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News Briefs: Friday, January 13, 2012
No break for ferry
The Merv Hardie ferry will continue to connect Yellowknife to the south for at least another few weeks, according to the Department of Transportation.
Because of poor ice conditions caused by warm weather, construction still hasn't started on the ice bridge that allows traffic on Highway 3 to cross the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence during the winter. It normally takes three weeks for the ice road to open to commercial traffic. The ice crossing has averaged an opening date of Dec. 28 throughout the last decade, and an average of Dec. 19 during the last five years. The latest the ice bridge has opened in recent history was in 2001, when it didn't open until Jan. 24.
- Laura Busch
Transmitter problem
Yellowknifers hearing static on radio station CJCD should be able to get a clear transmission by now, said CJCD General Manager Eileen Dent.
"CJCD Radio is experiencing transmitter problems in Yellowknife," wrote announcer Jason Boast on the station's Facebook page Wednesday morning.
Dent said the station's equipment failed Wednesday morning.
- Galit Rodan
Outstanding volunteers
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) is accepting nominations for the 2012 Outstanding Volunteer Awards. The deadline for nominations in four categories - Youth Volunteer Award, Elder Volunteer Award, Outstanding Group and Outstanding Volunteer - is March 30.
- Kevin Allerston
Reluctant readers
The Yellowknife Public Library will be introducing the public to their TAILS program Jan. 21 during an open house at the library.
The free program is designed to pair reluctant readers, ages 6 to 12, for 20 minutes with a specially-trained dog to help make literacy a more enjoyable experience.
The open house runs from 1 to 2 p.m. tomorrow, with the program beginning Jan. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m.
- Kevin Allerston
News Briefs: Thursday, January 12, 2012
Badminton returns
A badminton tournament that was developed in Fort Simpson is returning to its roots. The Scott McAdam Badminton Tournament will be held in the village from Feb. 3 to 5. The tournament is named after a former recreation co-ordinator who worked in the village as well as in Aklavik and who was an avid badminton player.
The tournament was first held in Fort Simpson approximately eight years ago and has since been held in other communities. The tournament will include U14, U16, U19 and Open divisions in which athletes will have the chance to play in singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions.
Invitations to compete in the tournament have been sent to communities in the Deh Cho, South Slave and North Slave. Those who are interested have until Jan. 30 to register.
Fiddle jamboree
The Kole Crook Fiddle Association is holding its sixth annual January Jamboree in Fort Simpson.
Seven fiddle instructors will be providing lessons to first timers through to advanced fiddlers from Jan. 13 to 15. Students from Fort Simpson, Trout Lake, Fort Liard and Jean Marie River are expected to participate in the event.
Community members are invited to listen to the fiddlers during a fiddle dance and performance on Saturday night at the Bompas Elementary School gym at 7 p.m. The students will also be giving a closing concert at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday morning.
In the lead-up to the jamboree, pairs of fiddle instructors are providing lessons during the week at the schools in Fort Simpson and Fort Liard.
New soccer tournament
Fort Simpson will be the site of two soccer tournaments in February. The annual Connie Loutit Memorial Soccer Tournament will take place from Feb. 24 to 26. Two weekends earlier in the month a new co-ed tournament for youths ages five to 10 will be held from Feb. 10 to 12.
The concept behind the new tournament is to introduce younger people to the sport, said Shane Thompson, a senior sports and recreation co-ordinator with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
The tournament, which is being organized in conjunction with the Mackenzie Recreation Association and regional schools, will focus on both skill development and game competition.
Schools from the Deh Cho, South Slave and North Slave regions and Yellowknife have been invited to participate.
No handheld devices while driving
As of Jan. 1 of this year, using handheld electronic devices while driving has been banned in the NWT.
Drivers can not use cellphones, laptop computers, tablets, MP3 players, GPS devices, digital assistants or a personal gaming device while driving or they will receive a $115 fine and three demerit points.
Town of Inuvik bylaw officers and Inuvik RCMP will work together to look for drivers, who will receive a warning the first time.
Alternate suggestions include purchasing a Bluetooth headpiece for cellphones, pulling over to a safe location before answering the phone, and to wait to eat until arriving at your location.
Walking the Mackenzie
The Mackenzie Nordic Walking Challenge has already started, but teams still have until Jan. 15 to register.
The NWT Recreation and Parks Association has challenged community members, schools and workplaces to walk 1,658 km – the distance the Mackenzie River runs between Fort Providence and Tuktoyaktuk. Teams of up to 20 people can walk, run or ski the distance which they measure of one hour of walking equals five km.
All members of the team who complete the distance will be entered into a draw for prizes. Inuvik already has three teams registered, the Walking Spirits, the Ice Road Truckers and the ECE Beau Del team.
Visit the NWT Recreation and Parks Association website to register a team or call Sheena Tremblay for more information.
Winter cycling up the Dempster
Brek Broughton, a Vancouver cyclist, is travelling from Vancouver to Tuktoyaktuk and back. He left Vancouver on Nov. 18 and plans to take three months for the trip. As of Jan. 5 he had passed through Watson Lake, Yukon, and is continuing North.
The trip measures 8,400 km. Broughton has studded tires for the snow and ice and a dynamo hub to power a light. Despite having warm clothing, Broughton has developed frostbite on three of his toes.
You can follow his journey on the blog Cycling into the Dark.
Keeping tykes active
Kindergym for one- to two-year-olds has started again at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.
Every Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. until March 17 the Inuvik Community Corporation will offer a kindergym class for up to 10 children.
The class will be held in the old curling lounge and is open to Inuvialuit beneficiaries. Call the complex for more information.
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