February 09- News

100.7 News:

Greater Sudbury Police are trying to piece together the events leading up to the suspicious death of a Quebec man in a Hanmer home over the weekend. Police and paramedics were called to the home at about 3:10 Saturday morning. There was a disturbance at the home when police and paramedics arrived to find the man not breathing and unresponsive. The man did not reside at the home and was confrontational with the occupants. An autopsy was conducted on Sunday but police have not released any details. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of his family. Police have not released any further details including if the deceased knew the occupants of the home.

The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office has been called in to investigate a suspicious fire at an apartment on the Kingsway. A resident living near the building called 911 after seeing smoke coming from a window of the building’s third floor at about 4:45 Sunday morning. Firefighters were able to put out the fire containing it to that one unit which was vacant at the time of the fire. No one was injured. Police are calling the fire suspicious.

A French news agency is reporting that the Canadian government has obtained video footage of two Canadian diplomats who went missing in Niger last December. The video reportedly shows Robert Fowler, a missing UN envoy and his assistant, Louis Guay introducing themselves while armed men appear in the background. The two Canadians went missing, along with their driver, when returning from a gold mine on December 14th. Their car was found abandoned, with the engine still running. The video, which has been handed over to Canadian authorities, allegedly has Fowler asking for a response to the demands of his kidnappers but doesn’t provide any more details.

An audit reveals the Canada Revenue Agency has issued at least $3 million in pay cheques to people who don't work there. The report suggests the problem dates back to at least 1999 and has been getting worse in recent years. During the 2005-2006 fiscal year, 1,922 people received pay they didn’t deserve. The number rose to 2,258 in the following year. By February last year, the outstanding amount not yet returned to the agency had reached $3 million, up from $2.2 million two years earlier. Overpayments generally occur after employees leave the agency or through errors or omissions with their pay cheques. A sampling of 258 pay transactions from October 2006 to June 2007 found 13 had incorrect amounts paid to employees, four with errors in excess of $5,000.00. Senior managers told the auditors they will decide by next month on an acceptable level of overpayments, and begin to monitor the problem quarterly to ensure the amounts are within established limits -- in effect, acknowledging that mistakes will continue to be made.

Towering flames continued to rip through southern Australia on Sunday, killing at least 128 people and consuming entire towns as crews struggled to battle the country's deadliest-ever wildfires. At least 30 fires are still burning out of control in Victoria state. Bone-dry conditions, searing winds and daytimes highs up to 47C have made conditions almost impossible. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has called in the army to assist firefighters and residents and he pledged 10 million Australian dollars ($8 million CND) in emergency aid. In some cases virtually entire communities have been devastated by the fires. The Victoria Country Fire Service estimates that about 2,200 square kilometers of land have been burned out. Officials expect the death toll to continue to rise. The cause of the fires is not yet known however, there is suggestion they may have been deliberately set. The previous worst fire disaster in the country was in 1983 when 75 people died and more than 3,000 homes were destroyed.

100.7 SPORTS:
Jessica Gregg won her first World Cup gold medal in an individual event Sunday in Sofia, Bulgaria, but there was plenty more where that came from. By the end of the day, Canada had won four gold medals to go with the three bronzes they took home Saturday.

At the junior curling championship, Manitoba's rink skipped by Kaitlyn Lawes defended her title Sunday, defeating Ontario's Rachel Homan 7-4 in the women’s final. Lawes scored three in the 10th end to break the 4-4 tie. Lawes and her team will now represent Canada at the 2009 world junior curling championships in March in Vancouver.

Buffalo Sabres all-star Thomas Vanek will be sidelined three to four weeks after having surgery Sunday to repair a fractured jaw. Vanek was injured during Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators when he took a slapshot to the face. Vanek currently sits with 32 goals ranking him third in the league.

The Manitoulin Islanders faced off at home against the North Bay Skyhawks finishing off the night with a 5-4 win in the shootout. Saturday the Islanders were in the Soo to face off against the Eagles with a devastating 7-3 loss. In Sunday afternoon’s game the Islanders fought hard against the Blind River Beavers with the Beavers pulling out the win 3-2 in overtime. Next home game is 7:30 this Friday against the Blind River Beavers.

