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News Briefs: Friday, December 9, 2011
Robbery suspects charged
Police have laid charges against a second man in a robbery and attempted robbery of two cab drivers in separate incidents during the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 3.
Sean Qitsualik, 26, of Yellowknife is facing two counts of disguise with intent to commit an offence, one count of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
Brent Michael, 20, also of Yellowknife, faces the same charges.
- NNSL staff
New exhibit at museum
Governor General David Johnston and his wife, Sharon, officially opened a new exhibit at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Thursday afternoon. The display, titled Hunters of the Alpine Ice, exhibits the results of eight years of research by Dene from Tulita on high alpine ice patches found in the western NWT.
The new exhibit is open to the public and can be found in the feature gallery beside the heritage cafe.
- Laura Busch
Man in Motion anniversary
The City of Yellowknife will be welcoming famous Canadian Paralympian Rick Hansen at the Ed Jeske arena at the Multiplex at 6 p.m. on Jan. 23. The event will mark the 25th anniversary of Hansen's Man in Motion World Tour, which sought to raise global awareness for spinal cord injury research.
The city will recognize a resident who has made a difference in the lives of others. Until Dec. 19, citizens can nominate a person to receive the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Award through the city.
- Simon Whitehouse
Christmas tree safety
Fire Prevention Canada reminds Yellowknife residents to practise proper fire safety when bringing a Christmas tree into their homes this season. Residents are advised to check for the freshness of the needles by pulling on them. Dry, brown needles could be fire hazards.
When setting up the tree, try to position it near an electrical outlet to keep cords short. Before leaving home or going to bed, always unplug the tree lights. To ensure the holidays remain fire-free, make sure any tree is kept away from exits, fireplaces, radiators, TVs and other heat sources.
- Katherine Hudson
News Briefs: Thursday, December 8, 2011
Weather closes Nahanni Butte access road
Winter transportation systems are progressing in the Deh Cho with a few delays caused by weather.
The Nahanni Butte winter access road opened on Dec. 2 but was temporarily closed on Dec. 5 due to warm temperatures that caused excessive overflow on the ice crossing. The road is expected to be reopened later in the week when temperatures drop, said Greg Whitlock, the regional superintendent of the Department of Transportation.
Work is also progressing on the Trout Lake winter road with the contractor out in full force, said Whitlock. The completion of the road may be affected by recent heavy snowfall and warm temperatures, he said.
The N'Dulee ice crossing located between Fort Simpson and Wrigley opened to light traffic on Dec. 6. The crossing was well ahead of its five-year average opening date of Dec. 20.
Ice spray technology is being used on both the N'Dulee and Liard ice crossings to increase the weight limits more quickly, Whitlock said.
New society board
The Open Sky Creative Society has a new board.
The society held its annual general meeting in Fort Simpson on Dec. 5. Ten people attended the meeting.
Michael Blyth, Tonya Makletzoff, Roxanna Thompson and Lindsay Waugh have returned to the board. New members include Anyes Fabre-Dimsdale, Lynn Canney and Jackie Zinger. The society's executive will be decided during a meeting on Dec. 12.
The society, which promotes the arts and artists in the Deh Cho, also has three community representatives, D'Arcy J. Moses from Wrigley, Lucy Simon from Jean Marie River and Karen Gelderman from Hay River.
Elections in the Deh Cho
A number of elections are taking place in the Deh Cho in the coming week.
Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is having its election for band council on Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the council chamber followed by the election for chief the following day at the same times.
The election for the Fort Providence Hamlet Council will be held on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the community hall. The election for the mayor of Fort Liard and the community's district education authority will also be held on Dec. 12.
Christmas parade
Fort Simpson's annual Christmas parade will be taking place on Dec. 11.
The floats will gather outside the Nahanni Inn at 6:30 p.m. and the parade will start at 7 p.m.
Ice road update
The Tsiigehtchic winter access road has opened to light traffic weighing up to 10,000 kg. The Peel River crossing has also opened for vehicles up to 50,000 kg and the Mackenzie River ice crossing is open to light traffic weighing up to 10,000 kg.
The Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik ice roads are under construction and will likely open to light traffic later this week.
The Dempster Highway between Eagle Plains and Fort McPherson has had a tough time this week, with high winds and blowing snow closing the road. Be sure to check if the highway is open and the driving conditions before leaving on a trip.
Remember to use caution and to use headlights and seatbelts.
Stabbing in Inuvik apartment
One man is recovering in stable condition at the Inuvik Regional Hospital after being stabbed last weekend.
On Dec. 3 at 4 p.m., RCMP received a call about a group of people screaming in Nihjaa Apartments. There was an altercation and a person sustained life-threatening injuries.
Police are currently investigating the incident and anticipate laying charges of assault with a weapon, said Staff Sgt. Wayne Norris on Tuesday.
Christmas lights contest on Dec. 15
There is a week left to get decorations up and ready for Christmas.
Although the actual holiday is still a few weeks away, the Town of Inuvik will hold the judging for its annual Christmas Lights and Decoration contest on Dec. 15 between 6 and 9 p.m. Judges will drive around town and look at the best use of light and display of festive spirit to choose a winner.
Cash prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place homes. Winners will be announced a few days after the contest.
Don't use the R-word
Dec. 3 was International Day of Persons with Disabilities and, in honour of that day, the NWT Disabilities Council is launching a campaign to "Spread the word to end the word." The council invites members of the public to increase respect for people with intellectual disabilities and stop using the word "retarded" to describe them, as it perpetuates stigma and negative stereotypes.
Over 225,000 people have pledged their support since the campaign started in 2009.
To pledge, visit the R-word website to build acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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News desk 
