Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
July 9 storm aftermath: GSU will pay for damage they caused to access power lines:
Greater Sudbury Utilities will cover the cost of repairing damage to yards it created while trying to access power lines in the wake the July 9 storm. That's the message Wendy Watson, director of communications for Greater Sudbury Utilities, is telling residents affected by the storm. “If we had to damage someone's property to get to a back lot, or even a front lot, to get to our lines to repair them, we are going to pay to fix it,” she said. “I can't say that plainly enough. “We had to drive some heavy equipment through people's backyards. We've all seen the photos and video on the news, and we did everything we could to be respectful of people's property. Residents were fantastic, for the most part, given it's a very emotional time for them.” Greater Sudbury Utilities wants to hear from those residents whose property was access by hydro crews to repair lines, she said. If the homeowner was asked to remove part of their fence, or if hydro workers had to remove the fence, then those are the people who need to contact the utility.
Sudbury couple killed in plane crash were dedicated Air Cadet officers:
There will be a celebration of life this Friday, July 20, for a Sudbury couple who died in a plane crash in West Nipissing on July 10. Gérald and Sharlene Levasseur were both retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces in the 200 Wolf Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. Sharlene served nine years as an officer, attaining the rank of lieutenant. In particular, she loved supporting the aviation program as well as coaching cadets in biathlon and range competitions. The squadron and the youth became an extended part of her family, to whom she was dedicated and would do anything to support them as they developed into young adults. Gerry served 15 years as an officer, including as commanding officer, attaining the rank of captain. He shared with the youth his passion for aviation and range, and dedicated his time to ensuring cadets had the opportunity to experience the thrill of flight. He also coached the biathlon team inspiring the youth to try something new as a team. Together, Sharlene and Gérald spent their spare time camping, fishing and flying. They loved spending time with their children and grandchildren and were always happy, loving and caring towards all. The Levasseur family will receive friends July 20 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Greater Sudbury Airport. A celebration of Sharlene and Gerry’s life with words of remembrance will follow at 4 p.m.
Drop-in play program Wednesday nights at New Sudbury playground:
Families are encouraged to get together with neighbours for Stay and Play, a pilot program of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge and the City of Greater Sudbury. Stay and Play is an unstructured, drop-in program at municipal playgrounds. Volunteers will be on site during each session to open playground buildings for access to washrooms and water. Families can borrow playground equipment including balls, skipping ropes, pylons, hoops, chalk, and a portable sound system to organize their own activities ranging from soccer or basketball to obstacle courses or a dance party. Downe Playground, located at 1311 Gemmell St., will host the City of Greater Sudbury’s first Stay and Play program on Wednesday evenings between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult to sign out equipment.
He’s a he, he’s from Kansas City and he’s The Five’s head coach. What we can’t tell you is his name:
The Sudbury Five have narrowed their head coach search down and have found the one. Sudbury’s new professional basketball team had everybody talking when they unveiled their name and brand in May, but that was just a first step in a long journey to get the team ready to compete in the upcoming National Basketball League of Canada season. The next step was to name a head coach. Vice President of Basketball Operations Bob Johnston had originally said they wanted to make a decision in June, however the process took a little bit longer than anticipated. That said, the team has found its coach. “I can tell you the search is complete, we have issued a contract to the individual and the contract has to go to the league for 10 days to be approved and ratified. He will be here in Sudbury, reporting July 30,” said Johnston. The team will hold a press conference on Aug. 8 to unveil their choice. Find the full story here.
Local food just a click away: You’ve got to check out Click Fork Farms, the region’s new online farmers’ market:
This time of year, more than any other, gives the people of Northern Ontario something to get excited about when it comes to their food. Gone are the mealy, orange tomatoes that sit on the grocery store shelves, and returned are the juicy and flavourful tastes of the seasons, complete with the joy of supporting local farmers. But if you can’t make it out to the farmers’ market to wander the stalls, or drive out to the farmers themselves for delicious, pasture raised meat and fowl, then four farmers in the region have the answer for you. And it’s only a click … fork … away. Click Fork - Northeastern Online Farmer’s Market came from the loss of Eat Local Sudbury, a central location for farmers in the area to sell their goods. Find out more about the new online farmer's market here.
Idylwylde Invitational underway for 71st time:
The 71st edition of the Idylwylde Invitational got underway on Thursday, July 19. Once again, many of the top amateurs in North America will be vying for the prestigious title of winner of Canada's longest-running match play golf tournament. This tournament will teed off on Thursday with a practice round, and the final round is slated for Sunday, July 22. It may be a tougher slog for the golfers who took part in last year's tournament, as they were treated to ideal conditions at the 2017 Invitational. The forecast for both Friday and Saturday is calling for chances of rain showers and a risk of a thunderstorm. Last year's tournament hosted a total of 192 golfers.
Friday Weather:
A mix of sun and cloud for Friday with a 30 per cent chance of showers late in the afternoon with risk of a thunderstorm. Friday's high will get up to 29, feeling like 34 with the humidity. Mainly cloudy this evening with 60 per cent chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm. Low will get down to around 17. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
