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Friday, June 5, 2015
Food checks carried out
Six food establishments that had not been inspected in two years for compliance with health regulations have now been checked, records posted online show. The Department of Health and Social Services department has a policy of checking restaurants at least three times per year. Minister Glen Abernethy committed to having the backlog of checks carried out by the end of May. It appears that has been done.
No significant issues were uncovered; one location was told its staff needed to take a food safety certification course and another was told to install a thermometer in a fridge.
- Shane Magee
Fire ban lifted
The fire ban in the city has been lifted as of Wednesday due to recent rainfall, according to a notice on the city's website. The ban was implemented on May 25 because of extremely dry conditions. The city's website states that if the status changes, announcements will be made on the city's Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as its weekly newsletter, Capital Update.
The city is reminding residents that fire permits are required when using a pit fire or any open flame burning. The GNWT has also lifted the fire ban at Fred Henne Territorial Park.
- John McFadden
Organics curbside collection expanded
Starting this fall, organics curbside collection will be expanded to include Old Town, Niven and in the area of School Draw Avenue. Green carts will be delivered to the 720 single family dwellings in these areas starting in early September, according to a news release from the city. Collection will begin on Sept. 16, preceded by two public information sessions: June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Government Dock and Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
- John McFadden
Publication ban on jury hearing
A judge is to hand down her decision today on whether a man who missed the first day of his trial is still entitled to a jury trial. Crown prosecutor Alex Godfrey argued that Ken Kendi, 50, of Yellowknife forfeited that right when he failed to show for the start of his sexual assault trial on May 25. He was charged after a 2013 incident in a Yellowknife residence. Judge Karan Shaner is to rule on whether Kendi's reasons for missing court were valid and if he should still get a jury trial.
- John McFadden
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Fire conditions stable says ENR
With rain falling and cooler temperatures prevailing in the Deh Cho this week, fire danger for Fort Simpson and Wrigley are now listed as low, although Fort Liard is still listed as high to extreme.
During their second wildfire briefing of the season, officials with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) said although the number of wildfires throughout the NWT has risen to 46 from 34, all are being responded to. So far, 11 fires have been doused and four are under control.
In the Deh Cho, a total of 25 fires have been reported, with five out and six receiving response. Fourteen are being monitored. No communities are currently being threatened. ENR said fire danger is expected to be high toward the weekend and Saturday carries a risk of dry lightning.
ENR will be holding a training camp for Northwest Territories residents who are interested in becoming extra firefighters.
Training will be taking place from June 8 to 12 in Fort Smith, with travel and accommodation covered by ENR.
Lafferty in charge
Dehcho First Nations introduced a new sacting grand chief, while the election process continues.
As of May 25, Marie Lafferty took over the reins from Grand Chief Herb Norwegian, as per Dehcho First Nations policy requiring the grand chief to step aside one month prior to an election, said Lafferty.
She will remain as acting grand chief until the election is held during the DFN annual general assembly June 24 to 26, with nominations closing June 10.
Lafferty could not say whether Norwegian will be running again. He could not be reached for comment prior to press time.
While acting as grand chief, Lafferty will continue her role as a village councillor in Fort Simpson as well as president of Fort Simpson Metis Local.
Festival call for artists closes
The Open Sky Creative Society has officially closed its final call for artists and musicians to play during its summer festival on July 11 and 12.
The society had called for artists, musicians, performers, artisans and vendors to apply by the end of May.
This year's festival will mark Open Sky's 15th anniversary. This year, the event will conclude with an evening dance in the village arena.
Free lunch for Inuvialuit Day
June 5 marks the annual Inuvialuit Day celebrations in Inuvik, around the Western Arctic and through Beaufort Delta.
The day marks the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.
The day will be marked with a free lunch, entertainment and prizes.
Continuing the multicultural theme of recent years, the Inuvik Muslim Society is contributing dishes to the feast, said organizer Peggy Jay.
The Inuvik Drummers and Dancers are expected to perform as well.
Mackenzie Road around the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation building will be closed during the celebrations,.
The event customarily attracts hundreds of people.
Kiddies Carnival on weekend
It will be jamboree season one more time this weekend.
The annual Kiddies Carnival takes place on June 6 and 7 with all of the traditional jamboree games and activities.
It's the third year the carnival has been held as a separate event from the main late winter/early spring traditional jamboree.
Its popularity seems to have grown since it became a second festival. Organizers say more attention can be paid to kids this way.
Early this year, due to financial pressures, the organizing committee wondered publicly if they would be able to hold the festival, but those issues have been ironed out.
Slo-pitch starts
The Inuvik Slo-pitch Association is holding its first tournament of the season June 5 to 7.
It's the annual Men's and Women's Tournament that marks the heart of the season for Inuvik's most popular summer sport.
The Inuvik Huskies team is organizing the event.
Teams have until June 4 to register, although late entrants might be accommodated depending on numbers. Teams are required to field a minimum of nine players.
Inuvik catches eye of TV networks
Inuvik is turning some heads in the United States after receiving a bit of news coverage about the town's 56 days of continuous daylight.
Following tweets from Inuvik tourism manager Jackie Challis, the ABC news network came calling to talk to her about the endless daylight during the Inuvik summers.
Other networks, including AOL, caught on to the "story" as well, all marvelling at what living under the Midnight Sun must be like.
Challis pointed out the summer is countered by a month of polar night.
This is when the sun hovers just below the horizon from early December through early January.
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