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Friday, March 31, 2017
Man faces multiple charges
A man is in custody awaiting a court appearance after being charged with sexual assault, assault, forcible confinement and uttering a death threat.
An arrest warrant was issued by RCMP for Peter Tsetta, 48, after police were unable to locate him. According to a news release from the Mounties, the incident was reported earlier this week.
Court documents show the alleged crimes occurred in Yellowknife. RCMP had issued a news release yesterday asking the public to assist in locating the man. Less than an hour later, another news release was sent out stating police had taken the suspect into custody.
- John McFadden
Accused murderer switches lawyers again
A man charged with second degree murder will be back before the court May 1 after switching lawyers for a second time.
Kevin Mantla of Behchoko is charged in the September 2015 death of Elvis Lafferty inside a Lanky Court apartment. He was also charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault after a woman was injured in the same incident. A preliminary inquiry last year found there was enough evidence to send the case to trial. Mantla has elected to be tried in front of a judge and jury in NWT Supreme Court. He is now be represented by Charles Davison.
- John McFadden
Winter road closed
The Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road closed on Wednesday at midnight for all northbound traffic. Ron Near, director of Winter Road Operations with Diavik Diamond Mines, confirmed the road was closed on Thursday but that southbound traffic would continue for several more days, as trucks return from the mine sites. The road is one of the world's longest heavy haul winter roads, stretching 600 kilometres.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Birchwood now open on Saturdays
Birchwood Coffee Ko announced yesterday it will now be open on Saturday mornings. Patrick Scott and his daughter Jawah Bercier opened the cafe in July, but never on weekends. Alongside coffee and tea, the menu includes Northern and Dene inspired fare.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Fibre link hits home stretch
Construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link has completed, according to the territorial government.
On March 28, the Department of Finance stated in a news release the last portion of the line was constructed on March 16.
The next phase of work includes testing performance and functionality of the line before commissioning it for service. It is expected to be operational by June 1.
The 1,154-kilometre line runs between Inuvik and McGill Lake, 80 kilometres south of Fort Simpson. The cable consists of 48 individual fibres.
The project has been plagued by delays and failed inspections for more than a year.
Motor vehicle fines set to increase
As of April 1, the Department of Transportation will be increasing 229 fines under the territorial Motor Vehicles Act.
The fine for failure to wear a seatbelt will increase from $115 to $172, while failure to stop for a school bus is increasing from $115 to $402.
The fine for failing to stop at a red light will increase from $86 to $172.
A complete list of fine increases can be found at the Department of Justice's website.
Health minister meeting postponed
While a public meeting with Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson and representatives from Health and Social Services went forward on March 27, Health Minister Glen Abernethy was unable to attend due to illness.
Thompson said Abernethy has committed to another meeting in Fort Simpson and will be visiting the community from May 8 to 10.
Open Sky exhibit open throughout April
An exhibit of paintings by Fort Simpson artist Marion Storm are on display at the Open Sky Creative Society throughout March and April.
The gallery is open weekdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The exhibit, titled Mind Over Mind, features acrylic paintings.
Liard rink closes for season
The hockey and skating season in Fort Liard has come to an end.
On March 28, the hamlet announced its ice rink is officially closed for the season.
Warm weather forced the closure of the rink earlier this year, but it re-opened once temperatures dropped again.
Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link officially complete
The two last splice locations for the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link were installed March 16, completing the construction of the fibre line from Inuvik to High Level, Alta.
The link is hoped to support the growth of the remote-sensing and commercial satellite industry in Inuvik.
"The completion of the MVFL hits a major milestone to not only improve, but to provide state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure to remote communities in the Mackenzie Valley region," stated Robert McLeod, minister of finance, in a news release.
Women's correctional facility breaks ground
A breaking ground ceremony marked the beginning of construction of the new Correctional Complex Women's Unit in Fort Smith last week.
The new facility will emphasize open cultural and educational areas to help support inmate rehabilitation and healing.
The current women's correctional facility was built in the 1960s and retrofitted in 1990. The new building will be able to accommodate 23 inmates, with room for further expansion.
The contract to build the new facility is $23.6 million. It is scheduled to be ready for use in mid-2019.
Contest opportunity for indigenous youth
Aboriginal Arts & Stories is inviting self-identified First Nations, Metis and Inuit youth ages nine to 29 to submit a piece of creative writing or two-dimensional art about their identity, culture or a moment or theme in indigenous history.
Prizes of up to $2,000 will be available and some work will be published or exhibited.
Greenhouse readies for spring open
The Inuvik Community Greenhouse will be holding a couple of information sessions for new and returning members next week.
The facility will be opening in mid-April with an open house, pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 15.
Before then, new and returning members can attend two information sessions April 4 and 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Inuvik Centennial Library.
Spring break is here
Students at East Three School been off for spring break as of Monday, April 3.
Both secondary and elementary sides of the school will be back in session Tuesday, April 18.
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