Battlefords News-Optimist

The 2013 Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo attracted some big attendance - both in terms of spectators and rodeo participants. That is the word from Derek Schmidt of the Kinsmen Club, who noted attendance was up from last year's event.

It is a pleasure to have nice warm days to be able to stroll around town without fear of falling on ice and snow. Many residents are taking advantage of this weather to be outside.

The month opens with the moon at last quarter, meaning it is three-quarters of the way through its month. New moon is May 9, plus this is an annular solar eclipse in the South Pacific.

The month of May is almost with us and still we have below zero weather and piles of snow. We all appreciate a slow melt but this is a snail pace melt and it brings its own particular problems.

The Blaine Lake Communities in Bloom committee held a public meeting April 25 to encourage organizations, businesses, churches and private citizens to become involved in the beautification of the community.

The Battlefords Highland Dance Association is the host club for the Saskatchewan Provincial Championship and Closed Competition Saturday and Sunday. The championship will be held at the Dekker Center starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.

History and Commentary from a Prairie Perspective

Paynton and Maidstone fire departments along with Maidstone RCMP have been kept busy this spring with several motor vehicle incidents.

The Blaine Lake Doukhobour Ladies Club held its 66th annual spring bake sale and tea April 20. Many local residents stopped by the Blaine Lake Seniors' Centre to be first in line to select from the variety of baked goods, breads and homemade noodles.

The windows of a backhoe being used to close a highway during a pumping operation near Baldwinton overnight Monday were smashed out, according to Cut Knife RCMP.