Whatch ya lookin’ at? ... A lone deer nervously waits to cross the road near the Biggar airport, looking to rejoin its herd. While it was clear skies here, a few days later the snow and cooler temperatures rolled into our area, followed by warmer climes - spring is still making up its mind! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
St. Gabriel School held their annual (and very popular) Share Lent Carnival this past Thursday, bringing fun and spirit to the students and staff. A recognition of the Lenten season past, St. Gabriel students played games of chance, had their faces painted, ate way too many treats, and raised funds along the way for a worthy cause.
(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar RCMP report
by Cst. Chad Mehl, Biggar Detachment
Biggar RCMP received 26 calls of service with three speeding tickets issued by RCMP Traffic Services in the Biggar area over the past week.
It was more of a lower key week with a general theme of traffic complaints in the Biggar area. On April 15, two separate calls of erratic drivers were received by Biggar RCMP. In both instances, the drivers were successfully intercepted, checked for
sobriety, and were found to be sober.
Police also responded to a couple of files that were generated in the week as a result of a landlord/ tenant dispute.
On April 17, a theft of gas from a heavy-duty truck was reported at business on the east side of Biggar. Later in the week there was a report of an erratic semi on Highway 4 that was not successfully intercepted. Police responded to two wellness check requests and occupants were
found to be safe. There was a report of a blue pickup truck abandoned for two days obstructing a road and it was ultimately towed.
Two separate calls came in regarding a speeding white SUV travelling on Highway 14 believed to be going close to 200 km/h. However, the attempt to intercept this vehicle was unsuccessful. In a fantastic act of honesty and conscientiousness, two youths found a dropped wallet while walking near a park in Biggar and turned the wallet in to police. The owner was happy to report that no cards or cash were missing. Biggar RCMP would like to thank these youth for doing the right thing by turning the wallet in.
Weekes busy with Democracy Legacy scholarship
The Honourable Randy Weekes, former MLA and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, is setting his efforts on a scholarship that will provide financial assistance to postsecondary students.
Students in the University of Regina’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Studies, Public Administration, or Philosophy, Politics, and Economics can apply. In its first year, the hope is to expand it to other post secondary institutions, and grow its monetary value.
Called ‘The Honourable Randy Weekes Strengthening of Parliamentary Democrary Legacy Fund’, it will be adminstered through the South Saskatchewan
Community Foundation (SSCF) - encompassing the whole of the province, and it is currently looking for donations.
“It’s based on my experience as an MLA and Speaker, and the challenges I’ve faced as Speaker,” Weekes explained last week. “I was asked to and encouraged to set up a foundation. We’re starting out with a $1,000 bursary or scholarship to a student at that is going to the U or R.”
The Foundation will legally administer to
the initiative. However, they do not fundraise, so Weekes has begun the process. With the scholarship in its first year and only at the U or R, the university will select the student, based on Weekes’ criteria. As mentioned, Weekes is hoping to offer the scholarship to other post secondary institutions.
“[I’ll] have control over the fund within the framework of the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation,” he stresses. “We hopeI mean, it’s all a matter
of how much money we can raise - is to include the University of Saskatchewan, and Johnson Shoyama Graduate School.”
Officially, the scholarship came into existance shortly before the new year with the SSCF setting in motion the legal framework. Weekes can now move to the fundraising, and money is coming in.
The response has been very good, Weekes says, with donors in place for the first edition.
“The Foundation will be
giving a $1,000 bursary this fall,” an excited Weekes said. You can visit the Honourable Randy Weekes Strengthening of Parliamentary Democracy Legacy Fund on the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation donor portal: sscf.ca/ funds/honourablerandy-weekes-legacyfund/, or you can phone Weekes at (306) 9488050, or the mailing address: 1911 Broad St., Regina, Sask., S4P 1Y1.
Ticket sales launch for inaugural ‘Saskatchewan’s 21st Century Polkafest’
Three days of community, music, and family-fun in rural Sask.
The Biggar Old Time Music Festival Committee is pleased to announce the launch of ticket sales for their inaugural ‘1st Annual Biggar Old Time Music Festival’ that aims to revitalize old-time music (polkas, waltzes, fox-trots) and dance in Saskatchewan.
“We’re overwhelmingly excited and honoured to be bringing this event to life,” Miguel Fenrich, chair of the inaugural committee said. “This first-year festival hones
in on Saskatchewan’s heritage and celebrates music, dance, and community.”
“At a time when oldtime music and live performance is struggling in Saskatchewan, this ‘21st century polkafest’ modernizes, celebrates, and honours old-time music. Now, families have a chance to experience this key part of our vibrant Saskatchewan history,” he added.
The Biggar Saturday Night Dance Club (BSNDC) has been working to keep old-time music and dancing alive in rural Saskatchewan for
over 35 years. However, following the COVID-19 Pandemic, there has been a noticeable decline in attendance and revenues not only in Biggar, but at old-time dance clubs, music festivals, and polkafests across Saskatchewan.
The subcommittee of the BSNDC organizing the festival, hopes that this family-friendly, community focused event will serve as an indicator of increasing artistic vibrancy in Saskatchewan’s music scene.
The three-day festival runs from June 6- 8,
2025 at the Biggar Community Hall and includes performances from authentic old-time musicians from across Saskatchewan, including Leon Ochs (Landis), Sylvia and Dean (Prince Albert), Dennis Ficor (Regina), the Zayshleys (Yorkton), and Norm & the Golden Aces (Northwest Saskatchewan), with a combined 150-plus years of grassroot experience playing in Legion halls, church basements, and community halls. Sunday will also feature a headliner concert with the award-winning JJ Lavallee Band.
Further, the committee and various community partners will be hosting an on-site bar with the Biggar Lodge No. 100, a ‘50s-diner themed canteen with Biggar Bites, beginner and advanced dance lessons, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, a historic display with the Biggar Museum and Gallery, pancake breakfast fundraisers, a vintage market, and a variety of free community activities such as a kid’s area and buskers. A full list of activities can be found at oldtimemusicfestival.ca
Ticket prices range from early-bird tickets at $70 for the weekend, and $80 after May 1. Daily passes range from $20 for Friday to $35 for Saturday, and $25 for Sunday. And in an effort to support families in attending, youth 15-and-under are free with a guardian.
