Fisher Squadron Air Cadets completed the year with their Annual Ceremonial Review, Saturday. Don Markham (top) was the Reviewing Officer for the event, and Air Cadets received promotions and awards to complete the year. (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week 28 occurrences were dealt with by the Biggar Detachment.
In traffic, three drivers improved on their traffic safety knowledge. there was a report of a semi driver operating down the middle of Highway 51 making it difficult for one driver to pass.
Semi drivers entering town seem to be the topic of conversation last week, “Say no to Jake”. With the warm weather, more windows open and people out and about the disciples are a little hard on the ears, particularly with the majority of our local semi drivers in the area, rattling there way into town from Highway 51 and both sides of Highway 4. The use of engine retarder brakes within the town limits is prohibited and the speed reduction zones where drivers are using them should be a hint that the town limit begins. A little
Biggar RCMP report
common driving courtesy would go a long way in resolving these issues, however, there will also be a focus of enforcement on the issue to bring awareness to the signage.
A report of an aggressive dog on the loose at the upper end of Main Street - the owner has been warned to maintain control of their animal. A porch bandit was reported removing a package from Third Avenue East.
A suspect has been busy around the Perdue area, a break and enter into the RM office was reported along with a break and enter into a residence that was on the market.
A call for disturbing the peace in the town of Kinley around 10 p.m., as a couple of residents were disrupting others by yelling loudly and fighting outside. Back in Biggar, at 2:45 a.m., a 25-year-old male called 911 to report his 29-yearold girlfriend kicked him out of the house and he needed help getting his shoes. Take care out there!
Biggar Fire Report
by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department
June already, and is it dry out there.
Looking ahead at the forecast and there is only one day in the next week with a chance of rain.
During the last week of May the humidity in our province was as low as 30 per cent, and to answer your question, “Yes green grass will burn.” Right now most of Saskatchewan is classified as “extreme risk” for fire hazard. Although there is no fire ban currently in effect in our area, even if you are using a fire pit in your back yard please be extra cautious and have a garden hose or fire extinguisher close at hand.
Historically, May has been one of the busiest months for our fire department. In 2023 we responded to 18 calls with many being field or brush fires. This year for May we had six calls,
Biggar Show N Shine takes place June 15
by Kaitlynn Nordal
This year’s Show N Shine will take place in downtown Biggar on Sunday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The idea for the car show started over 30 years ago with the previous owner of Integra Tire, George Debussac. When Christopher and Raelynn Hooper took over the shop 10 years ago they decided to continue the tradition.
“We continue to do the car show to
three false alarms, two grass fires and one Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC).
This brings our year to date total to 26 calls.
Practises during the month involved extrication and air bag work, a trip out to the burn room to refresh experienced members and start giving our newer members practical training on fire control methods and of course we went through some “hide and seek” sheets, giving our newer members a chance to locate and learn about the various tools and equipment we use.
The Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) demonstration was another success for our team this year, giving them invaluable experience in a nearly real situation. Hopefully the message being delivered to the students was received.
give the community and surrounding communities the opportunity to show off their prized vehicles, while also getting the chance to win some prizes,” said Raelynn.
Since the burnout competition continues to be a hit at the Show N Shine it will be held this year again at Integra Tire in the parking lot at 1 p.m.
“It’s fun for both the younger and older crowd, it gives those who want
to try the chance to try a burnout in a controlled and safe environment. As an added bonus the winner of the smoke show also wins a set of tires,” said Raelynn.
Those interested can sign up at the stand near the end of the block with $20 as entry. This year’s raffle tickets will be sold $2 a ticket or three tickets for $5. This year the prize is a custom painted or wrapped mini fridge. The door prizes will be for all entries for the car show/
burnout competition.
“In the give-away bags we will have items such as thermos cups, shirts, key chains, hats, car fresheners, and other accessories,” said Raelynn. “Each year we choose a fundraiser or cause to put proceeds and donations towards. This year we will be donating funds to Prairie Sky Recovery.”
For more information e-mail extire@sasktel.net or ring 1-306-948-3376.
Playing on a Green Card
Bingo Numbers for JUNE 5 B-1 B-9 N-39 G-51 G-60
Aquanauts ... The Biggar Aquatic Centre is once more the place to escape the heat as these four can attest, Saturday afternoon. With the pool back in operation for the year, swim lessons have also started this week.
(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Big Swing ... A U9 National takes a swipe at the ball, just missing out on a big hit during their home tourney, Saturday at the Recreation Complex. The U11 Nats had their tourney the following day, also bringing in area teams for a day of intense action.
(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
by John von Heyking, Professor of Political Science, University of Lethbridge
Philippe Lagassé, an associate professor at Carleton University, recently published an essay in The National Post claiming that having King Charles III open Parliament would spur patriotism and promote civic education.
While fostering civic education is a worthy goal, it’s unclear what lesson Canadians are meant to take from this symbolic gesture.
Lagassé challenges traditional conceptions of parliamentary democracy. Writing in the 19th century, prominent British journalist, economist, and essayist Walter Bagehot distinguished between the “dignified” or ceremonial power of the monarchy and the “efficient” or real governing power of the prime minister and cabinet. Lagassé, however, argues that in Canada, the Crown exercises real “efficient” power - challenging, if not overturning, Bagehot’s distinction.
Drawing on David E. Smith’s The Invisible Crown: The First Principle of Canadian Government, Lagassé claims that understanding the Crown is essential to understanding Canada’s
political system. But the title of Smith’s book itself points to the problem: the Crown’s power is largely invisible. How can something hidden be central to civic education?
Lagassé’s claim is tenuous, especially given how difficult it is to grasp a system where authority often operates out of sight.
This invisibility is evident in recent events, such as the prorogation of Parliament in January and the appointment of a prime minister in March who was not a sitting parliamentarian. The prorogation, which suspended Parliament, was widely criticized for limiting democratic oversight. Similarly, appointing someone who had not been elected to the House of Commons raised concerns about the Crown’s role in determining who governs, without direct input from voters through the normal democratic process. The Crown’s authority also allows actions to be taken in the public interest, even when they bypass the written Constitution. For instance, in early April, during the election campaign, the Governor General authorized a “special warrant” allowing the spending of $40.3 billion, circumventing the parliamentary
process. Though officially justified as urgent and in the public interest, critics saw it as partisan manoeuvring designed to benefit political allies. This raises a serious concern: the more we understand the Crown, the more we see how executive power can overshadow the legislative process and public oversight. While Lagassé maintains that understanding the Crown is key to understanding our democracy, the hidden nature of that power complicates two essential democratic principles - transparency and accountability. When power operates behind closed doors, it becomes harder for Canadians to hold their government to account.
