Federal funding for military families
The Military Family Services Program will receive $6 million annually from National Defence in a bid to boost support for military families across Canada.
The move is part on of a wider initiative, dubbed the Comprehensive Military Family Plan, to strengthen support services and "enhance family life for Canadian Armed Forces members and their families," stated a news release Wednesday.
The federal dollars will translate to "extended childcare hours, expanded youth programs, and the provision of additional mental health services." This will also mean an enhancement of services including workshops for women .
– Brendan Burke
Ravens still run the show, bird count reveals
The results are in for Yellowknife's annual December bird count and – surprise – ravens are still dominating the skies. A total of 1,941 common ravens were spotted by nine birdwatchers who braved frigid temperatures during the Dec. 30 count.
The runner up was the Redpoll with 118 being tallied by sky-watchers young and old, stated a news release from organizer Bob Bromley.
The Willow Ptarmigan wasn't far behind, with 103 located in the city.
Overall, 12 species and 2,485 birds were identified. Last year, 14 species were tallied – a drop Bromley attributes to a lower turn out this year, which meant fewer eyes in the sky,
"Not surprisingly given the small number of observers this year, our count was a bit down," stated Bromley.
Bromley stated it was unusual that no woodpeckers or birds of prey – hawks, owls and falcons – were spotted.
– Brendan Burke
New burlesque group brings some heat to town
A new burlesque troupe is promising a spectacle so steamy it will have Yellowknifers peeling off their scarves and sweaters.
Parkas and Pasties' inaugural performance will have local dancers strutting their stuff to live soul and funk played by Midnight Soul.
The production, called Soulful Bodies, will feature veteran-dancer Ruthe Ordare from Vancouver, as well as Yellowknife musicians Casey Koyczan and Aurora Chorealis director Margo Nightingale.
"I'm hoping Parkas and Pasties can create a number of annual opportunities for (Yellowknife) artists to share their work," stated artistic director Ruby Slickeur in a new release.
– Sidney Cohen
Skills competition entries open
Are you the fastest chopper in the kitchen? Do you know your way around an engine like no other?
A call for entries has been issued for the 20th annual Territorial Skills Competition hosted by the Yk Chamber of Commerce.
Skilled high school students, registered apprentices or post-secondary trades students are all welcome to test their skills against the best of the best. Some 2,500 visitors are expected to show off their skills when the competition runs from April 27 to 28 at the Multiplex Arena.
– Brendan Burke