And just like that, another year ... Biggar Skating Club members wave to the crowd at the Jubilee Stadium, Friday, as they close out their popular yearend carnival. The skaters were impressive and entertaining as another year of learning new skills comes to an end. See Page 2 for more! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
(Independent
The Biggar Skating Club held their end of the year carnival at the Jube, March 7, showcasing the lessons learned over the past season. As always, this talented group of skaters defied gravity while entertaining parents, grandparents, siblings and friends with a delightful evening of artistry and athleticism.
Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Comedic play deals with serious issues in Arts Council offering
A hit comedy about depression and gratitude comes to the Majestic Theatre this March 17 for the seventh Biggar and District Arts Council concert.
You’re seven years old. Mum’s in hospital.
Dad says she’s ‘done something stupid’. She finds it hard to be happy. You start a list of everything brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for.
1.) Ice Cream.
2.) Roller Coasters.
3.) Peeing in the lake and nobody knows.
You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s
corrected your spelling.”
Twenty years and thousands of things later, the list will take on a life of its own. Be drawn into an astonishingly funny comedy about depression, gratitude, and the lengths we go to for those we love. An epic celebration of life’s joys in the midst of pain, based on true and untrue stories.
Audiences are captivated by this exhilarating solo performance that’s like no other - a deep dive into emotional well-being through wit, wisdom and hilarity. Theatre’s power to bring people together in loving respect is vividly
alive in this play, undoing stigma around mental illness.
Every Brilliant Thing is at the Majestic Theatre for the seventh show in the Biggar and District
Arts Council concert season this Monday, March 17, show time at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale from Ross Holt at de Moissac Jewellers or from ticketpro.ca
Health Care Recruitment Agency releases
highlighting community strategies supporting Health Care Professionals
The Saskatchewan Health care Recruitment Agency (SHRA), Tuesday, released a Health care Practitioner Community Support Tool kit aimed at supporting communities engaged or interested in local efforts to retain health care practitioners.
“Part of the SHRA’s mandate is to contribute to a positive experience for health practitioners, especially those new to our province or country, by working with all stakeholders on settlement and retention strategies,” SHRA Chief Executive Officer Terri Strunk said. “During our outreach to communities across Saskatchewan over the last year, we heard so many great examples of
what they are doing to assist our health system with retention and we wanted to find a way to share those ideas with others.”
The toolkit is designed for communities welcoming new health care providers arriving from within the province, the country or internationally. It shares the activities of other Saskatchewan communities who have had success with retention of local practitioners and offers guidance on essential aspects of relocationfrom finding housing and child care to identifying spousal employment opportunities and creating recreation and
cultural connections.
This comprehensive support can ease the transition and promote long-term retention of these valuable health care professionals.
SHRA is committed to providing support to communities to initiate these activities and will continue engagement efforts with health practitioners and community leaders, to build on the toolkit, adding new initiatives in the future.
“As health care providers set up practice in Saskatchewan, the SHRA’s toolkit will be a great reference for communities to ensure they feel welcome and experience a smooth and
successful transition,”
Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “Building strong relationships with providers and their families can be encouraging when making the choice to put down roots and build a life here. This tool helps to address an important part of our Health Human Resource Action Plan by offering health care stability and improving access for residents.”
For more information and to download a copy of the Health care Practitioner Community Support Toolkit, please visit: saskhealthrecruitment. ca
Council minute highlights
The regular meeting of Biggar Town Council was held February 18 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Rickwood, Councillors Alan Boyle, Dakota Ekman, Kevin McNicholls, Edward Young, and Ivan Young.
Council resolved that the following reports from Administration and Council Committees be accepted as presented: Committee Meeting Minutes February 11, 2025; Chief Administrative Officer Report; Deputy Administrative Officer Report; Public Works Manager Report.
Council resolved that the following financial reports for January 2025 be approved as submitted: Bank Reconciliation January 2025; Statement of Financial Activities January 2025.
Council resolved that the General Accounts Paid in the amount of $148,868.46 including payment numbers, payroll deposit numbers, and online payments totalling $61,575.88, and the list of accounts for approval in the amount of $121,201.71 including payment numbers, be approved as submitted.
Council resolved that the following correspondence be accepted and filed: Sask Public Safety MVC Policy; RCMP December 2024 Stats; RCMP Report February 10,
2025; Railway Safety Ambassador Certificate; Biggar Fire Department January 2025 Payroll; Biggar Library 2024 Stats. Council resolved that as Kristen Tokaryk has been hired as the Deputy Administrative Officer for the Town of Biggar, that she be added as signing authority at the Biggar and District Credit Union for the Town accounts and that the other signing authorities remain the same. Council also resolved that the Town of Biggar enter into a contract with Gina Bernier to provide mentor services for the Deputy Administrator, Kristen Tokaryk, as presented.
Council reviewed an informational update provided by the RM of Biggar regarding the road plans for the new Farm in the Dell development.
Council discussed the following: Administration is seeking Council’s feedback on current notification procedures for outstanding utility accounts.
Council resolved that the request to plant a tree in the Biggar Cemetery in memory of Hilda Osmachenko be received and that a letter of response be sent to the family with further directions on the selection and placement of such a memorial.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Biggar RCMP report
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week Biggar detachment had 34 calls for service. In traffic, 13 drivers were provided Traffic Safety education.
A Lexus with British Columbia plates forgot to pay for their fuel in Perdue, however, members were able to give them a friendly reminder to clear up their tab.
In the late evening hours, a red Dodge truck was reported attempting to steal fuel from the
on a Blue Card
Rack in Perdue. More fuel thieves were a little more successful in their endeavours in stealing diesel out of the P&H locomotives at Palo Road. A John Deere tractor was stolen from the RM of Mariposa and was located and recovered at an old yard at SE-10-3617.
A couple of noise complaints received on Avenue N in Perdue, resulting from ongoing, not so neighbourly feud. Take care out there!
O-62
Biggar RCMP are on the lookout for vehicles involved in a series of thefts in the area. (Submitted Photo)
Actor Sarah Robertson goes through a scene from “Every Brilliant Thing” at a 2022 show at the Rosebud Theatre in Alberta. The play comes to the Majestic Theatre this Monday, March 17, all part of the Biggar Arts Council Concert Season. (Submitted Photo)
by Sylvain Charlebois, Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Dalhousie University
Canada has walked itself into an unnecessary trade war with the United States’ biggest geopolitical rival, China.
The consequences are now clear: new retaliatory tariffs from China directly target our farmers, affecting over $3 billion in agrifood commodities and products. These measures are a direct response to Canada’s decision to impose a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) back in October - a move designed to align with U.S. trade policy and shield the North American auto sector from low-cost competition.
But now, the landscape has shifted: Joe Biden is no longer in office, Donald Trump is signalling hostility toward Canada, and China is retaliating against Canadian farmers. Meanwhile, the United States is also taking an aggressive stance against Canada, unprovoked, further complicating trade relations.
Canada has been in this position before. During the Huawei affair in
2018, China employed similar tactics. When Meng Wanzhou, a top Huawei executive, was arrested in Vancouver, China swiftly imposed restrictions on Canadian canola, pork and other agricultural exports. China’s geopolitical strategy is calculated and effective, targeting industries that generate maximum pressure on the Canadian government. By contrast, Canada’s trade policy is often reactionary, driven by optics rather than strategic, long-term planning.
Now, China is once again sending a clear message by targeting Canadian farmers in retaliation for an EV tariff - even though Canada has yet to import a single Chinese-made electric vehicle. This comes at the same time that Canada installs a new prime minister to replace Justin Trudeau, the leader who originally imposed the EV tariffs. The symbolism is undeniable, yet it remains unclear whether Ottawa grasps its significance. At the heart of this issue is Canada’s flawed strategy on EVs - a policy that mirrors the protectionist nature of
supply management in the dairy sector. The federal government has poured over $50 billion into the EV and battery industries, supporting domestic manufacturing, critical minerals and supply chain development.
Beneficiaries include Volkswagen, StellantisLG Energy Solution, Northvolt and Honda, among others. To protect these investments, Ottawa followed the U.S. lead in imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs, effectively limiting market competition and driving up domestic EV prices over time.
This raises an important question: if the Canadian government is still serious about climate action, shouldn’t it prioritize making EVs more affordable rather than blocking cheaper imports? Instead, Ottawa has chosen to prioritize jobs in the auto sector over environmental concerns. The inconsistency is staggering. Meanwhile, the EV and battery industries that Canada is trying to protect remain in their infancy. We are not importing Chinese EVs, yet our agricultural
sector is bearing the cost of this policy misstep.
To put the misallocation of funds into perspective, let’s consider what else could have been achieved with the $50 billion funnelled into EVs and batteries. The beef sector, a vital component of Canada’s food security, offers a compelling case study. With $50 billion, the meatpacking industry could be revolutionized.