Canadians should care about this debate because it’s not just an abstract argument. It’s about who holds power and how that power is exercised. When citizens don’t fully understand how authority functions behind the scenes - particularly through Crown powers that bypass Parliament - accountability suffers. Decisions about spending, appointments, and the operation of Parliament should be made transparently and under public scrutiny. If these processes remain obscured, trust in the
political system erodes (of course, some decisionsparticularly those related to national security - do require discretion).
When executive powers remain unseen, the political system becomes more vulnerable to manipulation. Taxpayers’ money may be redirected toward partisan goals rather than the public good. This lack of oversight creates fertile ground for patronage, favouritism, and ultimately, a government that serves insiders rather than the public. Canadians deserve a political system that is open, transparent, and accountable, not one where critical decisions are made in the shadows. While King Charles opened the new session of Parliament, he does not govern Canada. Real
governance lies with the prime minister and cabinet, who operate “in close consultation with senior public servants.”
The abstract language of an “invisible Crown” distracts Canadians from the reality that they are governed by real, flesh-and-blood human beings. And like their predecessors, these individuals may act not in the public interest but in their own.
This brings to mind the education of King Charles. In 1969, the future Prince of Wales took a semester off from his studies at Cambridge to study Welsh at Aberystwyth University under Edward Millward, a leader in the Welsh nationalist movement.
Prime Minister Harold Wilson recommended this to foster unity
between the English and the Welsh. Had Pierre Trudeau sent Justin to study with members of the Calgary School, perhaps Canada’s political landscape would look very different today. Justin Trudeau might have developed a more grounded political judgement, less shaped by the narrow perspective of the Laurentian elite and more attuned to the broader public interest. Instead, parochial interests render the “invisible Crown” an inadequate lens through which to critically examine governance. Rather than focusing on abstract symbolism, Canadians might be better served by examining the real, human actors whose decisions shape our political future.
Carney’s Throne Speech lacked moral leadership
by Susan Korah, The Catholic Register
The Speech from the Throne, delivered by King Charles III on May 27 to open the latest session of Parliament under newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, was a confident assertion of Canada’s identity and outlined the government’s priorities for the session.
However, beneath the pageantry, it failed to address the country’s most urgent moral and constitutional responsibilities.
It also sent a coded message to U.S. President Donald Trump, subtly rebuking his repeated dismissal of Canada as a sovereign state. Trump has previously downplayed Canada’s independence in trade talks and public
statements, often treating it as economically subordinate to the U.S. Still, a few discordant notes - most visibly from a group of First Nations chiefs in traditional headdresses - cut through the welcoming sounds that greeted the King and Queen Camilla on the streets of the capital.
The role of the Crown in Canada’s history sparked strong reactions from some Indigenous leaders who had travelled from as far as Alberta and Manitoba to voice their concerns.
“It’s time the Crown paid more than lip service to the Indigenous people of this country,” Chief BillyJoe Tuccaro of the Mikisew Cree First Nation told me as he and his colleagues posed for photographs requested by several
parade spectators. “We have been ignored and marginalized for far too long.”
He added that he and fellow chiefs from other First Nations were standing outside the Senate chamber as a symbol of their status as “outsiders,” despite being the land’s original inhabitants.
Shortly after Carney’s election, Tuccaro and Chief Sheldon Sunshine of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation sent him a joint letter stating: “As you know, Canada is founded on Treaties that were sacred covenants between the Crown and our ancestors to share the lands. We are not prepared to accept any further Treaty breaches and violations.” They added that they looked forward to working with
the new government as treaty partners.
Catholics, too, are being urged to remain vigilant about aspects of the government’s agenda that were either only briefly mentioned in the throne speech or omitted altogether. On April 23, just days before Carney and the Liberals were returned to power, the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement outlining what Catholics should expect from the new government.
“Our Catholic faith provides essential moral and social guidance, helping us understand and respond to the critical issues facing our country,” they wrote. “As the Church teaches, it is the duty of the faithful ‘to see that
INDEPENDENT
the divine law is inscribed in the life of the earthly city (Gaudium et Spes, n. 43.2).’”
The bishops expressed concern about the lack of legal protection for the unborn, the expansion of eligibility for medical assistance in dying (MAID) - which allows eligible Canadians to seek medically assisted death under specific legal conditions - and inadequate access to quality palliative care.
They also reaffirmed the Church’s responsibility to walk “in justice and truth with Indigenous peoples.”
Although the speech emphasized tariffs, the removal of trade barriers and national security, it made no mention of the right to life, MAID or the charitable status
of churches and churchrelated charities - a status the Trudeau government had considered revoking for some groups. On Indigenous issues, the government pledged to be a reliable partner and to double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion. The program supports Indigenous equity participation in natural resource and infrastructure projects. Canada deserves more than symbolic rhetoric - it needs a government that will confront its moral obligations headon and act decisively on the challenges facing Indigenous peoples, faith communities, and the most vulnerable among us.
The Crown’s ‘invisible power’ a threat to Canadian democracy
Bob Mason Notable Notes
I have been reading a bit here and there about the people who “run” our country, and the more I read the more I understand how complicated such a straight forward operation can be!
Democracy is really something, and I suppose always will be! Very few of society’s wants and needs are permanent things, food and shelter - however provided - are two of them. But much of our administrative activities concern something else. Something that we have
by Frank Cox
In the gritty heart of the city, where the sun hangs low and the shadows dance like demons on a hot summer night, there was a man known as Slate.
A hard-bitten gumshoe, a knight errant of the asphalt jungle, a lone wolf in a city of wolves. Slate was the kind of man who carried his resolve like a rusty knife in his back, and his humour like a loaded revolver in his holster, just waiting to be used.
