Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
As her campaign struggles, Wynne visits Sudbury with promises and praise:
Full of praise for MPP Glenn Thibeault — and $150 million in new money for the NOHFC – Premier Kathleen Wynne rolled into Sudbury on Wednesday with two weeks left in the provincial election. With the Liberals polling in third place – more than 10 per cent behind the New Democrats and Progressive Conservatives – Wynne took aim at both parties, portraying both as having platforms dangerous to Ontario. She said the NDP would cut $85 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, describing them as hostile to the business community. If re-elected June 7, Liberals plan to increase NOHFC funding to $150 million a year by 2020-21, she said. Since she became premier, the fund has helped create or maintain 15,000 jobs in the North, she said. Find the full story here.
Priests appeal $2.5M award in sex abuse case:
Less than a month after a Toronto judge awarded a Sudbury man $2.5 million for compensation for the abuse he endured at the hands of a Catholic priest, lawyers for the church announced they were appealing the verdict. In a statement on their website, the Basilian Fathers write they don't believe the monetary award is “legally sound or justified.” Specifically, they are appealing the $500,000 awarded in punitive damages and $1.58 million in lost income. “The Basilian Fathers are not appealing the awards for general and aggravated damages, nor for the amount awarded for counselling costs,” the statement said. “Those amounts will be paid to Mr. MacLeod shortly.” The case centred on Father William Hodgson Marshall, who was convicted in 2011 of abusing 17 students at schools over a 38-year period. Marshall, who worked in Rochester, Toronto, Windsor, Sudbury, and Sault Ste. Marie, was reported a total of six times over his career but continued in his role as a priest and teacher. Full story can be found here.
Free HIV tests, naloxone training at Sudbury Women's Centre on May 30:
Every Wednesday evening, upwards of 40 women gather at the Sudbury Women's Centre for its Sisters Offering Support (SOS) program. The program offers free access to the centre's clothing room, arts and crafts, snacks and a once-a-month bingo evening. But it also has a more serious purpose. “It's to be able to talk to other women in the community,” said Sudbury Women's Centre executive director Giulia Carpenter. “As you're doing an activity, you're more apt to talk about things and maybe be able to help someone else.” On Wednesday, May 30, there will be a very special edition of the SOS program. The Sudbury Women's Centre is partnering up with Réseau Access Network to offer HIV testing and naloxone training. Naloxone is a medication that blocks the effects of opioid drugs. It is administered to patients particularly in the case of an overdose. There will also be a free barbecue, bingo, and, as always, access to the clothing room. The hope is that the event will introduce Réseau Access Network clients to the services offered by the Sudbury Women's Centre.
Timmins police make arrest in second case of a body found in a burned vehicle:
Timmins Police Service has arrested a 41-year-old man for murder in the case of human remains found in a burned vehicle in the Northern Ontario city. Richard (“Ricky”) Green of Schumacher was arrested “without incident” late Tuesday afternoon, police said. He has been charged with second degree murder, indignity to a dead body, arson and theft of a motor vehicle. The charges stem from a May 18 incident where Timmins police were called to the scene of a vehicle fire in the Gold Centre area of the city. After the flames were put out, police say human remains were located inside the car. It is hoped a post-mortem examination will confirm the identity of the victim.
Twiggs brews up luminary fundraiser for Relay for Life team:
A local coffee shop is looking to shed a little light on the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life. On May 24, the Twiggs Coffee Roaster Relay for Life team will be lighting up the patio of the coffee shop with luminaries to remember those who have lost their fight, to celebrate survivors and to commit to raising funds. The event happens from 4-11 p.m. There will be live music, and guests can donate money to receive a luminary to light up the balcony.
Thursday Weather:
It's going to be a hot one out there today. Thursday will be mainly sunny with the high soaring up to 29. Increasing cloudiness as we head into the evening with a 40 per cent chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm overnight. Evening low will be around 17. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
