Vol. 104 No. 31
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2013
Box 40, 102 3rd Ave West, Biggar, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0
email: tip@sasktel.net
20 pages
Phone: 306-948-3344
$1.25
www.biggarindependent.ca
Great Plains College announces further program expansion In order to meet industry demand in western S a s k a t ch e wa n , G r e a t Plains College has added two more programs at its campuses. The new courses will be available in Swift Current, Kindersley and Warman. The capacity for Fourth Class Power Engineering has been doubled at Swift Current Campus, meaning the program can now accommodate up to 24 students when it begins in September. and a second class of electrician students is expected to start at Swift Current campus in February, immediately following the conclusion of the originally scheduled program which begins in September. This news follows the May announcements of new full-time Office Administration (Warman Campus), Third Class Power Engineering (Kindersley Campus) and Heavy Equipment Operator programs coming to the college. “This unprecedented amount of program expansion gives the college a lot of momentum heading into the new school year,” said Director of Program Michelle MacDonald. “It’s always exciting to meet demand by offering the right programs in the right places and we’ll continue working toward that goal over the coming months and years.”
A sea of yellow . . . Everywhere you look this year you can see fields of province. Take a drive through the countryside and you will be able to yellow. Who says Saskatchewan isn’t colourful? This picture with the blue see many, many flowering fields. (Independent photo by Daryl Hasein) water in the foreground and yellow canola shows off the beauty of our
Patient and staff safety primary concern as mice problem addressed at Biggar Health Centre Since the discovery of mice at Biggar Health Centre, Heartland Health Region has been working to address the situation. Officials stress the primary
concern of the health region is the safety of patients and staff. The problem arose in the course of the new construction being done at the facility.
The areas affected have been boarded off as part of the construction project and are not accessible by patients/visitors. Ellis Don Construction has contacted
an exterminator to assess the extent of the problem and safely eliminate any mice that are found. Consultations are ongoing with the Medical Health
And they’re off . . . This fellow is determined to win his wagon race. Some of the participants lost their water bottles but not this one. The Perdue Agricultural Fair held the weekend of July 26-27 was blessed with sunny weather. Judging by the smiles, it looks like everyone was enjoying themselves. (Independent photo by Daryl Hasein)
Officer, Infection Control, Public Health Inspection, R e g i o n a l O H & S, t h e facility manager, staff and Ellis Don Construction to thoroughly address the situation. A plan for cleaning the building is currently underway. The region’s first priority will be to focus on the construction areas where renovations are of will be taking place. Dr. Torr, Medical Health Officer for the region says, “With the awareness of the potential health hazards that mice can cause, most particularly Hantavirus, we are striving to ensure we implement the best measures to ensure minimal or no risk to the health of staff and public.” The region appreciates the cooperation of staff, visitors and patients as this issue is promptly addresses with everyone’s safety and well-being in mind. Any sightings should be reported to the nurse in charge or the care team manager immediately.