Here are some odds and ends you may have missed in the news during the past week.

Federal government infrastructure grants to communities in Saskatchewan with populations of less than 100,000 were announced last Friday in Regina. Mayors of communities which received the grants were notified; public announcements will take place shortly. This is only the first round of announcements for funding of municipal improvement projects.

February 15th was Flag Day, and I had the privilege of speaking at the Diefenbaker Canada Centre about what the Canada flag symbolizes to me. Democracy, freedom, the rule of law and simply the best country in the world to live in all come to mind when I see our Maple Leaf. Go out and wave our flag.

Humboldt made it to the final round of the Hockeyville competition. It is very important that you get out and vote for Humboldt to be Canada’s Hockeyville for 2009. So, to all my readers in places like Wakaw, Saskatoon, Aberdeen, etc–Cast your vote for Humboldt, Canada’s next Hockeyville. Vote online: www.cbcsports.ca/hockeyville or call toll free: 1-866-533-8066.

You can also SMS text message your vote by texting the words “Vote” and “Humboldt” to 222111. The voting period to determine the winning community is from Feb. 28th at 11 p.m. ET to March 4th at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Voting is unlimited.

I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.