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News Briefs: Friday, July 20, 2012
Yk pilot remembered
A funeral was held yesterday for Paul Rosset, a long-time NWT pilot, who died in a helicopter crash on July 10 while flying two researchers on a grizzly bear study for the Yukon government.
Rosset, 56, was well known in Northern aviation as a fixed-wing pilot, helicopter pilot, aircraft maintenance mechanic and airplane owner. Rosset's funeral was held in St. Claude, Man.
- Lyndsay Herman
Electronic devices permitted in court
Justice professionals, lawyers and accredited members of the media are now permitted to use electronic devices, such as computers, tablets and mobile phones, in territorial court.
A news release from the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories yesterday stated all devices must be in silent mode and have all transmission functions disabled. The decision does not extend to the Supreme Court of Canada and the rules remain unchanged for members of the general public. All audio recordings, photographs and video recordings are still prohibited.
- Lyndsay Herman
Thrasher still on the loose
Police are still searching for Lloyd Thrasher, who currently faces seven charges. A warrant for Thrasher's arrest was issued July 12 after he failed to attend court. Hugh Latimer, Thrasher's lawyer, said in court that he had heard his client might be in Edmonton.
Thrasher is charged with two counts of breaking and entering, two counts of failure to comply with probation, possession of a break-in instrument, failure to comply with a summons and failure to comply with a condition of his undertaking.
He was expected in court for facts and sentencing on two of the charges. A trial date was expected to be set for the other five charges.
- Miranda Scotland
Garden tour planned
The City of Yellowknife and the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition have teamed up to raise $3,000 for BETTY House. The city-run garden tour is a new addition to the annual lawn and landscape competition. The garden tour runs between noon and 4 p.m. on Aug. 12.
Residents can register online at the city's website or by contacting city hall.
- Sara Wilson
News Briefs: Thursday, July 19, 2012
Anthrax confirmed
Anthrax has been confirmed as the cause of death for bison found near Fort Providence.
Originally 128 bison carcasses were found near Mills Lake in the Mackenzie Bison Range during a routine anthrax surveillance flight on July 3. Since then the total number of carcasses has increased to 187 as of July 17.
Of those carcasses, 149 were found within a six-km area near Mills Lake and 38 were found along Highway 3.
The Canadian Food Inspection Laboratory in Lethbridge, Alta., has confirmed the carcasses tested positive for anthrax, said Judy McLinton, the manager of public affairs and communications for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
As of July 17, all of the carcasses along the highway have been incinerated. Work to dispose of the remaining carcasses is expected to continue all summer, McLinton said.
Parks celebrated
A series of events have been organized to celebrate Canada Parks Day in Fort Simpson.
On July 21 there will be a nature talk about local flora and fauna and a scavenger hunt beginning at the Visitor Information Centre at 1 p.m. A walking historical tour will start at 2 p.m.
From 3 to 5 p.m. there will be a free swim and barbecue at the community pool.
Fundraiser for teen
A group of Fort Simpson residents organized a fundraising luncheon in the village on July 6 for the search effort for the late Nicole Horassi in Tulita.
The luncheon raised $2,297.12. Horassi's body was located on July 13 in the Mackenzie River. The 17-year-old had been last seen on June 24.
Cathy Simms and Natasha Harris spearheaded the fundraiser in Fort Simpson. In addition to the numerous people who volunteered in the kitchen, major contributors included the Deh Cho Friendship Centre summer students who made baked goods to sell and Owen Rowe of Rowe's Construction.
Slate of events planned at friendship centre
The six summer students at the Deh Cho Friendship Centre in Fort Simpson are organizing weekly events this summer.
This week the activities include a water fight for youths from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 19. On Friday there will be a barbecue at the centre from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Burgers, hotdogs and salads will be for sale.
That afternoon there will be a scavenger hunt with prizes from 1:30 to 4 p.m. More activities will take place throughout July and August.
Ferry reopens
The Peel River ferry crossing reopened Monday afternoon.
Department of Transportation spokesperson Earl Blacklock said the cable ferry was closed because of high water levels and debris.
"Because it's a cable ferry, it can't go around anything," said Blacklock.
"It's on a set course."
The ferry had been closed since July 12. As of press time Tuesday evening, it was running on its regular on-demand schedule.
"Each time the water levels are high, the landings have to be rebuilt so vehicles can board safely," said Blacklock.
Batter up
Inuvik lost 7-2 to the Slades Fire Protection Expos in the semifinals, who ended up winning the territorial championship at the Territorial Fast Pitch Championships held in Yellowknife on the weekend of July 14-15.
"Slades is a good team," said Inuvik player Mickey Ipana,
"We tip our hats to them, we're just happy to be here."
Ipana said even though it's a long way to Yellowknife, the team has been trying to make it there every year since 2009.
- with files from Jesse Winter
Drowning prevention
Next week is Drowning Prevention Week.
Running from July 21 until July 27, the event aims to increase awareness across Canada.
According to the Lifesaving Society of Canada, more than 34 per cent of drownings occur between July and August.
"One drowning is too many," stated Barbara Kusyanto, chief administrative officer of the Alberta and NWT chapter of the society.
"All these deaths are preventable."
Across the country, the society says 80 per cent of victims are men and the absence of a lifejacket continues to be the main cause.
Traffic increases due to military presence
More than 100 military and contracted trucks will be travelling between Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic during July and August.
The increased traffic is part of Operation Nanook 2012, run by the Canadian Forces and other government partners.
Residents can also expect to see more air traffic flying overhead, as military and chartered aircraft fly between destinations.
There will be heavier than normal traffic along the Dempster Highway and on the Louis Cardinal ferry, but the Canadian Forces say they will try to keep the impact on local traffic to a minimum.
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News desk 