Tickets are available to purchase via Eventbrite here: eventbrite.ca/e/1st-
The committee is also pleased to recognize the support of various funders, sponsors, and partners who have made the event possible. They include funders SaskLotteries, SKArts, and Dance Saskatchewan; sponsors the Town of Biggar, Duperow Co-op, The Biggar Independent, Biggar Insurance Agencies; and partners Biggar Bites, Lodge No. 100, the Biggar Museum and Gallery, and the Biggar Saturday Night Dance Club.
“This is a festival founded on the principles of community, led by community, and supporting the community. We hope everyone comes and joins us in celebrating culture, community, and the revival of old-time music.”
Bingo Numbers for APRIL 24
Fly away ... Our feathered friends are dotting the Prairie landscape and skies as we transition from the colder months into more favourable temperatures. Soon, area farmers will be scratching around in the fields, planting the 2025 crop. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Randy Weekes
Banger Bingo a Success ... A fundraiser was held at the Biggar Community Hall, April 17, to help mitigate medical expenses for Jeff and Amber Dearing. A full-house enjoyed the “experience” making for a successful evening (Independent
Photo by Fallon Neugebauer)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME
Dear Editor, CONSERVATIVE: A philosophy of maintaining existing views and traditions, change averse, risk averse, marked by moderation or caution.
This is what the dictionary defines as the meaning of conservatism. Pierre Poilievre and the big C Conservative Party of Canada are none of these things. Western democratic societies have long held as a basic tenant that an informed citizenry is essential to the proper functioning of democratic governance. In the U.S., Donald Trump has banned the Associated Press from the White House briefings and refused to take questions from reporters and media he considers unfriendly. In Canada, when the CTV placed a fact checking segment on it’s morning show, a senior Conservative campaign staffer initiated an online barrage of harassment and threats that forced CTV to cancel the segment. The Conservative campaign has for the first time ever, refused to allow reporters to travel with them. If this is what they are willing to do as a party, what would they be prepared to do as a government.
Cautious, careful and risk averse. While the Conservative Party has put forward a collection of catchy one liners like “axe the tax”, “build the homes”, “balance the books” et cetera, actual policy to accomplish these objectives is rather thin on the ground. Prior to the election campaign, deputy leader Andrew Scheer appeared on CTV’s Question Period. Host Vassey Kapelos asked Mr. Scheer what would a Conservative government do differently. The answer was a long diatribe about the ills of the “Trudeau Liberals”. She asked again, same reply almost word for word. She asked a third time and got this: “Well, we wouldn’t do what they did.”
Carney’s central planning agenda will stall Canada’s growth
by Bryan Schwartz, Professor of Law, University of Manitoba
To understand the core issues in this electionand Donald Trump’s world view - consider a simple model: symbolists vs. builders.
Symbolists - lawyers, accountants, educators, bureaucrats - work in abstractions: words, numbers and ideas.
Builders, by contrast, work with their hands to produce tangible things: ships, houses, tools.
Of course, modern economies need both. But the imbalance today lies in how we favour the symbolic - those who speak, regulate and measure - over those who make.
For years, experts predicted that advanced economies would become “weightless,” generating prosperity by designing, patenting and managing, while outsourcing material production to less developed countries. In theory, global trade makes sense - specialize in your strengths, let others handle the rest.
In practice, Trump argues, this model drains America of both strength and soul.
That begs the question, what would a Pierre Poilievre government actually do.
Consider for a moment what the candidate said publicly before the election call. As interest rates rose in the fight against rising inflation, he declared that were he in office he would fire the Governor of the Bank of Canada. That would have sent markets into turmoil, dropped the value of the dollar and caused a loss of faith in the Canadian economy.
Risk averse anyone?
With regard to the Canada pension plan, Mr. Poilievre stated that he would invest the CPP funds into crypto currency. Crypto currency is at best a highly speculative currency whose value fluctuates wildly. Within a week of this pronouncement, its value was cut in half. Cautious and careful?
Consider also the following. He has said that he would spend more on defence, cut corporate taxes, cut personal taxes by 15 per cent and balance the budget. Bloc Quebec leader Yves-Francois Blanchett put it best when asked to comment on the Conservative campaign promises, “There is no universe where this is even possible.”
How true. Mr Poilievre knows this too, the question still remains, what would a Conservative government really do.
As we prepare to cast our ballot on the 28th, it is incumbent on all of us to insure that the vote we cast is an informed vote, not one based on history or political ideology. The U.S. election should serve as a warning to us all.
Elections have consequences for us all.
Soul is more intangible. Not everyone fits, or wants to join, the symbolist class. For many, building real things provides meaning the abstract world overlooks. Trump’s “forgotten Americans” feel discarded by an elite that neither respects nor understands them. He imagines a renewed America where builders don’t just survive, but thrive, measured not only in absolute terms but relative to symbolist elites. Many of these elites - especially in left-leaning universities - despise him, partly because they lack empathy for builders.
Now, Trump is no tradesman, his career has revolved around branding, finance and media. But politically, he channels the frustration of those who build and fix, rather than draft and interpret.
The green agenda often deepens this divide. Netzero targets often mean shifting manufacturing and energy production abroad, to countries with lower environmental and labour standards. Global emissions don’t fall, they just move out
Strength, for him, includes military might. Wars still require people and machines to destroy other people and machines. The Allies won the Second World War partly because Americans and Canadians had the unmatched capacity to build ships, tanks and planes, and to train soldiers who could use and maintain them. Outsourcing that capacity, Trump believes, makes a nation vulnerable.
of sight. Trump sees this as a hollow trade-off that weakens the American core.
This symbolist-builder tension doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. It’s playing out in Canada too, subtly, but significantly, and may well shape the next federal election.
Canadians appear poised to elect Mark Carney, the quintessential symbolist. In uncertain timesamid Trump’s rising influence and economic unease - Carney’s stiff, technocratic calm can seem reassuring.
But Pierre Poilievre, once the top contender, now appears to many as too feisty, too funny, too blunt. Yet he speaks the language of builders. He sees symbolists as roadblocks. Take housing: he blames endless red tape and high interest rates - driven by public debt and Liberal overspending - for the crisis. He sympathizes with the construction industry and wants to unleash it. Carney, by contrast, prefers central planners to steer developmentfederal bureaucrats over provincial, municipal or Indigenous leaders, and certainly over individual Canadians.
