Estevan Mercury

Two-hundred and twenty-four cats and dogs that were otherwise destined for a short life on the streets and back alleys of Estevan were rescued and given a better chance of survival by the Estevan Humane Society this past year.

The final numbers are in and the results look good. The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle and mail out campaign roared to a conclusion this past week more than $7,000 past the goal.

Estevan's health, safety and rescue capabilities took a positive step forward last Thursday when Estevan Fire Rescue Chief Rick Tocker and deputy Chief Dale Feser accepted a cheque from Enbridge Pipelines (Sask.) Inc.

Chad Leslie's first two games as head coach of the Eagle Drilling Estevan Bruins didn't go exactly how he would have liked as the Bruins dropped a pair of home contests to the top two hockey clubs in the Bauer Conference.

The night of Jan. 8 proved to be a rather busy one for members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) beginning with a response to a report of a suspicious person being spotted around a residence in the northwest part of the city.

On first blush, it was disappointing to hear from Mayor Gary St. Onge and city councillors that our property taxes plus some utility user fees were probably going to be increasing in 2011.

Estevan's population is continuing its upward trend. According to the 2010 covered population statistics, which were released in December by the provincial Ministry of Health, the Energy City has 12,876 residents, up from 11,304 in 2009.