One sweltering afternoon, Slate found himself in the creaky confines of a hardware store, a place where the air was thick with the scent of sawdust and oil, and the walls were lined with rusty relics of a bygone era. He was there for a simple task, to order a can of glue to mend a broken chair, a scarred wooden rocker that had seen better days.
“Give me a can of carpenter’s glue, Mac,” Slate grumbled, his voice as gravely as a desert road. The old man behind the counter, a grizzled relic himself, scratched his chin and peered over his glasses.
grown to value even more than food and shelter, let’s call it ‘dollars’‘dollars and political image’!
Someone will probably want to argue about this and maybe I won’t blame them much. We all have our influenced opinions. But it will only go to prove that they haven’t really thought about the points that Y.T. (Yours Truly) is trying to make!
Like mentioned, the complications of our modern society are an awful lot harder to understand then Mr. and Mrs. Flintstone’s ever were.
I remember years and years ago as a night watchman at the U of S, opening a door into a central room in the Field Husbandry building where many of the university records were kept, and being impressed by how many there were!
Just one room in one building in one city in one
“I’m afraid we don’t carry that particular item, friend. But I got me a mighty fine glue right here,” he said, holding up a can with a picture of a kangaroo on it. “It’s Australian, imported. Strong as a bull, they say.”
Slate scratched his jaw, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the can.
“What the hell’s a kangaroo got to do with glue, Mac?”
The old man chuckled, a sound like sandpaper on glass.
“Well, that’s the question of the day, ain’t it? But if it’s strong glue you want, then this here’s your ticket.”
With a sigh, Slate handed over his money, his curiosity piqued. As he left the store, the heat seemed to close in around him like a vice. He shook his head, muttering under his breath about the strange ways of the world.
Back at his office, a cramped room filled with the clutter of a thousand cases, Slate opened the can of kangaroo glue. The smell was unlike anything he’d ever encountered, a mix of something sweet and something wild. He dabbed a bit on his finger and pressed it to the broken chair. To his surprise, it held tight, stronger than any glue he’d ever used.
The rest of the day was a blur of case files and cigarette smoke, but Slate couldn’t help but notice the odd smell of the glue that still hung in the air.
Slate fell asleep at his desk that that night,
Political images
province of one country. And at that, like-minded people with no blustering opposition seeking attention!
This self-acclaimed “humble” scribbler often thinks that our scientific and technological advancements have long ago passed any democratic achievements we might have made. And having achieved them, why are the ideas of right and wrong the same as they were hundreds of years ago! Must we slow down our technological stuff until our more social problems catch up? Is it even possible?
The more Y.T. reads and the more he understands about the confusion that must be out there in our political world, the more he is glad that he isn’t the prime minister or president of anything!
Back we go to the old school desk where, pen in hand, he pretends that he is the boss. Often that is the fallacy of the whole
thing, I feel. Many of us are more content to be followers than to assert ourselves as instigators. The people who direct the actions of our country are usually no smarter that we are! Sure, they are often super educated, but in what? Possibly in subterfuge and the image building that seems to be so much a part of politics! From our lowly position as peasants, we often view their legal and political wrangling as unnecessary. Yet from the viewpoint of many of the more successful, our opinions are angrily cast aside as no consequence, until ... “Government of the people, by the people” although sounding dramatic is only that, dramatic!
Much as Y.T. would like to see this approach to democracy change, he wonders if it ever will. He wonders if it ever can!
As long as many of our politicians are concerned as much - if not more -
with the public image as with our public problems, it will probably stay that way!
As long as we accept authority just because it is authority, and forsake our own personal opinions, will things ever change?
As long as a politician - let’s say any politician - can pull the public wool over our unknowing eyes in order to up their own image, can society expect a moral improvement of any kind? Good Heavens!
Not being a political scientist of any type, Y.T. doesn’t expect his opinion to lead to any improvement on what we’ve already got. But he does know that our approach to that improvement isn’t exactly right either.
Example: Just as the media (and our whole nationals outlook, as far as that goes!) suggests over and over that violence is the only cure for violence, so does the
Kangaroo Glue
the heat and the city’s symphony of sounds lulling him to sleep, and he wondered if the strange glue was a sign of things to come.
The next morning, as the sun rose like a bloodred eye over the city, there was a knock at Slate’s door. He opened it to find a kangaroo standing there, its eyes wide and curious, a band of brightly coloured ribbons around its neck.
Slate stared at the creature, wondering if he
was actually awake.
“What the hell...,” he muttered, his voice rusty as an old saw. The kangaroo hopped forward into the room, its tail swishing like a whip.
“I thought you might like a pet,” a voice said from behind him. Slate whirled around, his hand on his gun, to find the old man from the hardware store standing in his doorway, a devilish grin on his face.
“What the hell’s going on, Mac?” Slate
demanded, his voice shaking with anger.
“I figured you could use a friend, Slate,” the old man said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Besides, the glue’s pretty good, ain’t it?” Slate looked back at the kangaroo, now hopping around his office, its ribbons flapping in the wind from the open window. He sighed, a smile slowly spreading across his face.
“I guess you’re right, Mac. I guess you’re right.”
undercover jockeying for political image suggest a more aggressive and furtive manoeuvre from the society politicians are meant to represent!
Y.T. could quote some scripture here, but does he have to? Hundreds and hundreds of years ago the laws of right and wrong were laid down in scripture. But have we in real conscience paid much attention to them? The reams of Royal Commission findings and the rooms full of political suggestions mean nothing if we don’t have a genuine consideration of each other whether making or breaking a political image! Like mentioned at the start, some political moves are too complicated for me! I hope that it doesn’t cause too much controversy on coffee row when I make this final important observation: I think I’ll plant more potatoes next year!
And so, the kangaroo became Slate’s new partner, a strange and unlikely companion in the dark underworld of the city streets. And as they fought crime together, Slate began to realize that sometimes, the strangest things could turn out to be the best. The city was still a hellhole, but with a kangaroo by his side, it seemed just a little less so.
Frank Cox Humble Opinion
This is the second article in the series on my choice of some of the best perennials to plant in your garden.