February 06- News

100.7 News:

Yesterday Premier Dalton McGuinty named Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown Parliamentary Assistant for Northern Development and Mines. Brown’s job will now be to work alongside Minister Gravelle to carry out the government’s agenda. Brown will often be assigned special projects and develop policy proposals for the government. In the legislature, he will represent Minister Gravelle during debate on government bills. Brown says he looks forward to working with northern communities and industry to “help build a sustainable economy in the North”.
The City of Greater Sudbury is warning motorists that they can expect traffic delays on the Kingsway today from 7am until 7pm. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Cochrane Street and Laking Toyota for asphalt repairs, the city said in a release.

A 60-year-old woman who flew to India for in vitro fertilization has given birth to twins in a Calgary hospital, igniting a prickly ethical over fertility treatments for women older than 50. Ranjit Hayer delivered her two boys seven weeks premature by caesarean section on Tuesday. Hayer is recovering in intensive care and the twins are in neo-natal intensive care. Hayer had tried to conceive children for years but suffered several miscarriages. Fertility clinics in Canada denied in vitro to Hayer based on her age.

Ontario's ombudsman Andre Marin says the provincial government may have to consider banning retailers and other insiders from playing lottery games. Marin is giving the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation six months to stop “rampant fraud” by dishonest lottery insiders. If they can’t, Marin says he will recommend the government ban insiders from playing. Marin’s comments came on the heels of a report that lottery insiders in Ontario hit jackpots totaling $198 million over the past 13 years.

USA Swimming has sent a strong message out to the public after suspending Michael Phelps from competition for three months. This latest move is part of the fallout from a photo that showed the 8-time Olympic great inhaling from a marijuana pipe. USA Swimming also cut off its financial support to Phelps during that three-month period. The photo published Sunday by News of the World, a British tabloid has resulted in cereal and snack maker Kellogg Co. announcing it will not renew the sponsorship contract with Phelps. Phelps didn’t dispute the photo and has acknowledged “regrettable” behaviour and “bad judgment”.

100.7 SPORTS:

Despite having played a solid game, a late penalty finished off the Ottawa Senators. PJ Axelsson scored in the fifth round of a shootout and the league leading Boston Bruins beat the Sens 4-3 last night. The Sens are now 1-5 in the shootout this season.

Jessica Dube and her partner Bryce Davison of Cambridge, Ontario fought their way back to win a silver medal at the ISU Four Continents figure skating championships at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. Early in their free program yesterday Dube caught her skate blade in the boards but managed to put it behind her so she and Davison ended the day with their season best 121.26 points. Patrick Chan of Toronto scored a near record short program to take the lead in the men’s singles.

The Toronto Raptors received some good news Thursday as they learned that they would not be without their two biggest stars for an extended stretch. Chris Bosh suffered no structural damage to his knee on Wednesday’s loss and Jose Calderon is probable in today’s game against the Hornets after nursing a sore hamstring.

February 05- News

100.7 News

Greater Sudbury Police are looking for three males seen standing outside a burning vehicle on North Shore Drive around midnight Sunday. Police have indicated the eyewitness these three males could provide is critical to their ongoing investigation. Sudbury resident Bob Leore, 63, died in the car. He was plants general foreman for the former Regional Municipality of Sudbury and was active in baseball and hockey circles. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

A cell phone and GPS technology helped save a lost snowmobiler in the early morning hours on Thursday, January 22nd. The East Algoma OPP received a call at approximately 1:30am for help in locating a lost snowmobiler who got lost on a trail near Spragge. When the woman became lost, she stopped, remained stationary and called OPP on her cell phone. The police used the GPS feature in her cell phone to locate her. Police are reminding anyone venturing into the wilderness to not travel alone, carry appropriate safety gear, dress for the weather and carry a GPS unit or cell phone to assist you.

The Hudson's Bay Company announced yesterday it will layoff 1,000 employees in both retail and administration. The cuts are expected to save one of North American’s oldest companies about $150 million in 2009. The Hudson’s Bay Company, which was founded in 1670, comprises the Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters and Fields stores and employs about 60,000 people at 600 retail outlets in Canada. Combined with a global recession and increased competition from big box retailers like Wal Mart will make a recovery from a sluggish holiday season and slow first quarter difficult.

Health Canada has recalled Safety 1st baby gates manufactured by Dorel Industries Inc. because they pose a falling hazard when mounted at the top of stairs. Parents are advised to immediately stop using the SmartLight Stair Gates that were manufactured in China before December 31st, 2007. The gate is white metal with a grey handle and a motion sensor night light. About 58,000 have been sold in Canada between December 2004 and January 2009. If you have questions contact Dorel Distribution Canada at 1-866-690-2540 or visit their website at dorel.com.