It’s the same with energy. Poilievre wants it produced here, by Canadians. Carney hedges - layers of taxes,
regulations and netzero targets. Meanwhile, under Trump, U.S. energy production outpaces ours. Canadians admire Carney’s résumé - central banker, global titles - but his book Value(s) reads like a dull sermon. He calls for “measuring what matters,” but offers no humility about who decides what matters, or at what cost. Think Snow Gray and the Seven Enablers.
Carney is a collectivist. His values are social metrics - like “progress”defined by elites. There’s little room for individual freedom or diverse meanings of success. Freedom is a value too, and Carney overlooks it. He also suffers from Maslow’s hammer syndrome: if you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail. He fixates on singular metrics, first inflation, now net-zero, while ignoring broader human well-being. What about prosperity, health
INDEPENDENT
outcomes or emotional resilience? During COVID-19, excessive lockdowns likely cost more lives than they saved. But Carney dismisses rigorous costbenefit analysis when it threatens his fixations.
Ironically, builders like Trump defend free expression more than symbolists, despite the latter working with words. But symbolist elites control the institutions - academia, media, public service.
Try getting a university job if you challenge the dominant ideology.
Dissent isn’t treated as diversity of thought, it’s branded disinformation.
In Canada, Poilievre has repeatedly challenged these symbolist elites. Trudeau embraced them. Expect the same from Carney.
So how should Canada respond to Trump’s agenda?
We must guard our sovereignty. But we can’t
just react to Trump, we must strengthen ourselves. The economic cost of suffocating our natural resource industries - one to two per cent of GDP annually - is roughly equal to the expected fallout from trade wars.
This moment could prompt more Ottawaled overreach, or it could inspire a rebalancing of the federation, leaving more room for new ideas and regional initiatives. This election should ask: how do we re-energize Canada?
Under Carney, expect fewer homes, fewer cars, less energy, and less freedom, innovation and creativity. His reliance on central planning and abstract targets will slow approvals, raise costs and dampen initiative.
Will Canadians choose symbolist Carney or builder Poilievre?
Gerald Hoppe, Biggar
Bob Mason Notable Notes
Of course, a long time ago when a lot of us out here used horses as our main means of transportation, few people ever even thought about heating a garage for a car or truck. When winter came, one more or less mothballed the “overland” until the snow went away in the spring. As a matter of fact, few of the roads were made for car-travel in the winter time.
There was lots of heat in the stable, though, because nearly everyone had some stock, and when one opened the barn door on a cold January morning they were usually met by a cloud of steam. Y.T. (Yours Truly) knew more than one family who kept their autos in the stables for easy starting. They hardly
ever went anywhere though because, like said above, the roads weren’t made for cars, and “good sleighing” was the municipal ambition.
All that stock sure drank a lot of water, though, and one of our jobs was to keep the tank heater in the trough going so that they could have a drink. Keeping that water supplied always called for a good well and pump.
At our farm in those times, we didn’t have a windmill, and starting the old stationary pump engine was often a problem. This involved removing the “ignitor” (in the cold) with cold wrenches and cold hands. Heating it in the house and cranking the big flywheel endlessly until the machine started.
We always envied anyone who had a nice warm place to work, and always vowed that “someday” we would have one too. Years later we did have a bit of a shop where we could work a bit, but we never got right down to sitting there and dreaming about “someday”!
Years later when Phyllis and Y.T. started farming out south, we lived in
the farm house of an old bachelor, and found an awful lot of machine parts stashed in his cupboards! Frank being Frank (and also a bachelor), brought whatever he wanted to work on indoors - very practical, eh! Well, he had no one to tell him not too! Even at that, with the sagging insulation of that old house, I don’t know how he kept warm himself!
However, time passed and horse transportation gradually disappeared as cars and trucks became the thing. High graded roads and snowplows made it quite possible to get out in the winter time except for one thing - starting the old truck! By the time a fellow warmed the batterylaying a blowtorch beside the engine block, heated water and a little gasoline, and froze his hands doing it - he could often be heard to say, “@#!@* ... someday!”
So we moved up near town, not because of the cold, mind you, but because the Doc said so! I forget exactly what year it was that Tracy and Y.T. started to build a nice warm shop - it’s marked in the cement out
The Shop
there somewhere. For a start, we dug large holes, stuck railroad ties in them and poured cement around them so that they became our door posts. Saskatchewan may be noted for its wind but it sure won’t blow that shop away!
We hammered and nailed and built and eventually ended up with quite a passable place. Jim had built a doublebarrelled stove some years before natural gas came through, so we got it from him and installed it. Voila! A heated shop! No more building oversized stuff that we could hardly get out of the basement. No more freezing and shivering “outside stuff”. Now we could park our vehicles inside and all would be cozy!
In this “throw away society” a lot of our relations put new carpets in their houses. Guess where they brought their old ones?
Dad used to tell us about Sir Henry Pellat who installed carpets for the horses to stand on in his stables at Casa Loma in Toronto. But Sir Hank wasn’t a heck of a lot more extravagant than
we were! What I mean is, it isn’t every mechanic who lies on a deep-pile carpet while fixing his transmission! True, it might be kind of hard to clean, but think of all the prestige! Sir Henry probably didn’t have much to do with cleaning up after his horses either!
We installed a radio (which is no big deal anymore!) and an intercom out there, and even built a small fourfoot by four-foot office near the stove. All went well for a few years until some brainy bee decided that his colony liked that warmer climate of the shop even better that we did!
I don’t want to appear cruel but if all the aggressive and noisy honey-makers that Y.T. had to swat - naturally in self-defence - were laid end to end, they’d reach, well, you know what I mean! And some day, when they finally tear the walls of that shop apart, they’ll find enough honey in them to fill a barrel and start up a retail business! Contrary to what some of the local environmentalists say, we cut up and burned trees now and then, using
the old crosscut saw (healthy work, y’know!) and kept warm out there, building boats, making tin flowers and keeping out from under the enthusiastic feet in the house. We added a bit of a greenhouse, itemized all the junk we had collected over the years and finally had nothing more to do! Hence, these articles in The Independent, eh! So here we are, just past the winter of 2003 [article originally published: May 5, 2003]. After sitting indoors at a nice warm desk in a nice warm room in a nice warm house and not thinking too much about how lucky we are to have a nice warm shop. Now what?
It’s an old, old story, I think, and one that we really don’t believe - until it happens to us! It isn’t “having” a thing that satisfies us so much as it is “doing” something in order to get it. Maybe it was minus-30 out there ... so what! And we do have a nice warm shop ... so what! We’ll always find something to do!