A mid-sized meatpacking plant costs roughly $200 million to build, meaning these funds could support the construction of approximately 250
plants, each capable of processing between 500 and 2,000 cattle per day. Alternatively, largescale industrial plants, like those operated by Cargill and JBS, typically cost $800 million each, meaning this investment could fund around 62 massive facilities, each capable of handling 4,000 to 7,000 cattle daily. For context, Cargill’s High River plant processes 4,000 cattle per day, while JBS’s Greeley facility in the U.S. handles about 5,000. This level of investment would decentralize the
North American meat supply chain, increase competition and improve food security by reducing reliance on a handful of dominant processors. The lack of foresight in Ottawa’s trade and industrial policies is astonishing. If a country controls its food supply, it holds far greater economic and strategic leverage. China understands this well. The question now is whether Canada’s next government will learn the lesson before more damage is done to our farming sector.
Trump’s reckless presidency threatens global stability
by Simon Bennett, University of Leicester
It has been two months since Donald Trump’s inauguration. It seems like two years. Those charitably disposed toward the erstwhile New York property developer describe him as a disrupter. Those illdisposed toward Trump describe him as a vandal, or worse.
So, which characterization is more accurate?
Trump is undoubtedly a mould-breaker. Witness, for example, his mastery of social media and political theatre. He knows how to engage and entertain. He is a selfpublicist and manipulator par excellence. This is the lighter side of Trump. The darker side includes his use of coercion, if not outright bullying, to advance America’s geopolitical interests.
The consequential Feb. 28, 2025, meeting between Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky is open to diverse interpretations. The charitable reading is that Trump and his deputy, J.D. Vance, reacted to what they perceived as Zelensky’s ingratitude over military
aid, foot-dragging over the minerals deal, and reluctance to negotiate peace. The uncharitable reading is that Trump and Vance set out to humiliate Zelensky in a pre-planned ambush, including:
• Insulting Zelensky’s dress sense - a juvenile response to Zelensky’s thoughtful effort to identify with his bloodied people.
• The systematic baiting of the Ukrainian president by Vance and some Trump-aligned press corps members.
To his credit, and in sharp contrast to Europe’s obsequious leaders, Zelensky refused to kowtow. He stood up to the bullying and ignored the baiting, giving as good as he got. On reflection, this is probably what annoyed Trump and Vance most: the fact that a European leader had the audacity to challenge the truth claims of the president and vicepresident of the world’s most powerful nation. The audacity of the man! Who in hell does he think he is? Why doesn’t he bow and scrape like the others?
An early indication that Trump intended to do things his way, regardless of consequences, came
during the White House press conference memorializing those killed in the Jan. 29, 2025, Washington, D.C., air crash that saw a military helicopter and passenger aircraft collide over the Potomac River. After mourning the dead, Trump made unsubstantiated claims that the previous administration’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies had compromised the nation’s air traffic control system. Trump later claimed the accident was caused by the helicopter climbing above its assigned altitude.
“The Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200foot limit. That’s not really too complicated to understand, is it?” Trump claimed in a Truth Social post.
Speculation of this kind by the president is unhelpful, first because it causes distress to the families of the deceased, and secondly because it distracts witnesses and investigators. Speculation may prejudice an investigation, making it harder for witnesses and investigators to approach
with an open mind. It creates latent errors in the investigative process and increases the likelihood of misidentifying root causes, making a repeat tragedy more likely.
Since the air crash press conference, Trump has cut loose, deaf to the protests of long-time allies such as Canada, France, Germany, and Britain. He has, for example, imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and, bizarrely, threatened to annex the country. In an effort to justify his annexation proposal, Trump claimed that Canada was unable to defend itself against potential aggressors such as China. It is possible that Trump, who reads little, is unaware that Canada is a NATO member or a member of the Commonwealth.
The most sinister development is that Trump appears to be aligning the United States with Russia, a totalitarian state that denies its people basic freedoms and seeks to impose its will, by force if necessary, on Europe.
On the day French President Emmanuel Macron visited the White House, the U.S. twice voted with Russia at the
INDEPENDENT
United Nations.
I have reached the following conclusions about his motivation, methods, and intent:
1.) Trump has little interest in Europe, save perhaps Scotland, his mother’s birthplace.
2.) Trump will ally the U.S. with Russia through accords and treaties.
3.) Trump will remove the U.S. from NATO to cement the U.S.-Russia alliance.
4.) Trump will use America’s military and economic power to coerce and subjugate America’s former allies. In doing so, he will emulate Putin’s tactics. Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine, including the provision of battlefield intelligence, demonstrates his willingness to use coercion against regimes he finds problematic.
5.) Trump will implement an ultra-right-wing agenda domestically, using intimidation and a politicized Department of Justice and FBI to silence dissent. Again, he will emulate Putin’s tactics.
6.) The net effect of Trump’s policies will transform America from a pluralistic and reasonably tolerant society into
a fascistic, intolerant, religion-soaked society largely run by corporations operating both outside and within government. Elon Musk’s DOGE is a portent. The 1975 Norman Jewison-directed movie “Rollerball” shows us what America could become.
7.) When Russia finally defeats and annexes an exhausted Ukraine, the U.S. will join Russia in exploiting the country’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals.
8.) When Russia, having regenerated its armed forces, invades Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states, the U.S., no longer a NATO member, will stand off, anticipating the moment Moscow invites Washington to share in the spoils.
9.) The European Union will be reduced to the status of vassal to a rampant Russia, presided over still by Vladimir Putin, an indicted war criminal.
If the reader finds this dark vision thoughtprovoking, then all is not lost. There is still time - just - to prevent this Dantean descent into hell.
Bob Mason Notable Notes
On a quiet winter day as a person drives into Saskatoon from the west, often a few miles this side of the city, they will see a whisp of snow sifting across the highway.
Usually we don’t pay much attention to it but if we take a good look at a map of this part of Saskatchewan, we will sure find out why!
The river valley of the North Saskatchewan comes straight southeast from Battleford until it finally turns northeast at Great Bend. And as the prevailing movement of air in these parts is from the northwest, down she comes, picking up any low-hanging rain clouds on the way and depositing their moisture on the murky river.
I’m not dreaming this up for dreamings sake!
When we were kids up there in the early ‘30s, many times we would watch as a black cloud came at us from the west only to be picked up by that current of air and go swishing south of us along the river valley.
Northeast of Environ there is a promontory called Eagle Point that picks up part of this air flow and is responsible, it seems to me, for the huge whirlwinds that we often used ot see there. Meanwhile, a few miles farther east and just north of Henrietta, there are no river hills at all, and a lot of that air cuts across the country until just this side of Saskatoon. Hence the drifting snow.
Rain
Statistics might prove me wrong, that’s true, but I don’t remember any statisticians being around at that time!
Everyone in Saskatchewan knows that much of our provincial economy depends on rain - I’d say all of it. But some miner or PFRA type is sure to point out that I’m mistaken. Nevertheless, precipitation has always been a big thing out here.
As a farmer - well, for years I’ve been trying to make a living at itof course I have a few oddball tales to tell about it myself! Like the time we drove up from the farm to the Perdue Fair and slid all over the road, only to find when we got there that it hadn’t rained in Perdue at all!
At that time the president of the Agricultural Society was Stan Raines, a Professor Rainier was one of the judges, and our young minister was named Rainey.
Y.T. saw the three of them standing together, went over and explained in a quiet and reserved way, that by the correction line we got lots of rain while in Perdue, for all their names’ influence, they hadn’t gotten any! They didn’t seem to be impressed, and as we parted, the Reverend quoted: “The Lord maketh it to rain alike on the just and the unjust!”
Some compliment, eh? No need to mention here about 1947 or so. After a big downpour, I was on my way up to Normanton to see the future Mrs. Bob Mason, when my dad’s car slid all over the road until I finally had to turn back.
“My Kingdom for a horse!”
A long time ago, The Independent printed that piece about the rain dance some native boys and Y.T. did at Outlook - we sure made it rain, too!
I imagine that all of us have our greatest impression of rain, and were we ever impressed
a few years ago when we installed a new rain gauge. Every time it rained, we always got quite a bit more than our neighbours - even the garden came up better! Until one day I found a washer-shaped cap that was supposed to fit on top of the gauge! Next time (and this is a next time country) we got the same amount of moisture as everybody else!
So much for living and voting right! It wouldn’t be fair to mention rain without pointing out our firsthand experiences with it while in the army.
I think maybe the first was when we were on a bivouac thing at Camp Shilo, Manitoba. It rained so hard one night that the noise of water bubbling past my makeshift bedroll actually woke me up!
