Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
LHIN halts HSN budget, job cuts until third-party reviews plan:
The Health Sciences North board of directors has approved a $505.8-million budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, but it will not be implemented until a third-party independently reviews and approves the hospital's plans. The Northeast LHIN will conduct an independent review the approved budget as well as a systemic review of the pressures that the health system is experiencing. The LHIN says this is needed because it is concerned with the magnitude, pace and impacts of HSN’s plan to live within its means, according to a release from the hospital. In its 2018-19 budget, the board approved the 2019 construction completion of both the 4,800 sq. ft. PET-CT suite and the 28,000 sq. ft. Learners’ Centre. This budget includes no bed closures and a $1.4 million increase in clinical departments including a new pain management clinic. Additionally, the budget will cut 113 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs (37 fewer FTEs in management/non-unionized positions and 76 fewer FTEs in unionized positions). There will be a $6.9-million reduction in program expenses outside clinical departments and a 23-per-cent reduction to the capital budget for renovations, equipment, information technology. Find more on this story here.
French River man killed in snowmobile crash, Saturday:
A 59-year-old man from French River was killed after being involved in a snow machine collision on April 14 on the French River. On April 14, shortly before 6 p.m. officers from the West Parry Sound Detachment of the OPP responded to a snowmobile crash on the French River in Blair Township. The OPP investigation determined that a group of six snowmobiles were travelling together on the river. The lead snowmobile struck a rock and the operator was ejected from the machine. The driver, a 59-year-old man from French River, was killed in the crash. A post-mortem has been ordered by the attending coroner.
Police seize fentanyl powder in Regent Street bust:
Police surveillance of an apartment building on Regent Street on Saturday netted a small haul of Fentanyl power and six arrests. Three arrests were in connection with the illegal drugs, while the others were of people discovered at the scene already wanted on outstanding warrants. Police had received tips from informants that illegal drug activity was going on at the Regent Street address, information confirmed by “community members and city officials,” a news release said Monday. The police's Drug Enforcement Unit, Break Enter and Robbery Unit and the Tactical Unit executed three search warrants at multiple apartments at the Regent Street address, in the process seizing two grams of Fentanyl powder, 10.75 grams of cocaine and 1.5 methamphetamine pills. Total estimated value of drugs seized is $2,275, police said, plus $400 cash that was found.
MISSING: Police requesting assistance in locating missing teen:
The Greater Sudbury Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 17-year old, Seth Clark. He was last seen on Tuesday, April 10, in the area of Minnow Lake. There is a concern for his well-being as he has not had contact with any of his friends or family since that date. Seth is described as being 5-10, weighing around 170 lbs. with medium length brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black jacket and grey sweat pants with camouflage pants underneath. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705- 222-TIPS, online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com.
Dental and drug coverage, free tuition highlight NDP platform:
As the June provincial election nears, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released her party's campaign promises Monday, offering residents an array of expanded and new social programs. All Ontarians will have better health care and a more affordable life with pharmacare, dental care, more affordable education and free or low-cost child care under the plan, the party said in a news release. “Now is the time for change for the better,” Horwath is quoted as saying in the release. “This platform promises something completely different from the last couple decades of governments in Ontario. It lays out changes that put people at the heart of every decision. Find more here.
There's some light at the end of this snowy tunnel:
Had enough of this lovely "spring" weather we've been having? Fear not, because it looks like we may finally be getting some more seasonal weather in the not too distant future. It may be days away, and forecasts can turn on a dime, but Environment Canada is forecasting some real spring weather for the end of this week. Friday's forecast is calling for a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 8 degrees C. The weekend looks absolutely balmy compared to what we've been experiencing here in Sudbury for the past few weeks. Saturday looks mainly sunny with a high of around 10, and Sunday will see more of the same.
Orientation weekend offers first glimpse of Sudbury Wolves top draft pick Quinton Byfield:
The excitement at Sudbury Arena over the weekend was "electrical," according to Sudbury Wolves owner Dario Zulich. Everywhere in Ontario, hockey fans are buzzing about a handful of highly exceptional players born in 2002. Among them is Sudbury Wolves draft pick, Quinton Byfield. Some say he’s the next Connor McDavid - at 15 years old, 6’4, and averaging three points per game, he was round one, number one in the 2018 OHL draft and a top prospect for the 2020 NHL draft. The Wolves extended an invite to the public to come see the new recruits over the weekend and come out, they did. If you weren't able to make it out for free popcorn and a look, Sudbury.com has you covered. Check out Byfield taking the ice at the Sudbury Arena here.
Meet your Telus Cup Wolves: It's a left side two-fer rapid fire two Nickel Capital Wolves (Video)
Beginning April 23, Greater Sudbury will play host to Canada's National Midget AAA hockey championship. Over the course of 19 games scheduled at Sudbury Arena, Pacific, West, Central, Quebec and Atlantic regional champions will vie for the national Telus Cup title. Sudbury's own Nickel Capitals Wolves not only host the tournament, but will also be battling it out for the Telus Cup crown. In the run-up to the April 23 event, Sudbury.com is helping you learn a little more about the local players who will be representing the Nickel City at the national event. On Monday, we introduced you to two Wolves players: Left-winger Hunter Chiblow and left defenceman Peter Nykilchuk. Favourite pre-game meal? Name your mentor? Gretzky or Lemieux? Find out by watching the video here.
Tuesday Weather:
Periods of snow to start the day, ending in the morning then cloudy with 60 per cent chance of wet flurries or rain showers late in the morning and in the afternoon. Tuesday's high will get up to 3. Mainly cloudy this evening with a 30 per cent chance of flurries. Overnight low will get down to -3. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
