Biggar was hopping last weekend as the School of Dance held their annual competition at the Majestic Theatre. Dancers from around the province cavorted, frolicked and pranced their way through their routines. And there was nothing routine about it - talented dancers competed and entertained on what was an incredibly busy weekend!
(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department
April 1 - I think it’s time to tell Mother Nature this isn’t a joke any more, bring on the leaves and green grass already!
March practices started with the basics, introducing our new people to procedures when responding to fire calls. What’s happening in the truck on the way, the proper method of grabbing and operating a hydrant and how to deploy an attack line in an efficient manner.
We also introduced them to the SCBA (Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus), how it protects them and how to properly put it on. The next week we threw our experienced people into the mix and had them run through the SCBA obstacle course and naturally everybody came out of that one covered in sweat. We also reviewed working with the air bags, air tools and in hopes of this snow disappearing reviewed procedures and equipment for brush/ grass fires.
With regards to calls for the month, boy I’m not sure where to start. We had a grand total of two calls, we responded to an MVC (Motor Vehicle Collision) on the 18th, and a False Alarm on the 31st. 2025 is definitely starting out as a quiet year and after the last few it is a nice change for us.
Our total calls for the year now stands at 10.
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week members dealt with 33 various calls for service. In traffic, 18 drivers had a conversation with officers about traffic safety.
A vehicle lost its front bumper after parking in a no parking zone for the bus at the Theatre.
In Perdue, the 29-yearold driver of a 2006 grey Dodge was given a 60-day license suspension for operating a vehicle under the influence of
Marihuana. A Kia Sedona met up with a deer on Highway 14 near Kinley. 911 call for a domestic dispute on Fifth Avenue East; another 911 call for assistance with an aggressive 90-year-old female, and a couple of 911 calls from a 3-yearold playing with a phone to let members know he was playing with his puppy, then again for a conversation about toilet paper.
Take care out there!
The 2025-26 Budget delivers affordability for the people of Saskatchewan.
In this year’s budget, record investments are being made in health care, education and community safety, in addition to delivering more affordability measures than ever before.
“This budget follows through on our promise to ensure Saskatchewan remains the most affordable place in Canada to live, work, raise a family and start a business,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Jim Reiter said.
The taxation changes introduced in the 202526 Budget, including
the initiatives in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, provide over $250 million in tax savings this year. This is in addition to the more than $2 billion in affordability measures in each and every budget. Included in these changes are the largest personal income tax reduction in the province since 2008 by raising the basic personal exemption, spousal and equivalentto-spouse exemption and dependent child exemption by $500 a year for the next four yearsover and above the impact of indexation. Upon full implementation, an additional 54,000 residents will no longer be paying provincial
income tax.
“This year’s budget reduces income taxes for every resident, family and small business in the province,” Reiter said. “It also helps make life more affordable for seniors, families with children, persons with disabilities, caregivers, new graduates, firsttime homebuyers, people renovating their homes and more.”
Families benefit from the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit, helping individuals or couples cover costs associated with fertility treatments.
Doubling the Active Families Benefit tax credit and raising the qualifying income threshold to $120,000 will make
accessing children’s sports, arts, cultural and recreational activities more affordable.
Seniors receive an increase in the senior supplement amount by $500 annually for the next four years, starting in 2025 - over and above the impact of indexation. An increase to the Personal Care Home Benefit will help more than 2,000 low-income seniors with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home.
The Graduate Retention Program has also increased, with a maximum benefit of $24,000 for students who live and work in Saskatchewan after graduating from a post-
secondary institution. The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship provides up to $3,000 for Grade 12 students who will be attending postsecondary institutions in the province. Making housing more affordable is also a priority. As a result, all education property tax mill rates have been reduced to absorb the increase in property assessment values and ensure this assessment year is revenue neutral for the province. This change will save property owners in the province more than $100 million annually. Reinstating the Home Renovation Tax Credit saves residents up to $420 and seniors $525 annually in provincial income tax. The FirstTime Homebuyers’ Tax Credit maximum benefit increased to $1,575, making homeownership more attainable for firsttime homebuyers, and the PST Rebate on New Home Construction was made permanent.
The 2025-26 Budget also delivers for individuals receiving income assistance, with a two per cent increase for nearly 20,000 Saskatchewan Income Support clients and more than 18,000 Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability clients. Beginning July 1, 2025, the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit will increase by five per cent annually for the next four years - over
and above the impact of indexation - benefiting more than 300,000 individuals and families in the province. Affordability measures are also increasing for persons with disabilities and caregivers. The Disability Tax Credit and the Disability Tax Credit supplement for children under 18 both increase by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation. The Caregiver Tax Credit also increases by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation, which provides financial support for families who care for adult children or parents with physical or mental impairments. In addition to measures that help make life more affordable, the 202526 Budget includes measures that support our growing province. The Small Business Tax Rate permanently remains at one per cent, which benefits more than 35,000 small businesses and saves them over $50 million annually in corporate income taxes.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit provides a non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations that invest in the equity of eligible Saskatchewan small and medium enterprise, while the Saskatchewan Class 1 Truck Driver Training Rebate Program supports individuals seeking their commercial driving licence.
Dear Editor,
I did not think I would see the day when Americans would leave the states in fear of free speech and lack of due process of law.
Yet today it is happening. Academics, historians, scientists, minorities can no longer be confident their work and voices will be protected. The Trump administration has targeted DEI, climate change, health policy, legal firms, military leaders, anybody or anything which has been critical of or has power to thwart his will. Historically, loss of due process for minorities and intellectuals has been the start of authoritarianism.
In North Carolina a Republican controlled appeals court, last Friday, threw out legal votes after an appeal by the Republican loser. The outcome is now subject to recount after revision of the rules. Is this a free and fair election?
Donald Trump has said there are ways he could qualify for an unconstitutional third term. By 2028 there probably won’t be much left of U.S. democracy anyway. This is his second or third assault on the peaceful transfer of power.
In 1861 Abraham Lincoln, in his inaugural address said, “We must not be enemies ... passion must not break the bonds of our affection.”
South Carolina and six other states had already seceded, as would five more. At a convention of nine cotton states Jefferson Davis was elected president of the new Confederacy. In his inaugural address he said, “It is joyous that ... the sacrifices to be made are not weighed in the balance against honour and right and liberty and equality.”
I leave it to the reader to understand the hypocrisy and danger of these eloquent words which motivated a generation of Americans to give their lives in the largest war ever on North American soil.
Preston Manning claims credit for redirecting Reform populism in a “West wants in direction”, and for electing a Conservative prime minister. He now says Liberals are not credible on pipelines, identity politics, and climate change, and that following the election the government should have a “constitutional conference” to redress past Liberal policies and negotiate better U.S. relations; but, if Liberals are re-elected, the agenda should be “peacefully seceding”.
The vast extent and regional diversity of Canada are sited by Manning as challenges for national unity. But we must not, by rejecting due process, elections, and the constitution, be the enemy of our own union.
I didn’t even mention Ukraine or tariffs.
by Karim-Aly S. Kassam, Cornell University
As the United States descends into political chaos and misinformation spreads, Canadians must turn to homegrown values that respect personhood and diversity to hold our country together.
The turmoil south of our border is a stark warning: division and distrust can hollow out even the strongest democracies. Canadians today face growing uncertainty, not just from global tensions but from rising misinformation and fractured politics at home. In these existential moments, our values must become the anchors on which we rely. These values are essential to guide us through challenging times. They come from the land itself and its original peoples - values passed down from generation to generation. They have shaped how we
understand personhood and how we engage with difference.
Openness and acceptance are among the reasons why warring Europeans and other immigrants sought sanctuary, hope and a good life on this continent, our homeland.
The story of Vilhjalmur Stefansson, a Canadianborn Arctic explorer and ethnologist, illustrates this well. Born in Manitoba, he moved to the U.S. and changed his name. From 1908 to 1912, he led an expedition in the Western Canadian Arctic, in what is now the Northwest Territories, an Inuvialuit Land Claim region whose peoples he called “Copper Inuit.”
The Inuit had never before encountered someone like Stefansson, who was accompanied by an Inuk from Alaska. As he approached each community, they would ask him to wait at the outskirts. Then, returning
Ted Craig, Duperow
with their staple food, muktuk (whale blubber), they would offer it to him and say, “Eat!” When he did, they declared, “You are a person,” and welcomed him into their community with hospitality and shelter. This scene repeated throughout his winter journey across Inuvialuit territory.
This story teaches us that we do not have to agree with each other because we are, by nature, different. But our borders and sovereignty deserve respect. Even so, we can recognize the personhood of our neighbours, friends and even strangers precisely because of their difference. In our towns and cities, we may not always see eye to eye with our neighbours, yet we acknowledge them because they reveal perspectives we might not perceive on our own. In turn, we encourage them to consider new
ideas. Together, we grow stronger and wiser.
As Canadians prepare to elect a new federal government in the coming weeks, we must not allow poisonous political leaders to hijack our humanity. In the U.S., divisions have deepened dangerously, and some fear the prospect of violence or even civil war. Extremes dominate public life, with voices from the superficial WOKErati on the left and the shallow MAGA movement on the right drowning out the vast majority of kind, thoughtful and generous Americans. Increasingly, dissenters are threatened, and their homes are attacked. The dignity of the person is no longer respected. Fear now drives society south of our border.