We didn’t learn a heck of a lot in the forces - except maybe the best way to kill people - but we did come to realize the value of dry socks! So much so that I always carried a couple of pair in my big battle dress pockets. They weren’t bullet-proof but they might help! In that winter of 1945, more than once, Y.T. had the occasion to cut those dry socks in two and use them for mitts! Also, we found out that a certain article of army issued “safety” called, “protection, for the use of,” when fitted over the end of the rifle barrel, sure kept the mud out! Actually, being rained on and cold wasn’t our own personal choice of comfort, but eventually the war was over and we came home. What a thrill it was, after the spring crop was in, to relax indoors and listen to the rain on the roof!
Maybe when the “Fat Lady” sings, there is a great attraction for some, I don’t know. But if we could only take one thing with us when we go, I imagine a lot of us would settle for that sound of rain on the roof!
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Agriculture Lender
At Biggar & District Credit Union, we are deeply rooted in our local community and committed to supporting the agricultural sector that drives our economy. As a member-focused financial institution, we pride ourselves on providing personalized service, building long-term relationships, and fostering growth in our rural areas. We understand that agriculture is the backbone of our community, and we are looking for a dedicated and passionate Agriculture Lender to join our team!
As an Agriculture Lender, you will play a vital role in supporting the local agricultural community by offering tailored financial solutions to farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses. You will build strong, lasting relationships with members, help them navigate their financial needs, and provide expert advice and lending services to fuel their growth and success.
Qualifications:
· Previous experience in agriculture lending, banking, or financial services is preferred.
· Knowledge of agricultural operations and financing needs.
· Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
· Self-motivated, with a strong desire to contribute to the community and agricultural economy.
· A passion for working with farmers and rural businesses.
Why Join Us?
At Biggar & District Credit Union, you won’t just be another employee — you’ll be an integral part of a community-centered institution that is committed to making a positive impact. The Agriculture Lender position offers the opportunity to work in an exciting, dynamic environment where you can make a real difference. If you’re passionate about agriculture, lending, and building meaningful relationships, we want to hear from you!
Biggar & District Credit Union proudly supports the communities we serve. If you would like to be part of our team, email your cover letter and resume to humanresources@biggarcu.ca. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
This position will stay open till filled.
by Kaitlynn Nordal
For those having a hard time finding employment, SaskAbilities WorkNow program may be for you.
SaskAbilities is a province-wide organization.
“We exist to bring programs and services that enhance the lives of people experiencing disabilities,” explained Bonnie Grove Senior Supervisor of Partners in Employment at SaskAbilities.
Grove’s section Partners in Employment is the vocational division that offers various employment programs.
“They are meant to be flexible and meet job seekers where they’re at in their job-seeking venture,” said Grove.
One of the services
SaskAbilities there to help people succeed
SaskAbilities offers through this program is what they call WorkNow.
“Participants come together with facilitators and coordinators. They dig into things that are going to help them get a job and succeed in the job,” said Grove.
Although WorkNow started in September 2024 SaskAbilities had classroom-based programs before this.
“This program came about through conversations with our funder and understanding what the need is. Employers and job seekers are being stretched in new and different ways over the last while [so] we wanted to develop a program that helped to meet the needs of the employer and the job seekers
looking to connect with them,” said Grove.
One of the things those who sign up for WorkNow focus on is employer expectations.
“We have conversations around what an employer’s expectations are and how do we manage a work-life balance so that when life gets harry ... there are coping skills and resources available to us so that we don’t end up falling down on the job,” said Grove. “We can maintain a successful work and home life.”
WorkNow also lines up potential employers and arranges for participant engagement.
“Employers come to the group and explain who they are, what their hiring process looks like, the type of work they
do, [and] what a typical day might look like,” said Grove. “Then they offer an opportunity for dialogue.”
Everything is also individualized.
“Even though you are with a group of 15 people you are still getting a lot of one-on-one time for your questions, situation, and are able to sit down with someone to be able to do a supportive employment search,” said Grove.
The next WorkNow session will take place March 10 for eight weeks in Saskatoon at SaskAbilities Provincial Services Location (2310 Louise Ave) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This round will take 15 participants 30 and over. It is first come first serve with an intake process to ensure it is
Saskatchewan farmers are the world's greatest providers of food, fiber, fertilizers and feeds. They create jobs and contribute to our healthy economy as well as our healthy diets.
We're proud and thankful for the hard working, dedicated people and their families who make up our finest Saskatchewan Agriculture industry.
the right fit.
This WorkNow session will have representatives from hospitality, trades, retail, manufacturing, and administration.
“We have a fairly big lineup of employers we will be engaging with,” said Grove.
WorkNow offers shortand long-term follow-up as well.
“We are able to offer follow-up for as long as and how the person wants it,” said Grove.
There will also be two coordinators and mentor and it will go over employer expectations, financial literacy, and active job searching tips/ tricks among others.
“It isn’t just sitting in a classroom for eight weeks and taking notes,” said Grove. “It’s very dynamic. You are out in
the community touring places. We are excited to offer an insight into various industries that they maybe never thought of before.
“There is lots of opportunity to engage in conversation,” continued Grove. “One of the things we found for people who join our classroombased learning one of the highlights is the friendship. There is nothing like meeting with a group of people who are experiencing something similar to what you are experiencing they build strength off each other.” Those interested in signing up or wanting more information can contact Janine on (306) 808-1315.
SALUTE TO THE FARMING INDUSTRY
•
SUDOKU
GAMES PAGE …
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you are in a leadership position this week, whether you realize it or not. Your confidence may inspire others to follow your lead. Just be sure not to micromanage.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, stability is important to you. This week you may find yourself craving a deeper connection. Explore the different types of relationships in your life and make a plan.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
This is an excellent week for networking and making new friends, Gemini. Just be careful of overcommitting, as it’s easy to fill up your plate with too much to handle.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you might be craving an emotional connection this week. You may feel drawn to someone who shares your values and outlook. Pay attention to signs that may guide you.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Now is the perfect time to push forward with creative projects or ideas at work, Leo. You might receive recognition for your efforts, so don’t worry about the spotlight if it happens.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, Virgo. For too much time you have focused on the small details that are getting in the way of the bigger plan. A mentor might offer guidance.
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you and your partner might come up with plans to improve your living situation or finances this week. Collaboration is really the best way to tackle this.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, a transformation could take place this week. You might feel like stepping into a new version of yourself and figuring out the best path to personal growth.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
Stay focused on what matters most, Sagittarius. You will find that most things will fall into place. Prioritize your health and finances this week.
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, with so much creativity flowing, you might want to express yourself through hobbies or an art project. Approach challenges in new ways and the solutions will come.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you might find yourself taking a step back at work to focus on personal matters. This doesn’t mean you are slacking off. It just means you need to shift priorities for a bit.
PISCES –
Feb 19/Mar 20
Avoid any miscommunications by expressing yourself clearly and concisely, Pisces. Focus on strengthening your communication and connection with others in the days to come.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Unsheared sheep
5. Rock TV channel
8. Streetcar
12. Concerning
14. Expression of recognition
15. Greek goddess of youth
16. An iPad is one 18. Adult beverage
19. Manning and Wallach are two
20. Makes a petty verbal attack
21. Tyrion Lannister’s nickname
22. Pointed ends of pens
23. Wristwatches
26. Body part
30. Made a mistake
31. Adjusted
32. Turkish honorific title
33. Yell
34. Historic Alabama city
39. Cub
42. Type of sea bass dish
44. To call (archaic)
46. Unfortunate
47. Separate oneself from others
49. Hero sandwiches
50. Former OSS
51. Open spaces in a forest
56. Innermost brain membranes
57. Fortune
58. Hunting expedition
59. Doomed queen Boleyn
60. Peyton’s little brother
61. Type of wrap
62. Scottish tax
63. Soviet Socialist Republic
64. An increase in price or value
CLUES DOWN
1. Works of body art
2. Abba __, Israeli politician
3. A desert in Asia
4. Eat greedily
5. Doomed French queen
6. Beat
7. One who survives on blood
8. As a consequence
9. Counted on
10. Acquired Brain Injury
Behavior Science
11. Unclean
13. One who does not drink
17. Wild ox of the Malay Archipelago
24. __ student, learns healing
25. Bacterial skin infection
26. Expresses surprise
27. What one says on a wedding day
28. Crony
29. Where you entered the world (abbr.)
35. Unit of length
36. Side that is sheltered from the wind
37. More (Spanish)
38. Autonomic nervous system
40. Violent troublemakers, originally in Paris
41. Statements that something is untrue
42. Greek alphabet letter
43. Suspends from above
44. Popular types of cigars
45. Girls
47. U.S. philosopher and logician
48. Nocturnal hoofed animal
49. Relaxing spaces
52. From a distance
53. Form of Persian
54. Amounts of time
55. Trigonometric function
Business
MECHANIC SHOP
Biggar group continues age-old tradition
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for
the Biggar Museum and Gallery
Quilts and quilting are an ancient way of protection and keeping warm. Chinese armour, a thousand years ago, was fabric layered with a filling and then sewn through all three layers. This is quilting, the result is a quilt.