President Barack Obama has set a US$500,000 pay cap for senior executives at financial institutions that receive money from the federal economic bailout package. The salary limit will apply to all those financial institutions that have signed agreements with the Treasury Department for assistance including AIG, Bank of America and Citi. Obama’s announcement reflected the feeling of the average American who resent massive bonuses to executives of companies seeking bailout funds. This past year Wall Street firms handed out more than $18 billion in bonuses even as the economic slump worsened.

100.7 SPORTS:

The Buffalo Sabres returned home last night to take on the lifeless Toronto Maple Leafs. Ryan Miller stopped only 16 shots all night to record his second straight shutout for the Sabres with a solid 5-0 win over the Leafs. Tomas Vanek scored a hat tick for the Sabres.

The Toronto Raptors were at home last night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant scored 36 points to give the Lakers the win 115-107 over the Raptors. Raptors’ all-star Chris Bosh left the game early in the fourth quarter with a sprained right knee.

At the world junior curling championship the Northern Ontario men’s rink suffered two losses yesterday, the first to Nova Scotia, the second to Alberta now putting them into a tie 6-2 with Alberta, New Brunswick and PEI. On the women’s side, Ontario’s team sits 7-1 after a tight win 6-5 over PEI

February 04- News

100.7 News:

Greater Sudbury Police arrested a 44-year old man and 51-year old woman after finding them in possession of $1,000 worth of stolen jewelry and $800 of prescription medication. The two were located by police in a truck on Paris Street on Monday evening. Police believe the jewelry is believed to have been stolen from a local business. Both have been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property and breach of probation.

Police have charged a 16-year-old snowmobile driver with careless driving after he struck two pedestrians and a dog. The accident occurred in Lively just after 10:00 in the evening on January 29th. Two women are in stable condition in hospital with serious injuries. The dog had to be put down because of its injuries. The 16-year old has been charged with careless driving and failure to produce a driver’s license.
The House of Commons passed the Conservative’s federal budget proposed last month by a vote of 211 to 91. Six Liberal MPs from Newfoundland and Labrador voted against the budget along with the sitting NDP and Bloc Quebecois members. The remaining Liberal MPs and the Conservative caucus all voted in favour. The Liberal party supported the Tory budget with the demand that the Conservatives submit periodic progress reports. The demand, which was included in an amendment on Monday night, passed by a vote of 214 to 84.

City of Ottawa officials insist the quality of the city's drinking water is safe despite the discovery of radioactive material at the municipal sewage treatment plant. City officials confirm a batch of sludge from the city's east-end treatment plant contains a low level of radioactivity. A special hazardous waste team is now on-site trying to find the source of the radioactivity.

Hamas officials said Tuesday they are ready to commit to a cease-fire with Israel for at least a year in exchange for a full opening of Gaza's borders, as the group began a new round of truce talks with Egyptian mediators. At the same time, foreign ministers of pro-U.S. Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, met in the United Arab Emirates in a show of unity in support for Egypt's efforts to forge a long-term truce and against Iran, Hamas' most important ally. The deadline is Thursday for the Islamic militant rulers of Gaza to accept a deal. Border security arrangements remain a key obstacle with Hamas wanting to administer border crossings and Isreal not wanting to give Hamas the control.

100.7 SPORTS:

Even a coaching change was not able to help the Ottawa Senators as they faced a loss to the Los Angeles Kings 1-0. It was the coaching debut for Cory Clouston who took over from Craig Hartsburg after he was fired on Sunday night. It was the Sens third straight loss and they currently sit 17-25-7 for the season.

The Montreal Canadiens were at solid at home finishing off the night with a 4-2 win over the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins. Alex Kovalev, who spent most of last Sunday’s game on the bench, was solid with nearly 19 minutes of ice time, leading with six shots on goal.

The Florida Panthers and Bryan McCabe returned to Toronto to play his former Toronto Maple Leafs. McCabe, who was booed every time he touched the puck, scored the overtime winner in the 4-3-comeback victory for the Panthers.

LeBron James scored 33 points, eclipsing 12,000 for his career, as the Cleveland Cavaliers remained flawless winning their 23rd straight home game 101 – 83 over the Toronto Raptors last night. At 24 years, 35 days, James surpassed Kobe Bryant to become the fastest player in NBA history to reach the 12,000-point total.

