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News Briefs: Friday, January 20, 2012
Wolf sightings
Wolves have been spotted on Jackfish Lake and near Frame Lake, according to a news release by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The department is advising people to steer clear of wolves and not feed the animals or store food outside unless it is in a secure container. Dogs should be kept on leashes and dog owners should not stand between their dogs and a wolf or try to break up a fight.
The department released several tips on how to act during a wolf encounter: "Raise your arms to make yourself appear as large as possible; do not turn your back on the wolf and do not run; calmly, but slowly back away and maintain eye contact; act aggressively toward it."
- Galit Rodan
Weather closes roads
Winter has finally arrived - and in its wake roads are closing across the territory.
"The (Dettah) ice crossing was closed for about two hours because of the visibility issue before noon on Wednesday," said Earl Blacklock, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation. "On the Mackenzie Valley winter road system everything north of Wrigley was closed and remains closed (as of Thursday)."
With another weather system moving in early next week, road conditions are likely to remain poor.
- Laura Busch
Money matters
The NWT Literacy Council and Yellowknife Public Library are hosting a financial planning class this coming Tuesday. The class will take place in the Yellowknife Public Library meeting room from 7 to 9 p.m.
- Laura Busch
Rick Hansen to visit
Canadian Paralympian Rick Hansen will be in Yellowknife Monday on a detour from his 25th anniversary relay. Hansen, a paraplegic athlete, is retracing the Canadian segment of his 1985-1987 Man in Motion World Tour, in which he wheeled through 34 countries to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries.
On Monday he is scheduled to give a presentation at Weledeh Catholic School at 9:30 a.m., followed by a cultural visit to Dettah at 1:15 p.m. at the Dettah Community Centre and ending with a community celebration at 6 p.m. at the Multiplex.
- Galit Rodan
News Briefs: Thursday, January 19, 2012
Fort Simpson hockey tourney
Hockey action will take over the Fort Simpson arena this weekend.
The Fort Simpson Men's Recreational Hockey Tournament is taking place from Jan. 20 to 22. Teams from Hay River, Fort Providence and Tulita have confirmed they will be attending.
Fort Simpson will also be fielding three teams.
Games are to begin on Friday evening with the finals on Sunday. The first-place team will gets $3,000 followed by $1,500 for second and $600 for third.
There will also be individual awards given for player achievements.
To make a day out of it, spectators will be able to purchase breakfast at the recreation centre on Saturday and Sunday from 8 to 11 a.m.
Fort Providence prepares for tournament
Planning is underway for the Kingland Ford Hockey Tournament.
The annual tournament will be held in Fort Providence from Feb. 10 to 12. Invitations have been sent out to teams and the first eight teams to pay registration fees will be accepted.
The tournament prizes are set to include $2,000 for first, $1,200 for second, $800 for third and $400 for fourth.
Employees recognized
Nogha Enterprises Ltd. is holding an event to honour its long-term employees.
The company, the economic arm of Liidlii Kue First Nation, will be holding a community feast and drum dance at the Fort Simpson recreation centre beginning at 6 p.m. on Jan. 19. Presentations will be made to Nogha's employees during the course of the evening.
Community members are asked to bring their own dishes and cutlery to the feast.
Chance to honour a volunteer
The nomination period has opened for the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program.
People have until March 30 to nominate an individual, youth, elder or group for one of the awards, which are given out yearly to recognize achievements and contributions made by volunteers in the territory's communities.
Nomination forms can be found on the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs website or the department's regional offices.
Stay on the trails
If snowmobilers notice what look like open areas on the surrounding lakes, it is called overflow and is totally normal for the Beaufort Delta, according to regional superintendent with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Stephen Charlie.
"When we have west winds and north winds and they blow water into the delta from the ocean, it raises the water level, the water goes on top of the ice."
He said with the warmer period the delta recently had, as well as the strong winds that continue to blow, water starts to flow from the channels and pools on top of the ice, creating a slush.
Charlie said the initial trails created in the spring and early winter are the trails to stay on – made of compacted snow that no longer has its insulating factor.
165 hampers
Santa's Elves had its most successful year yet with 165 hampers given out to families in need – the total is about 40 more than last year.
The project raised more than $13,000 through both monetary and in-kind donations.
Santa's Elves broke another record, having about 25 volunteers helping with the planning, organizing, gift wrapping and hamper organizing – more than the group has ever had. The Inuvik RCMP detachment donated toys that were distributed to the families as well and provided 15 cases of diapers to the Inuvik Transitions House, which were received from the Toys for the North toy drive co-ordinated through the Toronto Christmas Parade.
The vet is coming
Animal lovers can prep their furry friends for a visit to the veterinarian over the next four days.
Dr. John Overell, based out of the Yukon, is scheduled to perform 20-minute appointments starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and running until Monday at 7 p.m. at the Aurora Research Institute – weather permitting. Two pets are allowed in the 20-minute interval. Information on prices and available appointment slots can be found through a link on the Inuvik Events Facebook page.
The clinic only accepts cash.
Northern Images closed
Northern Images has closed abruptly. The store was a retail art marketing entity of Arctic Co-operatives Limited which is based in Churchill, Man.
The store offered sculptures, prints, books, hand-made crafts and giftware. There are currently two other Northern Images stores located in Yellowknife and Churchill.
The phone number for the Inuvik store is no longer in service and calls made to the head office were not returned by press time.
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News desk 