Canadians must resist following this path during the election campaign. A country divided is a country vulnerable to
conquest. Our land defines our personhood. The name Adam in both Arabic and Hebrew refers to the Earth and to humanity itself. Surely, Christians, Jews and Muslims understand this truth from their scriptures.
Similarly, First Nations such as the Gwich’in, North and South Slavey, Dogrib, Sahtu and others call themselves Dene, meaning “peoples.” They call their homelands Denendeh, meaning “peoples who flow from the Creator’s Spirit through the land.”
Similarly, the Inuit call themselves “people,” and Inuvialuit means “real people.” These concepts have shaped our social and ethical fabric. Whether we realize it or not, they continue to inform our children’s understanding of the world.
You can even see this in our national pastime. Differences
and personhood come together on the hockey rink. Each player brings unique, valuable qualities to the game. Their personhood shines through in their creativity and is elevated by their teamwork. Canadian hockey personifies how diversity and cooperation create a beautiful game.
As we confront both the existential threat from our belligerent neighbour and the misinformation spread by venomous vested interests, we must draw upon our homegrown values that respect difference and uphold personhood. These values will protect and guide us. They are a defence worthy of our pride, visible not only in our daily lives but also on the rink, every time we rise to a challenge.
Canada’s destiny is in our hands, rooted in the values of our land and its peoples.
On perusing the pages (pretty good alliteration, eh?) of my old L and T the other day, I happened to come to one that was scrawled, “Pearson and Penrose”. It got me to thinking of them a bit and kind of wondering how the last 50-some odd years has treated them!
These two guys were stretcher-bearers (Red Cross men) in our company of the Argylls, and if wars have to be fought, a fellow had better count on some of these guys being around! Sure was a time when we did!
There must be thousands of citations
by Frank Cox
In the heart of a rural hinterland, where the wind whispers tales of yore and the sun paints golden strokes on the land, there resided a grouchy old farmer with a heart as cold as a winter’s night and a temper like a prairie fire.
This grizzled old coot was none too fond of holidays, especially the saccharine, pastelcoloured celebration known as Easter. Come the morning of Easter Sunday, the air was filled with a cacophony of laughter and anticipation as the local children gathered, their eyes as wide and bright as the morning sun. The jolly Easter Bunny and his trusty companion, the Easter Chick, had hopped and fluttered their way through the town, doling out promises of colourful eggs and sweet treats. But this year, their festivities were on the brink of
concerning those people whose military escapades have been something extra - more power to them. But as far as stretcher-bearers go, every one of them should be “Mentioned in Dispatches”*.
Every company of an infantry battalion has at least two of these guys who go along with the action so that they can administer to the wounded. Quite a few of them got killed. Acksel Hansen was one!
Mostly they’d patch up the guys who got hit. But every now and then a whole lot of fellows were wounded fairly fast, and the job of 10 men had to be done by these lonely two.
I’m not sure how long Pearson and Penrose had been in the regiment, but they were there when Y.T. (Yours Truly) arrived. Things were kind of slowing down for the winter and a lot wasn’t happening, so we got fairly well acquainted. When we moved to the Dutch town of Rijen, Penrose got an old fellow
to chisel him out a pair of wooden shoes. But as he took size 13 army boots, the wooden ones were so big that when he took them down to the army post office, they told him he’d have to make two parcels! Penrose came from Montreal, and I imagine that some lagoon down in Quebec has a couple of very mysterious boats bobbing up and down on it!
I used to claim that one of the reasons it was an advantage standing beside him on parade was because the inspecting officer had to miss stepping on those big feet, and was always so far away he couldn’t see if Y.T. had a good shave or not.
As for Pearson - I often meant to find out if he ever got to be prime ministerI think he just moved on when the regiment joined the Berlin Brigade, and more or less disappeared. Penrose, however, somehow got into the old L and T because we parted in a different way.
All these guys were darn good stretcher-bearers
and it would be silly of me to try and record much of their army lives here. Quite a few years ago I did write a little piece about Acksel Hansen, who went rushing out to help a wounded guy just as some mortars landed right beside him!
These fellows carried Red Crosses on their helmets and satchels, and were really respected by our opposition. But a mortar hasn’t got much of a conscience!
There must have been stretcher-bearers in the army we fought against, but we hardly ever heard of them. Heck, Karl Voss was a doctor in the German army, and when he emigrated to Saskatchewan, some folks wouldn’t even talk to him!
Farewell Penrose
We had moved south of the Hochwald Forest along a road through what was called the Balbergerwald, riding in “Kangaroos” - tanks with their turret removed, converted to armoured personnel carriers.
About halfway through,
“Hare”
ruin, for the old farmer had hoarded all the eggs, leaving the young ones with naught but empty baskets.
“Well, shucks!”exclaimed the Easter Bunny, his whiskers quivering with indignation. “That old codger’s got all of the eggs locked up tighter than a bank vault!”
“Ain’t that the truth,” agreed the Easter Chick, her feathers ruffling in displeasure. “The little tykes are gonna have a mighty sad Easter if we don’t do something about it.”
And so, with the spirit of derring-do burning in their tiny hearts, the pair concocted a plan as audacious as it was unorthodox. Under the cover of darkness, they crept through the shadows, their eyes trained on the old farmer’s barn.
Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, their rifles glinting like silver serpents, but the intrepid duo had no fear. With a courage that belied their size, they slipped past the sentries, bypassed the alarm and picked the lock on the barn door.
Once inside the barn, they found themselves in a veritable treasure trove of eggs. There were eggs as big as beach balls and eggs as small as peas, all
painted in a kaleidoscope of colours that would make even the most hardened cynic crack a smile. The Easter Bunny and the Easter Chick wasted no time, filling their pockets and baskets with as many eggs as they could carry.
Just as they were about to make their getaway, the barn door crashed open and the old farmer, his face as red as a beet, stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowed like a rattlesnake ready to strike.
“So, you little varmints think you can swipe my eggs and get away with it, huh?” he growled, his voice as gravely as a grid road in the summer.
But the Easter Bunny and the Easter Chick weren’t about to let a little thing like an irate old farmer stand in their way. With a swift hop and a flutter, they leapt from the barn, their precious cargo clutched tight in their paws. The old farmer roared and fired his shotgun into the air, but the duo were long gone, disappearing into the night like ghostly phantoms.
Across the field they ran, the long grass whipping against their legs. The old farmer’s curses echoed behind them, but the Easter Bunny and the Easter Chick didn’t look back. They knew they had
the whole column stopped because there was a lot of shelling going on. A great big cloud of smoke rose way up in front of us because something had been hit. I suppose this meant something to the enemy artillery as they kept shelling us unmercifully.
Penrose and Y.T. happened to be in the same Kangaroo. One time he rose up a bit to see what was going on outside, a piece of shrapnel came moseying along and hit him on the arm.
As it bled quite a bit, we tied a couple of dressings on it (we usually carried them under the webbing of our steel helmets).
It seemed a little odd because he was such a darn good stretcherbearer, and I always felt that if I ever got hit, I’d be okay as long as Penrose was around. But no, when that hunk of shell hit his arm, it was Y.T. who bound him up.
So out he went.
In a way Penrose was quite a loss to the company. A lot of fellows got hit on that last push in
done what was right, and the children of the town would have their Easter after all.
As dawn broke, the children’s faces lit up like a field of wildflowers as they discovered the treasures hidden in their baskets.
The farmer, watching from a distance, couldn’t help but smile, a softness in his eyes that had never seen before. Though he would never admit it, he was happy as a lark in the spring, for he knew that he had been bested by a couple of plucky, determined creatures who had saved Easter for all.
“Looks like we pulled off a real Easter miracle,” the Bunny said. “But remember, kid, we’re not outlaws. We’re just bringing a little happiness to the world, one Easter at a time.”
And so, the tale of the Easter Bunny and the Easter Chick became the stuff of legend, a story of mischief, adventure, and the spirit of the holiday. And every Easter, as the sun rises over the field where the duo made their great escape, you can still hear the laughter of the children and the whispers of the wind, telling the tale of the old farmer, the eggs, and the two brave little creatures who made sure that Easter lived on.
to Veen, and I’m sure that many of them counted on him as much as I did ... but that is the way it was!
Of course when Veen was finally taken, the army had time to reinforce itself while we were waiting to cross the Rhine River. And while Wilf Day and I were away in Brussels on leave, another stretcher-bearer came up to take his place, and my memory of Penrose just kind of faded away!
I suppose that I’ve thought of him a few times over the years but really never paid much attention until we noticed that name under “P” in the old L and T the other day.
Like mentioned before, if a fellow thinks too much, he is apt to come up with something sentimental about these folks he used to know. Maybe we’d better leave a lot of this stuff until we get old!
* A military decoration given to men for outstanding action that has been “Mentioned in Dispatches”!
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
-Winston Churchill I think this is a very profound statement by a very profound man. He said these words nearly 80 years ago, but I believe that they still ring true today.
Volunteering is a chance for one to make a life by giving of one’s time. Our community is very active, and so much of the planning and facilitating the activities is done by volunteers. Volunteers are people who benefit themselves as well as their community.
Benefits of volunteering: four ways to feel healthier and happier
1.) Volunteering connects you to others.
2.) Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
3.) Volunteering can advance your career.
4.) Volunteering brings fun and fulfilment to your life.
