Cheechako fundraiser nets $7,000

A weekend fundraiser for a man being treated for brain tumours raised $7,000, according to organizers. Environment staff held a music jam and a silent auction at the Kopper King Sunday afternoon to raise money for Mark Callan.

A weekend fundraiser for a man being treated for brain tumours raised $7,000, according to organizers.

Environment staff held a music jam and a silent auction at the Kopper King Sunday afternoon to raise money for Mark Callan.

Callan worked for the department this summer and was hoping to start a new life as a conservation officer in the fall.

But days after buying a new house in August – and with a child due in December – Callan was diagnosed with brain cancer and was sent to Vancouver for treatment.

Callan is paying a mortgage and rent for a Vancouver apartment, said his former supervisor Remy Rodden.

The finances have been tough, and the Sunday event brought the total amount of money raised so far to nearly $12,000, said Rodden.

Callan is expected to undergo chemotherapy sessions until December.

Anyone interested in donating money can reach Rodden at Remy.Rodden@gov.yk.ca.

Safety alert issued after silver car incidents

A man in a silver car has been approaching young girls in Whitehorse this week.

Parents and children are urged to be vigilant after a man in a small “newer-looking” silver car solicited two groups of girls on Hamilton Drive near Ecole Emile Tremblay on Monday evening between 6 and 7 p.m.

The car looks like a small minivan, the girls told police.

But the RCMP still can’t figure out the vehicle’s make, said spokesperson Sgt. Don Rogers.

The man is described as First Nations. He’s clean shaven with short hair.

He was in his late 20s or early 30s, said police.

Three arrested in drug bust

Three men were arrested and another is still on the loose after a drug bust in the Kwanlin Dun Village last Friday.

RCMP seized one gram of marijuana and 90 grams of hashish. The drugs had a combined street value of $8,500.

The bust wasn’t the result of a long-term investigation but came about after an officer was in the village on another issue, said Rogers.

The men will be charged with trafficking and possession, he said.

RCMP are still on the lookout for another male, but police wouldn’t discuss his role. (James Munson)