Battlefords News-Optimist

Larry Gabruch, fire chief for the Town of Battleford, released the annual fire report for 2011 at town council Monday.

There will be a wing night fundraiser at Maymont Hotel Jan. 14 starting at 6 p.m. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society on behalf of the "United to Fight For Cancer", Relay for Life Team.

A weathered cedar butt, rammed against a pile of upended logs, takes on the shape of a volcano. The shell of the structure cradles gravel and dried grasses while the jagged spears of wood surrounding the crown, point heavenward.

Ending 40 days and nights of fasting, Ukrainian Christmas Eve was celebrated at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Jan. 6. Father Taras Udod gave the blessing for the meal, Sviata Vecheria, at which over 50 parishioners gathered.

It was at the end of Sparks that I knew something was up. As Katrina came out, she ran up to me and half-jokingly threw her pink sash at me. I found that was quite rude and scolded her for it.

The F.E. Holliday Water Treatment Plant is now pumping to full capacity. The electrical problem was repaired early last evening and the plant was able to pump throughout the night.

Birds coming to the feeders are not nearly as plentiful as in past years. One birdwatcher was visited by only a few Pine Grosbeaks. These birds usually visit in flocks and are seen often throughout the winter. This is true of many birds.

The Pizza Hut restaurant in North Battleford had to be evacuated Thursday as emergency crews dealt with a natural gas leak at the restaurant. The incident happened shortly after 11 a.m.

The Battlefords North Stars were in La Ronge Tuesday, but fell 4-3 to the top team in the Bauer Conference. Doug Lindensmith led the way for La Ronge with two goals, while Travis Eggum scored and Graham Smerek had the game-winning goal.

In The Provincial Scene this week, veteran political observer Murray Mandryk floats the notion Saskatchewan's population boom needs to be spread out more evenly around the province.