By Roger White

2016 Year in Review — August

Dec 29, 2016 | 12:18 PM

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2016, BattlefordsNow.com is taking a look at some of the top news items that made headlines and newsmakers over the past 12 months.

The fallout from Husky oil spill continued in the month of August. After Husky vowed to make the situation right, they brought in a world renowned oil spill specialist to come up with a plan to clean the North Saskatchewan River. Doctor Ed Owen, president of the Owens Coastal Consultants, developed area-specific response strategies for pipeline projects in Africa, North and South America and many other places across the world. The first part of Owens’ plan was to look for areas where oil can be easily remobilized and directing operations into those areas, but according to Owens, the actual removal of the oil could takes weeks or even months.

The oil spill did bring about some positives including another sign of a partnership between Battleford and North Battleford. The town was selling water to the city through a water line connecting the two water treatment facilities across the river. Councillor Ames Leslie said even though the drinking and everyday water supply of Battleford residents wasn’t affected, the effects were being seen across the river.

Battlefords MLA Herb Cox announced his plans to step down from the provincial cabinet with the return of his cancer. Cox found out days after his first election in 2011 he was diagnosed with bone cancer and in 2012 announced he was undergoing treatment. Now in 2016, Cox asked to leave cabinet when changes are made by Premier Brad Wall because the cancer has returned. According to Cox, each stem cell treatment put the cancer into remission for a period of four to five years, so the new treatment is right on target with his initial treatment.

The North Battleford Habitat for Humanity house needed skilled volunteers. The project was eight months behind schedule as both families were supposed to move into the duplex last December. Ron Braun was the site coordinator in charge of all the renovations to the home. He wanted to get the house done before winter and appreciated the support he’s been getting.

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

12h ago

Battlefords Volleyball Club

13U BVC Impact take provincial silver in Warman

17h ago

Spirit Group

Battleford Community Spirit Group needs members to stay open

17h ago

Gerald Stanley of the Biggar area made his first court appearance in North Battleford in August to face charges of second degree murder of Colten Boushie. 54-year-old Stanley allegedly shot and killed the 22-year-old on his property. RCMP said five people drove onto a property and were confronted by the property owners, who police said did not know them. Stanley was arrested on scene. Stanley was granted bail later in August.

Nate Bedford was named the new head coach and general manager of the Battlefords North Stars. Bedford replaced Kevin Hasselberg, who announced in July he was headed to Florida as the new head coach of the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League after five years with the North Stars. Bedford joined the North Stars after four years with the Keyano College in Fort McMurray where he was an assistant coach for two years and the past two seasons as head coach. Despite joining the team late in the offseason, Bedford said the previous success of the North Stars allowed him to take his time on making any player decisions.