Two city lottery players bagged nearly $71,000 in separate recent wins.Theresa Disney won $49,000 on her Instant Lotto 6/49 Scratch 'n' Win ticket, stated a news release from the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.
"I like to buy a few scratch and win tickets on Fridays to play over the weekend," stated Disney.
"At first I thought I won $50. When I realized I had actually won $49,000, I thought, 'Wow!'"
She hasn't made any concrete plans for her winnings, but stated she will put her windfall in the bank for now.
Disney purchased her winning ticket at Trevor's Your Independent Grocer on Old Airport Road.
Meanwhile, Ian Whitford won $21,640.40 playing Poker Lotto.
In the news release, Whitford stated he has enjoyed playing Poker Lotto for a while, but was surprised when he saw what he won.
"I watched the hands being played on the screen," he said. "I was happy when the Straight Flush came up, but was shocked to see I also won the all-in prize!"
The Yellowknife resident purchased his Poker Lotto ticket at the Village Reddi Mart on Byrne Road.
Whitford stated he hopes to use some of his windfall to buy a motorbike.
Back-to-school safety tips for students, parents and motorists
With the start of classes approaching, the RCMP is reminding motorists to pay attention to pedestrians, school buses and traffic laws.
The police force offers the following safety tips:
Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks wherever available;
When there is no sidewalk, walk on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic, so that you can see them and they can see you;
If biking, ride on the right-hand side of the road in the same direction as traffic;
Walk your bike across busy intersections and crosswalks and follow traffic signals;
Use bike lanes or designated bike routes whenever possible and always wear a helmet;
When waiting for the school bus, stand back from the road until the bus has come to a complete stop with its flashing red lights activated;
Parents should ensure children know their home address and the phone number of at least one parent or guardian;
Remind children that they should never accept a ride or get into a vehicle with a stranger;
Wear reflective or light-coloured clothing to help ensure motorists can see you – this is especially important for us here in the NWT, given our dark winters;
Be alert – wearing headphones or walking and texting may pose risks, as you may not be aware of nearby traffic;
Drivers should pay attention to bikes, crossing guards and school buses;
Wait until the school bus driver has turned off the red lights before proceeding – traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing;
Prepare for the unexpected, such as children walking on medians, roadways and curbs;
Do not operate a mobile device when driving – it is illegal for drivers to hold, operate, communicate or watch the screen of any type of hand-held electronic communication device, including sending or receiving text messages or emails.
Fall Harvest Fair has rich tradition
The 10th annual Fall Harvest Fair takes place this Saturday at the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Wiiliideh Site on the Yellowknife River.
"The celebration of all kinds of harvest is what makes this fair particularly special," Molly Stollmeyer, local food specialist at Ecology North, stated in a news release.
"With strong roots with the gardening community of Yellowknife, I love how we continue to enjoy classics like the veggie show-off while incorporating more traditional and wild harvesting year after year."
Dene peoples have gathered to celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest since time immemorial, and Yellowknifers have been celebrating the season with a fall fair since the city was little more than a pioneer shanty town.
The Fall Harvest Fair was started by the Yellowknife Community Garden Collective in 2008.
This is the fifth year that this event will be co-hosted by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Ecology North, the release stated.
A free shuttle service will be offered from Yellowknife City Hall, Dettah and Ndilo.
Open house at NWT YWCA
Visit the organization for some family fun, learn more about child and youth services and meet YWCA staff, stated a news release this week.
"There will be a bouncy castle, BBQ, kids games and prizes, face painting, music and more!" stated the release.
Admission is free. Location is 4904-54 Ave.
Film and media awards competition is on
The Northwest Territories Professional Media Association (NWTPMA) has announced the First Annual NWT Media Awards.
The awards will recognize excellence in the NWT film and media industry. The four categories are: best narrative short; best documentary short; best commercial piece (government); best commercial piece (non-government).
Applications are open until Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m., stated a news release.
All entries will be judged by a panel of NWT industry professionals. The awards will be presented during the Yellowknife International Film Festival Gala on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Each winner will receive a prize that is intended to encourage future projects in film and media.
"It is about recognizing the amazing contribution to film and media in the NWT, as well as the talent that exists in the North," stated Jen Walden, president of the NWTPMA.
"Over the past few years, there has been such growth and interest in this industry, and we see further development on the horizon, including the creation of local jobs.
"The NWTPMA feels that it is time to start recognizing individuals and teams that are making important contributions to this industry.
"The board hopes that this initiative will encourage individuals to continue pushing technical and artistic boundaries, and ultimately inspire people to consider careers in film and media."
The NWTPMA was founded in 2011 to create a sustainable media industry that contributes to the NWT's economy.
Submissions can be made on NWTPMA website.
– all briefs by James O'Connor
Gas prices and airfares fuel price index hike
The Yellowknife All-Items Consumer Price Index in July rose by 3.3 per cent compared to one year ago, stated information released this week by Statistics Canada.
By comparison, the annual price increase was three per cent for Canada, 3.8 per cent for Edmonton, 3.7 per cent for Whitehorse and 4.5 per cent for Iqaluit.
Compared to July 2017, prices increased in Yellowknife for most major components with the exception of household operations and furnishings, along with clothing and footwear.
Transportation experienced the largest increase, rising by nine per cent over the last 12 months. Part of the increase in transportation is attributed to the 23.4 per cent increase in public transportation which includes airline travel.
Shelter also rose between July 2017 and July 2018, mostly a result of higher prices for water, fuel and electricity.
Looking at energy and its components, fuel oil and other fuels increased by 24.4 per cent while gasoline rose 26 per cent over the last year.
The increase in gasoline was not unique to Yellowknife as all jurisdictions experienced a large increase between July 2017 and July 2018.
– James O'Connor
Food for the needy distributed this weekend
The YK Food Bank will be handing out food baskets Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the SideDoor Youth Centre on 52 Street.
Upcoming YK Food Bank distribution days are: Sept. 8, 22, Oct. 13, 27 and Nov. 10, 24.
The YK Food Bank provides a distribution of basic grocery staples to individuals and families who have a need.
The YK Food Bank is also looking for individuals that are interested in helping out on distribution days.
Everyone in need is welcome, states the organization
– James O'Connor
SPCA event this weekend open to all
The NWT SPCA will be holding the annual Dog Walk and Circus this Saturday at Somba K'e Plaza.
People wishing to attend can pick up a pledge sheet from the SPCA this week.
On Saturday, those looking to run and walk can register between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. before the run begins at 10 a.m. That portion of the event will last until noon, which at that time the carnival will begin.
Nicole Spencer, president of the organization, notes while this isn't the SPCA's largest event of the year it is the one that is open to everyone.
"It is a family day to celebrate and have fun," said Spencer.
She encourages everyone in the capital to attend the carnival whether they are part of the walk or not. The carnival will feature food, drinks, music a bouncy castle and sweet treats outside of city hall.
Money raised from the event will go to the day to day operations of the shelter.
Volunteers are also needed, contact communications@nwtspca.com to see what opportunities are available.
The shelter currently has a few open spots for pets due to recent adoptions but is always looking to find new homes for the animals that they host.
– Dylan Short