The first quilts in Canada came with the French women who came over in the 1600’s to find husbands to help increase the population of New France.
Fabric and even thread and needles were at a premium in this New
World. So much so that often thread and needles were bequeathed from one woman to another. Any fabric scraps left over from making shirts, dresses and sleep wear were coveted. The scraps being cut into workable pieces and sewn together to become the top of a blanket. A filling was found, often wool or old blankets sandwiched between another large piece of fabric on the outside and quilted together.
It was so much colder in the new world and blankets were cherished to get through the longer winters. Beginning as
being a necessity for survival, the women used the top as an art form and decorated their often-hard lives with beauty.
Wool was a necessity as a filling, as cotton that did come up from the United States just was not warm enough for Canadian winters. But the cotton was used for apparel, and those scraps used for decorative tops. As the New World was being developed, sheep were raised for their wool, and other goods produced to trade for the cotton and linen needed for clothing and eventually into quilts.
Sewing the pieces of scraps together would have been done at home as the women found time, under the light of candle or coal oil lamp. The next stage in the creation of a quilt was the fun one ... inviting the neighbourhood over for a Quilting Bee! Women came to someone’s house and the quilting frame was set up, usually in the living room and there the layers were quilted together. News and gossip
were exchanged, laughter rang out, a meal would be shared and at the end someone would have a quilt for the winter!
Over the decades since the first days of Canada, quilting has continued, affected of course by world wars, economic depression and the time left to women who began working away from home. The materials and tools are more readily available now. A quilter can buy what they want, but the costs of material have been rising.
The group here in Biggar is keeping alive an age-old tradition getting together to create something practical as well as beautiful. The group gets together to decide on patterns and colour choices et cetera. Quilting is done by machine now, but I imagine there is still some gossip and news going on when the Biggar Library Quilting Guild get together every Thursday. Their latest show is in the Biggar Museum and Gallery for the month of March.
Season of the Birdie ... Biggar Central School 2000 hosted their junior badminton tournament this past weekend. The school athletic season is moving rapidly, and local athletes are turning in some pretty impressive performances. (Independent Photo by Trudy Buxton)
Shrove Tuesday… a successful Shrove Tuesday Supper, sponsored by Mount Carmel Knights of Columbus, was at the Landis Community Hall this past Tuesday March 4. By all the smiles everyone gad a great time and did not leave hungry. (photo for The Independent by Deb Penley)
by Frank Cox
In the neon-drenched heart of Noirville, a city where it always seems to be raining and the puddles on the street are filled with the tears of the city’s broken-hearted residents, there was a lone wolf named Simon Swift, a private eye with a mind sharper than a switchblade’s edge.
The wind howled through the canyons of steel and concrete carrying whispers of trouble on its breath, the night was a black shroud and the atmosphere thick with foreboding, but Swift was as cool as an iceberg’s underside, his eyes hidden behind a pair of shades almost as dark as the city’s secrets.
On this particular night, a man named Dirty Dan, a greasy-haired thug with a taste for trouble, had wandered into Swift’s office, brandishing a gleaming Colt .45 like it was a trophy.
“You’re gonna pay for what you did, Swift,” he growled, the barrel of his gun shaking with
The Pen
menace.
Swift, never one to back down from a fight, reached under his desk and produced a simple ballpoint pen, its metal body as cold as a tombstone.
“I ain’t got a gun, Dan,” he said, his voice as smooth as silk. “But this here’s a different kind of weapon.”
Dirty Dan laughed, a sound like a hyena’s cackle.
“You think a pen’s gonna stop a bullet, Swift? You’re dumber than you look.”
But Swift was never one to underestimate the power of a quality tool. He flicked the pen open, the click echoing through the room like a gunshot.
“This ain’t just any pen, Dan,” he said, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. “This here’s a Montblanc Meisterstuck. It’s got more style than a zoot suit, more class than Marlon Brando, and right now it’s in sport mode.”
Dirty Dan’s laughter died in his throat as Swift stood up, his eyes never leaving the thug.
“In sport mode, this pen can write a novel faster than you can shoot a gun. It can sign a contract, balance a chequebook, and write a love letter to a dame all in the same second. But right now, it’s gonna write your last words.”
With a speed that took Dan by surprise, Swift
moved, his body a blur as he ducked and weaved like a boxer in the ring. A bullet whizzed past him, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. Swift’s hand moved with a grace that belied its size, the Montblanc flashed in his hand like a beacon in the dark, a burst of light that cut through the shadows like a knife.
With a flick of his wrist, Swift sent the pen flying towards Dan. It was a shot as precise as a surgeon’s scalpel, and with a clatter and a clink, the pen found its mark. It lodged deep inside the barrel, spiking the gun tighter than a cork in a champagne bottle.
Dan stared at the gun, his eyes wide with shock.
Quick as a cat on a hot stove, Swift swooped in like an eagle diving on a rat, wrangling the flailing desperado and slapping on a pair of irons.
As the police carried Dan out, Swift picked up the pen, giving it a gentle twist.
“Back to business mode,” he muttered. “Now, where was I ...”
And so, the tale of the pen that defeated a gun became legend in Noirville, a testament to the power of wit, skill, and a good Montblanc. And as for Simon Swift, he continued to solve cases and crack wise, always proving that even in the darkest of cities, a little humour could go a long way.
Frank Cox Humble Opinion
Saskatchewan farm families under threat as trade disputes intensify: APAS
Escalating trade disputes have prompted the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) to sound the alarm over the increasing pressures facing Saskatchewan’s farm families.
Saskatchewan’s agricultural producers are grappling with unparalleled uncertainty amid tariffs imposed by China and implied by the United States, are threatening their economic stability and livelihoods.
“Our agricultural sector faces serious threats,” said APAS President, Bill Prybylski. “These trade disputes are causing tangible economic hardships and anxiety among farmers, who are dedicated to producing high quality food for global consumption.”
Trade tensions combined with the cancellation of strategic projects are unsettling the agricultural community. The Chinese government’s introduction of a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian canola oil, meal, and pork, jeopardizes a crucial export channel worth nearly $5 billion in 2024 and threatens the income of canola and pork producers throughout Saskatchewan. Additionally, the potential imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian agricultural products by the United
States adds another layer of uncertainty. The ongoing threat disrupts long-standing trade relationships, causing widespread concern among producers reliant on these markets.
As Canada’s primary agricultural trading partner, any turbulence with the U.S. will have farreaching implications.
Provincially, the merger between Bunge and Viterra raises fears of reduced competition in grain purchasing, which could depress crop prices and further threaten farm profitability. Moreover, Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL)’s decision to withdraw from its renewable diesel facility and canola crush project stalls efforts to add value to Saskatchewan’s canola production, hindering market diversification opportunities for producers.
“We’re confronted with a series of complex and unprecedented threats to our industry,”explained Prybylski, outlining the challenges. “The retaliatory tariffs from China, ongoing uncertainties in U.S. trade relations, halted value-added processing initiatives, and Canadian supply chain bottlenecks leave farmers exceedingly vulnerable.”
Given the scale and complexity of these challenges, there is a pressing need for strategic guidance from the
provincial government in the upcoming provincial budget. The agriculture community holds its collective breath, hoping for decisive actions that will help mitigate the adverse impacts of these global trade tensions and provincial economic shifts.
“We need our government to stand up for Saskatchewan producers and defend our interests,” Prybylski emphasizes. “The livelihood of Saskatchewan farm families is at stake. We need a swift and effective response to mitigate the damage and ensure the long-term viability of our agricultural industry.”
To help educate and prepare for these uncertainties, APAS and seven other Saskatchewan farm groups will host the Saskatchewan Ag Summit on March 27 in Saskatoon. This event will tackle the pressing issues of trade among other critical concerns facing the province’s agriculture sector. Registration is open to all Saskatchewan farmers at no cost.
APAS urges solidarity and a concerted effort to identify new global markets, underlining the importance of defending Saskatchewan’s agricultural prospects and supporting North American prosperity in alignment with CUSMA principles.
What is next with Donald Trump?
by Calvin Daniels
While you might make a credible argument that common sense has never been a primary factor in terms of world trade, with Donald Trump in the president’s office in the United States the ridiculous is clearly at the forefront of world trade.
What Trump has done in his first couple of months in power is throw trade into a blender of turmoil, and the prospect is for things to likely get far worse before he is done.
It would be less disconcerting if one could see a plan in what Trump is doing - a goal he has in terms of an endgame - but unless you want to start to speculate in the realm of conspiracy, his goal seems little more focused than creating absolute chaos.
The scary element here
is that as recently as the American election most would have doubted the storm cloud Trump would be to trade and frankly most elements of American life too, with even the most gloomy of prognosticators likely falling short of the already realized reality.
And that has to leave most shuddering at what comes next?
