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News Briefs: Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Inquest ordered
After conducting an investigation into the death of Karen Lander, NWT chief coroner Cathy Menard has stated there will be a mandatory inquest.
On March 14, Lander was fatally shot by members of the RCMP after a four-hour standoff at a residence on Glick Court.
Inquests are formal court proceedings, with a jury, held to publicly review the circumstances of a death and may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths. No one is on trial during a coroner's inquest. The inquest will be held in Yellowknife at a date to be determined.
- Katherine Hudson
Vigil against violence
The Status of Women Council of the NWT is holding a vigil from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Salvation Army in recognition of the 23rd anniversary of the Montreal Massacre where lone gunman Marc Lepine killed 14 women at Montreal's École Polytechnique.
Donations for women's shelters will be accepted. The event aims to raise awareness about violence against women and girls. Opening comments will be given by the minister responsible for the Status of Women, Premier Bob McLeod.
- Laura Busch
Operation Rednose underway
RCMP officers will be out in full force this month in an attempt to reduce impaired drivers.
The campaign means an increase in check stops and patrols by Mounties and municipal enforcement officers.
"We want to ensure the highways are safe and to make sure people have a safe journey to their intended destination during this festive time," stated RCMP Chief Supt. Wade Blake in a news release.
Last year there were 11 people charged with impaired driving during Operation Rednose.
- Katherine Hudson
New tax exemption
A new exemption is available for income tax assistance clients effective Dec. 1, Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jackson Lafferty announced.
It will allow individuals receiving payments under Impact Benefits Agreements, treaties or land claim settlements to claim an exemption of up to $500 per year for each household member when determining eligibility for income assistance. In the past, the payments were treated as unearned income.
- Katherine Hudson
New top cop
Rankin Inlet
Rankin Inlet has a new boss in its RCMP detachment.
Sgt. Kim Melenchuk took over the position this past month.
Melenchuk spent five years in Iqaluit and has also done service in Baker Lake. He's scheduled to be in Rankin for the next two years.
Science winners
Rankin Inlet
Shown below is the complete winner's list from the 2012 Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik Science Fair in Rankin Inlet this past month.
The top three finishers will advance to the Kivalliq Regional Science Fair at Sakku School in Coral Harbour on March 15.
1st: Climate Change by Maria Kasaluak
2nd: Snuff and Smokes in Plants by Kaelan Collier and Jaden Sigurdson
3rd: Throat Singing by Tatonya Autut and Chelsea Sammurtok
Honourable Mention: Do you Remember Inuktitut by Mona Sandy and Jolene Ayaruak
Traditional Award: Throat Singing by Tatonya Autut and Chelsea Sammurtok
Northern Relevance Award: Climate Change by Maria Kasaluak
Hunters found
Arviat
Two Arviat hunters returned to the community safe and in good health after getting caught in bad weather out on the land.
Elder Martha Otuk, 68, and Robert Hakuluk, 23, headed out caribou hunting on the morning of Nov. 22. The following evening, Nov. 23, the Arviat detachment of the RCMP was advised by search and rescue (SAR) that the pair were overdue to return.
Members of the SAR team launched a search for Otuk and Hakuluk after receiving a request for assistance.
The SAR members braved stormy conditions and 30 C temperatures in a search that lasted for about 24 hours.
The two hunters were found at about 2 a.m. on Nov. 24, a few miles south of Arviat, and were returned home safely.
High winds and low visibility caused the hunters to lose their track while trying to make their way home.
Both Otuk and Hakuluk are experienced hunters and were properly prepared for their trip with enough equipment and clothing to survive the harsh conditions.
Liquor ban
Rankin Inlet
The Hamlet of Rankin Inlet has implemented its annual ban on importing alcohol during the holidays.
This year's ban on liquor shipping will run from Dec. 21 until Jan. 4.
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News desk 