As we move towards summer, I hope that you are expanding the food that you are growing. On the Prairies, we can grow apples as well as they can be grown in our fruit belts in Canada. In order to understand the complexities of growing fruit we need to understand a bit more about the birds and the bees or
more scientifically - pollination. It is sometimes hard to believe that there is more to the beauty and scent of a flower than our own personal enjoyment. However, the primary purpose of a flower is to seduce insects to pay a visit and in that process pollinate the flower so it is possible to continue life and allow the flower to produce seeds. Take the apple tree as an example - if not for the bees our efforts to grow these fruit would in fact be “fruitless”. This process of pollination that occurs with the visit of a bee or other insect is the actual transfer of pollen grains from the stamen (male part of the
flower) to the stigma (female part of the flower). If this results in a successful fertilization, then the wonder of life continues. The previously undeveloped seeds that are present in the ovary of the flower will start the development into viable seeds. Again using apple trees as an example, this development of viable seeds also begins the development of the apple itself.
Some plants will also be pollinated by things other than bees. For example, most of the trees we commonly plant in our urban forests rely on the wind for that wondrous transfer of pollen. Interestingly enough,
DIY pizza sub bar: A quick and easy meal for busy weeknights
Make a fun and healthy dinner in no time, while the kids help put it all together.
This simple idea brings together two favourite dishes - pizza and subsfor a personalized meal. Choose your favourite toppings and add as much or as little as you’d like. Here are two classics to get you started.
DIY Pizza Sub Bar Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Makes: 4 servings.
Ingredients: Two (12-inch) whole grain buns, cut in half.
Canadian Classic
• White mushrooms, sliced.
• Bacon, cooked.
• Pre-cooked pepperoni slices.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded.
• Pizza or garlic alfredo sauce. Deluxe
• Green peppers, sliced into rings.
• White mushrooms, sliced.
• Crimini mushrooms, sliced.
• Red/purple onions, sliced.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded.
• Pre-cooked pepperoni slices.
• Pizza or garlic alfredo sauce.
Directions:
1. Prep listed ingredients into desired shapes and sizes and place into individual bowls.
2. Open a couple jars of your favourite pizza sauces including pizza/marinara sauce and a creamy garlic alfredo sauce and place a spoon in each jar.
3. Pre-slice whole grain submarine buns.
4. Starting with your chosen sauce, assemble individual pizza buns with desired toppings then place onto a lined baking tray.
5. Bake at 300°F (150°F) for a few minutes or until buns have crisped and cheese melts.
6. Remove from oven and enjoy.
these trees do not have very showy flowers as the wind is not enticed by beauty and scent like an insect would be. Now that we have simplified the process of pollination - let’s make it more realistic as Mother Nature is of course in reality more complex. Some flowers are what we call “perfect” and contain both male and female parts. But, there are flowers that contain only one sexual part so are distinctly either male or female. Those containing only pistils are considered female while those containing only stamens are considered male.
Some plants will have both male and female flowers on the same plant. This is termed a monoecious plant and
a good example of this would be the pumpkin. A plant that has only male or female flowers is termed dioecious. At this point you may be wondering why it matters who is monoecious and who is dioecious - but it actually is quite important. Take the poplar tree as a great example of why this does indeed matter. It is usually in June when the female cottonwoods (a type of poplar) produce a veritable blizzard of fluff (which actually contains the seed) - a large problem when enjoying the outdoor patio, especially if allergic! A simple way to solve this problem is to grow only he male clones which of course do not produce seed and voila - no fluff. Just to add one more complexity, some plants
require cross-pollination (like apples) while others are able to be self-pollinated. In order for an apple (blueberry, hazelnut and most plums) to be produced they require the pollen of a genetically different but closely related plant for fertilization to occur. Hence, the directive you have likely heard often that says that you need two different apple trees to get fruit! The circle of life is complex regardless of the species involved. I hope you have enjoyed this brief foray into the wonders of renewal in the life of a plant!
Happy gardening this summer ... and may you question “why” just a little bit more often!
Patricia Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture.
Quinn MinuteHave people improved?
by Rix Quinn
Have people evolved much?
We humans possess remarkable powers. We can walk, run, swim, and even fly (if we hold a boarding pass). Other creatures aren’t so adaptable.
Fish can swim, but walk poorly. Birds can fly, but often misjudge altitude, and end up as hood ornaments. Some snakes can squeeze you to death ... but who wants an affectionate reptile? Bears possess power, but hibernate all winter, and miss some great parties. Rabbits multiply
quickly, but can’t understand other math. Amoebas divide, but separate from their better halves. Beavers build constantly, but live a dam hard life. Wild pigs are unpredictable, and can boar you senseless. Turtles appear gentle, but rarely come out of their shells.
However, animals can learn by trial-and-error.
Scientists discovered that many beasts can master complicated tricks if rewarded with food. I also love to be rewarded with food, and have personally mastered many complicated recipes.
Over the centuries, folks have survived with intellect, ingenuity, and improvisation. And when corneredunlike animals - some folks can talk their way out of trouble. That’s a skill I have not yet mastered. Were you born between 1946-1964? Would you like to know more about the generation called Baby Boomers? You can order Rix’s book on that generation today. Just go to this link: amazon. com/BABY-BOOMERSSPEAK-learnedwhatever/dp/
How to build personal financial resilience
Financial resilience is just as much about health as it is about wealth.
Studies show that those with a strong financial foundation are better prepared to handle crises, whether they be personal or a large-scale disaster. Just as we would prepare
for a flood or wildfire, financial resilience allows you to weather life’s uncertainties with confidence. Here are a few ways to build your personal financial resilience: Educate yourself Understanding your
personal finances is the first step to building resilience. Take time to invest in yourself and seek out resources to learn about budgeting, investing and risk management. Look into books, workshops or financial literacy
programs that are in your area or available online.
A financial advisor is also a great source of information and advice. The more informed you are, the better decisions you can make when facing financial uncertainty. Build an emergency fund
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT
Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of the R M of Glenside No. 377 for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Thursday, except all public holidays.
A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities 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 R.M. of Glenside No. 377, Box 1084, Biggar, SK, S0K 0M0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $25 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Kara Lindal, Box 149 Meota, SK S0M 1X0 by the 27th day of June, 2025
Dated this 25th day of April, 2025
Annaleigh LeBruno, Assessor
A financial safety net can be the difference between reassurance and stress in an emergency. To create an emergency fund, work toward saving enough to cover living expenses for three to six months in an easily accessible account. This can help cover costs such as home repairs or expenses during a job loss.
