By Angela Gemmill

The Minister of Northern Development and Mines is adamant the government will live up to its duty to consult all First Nations involved in the Cliffs Natural Resources – Ring of Fire development in Northern Ontario.

At least two aboriginal communities (north of Thunder Bay) are upset they weren’t consulted before the mining company made its decision earlier this month, to build a smelter in Capreol.

Sudbury M-P-P Rick Bartolucci says before any construction work begins a framework between the company, the province and First Nations must be in place.

He says the government is committed to the dialogue and communication with the First Nations communities because it’s ‘important’.

Bartolucci says the Ontario government takes its duty to consult very seriously, plans to live up to its expectations and he looks forward to discussing the framework agreements.

Wahnapitae First Nations is 20-kilometres from the proposed smelter in Capreol.

Chief Myles Tyson says he is not opposed to industry as long as the mining companies are respectful of the environment and the aboriginal way of life.

Wahnapitae FN has several framework agreements with other mining companies, like Xstrata Nickel, FNX and Mohawk Granite.

Once the Cliffs’ location decision was made Tyson sent a letter to the President of the company letting them know his community is open to industry plans and both sides should meet to hammer out the agreement.

The framework involves social, community and infrastructure supports, resource sharing and how the parties involved will resolve issues.

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By Angela Gemmill

A 16-year old faces charges of Stunt Driving, Dangerous Driving, Flight From Police and Failing to Stop for Police after a pursuit yesterday morning.

The incident started when officers clocked a vehicle going 80-kilometres over the posted 60-km/hr speed limit on Falconbridge Road in Garson.

The chase traveled onto Maley Drive and Barrydowne Road, but the teen still wouldn’t stop the vehicle.

It ended when the driver struck a curb while trying to turn left onto Hawthorne Drive and blew a tire.

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By Angela Gemmill

A 19-year old man was arrested and charged after a car-jacking and police pursuit yesterday afternoon in New Sudbury.

The suspect brandished a knife to demand keys and a car from a woman getting out of her vehicle in the Shelley Heights Drive area.

A police pursuit began around Lasalle Blvd and Frood Road, but due to public safety the officers ended the chase.

Police found the suspect and stolen vehicle a short time later in the ditch around Granite Street.

The 19-year old is charged with Robbery, Impaired Driving, Dangerous Driving, Refusing to Provide a Breath Sample, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Stolen Property and Resisting Arrest.

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By Matt Harris

If your travel plans on this holiday will bring you near the Timmins area there is a highway closure to report.

Forest fires have forced the closure of Highway 144 between Gogama and the Watershed.

No word yet on how long the closure will remain in effect.

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By Matt Harris

The City is currently reviewing a request to re-name the Countryside Sports Complex.

The proposal would see the complex named after Gerry McCrory.

McCrory is he co-founder of the Big Nickel Hockey tournament and past president of the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association.

Public input on the naning is being accepted until tomorrow, feedback can be sent to the city by calling 3-1-1.

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By Matt Harris

Intentionally set fires are becoming a problem in the city lately and last night was no different.

A blaze was started at Queens Athletic field around 7:30 yesterday evening.

Two boys aged 14-16 were seen leaving the area at the time and it is believed at least one of them may have entered a blue mini-van after leaving.

Anyone with information on any of the fires lately is asked to contact police

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By Matt Harris
The summer got off to a tragic start yesterday with an ATV crash near Capreol.

A 14 year old girl died and another was taken to hospital after an ATV lost control on Moose Lake Mine Road.

Both girls were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.

No names are being released at this time.

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By Matt Harris

Police are still searching for a missing senior in the Azilda area.

76 year old James Lewandoski left his home on Ellen Street in Azilda on Saturday night and is believed to have last been seen around 11:30 Saturday night on Paul Street in Azilda.

He is 6’2″ with a thin build, clean shaven and balding.

Residents around Azilda are asked to check their back yards and sheds..Call police if you see him or have details.

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By Matt Harris

More deliberately set fires to add to the list of suspicions blazes in the city.

A bush fire on King Street off of Notre Dame kept crews busy last night as well as a truck and an ATV on fire on Lorne Street.

These fires come after a rash of blazes in the Flour Mill and south end of the city in the past week.

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By Matt Harris

RIDE Checks were carried out last night on Falconbridge road, Regent Street and Lloyd street.

Nearly 600 drivers were stopped and no impaired charges were laid.

Five drivers passed road side screening tests.

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