National Volunteer Week in Canada is April 27- May 3. This is the week that volunteers across our country are recognized and shown appreciation for the time
they give in creating a community that is benefiting to all members of the community. Here in Biggar, it is like all the entertainment we rely on is a result of volunteers giving of their time to prepare and present music events, dance events, community breakfasts, lunches and suppers, trade shows, craft shows, community meetings, movie eventsthe list is long. The organizations that put together these community events are always looking for new volunteers. They are looking for people who would like to enhance their lives and at the same time enhance our community. They are looking for people who would like to make more friends, people who want to share their knowledge, and for people who want to learn a new skill: the list of benefits is long for people who volunteer.
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in”.
-Author Unknown
Christine Ibbotson
Ask The Money Lady
Dear Money Lady, I am panicking about my investment portfolio. It has lost so much in the last couple of weeks. I now wish I wasn’t invested in the stock market. What should I do?
Helen M.
Hello Helen, this downturn will pass so please do not cash out. Try to limit your withdrawals and consider buying more of your good dividend stock picks that
are now “on sale” due to the current economic market.
For many of us, creating meaningful wealth means we have to get out of our comfort zone and invest in something that will appreciate over time. Whether this is through the stock market, home ownership and improvement, or even additional education to increase your career opportunities; it must be done, to give you the future you believe you deserve. Your biggest risks will not be the things you cannot control, such as the stock market, the economy or pandemicsit will be how you react to them.
Unfortunately, when investing in anything, those things that are the most comfortable are usually the least profitable. Investment bias and preconceived
notions about risk and volatility shape our future more than the investment itself.
Let’s look at a case study done by Thomas Corley: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals. This study took over 200 self-made millionaires with a minimum income of $160K and $3M in assets compared to 200 people with an income of less than $35K and $5K in assets.
Over a five-year study, it was found that those with money had very different views and personal habits to those of the respondents with far less. Of course, this is to be expected, but what was interesting was that it wasn’t any product, investment, win-fall opportunity or even education that created their wealth, it was their positive mindset.
Those that became
How to make the most of your
Local libraries are invaluable resources for residents, including students and their families.
The value of libraries has been recognized for far longer than many may realize. The Franklin Public Library, opened in 1778 in Franklin, Massachusetts, is considered the first lending library in the United States. Since then, libraries have become integral components of communities across the nation and even the globe.
It’s easy to overlook a local library, but residents who resolve to make the most of these venerable institutions can do so in the following ways.
• Get or renew your library card. The first step to making the most of a local library is to sign up for or renew your library card. Each member of the family, including children, can get their own card, which affords access to books on site and often additional texts and offerings the library can request from other branches.
• Acquaint yourself with all the offerings at your local library. Books may be the first thing people think of when pondering local libraries, and modern branches still maintain extensive catalogues of books spanning the genres. But libraries also offer more than books. Film fans may be surprised to learn libraries typically have extensive catalogues of films that can be borrowed on DVD, and some even allow movies to be streamed through libraryaffiliated streaming services. Libraries also offer services to adults, including seniors, and children that can range from tax preparation tips to passport application assistance to craft projects for youngsters.
• Utilize the research capabilities of local libraries. Card members have access to a wealth of resources at their local libraries, and that includes research databases like JSTOR that might require paid subscriptions if users try to access them on their own. These databases
can help individuals grow their knowledge about the world they live in and prove invaluable to students young and old who are conducting research for school projects.
• Open doors to new career opportunities. Many libraries offer career counselling services free of charge. These can be particularly useful to prospective small business owners, recent graduates looking to get a foot in the door in their chosen field, and even mid- and late-career professionals who want a change but aren’t sure where to begin.
• Grow your social network. Not all social networks are grown online. Communitybased events and programs sponsored by and hosted at local libraries can be great places to meet neighbours with similar interests.
Local libraries are more than just places to borrow a book. Residents can utilize an array of services to make the most of their local libraries.
wealthy had the following common traits.
1.) Made goal setting part of their everyday routine and were always forwardthinking.
2.) Read for improvement a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
3.) Formed relationships with like-minded people.
4.) Not afraid to try new opportunities.
5.) Preferred to invest in proven simple strategies to create meaningful wealth over time.
6.) Showed the conviction and perseverance to consistently work their business plan for success.
7.) Demonstrated a patient attitude toward what they believed to be true.
Those that had much less had the following common traits.
1.) Did not invest to grow their wealth or improve their lifestyle.
2.) Did not take personal
responsibility for their current situation and their life circumstance.
3.) Spent too much time with other people who wasted their time.
4.) Rarely created personal goals and found it hard to execute them.
5.) Were more impressed with complicated plans to succeed but rarely had the inclination to follow them.
6.) Showed a “herd mentality” when trying something new, where if many people are doing something, they must be right, so they wanted to follow this method.
7.) Was impatient toward most things that were important for selfimprovement.
Stock markets will always rise and fall, but it is those investors that stay the course, remaining true to their convictions and investment strategies that make money today.
Don’t get sucked in by what you see on TV, investing in the flavour of the day or selling because you can’t handle a market swing.
If you believe that your investment plan (or even your life plan) is correct, then have the conviction to invest in it over time through thick and thin. Listening to fear mongers or negative people never helps you achieve greatness.
Good luck and best wishes!
Written
Ibbotson,
by Christine
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
Home renovations can increase resale value and outfit spaces to make them more accommodating to residents.
Homeowners interested in remodelling projects understand that such undertakings are often a lengthy process. But the time spent waiting often is well worth it when the work is done and the finished product looks just as homeowners imagined.
Depending on the scope and scale of a project, home renovations can take anywhere from a day or two for minor cosmetic changes to nine months for a major project.
Projects like remodelling a kitchen or bathroom have a lot of moving parts, including plumbing and electrical work, structural changes, flooring, and installation of appliances. Due to that complexity, such projects may take six to 12 weeks. A home addition can take months. Homeowners weary of such lengthy undertakings can implement strategies to make conditions at home more manageable.
• Get a rough estimate from contractors so that you can budget accordingly. A project will go nowhere without proper funding. Get detailed estimates that include labour and building materials. Then start saving and
stash money away for the project so you’re not caught off-guard later on.
• Clear out clutter. Remove any extraneous items from the room or rooms that will be remodelled. Although it will be an added expense, it is a good idea to rent a storage unit or have a storage pod placed in the driveway or yard for the duration of the project. Move items that will not be needed into the unit. This will get them out of the way and protect them from damage.
• Consider starting in warm weather. Contractors will be going in and out of the home each day, and doors and windows may need to be propped open. Schedule a project during those months when temperatures are more comfortable. If the project involves limited access to the kitchen to cook, utilizing an outdoor grill or kitchen is much easier when the weather is pleasant.
• Stay with relatives. While some people have no issues living in a residence during a renovation, others may find the work simply too inconvenient or distracting to be around. Time away from the property can help manage stress, and prevent kids, pets and others from getting in the way of work.
• Safeguard sensitive items. Take inventory of items in the home and catalogue them for insurance purposes. This way you’re covered in the case of damage or theft. Remove documents, like birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other private papers, and keep them in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe. Home renovations may stretch on for weeks or months. However, with adequate preparation, homeowners can see such projects through without facing too much adversity.
by Calvin Daniels
An AgTech Expo was held in Yorkton, Wednesday, as a vehicle to introduce Yorkton and area students to potential careers related to agriculture.
“It’s very much career driven around agriculture and agriculture technology,” explained Leah Hermanson, Fund Development Manager with Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK).
Agriculture in the
Spring seems to be a bit different every year. Sometimes it seems to take forever for winter to really end, and then once in a while we seem to get a spring that is more like what we might see in warmer climates that have higher humidity. However, whenever we do get spring - it is rather amazing!
When we go into winter with a heavy snowfall before the ground is fully frozen, we expect to see more snow mould in the early spring. Snow mould is a fungal condition that affects lawn or turf areas in early spring and appears in the early spring while the snow is melting and the surface temperature of the ground approaches 0˚C. This fungal issue is tough on the lawn but also bad news for allergy sufferers. Early spring is always a dirty time - with lots of dust blowing around and with that dust we can anticipate enjoying lots of mould spores. Itchy watery eyes and respiratory symptoms in early spring are often in response to snow mould on our lawn areas. If you have sensitivity to spores, then as
Classroom Saskatchewan actually announced AgTech Expo as a partnership with Cornerstone Credit Union earlier this year as a collaboration which would “provide high school students with an immersive, hands-on experience exploring the latest career opportunities in agricultural technology and food production.”
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing students’ understanding and appreciation of agriculture.
The AgTech Expo was designed to introduce students to cutting-edge agriculture technology such as Sensors, Automation, Soil Testing, Biotechnology, Animal Science, and Robotics. With multiple
our collection of snow is disappearing and all you want to do is go outside, you may need to take some precautions. The spores which are the tiny reproductive particles of fungi/moulds can cause more problems than pollen as they are smaller particles and can get deep into the lungs. Not only does snow mould make allergy sufferers miserable, it can also cause some quite severe damage on lawn areas. There are a number of fungi that can be involved including: Typhula spp., Microdochium nivale, Sclerotinia borealis, non-sclerotial low temperature basidiomycete (LTB), and sclerotial low temperature basidiomycete (SLTB). While the snow is melting you may see patches of spider web like material on the turf surface. This is the mycelium which is the vegetative part of a fungus that hugs the lawn as the snow recedes. Damage shows up on the turf as circular dead patches that are anywhere from a few inches to a foot in diameter. When damage is severe it often appears like the whole lawn area is affected.