Certainly American stock markets seem confused by the turmoil, not that that American oligarchs that support Trump - think the equally wild card Elon Musk here - are going to suffer with missions no doubt ferreted safely away.
But with stock markets shaky, foreign workers in distress so crops are threatened and unemployment jumping as the Trump administration guts services, it’s difficult to see how trade wars help the common citizen, although that likely just proves that Trump has little interest in helping the average American.
On the international scene Trump is simply abandoning most of what the U.S. has long cared about, being a guardian of democracy, even if at times their efforts have been somewhat jaded.
Now Trump is simply casting the U.S. as a villainous bully.
You cannot take the U.S. into protracted and damaging trade wars with your closest neighbours, Canada and Mexico, and at the same time lift sanctions against warmongering Russia and be seen as anything but a villainous bully as a nation.
In spite of the nonsense from Trump that Ukraine caused the current war, it is Vladimir Putin’s desire to regain territory lost as country’s threw off Russian shackles in favour of self-determination, and Trump’s move to dismantle sanctions against Russia have him clearly in bed with a Russian leader who is a dangerous force in Europe.
The free worldwhich no longer seems to include the U.S.Trump wants to thwart protests on campuses which flies in the face of long-held freedoms, needs to find a common strategy against the chaos the U.S. president is creating, because we are in for more ahead, likely beyond four years as there is a definite threat Trump will not leave the oval office easily.
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
2025 Biggar Music Festival Scholarships and Awards
Instrumental
Festival Association Plaque and $100 Pinnacle Surfaces Countertop and Cabinets (Ted Zhao), Band: BCS 2000 Senior Band.
Anonymous $75 Scholarship: Adriana Sanchez. Festival Association Trophy and $50 Main Street Market Scholarship, Best Brass: Andres Fullentes. Festival Association Trophy and Wayne and Tracy Dollansky $50 Scholarship, Best Woodwind: Taylor Singer.
Festival Association Plaque and Leslie’s Drug Store $50 Scholarhip, Best Strings: Valeria Sanchez.
Festival Association Plaque and Duperow Coop $50 Scholarship, Excellence in Guitar: Reid Silvernagle.
BCS 2000 SCC $50 Scholarship: Andres Fullentes. Festival Association Silver Medals for honourable mention: Dausha Ilyasov, Raelene Ahenakew, Misha Mariukhnich.
Biggar and District Arts Council Stars for Saskatchewan Series Tickets for music appreciation: Kayden Thomas, Skye Moore.
Instrumental students eligible to attend Provincial competition: Taylor Singer, Adriana Sanchez. Vocal
Meszaros Chiropractic $50 Scholarships (x2), Vocal Ensemble: BCS 2000 Grade 2, Saint Gabriel School Grade 4-5.
Louise Souilet-Hawkins $100 Scholarship, Large Vocal Ensemble: BCS 2000 Voices.
Main Street Market Trophy and $100 Scholarship, Most Promising in Vocal: Reid Silvernagle.
Biggar Guardian $100 Scholarship, Best Vocal Duet: Anara Hoppe and Malia Hadden.
Two Biggar and District Ministerial $75 Scholarships, Best Sacred Music 11 years and under: Jaxon Leschinski, Avaya Silvernagle.
Biggar and District Ministerial $150 Scholarship, Best Sacred Music 12 years and over: Reid Silvernagle. deHaan Trophy and $50 Scholarship, Most Promising Vocalist, 12 years and under: Drew Drapak.
Anonymous $50 Scholarship, Most Promising Student Accompanist in Vocal Section: Reid Silvernagle.
St. Gabriel Catholic School Community Council $50 Scholarship, Best School Group: Saint Gabriel School
Music Festival Association Silver Medals for honourable mention: Blake Dearing, Hollie Arthur, Jaxon Leschinski.
Biggar and District Arts Council Stars for Saskatchewan Series Tickets for music appreciation:
Chloe Dalisay, Reina Budd.
Intermediate Piano Festival Association Gold Medal, Excellence in Bach, 16 years and under: Eliana Bakanec.
Wallace Memorial $100 Scholarship: Dausha Ilyasov.
Christina Paul Memorial $50 Scholarship: Kyra Sittler.
Linda Belak $50 Scholarship: Brieann Singer.
Combined $50 Charlie deBussac Memorial Scholarship, and Knights of Columbus $50 Scholarship, Best Intermediate Piano Duet: Eliana and Mariah Bakanec.
Music Festival Association Silver Medals for honourable mention: Kera Savostianik, Gracie Moody.
Biggar and District Arts Council Stars for Saskatchewan Series Tickets for music appreciation: Kera Savostianik, Gracie Moody.
Intermediate Piano students eligible to attend Provincial competion: Kyra Sittler, Eliana Bakanec, Taylor Singer, Dausha Ilyasov, Korina Medancic.
Piano - Open
A.G. Davidson Award, and Jackie and Brent Zagoruy $100 Scholarship, Excellence in Piano: Taylor Singer. deMoissac Jeweller’s Trophy and $50 Scholarship, Most Promising in Piano: Korina Medancic.
Anonymous $50 Scholarship: Mariah Bakanec.
SMFA Centennial Award, $25, for Saskatchewan Music 10 years and under: Abby Donahue.
SMFA Centennial Award, $25, for Saskatchewan Music 11 years and older: Taylor Singer.
Rose Bowl
Instrumental - Music Festival Association Rose Bowl and $200 Tom Meszaros Memorial Scholarship: Reid Silvernagle.
Vocal - Music Festival Association Rose Bowl and $200 REMAX Shoreline Realty (Cari Perih) Scholarship: Amelia Smith.
Musical Theatre - Music Festival Association Rose Bowl and $200 Biggar and District Credit Union Scholarship: Larissa Raddysh.
Piano - Music Festival Association Rose Bowl and $200 TWH Financial Scholarship: Eliana Bakanec.
2025 Rose Bowl Winners, left to right: Eliana Bakanec, Larissa Raddysh, Amelia Smith, Reid Silvernagle. (Independent Photos by Dale Buxton)
The Saskatchewan Traveller ... Nova Scotia Edition by Trudy and Dale Buxton
“I
Email: jimreitermla@sasktel.net
It has been a fantastic trip up the Annapolis Valley, there has been so much to see, excellent places to stop for food and treats, and if you are into history there is plenty of that.
Our next community is the University Town, Home of Acadia University, and the Acadia Axemen university football team, Wolfville.
Wolfville began around 1680 when it was first settled by Acadians that came from nearby Grand Pre. The Acadians prospered as farmers when they built dykes and converted reclaimed lands into rich fertile farming land.
The original name of the community was
and British who each tried through various battles to try and gain control of the territory. By 1760, with British rule, several townships made available plots of land to English speaking settlers. Horton Township was created in the Grand Pre/ Wolfville area with many Anglophone farmers looking good fertile farmland.
As there was more development in the area and a sheltered harbour the township was given the name Mud Creek. Mud Creek was later changed to Wolfville in 1830 in honour of Elisha DeWolf who was the first postmaster at the time.
Wolfville is renowned as having the world’s smallest port, and the tides from the Bay of Fundy, ranging around 70-feet, come in and out
of its history with the Acadians.
The first woman to graduate from Acadia was Clara Marshall back in 1879. Acadia University was once ranked fifth in the Canadian University ranking systems and has a full-time student population of around 3,800 students. The university offers over 200-degree combinations in the arts and science and other various programs.
The men’s and women’s athletic sports programs have won more conference and national championships than any other Atlantic college program.
Did you know that our own Saskatchewan Roughriders played a game of football against the Toronto Argonauts to a packed house of 11,000
spectators, in a losing effort 30 to 24.
Wolfville has a hotel called the Blomidon Inn that was constructed in 1881. You can rent a room for a mere $300 per night. Wolfville is also known for its winery industry with much of the wine produced in Nova Scotia coming from the Wolfville area.
If you are hungry there is lots of choice with many downtown pubs and eateries, and if you’re in the mood to take a tour you can hop on the Magic Winery Bus where they will guide you around the area to see all the sites.
Wolfville a fabulous place to visit and take in the views.
Stay tuned next week as we continue our trip in Nova Scotia.
Cabaret Cabaret
29TH SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 2:00PM 2:00PM
Blomidon Inn, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Quinn Minute
Who’s calling?
by Rix Quinn
The phone rings several times a day at my “office,” a place under the stairs where we used to store cleaning supplies. I equipped it with a TV tray to hold my computer, and a cardboard box to house my “research materials.”
My hope was to attract customer calls for writing assignments. But each time the phone rings, the caller starts by saying “This conversation may be recorded for training purposes.”
A couple weeks ago, I started writing down what each caller discussed. Here’s a recent sampling:
A lady with a strong
southern drawl said that her company would like to buy our house for cash. I asked her how soon she could get here, and if she could pay in small bills. She hung up.