February 2- News

100.7 News:

Greater Sudbury Police Street Crime Unit has charged a 21-year old woman and 20-year old man with drug offences. The two were arrested at the Rainbow Centre and were in possession of nearly 50 grams of marijuana and prescription medication with an estimated street value of $570. They were also in possession of approximately $1,000 cash. Both have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and the man was charged with breaching his recognizance.

Canadian solider, Sapper Sean Greenfield was killed Saturday afternoon when the armoured vehicle he was riding in struck an improvised explosive device outside Kandahar City. Greenfield was a member of the 24 Field Engineer Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Petawawa. The other soldiers in the vehicle were unharmed. Greenfield is the 11th soldier to be killed in Afghanistan since December. All have been killed in roadside bomb attacks.

Paul “Fon Fon” Fontaine, the Hells Angels biker gang member who gunned down two prison guards, killing one and wounding another in September 1997, has been found guilty of murder in a Quebec court. The jury returned the verdict after six days of deliberations. The guards were ambushed and shot while inside a prison van. They were stopped picking up prisoners from a Montreal detention center at the time. Fontaine was arrested in 2004 living under an assumed name.

About 50,000 York University students will be returning to classes today after nearly three months of a tense labour dispute between contract staff and the school’s administration. More than 3,300 contract faculty members, teaching and graduate assistants walked off the job November 6th to protest conditions of their contract. The Ontario government tabled back to work legislation last week forcing workers back. A mediator will now work with both sides to settle the outstanding issues of job security and benefits. To make up for lost time class schedules will be condensed, the year extended to June 2nd and reading week will be cancelled.

The Democratic controlled House of Representatives approved the $800 billion stimulus plan proposed by President Barack Obama last Wednesday. Now it appears the bill will not pass with some critics saying it is too much and will not create enough jobs nor jump-start the ailing American economy. There is also criticism of Obama’s proposed “Buy American” provision. This provision would ban foreign iron and steel used in any building project attached to the stimulus plan. Many trading partners of the US, including Canada, have said this type of legislation is what pushed the states into the Great Depression at the start of the 1930’s.

100.7 SPORTS:

Super Bowl 33 didn’t disappoint. Santonio Holmes scored a touchdown with seconds left to take the Pittsburgh Steelers to the 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Montreal Canadiens suffered a tough loss 3-1 against the Boston Bruins last night. Boston scored all three goals on giveaways, veteran winger Alex Kovalev spent most of the third period on the bench and center Robert Lang will be sidelined after having his tendon on his heel sliced by a skate after a hit into the boards mid way through the third.

Alex Ovechkin scored his seventh career hat trick and second of this season to lead the Washington Capitals to a 7-4 win over the Ottawa Senators yesterday. Daniel Alfredsson scored twice for the Sens and Dany Healtey and Antoine Vermette each had a goal a piece.

Rafael Nadal became the first Spanish man to win the Australian Open after he beat Roger Federer in five sets. Federer who was trying to equal Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major titles sobbed at the trophy presentation.

And the Manitoulin Islanders faced off at home on Friday against the Soo Eagles. The Islanders played a solid 60 minutes to finish off the night 8-5. Next home game is this Friday at 7:30 against the North Bay Skyhawks.

January 30- News

100.7 NEWS:

Greater Sudbury Police followed a man driving without his headlights late Monday evening without his headlights on. After following the vehicle for some time it was determined the man was driving in a careless manner and was subsequently stopped. Police discovered the man had seven grams of cocaine worth $700 and a concealed weapon. In addition, officers learned he was breaking his parole conditions. Robert Cole, 30 is charged with possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon and traffic offences.

Toronto police have named a suspect in the Osgoode subway-shooting incident -- Curt John, 21, of no fixed address. Police are searching for John in connection with several criminal matters. A warrant for arrest on attempted murder and several firearms charges, a warrant for arrest on a change of being an accessory after the fact to a July 26th homicide and a warrant for arrest on charges relating to a pistol-whipping and vehicle theft this past Wednesday. Police describe John as black, 6', 180 lbs., and chinstrap beard with an earring in his left ear. John is described as armed and dangerous. He was last seen wearing a black coat and black toque.

The City of Ottawa and the Amalgamated Transit Union have reached a tentative deal ending the 51-day transit strike and thereby avoiding federal back to work legislation. The agreement which still needs to be ratified by both sides will now be sent to an arbitrator. City council will hold a special meeting Friday morning. The union will hold a ratification meeting as soon as members can receive proper notice. It will take at least one week to get the first round of buses serviced and back on the roads.