The greatest damage will be in the more shaded damp areas where the snow takes a little longer to melt away. This year, due to the heavy snow cover the snow mould will likely be especially bad. The fungi are able to grow at temperatures right around the freez-
interactive stations, students will have the unique opportunity to ask questions from local experts, participate in hands-on activities, and gain insight into the dynamic world of AgTech.
“We’re planting the seed - showing the opportunities,” said Hermanson.
Hermanson said more than 600 students Grades 7-12 from the city and surrounding area were scheduled to participate in the program which featured 12 stations.
Within the stations - all manned by volunteersHermanson said students would see a rather diverse range of careers which were related to agriculture.
“There’s so much,” she said, in particular pointing to the rapidly changing field of technology.
“We don’t know what
career opportunities in ag-technology will be. We always say the opportunities are endless.”
The stations included things such as robotics where autonomous operation of equipment is a fast-expanding area, virtual reality, cameras on cattle as a tool during calving and stations related to the canola and oat processing sectors which are major components of the Yorkton economy.
At many of the stations students could hear about the careers from those already employed in those fields, an aspect Hermanson said was really important.
“Hearing from people working in the field ... having volunteers sharing their stories (was a key),” she said.
Having Cornerstone
Credit Union was a boon for the program.
“Partnerships like this are essential in shaping the future of agriculture,” said Sara Shymko, Executive Director of AITC-SK in a release at the time the program was announced.
“Cornerstone Credit Union’s commitment to supporting education and innovation ensures that students not only learn about agriculture but also see the incredible career opportunities available in this ever-evolving industry.”
Cornerstone Credit Union’s involvement in the AgTech Expo underscores its dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in local communities.
By supporting initiatives that inspire and educate the next generation, they are playing a crucial role
ing point but the spores will survive over the summer and are easily spread through mowing or foot traffic. It will not usually kill off the entire turf area but it may take most of the summer for affected turf to recover. You can reduce the amount of snow mould that occurs by ensuring you do not over fertilize your lawn later in the summer. High levels of nitrogen make plant tissue soft and succulent and more susceptible to injury. Using a slow release fertilizer is generally a better idea than a quickrelease fertilizer late in the season. It is also important to continue to mow the lawn until all growth has stopped and to clean up leaves that have dropped on lawn areas. Reduce excess thatch by mowing correctly, aerating and power raking if necessary. Avoid compaction by avoiding walking on lawn areas - even on top of the snow.
Snow mould injury is often superficial and only affects leaf blade tissue. However, when infestation is severe, the entire plant may die. On areas that have been affected, lightly rake to encourage drying. Try not to breathe in the spores or the dust that will be present even if you do not generally get allergic reactions. As the season progresses you may want to overseed larger areas to help hasten the recovery.
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 in-
stagram at #orchidhort Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube
in ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the agricultural sector.
“We are thrilled to partner with AITCSK for this impactful event,” said Doug Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Credit Union in the release.
“Agriculture is at the heart of our communities, and we believe in investing in students who will become the future leaders and innovators in this field. The AgTech Expo provides an incredible platform for them to explore, learn, and be inspired.”
The AgTech Expo is part of thinkAG, a national career education initiative that strives to increase awareness and cultivate curiosity in agriculture and food careers among students across the country.
channel GROW youtube. com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?
The phrase “bigger is better” has endured for quite some time. Though it may be impossible to pinpoint precisely who coined the phrase, its lesson that larger things tend to be more valuable than smaller alternatives is applicable in numerous situations. But no adage is applicable to every situation, and in some instances people may find that bigger is not better.
Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder if the time is right to downsize from their current homes. Though that’s a strategy millions of people have adopted over time, the decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine if downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision.
• Monthly housing expenses: Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they’re currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed rate mortgages
likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance? Home maintenance expenses fluctuate, but a careful examination of the previous 12 months’ expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they’re spending to maintain their properties. The number may be eyeopening as it was revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single family home reached an all-time high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing homeowners from building their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing.
• Real estate prices: Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where maintenance tasks are typically handled by a homeowners’ association (HOA). Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable.
In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the
lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000. So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible.
• Emotional attachment: Downsizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it’s important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home. Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult. Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations.
Downsizing is something many homeowners over 50 consider. Any decision regarding downsizing is best made after considering a range of variables.
The Saskatchewan Traveller by Trudy and Dale Buxton
It was sure nice getting our bike legs back from our little excursion to Elbow, and it’s time we take a little bit of a longer trip and head into
Alberta.
It’s a beautiful sunny day to start off as we head to Kindersley. The highway from Rosetown to Kindersley is always in pretty fair shape and easy to travel.
After a short break in Kindersley, we continue west on Highway 7 towards the Alberta border, we travel by Marengo which from what I have heard you can get a good burger at the local bar. Marengo will be part of our Hotel Bar and Grill tour in 2025!
Did you know that the name of the community Alsask represents a town that sits on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, however the entire village sits only on the Saskatchewan side, but the local cemetery lies on the Alberta side.
Alsask at one time was a vibrate town reaching a population of around 300 people, when the Canadian Armed forces moved in the early 1970’s the population swelled up to around 800 people. The base was disbanded in 1987 and since then the population has decreased and was dissolved as a community and was known as a special service area for the RM of Milton.
Our next stop is the Town of Oyen named after an early settler named Andrew Oyen.
Around 1911 a fellow by the name of Billy Bishop (not the Billy Bishop of First World War fighter ace fame) found some land nearby and he built a tiny store with a blacksmith shop with hopes of starting a new community and call it Bishopburg. However, the railway had other plans and bought land from Andrew Oyen and not Billy Bishop, so his dreams faded as the community was named Oyen.
Oyen has grown steadily over the years and now sits around 950 people and is mainly an agriculture community.
As we were headed out of Oyen we were pleasantly stopped by one of the locals and discussed the surrounding area, which actually happens quite a bit when locals see a bike coming into town.
Would you believe that Andrew Oyen walked all the way from Spokane in 1908 to try his hand at homesteading? He had to return to America for the winter as he discovered that just bringing a tent and a few clothes were not going to be enough to keep him warm through the harsh Prairie winter. Andrew would return in the spring of 1909 to build his new home.
I did learn that Melody Davidson came from Oyen and for those who are not quite sure who she is, Davidson was the head coach of the gold medal women’s hockey team
from the 2006 Winter Olympics. Davidson stayed head coach for the 2010 Olympics and the director in 2014 when Team Canada won gold again.
Back on Highway 9 headed west we travel through the community of Cereal and maintains a population of around 100 people.
The community was named after a post office in 1910 that was established along the rail. The people of that post office alluded to all the grain fields that surrounded the area, which was the main ingredient of cereal.
The community has never had a large population but there was one lady who came from Cereal and tried her hand at golf.
Her name was Marlene Streit, an amateur golfer who won the Australian, British, Canadian, and U.S. Women’s Amateurs. I would say she was pretty good.
Stay tuned for next as we continue into Alberta.
Castwell’s ‘I, Chorus’ getting ready ... Biggar’s Castwell and Co.’s Katelyn Fecht, centre, and Tiffani McBee, left, and the cast get their upcoming ‘dramady’ I, Chorus polished for their debut. With shows in Biggar, May 9 and 11 at the Majestic Theatre, the Biggar performers will be hitting Theatre One in Melfort, April 25, as a series of troupes release one-act offerings. Tickets go on sale soon. Check out The Independent for more! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
HOLY THURSDAY
Thursday, April 17
6 p.m.
• Our Lady Fatima Parish, Landis
8 p.m. • St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Biggar
GOOD FRIDAY
Friday, April 18
10:30 a.m. •Biggar Associated Gospel Church
1 p.m. • Our Lady Fatima Parish, Landis
3 p.m. • St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church with Father Gibney
EASTER VIGIL
Saturday, April 19
6:30 p.m. • Our Lady Fatima Parish, Landis
9:30 p.m. • St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church
SUNDAY Sunday, April 20
10:30 a.m. • PALs at St.Pauls Church
10:30 a.m. • Perdue United Church
10:30 a.m. • Biggar Associated Gospel Church, Easter Sunday Worship
11:00 a.m. • Biggar United Church Comunion Service
11:00 a.m. • St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Town of Biggar for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday, March 27, 2025 to May 23, 2025
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipality Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Town of Biggar, Box 489, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0. A notice of appeal must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Kara Lindel, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 23th day of May, 2025
Dated this 27th day of March, 2025
Camille Box Assessor
(306) 463-4446
kgartnermla@outlook.com Unit 5 - 1001 Main St. Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0
by Rev. Daphne Bender, PALs
[Jesus said to Thomas,] “Do not doubt but believe.”
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
John 20:27c-28.
I have heard it said that “Faith is believing without seeing”. Easter is certainly a time that gives each of us an
by Pastor Dale Worrell, Biggar United Church
What makes an ember of hope flare up into an active fire?
Sometimes it’s a memory. Luke 24:1-12 focuses on the women who were with Jesus - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women who told the apostles what they found - the stone rolled away, the empty tomb, two Angels who reminded them of what Jesus told them.
They have been with Jesus for the long haul. They’ve absorbed his teachings and witnessed his healings - and they’ve watched his tortuous death, remaining at a safe distance until they could follow him to his tomb.
opportunity to broaden our understanding of faith.