Create a realistic budget
A proper budget is the foundation of financial resilience. A simple way to make a budget is by subtracting the cost of your monthly expenses from your after-tax income. This gives you a balance to contribute to your savings goals each month. You could also consider creating a spreadsheet or finding a budgeting app that ensures you’re saving consistently and avoiding unnecessary spending. Plan for retirement
It’s important to think about life after you stop earning your regular wage. Contributing to retirement savings and long-term investments ensures you’re financially prepared for the years ahead. Consider speaking with a financial advisor who can help create a plan that considers your lifestyle and retirement goals.
Get insurance protection Having the right insurance can prevent a financial crisis in the face of an emergency. Life insurance, for example, is the first line of protection for your loved ones should the unthinkable happen. Review your home, auto and personal insurance policies regularly to ensure you’re adequately covered, especially against climate-related risks such as floods and wildfires.
Patricia Hanbidge Orchid Horiculture
GMO’s: A bright promise or dark nightmare?
by Calvin Daniels
The idea of gene-editing tends to be which also engenders rather deep emotions for many.
It is of course understandable that the technology is one that some fear, while others see it as a way to overcome many current problems.
In the negative side of the equation is the obvious ‘what if?’ questions which arise. What if the edited gene influences the organism in an unseen way creating something that might be thought of a ‘Frankenstein’ creation?
Of course we do need to remember Frankenstein’s monster wasn’t so much evil as misunderstood and pushed into a corner where he rebelled.
And, in the scheme of things genetic change is constant in nature and influenced by man
in ways far from geneediting tech. One needs only to look at the extreme diversity within dog breeds to see what man controlling breeding over many generations has changed the animal in divergent ways.
Still when one looks at a technology such as gene-editing it must be undertaken with a heightened level of caution - checks and balances being critical.
But, there is the other side of the ledger of what might be achieved through such technology.
For example a recent article at producer.com noted that “according to new research from genetic development company PIC (Pig Improvement Company), which is using gene editing technology to develop a pig resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).”
That is significant given the same article details, “North America’s pork producers have been dealing with PRRS since the late 1980s. The viral disease causes respiratory issues in all ages of pigs. In breeding animals, though, it can derail reproductive performance.”
Developing a way for
pigs to have a resistance to PRRS is a huge step in terms of herd health, production, and ultimately the bottom line.
It is in some ways just a step in a process away from vaccines, albeit one which the consumer public must become accustomed and accepting of.
Then of course comes what is always the ‘elephant in the room’ in such cases - what might come next.
If you can positively gene-edit to protect swine from PRRS, what else might you tweak genes to protect the species, or have it perform better, et cetera?
And, of course if it works on swine, how could the technology be adapted to other farm species, or yes, even to human beings?
Therein lies both the greatest fear and maybe it’s greatest promise, if human kind were to dare go down that road.
In the end of course the technology is neither good, nor bad, it just exists.
It will be how it is adapted and utilized which ultimately is judged as good, or bad.
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL TOWN OF BIGGAR
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
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
Camille Box Assessor
The Saskatchewan Traveller ... The Alberta Ride
by Trudy and Dale Buxton
a major tributary into the Red Deer River.
Fax: 306-882-4108
Toll Free: 1-855-762-2233
Please call with questions or concerns
It’s that time of the day and time for a late lunch/early supper, we are in Rosedale, and we heard about this saloon that serves up a nice hamburger, so we decided to get off the beaten path and travel the 10x Highway 10X to a little community called Wayne.
E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net
Wayne is located only six kilometres from Rosedale and sits on the Rosebud River, which is
SWIMMING LESSON REGISTRATION
The Rosebud River comes from a Cree word Akokiniskway meaning the river of many roses.
The population of Wayne is only around 25 people today, but back before the coal mines shut down Wayne was a thriving community of over 2,500 people.
Wayne was once referred to as the Bucket of Blood town, because of all the fights the miners got into. I’m sure alcohol had nothing to do with it.
All that is left in Wayne is a bunch of ghost stories from the past and some historic buildings. These buildings truly show the Old West style.
Established in 1913, the Rosedeer Hotel and Last Chance Saloon was built by the Rosedeer Mining Company for patrons coming into the community and a place to have a drink if you were a miner in these parts.
The buildings are still in their original state, except for a few modern conveniences, and inside the saloon there are still holes in the wall from an occasional gun fight.
The Last Chance Saloon has only had three owners over the past century, one family won the rights to the saloon in a poker game and continued to run the place for 65 years.
The Last Chance Saloon is a very popular place for many to travel too, we had to wait over 45
minutes to get seated at a table.
At this particular time, we were placed outside side at a picnic table, it was a nice day to be outside but being attacked by wasps wasn’t my idea of fun, the food was really good and so was the beverages on a hot day, but having to gulp it down and leave didn’t leave a good impression. We will go back and really enjoy the place but eat inside.
If you are interested, you can still stay at the hotel in one of their seven themed rooms.
There is only one way in and out from Wayne and did you know That the six-kilometre trek to Wayne is in the Guinness
Welcome to Wayne, Alberta”
Book of World Records? Yup these six kilometres holds a record for the most bridges to be found within the shortest distance. You have to cross 11 bridges to get to Wayne, some of them are only a one lane bridge, and the canyon that surrounds this piece of highway is only a 490foot canyon. What an interesting place to stop and surely a place that we will return to, we get back out onto Highway 10 and head into the city of Drumheller, which is always a favourite of ours on any trip. We will cover more next week with the Saskatchewan Traveller.
DEADLINE MONDAY AT 5P.M.
Biggar Central School 2000 invites you to: Kindergarten Registration and Parent Information Sessions
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
(Parent information session at 9:15 a.m.) or 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Parent information session at 1:15 p.m.)
Children turning 5 years old on or before December 31, 2025, are eligible for kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year. Both sessions are come and go as you please. For more information, please contact BCS2000 at 306-948-2117 or email dani.vavra@sunwestsd.ca
Last Chance Saloon, Wayne Alberta.
