Battlefords News-Optimist

When Minister Tim McMillan paid a visit to the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Dec. 10, the first thing he talked about was not the economy of Saskatchewan, nor it's roads and highways.

Although the World Juniors are the holiday hockey tradition, the NHL excitement is heating up. As some teams are seeing their players head to the injured reserve list others are getting served breakfast.

The last day of school before winter holidays is often a day of celebration.

Well, folks, it's that time again. As we bid farewell to this year and this decade, I for one find it hard to grasp that we're hours away from the first day of 2011.

DECEMBER 29 North Saskatchewan River Hockey League has the Edam Three Stars at home to Turtleford and Meadow Lake in Wilkie for 8:30 p.m. starts. DECEMBER 30 Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League has the Saulteaux Three Stars in Battleford for an 8 p.m.

A Light of Christ Catholic School Division elementary wind-up bonspiel was held at the Battleford Curling Rink Dec. 3. Action started at 9 a.m. and went through until 3 p.m. All teams played five games over the day and fun was had by all.

Valley Ford celebrated the Christmas spirit this season by collecting toys, food and more for a family in need. The Tshakani family moved here from the Congo in February.

North Battleford city council has some hard thinking ahead of them on the issue of whether to convert from communal bins to individual rollout bins across the city.

Christmas displays and lights in Waseca were exceptional this year. Congratulations to all who took the time and made the effort to make the village look beautiful at this special time of year.

Crime numbers for the Battlefords RCMP detachment showed improvement - for a change - in November. For persons, property, Criminal Code, liquor act and provincial traffic offences, numbers were down for the month.