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News Briefs: Friday, March 08, 2013
Harper rumour unconfirmed
A rumoured visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday remains unconfirmed at press time. Online media reports suggest the prime minister is coming to Yellowknife to sign a devolution agreement with the territorial government. Calls to the Prime Minister's Office were not returned as of Thursday evening. Sandy Lee, regional co-ordinator for the Western Conservative Arctic Association, refused to confirm if the prime minister is visiting and would not comment officially as to whether he was coming for the agreement. All calls with the Western Arctic Conservative Association were directed to Lee.
- Simon Whitehouse
These boots are made for walking
Twenty-six Yellowknife teams participating in this year's Mackenzie River Walking Challenge managed to trek 1,658 km, equivalent to the distance to Tuktoyaktuk. Yellowknife participants were joined by residents from across the NWT who also took up the eight-week virtual walking challenge, which started on Jan. 7. Altogether 73 teams participated, with entrants collectively logging 38,175 walking hours. Participants were given a chance at a First Air flight pass and a pair of monogrammed team socks. This year's top prize winner was Beverley Rockwell from the YK Go Ski team.
- Miranda Scotland
Skiing for glory
The NWT Ski Championships are set to roll this weekend at the Yellowknife Ski Club.
Day one on Saturday will feature classic technique races with staggered starts. Day two on Sunday is for freestyle races held under mass starts. Both days' events will begin at 1:30 p.m. Registration can be done through the Zone 4 website by 6 p.m. this evening.
- James McCarthy
Open house on dock plans
The city is holding an open house on Wednesday for residents to give feedback on the proposed improvements to the Government Dock and Pilot's Monument. Visitors will be able to view the first design concept at city hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. At the end of the open house, the design will be put on the city website for more residents to comment.
- Miranda Scotland
News Briefs: Thursday, March 7, 2013
Election date change for Liidlii Kue First Nation
There have been changes to the dates for the byelection for chief of Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson.
The nomination period will be open until March 28. The advance poll will be held on April 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Liidlii Kue First Nation's boardroom.
The election will be held on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., also in the boardroom.
Memorial service for Stephen Rowan
A memorial service for Stephen Rowan will be held in Fort Simpson next week.
The service will take place on March 11 at 1 p.m. in the recreation centre. Rowan, a local historian and active volunteer, died on Feb. 17 at the age of 89.
Two of Rowan's family members from the United States are expected to attend the service. An opportunity will be given for people to share their memories of Rowan.
Annual jamboree underway
Beavertail Jamboree is underway all this week in Fort Simpson.
Events on March 7 include a community feast at 6 p.m. followed by the crowning of the Beavertail royalty and a drum dance. On Friday, there will be a free barbecue at the carnival site at noon followed by the corporate challenge and kids games. The youth talent show will be held at Bompas Elementary School at 6 p.m.
The jamboree will culminate on Saturday with snowdrag races and traditional games, both taking place at 1 p.m. Evening entertainment will include the adult talent show at 6 p.m. followed by an adult dance.
On Sunday, the jamboree will conclude with a family fun run at noon and more traditional games.
Celebration of spring in Fort Providence
Planning is already underway for the Deh Cho Bison Jamboree that will take place in Fort Providence from March 20 to 26.
A draft schedule includes many popular returning events including adult traditional games, a family talent show, snowdrag races, events for kids and youth and a cribbage tournament, among other things.
Daylight savings time begins
Deh Cho residents are reminded that daylight savings time begins this weekend.
Clocks should be turned ahead one hour on Saturday night because the time change comes into effect on Sunday morning, March 10, at 2 a.m.
Money for travel club
Town council agreed last week to provide the East Three Art Travel Club with $2,000 in funding for an upcoming trip to England.
The club had asked for the money as a donation but Mayor Floyd Roland suggested it could be provided as part of an agreement for the club members to make a presentation at future municipal events, or perhaps to create an exhibit the town could use.
He specifically mentioned the Great Northern Arts Festival as a possible venue.
The idea of providing the money prompted a lengthy discussion, with some councillors saying they don't want to set a precedent.
Delta Stars back in town
The Inuvik Delta Stars are back in action this weekend as the Northern Hockey Challenge regular season winds down.
The team, with a record of 1-4-1, is currently in last place in the Western Arctic Division, but could still make the playoffs depending on the outcome of this weekend's games.
The Delta Stars host Yellowknife in back-to-back games on March 8 and March 9 at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. Yellowknife is currently in first place in the division, followed by Hay River.
Driving Force wins honour
The Driving Force Inc. has been named as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for the eighth year running.
The company, which has an office in Inuvik, offers vehicle rental, sales and leasing. The Inuvik branch also offers tow truck service and GM warranty work through its Klondike Motors Inc. service department.
The award is managed by Deloitte, a Quebec-based company that provides tax, audit, consulting and financial advisory services.
Aurora College looks for funding
Aurora College is looking for more funding opportunities for its Aurora Research Institute.
The college is preparing to apply for funding from the federal Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), said spokesperson Jeff O'Keefe.
"Once we are eligible as an institution, we would then be able to apply for SSHRC grants to fund research projects," O'Keefe said.
All scientific research in the Inuvik-Mackenzie Delta region is funnelled through the institute. It provides licensing, permits and management services, as well as personnel and equipment for field work.
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