There’s a story that Henri Nouwen told about an experience that helped him understand faith.
Nouwen was a fan of a troop of German trapeze artists known as the Flying Rodleighs. Nouwen says that he greatly admired these acrobats, and they
befriended him and even invited him occasionally to watch them practice on the trapeze.
Nouwen recalls one time in conversation, he asked the leader of the troop about flying through the air. The leader replied, “As a flyer, I must have complete trust in my catcher. The public might think that I am the great
In the wake of death, they do what their faith teaches them to do: they prepare the spices and oil. They plan to anoint the body. And, when dawn breaks, they arrive at the empty tomb steeped in grief.
It took outside help, in the form of two angels who spoke a gentle word: Remember. “7 the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.”
Sometimes it’s a testimony. The spark of the women’s story gave Peter just enough hope to get up, run to the tomb, and seek more for himself. Sometimes neither memory nor testimony will feel sufficient. The grief may still be too
heavy, as it was for Jesus’ other friends.
The other apostles’ disbelief can feel so relatable, especially in the context of our contemporary lives. In a world with so much sorrow, so much suffering, and so much heartbreak, a glimmer of good news can have such a tough time breaking our gloom.
This isn’t to say, of course, that it’s wrong to sit with grief. Our grief deserves our attention, because mourning is a bittersweet memento of love, we need to grieve so that we can make room for the better. With memory, testimony, and time, we can recognize grief is transitional, not terminal. And it need not
by Pastor Ken Davidson, Perdue United Church
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering.
Yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities: the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His words we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53: 4-6
star of the trapeze, but the real star is Joe, my catcher. He has to be there for me with splitsecond precision and grab me out of the air ... I have simply to stretch out my arms and hands and wait for him to catch me.”
The leader continued, “The worst thing the flyer can do is to try to catch the catcher. A flyer must
crowd out other truths: that we have loved and been loved. That we are not alone. That there is still hope in the land of the living.
This Easter, we hope you will make space for grief and joy, mourning and hope, for all these things can coexist. May the good news of this story be that no matter how you arrive Easter morningsteeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope - resurrection is for you. This story is for all of you. Amen!
fly, and a catcher must catch, and the flyer must trust, with outstretched arms that his catcher will be there for him.”
This story adds another dimension to our understanding of faith. Not only is faith believing without seeing, but faith is an element of relationship with someone else. Faith is trusting in someone to catch us. The flyer must trust. The flyer would never fly if he or she did not believe that the catcher would catch them. But when trust is present, flying is possible - not only possible but beautiful and graceful.
Thomas and the rest of the disciples believed, that because Jesus lived again after death, Jesus could be trusted to fulfil all that he promisedThe gospel of John tells of the “I am” promises of Jesus: I am the bread of life; I am the light of the world; I am the gate
for the sheep; I am the good shepherd; I am the resurrection and the life; I am the way, the truth, and the life; and I am the true vine.
The disciples trusted that Jesus gave them the power of his Spirit to find joy in suffering, glory in serving, life in death. With this trust in Jesus, they went out as Jesus sent them, to give others opportunity to believe in Jesus by their life’s testimony - by “flying” in confidence because they knew their “catcher” could never fail them.
Believing in Jesus, they expressed their Easter joy to the world around them.
Believing in Jesus is a gift given to us from God. When we trust Christ Jesus, we live with joy, we can “fly” with confidence, living as Jesus would have us live, loving one another as he loves us. Have a blessed, faithfilled Easter celebration!
by Warren Charlton, Biggar Associated Gospel Church
The Love of God
Christians love to sing about God’s love.
“How deep the Father’s love for us/How vast beyond all measure/That He should give His only Son/To make a wretch His treasure
We are meant to enjoy God’s love. How do we keep ourselves in his love? God’s love for us is best seen in the death of Christ. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). What do we learn about God’s love through Christ’s death?
First, his love for us is a present reality. Two tenses are found in the
text. God shows his love is in the present tense whereas died is in the past. As we look at the cross, God whispers, “This is proof of my love for you. Every time you consider Christ’s death for your sins I am showing you here and now that I love you.”
Why does God love us?
He is under no obligation to love us. His love is freely given. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Freely, gladly, God chose to love us according to his good pleasure, and he does so with his whole heart. The cross also reveals that God’s love for us is utterly realistic. Listen to theologian J. I.
Packer: “[God] sees more corruption in us than what we know of ourselves. Yet he still chooses to love us! His love for us is based at every point on his knowledge of the very worst about us so that no new discovery can ever disillusion him about us.” Because he loved us while we were yet sinners God will never take his love from us. Finally, God’s love is immeasurable. It was his own Son that God delivered up to the cross in order to put away our sins. How great the pain of searing loss/The Father turns His face away/As wounds which mark the chosen One/ Bring many sons to glory. Turn your heart to the cross of Christ and revel in God’s love for you.
by Pastor Doug Motz, Biggar Chapel of Hope
In my last Reflections Article, you joined me on a journey that took us back 2,000 years. We travelled to the land of Israel around the time of the Jewish Passover celebration.
We imagined being there when the Roman
soldiers had nailed Jesus to a cross between two other criminals. We left off where Jesus had just died, with all that happened at that moment.
The ancient writings recorded in the New Testament of the best seller, the Bible, tells us what happened next.
To make sure that the
two criminals were dead, a soldier took a special rod and went to each of them and broke their knees. But when they came to Jesus, a soldier took a spear, and pierced His side instead. This was in fulfilment of an ancient prophecy: recorded hundreds of years earlier in Psalm 34:20 (and there
by Philip Watson, New Beginnings Church, Biggar
Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday
Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday invoke such a range of emotions.
As Christians Good Friday takes us to the depths of sorrow. As we realize that God’s only begotten Son is rejected by the people that He was bringing the Good News to, His message of reconciliation with the Father. The miracles manifested before crowds of people.
In the two episodes of feeding the multitudes recorded in the Gospels we are told that a total of 9,000 men plus women and children witnessed the goodness of God. When Jesus went into the towns and cities, the total population of the town came out to see Jesus heal the people. His mercy and grace became a reputation
by Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church
Jesus could not save His own life and save our lives at the same time.
Because of sin someone had to die the second death (the death of no return) and He knew it had to be Him if humanity was to be saved. The grave could not hold Him because there was no sin in Him. Because He lives, all who come to Him in faith, may also live, not just here on earth, but live with Him eternally.
He came to this earth to demonstrate God’s character to humanity and to the universe. He came to demonstrate God’s great mercy, His compassion, His love, His patience, His wisdom and much more. He came to demonstrate man’s ability (as he was created
that proceeded Him.
And in [Luke 19:36-38 NLT] 36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.
38 Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!
And then on the Friday as Jesus was brought to Pilate as stated in [Mat 27:22-23 NLT] 22. Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
23. “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”
But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”
The hindsight vision of the 21st Century Christian could bring us to tears if we didn’t also remember that three days later, and as Paul Harvey was famous for saying, “And now for the rest of the Story.”
Jesus rose from the tomb and was seen by many. He accomplished 4,000-year-old Bible prophesies. He fulfilled many of the Promises of God. He paid the price to bring reconciliation to those that believed on Him [John 3:16-17 NLT] 16.: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”
With Jesus’ Resurrection people today can have a new Joy that fills their soul.
in the beginning) to live in obedience to God’s law.
He was the second Adam. The first Adam sold out to Satan. Jesus lived as a man upon the earth and was victorious over temptation. So, He, then qualified as the Saviour of the human race, who now had a sin problem. What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord!
Imagine the scene at the sepulchre early Sunday morning, just before dawn.
The Roman soldiers were on guard when suddenly through the darkness a blinding light shoots forth with lightening speed and power and they become as dead men.
Gabriel, the most powerful angel of heaven enters their space, breaks the Roman seal, and
rolls away the stone.
Brave soldiers now taken without sword or spear are helpless. They hear the voice like many trumpets cry out, “Son of God, come forth; Thy Father calls Thee.” They witness the resurrection of Jesus and see Him come out of the tomb clothed in glory.
Imagine their absolute shock and fear as they see Him who just a few hours
is an interesting comment on this in Revelation 1:7).
Joseph of Arimathea a member of the Jewish ruling council, asked Pilate for permission to take and place Jesus body in Joseph’s own tomb. He and another member Nicodemus, took Jesus down - wrapped His body in special linens and a mixture of spices and put Him in Joseph’s Tomb, sealed it with a large stone over its opening. The Jewish Religious leaders asked Pilate to set a guard on either side of the tomb’s entrance to make sure He stayed dead.
What transpired next was unexpected, and yet promised by Jesus Himself. Prior to His death on the cross, He promised this: John 10:17 and 18: “17. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.
I have power to take it again...”
It was the morning of the third day since Jesus had been placed in Joseph’s Tomb. Before sunrise on that day, by the power of God the Father in the power of God the Holy Spirit, Christ Jesus arose bodily from the dead! As we read in the ancient Scriptures, God sent an earthquake, and an angel who rolled back the stone in front of the Tomb. This eruption startled the Roman guards, and they fainted from fear!
Moments later, Mary Magdelene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and another woman named Mary made their way to the Tomb with spices to slow down Jesus’ body from decaying. When they got near the tomb, they discovered an angel was waiting for them, who told them, that Jesus has risen, the tomb is empty, “come and take a look for yourselves.”
