Break-up looms

With the ice on the Hay River beginning to break-up, the Department of Transportation figures the Mackenzie River is next.

"Any day now," said Earl Blacklock, a spokesperson for the department.

With that in mind, he said the Merv Hardie ferry, which crosses the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence, should be set to start by the second or third week of May.

Usually the ferry begins running on May 13. The department warned last month that the start date would likely be delayed because of low and fluctuating water levels.

On Wednesday, the water was over 151 metres above sea level, and 150 metres are required for the ferry to run.

--Nicole Veerman

Carnations for Kammy

After reading about the fight of a one-year-old girl, Kamryn Bond, who lost her limbs after struggling with septic shock, The Raven Pub threw a two-day fundraiser that tallied up $4,100 for the young girl's family.

Toni Enns, manager of the pub, said she doesn't know the family, but Kamryn's story touched her heart, so she and her staff sold carnations and hot dogs last Friday and Saturday night.

"Everyone loved giving," she said of the people who came to the pub. "And they were very generous."

The $4,100 cheque was delivered to Kamryn's aunt on Monday.

The money will help the family with travel and medical costs.

--Nicole Veerman

Big junk sale

Yellowknifers have one more week to gather up their junk to take part in the Community Garage Sale on May 14.

To take part, residents must reserve a table with the city. All reservations must be completed by May 13. There are only 100 tables available, so those interested must book one fast.

For residents who would rather collect than purge, the sale will be open from 8 a.m. to noon in the Ed Jeske Arena at the Multiplex.

--Nicole Veerman

Info session

Find out where Yellowknife's drinking water is coming from, and how that might change, at an information session Tuesday night.

The meeting, organized by the City of Yellowknife, is a requirement for the continuation of the water treatment plant project. The session will present options for changing the source of the city's drinking water. The public are invited to the Yellowknife Inn at 7 p.m. to take part.

--Nicole Veerman

Recycling pays off for two schools

Two schools in the Deh Cho are among 15 from across the territory that have earned donations from Northwestel.

Both Thomas Simpson School in Fort Simpson and Deh Gah School in Fort Providence participated in Northwestel's directory recycling program.

For the last 10 years the company has invited schools to collect out dated phone books for recycling and rewarded participating schools with cash awards for school programs and activities.

For reaching the target of one directory per student, Deh Gah received $200. Thomas Simpson received $500 for collecting a minimum of 1.25 phone books per student.

Mothers' Day treat in Fort Simpson

The Moosehide Mammas are holding a Mothers' Day brunch in Fort Simpson on May 7.

The brunch will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Seven Spruce Golf Course's clubhouse. Tickets are available in advance from team members or at the door.

The meal will include homemade waffles, eggs, bacon, sausages, toast and muffins as well as beverages.

Seven Spruce Golf Course prepares for season

Planning is already underway for the upcoming golf season.

The Seven Spruce Golf Course in Fort Simpson held its annual general meeting on April 26.

Incumbent president Shane Thompson and vice-president Pat Rowe were both acclaimed back to their positions. Caitlin Jaffray, also through acclamation, joined the club's executive as the treasurer.

In preparation for the beginning of the golf season the club will be holding its annual clean-up on May 15.

Possible spring clean-up for Fort Simpson

With the snow receding to reveal a winter's worth of litter, one Fort Simpson village councillor thinks it's time the municipality took the lead in cleaning things up.

During the council meeting on April 18, Coun. Stella Nadia proposed the village select a day to dedicate to garbage pick-up around the community. Nadia added the village could host a hotdog lunch for residents following the litter pick-up.

Most councillors agreed with Nadia's call for a civic clean-up, but more specific discussion about the event were shelved until after break-up.

– Herb Mathisen

Aurora College convocation

The Aurora Campus of Aurora College in Inuvik will hold its convocation on May 13.

Both the graduation ceremony and banquet will take place at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex, with the ceremony starting at 2 p.m. and the dinner at 6 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend the ceremony to watch the 26 graduates receive their diplomas. They will graduate from office administration, business diploma and personal support workers programs. The students come from all over the Beaufort Delta.

Sarah Wright-Cardinal, president of Aurora College, will attend and speak at the ceremony.

Open house

Youth and Family Support Inuvik will hold an open house to let the community know about its new social program.

It offers on-the-land programs, as well as support for youth and family. The event will be held on May 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the programs office in the Interagency building, behind the iglu church. It's a chance to meet the co-ordinators, Jimmy Ruttan and Laura Evans, as well as enjoy light refreshments.

Mother's Day events

On May 8, treat your mother to a nice meal out.

A number of events will be held on the Sunday to celebrate mothers. The francophone association will hold its annual lobster dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion at 5 pm. If you're not in the mood for lobster, steak is also an option.

At lunch there will be a Mother's Day barbecue at Ingamo Hall at 1 p.m. On Saturday May 7, mothers and daughters can get together for an afternoon of pampering and crafts at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex, from 1 p.m. on.

Highway Report

The Tuktoyaktuk ice road closed for the season on May 4, but as of press time the Aklavik ice road and Dempster Highway are still open.

Drivers heading south or people waiting on road delivery should have one more weekend before the Dempster Highway closes.

The Aklavik ice road is still open, but can close at a moment's notice. Drivers should expect rough, slippery and slushy sections throughout the drive. The ice road usually closes for the season around May 3, but the Department of Transportation expects this crossing should also remain open for the weekend, even with the warmer weather.

Status of Species Report

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources released a report outlining the status of more than 3,400 wild species in the territory.

Information is updated every five years and is collected through traditional and scientific knowledge. The report ranks all species in the NWT, including mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, plants and some insects.

Species in the Inuvialuit region that are at risk include Peary caribou, Eskimo curlew, ivory gull, and olive-sided gullcatcher.

For more information visit the NWT Species At Risk website.