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News Briefs: Wednesday, Aug 8, 2012
Explosion sends man to hospital
An explosion rattled the tarmac and left a man injured yesterday around 1:30 p.m. at 440 Squadron, near the Yellowknife Airport.
A contractor working on a barrel containing explosive fumes was taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries when the barrel exploded, said Earl Blacklock, manager of communications for the Department of Transportation. Blacklock said the area in question is controlled by the Department of National Defence. Joint Task Force North was unable to provide details on the explosion before press deadline.
- NNSL staff
A celebration of life
A celebration of life is scheduled to be held in memory of Josh Hardy today at 7 p.m. in the Shorty Brown Arena at the Multiplex.
Hardy sustained serious head injuries after falling off of his long board while riding along the McMahon Frame Lake Trail on July 23. He was medevaced to Edmonton, where his family was staying while on vacation. He died July 26. A Facebook page titled "Gentle, positive and healing thoughts for Josh Hardy" had more than 1,300 members as of press time.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the NWT SPCA in Hardy's name.
- Laura Busch
Fire investigation continues
A house fire at Niven Drive on July 30 likely started on a third-story deck, the NWT fire marshal's office has determined.
"We're fairly confident in that but it hasn't yet been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt," NWT fire marshal Steve Moss told Yellowknifer.
The investigation into the exact cause of the fire continues, said Moss. During the fire late last month, the upper two floors of a four-story family home were "fully involved," meaning they sustained severe fire and smoke damage, said Moss. The lower two floors sustained substantial water damage.
- Laura Busch
Last call for comments
Tomorrow is the last day to submit comments or interventions regarding Bell Canada Enterprises' (BCE) intention to allocate $40 million to the $273 million NorthwesTel modernization plan.
This unprecedented use of tangible benefit funding, a requirement of BCE's purchase of Astral Media Inc., has been highly controversial.
Comments are open to any individuals or groups interested voicing their opinion. More information on how to comment can be found on the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunication Commission website.
- Lyndsay Herman
Students on ice
Repulse Bay
Kelvin Ivalutanar from Repulse Bay was scheduled to leave on a 12-day journey to Greenland last week with the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition.
The program, which runs mid-August, aims to teach the youth about the changing environment in the Arctic, and how those changes are linked to broader global environmental changes. Also, it aims to teach the youth about how humans and the natural environment are inextricably connected, according to its website.
Ivalutanar is going with the help of a bursary from Project North.
Fundraising for minister hit by tragedy
Rankin Inlet
The community of Rankin Inlet is rallying in support of its Anglican minister, Rev. Paul Williams, whose niece recently died after a long battle with illness, according to flyers posted around town.
A bake sale is scheduled for Aug. 11 at 1:30 p.m., to be held outside the Holy Comforter Anglican Church. Those wishing to donate goods can drop them off outside the church before 1:30 p.m., or contact Bernadette Dean, Karyna Kolola or Rosie Oolooyuk for pick-up.
Supervisor safety course
Nunavut
Northern workers in leadership roles have the opportunity to take a supervisor safety familiarization course this fall, offered through the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.
The three-day course familiarizes its participants with general safety regulations and the Nunavut Safety Act, as well as tools, techniques and leadership methods geared toward ensuring safety in Northern workplaces.
The course will take place in Rankin Inlet from Nov. 6 to 8, after stopping in Iqaluit from Oct. 16 to 18, and registration will open in late August.
Diploma prep course offered
Rankin Inlet
Applications are now being considered for a general education diploma preparation course in Rankin Inlet.
The course will run from Sept. 10 to Nov. 6, Mondays through to Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon, and GED testing will be offered at the end of the course.
Those interested can contact Angie Kabluitok at the Community Learning Centre.
| 
News desk 