This angel told them to go and tell this good news to His disciples, because Jesus is on His way to where they are a province of Israel called Galilee. While the women were on their way, they were met by Jesus Himself! This was one of multiple times Jesus appeared alive. In fact in one of the Pauline writings to the church of Corinth, 1 Corinthians 15; we read that over a period of 40 days, Jesus was seen by upwards of 500 people at one time. His disciples didn’t only see Him, but heard His final instructions to them; they also touched His wounds; and even ate with Him on a number of occasions. After those many days, He ascended back to God the Father in Heaven to be seated at His right hand.
This is the very reason we celebrate Easter. Got any questions? Call me: (306) 658-3338.
by
Father Edward Gibney, Biggar/Landis Roman Catholic Church Easter - God’s SelfGiving Love
One of the best definitions of love, found on the Internet, describes itself
before, was crucified on a cross.
This historical reality should give us hope that when He said He would come again, it will be done just as He said: “For as the lightening comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:27.
We have this hope! Thank you, Jesus!
as, “Desiring the best for the other!”
True love cannot be about what one gets for one’s self. True love is about wanting to make sure that the ‘other’ in that relationship gets what they need. This love is what is referred to in Greek as “Agape” love; a self-giving love that desires to serve others and ultimately, to sacrifice for others.
And from this we can see why the First Letter of John can make such a basic statement as, “God is love.”
Firstly, we should not limit the love of God by thinking that ‘love’ is just something that God does. God’s love is not just an action He performs. God is love! And so, in the Paschal mystery that we celebrate each Easter, we see God the Father’s perfect, sacrificial love for humanity, revealed through Christ’s selfsacrifice on the Cross. God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but so that the world, through Him, might be saved. Jesus was sent to us, by Love, because God desires the
best for us and is willing to sacrifice His only Son to ensure we get what we need.
And finally, we see how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into the world to help humanity love each other in the same way God loves us. After the Resurrection, as Jesus prepared to return to His Father in heaven, that ‘Agape’ love continued to be reflected on us, for His love for us is expressed in the gift of the Holy Spirit. God does not abandon us when Jesus returns to heaven. Jesus has left us His Spirit, which, as part of the Triune God, is love, so that we can learn to love each other with that same ‘Agape’ love. Therefore, when we turn to others in need, offering charity; the beggar on the street corner, or the organization that helps those in need, we are living the Love of God which comes to us through the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
That is ‘Agape’ - selfgiving love.
May God Bless you and may you have a Blessed Easter.
by Kaitlynn Nordal
With having so many extra eggs around Easter is the perfect time to let out your inner chef with some delicious Easter inspired recipes.
Egg Farmers of Canada wants to help make every Canadian springtime celebrations memorable with some easy-to-make brunch recipes that also make for egg inspired gift baskets by teaming up with Chef Craig Flinn, Chef Dale MacKay and Chef Minh Phat to create a collection of brunch basket recipes.
Whether you’re craving a sweet and refreshing pudding treat, a savoury and satisfying muffin, or a filling main dish ‘pancake sandwich’, these chefs have inspiring ideas.
“For me, Canadian eggs are the perfect ingredient to help celebrate Easter due to their versatility and because they are always fresh, local, and of the highest quality,” said Chef Craig Flinn.
“They are an essential element for a memorable holiday, whether in savoury or sweet recipes. This year I chose a blueberry bread pudding with lemon curd served in a mason jar, a sweet dessert offering. Both delicious and colourful, they make a striking
addition to an Easter gift basket, and a perfect gift for a brunch host or loved one this season,” continued Chef Flinn.
Eggs are a versatile ingredient that lend themselves to a variety of quintessential and unique brunch dishes that are perfect for serving to family and friends at your next gathering, or for creating a personalized ‘brunch basket’ to give to your favourite host.
“My inspiration comes from eggs because, essentially, they are incredibly versatile. They contain two different proteins, the egg white and the yolk, and once you start understanding the potential and benefits of each, you can begin to create new things, like these Japanese pancakes. I love playing with this versatility,” said Chef Minh Phat.
“For example, if you didn’t whip the egg whites in this recipe, you would end up with flat pancakes instead. It was a great opportunity to showcase a recipe that looks complicated but is actually very simple,” continued Chef Phat.
As Chef Dale McKay says, brunch is not complete without eggs.
“What’s brunch without eggs? The most important
ingredient in so many Easter brunch dishes! One of my favourites is
by Chef Craig Flinn
cornbread, the texture and slight sweetness. Combine that with a
savoury zucchini muffin, cheddar and bacon! If you are hosting or bringing a dish to brunch, these are perfect,” said Chef MacKay.
(Prep time: 20 minutes, Cook time: 45 minutes, Serves 8)
Chef Craig Flinn’s Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding offers a fresh twist on the classic dessert, making it a standout at any brunch or springtime celebration.
With Canadian eggs providing a rich texture, this decadent yet light pudding is baked in wide-mouth mason jars and topped with zesty lemon curd, whipped Chantilly cream and a burst of fresh blueberries. Perfect to serve at your own table or to bring to a brunch.
Ingredients:
• 1 egg, 2 egg yolks.
• 3/4 cup (180 mL) 10% cream.
• 1 cup (250 mL) 35% cream.
• 2 tsp (10 mL) pure vanilla extract.
• 1/3 cup (80 mL) maple syrup.
• 4 cups (1,000 mL) diced brioche bread (about 6 slices).
• 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) fresh blueberries.
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) melted, unsalted butter.
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar.
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) rolled oats.
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) powdered sugar.
• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) store-bought lemon curd.
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, two egg yolks, 10% cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and maple syrup until smooth and well-combined.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step 2: Add the diced brioche, 3/4 cup (180 mL) fresh blueberries and melted, unsalted butter to the custard mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together with a rubber spatula, ensuring the bread absorbs the custard. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the bread to soak.
Step 3: Spoon the bread pudding mixture into the bottom of 8 wide-mouth mason jars, filling each jar about . of the way up. Pat down flat with the back of a spoon.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and rolled oats. Sprinkle a little of this mixture over each pudding. Place the jars into a roasting pan with sides at least 2 inches high.
Step 5: Boil a kettle of water. Once boiling, pour water into the roasting pan until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the mason jars. Bake the jars for 30 minutes or until the centers are just set.
Step 6: While the puddings are baking, beat the 35% cream, powdered sugar and remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Start at medium speed for 2 minutes, then increase to medium-high speed and continue beating for another 2 to 3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Step 7: Once the bread puddings have cooled to the touch, spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon curd into each jar. Top with fresh blueberries, then fill the jars to the top with the prepared Chantilly cream. Place the lids on and refrigerate until ready to serve.
More recipes found on Page 20
Nats
John Affleck, Tate Argue, Ryker Barber, Beau Danychuk, Madilyn Danychuk, Nantan Ellis, Coulter Friesen, Cohen Hawkins, Brooks Leschinski, Hannah Poletz, Weston Scott, Caleb Silbernagel, Regan Silvernagle. Coach: Derek Argue; Assistant Coach: Andrew Scott. (Submitted Photo)
Penton Penton on Sports
Winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in the National Hockey League isn’t an absolute guarantee of future success, but there have been only a handful of winners over the years who have not gone on to enjoy extraordinary careers.
This year, it’s likely that a couple of players who don’t win the award will find their way to the Hockey Hall of Fame, because the list of top rookie contenders is stacked.
Last year’s No. 1 draft pick, Connor Bedard of the Blackhawks, won the award in 2023-24, but the most recent No. 1 pick, Macklin Celebrini of the Sharks, won’t be an automatic Calder winner this year.
That’s because three other first-year players, Lane Hutson of the Canadiens, Matvei Michkov of the Flyers and Dustin Wolf of the
Flames have all had standout seasons and will garner votes when media voters cast their ballots.
It’s certainly no disgrace to miss out on the Calder Trophy. Two players with pretty good hockey resumes, Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid, did not win the best rookie award in their initial seasons. Gretzky was ruled ineligible in his first NHL year, 1979-80, because he had previously played professional hockey in the World Hockey Association. McDavid missed out, losing to Artemi Panarin of Columbus, because he played only 42 games due to injury.
This season’s race to the Calder is attracting a lot of attention because of the quality of the top candidates. Celebrini was the pre-season favourite, and he hasn’t disappointed, leading the Sharks in assists and points, and giving San Jose fans hope that the centrepiece of the team’s rebuild will take the team to Stanley Cup heights. In mid-season, however, Montreal’s Lane Hutson’s heroics turned the Calder race into a real conversation. The Canadiens, surprisingly, were in playoff contention after a mid-season surge, and Hutson was one of the main reasons why. The American defenceman, who played
college hockey at Boston, leads all rookies in points, a couple ahead of both Celebrini and Michkov, and has been the point man on the Habs’ everimproving 18th-ranked powerplay.
Celebrini has been one of the Sharks’ top scorers all year, surpassing the 20-goal and 50-point marks by the end of March. But his defensive play has been a work in progress, with his minus32 ranking through 73 games the second-worst on the team.
Mitchkov has piled up a few more points than Celebrini, is a constant on the Flyers’ powerplay unit, and his plus-minus ranking is considerably better than Celebrini’s. Wolf became a mid-season top-rookie contender after taking over the Flames’ No. 1 goaltending position and keeping the Flames in playoff contention. He posted three shutouts and a .910 save percentage as Calgary kept its hopes alive to snag one of the Western Conference’s wildcard spots.
