Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Public Health Sudbury reports 32 new COVID-19 cases for March 1:
With a new week and a new month beginning, the Sudbury health unit reported that there are 32 new cases of COVID-19 in the area. It is the highest daily case count in the district since the pandemic began. Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) said there are now 85 cases being actively monitored, an upward change from the 53 cases being monitored on Sunday. Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, there have been 667 total COVID-19 cases reported to the Sudbury health unit. PHSD said 582 of those cases have been resolved locally. With respect to where the new cases occurred, the PHSD daily update page reported that 31 cases were found to have occurred within the Greater Sudbury Area with one new case added to the wider rural area of Sudbury district. In terms of possible causes of the new cases, PHSD reported 26 of the new cases listed as information pending or missing. Five cases were listed as being linked to an outbreak and one was listed as a close contact of a confirmed case.
Jean Hanson, Algonquin Road, Lo-Ellen schools all closed due to COVID-19:
Jean Hanson Public School, Algonquin Road Public School and Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School are all closed. Public Health Sudbury & Districts announced late Sunday night that it was dismissing the entire school community at Jean Hanson and Algonquin schools. All students, staff, and essential visitors who attend either Jean Hanson or Algonquin are advised to self-isolate and to contact a COVID-19 assessment centre to make arrangements to get tested as soon as possible. The dismissal of the schools is in addition to specific classrooms being dismissed last week and follows COVID-19 outbreak declarations at Jean Hanson Public School Feb. 27 and Algonquin Public School Feb. 28. The Rainbow District School Board also cancelled in-person learning at Lo-Ellen March 1 as the board assesses the impact of COVID-19. In an abundance of caution, classes will be delivered remotely, where possible. Updates about the remainder of the week will be shared with students and families. Full story here.
No comment: Former Laurentian president, board chairs refused or ignored interview requests:
Four Laurentian University leaders who were at the table as the post-secondary institution’s finances slid ever deeper into the red have either refused to speak to Sudbury.com about the situation or have ignored requests to speak with them. Both Michael Atkins and Floyd Laughren told Sudbury.com last week it would be inappropriate to comment on the situation. Laughren, a former Finance Minister and deputy premier in the Bob Rae government, joined the board in 2001 and served as chair from 2010 to 2013. Atkins, the former owner of Sudbury.com and a member of the Village Media board of directors, chaired the board of governors from 2013 to 2016, having joined around 2003 or 2004. Jennifer Witty, who chaired the board from 2016 to 2019, did not respond to messages left by Sudbury.com. Dominic Giroux, who was president of the university from 2009 to 2017, has not acknowledged any messages left for him by Sudbury.com requesting an interview about the university’s financial situation. More on this story here.
STC accepting registration for spring drama classes:
Registration is now open for Sudbury Theatre Centre’s spring term of drama classes, which begins March 20. The eight-week term will culminate in the presentation of a recital showcasing the participants’ talents. Academy classes are led by skilled instructors with extensive teaching backgrounds. Students are exposed to a wide range of games, exercises, and experiences that are tailored to any skill level. These education programs contribute to each student’s emotional, intellectual, and social development. Participation also helps to develop their self-confidence and problem-solving skills, and foster creative and critical thinking. Each class is limited to 15 students. Classes will be held in the STC auditorium to allow for appropriate physical distancing. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building and in the washrooms, which will be cleaned between classes. Find out how to register here.
Glencore workers in Sudbury reach tentative deal:
Glencore's Integrated Nickel Operations in Sudbury have reached a tentative agreement for a new collective agreement with office, clerical and technical employees represented by United Steelworkers Local 2020, Unit 6855. The prior agreement was to expire on Feb. 28, 2021. The union's bargaining committee will be presenting the offer of settlement online to members on March 1 at 7 p.m., followed by a ratification vote from 9 p.m. to midnight. “We are pleased that the company and the union have reached a tentative agreement," said Sudbury INO vice-president Peter Xavier in a Feb. 28 news release. "We can now focus on our pursuit of realizing a deep mining sustainable future for our operations. “Please join me in commending both teams for their professionalism and commitment in achieving this positive outcome.” Glencore's operating assets in the Sudbury basin include the Fraser Mine, Nickel Rim South Mine, Strathcona Mill and Sudbury Smelter.
Val Therese couple close to claiming $250K prize:
A Val Therese couple, one of whom works for an authorized lottery retailer, is closer to claiming their $250,000 prize. David and Sylvana Hamelin won the prize playing Instant Crossword Deluxe. Sylvana works for an authorized Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. retailer, and therefore this prize falls within OLG's definition of an ‘insider win’. “Sylvana did not purchase or validate the ticket at her place of employment,” OLG stated in a news release. An insider win triggers enhanced scrutiny of a prize claim, OLG explained. The Hamelins have completed the first step of a two-step process for insider wins. To complete the prize claim, the prize will be held for a 30-day waiting period as part of OLG's Insider Win process, in order for OLG to publicize the win. If there are no additional claims on this prize it will be paid to the claimants on March 30, 2021. The Hamelin’s winning ticket was purchased at Forget Minimart on Elmview Drive in Hanmer.
Fire destroys shed at Garson home:
Greater Sudbury Fire Services responded to a shed fire in the Garson area Monday afternoon. While crews were able to contain and extinguish the blaze, the damage to the shed was to the point of a total loss. Three stations responded to the fire and the flames were contained to the immediate area, with no nearby structures sustaining damage. GSFS Deputy Chief Jesse Oshell told Sudbury.com that the suspected cause of the fire was careless disposal of smoking materials. The estimated damage loss at this time is $15,000.
Tuesday Weather:
Cloudy day in the forecast with periods of snow expected. Mostly overcast to start the day with snow beginning early this afternoon. Daytime high will be sitting at around -6. It's going to feel like -25 with the wind chill this morning. Snow is expected to continue into the evening and overnight. Low will be steady at -5 overnight, feeling like -11. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