Perennials give you many years of beauty and should be included in the garden, in spite of the challenge of planting them appropriately. I feel that it is important to plant perennials that give you colour throughout the season and extremely attractive to butterflies and bees. They need to be well-behaved in the garden as the last thing that we need is planting a long-term problem plant. A selection of Chrysanthemums (Mums) is one of the best perennials to
by Calvin Daniels
There is an old saying about ‘every cloud having a silver lining’ and that seems to be true even in the case of the blustering cloud of disruptive policy and regressive thinking that is American president Donald Trump.
While Trump continues an obvious effort to drag the U.S. back to the 1950’s and in the process destroy longterm relationships with the country’s neighbours and allies, it has meant Canada has to begin to grow beyond a perhaps all too great a reliance on its often navel-gazing neighbour.
On a national scale building trade relationship with countries other than the U.S. has always been a positive thing relating to the idea of not putting all of one’s eggs in a single basket.
Diversified markets are a natural protection to trade.
The ‘Trump-effect’ should have multiple countries seeking new trade relationships, and that should mean a
How to Choose and Grow the Best Perennials - Part II
provide lots of great colour late in the season. However, there is a great difference between the type of chrysanthemum that will bloom in areas that have short seasons as Mums are a type of flower that is triggered by the daylength. It is actually the night length that is important but for some silly reason when plants need a certain amount of dark hours to trigger the bloom we call it “daylength”.
The confusing world of horticulture and gardening continues! At any rate, Mums are a perennial that blooms late in the season when our nights are getting much longer than the day. Unfortunately, when you live in an area whose growing season is short and it is also a cooler climate, those short days (long nights) are often after we get a killing frost and daytime temperatures are not very hospitable either to growing outdoors.
Thus, the Morden series
of Mums began and these Mums use not only the length of night but also the temperature to trigger the bloom. So in order to get Mums to bloom prior to the temperature becoming too cold outside, it is necessary in the Prairie climate to grow “Morden Mums”.
For my garden, I chose a selection of Mums that will successfully give us colour in September most years when most of the other perennials are long past blooming. Unless otherwise stated, they are all about 18 inches (45cm) in height and will spread to about 30 inches (75cm). These Mums have an upright spreading habit of growth with a very fine texture. This is truly a low-maintenance herbaceous perennial.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefbiz’ which is also known as the Showbiz Mum was developed with a cross between Morden Fiesta and Morden Canary and has an abundance of lovely light purple pompom like flow-
Free trade flow in Canada to trump Trump?
willingness to sit down and get deals done. Those deals need to be a priority from Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government.
And, it at least sounded like it was a priority in the recent Throne Speech.
“The Government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, knowing that Canada has what the world needs and defends the values the world respects,” King Charles said in French according to a producer. com article.
“Canada is ready to build a coalition of nations that share its values, nations that believe in international co-operation and the free exchange of goods, services, and ideas. In this new, world which is evolving at a frantic pace, Canada will chart the path forward.”
Just as importantly the ‘Trump-effect’ has at least some provinces realizing they are part of a rather diverse confederation of provinces and territories and that diversity opens the doors to a lot of domestic trade opportunities. Through the years - no doubt to garner favour
ers.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefdream’ or Dreamweaver Mum is a bit larger Mum with a height of 30 inches (75cm) and spreads 48 inches (120cm). It has lovely soft mauve-coloured flowers with flared trumpet-shaped petals on the margins and an attractive yellow centre.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefdust’ or Stardust Mum produces an abundance of dusty rose flowers with fluted petals.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefstorm’ or Firestorm Mum is about 22 inches (55cm) in height and spreads 40 inches (100 cm) with outstanding deep red petals with an attractive yellow centre.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefsurge’ or Power Surge Mum has fully double red flowers.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jeftail’ is about 30 inches high (75cm) and spreads about 48 inches (120 cm) and has outstanding peachy-
orange flower buds that open to double blossoms of tangerine that fade to light yellow.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Morden Fiesta’ has stunning purple flowers with a yellow centre.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Prairie Lavender’ has soft pink to lavender blooms.
It is my hope that this article will entice you to try growing the Morden Mums!
Patricia Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at orchidhort. com; by e-mail at growyourfuture@gmail.com ; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort. Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page facebook. com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW youtube. com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?
Simple summer bike safety tips
by News Canada
with one group or another - provinces have imposed barriers to trade.
Many leave you asking why. Is licensing in province ‘A’ really so inferior you need another licence in province ‘B’. Ditto for inspections, and a bunch of other regulations which are more a hindrance to trade than having a lot of reasonable purpose.
They are barriers which logically probably never needed to have been created, and they need to disappear now to help facilitate domestic trade in the face of Trump’s targeting our country.
So when Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford met June 1 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on collaboration between the two jurisdictions to remove restrictive barriers that limit the flow of trade, it’s a good thing.
Ford and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has signed a similar deal a couple of weeks ago.
Certainly the first step to dealing with Trump’s tariffs is to build a freer flow for trade within Canada with all this nation has to offer.
For many of us, summer is the perfect season to dust off our bikes and get back on the road.
Biking is a great way to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the outdoors. But it’s important to stay aware of the risks while you’re out on the road or path.
Here are a few tips to keep bike safety top of mind:
Wear proper gear. Having a helmet that’s fitted properly is essential to protecting your head and is one of the most important steps you can take to minimize the risk of injuries. Avoid wearing flip flops and open-toe shoes that could get caught on your pedals or spokes - opt for footwear that offers more support and coverage. Bike shops will help fit you correctly. Get a proper bike fit. Having a bike set up to fit your body will make riding much easier and more efficient and can help prevent pain and soreness.
Perform a pre-ride check. Before heading out, perform a quick bike check. Make sure tires are properly inflated,
brakes are functioning, chains are lubricated and gears shift smoothly. This can prevent mechanical issues that could lead to accidents.
Know the rules. Ride with traffic and obey all road signs. Closely watch all cars in front of you so you can anticipate what they’re going to do and use appropriate hand signals for turns when sharing the road with cars.
Stay visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially for rides in the early morning or late evening. Equip your bike with front and rear lights, as well as reflectors on the pedals and wheels.
Hydrate properly. Riding in the summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration. Carry
a water bottle and take regular breaks to hydrate when you need to. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to replace the salts lost through sweat. Keep your bike protected. Bike safety needs to stay top of mind even when your bike isn’t on the road. When keeping your bike locked away for winter or day-to-day storage, it is important to keep it protected in the event it’s stolen or damaged.