About 50,000 students in Ontario will head back to class Monday now that a 12-week strike at York University is officially over. Queen’s Park passed back to work legislation Thursday morning with only 8 members out of the 61 voting against the bill. The two sides will now move to binding arbitration. Students have been out of school since November 6th when about 3,400 contract faculty, teaching and graduate assistants walked off the job. Members were hoping to negotiate a new contract for improved job security and benefits.

The Illinois state Senate voted unanimously to boot Gov. Rod Blagojevich out of office Thursday, hours after the embattled politician made a last ditch effort to save his job. Blagojevich will be the first US governor to be kicked out off office by impeachment in more than two decades. After a four-day trial in the state Senate, the final vote was 59-0 to oust him. The former governor was accused two months ago of trying to auction off the federal Senate seat left vacant by President Barack Obama. Democratic Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn will take over the top political job immediately.

100.7 SPORTS:

In the NHL last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs were in Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche. The Leafs were solid with a 7-4 win over the Avalanche snapped a four-game losing streak.

Florida Panthers coach Pete DeBoer thought his team put together a near-perfect game as they beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-1 last night. The Panthers have won 7 of their last 11 games. It’s been a tough road trip for the Habs with four consecutive less in their last five games.

Peter Regin, playing in his third game for the Ottawa Senators, scored the winning goal, his NHL first, with 1:57 left as the Sens beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 last night. Mike Fisher scored his second of the night with the empty netter with just over 32 seconds remaining.

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh is returned to the NBA all-star game for this fourth straight year. Bosh is in the midst of his most productive season averaging 23.2 points and 9.7 rebounds a game – both team highs. Bosh is the only Raptor to earn a spot on the all-star team.

January 29- News

100.7 News:

Officials are asking for the public’s help in finding a 17-year-old girl missing since Jan. 16. Sydney Loiselle is believed to be in the Sudbury area. She is slim, 5’6”, hazel eyes, long, straight reddish brown hair, a fair complexion and three piercing in each earlobe. If you know of Sydney’s whereabouts please call police.

Police are investigating a report of mischief in Elliot Lake that occurred sometime between 11:00pm January 27th and 5:30am January 28th. Damage was done to an apartment building at 22 Mississauga Avenue. Unknown person or persons turned on a water valve of the wall mounted fire hose. This caused pressure to build up activating the release valve. Water pooled onto the third floor hallway, then onto the second and the first floor. The damage is extensive. Police are requesting anyone with information to contact OPP or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Contrary to recent press reports, the Espanola – Domtar Mill has not shut down operations. According to company spokesperson, Lynne Gibson, the plant had a short work stoppage due to an oversupply of wood in one of its three divisions. Full operations will resume Sunday, February 1st. The company offered employees vacation time or the opportunity to use some of their floater days. Maintenance is being carried out on the two machines during the work stoppage.

Federal Labour Minister Rona Ambrose is prepared to introduce back-to-work legislation that would put an end to a public transit strike that's lasted 50 days in Ottawa. Ambrose said she is reversing her previous decision not to intervene in the strike because both sides are too far apart and no closer to a resolution. The federal government needs party support to pass the legislation. The NDP and Bloc Quebecois have said they will not support and the Liberals have not determined their position yet. More than 2,300 bus drivers, dispatchers and mechanics walked off the job December 10th.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives approved President Barack Obama's US$819 billion economic stimulus plan Wednesday evening with a vote of 244-188. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared a new era has begun in Washington, just more than a week after Obama took office. The bill includes about $544 billion in government spending and $275billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. It includes infrastructure money for highways and mass transit. Other measures include moves in unemployment benefits, health care and food stamp increases.

100.7 SPORTS:

Jose Calderon returned from a hamstring injury to rack up 17 points and 11 assists squeaking out a Toronto Raptors win 107-106 over the New Jersey Nets last night. Nets’ point guard Devin Harris missed a wide-open 16-foot jumper at the buzzer.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes' revealed this week that despite being a promising athlete, he spent some of his childhood selling drugs on a street corner in his small hometown in south Florida. Holmes disclosed his secret at the Super Bowl knowing millions of impressionable youngsters would be watching.

Canadian Georges St. Pierre and Hawaiian BJ Penn take to the ring for Saturday’s showdown at UFC 94. It is the first time the two have met in the ring since March of 2006 when St. Pierre won on a split decision. St. Pierre’s welterweight title is on the line.