Water levels down

Water levels in the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence are dropping again, affecting the Department of Transportation's ability to predict when the Merv Hardie ferry will begin operations.

"We have to see what's going on now with the water level decline," said Earl Blacklock, spokesperson for the department. "It's probably not serious."

The ferry, which usually opens May 13, requires consistent water levels of at least 150 metres above sea level before it can operate. The water level was 150.89 metres and falling as of 3:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Blacklock said the department should be able to give an estimated operation date later in the week.

-Nicole Veerman

'Almost' all-candidates forum

Alternatives North will be hosting a candidates' forum tonight at 7 p.m. at Northern United Place.

Alternatives North, a coalition of social justice groups, is calling the forum the 'almost' all-candidates' forum since attendees consist of NDP incumbent Dennis Bevington, Green Party candidate Eli Purchase and Liberal candidate Joe Handley.

Conservative candidate Sandy Lee will be out of town campaigning and Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada candidate Bonnie Dawson will also not be attending.

- Katherine Hudson

High voter turnout

The turnout for last weekend's advance federal election vote was higher than in previous years, according to Elizabeth Wyman, deputy returning officer with Elections Canada, but she did not have exact numbers as of press time.

The vote took place at the Yellowknife Public Library on April 22, 23 and 24.

- Heather Lange

Temperatures below normal

The weather forecast by Environment Canada for the next two weeks is not looking good.

The normal average temperatures for Yellowknife in early May are a high of 5 C and low of -5 C. This week and next week, forecast temperatures are below the normal highs and lows.

"We are not going into an accelerated spring - don't expect to put out the tomatoes early," said Yvonne Bilan-Wallace, spokesperson for Environment Canada.

For Thursday, Friday and into the weekend, temperatures are expected to be a high of 1 C and a low of -16 C with clear skies and very little wind.

- Heather Lange

Cup time

Repulse Bay - The community of Repulse Bay will be hosting the annual Arctic Circle Cup senior men's hockey championship this coming weekend from April 28 to May 1.

As of press time, two teams from the host community, Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet were confirmed to compete in the tournament.

Pitching in

Rankin Inlet - The giant raffle being held to raise funds for the Rankin Inlet Volunteer Fire Brigade received a boost this past week with the addition of another grand prize.

Canadian North donated a pair of airline tickets to either Edmonton or Ottawa, and a pair of tickets to an NHL game in the city chosen by the lucky winner.

The Rankin Inlet Fire Department is the only Kivalliq department to hold a major fundraiser to purchase or upgrade firefighting equipment and ambulance supplies to better protect the community.

Bravo Challenge

Arviat - The Arviat Bravo Racing Club hosted its eighth annual Xtreme Bravo Challenge in that community this past weekend.

The event featured cash prizes for the top five finishers in the men's (18 and older), women's (18 and older) and master's (40 and older) divisions.

For the complete story and results from the race, please see the May 4 edition of Kivalliq News.

Pakallak Tyme

Rankin Inlet - The community of Rankin Inlet's annual Pakallak Tyme hamlet days celebration got underway yesterday, April 26, and runs until May 2.

The celebration includes activities for kids of all ages, including dog team races, square dances, target shooting, crib and Scrabble tournaments, teen dances, elder's games, an ice chisel contest, kid's pond hockey tournament, talent show, flea market, a Fear Factor challenge and many, many more.

The annual event is traditionally well-attended and attracts numerous people from across the region for the festivities.

The Rankin Inlet Senior Men's Basketball League will also host a special tournament this coming weekend in connection with the Pakallak Tyme celebrations.

B-ball time

Baker Lake - The annual Kemp Angoyuaq Memorial basketball tournament is set to be held in Baker Lake on May 14 and 15.

Action will be featured in both a men's and women's division, with a maximum of 10 players per team.

The age limit for the event is 18 years and older for males and 16 years and older for females, with team shirts with numbers being required.

Those interested in competing are asked to contact Steve Paterson on the Kemp Angoyuaq Memorial tournament page of Facebook.

On duty

Rankin Inlet - Adrian Pilakapsi of Rankin Inlet was among the members of the first troop of aboriginal community constables to graduate from the RCMP Academy in Regina, Sask., earlier this month.

Pilakapsi began his career as a community constable working in his hometown this past week.

For the complete story on Pilakapsi's accomplishment, please see the May 4 edition of Kivalliq News.