Battlefords News-Optimist

The competition part of the 2012-13 Saskatchewan Cheerleading Association season came to an end March 23 and 24 with the provincial competition.

My mom called me the other day and asked if I wanted some movies - five plastic tubs worth. They no longer have a functioning VHS player, and it seemed like all those bargain bin tapes have piled up. Sorry, I told her.

The school year calendar for 2013-14 school year for Battlefords and area students has been finalized to reflect the provincial government's new directive for all schools to provide at least 950 hours of instructional time per year.

I think if we could let our children and youth frolic in the fields throughout their upbringing, we would see child and youth mental health issues decrease. I have been noticing an interesting trend amongst the children and youth I am working with.

In his final season with the Battlefords North Stars Blake Tatchell won the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's Most Valuable Player Award. Tatchell was also the North Stars' MVP last season and he now has another MVP award to add to his trophy case.

On his own territory, at Blue Mountain Outdoor Adventure Centre, Matthew Hudec finished first in the youth men biathlon at the Western Canadian Championships.

Jeff joined our Toastmasters Club shortly after it was launched in the fall of 2012. He was like a breath of fresh air: young, enthusiastic, warm and friendly, already an experienced speaker and altogether a welcome addition to our fledgling group.

Living Sky School Division dancer-in-residence Ashley Johnson has plans to host a traditional Old Tyme dance April 13 at the Chapel Gallery. The event will run that evening from 8 to 11 p.m.

Folks at City Hall have a new hot topic of discussion now that the Credit Union CUPlex is finished. That topic is the proposed downtown business improvement district. The good news is that we are actually talking about improving the downtown.

James Thompson Cairns, eldest son of James and Ellen (Barker) Cairns was born on Nov. 16, 1905 at Newcastle on Tyne County in Durham, England.