Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Paul McColeman back in court today:
A convicted pedophile will be back in court this morning as the process moves forward to have him declared either a dangerous offender or a long-term offender. Following Paul McColeman's conviction on more than 30 charges, the Crown indicated would pursue one of the designations for the 45-year-old Espanola man. The first hearing in that process takes place Sept. 14 in Sudbury. McColeman, 45, was found guilty in June of dozens of charges, including communication for the purpose of child prostitution, luring children, sexual exploitation and indecent exposure involving 17 male minors from 2006 to late June 2014 in Espanola.
Wynne takes centrestage at bribery trial:
A lacklustre showing in the June 2014 election and policy differences were among the reasons Premier Kathleen Wynne wasn't excited to have Andrew Olivier be the party's candidate in the 2015 byelection, the premier testified in Sudbury court Wednesday. With the courtroom packed with media and others for the first time, and with a phalanx of cameras and reporters waiting outside, Wynne testified that Olivier's stance on merging school boards was contrary to the party's policy. Plus they had lost the riding, despite winning a majority government. “He hadn't been a great candidate in the general election,” Wynne said. “But this was a young man interested in politics, and we wanted to keep him involved.” Find more on this story here.
University of Sudbury to unveil new arbour:
The University of Sudbury will host a special ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 14 to unveil the new Nishnaabe-gkendaaswin Teg arbour (previously referred to as the Sacred Fire Arbour). The event begins at 11:15 a.m. at the University's main enterance and guests will then walk to the arbour for a pipe ceremony, fire lighting, and a spirit plate offereing. The unveiling is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Check back with Sudbury.com later today for coverage of this event.
Man wanted for mischief, harassment, threats:
Greater Sudbury Police have an outstanding warrant for the arrest of Darren Saile. The 44-year-old Sudbury man of no fixed address is wanted on several charges. Saile is wanted on a mischief charge for an incident that happened Aug. 21. He is also wanted on charges of uttering threats, criminal harassment, three counts of breaching probation and one count of breaching a recognizance to keep the peace. Saile stands 6-1 and weighs 220 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Hospice receives French language designation:
Maison McCulloch Hospice board members held a small celebration at their annual general meeting on Sept. 11 in honour of being officially designated under the French Language Services Act. While the hospice has been offering services to their francophone residents for years, this designation now establishes the hospice as a bilingual facililty where offering service in both English and French is listed as a best practice. The process of attaining this designation began back in 2013 in an effort to better serve a region where nearly a quarter of its residents identify as francophone. More on this story can be found here
Funding from United Way changed his life for the better:
Jon Sanderson and his mother were victims of domestic violence and were afraid to stand up to the man who was abusing them until neighbour and Sudbury Youth Rocks director, Joel Mackey, placed a call to children services. Sanderson credits the Sudbury Youth Rocks program for changing his life and it wouldn't have been possible without agency funding from the United Way. Sanderson, who suffers from severe anxiety and depression, said he found himself again when he enrolled in the Sudbury Youth Rocks program, which not only teaches music, but also life skills and self-esteem to young people in Sudbury. "It wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the dedicated support we have from the John Howard Society and United Way," Sanderson said. During the annual campaign launch on Sept. 13, which was held at the Northern Water Sports Centre, the United Way introduced this year's campaign chair, Kevin O'Connor. O'Connor, the vice-president and branch manager at RBC Dominion Securities in Sudbury, served vice-chair of the campaign last year.
Laurentian Faculty Association nearing strike mandate vote:
The Laurentian University Faculty Association has been without a collective agreement since June 30, and membership will be voting on a strike mandate on Sept. 15. One day ahead of voting on a strike mandate, LUFA will host a "come to the table BBQ" on Sept. 14, inviting Laurentian regular and sessional professors, librarians, and students of the Laurentian community. On Sept. 2 — the day before students returned to class — 90 per cent of Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) members voted to give their union a strike mandate. Jean-Charles Cachon, a Laurentian commerce professor and LUFA's secretary/treasurer, said the union's three-year contract with the university expired July 1. The two sides have been in negotiations since May, and worked out many non-monetary issues. However, they haven't been able to come to an agreement with regards to wage hikes and workload.
Thursday weather:
The beautiful weather will keep up for at least another few days. Thursday's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 25. A few clouds this evening with no rain and sight and a low near 13. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
