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News Briefs: Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Retraction
In the story "Musical memories shared on Sunday" (Yellowknifer, Aug. 3), the cause of Myles Simba's death should have been reported as undetermined, as found by an assistant chief medical examiner.
Yellowknifer apologizes for the error and any confusion or embarrassment it may have caused.
Ferry conditions similar to last year
The water levels at the Mackenzie River crossing near Fort Providence appear to be "good for now," according to Department of Transportation spokesperson Earl Blacklock.
The Merv Hardie ferry needs the water level to be at 150 metres above sea level in order to run, and this week the level has been around 150.85 m.
Transportation officials are also looking at the long-term forecast because the Merv Hardie was unable to operate for nine days during freeze-up last year when ice upriver acted as a dam, lowering water levels further. Blacklock said the forecast also looks similar to last year's conditions, making it uncertain how long the ferry will run.
- Daniel MacIsaac
Three fires burning in the North Slave
Three fires are currently burning in the North Slave region and all of them are under control, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' website.
To date, there have been 72 fires in the region this season, consumed over 91,188 hectares of land, and 47 of those fires have been declared extinguished.
- Sarah Ferguson
School just around the corner
The first day of school is getting closer every day and there are only three to four weeks of summer vacation left for Yellowknife students grades kindergarten to 12.
Students attending Yellowknife School District No. 1 schools start back Tuesday, Sept. 6 and those attending the Yellowknife Catholic School Board schools start back Monday, Aug. 29, with the exception of St. Patrick High School where registration happens Aug. 29 and classes start the next day. At Ecole Allain St. Cyr, registration for new students happens Aug. 29 and classes start the next day.
- Heather Lange
Garden tour
The Yellowknife Loved Gardens Tour will be taking place Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Tour highlights will include three special interest gardens, one of Yellowknife's community gardens, and several goats.
Tickets can be purchased outside the post office on Aug. 12 or from Amanda Mallon on the day of the tour. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the NWT SPCA.
- Sarah Ferguson
Man found with 15 mickeys
Arviat - A 43-year-old Arviat man has been charged with unlawful sale of liquor after RCMP found 15 mickeys of Smirnoff vodka in a backpack.
The street value of the liquor is $1,500, according to an RCMP press release.
Arviat RCMP were responding to a disturbance call July 30 when officers discovered the liquor at the residence where two men were found intoxicated.
The men were arrested, and one has been charged.
The accused has been charged with the unlawful sale of liquor and is to appear before the Nunavut Court of Justice in Arviat on Oct. 24.
Driller's training
Arviat - A 10-week Diamond Driller's Training Program to begin in September was approved by Arviat Mayor Bob Leonard for 12 of the community's students.
A second course, open to residents of other Kivalliq communities, was also approved for January 2012.
"The equation seems pretty simple," Leonard stated in a press release. "There is a big demand for diamond drillers to support mining exploration and development in the region. There is a huge and willing labour force in the Kivalliq.
"This training course will provide the skills residents need to get these jobs."
Nunavut Arctic College will provide a classroom, tools and student support for the program. Agnico-Eagle, Orbit Garant and Boart Longyear will be providing expert support and have committed to hiring graduates on a priority basis.
Parks consultation dates
Kivalliq - Parks Canada is holding consultations in five Kivalliq communities beginning Aug. 15 in order to explain proposed changes to existing park regulations, including those involving the use of firearms. The consultations will happen in:
Rankin Inlet Aug. 15 to 17
Chesterfield Inlet Aug. 17 to 19
Baker Lake Aug. 19 to 23
Coral Harbour Aug. 23 to 25
Repulse Bay Aug. 25 to 27
There will be an open house for the public from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second day of each consultation.
Extinguishing competition
Kivalliq - Firefighters from around the region and the territory are in Rankin Inlet this week to compete and display their firefighting skills in the Aboriginal Firefighters Competition. The competition will end on Sunday.
The winners of the competition will be selected to represent Nunavut in the second round of competition next week in Winnipeg. Participants are over 18 years old, have completed their Level 1 firefighter training and are active members of a municipal fire department.
Calm Air Cup
Rankin Inlet - There are only six days left to register a team for this year's Calm Air Cup softball tournament.
To get a registration package for the tournament, which runs from Aug. 19 to 21, contact Robert Connelly or Damian MacInnis in Rankin Inlet. The event is being hosted by the Rankin Inlet Coed Softball League, Calm Air and the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet.
This year's tournament will, as in previous years, include a skills competition, social events and numerous draws for great prizes.
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