It's easy to look back on the Year that Was - 2011.
But what does 2012 have in store? Looking ahead is certainly more challenging than looking behind, but there are definitely events on the horizon for folks to look forward to.
CUPLEX: 2012 is bound to be a significant milestone in the history of North Battleford as the grand opening of the Credit Union CUPlex is a given. Substantial completion is expected for both the theatre and the aquatic centre by March. Also due to open in 2012 is the curling rink, and the last component, the field house, is expected to be finished by July.
Also expect another item of note to be decided in 2012: what to do with the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre once it closes.
SUMA: Municipal officials from both sides of the North Saskatchewan River plan to be in Regina from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 for the annual Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Convention.
NDP: The federal New Democratic Party is holding its national vote for a new leader March 24, and local NDP members will be able to directly cast a ballot in that contest. Also likely to happen in 2012: the start of the provincial NDP race for a permanent leader, who will run in the next provincial election.
THE SASK. PARTY GOVERNMENT: Look for finance minister Ken Krawetz to bring down his budget in the New Year. Also, be on the lookout for a possible cabinet shuffle once the large contingent of 49 Saskatchewan Party MLAs have gotten their feet wet in the legislature.
THE BBEX AWARDS: Start thinking about businesses that would be worthy of the BBEX honour at the annual event to be hosted in the spring by the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.
THE RBC CUP: This year's Royal Bank Cup takes place May 5 to 13 in Humboldt. Why do we mention this? Because, 2012 could be "The Year."
With the way the Battlefords North Stars have been tearing up the SJHL this season, they might be in Humboldt as league champions, competing for the RBC Cup. Maybe they'll even hoist it.
If they do, expect another major event to happen in North Battleford: a North Stars victory parade down 101st Street with the trophy.
THE ROUGHRIDERS: Circle the month of July on your calendar as we officially get the first look at new head coach Corey Chamblin and the new-look Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Expect a steady stream of news early in 2012 about coaching and player signings. The free agent deadline is Feb. 16 at 12:01 a.m., so we may expect to know the status of free agent Andy Fantuz.
Also, expect to hear news throughout the year about the issue of a new stadium for the team.
BRIDGEFEST: Mark Aug. 25 on your calendar because that is when BridgeFest takes place at Battleford Flats.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION: Voters will be going to the polls Oct. 24 in the municipal elections for mayor, council and school boards.
We already know Battleford will be getting a new mayor as incumbent Chris Odishaw announced he is not planning to run again. So expect one more bit of news in 2012: the swearing in of a new Battleford mayor.
Also, make sure you make your vote count, because there isn't going to be another municipal election on the schedule for four long years.
U.S. ELECTION: Political junkies will be circling Nov. 6 on the calendar in 2012. That is the date of the U.S. presidential election, which will also see a new congress and several other races decided. Before that election day comes, expect a hectic year of active campaigning, political conventions and the like.
SASKATCHEWAN HOSPITAL: Expect late 2012 to produce some news about the end of the detailed planning process for the new Saskatchewan Hospital. Construction is slated to begin no later than 2013, according to the pledge made earlier in 2011 by Premier Brad Wall.
DOOMSDAY: Mark Dec. 21, 2012 on your calendars because that is the date of the much-hyped End of the Mayan Calendar and the End of the World. So enjoy 2012 while it lasts, folks, and be sure to find a good quiet mountaintop to view the world's end on this date.
Also, enjoy reading the news stories about the whole event Dec. 22 after all the doomsday predictions don't come true.
