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Friday, November 14, 2014
Robert Hawkins announces nomination
Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins is seeking the Liberal nomination for the federal riding of the Northwest Territories. The announcement comes in a draft press release obtained by Yellowknifer Thursday afternoon. Hawkins says he will make an official announcement sometime today.
According to his press release, Hawkins says he plans to focus on issues such as the environment, housing, cost of living, energy and economic growth. Former NWT Liberal Party president Kieron Testart is also seeking the Liberal nomination. The federal election is scheduled for Oct. 19.
- Randi Beers
New database for NWT entrepreneurs
NWT businesses and entrepreneurs can now access a new database designed to give them a variety of information on funding programs and services. A news release for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, states that increased awareness of available programs should help NWT businesses access financial support. The InvestNWT.com website is intended to allow users to search funding options by agency or sector.
- John McFadden
Lucky diner will be $100 richer
Officials from the City of Yellowknife will today make someone $100 richer.
A name will be drawn randomly from a list of people who participated in yesterday's Dine Out Yellowknife promotion. The initiative was staged by the city and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce as well as NWT Tourism. People were asked to dine out at a participating restaurant and then post a review of their entire culinary experience on tripadvisor.com.
- John McFadden
Snowmobile registration now open
The city of Yellowknife has opened snowmobile registration for the winter season. Residents can stop by the Municipal Enforcement Division office at city hall. The city is asking those who want to renew their registration to bring their previous registration and proof of insurance. First-time registrants need to bring proof of insurance and a bill of sale or proof of ownership of a snowmobile.
- Randi Beers
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Finance minister asks for public input
Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger is expected to hold a public meeting in Fort Simpson on Nov. 17 to gather input for the next territorial budget.
Pre-budget consultations are also being held in several other communities around the territory.
The meeting in Fort Simpson is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. in the large ballroom at the Nahanni Inn.
Input is being sought at the public meetings or residents can send an e-mail to budgetdialogue@gov.nt.ca by Dec. 15.
School warns of scabies
Several children attending Bompas Elementary School in Fort Simpson have confirmed cases of scabies.
A letter to parents was sent home last week informing parents of the outbreak.
Scabies is highly infectious and is spread through skin-to-skin touching caused by a mite that burrows under the skin.
Symptoms of scabies include itching and a rash.
Principal Kelley Andrews-Klein didn't say exactly how many students have been infected, but in the letter she stated that the students are being treated at home.
She urged any parents suspecting their child has the infection to seek treatment at the village medical centre.
Internet speed gets a boost
Northwestel announced last week it had tripled the download speed available to Fort Simpson DSL Internet customers.
Residents and businesses can now access the Internet at 15 megabits per second as of Nov. 6 according to a news release.
The upload speed is now at one megabit per second.
The improved network speed is part of upgrades the company is undertaking, including expanding cellphone service.
Nahanni Butte is in the process of receiving service and Trout
Lake is on the list to see service over the next year or so, said
Northwestel spokesperson Eric Clement.
Ping-pong tourney comes to Fort Simpson
The Fort Simpson recreation centre will be hosting a fun ping pong tournament on Nov. 19.
Recreation co-ordinator Nathan McPherson said those interested can sign up early, or up to 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
The tournament is being held as part of National Addictions Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 18 to 24.
New deal for gas
The Town of Inuvik and Inuvik Gas have finalized a new franchise agreement for the company to supply the town with energy for heating.
The deal still needs to be ratified by the NWT Public Utilities Board before it can be implemented, said Mayor Floyd Roland.
"We look forward to working with Inuvik Gas and exploring other fuel options that can be used in the existing distribution system, such as liquefied natural gas," said Roland. "This franchise renewal assures residents of continued high-quality service from a company that has served them for a decade and a half."
Addiction hits the screen
In conjunction with Addictions Awareness Week, which begins Nov. 17, Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP) film society aided by the Department of Health and Social Services, is presenting an Addictions Awareness Film Festival that will visit Inuvik later this month.
Filmmaker Dennis Allen will tour nine NWT communities, including Inuvik on Nov. 20, with his feature documentary Crazywater. The 2013 film looks at addiction among aboriginal people. Each community will also screen a selection of other films that consider the struggles and triumphs over addiction.
"Films have often been used as conversation starters in public and educational settings for many years and can have an empathetic effect on the viewer," organizers stated in a news release.
Youth Centre offers bargains
The Inuvik Youth Centre is organizing a "garage sale/bazaar by youth and for youth" on Nov. 22.
The event is a fundraising opportunity for the centre, according to new executive director Renee Theoret. Donations are still being accepted. The sale will run from noon until 5 p.m. at the centre.
Celebrations continue
The Aurora Research Institute continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary this week.
On Nov. 16, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., the institute is challenging the public to a robotics competition along with the Inuvik Robotics Club.
"Come out and build your own robot (equipment provided), then put it to the test," organizers stated in a news release.
The event follows on the heels of a well-attended demonstration at the Inuvik Youth Centre last week.
Tournaments approach
The annual Beaufort-Delta Badminton Tournament will be played this weekend at East Three school.
The tournament was revived in 2013 after a layoff of a few years.
Depending on the registration, three divisions of under-15, under-19 and adult will be offered, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
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