Battlefords News-Optimist

I have an important declaration to make in my column this week. I am declaring the month of November to be "Newsroom Appreciation Month," in honour of the hard work of those individuals who work in the news media around the world and here at home.

The premier recently said too many changes in education may have been made too quickly. Now there's been a cabinet shuffle, a pair of consultants touring the province and the development of a draft education sector plan.

A byelection will be held Nov. 27 to elect a new councillor for Division 4 in the RM of Manitou Lake No. 442. The two candidates are Kevin Bossert and Rick Swanstrom. Advance polling will be held Nov. 22 at the Marsden Seniors' Centre.

Great show. Lousy attendance. That sums up the feeling in a nutshell expressed by Battlefords Chamber of Commerce directors about the Best Business Showcase and Trade Fair that ran Oct. 24 to 26 at the NationsWEST Field House.

Though the weather had stayed reasonably warm until the weekend, it has snowed off and on this past weekend, with some wind too. We don't have as much snow as many other areas around.

An unconscious man was found at a residence on the 1000 block of 110th Street shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday. RCMP responded after being advised by WPD Ambulance they were called to the scene in response to a man being assaulted.

Ed, my neighbour next door, celebrated Halloween night greeting trick and treaters at his door. Both Ed and I think treating excited youngsters with chips or candy is great Halloween fun.

The monthly meeting of the Maidstone Drop In Centre was held at the centre Nov. 1 with Margaret MacEachern presiding. Jean Hartman read the minutes from the last meeting Vera Hintz gave the financial report in the absence of treasurer Denise Newton.

More than 100 ladies wearing pink and teal attended the Wilkie CWL's annual Pink Night, which was held on Oct. 16 at St. James Parish. This year's event focused on both breast and ovarian cancer.

Brendon Warwaruk joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990, making him a 23-year veteran of service in 2013. He originally joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a naval signalman, which has become the naval communicator trade.