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NEWS BRIEFS: Boil water advisory lifted

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Inuvik

A boil water advisory for the town of Inuvik has been lifted, stated a release from the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Water is now safe to consume without boiling, however DHSS is advising residents to take necessary steps when flushing or replenishing their water supply.

It is recommended residents run faucets and fountains for one minute before use. Clean all water equipment such as soda fountains and coffee makers as well as change all Brita or carbon water filters.

DHSS is also urging people to run water softeners through their dishwashers on a regeneration cycle as well as draining and refilling hot water heaters.

The advisory was put into place on July 12 after there was a higher than normal muddy water sample.

– Michael Hugall

 

Risk of botulism in Hay River pesto

Hay River

Anyone who bought pesto from Riverside Growers NT at the Fisherman's Wharf Market in Hay River on July 7 and 14 should not eat it and should throw it away, according to the territory's chief public health officer.

The pesto has a risk of containing botulism, which is an illness caused by a bacterial toxin that can cause paralysis and, in extreme cases, death.

Symptoms – which include blurred or double vision, fatigue, headache, nausea, dryness in the mouth, difficulty swallowing and speaking and paralysis that starts in the shoulders and arms before moving down the body – generally start appearing 12 to 36 hours after eating food containing botulism.

Anyone who has consumed this product or is experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

– Tim Edwards

 

Human remains found near Paulatuk

Paulatuk

Paulatuk RCMP are investigating the discovery of human remains near the community.

After being notified on July 16 that human remains were found on the Hornaday River near the Hamlet of Paulatuk, police attended the location and secured the remains on the same day, stated an RCMP news release.

RCMP are working alongside the NWT Coroner Services to identify the remains.

The chief coroner has requested a forensic examination of the remains, a process that could take months or even "in excess of a year depending on the type of analysis that is required," stated the news release.

"RCMP are aware of the interest of the public and concern of families that are hoping for answers in this discovery. Our members are working with NWT Coroner Services to bring comfort and closure to those concerned. We thank the public for their assistance and patience," stated RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon.
Police say further updates will be offered once more information is obtained.

– Brendan Burke

 

Police searching for missing 39-year-old Norman Wells man

Lli Goline/Norman Wells

RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in locating a Norman Wells man whose ATV was found not far from the community.

Howard Blondin, 39, was last seen at his residence in Norman Wells around 8 p.m. on Monday July 16, stated an RCMP news release Thursday. He was reported missing the next day.

Police confirm a red ATV or quad belonging to Blondin was located near the community dock on the MacKenzie River. The discovery of the quad is being used as a search point, but RCMP stress

Blondin "could be anywhere in the community or surrounding vicinity," stated the news release.

Blondin is described as being Metis, 6'2", weighing 165 lbs, with a medium build and blue eyes. Police believe he could be wearing boots, jeans and a dark navy jacket.

Norman Wells RCMP are also advising the missing man may have travelled out of the area and into one of the nearby communities.

Law enforcement have initiated ground, water and air searches in the community of Norman Wells.

The concerted effort from law enforcement and community members alike has seen Norman Wells RCMP, Norman Wells Ground Search and Rescue Unit, Sahtu Helicopters and volunteers come together in an attempt to locate Blondin.

Volunteers from Tulita and Fort Good Hope are also contributing to the search effort and the NWT RCMP Police Dog Services is travelling to the community to assist.

"We live in a beautiful but vast land, so searches can be difficult and require many resources.

"The community of Norman Wells has rallied to assist in any way possible, as well as neighbouring communities. The search continues," stated RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon.

Anyone with information regarding Blondin's whereabouts are encouraged to contact Norman Wells RCMP at 867-587-1111.

– Brendan Burke

 

Three taken to hospital after helicopter makes forced landing in Norman Wells

Lli Goline/Norman Wells

Three people have been taken to hospital after a helicopter made a forced landing in the Mackenzie Mountains south of Norman Wells.

On July 19 at approximately 11:30 a.m., police received a report that a Sahtu Helicopter Bell 407 had "gone down" in the mountains near mile 110 Canol Trail, stated an RCMP news release Friday afternoon.

The helicopter was carrying six passengers. Three were transported to Stanton Territorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries, according to police.

The pilot and other passengers "did not appear to be injured," stated the news release.

Transport Canada and Transportation Safety Board have been notified of the incident and will be launching an investigation.

Representatives from Sahtu Helicopters, a Norman Wells-based aviation company founded in 2004, couldn't be reached for comment by press time Friday.

– Brendan Burke

Bail granted for accused in Fort Good Hope murder case

Radilih Koe/Fort Good Hope

Colten McNeely, a Fort Good Hope man charged with second-degree murder, has been granted bail.

The 25-year-old was released on strict conditions under the watch of a surety following a decision from NWT Supreme Court Justice Louise Charbonneau last week.

McNeely is charged in the Sept. 2017 death of 28-year-old Lloyd Edgi in Fort Good Hope. Edgi left behind a partner and two young children.

A court ordered ban prevents evidence presented during the bail hearing, as well as Charbonneau's reasoning for McNeely's release, from being published.

McNeely must reside with a relative and is subject to a curfew. He is also barred from contacting over a dozen individuals and cannot consume alcohol.

The accused will be sent back to jail if he's found to have violated any of the conditions.

A date for McNeely's trial has not yet been set.

– Brendan Burke