By Stew Kernan

The investigation continues into a crash that has claimed one life.

It happened on the Garson-Coniston Road just before 1 o’clock this afternoon just north of Highway 17.

Not much information has been released, but police do say it appears a dump truck lost a wheel and then hit a vehicle.

By Gary Beech

After staying out of it from the start, Ontario Labour Minister Peter Fonseca is wading into the Vale-Steelworkers strike.

Spokesman Greg Dennis says everyone wants to see this dispute resolved.

The Minister wants to find out what happened over the past week when mediation talks broke off due to an impasse.

Dennis says the minister has asked both sides to meet with him separately and find out what prevented a settlement.

District 6 Manager Wayne Fraser is quoted as saying union officials will meet with Fonseca on Friday.

By Angela Gemmill 

Bittersweet emotions.

That’s what the family of Private Andrew Miller of Sudbury was feeling during his repatriation ceremony yesterday at CFB Trenton.

Family spokesperson, David Bedard, says despite their grief the Miller and Ealdama family was touched by the support from Canadians.

He says its terrible that we have these losses, but then to see support from ordinary Canadians taking time our of their day to honour these troopers, it’s touching and bittersweet.

The funeral on Saturday will have a strong military element and Bedard says the family wants Private Miller to be remembered for his dedication to his country but also for his humour.

The 21 year old Miller was killed Saturday, along with another medic, while serving in Afghanistan.

By Angela Gemmill

Starting tomorrow -Canada Day- the cost to fill up the gas tank or heat your home, is going up.

The harmonized sales tax or HST takes effect in Ontario, combining the five percent GST with the eight percent PST.

Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci says First Nations communities must wait until September 1st for a point of sale exemption to kick in.

He commends the federal government for this important initiative for our First Nations communities.

Bartolucci says aboriginals must wait eight weeks before the point of sale exemption kicks in to allow for proper mechanics of the process to be worked out.

The provincial and federal governments came to an agreement on the exemption following native blockades in May.

By Angela Gemmill

**** Update****

Crews have finished installing a new utility pole along Ontario Street and it has reopened to traffic.

Repairs to a water main break along Riverside Drive are expected to take all day.

The street will continue to be reduced to one lane near Cross Street.

———- 

Sudbury Police are dealing with a couple of traffic situations this morning and they’re asking motorists to avoid both areas if possible.

There are downed hydro wires along Ontario Street…and while crews work to fix the problem the roadway is closed between Regent and Douglas.

Power is out for customers who live around the area.

The other traffic situation involves a sink hole on Riverside Drive near Cross Street, due to a water main break.

Traffic is reduced to one lane while repairs are made.

By Gary Beech

The Wolves grabbed two prospects in yesterday’s CHL import draft.

Sudbury used the 47th pick, which they acquired from Mississauga, to select Russian Andrei Kuchin.

Later on they chose Austrian Markus Pock with their 74th selection.

Last year’s import Eddy Rinkie does not fit into this year’s plans while Matias Sointu was placed on an overage frozen list which gives them the option of bringing him back.

That depends on what plans his NHL club, the Tampa Bay Lighting want to do with him.

By Stew Kernan

A devastating blow to the efforts aimed at ending the strike at Vale.

Mediated talks between the two sides were ended late this afternoon.

In a statement issued by mediator Kevin Burkett, he says the two sides are deadlocked over ways to deal with 8 of 9 employees who were fired by the company.

Vale spokesman Cory McPhee confirms it was the last issue standing in the way of a deal.

Steelworkers 6500 president John Fera says they will have more to say tomorrow…but adds he doesn’t know where things went wrong.

Mediator Kevin Burkett concluded his brief statement by saying  additional mediation efforts would not resolve this issue.

By Stew Kernan

Private Andrew Miller of Sudbury has made the journey along the Highway of Hero’s after a repatriation ceremony at CFB Trenton.

Private Miller and Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht died on Saturday in a roadside bomb attack near Kandahar City.

Friends of Private Miller are invited to pay their respects at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm.

The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at the Glad Tidings Tabernacle.

Meantime…the Queen has joined Canadians in expressing condolences over the deaths last week of the two Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Queen Elizabeth, who is currently visiting Canada, has sent a private message to their commanding officers asking that her condolences be conveyed to their families.

By Stew Kernan

A lot of smiling faces at city hall today and it had nothing to do with politics..

35 kids ranging in age from 9 to 12 received new mountain bikes and helmets from Sudbury Police and Tim Hortons.

The “Earn a Bike” program sees kids complete 30 hours of community service by cleaning parks or helping local community groups.

Constable Julie Midena says it is a great way to teach kids about teamwork and the value of working towards something.

This year 475 kids are taking part in the program across Ontario.

Some of the bikes handed out today at Tom Davies Square

By Stew Kernan

The repatriation ceremony for Private Andrew Miller of Sudbury is set for two o’clock this afternoon at C-F-B Trenton.

The 21-year-old was one of two Canadian military personnel killed by a roadside bomb Saturday in Afghanistan.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Miller.

Friends can pay respects at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm.

Then the funeral will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at the Glad Tidings Tabernacle on Regent Street.

Miller leaves behind his parents and three siblings, all from Sudbury.