced by trans people:
Jay Allan was left feeling humiliated and dehumanized after an incident at the downtown Sudbury transit terminal on Dec. 1 when a security guard refused to allow him to use the women's washroom. And now he's considering filing a human rights complaint against the security company in charge of keeping the city's downtown transit terminal safe. Allan is a pre-op transgender man who identifies as male, and was at the downtown transit terminal at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. He needed to use the washroom, but upon entering the men's room found that the facilities couldn't accommodate him. "There were two people doing drugs, so I waited for them to leave," said Allan. "When it was my turn I walked in and saw that there was no toilet seat." Allan asked a G4S security guard if it was possible to put a toilet seat in the stall, but was told that homeless people keep stealing them. He then asked if he would be able to use the women's washroom and was told by security that he wasn't allowed. Full story here.
No One Eats Alone Christmas dinner moves to Northbury Hotel this year:
If you're looking to eat Christmas dinner in a communal setting, perhaps you'd like to check out the No One Eats Alone Dinner. The fifth annual event returns for another year Dec. 25. Previously hosted by the Italian Club in Copper Cliff, it will be held at the Northbury Hotel this year. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $10 each. RSVP before Dec. 21. For reservations or to volunteer, contact Beverley Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 705-675-5602. The event is hosted in conjunction with Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini.
Artist, architect, activist: Gallery 6500 packed for memorial exhibit to Oryst Sawchuk:
The United Steelworkers Hall Gallery 6500 has continued its tradition of featuring "art that matters" in its latest installation, Pretty Pictures, Passionate Perspectives by the late Oryst Sawchuk. Friends, family and fans gathered at the grand opening Saturday to experience the pieces in a new light and share their fond memories of their creation and creator. Among them was Vicki Gilhula, life partner of Sawchuk's for the past 25 years, who described the man as a prolific artist and passionate social activist. Full story here.
Island coastal towns brace for record high water levels:
News that Manitoulin waterfronts could be facing a spring rise of upwards of 30 centimetres in comparison to last year has the Northeast Town planning ahead for the possible disruption to its port. Northeast Town CAO Dave Williamson expressed concern to council during its preliminary budget deliberations, explaining that an increase in water levels will mean an additional expense to the municipality. He pointed to the United States Army Corps of Engineers projection that Lakes Michigan and Huron could rise by 30 centimetres in March compared to the same time last year. “We have to take the approach that we’re going to lose a large chunk of our town docks,” he told The Manitoulin Expositor. As such, the municipality has applied for climate adaptation support from FedNor which would be used to purchase two additional floating finger docks that would be installed downtown to replace the lost dockage along the town wall that would, if predictions come true, be underwater. Full story can be found here.
Canadians host first annual food drive game Thursday:
On Thursday, Dec. 19, the Rayside Balfour Canadians hockey team will be hosting its first annual Christmas Food Drive Game. The pesky Espanola Express will be in town to face the Canadians. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Chelmsford Arena. All fans are asked to donate a non-perishable food item to the local food bank. All fans making a donation will be eligible to win a Christmas gift basket courtesy of the Royal Bank. Royal Bank volunteers will be on-hand to accept food donations and provide a complimentary ticket to win the Christmas gift basket that will include RBC swag and free Canadians ticket vouchers.
HSN celebrates the festive season with tree lighting Wednesday:
The public is invited to Health Sciences North Foundation’s first annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. outside the main hospital entrance. Get into the holiday spirit as the 12-foot tree lights up in blue and white lights thanks to community donations. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while listening to student carolers from École St-Denis. There is still time to purchase a bulb to help illuminate the tree. Bulbs are $10 for one or $25 for three, and come with a personalized snowflake to add to the tree. Each purchase will have double the impact as Snow Squad will match all funds raised. To learn more, visit hsnfoundation.com or call 705-523-7130.
Tuesday Weather:
Mainly cloudy Tuesday with a 40 per cent chance of flurries late in the morning and early afternoon. Tuesday's higgh will be sitting at -5, feeling like -8 with the wind chill. Overcast into the evening with 40 per cent chance of flurries early in the evening. Clearing overnight with the low dropping to -19, feeling like -26. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
