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Friday, January 16, 2015
Break and enter at Dancing Moose
Yellowknife RCMP is looking for the public's help in tracking down a suspect who broke into the Dancing Moose Cafe.
According to RCMP, in the early morning hours of Jan. 15 an individual, who appears to be male, broke into the restaurant and stole a number of items including four large carvings as well as approximately 24 bottles of wine.
The suspect appears to be a male wearing a light-colored parka with a dark stripe on the side, a light baseball cap and dark shoes. Anyone with information about the incident can contact RCMP.
- Cody Punter
Tribute to John Wifladt Sunday at Javaroma
The Yellowknife Guitar Circle will be holding a tribute for the late John Wifladt at Javaroma on Sunday. Organizer Marino Casebeer said Wifladt was a member of the circle and the group wanted to honour his legacy. The tribute begins at 5 p.m. See page 6 for related story.
- John McFadden
23 people charged with impaired driving
Twenty-three people were charged with impaired driving between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1 during the RCMP's month-long crackdown on drunk driving in the NWT known as Operation Rednose.
Cpl. Todd Scaplen, head of RCMP "G" Division traffic services, stated in a news release there were 23 impaired drivers charged during the campaign. Eleven more had their licences suspended for 24 hours due to impairment by either alcohol or drugs.
- John McFadden
Hodges knocked down a peg
Steven Hodges' professional hockey career has taken a backward step after he was sent down to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the 'AA' hockey league on Tuesday.
Hodges was with the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League after being cut during the Florida Panthers' training camp last September, where he scored one goal and had one assist in 23 games. Hodges played in his first game with the Cyclones on Wednesday night, which the Cyclones won, 4-0, over the Evansville IceMen.
- James McCarthy
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Tire slashing spree
Police in Fort Simpson are investigating after at least eight vehicles had one or more tires slashed the night of Jan. 6.
At least one of the vehicles that had a tire flattened was parked near the Pandaville restaurant around 9 p.m. In a news release, RCMP Cpl. Todd Scaplen stated officers are investigating and are seeking tips from the public to help solve the crimes.
Health centre set to open
The keys to the new Fort Providence health centre are expected to be handed over the to Dehcho Health and Social Services authority at the end of this month.
Donna Allen, the chief executive officer of the health authority, said work on the building started in 2013 is expected to be complete in late January.
The equipment and supplies will then be moved in, Allen told the quarterly public administrator meeting on Jan. 7.
She said a grand opening ceremony will be held at some point, a date is not yet set, to mark the completion of the work.
The new facility estimated to cost $11 million is approximately 6,800 square metres, about one-third larger than the old centre.
Air ambulance contract awarded
Stanton Territorial Health Authority awarded its eight year air ambulance contract to Air Tindi Ltd. and and Advanced Medical Solutions Inc., according to a news release.
The contract was awarded following a request for proposals and an evaluation of the applicants.
According to the news release from the GNWT, the contract for Air Tindi has cost $53.9 million from April 1, 2008 to March 31 while the contract held by AMS has cost $18.2 million from August 15, 2007 to March 31.
Minimum wage to increase
The minimum wage is set to increase from $10 to $12.50 per hour on June 1, a 25 per cent increase.
Jackson Lafferty, the minister of Education, Culture and Employment, made the announcement Jan. 13 at a news conference in Yellowknife.
"The move to increase the minimum wage is part of ongoing Government of the Northwest Territories efforts to support the people of the NWT and ensure they have opportunities, possibilities, and a fair wage," Lafferty said in a news release.
The increase was based on findings by a Minimum Wage Committee the minister created in 2013.
The wage rate has been $10 since April 2011.
School seeks feedback on dismissal times
Start times and dismissal times for students at East Three school are up for discussion and public input is wanted.
A survey discussing the opening and closing times for both the elementary and secondary school has been formulated. Titled "Feedback on Start and End Times," the survey can be found on the school's Facebook pages.
The survey is estimated to take between five and 10 minutes and results will be collected on Jan. 20 to be discussed at the upcoming Inuvik District Education Authority meeting.
Housing Authority seeks board members
The Inuvik Housing Authority is asking community members to come forward to fill vacant positions on its board of directors.
Applications are available at the authority office in the Semmler building, from Monday to Friday, during regular office hours.
The deadline for applications is Jan. 26 at 5 p.m.
Youth invited to attend mental health symposium
The Canadian Institute of Health Research is providing funding of between $500 and $5,000 for youth to attend the Evidence-Base for Promoting Mental Wellness and Resilience to Address Suicide in Circumpolar Communities symposium.
The event is to be held in Iqaluit from March 25 to 27.
It is focused on promoting mental wellness and strength to combat the high suicide rates in Northern communities.
The deadline for applications is Jan. 19, and entrants must be between 18 and 30 years old, from an Arctic community and currently studying at a post-secondary institution.
Award nominees sought
The GNWT is looking to recognize residents who pitch in, and go above and beyond to help their community.
Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Robert C. McLeod has put out a call for nominations for the 25th annual Northwest Territories Outstanding Volunteer Awards.
Recognition is given in four categories: youth, elder, outstanding group and outstanding volunteer award. The deadline for nominations is March 20.
"We have a strong volunteer sector with committed people doing great work in our communities," said McLeod.
"The Government of the NWT supports volunteers and their work, and encourages more people to get involved. Strong volunteers build strong communities."
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