Battlefords News-Optimist

It's been a deadly winter on Saskatchewan highways and two of the main contributing factors to traffic fatalities, non-seatbelt use and distracted driving, are the focus of this month's traffic safety blitz.

It's been awhile since my last rant and I just wanted to take a moment to bring readers up to speed on the progress in North Battleford's downtown core, or not, since then.

Congratulations to the winners of the Christmas lighting contest for the village of Neilburg. Taking first place were Julie and Marty Bowes. Second place winners were Darwin and Diahann Urlacher. The third place winner was Donna Schmidt.

North Battleford city council's deliberations on its operating/capital budget were supposed to take place this week, but at Monday's council meeting, it was announced that the meetings had been delayed for several weeks.

Another Battlefordian received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recently, and he was awarded the medal at the North Battleford city council meeting Monday.

Good news for cellphone owners in Radisson and Marshall - SaskTel has enhanced the 4G wireless network coverage to both. SaskTel finished installing new carriers in both communities that will increase the capacity of the 4G network in the area.

It was a game the Battlefords North Stars were likely expecting to win.

The sticks are taped, the skates are laced and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association provincial draws are out. For many hockey players and fans this is the most exciting time of the season.

Not only did the Battlefords Midget Stars suffer a loss on the scoreboard Sunday against Swift Current, but they suffered a big loss to their roster as well.

TORNBERG: In loving memory of Beverley Marianne Tornberg who was born July 18/1940 at North Batleford, Sk and passed away Jan 2/2013 amongst family in Saskatoon.