Did you know that your bicycle could be covered by home or tenant insurance? Insurance companies may offer to cover replacement costs up to a set limit if your bicycle is stolen and found with damage, or if it’s lost.
Patricia Hanbidge Orchid Horiculture
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
by Delta
Fay
Salter, a school in the RM of Rosemount
Cruickshank
for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
The main “highway” in the 1890’s was the Swift Current-Battleford Trail.
Settlers followed this trail to their quarter sections around the Biggar area. The Northwest Mounted Police guarded it and rested from their trips from Battleford and Cando at the 60 Mile Bush Outpost (Frenchie’s Place or the Halfway House near Argo). The Metis used it for transporting their trade goods to many places. The first mail was carried by these Metis traders on this trail.
If you find yourself near the SE 1/4 27-38-16 in the Salter area, you may be able to see remnants of the old trail. The tracks are still visible after all these years.
Salter is another one of those areas in our outlying area that had a community but is now disappearing as memories fade. The
original school still exists; the accompanying photo was taken in May 2025. The voices of the students are echoes from the past, the Biggar School District closed it in 1956 because of low enrolment.
Although Salter is legally in the RM of Rosemount, I’ve chosen to include it in memories of the Biggar area. The half section Salter was on belonged to Roy Cummingham who came out west in 1907 or 1908. He started the first Post Office in 1912. Thanks to Harvey Moncrief who came in and taught me how to read the RM map of Rosemount (again), I can see where Salter and the school were. If you want to know, come into the museum and I’ll show you!
The people worked hard and lived in crude twoor three-room shacks. I can’t imagine how cold those places would be in a blizzard! The coming
of the railway in 1912 brought supplies and jobs to the area. A grain elevator was constructed, pinpointing the area known as Salter. The name came from the railroad official, Mr. Salter. The mail now came twice a week, a general store was built, as was a post office and by 1914 a school.
As I was reading through the book “Cando, The Pioneer’s Echo” there was an excerpt about the beginnings of the Salter School. We all had a chuckle when I read out loud what Alex Cunningham wrote in August 1913 expressing the community’s disappointment in not having their request for a school granted.
“The school is of great importance to us, as we are hauling the children 10 miles to school, paying their board and tuition, and the bulk of the children are running around like a bunch of savages. Please let us hear by return mail,” Cunningham exclaimed. They must have got their answer on return mail because a site was
established on December 27, 1913. The school was built on SE 1/4 27-38-16, south and east of where the grain elevators were built.
The school was used for many purposes, church one of them. There were no funds for a permanent minister, so that position was filled by local men: Mr. Flora, Alex Kimoff (on
the Rosemount RM map there is a Kimoff Lake) and Alex Cunningham. Community events like meetings and entertainment were also held in the school. A Ladies Aid was formed and held their meetings in the school. By the 1930’s three-act plays were staged in the school. By 1919 the Montrose Rural
Telephone Company was able to bring in the modern form of communication!
The 1930’s proved to be bad years for crops, then the Second World War. Each one of these events took people from Salter and area. By 1956 the school was closed and population declined even more.
Mystery solved!
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
I wrote an article in last weeks Independent asking for someone to please unravel a mystery
for me.
The mystery was photographs donated to us. The information that came with them was that the school was Avalon School and the man in picture was a teacher at Avalon, Mr. Phillips. Lucky for us Ann Muc knew who the teacher was and because she went to school at Louvain, she knew the building
identified was incorrectly identified. The school is Louvain School District No. 3755. It was built on NE 21-3713 W3. The teacher is the brother of Mr. Sid Phillips, who taught at Louvain 1941-45, teaching Ann during that time. And if I had read further done on the document online, I would have found out that Ann has corrected us before on these photos, and there was actually no mystery, if only I had read further down! I learned something today, and it was great to talk to Ann again!
The Salter school built in 1914 was the hub of the community of Salter. Circa 2025. (Submitted Photo)
The school and the memorial stone, taken in May 2025. (Submitted Photo)
Salter School early days, the bell tower was removed sometime before 1934. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Cando, The Pioneer’s Echo)
The Salter Elevator in 1941. The little boy is Boyd Cook, the elevator agent’s son. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Cando, The Pioneer’s Echo)
Jim Reiter, MLA
Rosetown-Delisle Constituency
215 Main Street, Rosetown
Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 5:00
Tel: 306-882-4105
Fax: 306-882-4108
Toll Free: 1-855-762-2233
The Saskatchewan Traveller . . . The Alberta Ride
by Trudy and Dale Buxton
after the Highwood River which flows through the town.
Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0
Please call with questions or concerns
E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net
We continue out of Okotoks - which I have to say is a wonderful community - we head down Alberta Number 2 (sometimes known as the Queen Elizabeth II Highway) to a little place called High River.
High River is a community of over 14,000 people and was named
The area was formally occupied by the Blackfoot First Nation and the name they gave this area was Ispitzee, meaning high trees along the river.
The community became known as The Crossing, because this was the place where people could cross the Highwood River.
It was in 1870 with the signing of Treaty 7 and the arrival of the Northwest Mounted Police, that settlers began arriving at this location. High River became incorporated as a town in 1906.
High River has always been subject to constant flooding along the Highwood River in different years causing many town’s people to evacuate from their homes until the flood waters receded.
High River was slow at generating a population until before the Second World War when there was a British Commonwealth Air Training base built just outside the town. This base was one of Canada’s first air force stations. With the air force station, the economy of the town grew.
High River is home to some quite notable people like Glen Sather who came to fame as the coach of the Edmonton Oilers and later New York Rangers. He coached some amazing people like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier.
Welcome to High River, Alberta
Joe Clark, who is a former Prime Minister of Canada, comes from High River as well as Danielle Smith who is the current Premier of Alberta and calls High River her home, and a little-known country artist, George Canyon, also calls High River his home.
Did you know that The Right Honourable Joe Clark - or as his nickname would be, Honest Joeworked for The Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal as a journalist, later working for the Canadian Press, but was always drawn to politics, winning his first seat into Parliament back in 1972, then winning the job as Prime Minister in 1979.
One other interesting thing about High River is that the community is or has been the backdrop to many movies like Superman III and TV shows like Fargo, Black Summer and one of the
most notable, Heartland, which is one of the longest running series in Canadian Television history. In fact, you can go and see Maggie’s Diner which is portrayed in the show.
