Battlefords News-Optimist

Building permits in 2011 aren't off to quite the torrid pace seen in 2010, just yet. In January, eight permits were issued for a total of $1,774,000, compared to six issued for $7,686,000 in January 2010.

It was a bunch of hardy souls who participated in the 2011 Jackfish Lake Ice Fishing Derby. The 15th annual event took place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feb.

More snow was falling Monday morning. With snow falling nearly every day, it is piling up. Although there is not as much snow here as in many places, we do have more snow than we have had for a few years.

It's still up in the air whether we will have a spring federal election, but the NDP in the area have their candidate ready, just in case.

The cast of the annual dinner theatre are hard at work preparing for performances April 15,16 and 17. The play this year is A Little Piece of Heaven, a comedy/drama with a cast of 14. Tickets will go on sale March 7 at $25 each.

Meaning will, desire, helmet and protector, the name Liam jumped to the number one spot for popular baby boy names in Saskatchewan in 2010, with 89 Liams coming home from the hospital.

A new false alarm bylaw is in the works for North Battleford. City council saw a draft of the proposed new bylaw for the first time at Monday night's council meeting.

Kaiser was played at the Maidstone Drop In Centre on Valentine's Day with a small turnout. Lunch was provided by Lil McMillan. Winners of prize draws were Dorothy Schwartz and Milt McMillan. Bingo was played Feb. 16 with a good crowd in attendance.

Chloe and Lee Burt held a sleepover with Great-grandma Norma Lott. Last week was a holiday from school, so they had a chance to visit. Some of the apartment ladies are staying in where it is warm and watching the Tournament of Hearts curling.

Did I happen to mention that fishing from the dock is one thing but fishing for the big stuff means cutting loose from the wharf and heading out to open water? As obvious as it sounds, it takes a deliberate act to untie the ropes and face the waves.