2016 Year in Review — May
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.
While there many stories throughout the month of May that garnered a lot of attention, there were none bigger than the devastating fire that engulfed the city of Fort McMurray, Alberta. People throughout the country, including North Battleford resident Kelly Samson, who lived in Fort McMurray for nearly 40 years. She says everything she knew growing up there is gone. Samson’s family members were safe and had evacuated their homes early on. But it was tough for her to watch the fire, which has affected the older part of the city. Samson says those long time citizens likely won’t return. North Battleford and area were quick to come to the aid of their neighbours. Benefits were held throughout the region including a Fill Up A truck for Fort Mac and a donation drive by Jim Pattison Broadcast Group of stations.
The record-breaking heat hit the northwest early in May. On May 3, the Battlefords reached a high of 30 degrees Celsius, breaking the old record of 28 degree Celsius from 1897. Then, on Wednesday May 4, the Battlefords hit 31, the old record of 27 was set in 1897. Environment Canada says the hot weather was brought in on a southwesterly flow.
The record warm weather also caused many warnings for local residents. The RCMP warned people to stay away from well sites and reminded residents of North Battleford to be mindful of their house number and the date as the Odd-Even Watering Schedule went into effect. This was for people wanting to water their lawns. The warm and dry weather allowed a big jump in seeding across the northwestern and west-central regions.