In the end, though, Hutson has been the NHL’s best rookie this year. The voting will likely be spread out between the top four contenders, but the Habs’ freshman has been the best of the best.
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Ichiro wouldn’t
compete in MLB’s HR derby because it would ‘harm the integrity of baseball.’ ‘Not something we worry about,’ said the Florida Marlins.”
• Headline at fark.com, after NBA commissioner Adam Silver mused about reducing NBA games from 48 minutes to 40: “Adam Silver was starting to fall behind in the race for worst league commissioner in sports, so he came up with a bold idea: Why don’t we just have less basketball in each basketball game?”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “When it’s 100 degrees in Sacramento this summer I am sure baseball fans will be thrilled to imagine that eventually they can travel to watch their team in Las Vegas where it can get to over 110.”
• A groaner from RJ Currie: “The Massachusetts golfer who bit off part of another player’s finger got out on bail in the amount of $10,000. That doesn’t include the tip.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “The half billion dollar payroll Los Angeles Dodgers put Freddie Freeman on the IL after his ankle injury from falling in the shower. So what high-priced star from a small-market team will the Dodgers trade for to replace him?”
• Vancouver comedy guy
Torben Rolfsen: “The Blue Jays were Grapefruit League champs, but there wasn’t much of a parade. Just a bus ride from St. Petersburg for a flight to Pearson.”
• Another one from Rolfsen: “The Dodgers Teoscar Hernandez said his No. 1 priority on the team’s trip to Japan was to try sushi. Maybe one day they’ll get it in L.A.”
• Another RJ Currie offering: “Boxer Curtis Harper once ducked through the ropes and exited - seconds before
Monday Adult Mixed
his bout started. Allow me to speak for divorced people: usually you fight before leaving the ring.”
• Headline at theonion. com: “Aaron Rodgers Fuming That NFL Hasn’t Added Expansion Team To Sign Him”
• Headline at fark.com: “NHL players are now asking their agents for a ‘no trade to a Patrick Roy-coached team’ clause for their next contract negotiation.”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 cups pecan halves
21⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
11⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 cups finely grated carrots (about 1 lbs carrots)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, cut into cubes, at room temperature
21⁄2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into cubes, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Kosher salt
1⁄4 cup heavy cream, cold
Directions
Tuesday Night Mixed
Thursday Afternoon Seniors
YBC
6. For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, scraping down the side as necessary, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt; gradually increase the mixer speed to medium-high, and beat until the sugar is incorporated and the frosting is fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. With the mixer on medium-high, add the cream a few drops at a time until it’s all incorporated. Continue beating for 1 more minute until the frosting is slightly lighter in color and creamy.
7. To assemble: Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate, and spread 1 cup of the frosting over the top. Top with the other layer, and use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Arrange the 12 whole pecans on top of the cake like the numbers on a clock face, and sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans in between.
Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 183. Ladies High Triple - Leisha Redlick 490. Men’s High Single - Mat Harrabek 239. Men’s High TripleMat Harrebek 600.
Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 233. Ladies High Triple - Melissa Raschke 556. Men’s High Single - Michael Hebert 187. Men’s High TripleMichael Hebert 544.
Ladies High Single - Ann Debusac 203. Ladies High Triple - Ann Debusac 529. Men’s High Single - Walter Fernets 242. Men’s High Triple - Walter Fernets 583.
Pee Wee Single - Ashton Kramer 151; Double - Ashton Kramer 257. Bantam Single - Nash Wheaton 130; Triple - Nash Wheaton 382. Junior Single - Hunter Harrebek 168; Triple - Jesse Bourk 435. Senior High Single - Jake Keefe 189; High Triple - Hanna Keefe 579.
1. For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until light brown and fragrant, 7 minutes. Set aside 12 pecan halves to decorate the remaining pecans. Set aside 1 cup of the chopped pecans to use in the batter; reserve the rest for decorating the finished cake.
3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
4. Whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth, about 1 minute. Whisk in the oil until well combined. Add the grated carrots, vanilla and 1 cup chopped pecans, and mix well. Add the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes are nicely browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges with a spatula, turn the cakes out and let cool completely, right-side up, on the cooling rack, about 2 hours. Remove the parchment before frosting.
At this time of year, many of us start compiling lists of things we resolve to tackle in the coming months.
Here are four things you should consider for your list.
Get your finances in order
With high inflation and interest rates, you may be among the many Canadians struggling to make ends meet. If you are, the first step to getting your finances under control is to create a detailed budget. It should include your income and a list of all your expenses.
Your expenses tally will have a mix of fixed costs, like your rent or mortgage payment and utility bills, plus discretionary spending on things like meals out, movie tickets and other entertainment.
The more detailed you are, the easier it will be to find things you can cut back on when money is tight.
Focus on your health
Few of us can say we’re in perfect health. But, rather than trying to do too much at once, try focusing on one or two areas to improve upon. Things to consider include quitting smoking,
cutting back on alcohol, eating a more-balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
As you get older, you should also talk to your doctor about any agerelated testing you should have, including colonoscopies and mammograms.
Write your will No matter how young or healthy you are, it’s never too early to write your will. Without one, the courts will likely step in to decide who should look after your dependents and how your estate should be divided if you unexpectedly die. The easiest way to create a will is to work with a trusted lawyer (or notary if you live in Quebec or B.C.) or online will service.
Donate to charity
In the current economic climate, you may find it hard to make charitable donations. But there is one easy way to make a difference without impacting your current finances: leave a donation in your will.
When you’re writing or updating your will, simply name a charity or charities you’d like to include as beneficiaries, and list the specific amount or percentage of your estate you’d like them to receive. Your donation will also lower the taxes that would have to be paid on your estate, making things easier for your loved ones. You won’t be alone. More than three million Canadians have left a donation to charity in their wills, a number that is growing every year.
Biggar & District Arts Council is hosting a Christmas supper and concert on Friday December 5, 2025 at the Biggar Community Hall.
Tenders are invited to cater supper for approximately 175-200 people. If Interested please submit menu and pricing to: Beth Hoppe Box 1598 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 email: sales@salterindustries.ca phone: 306-280-0596 for more information
Deadline for proposals is MAY 15,
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.
Stay healthy, naturally!
311 Main Street, Rosetown
311 Main Street, Rosetown Quality Supplements
Massage Therapy - Supplements
Ideal Protein Clinic
Mail orders welcome.
Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 6:00 306-882-2220 rosetownnatural@sasktel.net www.rosetownnaturalhealth.com
Mail Orders Welcome. Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 6:00 306-882-2220 rosetownnatural@sasktel.net
ANNUAL MEETING & REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 30, 2025
Biggar Health Centre Meeting Room 6:30pm all are welcome
ANNUAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2025
WESTWINDS MEETING ROOM 7:00pm
Big Thank You to all the Health Care people who are so caring and thoughtfull and also the health care people that prepare meals at the Biggar Hospital
Don nad Betty Crozier
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
APRIL 13 10:30am Regular Worship (ST.PAULS) APRIL 20 10:30am Easter Worship (ST.PAULS) APRIL 27 10:30am Regular Worship (ST.PAULS) Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559
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
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
...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
Steve (Dave) Kinash
June 2, 1940 - April 4, 2025
To love a Husband, Dad, and Grandpa, then to part is the greatest pain to the human heart!
A life of loving and living the whole way, cherished memories of love from us who thought the world of you. You suffered but all we could do was stand by. When the time came we suffer too, for you never deserved what you went through. Our hearts are broken. A cherished limb has fallen from our family tree.
I hear a voice that whispers ‘Grieve not for me’. Remember the best times, the good I lived while I was strong.
Continue on and carry on with my love in your heart. I’m counting on you with my mind at ease, my soul is at rest remembering all, I was truly blessed.
Steve David Kinash, known to us all as “Dave” passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2025.
This kind and loving soul stayed true throughout the struggle until the end. He will be remembered and missed by family who adored him and the
many good friends he has made over a lifetime.
Dave was born in North Battleford, Sask. in 1940, a first born son to Steve and Anne Kinash. He grew up on the family farm north of Moosomin, Sask. with his siblings: brother, Bob and sister, Pat. There are many happy childhood stories and memories from this hard working family.
Dave was a manager for RBC. He started his career with the bank in Wapella Sask. and then on to Wawota where he met a nice telephone operator Glennys Wilson, soon to be his wife. Dave and Glennys married in 1963, having their daughter Michelle and son Kris to complete the family. They had many moves with the bank over the years, retiring in Biggar, Sask. There are so very many happy memories with family and friends.
Dave will be remembered, celebrated & missed dearly by his wife Glennys, Daughter Michelle (Irvin) Bodnaryk (Jake & Brooke) and Son Kris (Nicole) Kinash (Dexter, Quinton & Jordan).
Nothing is more precious than a love that is shared….day after day…year after year.
June 2, 1940 - March 23, 2025
With heavy hearts, the family of Lenora Barber announce her passing on March 23, 2025 at the tender age of 90.
Lenora is lovingly remembered by her husband Walter Barber, her children, Lavina Barber, Allen (Val) Barber, Cathy Allen, Weldon (Denise) Barber, Anita (Trent) Silvernagle, Shannon (Vince) Morgan, her Brother Ray (Brenda) Wood, Sister Shirley (Rick) Richards, numerous grand children and great grand children.
