Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Crown fails in removing lawyers representing accused Renée Sweeney killer:
The Crown attorney's attempt to have Robert Steven Wright's counsel removed from the case has failed. The Crown attorney's office filed the motion in December to have Berk Keaney and Michael Venture removed from the case, citing a conflict of interest. A court-ordered publication ban prevents any details from being made public. Justice John Fregeau heard arguments from the Crown and defence in December, reserving his decision following a three-hour proceeding. Fregeau released that decision this week, although details of that decision aren't yet available. Wright is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Renée Sweeney in 1998.
Fortin: Casino Free Sudbury provides an update on the KED appeals process:
Tom Fortin shares his thoughts on where the KED appeals process in a column submitted to Sudbury.com. "When this is over the city will have spent three years and at least $3 million local tax dollars as they continue to spend while the future of the project is uncertain. We have learned intersection and road design is now underway which will cause a significant jump in the $2.14 million spent so far," writes Fortin. "Personally, I take no pleasure in this fight. It has, at times, been trying on both myself and my business through my inattention to it. However, it is important that it continues for the sake of our future. I am very optimistic as many in our community now realize the importance of participating in our evolution. This higher level of attention and engagement ensures the alternate solution will unite the community, be equitable for all, and make real economic sense." Read the full column here.
As Copper Cliff Italian Club turns 85, it invites in the community:
As it celebrates its 85th birthday in 2020, the venerable Copper Cliff Italian Club is taking steps to once again become the busy community busy hub it was in its earlier years. “We are planning to put more life into the place,” said general manager Marika Urso. The club, located in the Little Italy section of Copper Cliff, was built in 1935, at a time when Italians were forbidden from using other Copper Cliff recreational facilities, such as the Copper Cliff Club. There was a definite community divide in those days. If youth from the other side of town tried to cross the railroad tracks delineating Little Italy's boundaries, there were sometimes fights. Most families didn't have vehicles, so Little Italy residents needed their own community centre. The club was built on the site of an old church on Craig Street, which the men dismantled. Long gone are the cultural tensions — people of any background or who live elsewhere in the city are welcome to enjoy the club's facilities. Urso said the Copper Cliff Italian Club now has younger board members, and they've made some changes they hope will attract more people.
Cannabis cafés and smoking weed at festivals: The province wants your feedback:
You can legally buy cannabis products now, but there is still no equivalent of a bar licensed for alcohol consumption at which the public can smoke or consume cannabis. The province announced this week it is opening public consultations to help decide the question of cannabis lounges and cafés where the now-legal drug could be consumed, as well as to decide the question of special events permits for cannabis. The goal, the province said in a news release, is to provide "consumers more choice and convenience on cannabis while giving the private sector enhanced ability to compete against and combat the criminal market." Full story here.
Watch the Wolves on Friday and support services for the homeless:
Watch the Sudbury Wolves try to take a bite out of the Sarnia Sting on Feb. 14 and support local services for the homeless at the same time this week. This Friday is the second of two games that are part of the Play It Forward partnership between the Wolves organization, the Samaritan's Centre, the Blue Door Soup Kitchen and the Elgin Street Mission. The first was Feb. 9. Proceeds from the games provide operational funds for the three organizations at that share the Samaritan Centre building on Elgin Street downtown. Friday's game starts at 7:05 p.m.
Dynamic Earth digs into the changing world of permafrost:
Not only is Dynamic Earth poised to open for the season this weekend, it will also make public its newest exhibit, Under the Arctic: Digging into Permafrost. The exhibit will help answer questions like, "What is permafrost and how is it affected by climate change?" Under the Arctic explores the subject of climate change, as viewed through the lens of a thawing Arctic, using hands-on activities such as puzzles, games and real artifacts such as a mammoth tooth and bison skull. Check out Sudbury.com's inside look at the exhibit here.
Wednesday Weather:
It's going to be a mild start to the day, with temperatures plummeting tonight. Mainly cloudy Wednesday with some flurries beginning in the afternoon. Daytime high will be sitting at around -3 today. Flurries expected this evening, ending after midnight then cloudy. There is a risk of snow squalls in the evening. Overnight low will drop down to -20, feeling like -29 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.