PALs makes donation to Farm In The Dell ... Redeemer Lutheran Church chose Farm In the Dell for their mission project this year. Pastor Daphne Bender, Brian Back and Beth Hoppe (left to right) of Redeemer congregation present a cheque for $4,000 to Leeann Zagoruy of Farm in the Dell. Over the past two decades Redeemer Lutheran Church has gifted $292,000 to missions as part of their 60-year tradition of acting as God’s hands in the world. This donation to Farm in the Dell is just the beginning of more donations to come from Redeemer Lutheran Church. The congregation encourages others to join them in generously supporting this new, caring addition to our area and the opportunities it will provide for families and the community. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Ernest Hoppe)
Schools and companies in town promote volunteerism
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum
and Gallery
Are you an employee of a company that has a program for donating volunteer hours to a charitable organization?
One company in Biggar that uses this practise is the Canadian National Railway. Are you aware of the CNR Railroaders in the Community program?
Are you employed by or retired from CNR?
Did you know that the hours you volunteer for a local organization, CN will donate $15 for each hour you volunteer for the organization you support? They donate $15 per hour up to a maximum of 220 hours for employee or retiree. There is no limit to the number of organizations a CN retiree and spouse or surviving spouse of CN retirees can volunteer with.
The Biggar Museum and Gallery has benefited for many years with this program. This program benefited years of maintenance and care
taking for the museum. All the history from the newspapers and the Historical Timelines were all complied by a retired CN employee. Consider volunteering for any organization in town, I am sure you will be welcomed with open arms.
Students in our town benefit as well by volunteering. Did you know that students who participate in a senior level Phys Ed Course must have at least 10 hours of volunteerism. When students apply for a scholarship in Grade 12, their volunteerism is considered in the scholarship program.
Gaining real-world work experience through volunteering is a great way for students to build skills, increase employability and enjoy a range of other benefits that will help them develop.
There are many organizations in town that will help a student advance in their future endeavours.
Advertising doesn’t cost, it pays!
Triumph school (above). Rural Municipality Map showing Triumph School location in the R.M.
After Masters’ win, McIlroy eyes the ‘Calendar Slam’
Bruce Penton
Penton on Sports
Now that he’s slain one dragon, how about a more ferocious, fire-breathing beast to conquer for Rory McIlroy?
Finally achieving professional golf’s career grand slam by winning the 2025 Masters, McIlroy can breathe easily when he returns to Augusta in 2026. For the rest of this season, the Northern Ireland golf phenom, still relatively young at 35, can go after the unthinkablethe single-season grand slam.
No one has ever pulled off the rarest of the rare - winning the Masters, PGA, U.S. Open and the Open Championship in the same season. Why not Rory in 2025? The
great amateur from 100 years ago, Bobby Jones, is credited with accomplishing the Grand Slam, but that included the U.S. and British Amateurs in 1930, and the U.S. and British Opens. Tiger Woods came close, at one point in 2001 holding all four major golf trophies, but they weren’t all won in a single calendar year. He won the final three majors of 2000 and then won the 2001 Masters.
But winning all four in a single year? Impossible? Probably, but there is currently only one golfer with a chance to accomplish that feat in 2025 and it’s McIlroy, enjoying by far the most successful start to a season in his career.
He won the AT&T Pebble Beach pro-am in January. He won the prestigious Players championship in a playoff over J.J. Spaun in March. He overcame the scar tissue from a number of near misses at Augusta to finally cash in this year, beating Justin Rose in a one-hole playoff.
“Every time he made a mistake, he came back and did something fantastic,” Dr. Bob Rotella, McIlroy’s sports psychologist, said in an interview.
And what’s next? Three major championship venues at which McIlroy will be one of the strong favourites at each one. So why not win all four and make golf history?
First up is the PGA in May at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, N.C. It’s one of McIlroy’s favourite courses and a site where he already has won four times. In June, the U.S. Open will be staged at Oakmont in suburban Pittsburgh and that will present a strong challenge to McIlroy’s hopes of winning. He missed the cut nine years ago when the Open was last played at Oakmont but his game is much better now.
The Grand Slam pressure would be immense if McIlroy happened to pull off wins at Quail Hollow and Oakmont, but it would be ultra intense at July’s Open Championship,
Protect yourself and have fun: Tips for your next outdoor adventure
With the days growing longer and summer around the corner, many of us are gearing up for another season of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re hitting the open road in a camper, cruising the highway on a motorcycle or off-roading in an ATV, here are some helpful tips to protect yourself and have fun this summer:
Pack the essentials
Packing the right gear can make all the difference in an emergency. Be sure to bring extra fuel, water, snacks, clothing and a first-aid kit. If you’re planning on exploring a remote location or unfamiliar terrain, it’s important to bring navigation tools like a GPS or map, especially in areas where cell service may be unreliable.
Perform a pre-trip safety check
Before revving up your motorcycle, ATV or camper, it’s important to give your vehicle a thorough inspection to ensure it is in top working condition. Check tire pressure, brakes, lights and fluid levels, and ensure you’re wearing a
helmet or protective gear to avoid injury.
Know your route
Whether you’re exploring the rugged trails of Newfoundland or Ontario’s scenic cottage country, it’s important to know your route and familiarize yourself with the terrain. Check maps, road conditions and trail accessibility to avoid unnecessary surprises during your ride. Protect yourself with the right insurance
Before embarking on your next adventure, make sure your rec vehicles are covered by insurance for added peace of mind. Accidents happen, and having the right insurance can cover damages, liability or medical costs if something goes wrong. Follow provincial
regulations and safety guidelines
From trail permits to protective gear laws, every region has a specific set of rules for recreational vehicles. Ensure you’re familiar with the local regulations in your area before heading out and always pack your identification and any necessary permits.
Be alert to changing weather conditions Canadian weather can be unpredictable, with sudden storms, high winds or extreme heat all in the realm of possibility. Check the forecast before heading out and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary. Dress in layers, pack waterproof clothing and seek shelter or shade in case of unanticipated weather events.
which this year is being played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, almost in Rory’s backyard. British bookmakers have already established odds - 80-to-1 - against McIlroy winning what they’re calling the Calendar Slam.
With the Masters monkey off his back, and clearly the best player in the world (even though Scottie Scheffler’s numerical ranking, mainly based on 2024 results, is better), McIlroy can approach the season’s final three majors with relative calm. Skill-wise, he has what it takes. Mentally, though ... well, that’s a dragon of a different roar and hotter fire.
• New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick, who regularly laments that a certain ex-pitcher, now a TV analyst, talks too much: “Had a horrible nightmare. I was at a banquet, and John Smoltz was the afterdinner speaker.”
