Battlefords News-Optimist

Last week I wrote about how the 1998 movie Enemy of the State was prophetic in its tale of a nation-state's ability to monitor individual citizens. We get the uneasy feeling we are being watched.

This winter does not seem to want to give up. Every day starts out at 20 below and slowly gets into the teens. At least we have some sun. No hoar frost to mark - cool and dry to the end of July. Ground Hog Day has come and gone.

High-profile crime incidents in the Battlefords have prompted a new debate among many North Battleford residents. The debate is whether to end the city's contract with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and go with a city police force instead.

The Battlefords AAA Sharks played three tight games against the Saskatoon Stars in the SMFAAAHL. The Sharks won two of the three games played between the teams. The Sharks used the shootout to beat Saskatoon Jan.

The Battlefords AAA Stars picked up a win and a tie against the Generals in SMAAAHL action last weekend in Moose Jaw. Layne Young scored with 1:36 remaining in overtime to give the Stars a 3-2 victory over the Generals Saturday night at Mosaic Place.

It's not often you hear encouraging stories from the provincial court house in North Battleford. Too often, judges there wind up getting to know many accused individuals all too well because of the multiple times they return to face various charges.

Two of the 20 curling teams playing in the Canadian Tire Thursday Open League have remained undefeated after four weeks of play in 2014. Mike Lehman and Allan Hoffman skipped their teams to victories Jan.

North Battleford city council has moved ahead to deal with a long-standing bio-solids issue. Lystek International Inc.

It's Archives Week in North Battleford. Planned for the week are displays at the two malls. Friday, the City of North Battleford Historic Archives will host a digital presentation and display at the Frontier Mall from noon until 5 p.m.

The community had a chance to honour the selfless efforts of two individuals Friday night at the Dekker Centre. The annual banquet was held to honour the 2013 Citizen of the Year Jerry Wintonyk and the Junior Citizen of the Year Jonathan Neigum.