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Friday, February 19, 2016
Yk matriarch dies
Esther Braden, a member of the pioneering Braden family, died yesterday after an extended struggle with a chronic lung disease, according to a statement from the family. Born Aug. 13, 1923, she died at Stanton Territorial Hospital at age 92. Braden volunteered as the organist at Holy Trinity Anglican Church for almost 50 years, advocated for Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire Canada, Alison McAteer House, the YWCA, the Yellowknife and NWT seniors societies and was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2006. A private funeral service and public celebration will be announced in the near future, states the release.
- Evan Kiyoshi French
School issues whooping-cough warning
The Yellowknife public health unit has issued a warning about a student diagnosed with whooping cough who attends J.H. Sissons School, through a news release.
Although children are typically immunized against the condition also known as pertussis, the immunization starts to wane by age 10. People with children showing symptoms should contact their health-care provider and notify the clinic when booking the appointment, so staff can make arrangements.
- Evan Kiyoshi French
Patient missing
Yellowknife RCMP is asking for public help as they search for a patient who went missing from Stanton Territorial Hospital. According to a news release, Roland Yendo, 58, was last seen about 6 p.m. on Wednesday leaving the hospital grounds. He is described as aboriginal, 5'8, 170 pounds with salt and pepper hair, brown eyes and missing teeth. He was wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and running shoes. Police do not believe he is a threat to public safety.
- John McFadden
Walk to help homeless
The Salvation Army's Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser will be held on Saturday. Organizers are hoping that the event, featuring a five-kilometre walk, will raise $25,000. According to a news release from the Salvation Army, the money will be used to renovate the kitchen at the downtown men's emergency shelter.
- John McFadden
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Open Sky seeks ideas
The Open Sky Creative Society in Fort Simpson sent out a call on Feb. 11 for workshop facilitation proposals from artists, musicians and anyone else interested in teaching their specialty to a group.
The society's 2016-17 workshop series is set to begin in April and run until March 2017. Most workshops will take place in the fall and winter. The society is wrapping up its 2015-16 year with a few more events on the books. Workshops this year included birchbark basket making, glovemaking and quilting, among others. The deadline for proposals is Feb. 22 and can include workshops for children or adults over the course of a weekend, a full day or half-days.
Public meeting hits home
The Village of Fort Simpson held a public meeting on Feb. 16.
The meeting was scheduled to facilitate discussion in order to update the village's community plan, and discuss the community's proposed fitness centre and the 2016 capital plan. Referring to the discussion as "an evening of 'working together,'" Mayor Darlene Sibbeston sent invitations out on social media to boost interest. The meeting was scheduled to begin 6 p.m.
Fiscal strategy, austerity to be discussed
The territorial government's standing committee on priorities and planning for the 18th Legislative Assembly stated in a Feb. 15 news release they are trying to ensure a balanced approach to the government's economic plan.
That includes addressing concerns from MLAs including Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson who view austerity measures as ultimately detrimental to the territory's economy. Stated priorities include public engagement on budgets, a review of government spending and programs and immediate investment in targeted infrastructure projects, among others. The statement came one week after an announcement from Premier Bob McLeod that cabinet would be working with MLAs to discuss "prudent and responsible solutions to the financial challenges" faced by the territorial government.
Quest for the Crown ramps up
As planning for Fort Simpson's Beavertail Jamboree gets underway, 25 contestants have already entered the Quest for the Crown competition.
There are 10 young people contending for princess, six for queen, four for king and five for prince.
According to Lisa Lafferty, who is co-ordinating the Quest for the Crown, the young person who sells the most tickets in their category will earn the crown.
However, since this year marks the 40th anniversary of the jamboree, each contestant will receive a prize for their efforts.
New season at greenhouse
The Inuvik Community Greenhouse will be accepting applications for plots online beginning March 1.
Greenhouse executive director Ray Solotki told the Drum there is lots of room for everyone wishing to cultivate a plot this year and that there will be opportunities to learn and support for new and returning gardeners.
The group's annual general meeting will be held in May, but orientations for anyone looking to get involved in any way will take place throughout April.
"The greenhouse team is looking forward to its biggest and best season yet," Solotki said. "There's plenty of space and assistance for new gardeners."
RCMP warns about fentanyl
After a recent near-fatal overdose in the capital, RCMP in the territory are warning the public about the dangers of fentanyl.
A news release states that illicit fentanyl has been cropping up more often recently and that it goes by "fake oxy," "greenies," or "green monsters." It also states the drug is more toxic than other opioids and even small quantities can result in an overdose, even upon first use.
"If you suspect an overdose, call your local health centre or emergency unit," the release states.
Signs and symptoms of overdose can include slow or stopped breathing, blue lips and nails, the person not moving, choking, can't be woken up or cold and clammy skin.
Police encourage anyone with knowledge of drug trafficking to contact their local detachment or Crimestoppers, where tips can be reported anonymously.
Assembly back in session
The second session of the 18th Legislative Assembly kicks off Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. Proceedings will be broadcast live on the assembly's television network and via webcast on their website. The session continues until Feb. 29.
Resources board hosting meeting
The Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board – the body that governs the management of wildlife, fish and forests in the Gwich'in Settlement Area – is hosting public meetings Feb. 23 to 25 at the Alex Moses Greenland Building.
Topics covered will include wildlife studies fund research proposals, Rat River char, caribou and general updates, as well as an in camera meeting to be held at the Capital Suites boardroom.
Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone looking for a full agenda can contact the renewable resources board directly for more information.
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