A dude with a deep baritone asked me if I felt my yard needed mood lighting. I told him I was in no mood to continue our conversation.
Another male voice asked me if our air conditioners were prepared for summer. I told him they were hibernating now, and I would call him when we woke them up in May.
A lady greeted me by asking the condition of our bathroom. She said
she could modernize it in one day.
I said if she could do it real cheap, I would flush with excitement. She also hung up.
Finally, one day ended with a man offering ventriloquist lessons.
“How do I know they work?” I asked.
“Because right now I’m drinking water,” he said, “and the dummy is talking to you.”
Family Memory Book?Turn old thoughts into a new memory book ... for a very affordable price. For more details and a nice discount, contact Memorygram.com, and insert the discount code rix20
SWHL playoffs rolling on ... Delisle Bruin Branden Scheidl attempts to push his way past Edam 3 Star Jared Blaquiere as Bruins goaltender Carter Woodside corrals the puck Sunday night at the ACC in North Battleford. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Phil Heilman)
Occasion Permits
“A
St. Patrick’s Day and Shamrocks
If you have Irish roots, then you might be familiar with a bit about the lore surrounding St. Patrick’s Day.
The patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick was not really Irish at all but born in Wales. Nevertheless, it was the day of his death (March 17, AD 461) that commemorates St. Patrick’s Day. This day is surrounded by folklore and myths and shamrocks and quite often a little bit of green tinted beer.
The history of the shamrock is long and colourful.
According to legend the druids considered the shamrock with a triad of leaves to be sacred as to the Celtics, the number three was mystical. Even today it means many different things to people - from national pride, to religion, to celebration and more.
Amazingly enough, no one really knows what the “real” shamrock was in spite of the lore that surrounds the shamrock. It has been suggested that St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach people about Christianity as he travelled around Ireland in the 5th Century.
As represented in much Celtic artwork, it was a pictorial representation of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit of the Holy Trinity. In the 19th Century, the shamrock became the symbol of rebellion against the English and a tribute to Irish identity ... in fact wearing the shamrock was a risk punishable by hanging.
So, getting back to our quest for the “true” shamrock, is it a plant that was easily found in both the 5th and the 19th Centuries?
In 1988, botanist Charles Nelson took this debate to heart and actually did a shamrock survey. He asked that Irish folk collect what they imagined the true shamrock to be and send those samples to him.
Out of the top five
species, two turned out to be different types of clover. The most common sample sent to him was “Trifolium dubium” which is a common clover found throughout the British Isles. This is an annual clover which grows about 25 centimetres in height.
The next most popular sample was “Trifolium repens” or Dutch clover which is commonly found in lawns everywhere!
Another study done a bit earlier by Nathaniel Colgan (c. 1893) showed that the “true” Irish shamrock was indeed a clover, but not just any clover but specifically the “Trifolium repens” that was found at that time in a majority of countries at that time. As a very rigorous plant or otherwise rather invasive, it would also make sense that this might indeed be the “true” shamrock.
If you are looking for a fun activity for kids or for those just needing a bit of horticultural therapy that revolves around the theme of St. Patrick’s, here is an easy and economical activity you can do. Secure a small container with a drainage hole. Spend a bit of time making it look Irish by attaching coloured shamrocks and other Irish-like lore. Once the pot is suitably adorned, fill it three-quarters full
with potting soil. Lightly cover the surface with wheat seed. If you soak your wheat seed overnight (12 hours) it will begin to grow more quickly than dried wheat seed. Sprinkle loose soil over the seeds and gently firm the soil. Ensure that the soil is kept evenly moist but not wet. Place in a bright window and continue to water as the wheat grass grows. When it is four- to six-inches in height you can simply cut the grass a little bit above the soil level.
If you are juicing the wheat grass, then juice it immediately for the best nutritional value.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of you. May your hands always have work to do and may the sun always shine on your windowpane. May your crops grow well, the harvest be bountiful and may your heart be happy and full!
Patricia Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at orchidhort.com; by e-mail at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW youtube. com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?
Patricia Hanbidge Orchid Horiculture
Since time immemorial, fishermen worldwide have embarked on a personal quest to discover the ‘Holy Grail’ of fishing lures.
The one lure that, when attached to a fishing line regardless of season, would attract a multitude of fish, leading them to their doom and ultimately, to your frying pan, or, if you finally caught the ‘big one’ of your dreams, to the taxidermist.
There is much heated debate amongst anglers about which lure is best.
A friend of mine swears by two particular lures, the ‘Mepps Spinner’ and the ‘Hula Popper’. When he was a kid, he witnessed a lot of fish being caught with those two particular lures. His brother-in-law always seemed to do well with the ‘Mepps Spinner’, and a summer tourist who rented a local cabin always seemed to bring back a large string of fish from his days on the lake, courtesy of the ‘Hula Popper’.
To the childhood recollections of my friend, those two particular lures
My Father’s ‘Swedish Pimple’
back then always seemed to be ‘fish magnets’.
Many fishermen believe they have found their own personal Holy Grail of fishing lures, and my angler Father was certainly no different.
Dad loved to go ice fishing during the winter months and enjoyed experimenting with the different lures he kept in his tackle box that were intended to catch the fish that were lurking under his hut during the time he spent on the ice.
And as far as he was concerned, after performing a number of different angling experiments in his hut throughout the winters he spent on the ice, the lure he finally settled on as his personal Holy Grail of ice fishing was the ‘Swedish Pimple’.
The ‘Swedish Pimple’ fishing lure was created more than 50 years ago by three brothers each of two fishing families of Gladstone, Michigan, USA, and was based on other successful ice fishing lures of the time.
The reflective brass body, varied coloured designs, and unique movements of the lure made it irresistible to fish as it was jigged under the ice or in the open water.
Named by Field and Stream magazine as one of the 50 greatest fishing lures of all time, the
‘Swedish Pimple’ name came from the Swedish word ‘pimpla’, meaning ‘to jig’. The lure was so successful that the Nyberg brothers formed the Bay de Noc Lure Company to manufacture ‘Pimples’ and other successful lures back in 1955.
Starting out as a group of six fishing friends who had trouble finding a steady supply of fishing lures for their passion, the three brothers each of the Nyberg and Apelgren families finally started making their own fishing lures by copying the popular Swedish designs of the time. When the Nyberg brothers finally received a registered trademark for their own ‘Swedish Pimple’ design in 1957, their lure became an instant hit. The lure is still handmade to this day and currently sells 500,000 a year throughout the Midwestern USA, Canada, and all around the world.
The ‘Swedish Pimple’ fishing lure became a personal favourite of my Father, not only because it got results and caught fish, but also because the name always brought a little smirk to Dad’s face every time he said it. And I have no doubt that he was not the only angler out there who was amused by the name.
But silly names aside, the lure always seemed to get results. To my
recollection, Dad rarely came home emptyhanded from ice fishing, and he usually attributed his angling success to the lure with the silliest name in his tackle box: The ‘Swedish Pimple’.
Keith Schell Remember When
Canadian pro athletes showing dominance
Bruce Penton
Penton on Sports
With our geographical parents, Canada and the United States, seemingly on the verge of divorce, now is a great time to review what might be the best thing to keep these trade-warring countries together.
Sports.
While the two countries are bitter rivals in hockey, a sport in which they both do well, there is no such heated rivalry in the other major sports. However, Canadian athletes are fully embedded into the fabric of professional basketball, football and baseball.
The most dominant Canadian in a U.S-based pro sports league is the runaway favourite to be this season’s most valuable player in the National Basketball Association, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The No. 1 winter sport south of the 49th parallel (it’s a distant No. 2 in Canada) gets more attention from the sports networks than any other, and the guy known as
SGA, from Hamilton, Ont., is the league’s best, most dominant player. He is the league’s leading scorer, with more than 32 points per game, and is averaging nearly two points more per game than his nearest competitor, Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee. SGA is second in steals among all NBA players.
Network observers and columnists who report on the NBA are lavish in their praise of GilgeousAlexander and have been declaring him the leader in the MVP race for most of the season.
Canada will have a strong Olympic basketball team led by SGA and a supporting cast featuring Jamal Murray of Denver, R.J. Barrett of the Raptors, Zach Edey of Memphis, Andrew Wiggins of Miami and Dillon Brooks of Houston.
In football, running back Chuba Hubbard of Edmonton is approaching superstar status with the Carolina Panthers after a 2024 season in which he ran for 1,195 yards, despite missing the final two games with a calf injury.