• A gem from long-time college basketball coach Al McGuire, snipped
from Jack Finarelli’s sportscurmudgeon.com site: “I think everyone should go to college and get a degree and then spend six months as a bartender and six months as a cabdriver. Then they would really be educated.”
• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “Eminem has joined a group of investors trying to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit, with one stipulation: The team uniforms must include a hood.”
• Another one from Torben Rolfsen: “The NHL is already regretting switching the draft to Zoom this spring. All because a few GMs didn’t want to have to wear pants.”
• Retiring CBS reporter Dennis Dodd, reminiscing in his retirement column: “Fun fact: The antacid still hasn’t been invented to combat the effects of press box food.”
• Headline at TheBeaverton.com : “Federal election postponed until all Canadian teams
eliminated from playoffs.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “I’m so old I remember when an 82-game season that allowed 16 of 30 teams into the NBA post season was considered enough of a ‘play-in round.’”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “Will or won’t the Giants take Shedeur Sanders with the third overall pick? Who knows? This is a franchise that passed in 2018 on Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.”
• From Miami columnist Dave Barry, via Jack Finarelli’s sportscurmudgeon.com site: “Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business.”
• Headline at fark.com: “A whole lotta people enjoyed watching McIlroy constantly switching between ‘It’s so over’ and ‘We’re so back’ (during the Masters’ final round).”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
6 ways to start and stick to a fitness routine
Starting and sticking to realistic fitness goals can transform your health and well-being. The key is to begin with clear, achievable goals and create a plan that fits into your lifestyle.
Here’s how to do it: Set specific goals
Large and vague goals can quickly become daunting. Instead, set clear objectives and break them down into manageable milestones. For example, steer clear of aims such as ‘be healthier’ and ‘get fit’ and instead set specific targets such as running five kilometres without stopping or being able to do 50 push-ups in a row. Make it convenient and enjoyable
When it comes to sticking to a fitness routine, convenience and enjoyability are important. Creating an at-home workout space will help keep you on target and allow you to incorporate fitness into your day without a commute and with minimal costs. Invest in equipment that is conducive to your goals and that you find
enjoyable to use. This doesn’t need to be costly - online marketplaces offer a variety of budgetfriendly workout equipment, from weights, to skipping ropes, workout mats and more.
Create a schedule
As with anything, consistency is key. Set aside specific times for your workouts, block them out on your calendar and treat them as nonnegotiable appointments. Track your progress
Keep a journal or use a fitness planner to track your workouts and progress. This not only keeps you accountable but also motivates you by
showing how far you’ve come.
Make it social and fun
Working out doesn’t have to be limited to the gym. Diversify your fitness routine by signing up for recreational sports or grab some friends and gear and try out a new one. You don’t have to break the bank on equipment though, you can find affordable gear such as frisbees, pickleball rackets or portable badminton sets. Stay flexible
Life can be unpredictable. If you miss a workout, don’t give up. Adjust your plan as needed and keep going.
Mother’s Day Tea
Sponsored by Prairie Branches Enterprise Honouring All Mothers Tuesday, May 6 at 2 p.m. Biggar Community Hall Coffee/Tea and snacks provided There will also be raffles, bake table & entertainment. Funds raised support Biggar Prairie Branches residents. Everyone is invited to attend. Silver Collection
Business & Professional …
MECHANIC SHOP
SUDOKU
GAMES PAGE …
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
Spending time with new friends and those you’ve know for years can be a satisfying way to pass the week, Aries. Try to plan some activities that you can enjoy together.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, this week you may choose to tackle some necessary, albeit time-consuming, chores. They may take a few hours, but then you’ll have time to unwind.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, certain information that you have been looking for may finally come to the surface. Once you have your answers, you might be able to move on to other tasks.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, emotional matters that emerged over the previous few days might soon be settled with all parties feeling satisfied with the results.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, confusion with loved ones can be easily cleared up with a little, honest communication between you and the other people involved. Embrace this chance to be open and honest.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you may be especially motivated this week and feel a need to get as much done as possible. Try not to race through tasks without focusing on doing things right.
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you are operating at peak efficiency and ready to handle many of the less exciting tasks on your to-do list. Tackle the grunt work and the fun will follow.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
You have the stamina and energy to get a lot of chores taken care of this week, Scorpio. But you may be short on time. Enlist other people to help if an opportunity presents itself.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
Don’t be surprised if you spend a lot of your time on the phone this week, Sagittarius. There are many things on your to-do list and tackling them one by one is essential.
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Financial paperwork and money matters fill the docket for you the next few days, Capricorn. Paying bills, balancing a checkbook and building your nest egg are your top priorities.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
This week you could be feeling industrious and on the lookout for a new project, Aquarius. You will be an asset to anyone who needs extra assistance.
PISCES –
Feb 19/Mar 20
Particularly vivid dreams could have you wondering what your mind is trying to tell you, Pisces. You might come up with some interesting interpretations, but the answers remain unknown.
LIBRA –
BIGGAR HEALTH FOUNDATION
ANNUAL MEETING & REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 30, 2025
Biggar Health Centre Meeting Room 6:30pm all are welcome
Why we cling to the Old Rugged Cross by Warren Charlton, Biggar Associated Gospel Church Christ’s death on the cross is the reality that the apostles drive into the midst of every practical life situation in which believers find themselves.
“forming or arranged in a cross.” Throughout the New Testament appeals are made time after time to Christ’s cross as that one spiritual dynamic that is to shape every aspect of life; inward and outward.
For example, we are to flee sexual immorality, honouring God with our bodies because we are not our own for we have been bought with a price. Likewise we can live free from the empty way of life handed down from our ancestors because Christ liberated us with his own precious blood. The merry-go-round of the sins of past generations is broken by the cross.
According to Webster’s Ninth Collegiate dictionary cruciform means,
The enabling grace to forgive others comes from Jesus who “loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
How can we hold onto grudges, bitterness, and hate when our forgiveness by God could only be secured by his Son’s death on the cross? How glorious it is to know that all the sin we ever commit cannot destroy our interest in Christ as the sacrifice for our sins.
with goodness, kindness, and selfless service when we choose to live for him who loves and freed us from our sins by his blood.
In the midst of suffering, the cross shines bright with the promise that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The cross argues us out of our doubts and fears with the logic that, “If God did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously (freely) give us all
In his blood we have a forgiveness that is full, final, and forever. Husbands are pointed to Christ’s death on the cross as the pattern for the love with which they are to love their wives. Selfishness is replaced
things?”
