Fire still threatening highway

A 9,000-hectare fire burning 153 km south of Yellowknife near Highway. 3 could cause the highway to be closed again if the fire is not brought under control.

The fire caused the Department of Environment and Natural Resourcesto close that highway for parts of Tuesday and Wednesday of last week.

"We are worried about the northern part of the fire jumping the highway, and it could cause problems and affect the roads," said Judy McLinton, communications officer for Environment and Natural Resources.

"We sent bulldozers into the area; they dug down to the mineral soil to create a fire guard, and get rid of brush, twigs," McLinton said.

- Sarah Ferguson

Yellowknives Dene elect new council

The Yellowknives Dene have elected a new council to represent Dettah and Ndilo for the next four years.

Jonas Sangris, Alfred Baillargeon, Mary Rose Sundberg, Nuni Sanspariel and Peter D. Sangris were elected to represent Dettah on council.

In Ndilo, Paul Betsina, Cecelie Beaulieu, Roy Erasmus Sr., Napoleon Mackenzie and Philip Liske will represent the community.

Jonas Sangris received the most votes among the candidates with 190.

-Kevin Allerston

Man charged in stabbing altercation

Two men were taken to Stanton Territorial Hospital Saturday night after both were stabbed with a broken bottle in a residence on 53 Street at around 8:30 p.m., according to a Monday RCMP press release.

The two men, a 27-year-old from Ndilo and a 31-year-old from Fort Providence, were both in stable condition at the hospital. The RCMP have charged 27-year-old Eagle Quill Hunter of Yellowknife with two counts of aggravated assault for the altercation.

He will appear in territorial court on Aug. 9 at 9:30 a.m. to speak to the charges.

-Terrence McEachern

RCMP reminds motorists to be cautious

Yellowknife RCMP sent out a news release on Tuesday reminding motorists to be cautious, slow down and avoid the use of cell phones while driving.

With school done for the summer, there are more people enjoying outdoor activities, according to the release. Cell phone use, and other distractions within the vehicle greatly increase the driver's risk of being in a collision.

- Heather Lange

Off to summer camp

Rankin Inlet - A number of cadets from the 3019 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Rankin Inlet will historically participate in the annual cadet summer camp in Whitehorse.

The 2011 camp has special significance for the Rankin corps as cadet Warrant Officer Cassandra Gordon will be the first Inuit sergeant major employed at the training facility this summer.

A number of Junior Canadian Rangers from the Kivalliq are also expected to be at the camp this week to participate in an enhanced training session.

There will be Junior Rangers from 37 communities across all three territories and Atlin, B.C., at the camp from June 27 to July 1 for the session.

The young Rangers will take part in activities such as abseiling, swift-water rescue, rafting, marksmanship, trapping, woodsmanship and a Canada Day parade.

Spring cleaning

Arviat - The community of Arviat will be completing its annual spring cleanup this week. The cleanup started June 20 and ends tomorrow.

A number of special events were scheduled to be held to encourage participation in the cleanup, including a posterdrawing contest for the kids, which will be judged later this week.

Adults received a prize ticket for every bag of garbage, or pile of garbage equal to a bag, they collected during the cleanup.

The tickets are for a draw being held at the community hall on July 1 for a pair of First Air tickets.

Zebra hunting

Whitehorse/Kivalliq - Kivalliq officials and sporting leaders are reminded the host society is looking for officials to take part in the 2012 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) in Whitehorse.

The society is looking for officials for badminton (five), basketball (seven), biathlon (two), dog-mushing (one), figure skating (four), gymnastics (seven), hockey (to be determined), snowboarding (three), Dene games (to be determined), speed skating (six), soccer (eight), volleyball (six) and wrestling (three).

Officials looking for more information on attending the AWG should contact their territorial sporting organization.

Supporting Rankin students

Rankin Inlet - Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) principal Jesse Payne said MUI owes thanks to the local business community, individuals, government departments and various organizations for their continued support of the annual awards ceremony to honour students for their achievements during the school year.

"These students have all accomplished something special in their young lives, and it's important we acknowledge their efforts and reward them for their perseverance, dedication and hard work," said Payne.

"If it weren't for the support we receive, we wouldn't be able to do justice to their efforts."

In addition to MUI, itself, supporting the 2011 awards ceremony were CIBC, student council, AgnicoEagle Mines Ltd., Jordin Tootoo, Kivalliq News, Matchbox Gallery, Sakku Arctic, Northern store, Huka Services, Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association, Ikkayuktauvik Business Services, Rankin Inlet Housing Association and the Kissarvik Coop.

Also sponsoring awards at the event were A&K Canteen, the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet, the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Rankin Inlet Oldtimers Hockey, Calm Air, the Government of Nunavut, Kivalliq Science Educators' Community, M&T Enterprises and the MUI Grub Box.