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Friday, July 17, 2015
Four arrested in gang investigation
Police carried out two search warrants Thursday afternoon and arrested four people from B.C. as part of an investigation into the 856 gang based in that province. Raids were carried out at a hotel and a residence in the city according to an RCMP news release. Police seized a "significant quantity of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia," although totals had not been calculated as of Thursday afternoon. Charges have not yet been laid and police state the investigation is ongoing.
- Shane Magee
Child cyclist hit by car
A child crossing Franklin Avenue at the intersection with Forrest Drive was struck by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon and was taken to hospital in a private vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. The child was wearing a helmet at the time, according to an RCMP news release. Police state the investigation has been completed and the driver of the vehicle that struck the child is not facing any charges. The name, gender and age of the child was not released by police.
- Shane Magee
Premier to seek re-election
Premier Bob McLeod will run in this fall's territorial election. That news was confirmed for Yellowknifer Wednesday by Darlene Mandeville, the premier's constituency assistant. McLeod is wrapping up his second term as MLA for Yellowknife South. Under consensus government, all MLAs choose the premier after the election.
- John McFadden
Northern Lites standoff case gets set to wrap up
The man who caused of a multi-hour standoff at the Northern Lites motel Dec. 18 last year is expected to be sentenced this afternoon. David Brownlee, 38, has pleaded guilty to charges of assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and public mischief. After reading the facts of the case Thursday, Crown prosecutor Wendy Miller asked Judge Bernadette Schmaltz for between 10 and 12 months jail time for Brownlee.
- Shane Magee
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Some fire bans lifted
The territorial government has lifted fire bans on Sambaa Deh Falls and Blackstone Territorial Park, effective July 10, with the caveat that campers should still use caution and follow all directions from park staff.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment said in an advisory that the fire ban at Fort Providence Territorial Park remains in effect. Camp stoves and enclosed barbecues can still be used, as well as propane heaters and cookstoves, although they must be used within a fire pit.
The government initially announced a fire ban for all three parks on June 26 after a hot spell in the Deh Cho region.
Sustainability on wheels
The Arctic Energy Alliance is showing off its electric vehicle and renewable energy demonstration station throughout the Deh Cho region from July 14 to 19.
Earlier in the week, the vehicle was at Jean Marie River and Kakisa, as well as Hay River. On July 16, the vehicle will be parked at the Ehdah Cho Store at K'atlodeeche First Nation, before moving to NorthMart Foods in Hay River. The following day, the vehicle can be found in Fort Providence.
Junior kindergarten tentatively returns
Fort Simpson's Bompas Elementary School has announced some changes to its staff and programs.
On July 3, the school announced that junior kindergarten will be offered half-time beginning in the fall, a decision that came about after discussion with parents and staff.
Bompas principal Kelley Andrews-Klein said the school has lost one teaching position and thus has to combine junior and senior kindergarten classes.
"(We) feel that 25 kids in one classroom for a full day would not be beneficial to these children," she stated in an e-mail.
A review will take place in December to decide whether to continue with half days for the remainder of the school year or to switch to full days starting in January.
Students return to school Aug. 31.
Be smart about fires
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has announced a contest for territorial residents who are interested in fire safety. The FireSmart Starts In Your Backyard contest runs until Sept. 1, challenging residents to post before and after photos of their FireSmart properties.
A winner will be drawn on Sept. 4. Entrants must register their property as a Value at Risk with the department, provide photos of the cabin or home prior to using FireSmart treatments, and then FireSmart their property.
Polar Medal for Inuvik man
Gerald Kisoun of Inuvik was among the first group of Canadians to be awarded the new and highly prestigious Polar Medal in Whitehorse July 8.
Presented by Gov. Gen. David Johnston in a special ceremony, the Polar Medal honours people of the North who have inspired others.
Johnston described Kisoun as "A well-respected elder (who) has worked tirelessly at strengthening the awareness and understanding of Northern Canada and its peoples."
A community liaison officer in Inuvik, Kisoun is a community leader and active volunteer who sits on a number of boards, including the Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Program, and acts as a liaison with local schools for science and heritage fairs.
Less paperwork for builders
When approved, the Town of Inuvik's proposed development plan will make it easier for builders to get through red tape.
"It's going to be simpler for residents," said senior administrative officer Grant Hood.
Once fully implemented, the new system will allow builders to find the necessary paperwork on the town's website.
The plan, being developed by Dillon Consulting Ltd., will be used as a guide for town council when it comes to deciding what kind of development can take place in the different parts of town. It will also help streamline the permit process.
Still in the early stages of being made an official document, the plan will help choose the best places for new residential growth to take place.
Twin Otter celebrated
Canada's iconic aircraft, the de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, turned 50 this year. As part of the celebration, one of the newly-built 400 series planes stopped at Mike Zubko Airport July 14.
Viking Air Ltd., the new owner and manufacturer of the Twin Otter 400 series, has been conducting a 17-day tour of one of their new aircraft across the North.
It has landed at over a dozen communities and, in 10 of those communities, including Inuvik, people were invited to sign one of the wing ribs that will be used on the 100th new Twin Otter to be built in the spring of 2016.
Town installs new stop signs
Motorists are being warned that there are new stop signs at the intersection of Raven Street and Kugmallit Road.
Chief Const. Jim Sawkins said constables have been pulling over motorists they see driving through the intersection over the last few weeks and letting them know the stop signs are there.
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