Much of High River’s economy comes from the artistic side along with tourism and agriculture and mix in a little gas and oil business.
High River offers the cowboy experience with its Western heritage along with hot air balloon rides in the summer.
High River also has a nice museum, murals, and sculptures all around the community with lots of recreation and parks to keep you entertained. And with Big and Little screen filming, you never know, you might find yourself close by when the cameras are rollin’. Stay tuned next week as we continue our journey in Alberta.
DEADLINE
How to choose the right motor oil for your vehicle
by News Canada
Selecting the right motor oil for your vehicle is essential for maintaining engine performance and longevity. With various options available, understanding the key factors can help you make an informed decision. Understand your vehicle’s requirements. Begin by consulting your owner’s manual. It provides specifications for the recommended oil type, including viscosity grade and performance standards. The viscosity is shown by numbers like 5W-30 or 10W-30 and represents the oil’s thickness and flow at
different temperatures.
Types of motor oil. Motor oils are categorized into conventional, synthetic blends, and full synthetic oils. Conventional oil is suitable for basic engine protection but may require more frequent changes. Full synthetic oils offer superior performance, longer oil change intervals and enhanced protection. High-mileage oils are designed for vehicles with over 120,000 kilometres, protecting older engines. When choosing your motor oil, look for a brand that maximizes engine protection, helps extend engine life and optimizes performance in extreme
temperatures.
Consider the climate. Climate plays a role in choosing motor oil. For example, both 5W-30 and 10W-30 motor oils offer the same hightemperature protection since they share the SAE 30 rating. A lower viscosity 5W-30 motor provides better coldstart protection, making it more versatile across a wider range of climates.
Tip: Some brands offer rebates or digital rewards with eligible purchases. Be sure to visit the company’s website to see if a rebate is available before heading to the checkout.
Maggie’s Diner in High River, Alberta
MONDAY AT 5P.M.
These are some of the hampers that the food bank distributed in May. Thank you to all who have donated products and money so the food bank is able to share with others. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Barb dehaan)
Brendon Haesch-Baker
Brett Baduik Cody Towriss Emily Lemon
Ethan Perillat Haven Richards
There’s always something happening in the museum
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
The volunteers have been busy creating a display for the Old Time Music Festival, Saskatchewan’s Only Old Time Polka Festival, in our front lobby. We will open specially on Saturday, June 7 for the participants of the event to come and visit and see the history of Biggar.
The volunteers are continuing to record and place all the donations that people bring into the museum. We like to know the stories of each item; the stories are what give many items their importance.
We also have an art showcase by the Springwater Colony school on display! Plus a new display in the front lobby of a musically inclined past resident.
In the office our summer student Claire has been busy creating the promotional posters and social media posts for all the events coming up. The Annual Pancake Breakfast just before the parade during the Biggar Fair Days will make sure you are all well fed before the day’s festivities.
Then, the big event: the Annual Used Book Sale, combined with the Rehoming Art Sale ... all donations from the community. We have such a generous community! We are always continuing to preserve, protect and present the history of Biggar and area.
The Exhibit Committee at the museum has been busy creating displays for the Old Time Museum Festival in the lobby of the museum. (Submitted Photo)
Biggar Athletes advance to Provincials ... The West Central District Track and Field Championships were held in Saskatoon last Saturday. Thirteen athletes from Biggar participated. Congratulations to the following three athletes advancing to the SHSAA Provincial High School Track and Field Championships in Moose Jaw this Friday and Saturday, left to right: Cortney Tebb (Intermediate Girls Shot Put), RJ Dalisay (Sr. Boys Tetrathlon), and Aiden Fecht (Sr. Boys 3,000m). (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Rick Garchinski)
6 simple steps for a healthier you
by News Canada
We all want to feel healthier, but it can be difficult to know where to start.
How working abroad helps support your community at home
Most of us are used to hearing that “charity begins at home,” but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t also end at home.
When people take real action to make a difference to others’ lives, that impact ripples out through their community, and spreads positive change far out from the initial point.
Here are just a couple of examples of Canadian expertise making a positive impact on the global scene through the support of Global Affairs Canada: Supporting sustainable mining. An environmental
engineer went to work with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Philippines. She’s helping to guide mining practices there, especially in climatevulnerable areas. With her help, the mining sector there is putting measures in place to protect vulnerable communities in the zones where extraction is happening.
Building climate diplomacy. Experts in environmental and climate diplomacy, and capacity development went from Canada to build a curriculum for
training negotiators in the Maldives. This small island nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of over 1,000 low-lying coral islands - most rising no more than a metre or two above sea level - making it one of the most climatevulnerable countries in the world. The Maldives needs skilled diplomats and negotiators to have a voice on the world stage and advocate for its very existence.
Helping others helps Canadians, too. When Canadians share their skills and expertise abroad, the benefits
return here. By supporting sustainability efforts around the globe, local leaders are also making Canada more climate secure. The partnerships that these experts are helping to build lead to greater opportunities for everyone involved to learn, cooperate and work together to make the world a better place. Learn more about the local leaders making a global impact from a new podcast called Canadian Changemakers at tap-pat.ca/canadianchangemakers
5 tips to spruce up your home this summer
by News Canada
Summer is a perfect time to enjoy the warm weather with family and friends, and it’s also an ideal season for home improvements.
Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value, make eco-friendly upgrades or simply enhance your living experience, here are a few handy renovation tips to consider.
Seal the gaps. Summer heat can drive up energy costs, so focus on making your home more energy efficient to keep it cool and reduce air conditioning costs. Have a maintenance professional inspect all walls for any cracks that need to be sealed to keep water out and avoid major damage. Upgrade insulation and seal any drafts to prevent cool air from escaping and replace any shingles on
your roof that are broken or loose to avoid water leaks.
Upgrade your living space. If your budget allows, consider updating your kitchen, bathroom or living spaces. These are high-traffic areas that significantly impact your home’s value. Even small changes like new cabinet hardware, recessed lighting or a stylish new backsplash can transform a space. Get outdoors. Take advantage of the warm weather by enhancing your outdoor spaces. Start by power-washing your deck or patio to remove dirt and grime. Consider staining or sealing the wood to protect it from the elements and give it a fresh appearance. Adding some comfortable outdoor furniture, colourful cushions and a few potted plants can transform your backyard
into a cozy retreat.
