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News Briefs: Friday, November 16, 2012
Budget ideas wanted
The City of Yellowknife's draft 2013 budget will be available online and at the Yellowknife Public Library by Monday.
People who want to comment on the draft budget at the council meeting starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 26 in city hall must register with the city clerk's office by Monday at noon. Written submissions must be received at city hall by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
- Laura Busch
Vote for playground
Principal Simone Gessler is asking Yellowknifers to vote for Weledeh Catholic School's bid for $100,000 of playground improvement money from the Aviva Community Fund. The school wants to replace its existing playground because it is dated and is too small.
The school has received 571 votes but needs more to make it to the semi-finals, Gessler said.
Residents have nine days to visit the Aviva Community Fund website and search for "Bringing Fun Back."
- Svjetlana Mlinarevic
Ice reaches six inches
Ice has reached the recommended six inches of thickness to be safe for walking, skiing and snowmobiling on area lakes, according to the city following measurements taken Saturday.
Ice thickness was measured on Yellowknife Bay, Back Bay, Fault Lake, Frame Lake, Niven Lake, Rat Lake and Range Lake.
"We don't ever say that the ice is safe, but generally six inches will hold up a person or a group of people," said deputy fire chief Gerda Groothuizen. "Use the ice at your own risk."
- Laura Busch
News Briefs: Thursday, November 15, 2012
Adult education funds
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing more than $8.6 million over four years to enhance adult basic education programming in the territory.
CanNor Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced the funding on Nov. 13. It comes through the Northern Adult Basic Education Program. Aurora College will be delivering the programming in the territory.
The funding is expected to increase the availability of current and specialized programs in NWT communities for working age adults.
Youth ambassadors
Four youths from the Deh Cho have been chosen to participate in the 2012-2013 Youth Ambassador Program.
Joelene Betsaka of Nahanni Butte and Jennifer Gast and Reannda Cli of Fort Simpson are among 43 new youth ambassadors in the territory. Gordon Thompson of Fort Simpson will be one of four youth mentors.
The program provides participants with the opportunity to build job and life skills and confidence through volunteer assignments at major events. Ambassadors are chosen based on community involvement, commitment to a healthy lifestyle and a personal reflection on how the program will help them in the future.
Curling seasonpoised to start
The Fort Simpson Curling Club is set for a new season.
The club held its annual general meeting on Nov. 9. During the meeting Vanessa Murtsell was acclaimed as the club's new president. Scott Whitmore, Freda Blyth and Sandra Rowe are returning as the vice-president, secretary and treasurer, respectively.
The club meets to curl on Friday nights and individuals or teams are welcomed to join, said Murtsell. Curling may start as early as Nov. 16 if the ice is ready.
The club plans to have two bonspiels this year including a cashspiel on Dec. 1 and the Fort Simpson Merchants' Mixed Bonspiel from Jan 25 to 27.
Youth challenge
The second of the Four Forts Challenges is set to take place in Fort Providence this weekend.
The events are designed to give youths the chance to travel to other communities and meet new people while participating in a sport. The first challenge held in Fort Liard from Oct. 26 to 28 was centered around archery and target shooting.
The event in Fort Providence will focus on badminton. Youth from Fort Liard, Fort Resolution and Fort Providence are expected to attend.
Delta Girls begins
The Delta Girls program at the Inuvik Youth Centre started Tuesday. Facilitated by Wanda McDonald, the program is 100 per cent decided by the participating youth.
It's open to girls between the ages of 9 and 13 and is scheduled for two hours twice a week.
During those times, the youth centre will only be open for girls participating in the program, said executive director Samantha Stokell.
Tuesday, the program ran from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Trapper jam
The Louie Goose band is playing at the Mad Trapper Nov. 15 to 17.
Donations of non-perishable food items are welcome and will be donated to the Inuvik Food Bank. On Saturday, everyone is welcome to share the stage with the recent lifetime achievement award-winner and jam away the colder weather. The event is also meant as a fan appreciation night and thank you.
Preparing for winter
As of Wednesday, Inuvik Gas started installing heat trace and insulation around meters and above-ground gas risers in customer's businesses and homes.
After Inuvik Gas completed testing and implementing the system, they found no major issues with appliances switching over to synthetic natural gas from natural gas. To deal with the extreme cold temperatures more work is needed to ensure uninterrupted service.
Customers will be compensated for added electricity costs linked to heat tracing by a rebate on their gas bills. The work should be completed during the five weeks Inuvik is running on natural gas during freeze-up.
Carnival comes to town
The Inuvik Figure Skating Club and the Town of Inuvik have combined forces to offer the annual Children's Carnival on Saturday.
There will be games, prizes, food and a bouncy castle. The carnival is from noon until 4 p.m. in the community hall at the Midnight Sun Complex.
NHLers confirmed
At least 10 NHL players have confirmed they are heading to Inuvik for a charity hockey game at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the Midnight Sun Complex.
The NWT tour, organized by the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the Northwest Territories and First Assist Charities, also includes a game in Yellowknife. So far, the confirmed players include Jordin Tootoo, Chris Phillips, Grant Clitsome, Craig Anderson, Chris Neil, Nick Foligno, Derek MacKenzie, Guillaume Latendresse, Marc Methot and Jim Slater. Tickets are being sold at the Midnight Sun Complex customer service desk and the Newstand.
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News desk 