We can live with joy and die in hope because Christ’s cross towers over the wrecks of time into the glory of eternity.
The lesson is simple but powerful. All of life, not just our eternal salvation, is to be arranged and shaped by Christ’s cross. Every aspect of daily life is to radiate from his cross like spokes in the hub of a wheel.
That is why we cling to the old rugged cross.
ROSETOWN NATURAL HEALTH
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311 Main Street, Rosetown Massage Therapy - Supplements
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 27 10:30am Easter Worship (ST.PAULS) MAY 11 10:30am Easter Worship (REDEEMER) MAY 25 10:30am Regular Worship (REDEEMER)
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 CHURCH ...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope...1Pe 1:3 You are Invited Sunday Tea and Coffee -10:15am Worship - 10:30am NEW HORIZONS 117 3rd Ave. W, Biggar For more info - Philip Watson - 250-487-8476
Bernice Dorothy Coben passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon at the age of 87 after a lengthy battle with COPD.
Born on March 28, 1938 in Harris, SK, Bernice was the youngest of five children of Alma and John Johnson. Raised in Tessier, SK, she attended elementary school in Tessier and went on to attend high school in Rosetown, SK. She met Donald Coben at a local dance at Crystal Beach and they were married in 1955. They settled on Donald’s family farm north of Tessier and had three children, Terry, Dwayne and Shelly. She continued to reside on the farm for many years after Donald passed away in 1991. Bernice moved to Delisle, SK in 2007. She subsequently moved to Ilarion Residence in Saskatoon in 2017 where she was close to her two sisters (Irene and Esther).
In her younger years, Bernice was active in sports including track and field. Bernice enjoyed curling most all of her adult life. She played in many bonspiels in Saskatchewan and especially enjoyed curling with her sisters and daughter (Shelly). Later in life, she remained a devoted curling fan, seldom missing a curling championship event on TV. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was well known for her delicious baked buns. Like many other farming wives, she was a hard worker not only managing the household but also getting her hands dirty in farm activities such as driving a grain truck at harvest. She enjoyed managing a large garden all the time she lived at the farm
The family of Dorothy Larlham wish to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone for the very kind expressions of condolences given to us during the recent loss of our mom. A special thank you to Mike, Ed and Heather at Gerein’s Funeral Services for the guidance and understanding through this difficult time and Ed for the beautiful service and words of comfort, we know mom would have been very pleased. Also, a huge thank you to the hospital staff for mom’s excellent care, the Home Care staff for making it possible for mom to be at home for as long as she was and to the staff at the LTC facility. You all made her feel very comfortable and at home. Bless you all.
Jim, Laura, Joan and families
Biggar
Biggar
The Misery Mountain Boys
LASTCONCERTOFTHEYEAR-THANKYOUFORYOURSUPPORT
BERNICE DOROTHY COBEN March 18, 1938 - April 18, 2025 SATURDAY MAY 10, 2025
and also raised turkeys and chickens for sale. Bernice had the gift of hospitality and was happiest when entertaining and surrounded by friends, neighbours and relatives. She loved to dance, laugh, visit and always had a smile to greet everyone.
Bernice is lovingly remembered by her children: Terry Coben, Dwayne (Margot) Coben and Shelly (Grant) Eaton; her 8 grandchildren, Katryna (Mike) Sawchyn, Scott Coben, Matthew Coben, Mark (Rosalind) Coben, Megan Coben (Jeremy Burtch), Brad Eaton (Britney McAvoy), Sandra Eaton (Kevin Burwell) and Heather Eaton (Ashton Brogden), and: her 11 great-grandchildren, Evan, Aiden, Madelyn, Theo, Maggie, Emma, Adeline, Henry, Dallas, Jace and Isabella; and her sister, Irene Turner, and her cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Coben, her parents, Alma and John Johnson, her brothers, Walter and Ivan Johnson, her sister, Esther Weir, her beloved daughter-in-law, Joyce Coben, and her special friend, Earl Ogilvie.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Delisle Community Church, 417 2 St E, Delisle. Interment will take place at Tessier Cemetery. After the funeral service, a time of lunch and sharing will follow at Delisle Senior Centre, 309 1st St W, Delisle. Memorial donations may be made to Tessier Cemetery, Box 34, Tessier, SK, S0L 3G0.
To leave words of condolences, visit Martens Warman Funeral Home at www.martenswarman.ca
Fraud prevention: 8 things your bank would never ask you
Financial scams and fraud come in many different forms.
Sometimes they arrive in the form of a text message, e-mail or phone call, and often are designed to look like they’re coming from your bank.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, a common type of financial fraud involves scammers posing as bank employees in order to trick their victims into disclosing their banking or personal information.
Countless Canadians have seen these fraudulent messages. Sometimes they’re as simple as a text or e-mail that says the potential victim’s bank account has been frozen, with a link to a fake website where the user is encouraged to enter personal information to “unlock” their account.
Other times these scams involve the fraudster phoning a potential victim and pretending to be a bank employee who needs their help as part of a fraud investigation.
Ultimately, the goal of many of these scams is to steal the victim’s personal
or banking information to gain access to their accounts, or to get the victim to wire money or purchase gift cards and send the funds to the fraudster.
Strict rules around legitimate banking communications
While your bank does require you to disclose certain personal information to confirm your identity and provide you with services, there are strict rules governing what they can ask you to disclose, and how they’re allowed to do it.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to learn what your bank would never do or ask you to do.
Your bank would never:
• Call you to ask for personal information.
• Ask you to keep a secret or be dishonest.
• Threaten to cancel your services or ask to remote into your device.
• Try to rush you into doing something.
• Ask you to help with an investigation.
• Ask you to purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Ask you to transfer money as part of an investigation.
• Request access to your computer.
How to help protect yourself from scams
Get educated. Understand your responsibilities as an accountholder or cardholder. This information is provided by your bank. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can also help you learn more about common fraud scams. Enable two-factor authentication. Investigate the security settings of your e-mail provider, social media platforms and banking apps, and enable twofactor authentication wherever available. This offers a higher level of security for your online profiles.
Stay informed. Take advantage of bank services that can help warn you of problems. For example, some financial institutions, send you text messages notifying you if suspicious activity detected on your credit card or access card, as long as a current mobile phone number is on file.
