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Fire risk remains high: UFD responds to 13 blazes

Unity News

Yes, we are weary. Yes there are more restrictions. Yes, we have to continue to do what we can, where we can and when we can in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Healthy communities make for healthy businesses, healthy seniors’ centres and healthy schools. We need to all work together to ensure this happens.

We did not get the snowfall that hit the south and east part of our province April 12 week so that means it is fire ban season. Several area RMs have initiated fire bans so as the saying goes “don’t be flicking idiot,” as cigarettes tossed out windows are a cause of grassfires. Until things green up or we get some moisture, that dried debris from last fall is combustible and it takes a concerted effort on all of our parts to ensure we prevent fires. And, in the meantime, hope and pray for rain.

Unity Fire Department was exceptionally busy April 14 to 18 reporting to 13 fires. Members say they are hoping for some April showers soon. As well, they are in need of more volunteer firefighters. We take for granted that when the fire alarm goes there will be trained, professional firefighters to respond, but they are needing some backup. Can you help?

Bat houses will start to be part of the community. After hundreds of bats were removed from Unity’s bat cave, the arena, they still need a place to live. Volunteers have built bat houses for them to reside in. We are assured these creatures bring far more benefits than harm to the community.

UCHS staff re-organized the annual career fair into a virtual event that will still include multiple post-secondary school presentations as well as class selection and other options for students, including financing advice.

St. Peter’s Grade 6 class experienced baby chicks hatching as a spring project and the Grade 3 class was excited to see their tomato plants start to blossom, meaning they are being well cared for.

Unity schools Earth Day efforts included grounds and community clean up.

Toni Bryan of Hometown Designs recently presented $4,500 to the Canadian Mental Health Association from the sale of Cont;nue apparel. Even Premier Scott Moe got on board and purchased one.

Local hockey player Bree Purcell has signed to play with the Prince Albert AAA U18 Bears female hockey team for the upcoming fall season. Bree started out with UMH but decided she wanted to move from mixed hockey to a female team and played last year with the Battlefords Sharks.

Vaccinations continue in the community and it was nice to see Prairie Branches folks getting looked after. Vaccinations will be our way out of this pandemic, in addition to continued health measures to help protect us, our families and our communities.

Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...