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News Briefs: Friday, March 22, 2013
Territory's population declines
The population of the NWT declined by 0.7 per cent last year, more than any other region in the country, according to new estimates released by Statistics Canada.
In 2012, the territory's population dropped to 43,407 people from 43,730, due mainly to out-migration.
- Laura Busch
Shooting practice on Great Slave
About 20 members of the Yellowknife Company Army Reserve Unit are setting up camp on the ice near the Sub Islands this weekend and will be shooting live ammunition south, toward the West Mirage Islands.
On Saturday, the group will conduct target practice using light and medium machine guns, according to Maj. Conrad Schubert, commanding officer of the company, adding small arms training will continue Sunday morning.
More than 2,000 rounds are expected to be fired during the training session.
All spent casings will be picked up and the company has consulted with Environment Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, who determined the copper bullets may stay out on the lake, said Schubert.
- Laura Busch
Bucks for Betty House
Proceeds from the NWT Wellness Conference, held Feb. 15-17, were donated to Betty House on March 20.
A total of $4,224 was raised through admission fees and booth rentals, said conference co-ordinator Sylvie Francoeur.
- Danielle Sachs
In the navy
New HMCS Yellowknife commander Corey Gleason and Coxwain Calvin Langager visited city council Monday and said they intend to stop drugs from coming to North America.
Gleason said the HMCS Yellowknife and the HMCS Edmonton will be travelling to the Caribbean later this year.
- Simon Whitehouse
News Briefs: Thursday, March 21, 2013
Election approaching for Liidlii Kue First Nation
People interested in running for the position of chief of Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson have less than a week to formalize their intentions.
The nomination period will close on March 28. Nomination forms are available from the band office.
The advance poll will be held on April 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by the election on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wrigley students on ski trip to Fort Nelson, B.C.
Chief Julian Yendo School has embarked on its annual skiing trip.
Eight students are participating in the trip that will take them through Fort Nelson, B.C., and Grande Prairie, Alta., on their way to Jasper, Alta. The group left the community on March 20 and is scheduled to arrive in Jasper on March 22.
The students, who are in grades 3 to 8, will have all day Saturday and Sunday to snowboard and ski. The group will return to Wrigley on March 27.
Annual fishing derby approaches
Anticipation is growing as the annual Fort Liard Fishing Derby approaches.
The event will be held during two weekends, March 29 to 31 and April 6 to 7 at Fisherman Lake. Pre-drilled holes will be ready for people to fish, said Janna Deneron, who is organizing the event.
Acho Dene Koe First Nation's cabins at the lake will also be open for anyone who wants to stay at the site during the weekends. The categories for this year's derby haven't been set yet.
Last year, Nezioa Duntra won the children's jackfish category with a 17.5-pound catch while Dolly Klondike took the adult category with a 14.5-pound jackfish. This year, an Easter egg hunt will also be incorporated into the derby on March 31.
Education council looking for house parents in Fort Simpson
The Dehcho Divisional Education Council is hiring house parents on contract to help oversee the 12-bed coeducational students' residence in Fort Simpson.
The home hosts male and female students who attend school in Fort Simpson from other communities.
Written proposals are due on May 10 and must include resumes and references.
Trial date delayed
Peter Krizan's trial has been delayed to Aug. 13-14.
A veterinarian who previously practised in Inuvik, Krizan pleaded not guilty late last year to 16 charges laid against him. He faces charges of driving without a licence and operating a vehicle without insurance. He is also charged with 11 counts of failing to comply with a provision made under the Family Violence Protection Act.
In October the judge released Krizan on a number of conditions, including the requirement that he live in Whitehorse.
A trial date had been set for March 12, but the case was adjourned. His trial is set to begin Aug. 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Inuvik with a full second day slated for Aug. 14
Police abuse investigation
The Lethbridge police are investigating allegations of RCMP abuse, according to Inuvik Staff Sgt. Jerry McKenna.
After an incident at the IRC Cup tournament where a man was allegedly injured while in police custody, several discussions on Facebook relating to possible abuse caused McKenna to commission an investigation by an independent police force.
McKenna said the unidentified male resisted arrest after officers were called to assist security at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. The man received a cut over his eye that required medical attention.
A report on the incident, by two Lethbridge, Alta., officers, is expected within a month.
Town puts society first
The Children First Society is getting a big helping hand from the Town of Inuvik.
On Feb. 26, council agreed to provide bridge financing for the group, which is constructing a new child-care centre, to a maximum of $1.6 million.
The group has already been promised funding from various levels of government, but it won't be available immediately. When those funds are released, the money will be transferred directly to the town. Interest charges will be included.
The Town of Inuvik will also provide interim financing for a further $900,000 to the group. That money will be repaid via monthly lease payments.
Crime rates hold steady
Inuvik crimes rates through January 2013 are very similar to 2012.
Staff Sgt. Jerry McKenna presented his first report of the year to Inuvik council Feb. 25.
While the overall rates were quite comparable to last year, the report showed that assaults had dropped to 11 from 29 in January 2012. Break and enters increased to six from three.
The total number of violations was 301, up from 298 in 2012.
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News desk 
