As the year 2016 draws to a close and with 2017 around the corner, the Assiniboia Times takes a look back at the newsmakers of the year.
The weather and its impact on the harvest was a top story in 2016 for farmers around Assiniboia and surrounding communities. The first half of the crop year led to predictions of a bumper crop by July. Then came the rains, damp weather and even snow in October that set back the harvest. A dry November allowed combines to get back on to fields. Producers were still observed combining as late as November 28. Yields were high but far from expected levels and quality dropped.
Many individuals in Assiniboia and the surrounding district made some remarkable accomplishments during 2016.
The Sask.Party had a strong election during the provincial government during the spring, winning another majority. MLA David Marit was elected to the Wood River constituency for his first term, and shortly afterwards he was named as Minister of Highways and Transportation.
One of the most unique achievements was the late-night roadside delivery of a baby by Hutch Ambulance paramedics Corey McNeice, Kyle Guild and Destin Ash in July below.Â
In business, a world leading helium plant officially opened in Mankota in August. Industry experts from Japan, Germany, India and the U.S. attended the opening to view the cutting-edge technology at work. This state-of-the-art facility restarts Saskatchewan’s helium industry.
For more news stories from the year, refer to the special Year in Review pullout section.