Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Rumours swirling about possible layoffs at Vale's Sudbury operations:
With rumours swirling of possible layoffs at Vale's Sudbury operations, Steelworkers Local 6500 president Rick Bertrand said he was meeting with his membership Wednesday. Even though he knows the atmosphere is stressful, he wanted to advise them to keep their minds on the job so they come home safely at the end of their shifts. “There hasn't been anything issued that if there's going to be any layoffs,” said Bertrand, who represents 2,700 Vale production and maintenance workers. “Obviously there's a lot of rumours going around, and there's a lot of talk going around." With nickel prices hovering between US$4 and $5 over the past couple of months, Vale is taking a financial hit, Bertrand said. In July, Vale's net income dropped drastically to $16 million from $1.1 billion in the same quarter a year earlier. Full story can be found here.
Animal cruelty case back in court in October:
Two people charged in a high-profile animal cruelty case will be back in court in October for the next step in their criminal case. Cody Morin, 20, was in Sudbury court Wednesday. He's charged along with Chelcea Martin, 18, after a video emerged online in June showing a dog named Chico being forced to eat his own feces and repeatedly punched and kicked. A handful of protestors again gathered outside in support of Chico, as they have during previous court appearances in July and earlier this month. The pup has since been adopted, along with another dog in the home. Full story can be found here.
Wanted Wednesday: Police searching for Roland Trudeau:
The Sudbury OPP Detachment has outstanding warrants for the arrest of 24-year-old Roland Trudeau. It is alleged that on April 6, 2016, Trudeau was driving a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. He is known to frequent the city of Greater Sudbury and the Wikwemikong First Nation. Trudeau is wanted for: Driving While Impaired, Driving with Over 80 Milligrams, Fail to Attend Court, Driving While Under Suspension, Speeding. He is described as 5-11, 160 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. If you know this person and where he is presently located, you are urged to call the Crime Stoppers tip line toll-free at 1-800-222-tips or locally at 705-222-TIPS (8477).
Swimming advisory issued for Bell Park beach:
A swimming advisory has been issued for the Amphitheatre Beach in Bell Park. As a result of routine water samples exceeding the acceptable bacteriological water quality standards, the Sudbury & District Health Unit has posted swimming advisory signs to inform the public that the beach water quality is not suitable for recreational use at this time. A swimming advisory is a precautionary notice that informs the public about specific risks to health and safety.
Manhole fire downtown knocks out power to nearly 400 customers:
Power was interrupted to 385 customers in the downtown core for about an hour Wednesday afternoon as a result of a manhole fire on Paris Street at Larch. "As is normal practice when live electricity may be involved in or near an active fire, City of Greater Sudbury Fire Services asked Greater Sudbury Hydro to interrupt power flowing to that point, so the fire could be safely extinguished," said a news release from Greater Sudbury Utilities. Preliminary reports indicate cardboard in the manhole somehow ignited, causing the fire. Southbound traffic on Paris Street was reduced to one lane while crews were on site between Cedar Street and Larch Street.
Cutting-edge arts and culture project kicks off on Thursday:
Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) will host a coffeehouse exhibit on Aug. 17 to launch its new arts and culture project, Uncovering Recovery: The Past, Present and Future of Mental Health Recovery in Canada. Thursday's coffeehouse exhibit is a free event and is open to the public. Local businesspeople, artists, makers, and anyone interested in attending one or more of the workshops are encouraged to attend. This exhibit gets underway at 8 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. at NISA (36 Elgin St. second floor). Find more on this story here.
World champion DJ spins at The Fromagerie this weekend:
Production and DJ masters Fresh Kils and Vekked are taking their unmatched skills on the road this summer, sporting an incendiary live show, in-depth workshops, and smiles galore. The pair will be performing this Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Fromagerie on Elgin. Vekked is an internationally acclaimed five-time World Champion DJ and producer who fuses new school technology with true school DJ skills. He consistently adds to his creative repertoire and pushes the boundaries of technicality and musicality with his sets and productions. From behind the boards to the stage, there's not a spot of ground Fresh Kils' prolific career hasn't touched. And its not just hip-hop. The likes of rappers like Saigon, Fabolous and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (ATCQ) grace his resume, but you'll also find the likes of Ron Sexsmith and The Buena Vista Social Club. More on this story can be found here.
Thursday weather:
Rain showers are expected for Thursday and to continue through until Friday. There may be some sunny skies to start the day, but rain clouds should arrive in the afternoon, followed by rain and a risk of a thunderstorm. Thursday's high will be 22, dropping to a low near 18 in the evening. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
