Good morning, Nickel City — stories to start your Tuesday.

VIA Rail's Sudbury–White River route has been out of service since Jan. 28 with service expected to resume Feb. 21, and the Azilda community held its first WinterFEST on Feb. 15.

VIA Rail's Sudbury–White River route has been out of service since Jan. 28 after a mechanical issue removed the equipment from service. VIA Rail told Sudbury.com on Feb. 13 it expected service to resume on Feb. 21 and said affected passengers were informed. Other recent local reports include a fatal snowmobile collision on Manitoulin Island, court fines related to unlawful moose meat sales near River Valley, and a Hanmer chip stand preparing its own sauces as the season approaches. Community activity in Azilda included the first WinterFEST, with outdoor games, a sled contest and a photo gallery of the event. Key local developments: - VIA Rail suspended the Sudbury–White River route on Jan. 28 after a mechanical breakdown and said a maintenance period was moved up; it reported an expected service return date of Feb. 21 and apologized for the disruption. - A 36-year-old from M'Chigeeng First Nation died in a single-vehicle snowmobile collision on Manitoulin Island on Feb. 14; the investigation is ongoing under the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service with OPP assistance. - Two River Valley men pleaded guilty to unlawfully selling harvested moose meat and were fined a combined $5,000 in Ontario Court of Justice, with fines of $3,500 and $1,500 respectively. - Shack à patates in Hanmer is releasing two sauces — a Garlic Aioli and a Cruiser Sauce — as the chip stand begins another season under its current owner, who took over in 2024. - The first Azilda WinterFEST on Feb. 15 featured a DIY sled contest, snowshoeing, skating, kids activities, hot chocolate and chili, and a community bonfire. Summary: VIA Rail's temporary suspension of the Sudbury–White River route has affected local travel plans, and the company set an expected return date of Feb. 21. Local public-safety and legal matters include an ongoing coroner-led investigation into a Manitoulin Island snowmobile death and recent fines for unlawful commercialization of moose meat, while community life continues with seasonal business updates and events such as Azilda's inaugural WinterFEST.