Install energy-efficient fixtures. Replace old incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs, which use less energy and have a longer lifespan. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to better manage your cooling system and help save on energy bills. Ceiling fans are also a great addition to keep air circulating and reduce the need for air conditioning. These simple upgrades can lead to significant savings and increased home comfort.
Improve indoor air quality. Start by changing the air filters in your HVAC system to ensure better airflow and air quality in your home. Consider adding houseplants, which naturally purify the air and add a touch of greenery to your decor. Plants like spider plants,
peace lilies and snake plants are especially good at removing toxins from the air. Don’t forget to turn on the exhaust fan in your kitchen and bathrooms to reduce humidity and prevent mould growth.
If you’re thinking of starting some bigger projects this summer, it’s important to let your insurance provider know to ensure your policy remains in effect.
There may be additional insurance implications if certain work, like electrical or plumbing, isn’t done by licensed professionals. Additionally, renovations that increase your home’s value may also affect your insurance. Whether the project is big or small, be sure to get a quote for any new coverage.
There’s one area that most people don’t think of as essential for their overall health, but they couldn’t be more wrong: Your mouth has a bigger impact on the rest of your body than you realize. For instance, did you know that bacteria from your mouth can travel throughout your body? Falling behind on your oral hygiene can lead to lung and even heart problems. At the end of the day, keeping healthy comes down to building good habits. By sticking to an oral hygiene routine, you’re setting yourself
up for success and a healthier you in just a few minutes a day. Here are six simple steps you can put into practice for better oral health:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily with an interdental device or floss.
• Use an antibacterial mouth rinse.
• Make healthy food and beverage choices.
• Eliminate tobacco use.
• Visit an oral health professional regularly. These practices help prevent common oral concerns like cavities and gum disease, contributing to better overall health.
Midlife career change: where can you take your skills?
People are living longer than ever before, and they’re also spending more of that life in the workforce.
So is it any wonder that the number of professionals starting a second career is at an all-time high? It can be a great way to take the skills and experience you’ve earned over the years and apply them in a new field or direction. Unsure where to take that earned expertise or where it can make a meaningful impact?
Here’s something you might not have considered: International development. There’s a growing movement to try and make the world a better place by addressing issues of poverty, discrimination, and injustice in developing nations that don’t always have the resources or infrastructure to make a large-scale impact on their own.
As part of this movement, Canada is starting to leverage one of its greatest resourcesits people. Initiatives like the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) project are bringing Canadian experts in a diverse range of fields to
partner nations. You can apply your earned skills in unexpected places. After a 35-year career serving in the RCMP, one Canadian financial crime specialist brought his expertise to Paraguay’s Economic Crimes and Anti-Corruption Unit. He’s been providing them with training, as well as spreading education and awareness more broadly in the country. This helps fight back against corruption, money laundering and organized crime. Where will your career take you? You don’t have to be an RCMP veteran to make a real difference. From the communications agency fighting cyberbullying in Tunisia to the women strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, local leaders are bringing their skills and knowledge to partner nations around the world. They’re making an impact that benefits us all.
Learn more from the new podcast, Canadian Changemakers, that’s bringing stories about the local leaders making waves overseas at tap-pat.ca/canadianchangemakers
Just like in the National Football League where quarterback is king, the men barking out signals behind centre are the stars in the Canadian Football League, too.
It’s the CFL’s 67th season, but the Grey Cup game in Winnipeg Nov. 16 will be the 112th edition of the professional football championship of Canada. Prior to 1958, when the CFL was officially formed, there were two leagues in Canada, the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union in the east and the Western Interprovincial Football Union.
Star power thrives at the quarterback position, and even non-stars are given the chance to shine.
Quarterbacks hog spotlight in the CFL
Remember last fall’s Grey Cup game, where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were heavy favourites to beat the Toronto Argonauts, especially because the Argos were playing backup QB Nick Arbuckle after No. 1
Chad Kelly, the league’s most outstanding player (MOP) in 2023, broke his leg in the Eastern final. Well, all Arbuckle did was throw for 252 yards and two touchdowns and the Argos scored 24 points in the fourth quarter en route to demolishing the Bombers 41-24.
So while Toronto is content to know that with Kelly and Arbuckle, they have probably the best 1-2 punch at quarterback, other field generals around the league are just as talented. Two-time MOP Zach Collaros is still in charge of the offence in Winnipeg, and Bo Levi Mitchell, the CFL’s MOP in 2016 and 2018 while in Calgary, will be counted on to steer the Tiger-Cats offence in Hamilton.
Perhaps the most intriguing quarterback situation is found in
B.C. and Calgary. While Vernon Adams was the starter for the Lions last year, he was demoted in mid-season when 2022 sensation Nathan Rourke returned to the Lions after a failed effort to crack a National Football League team. In the offseason, the Lions traded Adams to Calgary, who will replace Jake Maier as the Stampeders’ starter. Adams will obviously have motivation to shine when the Stamps and Lions meet in 2025.
Overall, the quarterback talent in the Western Division is stacked.
Besides Collaros, Rourke and Adams, the West also features Saskatchewan’s Trevor Harris and Tre Ford of Edmonton. Harris played in only 12 games due to injury last year, but still managed to throw 20 touchdown passes. In Edmonton, Ford’s strong suit is his running speed. He averaged 9.0 yards per carry last year and Elks’ management has expectations of a 1,000yard running season for him. He’s also not bad at throwing the ball,
completing 72 per cent of his throws last year. In 2025, he’ll have former Lions’ offensive co-ordinator Jordan Maksymic as his coach. Ford will be backed up by Cody Fajardo, the former Roughrider and Alouette QB.
Despite the star power at QB, only three quarterbacks have ever been named Most Outstanding Player. Russ Jackson of Ottawa was honoured four times in the 1960s, Gerry Dattilio of Montreal was the winner in 1980, and Rourke got the MOP nod in 2022.
My prediction: A QB will win the award in 2025.
