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Smoke will likely be visible rising from the Yellowknife Airport throughout today and possibly into tomorrow, according to Lee Stroman, airport fire chief.

Three relief firefighters will be completing their airport firefighter certification training in which they must successfully extinguish six different types of fires, ranging from pan fires to large fuel spill fires.

- Kevin Allerston

Ice crossing still open

The Mackenzie River ice crossing at Fort Providence is expected to remain open until early next week, according to Earl Blacklock, manager of communications for the Department of Transportation.

The crossing is benefiting from cold temperatures, though it remains open on a day-to-day basis, he said.

Michael Conway, regional superintendent for the department, said the Dettah ice road is still in good condition and that he expects it to last through the weekend.

- Kevin Allerston

Arts funding request

Ben Nind, executive director of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, asked city council for a $100,000 contribution toward rejuvenating aging seats, rugs, lighting, technical storage space and other physical structural needs. Nind made the pitch at Monday's municipal services committee meeting.

City council indicated there were some complications with the request because it was short notice and the budgeting process is closed for 2012. As well, special grants had already been allotted for the coming year. Coun. Bob Brooks pointed out the city is limited to giving out two per cent of its operating budget to community groups.

Council is hoping to hear back from administration in the coming week.

- Simon Whitehouse

Testing talents

Skills Canada NWT is hosting its 14th Annual Territorial Skills Competition on Tuesday. The opening ceremony will be held at Sir John Franklin at 9 a.m.

The competition is taking place at Sir John Franklin High School, St. Patrick High School, the Kimberlite Career and Technical Centre and the Akaitcho Trades and Technical Centre.

The day-long event highlights trades and technology careers for students, parents, educators and the general public.

- Kevin Allerston

Ice crossing closing in Fort Providence

The Fort Providence ice crossing is in its final week.

The crossing on the Mackenzie River is expected to last until at least April 13.

The surface of the crossing was in good condition as of April 10 but motorists should check the road bulletins before they start travelling, said Earl Blacklock, the manager of public affairs and communications with the Department of Transportation.

Both the Liard River ice crossing and the N'Dulee ice crossing are expected to close for the season between April 15 and 25.

Two dozen Fort Liard snowboarders travel to northern B.C.

A group of youths from Fort Liard had the chance to develop and practice their snowboarding skills during the long weekend.

The Hamlet of Fort Liard sponsored a trip to Powder King Mountain Resort in northern B.C. Twenty-four youths and five chaperones participated in the trip that left the hamlet on April 5.

The trip was set to include three days of snowboarding. This was the fifth, and also the largest, trip organized to take youths from Fort Liard to Powder King.

Weightlifting in Fort Providence

Deh Gah School has opened a new weight room for its students.

The school, with the help of the Hamlet of Fort Providence, purchased a variety of new equipment including a speed bag, punching bags, dumbbells and a weight cage.

Approximately 70 per cent of the high school students are young men and it was felt that they needed an outlet, said Lois Philipp, the school's principal.

High school students are currently being given access to the weight room or the gym for the last 45 minutes of the school day if they arrived at school on time in the morning and after lunch.

Chamber of Commerce looks ahead to annual meeting

The Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its annual general meeting.

The meeting has been set for May 3.

The chamber is looking for a new president and new members for the executive, said Kirby Groat, the organization's current president.

Ivvavik park trips

Parks Canada is organizing multiple-day camping trips into Ivvavik National Park this coming June.

"It's the closest national park that we have to Inuvik but it's quite hard to get to," said Adriana Bacheschi, visitor experience manager at Parks Canada's Inuvik office.

Parks Canada is hoping that these trips will convince Inuvialuit tour operators to run similar excursions to the national park.

"We want to help a local operator take it over," she said.

Both trips will leave Inuvik by charter plane on a Friday and return on a Monday. The first group is scheduled to head into the park from June 1 to 4. The second trek is scheduled for June 8 to 11.

There is room for 10 to 11 people per group, said Bacheschi.

Sparking creativity

Victoria author Julie Lawson will be at the Inuvik Centennial Library next week to host a creative writing workshop. Participants are asked to come equipped with pen and paper, and will spend the evening doing a number of writing activities aimed to kindle creativity and enhance writing skills.

The exact date was not available by press time.

Upcoming entertainment at the Igloo Church

Next week, the Igloo Church will host two artistic performers.

First, musician Florent Vollant will perform Mondayat 7:30 p.m. This concert is sponsored by the Association des Francophones du Delta du Mackenzie, which bring French artists to Inuvik multiple times per year to enhance francophone culture in the community.

Second, Pat Braden will provide insight into his life as a stay-at-home father raising two daughters in an Old Town shack in Yellowknife through his unique blend of spoken word and music on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

This performance is part of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre's Crossing Bridges tour.

Pageant fundraiser successful

The Miss All-Canadian Northern Diamonds Pageant held a fundraiser spaghetti dinner last Saturday at the Inuvik Legion.

The pageant raised about $25,000 through the sale of tickets and a silent auction. This money will hopefully cover the cost of tiaras and awards, said pageant director Helga Sawkins.

The pageant, which is for boys and girls of all ages, is scheduled to be held on May 26 at the Midnight Sun Complex. Registration will be open until May 20. All contestants will receive an award, said Sawkins. She would like to thank all of the businesses who helped out with Saturday's fundraiser, and the Ladies Auxiliary.

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