Other Canadian NFLers of note are London, Ont., twin bothers Chase and Sydney Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles respectively. Chase is a running back/receiver while Sydney plays safety for the Super Bowl champs. Wide receivers John Metchie of Baltimore
Ravens (born in Taiwan, raised in Brampton, Ont.) and Josh Palmer of Los Angeles Chargers (also Brampton-raised) and Miami safety Jevon Holland of Coquitlam, B.C., are also NFL stars with Canadian heritage. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Canadians playing at a professional level in the U.S. were few and far between. Perhaps the most famous was Chicago Cubs pitcher Ferguson Jenkins, a Hall of Famer who grew up in Chatham, Ont., and was always identified as “Ferguson Jenkins of Chatham, Ontario” in news reports circulated in Canada.
Today, however, Major League Baseball rosters are flush with Canadians, led by Maple Ridge, B.C.’s
Tyler O’Neill of Baltimore Orioles, who belted 31 homers for Boston last year; the Naylor brothers, Josh and Bo, the pride of Mississauga. Ont., who both play for the Cleveland Guardians, and star reliever Cade Smith of Cleveland, who was born and raised in Abbotsford, B.C., and dozens more.
Thankfully, tariffs don’t apply to sports excellence.
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald, on one voter denying Ichiro 100 per cent induction into the baseball Hall of Fame: “Why are we surprised ... are you familiar with America? In this fractured country we could have a poll that asked, ‘Do you believe in love and happiness?’ and it
Sask West This Week
by Phil Heilman
Both SWHL league and provincial playoffs are rolling along nicely for the teams left.
League
The Kindersley Sr Klippers hosted the Wilkie Outlaws in Game 2 of their semi-final matchup, with the visitors coming away with the 5-4 double OT win. Wilkie leads the series 2-0.
Brett Boehm scored the only goal of the first period (on the power play). In the middle frame, Jonny Calkins tied things up with a PPG of his own. However, Rick Cey would respond with the extra man advantage to give Wilkie the 2-1 lead. Jaxon Georget and Calkins each scored to give the Klippers their first lead, which was 3-2 after 40 minutes. Aiden Bangs added to the lead, but in ‘magic hour’ (the last three minutes of a game), Rory Gregoire would score twice to send the game into overtime. The first 10-minute OT had no results, but 54 seconds into the second 20-minute OT, Ryan Keller would end it.
Jared Herle stopped 32 of 36 shots in the win, while Logan Drackett stopped 64 of 69 shots in
the overtime loss.
Game 3 of the Edam/ Hafford series was supposed to be played Wednesday, February 26 in Hafford. Due to the warm weather, it has been moved to the Access Communications Centre in North Battleford for March 3.
Provincials
In Senior ‘B’, the Kindersley Klippers travelled east to Davidson for Game 1 of their North Final matchup against the Cyclones from the Sask Valley Hockey League. Davidson came away with the 6-4 victory. Game 2 is set for Friday, March 7 in Kindersley.
In Senior ‘C’, the Wilkie Outlaws welcomed the Lanigan Pirates of the Long Lake Hockey League in Game 1 of their North Final. Ryan Keller scored the hat trick on route to a 9-2 home victory. Game 2 will be played March 7 in Lanigan.
In Senior ‘D’, the Edam 3 Stars also headed east for the matchup against the Shellbrook Elks of the Twin Rivers Hockey League in Game 2 of their North Final. Shellbrook came away with a 9-7 victory. This tied the series at 1. The deciding Game 3
was played in Turtleford (due to the ice conditions in Edam being poor) on Sunday afternoon, with Edam coming away with the 5-1 victory. The 3 Stars win the series 2-1 and face the Delisle Bruins of the Sask Valley Hockey League in the North final.
Minor Hockey
The U18 National Outlaws are off to the North Final in the ‘B’ Division with a series win over their longtime rival Unity Lazers, winning Game 1 2-1 and tying Game 2 2-2. They will now face off against the Porcupine Plain Park Posse. The Posse has the hammer in the modified Best of 3 series.
In the ‘D’ division, the Kerrobert Rage and Macklin Mohawks will play an all West Central North final. Macklin has the hammer in the series.
In the U13 ‘C’ Division, the Unity Lazers and Maidstone Jets face off in Game 2 of their north semi-final Sunday afternoon and will be off to the North Final against the Outlook Ice Hawks with either a win or a tie. Unity won Game 1 8-0.
wouldn’t do 100 per cent.”
• Jeremy Baker on bluesky.app, after Canada didn’t make the medals at the recent World Junior hockey championship: “Some people are complaining about the refs and bad calls. The game was in Ottawa. If Canada can’t find a corrupt ref in Ottawa of all places, we deserve to lose.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, on Donald Trump playing a role in talks between LIV and the PGA Tour: “Here’s hoping Trump and Vice President JD Vance don’t invite (Jay) Monahan back to the White House, where they berate him and then side with the Saudis.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.
com: “God’s truth: I’ve just watched 11 minutes of TSN without any mention of Leafs’ centre Austin Matthews. So I mustoops; they didn’t make it to 12 minutes.”
• Headline at theonion.
com: “Homesick Luka Doncic Gazes Longingly At Photo Of Barren Dallas Office Park.”
• Headline at fark. com, after Seahawks’ DK Metcalf demanded a trade: “DK Metcalf decides he’d rather not stand around and watch Geno Smith hand the ball off all game.”
• Another fark.com offering: “Jets release all the receivers that GM Aaron Rodgers brought in, leaving them free to sign wherever QB Aaron Rodgers’ corpse washes up.”
• Columnist Norman Chad, on things overheard from the fourlegged competitors at the Westminster Dog Show in New York: “Donald Trump stopped by and asked to see the American foxhound’s birth certificate.”
Biggar Bowling Weekly Scores
Monday Adult Mixed
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@
Tuesday Night Mixed
Thursday Afternoon Seniors
YBC
Ladies High Single - Leisha Redlick 234. Ladies High Triple - Leisha Redlick 628. Mens High Single - Jonathan Redlick 213. Mens High TripleMat Harrabek 549.
Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 169. Ladies High Triple - Melissa Raschke 496. Mens High Single - Michael Hebert 280. Mens High TripleMichael Hebert 636.
Ladies High Single - Ann DeBussac 187. Ladies High Triple - Bonnie Rosch 517. Mens High Single - Greg Love 247. Mens High Triple - Greg Love 626.
Pee Wee Single - Blake Foster 117; Triple - Hadley Harrabek 293. Bantam Single - Nash Wheaton 145; Triple - Nash Wheaton 353. Junior SingleJesse Bourk 228; Triple - Bentley McNaughton 539. Senior High Single - Noah 318; High Triple - Noah 768.
Dear Money Lady, I am now finally retiring at 66 after working all my life in retail, since I was 15 years old. I am looking forward to not working, but I am still worried about not having enough money. My condo is paid for, I don’t have any debt, but I also only have $120,000 in savings. Do you think that is enough?
Gemma
Dear Gemma, It might be enough. You will now be receiving your OAS and CPP, plus any LIRA/LIF income from company pensions. The fact that you own your condo free and clear and have no consumer debt is also a very good thing. Let’s talk about the costs of aging since I know many Canadians
may also be wondering if they have saved enough as well.
If we look at the time you will be retired based on a standard life expectancy for a single woman, you would need to plan for about 25 to 30 years (that would make you 91 to age 96).
Planning for out-ofpocket expenses must be something you keep in mind as you age. The three most common expenses for seniors today are dental, hearing loss, and vision. I know many will think these are not important, but these are needs that can lead to many other issues if overlooked or ignored. Thankfully the Canadian government has many programs available for their aging population. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is available for all seniors over 65 and children under 18.
Aging is hard on the teeth, and everyone should go to the dentist once a year to ward off tooth decay and oral cancer. Hearing loss as you age doubles your risk of dementia and severe hearing loss makes dementia five times more likely to occur. Almost 50 per cent of Canadians
over 75 have significant hearing loss.
In Ontario and Alberta seniors are covered for hearing aids and other provinces have different programs, for example, Manitoba seniors receive $2,000 towards hearing aids - so it’s a good idea to check what is available where you live. The days of the obnoxious, oversized hearing aids are now gone. Today you can join in on conversations by using a small, discrete hearing device. Glasses are a fact of life for most seniors and the Canadian government helps out with this expense too. Here is a link for those interested: canada.ca/en/ health-canada/services/ healthy-living/yourhealth/lifestyles/seniorsaging-vision-care.html
The key to not running out of money for all seniors is to try to find ways to create multiple streams of income and keep your expenses to a minimum. And this should be easy enough to do, since by the time you get to retirement, you really should not be needing to buy the “bigstuff” anymore.
The government security benefits will make up one stream of income, but then you will
need to find more. This could include a part-time job, having a boarder in your basement, company pension plans, rental income, RRSPs and TFSAs, or annuity strategies. As a single in retirement with a small retirement savings (less than $400,000) why not consider a straightlife annuity that protects against longevity risk and will provide a guaranteed income for life.
A solid fixed, straightlife annuity with a good rate of return would be a great option for you Gemma. The annuity will provide you with a guaranteed monthly income for life from your $120K investment.
