By David Lacasse

A judge handed down his ruling on the case of the three Steelworkers charged with Criminal Harassment.

Micheal French, Patrick Veinot and Jason Patterson were found not guilty.

French, however was found guilty of Assault.

The case stems from a confrontation with Todd Chretien on January 19, 2010.

Chretien had been out jogging, when he claims he was assaulted by three men in a truck.

He feels he was targeted because he crossed the picket line during a bitter strike with their employer, mining giant Vale.

By David Lacasse

City Council Budget deliberations are beginning tonight and they’re asking for the input of the public.

Starting at 5 o’clock this afternoon at council chambers, residents will get the chance to present ideas about the opportunities and challenges facing Greater Sudbury.

Because last year was an election year, council will be working on both the 2011 municipal budget and the 2012 budget which will be finalized in December.

Finance committee chair Terry Kett says “the role of the finance committee is to ensure fiscal sustainability of this community.”

By David Lacasse

Snowmobile enthusiasts are out in full force and so are the Greater Sudbury Police Rural Squad.

The Rural Squad conducted snowmobile checks on the 27th and 28th in Chelmsford and Valley East and 100 riders were stopped.

26 of those were charged with a variety of offences under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act.

Of the 26… 9 riders were charged with not having a trail permit which yields a 240 dollar fine.

5 drivers were charged with failing to surrender evidence of insurance. 5 other riders were charged with improper mufflers and 3 for failing to display registration numbers.

Greater Sudbury Police will continue to monitor the trail plan. Operators of snowmobiles are reminded that they require a driver’s license or a motorized snow vehicle operator’s license to use the trail plan. Further, the machine must be insured if operated on public property or the trail plan.

By David Lacasse

The numbers are in for the January R.I.D.E spot checks from the Greater Sudbury Police.

Since January 1st, 1319 vehicles were stopped with 46 drivers being suspected of drinking and driving and being tested on the roadside.

7 people received three day suspensions and 2 were charged with impaired driving, including 90 day suspensions and 7 day vehicle impound.

Other number released revealed a novice driver having an alcohol blood content lower than point zero five which resulted in a 24 hour suspension.

By Stew Kernan

A financial boost to Sudbury’s arts and culture community.

This morning M-P-P Rick Bartolucci announced funding of $515,528 to ten local organizations.

Bartolucci says arts and cultural organizations are fundamental to the strength of our community.

Bella Ravi is Sudbury’s representative on the Ontario Arts Council….she says the arts play play such an important role in the development of our youth.

The local groups receiving funding include…the Sudbury Theatre Centre, 5-Penny New Music Concerts and Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario, Contact intercultural francophone de Sudbury, Le Carrefour francophone de Sudbury, Art Gallery of Sudbury, Les Concerts La Nuit sur l’etang, Le Salon du livre du Grand Sudbury, Myths and Mirrors Community Arts and Theatre du Nouvel-Ontario.

Sudbury M-P-P Rick Bartolucci talks with Bella Ravi and Allan Nursall during today’s funding announcement for Sudbury’s Arts and Culture organizations.

By Stew Kernan

Police are looking for a 14-year old boy who pulled a knife on his mother.

It happened last night around 11 o’clock at a home on Louis Street when police were called to investigate a family dispute.

It’s alleged the teen threatened to stab his mother with a 18 inch ceremonial sword.

The woman along with the help of a man got the sword away from the boy who then took off.

The teen is wanted for assault with a weapon, uttering threats and possession of a dangerous weapon.

By Stew Kernan

A 47 year old woman is in hospital with serious injuries to her face and chest after being run over.

Police say it happened yesterday afternoon just before 3:30 in the Wal-Mart parking lot in the south end.

The woman was walking when she was hit and then dragged by an SUV being driven by a 64-year old resident of the St. Catherines area.

No word yet on charges, but police are looking for anyone who may have seen the incident to contact the traffic unit.

By Stew Kernan

N-O-J-H-L action last night saw the Sudbury Kal Tire Jr. Wolves lose 5-2 on the road to the Temiscaming Royals.

Nick Esposto and Evan Daciuk both had a goal and an assist for Sudbury.

The Jr. Wolves can get even when the Royals visit Copper Cliff on Wednesday night.

By Stew Kernan

A Manitoulin Island man is facing several charges after causing a disturbance in Minnow Lake.

Police started getting calls around 3 yesterday morning about a man knocking on doors in the Downing and Bellevue neighbourhood.

It’s alleged the suspect had also broken a window of a van.

Police used the Canine Unit and found the man hiding in a back yard.

Charges include trespassing, mischief, harassment and uttering threats.

By David Lacasse

A new bus service in Walden expands the Lively network.

Starting February 1st, the bus will depart the transit center at 9am, arriving at the Walden City of Lakes Family Health Clinic in 35 minutes. The last bus leaving the depot is 7:30pm.

On the return, the bus will leave the clinic at 8:05 am, with the last trip at 8:50pm.

For more information on this schedule and all the others, visit www.greatersudbury.ca.