Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here's some stories to start your weekend.
City CAO explains why five city managers lost their jobs this week
After ending the employment of five managers and one junior staff member this week, city CAO Shari Lichterman clarified today that all terminations were considered to be without cause. “I don’t want to diminish the years of service and the work that they’ve done,” she said. “This is about change, but it’s not to disparage the good work that they’ve done over the years.” The six terminations were Lichterman’s decision, she clarified, using her authority as CAO. “It was within my authority, but I do it in collaboration and co-operation with mayor and council,” she said. Although Lichterman said she consulted with Lefebvre prior to the terminations, she did not give city council as a whole advance notice, with their latest closed door meeting taking place on Dec. 9. Lichterman clarified that she has had discussions with council members since yesterday. News that several city managers lost their jobs trickled into the newsroom throughout Thursday. The tips were subsequently verified using both leaked emails and reliable sources who requested anonymity.
Sudbury wrestler awaits Crown's decision on assault charges
Facing 11 charges including assault with a weapon, David Knapman Jr., also known by his pro wrestling ring name of Magnum McLaren, will wait two weeks to learn if the Crown will proceed with or dismiss the case against him. He’ll hear Jan. 21 of the Crown’s decision, based on the legal concept known as the reasonable prospect of conviction (RPC). Though he did not appear in court on Jan. 7, an agent for his lawyer appeared to update the judge. The Crown on the case, Alyssa Caverson, requested a further adjournment to Jan.21 to continue what she referred to as “the RPC process” which “will decide which way” Knapman Jr.'s case will go.
Laurentian University transforms former pub into free store and food bank
The former PubDownUnder space in the lower floor of Laurentian University’s Parker Building has a new life as a free store and a food bank. Following the on-campus pub’s closure in 2023, the free store, called Laurentian Re-U, opened in September 2024. The food bank opened in the same space in November 2025. Laurentian previously had a food bank run by its student associations, but it is now operated directly by the university. When Sudbury.com visited the facility this week, there was a steady stream of students picking up bags of groceries in a portion of the space sectioned off with a divider and poking around the adjoining free store, looking for treasures. Mark Walma, Laurentian’s vice-president of student services, said when he first began working at the university 18 months ago, he was approached by a group who had an idea for a campus free store. Laurentian’s facilities department identified the former PubDownUnder “as a really opportune, centrally located, good-sized space to create a free store,” said Walma.
Province still refusing to talk about downtown HART Hub
Almost one full year after they announced funding for a downtown HART Hub, provincial spokespeople still aren’t saying much about it. They’re also mum on the city’s well-established need for more transitional housing and have repeatedly refused to answer questions about supporting the city’s efforts to expand services. The HART Hub was announced in late January 2025, and was to include $6.3 million in annual provincial funding for three years toward the 40-unit transitional housing complex on Lorraine Street, plus a downtown hub. The downtown HART Hub is not to be confused with the homelessness hub the city has established at Energy Court, where a sanctioned encampment has been allowed to take shape around a 24/7 warming centre. Mayor Paul Lefebvre announced a key detail about the HART Hub last month; that it will consist of 48 scattered supportive housing units with wraparound services.
Superhero Night set for Sudbury Five’s Saturday matchup
The Sudbury Five return to the court this Saturday, Jan. 10, as they take on the Windsor Express. Tip-off Is set for 7 p.m. as the Five look to continue their perfect start to the season. After winning their home opener 126-114, the Five made their Rock Monsters debut memorable this past Saturday, with a 121-110 win over the Montreal Toundra. Charlie Marquardt took home Greatest Performance of the Night honours with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Keyshawn Bryant scored a game-high 31 points, along with Duane Notice, Allen Billinger and Alex Kotov all recording 10+ points. Saturday is Superhero Night! Fans are encouraged to come to the game dressed as their favourite superhero (or even supervillain).
