Battlefords News Optimist

Battlefords United Way Executive Director Jane Zielke has announced that proceeds from the Aaron Fauchon New Year's Eve memorial dance totaled $11,466.

January has passed quickly and is going out on a cold note. We have been fortunate not to have had the storms that have plagued some other parts of Canada. The plus temperatures we experienced last week have made walking treacherous in some places.

A host of fees for a range of items are going up at in North Battleford, following the final passage of a number of fee bylaws Jan. 24.

Let's get this party started. The 2011 Men's Provincial SaskTel Tankard starts today at the North Battleford Civic Centre. The draw was released last week, and the 16 teams will all be in action Wednesday.

The Battlefords AAA Sharks and Prince Albert Bears battled at the Battleford Arena Thursday in Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League action and it was the Bears rallying to earn the win.

This winter we've been pounded with rain and wind. Just this morning, in fact, I got up to find the neighbours' "tent garage" in our back yard.

Coach Greg Schmidt admits the biggest asset he looks for in hockey players, and a team for that matter, is passion for the game of hockey.

Spiritwood Stockyards handled 879 head Jan. 26. Steers weighing 300 to 400 pounds had a high price of $1.67 with an average of $1.56; 400 to 500 had a high price of $1.64 with an average of $1.57; 500 to 600 had a high price of $1.

New physicians for the North Saskatchewan River Health Holdings practice are presently working through new requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons for certification.

Ken Pearson juggled the Battlefords North Stars' lines Saturday in Melfort and that led to a complete team effort and some great play from special teams units.