My worry would be that you might make excessive withdrawals from these savings in retirement for expensive hobbies, travel or just simply increasing your lifestyle, and then find that the funds deteriorate faster than you thought. The annuity will provide you with a lifelong income that you can plan your new retirement budget around (along with other incomes: pension, OAS, CPP, et cetera).
Another tip before you retire would be to also take out a secured line
of credit on your condo. I know you don’t need it, but having this available in the event of an unseen emergency will make it easier to use some of your home equity if you are short on funds.
Good planning and forward thinking will always ensure you live comfortably your way.
Good luck and best
wishes!
Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, syndicated national radio host, and now on BNN Bloomberg News, and CTV News. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at info@ askthemoneylady.ca
Annual General Meeting
Monday, March 24, 2025
The Annual Meeting of the Biggar & District Community Foundation, 5:30 p.m. at the Biggar Town Office. The report of the auditor will be presented and remarks from the Board of Directors.
“All interested persons are invited to attend.”
25033GE1
Christine Ibbotson
Ask The Money Lady
HEALTH/WELLNESS
LENTEN LUNCHES
Starting March 1 , 202 and the next Fridays in Lent, interdenominational Lent services, 12:05 p.m. followed by lunch at: Biggar New Horizons. Sponsored by: Biggar and District Ministerial Assoc. Everyone welcome. Silver Collection Appreciated.
ROSETOWN NATURAL HEALTH
ROSETOWN NATURAL HEALTH
311 Main Street, Rosetown Massage Therapy - Supplements
Ideal Protein Clinic
Stay healthy, naturally! 311 Main Street, Rosetown Quality Supplements
by Rev. Bev Dyck, former pastor, Biggar Church of God Modern Wisdom
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2
How quickly life goes by! If we look at the rocks, the sea, the land, and the mountains, we can see that these have been here a long time, and we as a person are here very briefly.
And how shall a person live that brief life wisely?
With all the technology and literature that we have today, we have a vast store of information from which to draw. As we look back at historical people, we see some people who have stood out in history. They had exemplary courage and made such a difference. We can name all kinds of people: Julius Caesar,
Christopher Columbus, Augustine, Joan of Arc, Beethoven, and of course, the Bible gives us many stories of people and how they lived.
This Scripture is telling us for what God commends people. God commends people who walk in faith. And of course the Bible gives us giants of faith. Some are Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Daniel, David and Paul. How did they manage to have faith and build their faith?
Hebrews 11:6 says ‘And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.’
So a person must believe that God exists and earnestly seek God. Romans 10: 17 ‘So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.’
Each person does have a measure of faith and that faith can be increased by hearing the Word of God, the Bible. Hearing implies that our ears hear and that we obey what God has said.
And as circumstances sometimes get very challenging, it is hard to live ‘by faith’. We tend to want to see the answer, or touch it or feel it. But the giants of faith chose to believe God even in the most strenuous of circumstances - for example: Daniel in the lions’ den!
You and I are given opportunities today to walk with God in faith. That will make all the difference. And walking by faith in Jesus Christ will make us commended by God.
St. Jude --- O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in Miracle, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke Your special patronage in time need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg You to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance, help me in my present petition. In return I promise to make Your name known to cause You to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary’s and three Gloria’s. Publication must be promised. St. Jude pray for us all who invoke Your aid. This novena has never been known to fail. The novena must be said for nine consecutive days. Thanks St. Jude and Sacred heart. R.L.P
St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m. Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m. our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m.
Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E MARCH 23 10:30am Regular Worship (REDEEMER)
Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559 Office Phone: 306-948-3731 (Messages are forwarded to Pastor’s phone immediately)
Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.
All are welcome to come and join us Biggar United ChUrCh
REGULAR SERVICES
SUNDAY 11:00 am Minister Dale Worrall Inquires Call Church Office 306-948-2280 Leave Message
ADVERTISE 306-948-3344 Biggar Independent Tired of running out of ink.? WE CAN HELP JUST SEND US YOUR DOCUMENTS AND LET US PRINT THEM FOR YOU.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SATURDAY SERVICES BIBLE STUDY 10:00a.m. CHURCH SERVICE 11:00a.m. 320 - 6th ave.east contact: 306-951-8445 3 abn www.amazingfacts.org
NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH
Show o the best side of your business! Don’t be faceless, give them something to recognize!
...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope...1Pe 1:3 You are Invited Sunday Tea and Coffee -10:15am Worship - 10:30am NEW HORIZONS 117 3rd Ave. W, Biggar For more info - Philip Watson - 250-487-8476
LEASING OPPORTUNITY
The Biggar Golf Club is EXPLORING the option of leasing the kitchen at the clubhouse for the coming golf season. If you are interested please send along a proposal and it will be considered. biggargolfclub@outlook.com
March 18th 2025. at the Town Office in Biggar, Saskatchewan. A public hearing will be held March 18th 2025 at 7:30pm. Written submission will be accepted in writing and via email, assistant@townofbiggar.com
Issued at Biggar, Saskatchewan this 4th day of March 2025
Treaty No. 6 First Nations encourage partnership opportunities amidst U.S. threats
The U.S.’s insistence on referring to our Land as the 51st State is offensive and wrong, said Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais.
“As Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations, I remind our southern neighbours that Canada is on Treaty Land,” said Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais. “Our First Nations are sovereign Nations with Treaty Rights forever; we stand against U.S. aggression. First Nations remain willing partners in infrastructure and trade opportunities. The Government of Canada and its provincial governments must focus on internal partnerships
with First Nations across the country - Indigenous Peoples can be the answer.”
In terms of economic sovereignty - as fullequity partners - the contributions of First Nations must be recognized, Desjarlais explained.
“We are in this together. We must look for new ways to diversify our economies. Canada is a resource-based countrycritical minerals, energy resources, grains, forestry and water are embedded in our Treaty Territories.”
Thomas added that the Government of Canada and its provincial governments have a duty
to consult First Nations before any project is undertaken and cannot break ground, develop or build until they allow it.
“As the cost of living increases due to U.S. uncertainty for both Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities, we must all come together in unity, strength and leadership. Through cooperation and adherence to Treaty, we can break away from U.S. dependency and foster relationships here at home and in markets abroad - all with Indigenous Peoples and the next seven generations in mind,” concluded Desjarlais.
Kristen Tokaryk Deputy Administrative Officer
Nat Outlaws fall in Game 1 ... The Biggar/Wilkie U18 National Outlaws hosted the Porcupine Plain Park Posse in Game 1 of their Provincial B Northern Final. Nats came close but fell 5-4. Game 2 is this March 14 in Rose Valley. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Washing
by Thom Cholowski, Administrator, Historic Saskatchewan
There was a recent post about wringer washing machines that triggered a long dormant memory which I’d like to share with you folks.
My Grandmother (Jenny Oleck) was born
machine
brings back memories of days past
just outside of Yorkton and moved to Toronto during the Second World War to work at the Inglis plant making machine guns and handguns for the war effort.
In warmer weather, the clothes were hung up in the backyard on the clothes line, in winter everything was hung up in the basement from the rafters, turning it into a labyrinth of white sheets and undershirts.
I don’t know if she got a special ex-employee discount or it was just ‘brand loyalty’, but after the war, every major appliance she and my grandfather ever purchased was from Inglis.
The one machine I remember the most (aside from the authoritative chrome handle on the massive, Buick-esque refrigerator door) was the electric washing machine ... a big, white enamelled tub with an aluminium agitator and those rubber rollers up top, with a trough for the run off to pour back into the tub and “INGLIS” spelled out in imposing, double spaced, all caps letters.
To a young boy enamoured with all things mechanical, it was an impressive contraption! Sunday was laundry day, an event that took up the whole day and I had to help out so she could ‘keep an eye on me’.
I’ll never forget the smell of clothes freshly brought in from the outside line, the squeak of the pulleys or the sound of tossing wooden clothes pins into a metal pail ... and the iron! I can still hear the squeaking noise from unfolding the ironing board and the hiss of steam from the iron when pressing creases in shirts and slacks. But I digress.
With the washing machine, I remember those white rubber rollers, the creaking/ groaning noise they made and being warned to ‘never put my fingers in there’.
Oh! And feeding the clothes into the rolls with the pockets facing in the right direction so the water squeezes out, not in, otherwise the seams may burst!
The biggest excitement was the occasional button being pinched off from one of my grandfather’s
shirts, ricocheting off the back wall and it being my job to find it, exploring in amongst the dimly lit, normally verboten recesses of my Grandfather’s workbench area or my Grandmother’s shelves of glass jar preserves (all the while keeping an eye on the terrifying, child-eating, multi-
armed furnace in the corner) as the whir, squish and squeak of the Inglis washer played out in the background, accompanied by the humid fragrance of powdered laundry detergent.
Wonderful memories I’d completely forgotten, I’m so glad I got to experience them.
