Halftime Huddle destroyed in suspicious fire

LEADER – The community of Leader is mourning the loss of Halftime Huddle after a fire destroyed the building in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 26.

Leader RCMP report that at approximately 2:40 a.m. on October 26, officers and local firefighters responded to a structure fire at a business on 1 Avenue. The building was completely destroyed.

Originally constructed in 1959 by Robert Gill as a Cockshutt dealership, the building has had a long history in Leader. After Gill sold the property in 1970, it served as a gas station, service shop, dance studio, and restaurant before becoming Halftime Huddle. Residents recall its many transformations and expressed deep sadness at the loss.

Police say the fire is considered suspicious. RCMP have engaged fire investigators with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to determine its origin and cause. Officers are asking anyone with information about suspicious people or vehicles in Leader during the early morning hours of October 26 to come forward.

Information can be reported by calling 310-RCMP. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.