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Friday, February 14, 2014
Premier's expenses for Mandela trip
Premier Bob McLeod's recent trip to South Africa for Nelson Mandela's memorial service will cost taxpayers $7,100, according to the premier's office. McLeod was part of the official Canadian delegation, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, that attended the service for the late South African president.
Media reports came out earlier this week, revealing Alberta Premier Alison Redford, who flew in the Alberta government's jet to Ottawa, spent $45,000 to attend the service.
- Cody Punter
Drop the pop
Four Yellowknife schools were recognized for efforts to cut out sugary drinks from students' diets as part of the Drop the Pop campaign.
The Department of Health and Social Services announced a $25,000 cash prize split between 17 NWT schools yesterday, including four from Yellowknife.
St. Joseph, Kay Tay Whee, K'alemi Dene and Mildred Hall schools were named as having done the most to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles in 2013.
The annual Drop the Pop campaign is going into its ninth year.
- Daniel Campbell
Gala raises over $41,000 for community
The Yellowknife Community Foundation held their annual Valentine-themed fundraiser last Saturday, raising over $41,000 in support of various community endeavours.
Over 200 people attended the gala at the Explorer Hotel, according to a press release by the foundation. Items were available for bidding, including a 1.13 carat diamond worth $16,000, donated by Diavik Diamond Mines.
Money raised goes towards a capital fund, which can then be used to support community organizations through scholarships and grants, the release stated.
- Daniel Campbell
Giant cleanup contracts
Two companies were recently awarded $17.3 million in contracts by the Giant Mine cleanup team.
AECOM Canada Limited was awarded $8.9 million for work on the new water treatment plant and the arsenic-freezing program.
Golder Associates Limited was awarded an $8.4 million to provide surface water management and Baker Creek restoration, among other remediation activities.
- Daniel Campbell
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wolf pack spotted around Fort Simpson
A pack of wolves that has been lingering near Fort Simpson has the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cautioning people.
The pack of approximately six wolves was first seen shortly before Christmas. It has been spotted on and off since then, most recently Feb. 10 on the far side of the on island airport, said Carl Lafferty, the department's regional superintendent.
There are no indications that the wolves are a danger to the public, but people should take precautions, he said. People should restrict their walking to well used roads, not trails, during daylight hours and go in groups if possible. Dogs should also be kept on leashes.
Film festival in Fort Simpson
The Yellowknife International Film Festival is back for a second year in Fort Simpson.
The festival will be screened at the OSC Gallery below the John Tsetso Memorial Library on Feb. 15 and 16, starting both nights at 7 p.m. Each night three short films will be shown along with a longer feature film. Most of the films were created in the North by Northern directors.
The feature film on Saturday is Chasing Ice by Jeff Orlowski and on Sunday it is Uvgana, a film in English and Inuktitut with subtitles, by Marie-Helene Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu. Admission is free.
Exhibition by Fort Smith artist
A new exhibition by a northern artist is coming to the OSC gallery.
Thebacha Trails and Roadside Ditches by Fort Smith's Brandy Wilson will be on display from Feb. 15 to April 1. A reception for the show will be held on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.
The exhibition features large photographic works. The gallery is open for viewing Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Other viewing times can be booked by appointment.
Registration services go online
The Department of Transportation's online vehicle registration service is now available.
People have to set up a service account so the department can issue email notification for the renewal of drivers licences, vehicle registrations and drivers medical forms. The system is expected to reduce the amount of time needed to renew registrations for passenger vehicles and trailers, according to the department
Validation stickers will no longer be required on future vehicle registrations in the NWT. In the first year, people will receive a blank sticker to cover their previous date sticker.
IRC Cup on tap
The 26th IRC Cup hockey tournament begins Feb. 13 at the Roy Ipana Memorial Arena in the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.
The tournament is likely the most competitive of its type in the Beaufort Delta region as teams converge to battle for athletic bragging rights and hockey supremacy.
Tournament organizer Don Hendrick said 10 teams have announced plans to compete in the tournament, although one hadn't been confirmed yet.
"We will have teams from Paulatuk, Fort McPherson, Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk," Hendricks said.
Last year's 25th anniversary tournament was won by E. Gruben Transportation.
Juno winners to play
The blues will come to Inuvik Feb. 18.
The Northern Arts and Cultural Centre presents Africville Suite, which tells the story of Africville, a small community located in Halifax which was ordered destroyed and the residents evicted so a bridge could be built across the Bedford Basin. It traces the history of racism in Nova Scotia.
Award-winning musician Joe Sealy, who created the show, will be joined by noted gospel, blues and jazz singer Jackie Richardson for the performance.
The shows begins at 7:30.
Man arrested for drugs
A 35-year-old Inuvik man has been arrested for drug possession following a routine traffic stop Jan. 31.
Inuvik RCMP officers stopped the driver for a traffic violation, states a news release.
"As a result of the stop, the RCMP obtained information that steered them into a drug investigation. As a result of this investigation and a search of the vehicle, police located and seized 242 grams (a half-pound) of marijuana and a vial of hashish oil," the release stated.
The driver is being charged with possession of a controlled substance and is expected to appear in Inuvik Territorial Court March 11.
Recognize volunteers
It's time to honour volunteers in the NWT with the Northwest Territories Outstanding Volunteer Awards.
In a media release from the GNWT, residents are encouraged to nominate a youth, elder, group or outstanding volunteer in their communities. This program acknowledges individuals who donate their time to improve the quality of life for NWT residents.
Awards are presented in categories for youth, elder, outstanding group and outstanding volunteer.
The deadline for nominations is March 31.
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