By Roger While/battlefordsNOW Staff

2016 Year in Review — February

Dec 26, 2016 | 9:00 AM

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 month of February saw some huge announcements, both positive and negative for the area.

After months of preparation and excitement, the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group officially launched battlefordsNOW.com and meadowlakeNOW.com. The online news source is accessible from your phone, tablets or computer and will provide the area with news, sports, weather both locally and internationally. CJNB/CJNS General Manager Karl Johnston said despite the tough times that have befallen some media companies, journalism is alive and well. With this in mind, JPBG is investing in more resources and reporters to bring you more in-depth news.

Early in the month it was announced that the Battlefords area communities would be losing national bank branches.

The RBC branches in Cut Knife and Wilkie would be closing their doors in the coming months, with the plan for customers to travel to the North Battleford location. The Cut Knife branch has been open since 1911 and will be closing in August 12, while the Wilkie branch has been open since 1908 and will be closing on July 22.

Rustlers Volleyball

Crusaders' Bell excited for next chapter with Lakeland College

1h ago

Nothing but Net

Vikings' standouts ready for national stage with Team Saskatchewan

4h ago

Missing person

Spiritwood RCMP searching for missing woman

7h ago

Robb Ritchie with RBC said the move was based on traffic patterns to the town locations, along with the increased services offered in North Battleford and online that aren’t offered in the towns.

Two major sporting events announcements were made in February. After an impressive show of community support, North Battleford was declared the winning bid for the 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games. After narrowing down the field to two venues, the city was given the green light to host the event. Later in the month, it was also announced that the Pinty’s Meridan Grand Slam of Curling was coming to North Battleford in January 2017. The event will be hosted by the Twin River Curling Club and Rogers Media. The event is expected to bring the top curlers in the world to the North Battleford Civic Centre.

The future of The Lighthouse, North Battleford’s only homeless shelter, was up in the air in February. It was feared the shelter may have to close its doors due to provincial budget cuts. Lighthouse manager Caitin Glencross said if the shelter were to close it would leave a void in the community leaving its most vulnerable citizens to fend for themselves.

Meanwhile following our story on battlefordsNOW.com, the minister of Social Services insists there has not been a funding cuts to the Lighthouse shelter in North Battleford. In a letter to battlefordsNOW, Donna Harpauer, said the ministry has increased shelter per-diems. At issue is the eligibility of some clients. Harpauer said each person’s case is reviewed, and funding is provided while that happens. It ends if it’s determined a client is eligible, for example, because they are covered by a First Nation. She also added that she was working with the city, police, and health care regarding the situation.