Lenora was predeceased by her son Lyle Barber, parents Warren and Alice (Watson) Wood, and brother Marvin Wood.
Lenora and Walter were married November 11, 1953. They farmed in Lydden/Duperow area where they raised their seven children.
Lenora was a busy woman raising her family, helping out with the farm work wherever needed, preparing meals and delivering them out to the field, nurturing her beautiful flowers, growing a very large garden, canning endless jars of fruit and freezing the abundant produce from her garden. “No store-bought food for her family!”
Lenora volunteered many hours with the Lydden Community Club, Lydden 4-H Club, cooking/serving food for Fall Suppers, Duperow Curling Club Executive, etc.
Never allowing grass to grow under her feet, in the late 1970’s Lenora started working in the laundry/kitchen of the Diamond Lodge. Soon after she started, she knew she wanted to care for the elderly, so she took the Long-term Care Aid program and then transferred to that department. She thoroughly enjoyed caring and spending time with residents.
Lenora also knew how to have fun. Whether it was playing cards with neighbor friends till the wee hours of the morning, or curling at the Duperow curling rink, and then stopping down at the “Red Lion” for a beverage or two, a good time was had by all when she was around.
In later years as Lenora’s mobility became a challenge, she enjoyed spending time on her computer emailing jokes and keeping in contact with family and friends afar, watching curling and baseball (especially her beloved Blue Jays)!
Lenora lived a full life and her family are truly blessed to have had her as their mother, friend, and confidant. They will miss her dearly.
A remembrance celebration will be held at a later date.
Memorial tributes can be made to the Biggar and District Health Foundation or the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
June 21, 1926 - April 2, 2025
It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy Larlham (Kennedy) at the age of 98 on April 2nd 2025. Mom was born on June 21st, 1926 in Saskatoon to Russel and Elsie Kennedy. She was a farm girl right from the start working along side her parents and her siblings Eileen, Dave and Don on the farm doing whatever had to be done. This is definitely where she loved to be. She took her schooling in a small country school and never left the community after. She married Pat Larlham on Dec 5th, 1957 later welcoming their family of Jim, Dan, Laura and Joan. She spent her time raising a family, tending to a large garden, milking cows, and caring for chickens, geese, ducks, and pigs, all while helping dad with the farm. She was a member of the Oxborough Ladies group and always made the time to lend a helping hand to anyone in
need. Mom was quiet but strong, had a touch of stubbornness that we saw from time to time and had a great sense of humor. She was thrilled when her grandkids were born, spoiling each one, and was so proud when her three great grandkids arrived. We will miss her dearly but know she is happy and at peace now back with dad. We love you mom, rest easy.
There will be a Private Family Service on Thursday April 10th, 2025.
Tributes in memory of Dorothy, can be made to the Biggar and District Health Centre Long Term Care Recreation Fund.
October 1, 1945 - February 21, 2025
Our family is saddened to announce the loss of my husband, dad, grandfather (mishom) and greatgrandpa. Even though John was sick with COPD for a few years, also dealing with Alzheimers, he was a fighter.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Linda; son Rick (Lena) and kids, Matty, Terry, Chris; son Rob, kids Lew, Alara, Damon (with mom Shalene); daughter Jaci (Wes) Bowden with kids Anna, Evan, kids Will, Asher, Caleb; daughter Sharon (Nick), kids Leona, girls Vicky, Kassydy, Sairah, Abygayel, Sonny and son Jaxon; Nicole (Curt) kids Justin, Tristan.
John is survived by his sister Susan Watts in Pembina, N.D. with nephew Mike Watts; Nephew Jeff Watts in East Moline, Ill.; nieces Sophia and her girls in Texas, Jessica and her kids in Texas,
Daniel and his family in Texas; brother-in-law Corp Wayne (Irene) Bennink of Winnipeg; brother Wayne (Debbie) Breland of Winnipeg; brother Edward (Elsie) Tremblay of Biggar; cousin Lynne and Lorne Silljer of Southey with their kids.
He was predeceased by his mom and dad Martha and Robert Ormiston of Kansas City, Missouri; momand dad-in-law Richard and Rae Bennink of Winnipeg; paternal grandma Melinda Jacques; brother-in-law Corp James Bennink; traditional mom-inlaw Mary Thomas; granddaughter Vanessa; grandson Austin Thomas Ormiston; nephew Mark Watts; brother-in-law Jim Watts.
We wish to extend many thanks to Dr. N.
Crane, Dr. Anton Muller, Nurses Monica, Micheal, and Home Care Nurses Annette, Amanda, Michelle, and extra special thanks to EMS personnel, John McDonald, Candace Kennon, Ryan Robillard, and Mallory McCarty.
At this time of year, many of us start compiling lists of things we resolve to tackle in the coming months.
Here are four things you should consider for your list.
Get your finances in order
With high inflation and interest rates, you may be among the many Canadians struggling to make ends meet. If you are, the first step to getting your finances under control is to create a detailed budget. It should include your income and a list of all your expenses.
Your expenses tally will have a mix of fixed costs, like your rent or mortgage payment and utility bills, plus discretionary spending on things like meals out, movie tickets and other entertainment.
The more detailed you are, the easier it will be to find things you can cut back on when money is tight.
Focus on your health
Few of us can say we’re in perfect health. But, rather than trying to do too much at once, try focusing on one or two areas to improve upon. Things to consider include quitting smoking,
cutting back on alcohol, eating a more-balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
As you get older, you should also talk to your doctor about any agerelated testing you should have, including colonoscopies and mammograms.
Write your will No matter how young or healthy you are, it’s never too early to write your will. Without one, the courts will likely step in to decide who should look after your dependents and how your estate should be divided if you unexpectedly die. The easiest way to create a will is to work with a trusted lawyer (or notary if you live in Quebec or B.C.) or online will service.
Donate to charity
In the current economic climate, you may find it hard to make charitable donations. But there is one easy way to make a difference without impacting your current finances: leave a donation in your will.
When you’re writing or updating your will, simply name a charity or charities you’d like to include as beneficiaries, and list the specific amount or percentage of your estate you’d like them to receive. Your donation will also lower the taxes that would have to be paid on your estate, making things easier for your loved ones.
You won’t be alone. More than three million Canadians have left a donation to charity in their wills, a number that is growing every year.
doesn’t cost . . . it pays!
by Chef Minh Phat
(Prep time: 15 minutes, Cook time:15 minutes, Serves 4)
These fluffy, sweet and savoury Japanese Pancake Sandwiches are the ultimate brunch treat.
With layers of soft, pillowy pancakes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese and a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg, plus maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, this dish is sure to please. Perfect for sharing with family and friends at your next gathering or consider making the pancakes in advance to bring to a brunch for assembly on site with the rest of the dishes’ egg-cellent accompaniments.
Ingredients
• 4 whole eggs, 4 egg whites, 4 egg yolks.
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) milk.
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) all-purpose flour.
• 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder.
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar.
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) white vinegar.
• 1 tsp (5 mL) cornstarch.
• 8 slices bacon (optional).
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese.
• Maple syrup, for serving.
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and milk until smooth. Sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix until there are no lumps.
Step 2: In a stand mixer, beat the egg whites and white vinegar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and cornstarch, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Gently fold the meringue into the egg yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Transfer the batter into a piping bag for easy portioning.
Step 4: Heat a non-stick pan over very low heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pipe small mounds of batter onto the pan (about 8 pancakes). Cover the pan and cook the pancakes for 8 minutes per side, flipping gently. Keep warm.
Step 5: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside. In the same skillet, fry the remaining 4 whole eggs sunny side up.
Step 6: Place one pancake on each plate. Top with crispy bacon and a slice of cheddar cheese. Add another pancake on top, followed by a pat of butter.
Step 7: Top each sandwich with a sunny side up egg and drizzle with maple syrup.
by Chef Dale MacKay
(Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 25 minutes, Serves 12)
These Cheddar Bacon Zucchini Muffins are a savoury and irresistible choice for your next brunch gathering.
Hearty and flavourful with the perfect balance of sharp cheddar and crispy bacon, these muffins are made moist with zucchini. Whether served alongside a plate of eggs or as a stand-alone treat, they’re the perfect addition to any spread. These muffins make for a great crowd-pleaser at your own table and can easily be brought to a brunch.
Ingredients
• 2 eggs.
• 3/4 cup (175 mL) milk.
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) melted butter.
• 3 tbsp (44 mL) honey.
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) grated zucchini.
• 1 cup (250 mL) grated cheddar cheese.
• 3/4 cup (75 mL) cooked, bacon (optional).
• 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour.
• 1 cup (250 mL) cornmeal.
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) white sugar.
• 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder.
• 3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Using your hands, squeeze out any extra water over a sink or bowl to prevent excess moisture in the batter. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Step 3: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. If making vegetarian muffins, omit the bacon.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter and honey. Add the zucchini, cooked bacon (if using) and 3/4 cup (175 mL) cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Step 6: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 7: Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter to ensure the muffins don’t stick.
Step 8: Evenly divide the muffin batter into the 12 muffin cups, ensuring they are filled to about 3/4 full.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the muffins.
Step 10: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 11: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm! Try serving the muffins alongside eggs cooked in any style you like - whether you like them poached, fried or scrambled.
