Yellowknifer – NNSL.COM – Yellowknife, NT

Great-grandmother accused of trafficking acquitted, daughter found guilty

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

A jury acquitted Vitaline Lafferty, a 79-year-old great-grandmother, of eight drug trafficking-related charges in NWT Supreme Court Friday. Her daughter, 58-year-old Marie-Anne Lafferty, was found guilty of all eight offences.

The two Ndilo women were stopped in Vitaline’s Ford Escape near Fort Providence on March 18, 2016 in a targeted RCMP interception.

Stranded boaters rescued on Prosperous Lake

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

Half a dozen unprepared boaters spent a chilly few hours on Prosperous Lake before being rescued early Wednesday morning.

Yellowknife RCMP responded to a report of stranded boaters near Tartan Rapids just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

With help from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, RCMP officers located and rescued six boaters whose vessel had stalled.

Conditions at the time were “dark and cold with temperatures below freezing,” according to a news release from RCMP.

The boaters weren’t dressed for the weather and didn’t have any survival gear onboard.

“This incident serves as a reminder for the public to be prepared for an emergency on the water or land with fall/winter conditions approaching. Have a plan, practice water safety and encourage others to do the same,” stated an RCMP spokesperson in the release.

RCMP offer the following safety tip:

Be familiar with the operation of your equipment and ensure it is in proper working condition prior to heading out on your trip
Check incoming weather conditions, temperatures, and daylight conditions prior to departure monitor the weather for changes
Pack extra clothing for protection from the elements – Hypothermia is a serious risk if you go out unprepared for the weather conditions. Be prepared to shelter in place overnight, if required.
Pack essential items – flashlight, signaling devices, extra food or water, GPS or compass, first aid kit, shovel, hand saw, matches/lighter etc. Especially if your trip lasts longer than anticipated.
Carry extra fuel
Have a spare battery or a means to repair your vessel/vehicle if required to do so
Have everyone wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device if on or near open water
Familiarize yourself with the area you will be travelling, learn about local hazards
Ensure that you have the appropriate required safety equipment for your vessel or vehicle
Carry a satellite phone, marine radio, in-reach or other means of communication
Inform someone of your travel plans, where you are going, and when you plan to return
Carry emergency supplies and learn survival skills

Pat Braden launches NWT music archive

September 21, 2018

Musician Pat Braden officially launches the first installment of the website, Musicians of the Midnight Sun, on Tuesday.

CAPSULE COMMENTS: Prevent falls by wearing good footwear

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

by Aaron La Borde

People over the age of 65 are at greater risk of falls.

Subscribe to NNSL Online for the most expansive news service in the north.

GUEST COLUMNIST: Former mayor defends bylaw boss

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

by Dave Lovell

I am writing with respect to the investigations surrounding Doug Gillard, head of the Municipal Enforcement Division.

New soccer field for Catholic schools

Weledeh Catholic School assistant principal Seana Stewart, left, Weledeh principal Jenny Reid, St. Patrick High School assistant principals Don Reid and Alicia Larade, and St. Patrick High School principal Todd Stewart stand with the new soccer field located at the Weledeh School and Ecole St. Patrick High School playground. Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo.

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

It’s been a long time coming but it’s finally here.

LOOKING BACK: Wildcat reopens in 1979

The Wildcat Cafe was opened in 1937 by Willy Wiley and Smoky Stout. It closed in 1951 and was due for demolition until the Old Stope Association worked to preserve the restaurant. NNSL file photo.

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

40 years ago

Aside from landscaping, the only work left to be done on the Wildcat Cafe was the passing of city inspections.

Hotel industry speaks out over proposed tax

Representatives from the city, including Mayor Mark Heyck, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce and the Explorer Hotel wait to give statements on a proposed hotel levy at a public hearing at the legislative assembly building on Wednesday. Sidney Cohen/NNSL photo.

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

The city, the chamber of commerce, and even the hotel industry are keen on the prospect of a hotel tax, but all say the current plan contains too many exemptions to make it worthwhile.

Bantam hockey players to play high-level hockey locally

Logan Cunningham, seen getting some repairs done during the 2018 Arctic Winter Games in Hay River this past March, is part of the Yukon Rivermen bantam AAA hockey, a joint effort between Hockey NWT and Hockey Yukon. NNSL file photo.

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

At first glance, you wouldn’t think Yellowknife would have anything to do with a team going by the name of the Yukon Rivermen.

EDITORIAL: Homelessness is a downtown problem

Yesterday the long awaited day shelter and sobering centre opened on 50th Street, right next to the Northern Lites Motel and across the street from the Northern News Services newspaper office. Ezra Black/NNSL photo.

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

In today’s Tales from the Dump column, longtime Yellowknifer Walt Humphries writes there were far fewer homeless people in the community back when it was a sleepy frontier town in the 1970s.

TALES FROM THE DUMP: They’re off and running

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

With people starting to campaign for the municipal election, I am sure we are going to hear a lot about the problems in the downtown core, about the street people and the homeless. We are also bound to hear several proposed solutions to these problems. Despite all the time, talk and debate, I do see a few fundamental questions that seem to get ignored or lost in the shuffle.

SPORTS TALK: A step up in the right direction

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

So we have a new program to help young hockey players play at a high level all season long and stay at home at the same time.

SPORTS CHECK: Time to hit the pitch

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

The NWT’s first big scholastic territorial championship kicks off this afternoon in Hay River.

Northern experience helps mine clean-up move faster

September 21, 2018

After the latest NWT mine remediation project wrapped a year early, officials with the project are now saying that it could lead the way for faster, more effective clean-ups in the North moving forward.

Rangers getting new headquarters in Yellowknife

September 21, 2018 - Yellowknife

Canadian Rangers will be getting a new headquarters in Yellowknife, but it will take several years.

