Battlefords News-Optimist

When you are a home owner there is never a time when there is not some kind of project eminent or in progress. Over the years I have built new homes, maintained some and renovated a few.

The last two games in which the Battlefords Midget Stars have earned at least a point has come against the two best teams in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League. Go figure.

The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce has formally appointed the officers who will serve on the executive for 2012. The executive was chosen by a unanimous vote of the directors in the first meeting of the year on Jan. 17.

Last week we came back from our Christmas Holidays, and school is now back full swing. Next week is final exams week for Grades 10 to 12, and once they are over we will be starting the second semester.

First Nations issues have been at the forefront of national media coverage this week, as about 600 chiefs gathered in Ottawa for face-to-face talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

MATERI, Max September 15, 1936 - January 14, 2012 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Max Materi on January 14, 2012 at the age of 74 years. Max was born on September 15, 1936 in Macklin, Saskatchewan.

We actually have a "snow cover" now. A few more centimeters of snow fell during the past week. Strong winds blew it into small drifts. Colder weather has lasted about a week with higher temperatures during the past weekend.

I was invited to be a judge at the North Battleford Comprehensive High School debate Friday night. I've never been part of a debate team before (let alone judged a debate), but I jumped at the opportunity.

Eight teams gathered at the Battlefords Curling Club on the weekend to throw rocks at the house.

Art programs in Living Sky School Division received a boost recently from the Saskatchewan Arts Board.