NEWS BRIEFS PACKAGE: Operation NANOOK 2018 wraps up Saturday

September 20, 2018

A major air disaster exercise named Exercise Ready Soteria as part of Operation Nanook 2018 started Monday and will wrap up Saturday.

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UPDATED: ‘They used me,’ testifies great-grandmother accused of drug trafficking

September 20, 2018 - Yellowknife

Vitaline Lafferty, a 79-year-old great-grandmother accused of possessing thousands of dollars worth of drugs destined for sale in Yellowknife, testified Wednesday she was an unwitting participant in a planned pickup arranged by family members.

Northern experience helps clean-up move faster

September 20, 2018

After the latest NWT mine remediation project wrapped a year early, officials with the project are now saying that it could lead the way for faster, more effective clean-ups in the North moving forward.

Superintendent resigns after decade of service

September 20, 2018 - Yellowknife

After nearly 40 years of service with the Yellowknife Catholic School Board, Superintendent Claudia Parker is retiring. The longtime YCS educator announced her resignation at Wednesday’s trustee meeting.

Claudia Parker, Superintendent of the Yellowknife Catholic School Board, left, stands with board chair Miles Welsh, right, at the school board meeting, Sept. 19. Parker resigned from her position and will be retiring after 38 years working with the board. Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

LABOUR VIEWS: Working hard for a fair deal

September 19, 2018 - Yellowknife

I recently had the opportunity to celebrate Labour Day at Sombe K’e Park with many community members and their families in recognition of the important contributions the working people of Canada make to our economy.

Team NT’s archery squad selected for 2019 Canada Winter Games

Team NT's archery team for the 2019 Canada Winter Games is all set to go following the trials at Sir John Franklin Gymnasium on Saturday. They are, from left, Carson Roche of Archery NT, coach Cynthia White (Fort Smith), Fergus Rutherford-Simon (Fort Smith), Tayla Minute (Fort Smith), Katie Genge, Bailey Johnston and coach Eugene Roche. Photo courtesy of Beth Hudson.

September 19, 2018 - Yellowknife

A new lineup will grace the walk-on for Team NT at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alta., and it will be an historic team at that.

NEWS BRIEFS PACKAGE: Officials gather for three-day meeting on Giant Mine cleanup

September 18, 2018

Federal officials in charge of the Giant Mine cleanup are holding a three-day overview of the project at the Explorer Hotel this week.

Maxime maxes out right with new party

September 18, 2018

Parliament is back in session, so I have my daily dose of entertainment with the shenanigans of question period.

No idea delivery was for drugs, testifies Ndilo woman on trial for trafficking

September 18, 2018 - Yellowknife

Team NT’s archery squad selected for 2019 Canada Winter Games

September 18, 2018 - Yellowknife

A new lineup will grace the walk-on for Team NT at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alta., and it will be an historic team at that.

A healthy dose of democracy

September 18, 2018 - Yellowknife

Democracy is alive and well in Yellowknife, as we have contested races for mayor and council seats.

Four years after drug charges, YK man handed 3-year sentence

September 18, 2018 - Yellowknife

In February 2014, an unattended stove top brought Yellowknife firefighters to a downtown apartment unit. When they arrived, no one was inside. But thousands of dollars worth of cocaine and marijuana were.

Jury hears wiretaps of accused traffickers and convicted kingpin

September 17, 2018 - Yellowknife

Marie-Anne Lafferty and her 79-year-old mother, Vitaline – two Ndilo women charged with eight drug trafficking offences – were heard speaking with convicted drug boss Todd Dube in wiretapped calls played to jurors Friday during day-three of the Supreme Court trial.

Annual plane pull raises $15,500 for Special Olympics

September 16, 2018 - Yellowknife

Temperatures dipped below zero for one of the coldest Law Enforcement plane pull events in its history, but Yellowknife families packed the airport tarmac in support of the annual fundraiser.

City developing complaints policy

Niels Konge: Councillor happy complaints policy at city now in the work

September 15, 2018 - Yellowknife

Residents with a gripe related to municipal services or employees may soon be able to file official complaints with the city.

Great-grandmother accused of trafficking acquitted, daughter found guilty

Stranded boaters rescued on Prosperous Lake

Pat Braden launches NWT music archive

CAPSULE COMMENTS: Prevent falls by wearing good footwear

GUEST COLUMNIST: Former mayor defends bylaw boss

New soccer field for Catholic schools

LOOKING BACK: Wildcat reopens in 1979

Hotel industry speaks out over proposed tax

Bantam hockey players to play high-level hockey locally

EDITORIAL: Homelessness is a downtown problem

TALES FROM THE DUMP: They’re off and running

SPORTS TALK: A step up in the right direction

SPORTS CHECK: Time to hit the pitch

Northern experience helps mine clean-up move faster

Rangers getting new headquarters in Yellowknife

NEWS BRIEFS PACKAGE: Operation NANOOK 2018 wraps up Saturday

UPDATED: ‘They used me,’ testifies great-grandmother accused of drug trafficking

Northern experience helps clean-up move faster

Superintendent resigns after decade of service

LABOUR VIEWS: Working hard for a fair deal

Team NT’s archery squad selected for 2019 Canada Winter Games

NEWS BRIEFS PACKAGE: Officials gather for three-day meeting on Giant Mine cleanup

Maxime maxes out right with new party

No idea delivery was for drugs, testifies Ndilo woman on trial for trafficking

Team NT’s archery squad selected for 2019 Canada Winter Games

A healthy dose of democracy

Four years after drug charges, YK man handed 3-year sentence

Jury hears wiretaps of accused traffickers and convicted kingpin

Annual plane pull raises $15,500 for Special Olympics

City developing complaints policy

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