• Retired sports columnist Rick Reilly, in a blastfrom-the-past column after Tiger Woods obliterated the field with a 12-shot win in the 1997 Masters: “... Fortyseven-year-old Tom Kite ... would finish second in the same sense that Germany finished second in World War II.”
• Coaching wisdom from Alabama football legend
Bear Bryant: “If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good, then you did it. That’s all it takes to get people to win football games for you.”
• Eamon Lynch of Golfweek.com, on the popularity level of certain LIV Tour golfers: “Take Patrick Reed. Every entertainment product could use a villain who needs a slab of bacon strapped to his face to get a dog to lick him.”
• Cathal Kelly of the Toronto Globe and Mail, describing the Florida Panthers style of play: “Florida Panthers’ ‘nice nose you got there, mind if I rip it off?’”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.) with a business note: “With Bill Belichick headlining the program, North Carolina has sold all 20,000 of its season tickets at a 25 per cent price hike, after failing to sell out last season.”
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald, on four of the best Florida Panthers’
players: “Sasha Barkov and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky are quiet as church mice. Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand chirp like crows on a wire.”
• Another one from Cote: “(The Panthers) become only the fourth team since 1980 to reach the Stanley Cup Final a third season in a row - a Cat trick.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com : “Sacramento coach Mike Brown was fired just over six months into a three-year extension he signed with the Kings. Even in the NBA, they call that a fast break.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Rockies attempt to gin up the roster by designating Martini for assignment; he was reportedly shaken by the news.”
• The late Muhammad Ali, feeling confident about an upcoming fight: “I’ve seen George Foreman shadow boxing and the shadow won.” Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
Bruce Penton Penton on Sports
THURSDAY,
SUDOKU
GAMES PAGE …
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
This week you might feel a surge of energy, Aries. It’s a good time to get moving on a long-term project or any passion projects that you may have been avoiding.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, this week is all about finding balance. You may be torn between your career and personal life, but don’t forget to set aside time for yourself.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, your creativity is at an all-time high, so use this week to explore new hobbies or start a creative project that excites you. You can be creative at work as well.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
This is a week you may feel pulled toward home and family, Cancer. It’s a time for reorganizing your space or even simply enjoying quiet moments however you choose.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, your communication skills that will be on display this week. It’s a great time to express your ideas and connect with other people. Start that conversation.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
Pay attention to your budgeting and spending this week, Virgo. There may be opportunities to invest your money in a wiser way. Finances will be on your mind a lot.
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you may feel like the spotlight is on you right now. Either at work or in social settings, your leadership abilities will be put to the test and on display.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
This might be a week that calls for introspection, Scorpio. Although you might feel like retreating, don’t close yourself off entirely from others for too long.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
Tired of running out of ink.? WE CAN HELP JUST SEND US YOUR DOCUMENTS AND LET US PRINT THEM FOR YOU. (Answers on Page (17)
Connections with friends and groups will be front and center this week, Sagittarius. You might receive an unexpected invitation and make new friends who share your interests.
CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, you should prioritize your professional goals over the next few days. Might there be something you can do to land a promotion or step into a leadership role?
AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18
This week may present opportunities for learning, exploring or even travel. A spontaneous trip might be just what you need to recharge and reflect on yourself, Aquarius.
PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20
It’s time to put some effort into making deeper connections and fostering your relationships, Pisces. That requires spending a little more time with the people around you.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Marsh plant
6. Southern constellation (“The Peacock”)
10. Fogginess
14. Home to Fools’ Day
15. Absence of the sense of pain
17. Popular November holiday 19. Consume food
20. Buddy
21. Long-haired goat-antelope
22. Japanese honorific
23. Actor Malek
24. One point south of southeast
26. Illegal acts
29. As fast as can be done
31. Prevents harm to young
32. Exclamation of satisfaction
34. African nation
35. Slow-moving animal
37. Oh, goodness!
38. A team’s best pitcher
39. Cleanser
40. Radioactivity units
41. Expectorated matter
43. Cover a wide range
45. The central area of a church
46. California capital (abbr.)
47. Dutch painter Klaver
49. 007’s creator
50. Impression of dishonesty
53. Northeastern sports rivalry
57. Cloths
58. Stalin’s police chief
59. Hostelries
60. Bitterly regret
61. Anwar __, Egyptian statesman
CLUES DOWN
1. Satisfy
2. European health advocate
3. Expression of annoyance
4. Strong liquor
5. Large red deer
6. Holder of less common religious beliefs
7. West Indian shrub
8. Family of proteins
9. Wealthy, influential business leader
10. Low spirits
11. Approves food
12. Monetary unit of Iran and Oman
13. Mary __, cosmetics
16. Expressed in pithy maxims
18. Relaxing spaces
22. The NFL’s big game
23. Proof of payment (abbr.)
24. Starchy preparation of dried orchid tubers
25. Indicates near
27. Minneapolis suburb
28. Herring-like fish
29. Doctors’ group
30. Pouches
31. Bread dipping in sauce
33. Commercials
35. A reminder of past events
36. Affected by injury
37. Geological time
39. Stationary part of a motor
42. Brings together
43. Of sound mind
44. Personal computer
46. Without (French)
47. A bank might give you one
48. Agricultural testing organization
49. A small island
50. Type of gene
51. Murres
52. Card game
53. A measure of human health
54. Australian airline (abbr.)
55. One point south of due west
56. Affirmative
Business & Professional …
CLASSIFIEDS
We’re Hiring!
Biggar New Horizons is hiring an Office Coordinator. Responsibilities: answer phones and dispatch Cour tesy Car, find office volunteers and car drivers, financial book keeping, type letters, greet new clients and members, rent hall, plus other duties as required. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:45 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:15. Please call New Hori zons at 306-948-5115 or email resume to biggar.horizons@sasktel.net Pres ent Coordinator leaving June 30, 2025
We can offer you all the great products that you would find at a Staples Store without making the drive, and in most cases can sell to you CHEAPER. Contact us today at 948-3344
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Phone:306.882.2123
New Patients Welcome!
Dr. Krista Maedel & Associates
by Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.
The apostles, and other disciples were about the Heavenly Father’s business, teaching, preaching, and healing the people. They were doing these things in Jesus’ name. They were under the influence of the power of the Holy Spirit. This was not what the Pharisees and the Sadducees wanted to see and hear. They had their temple guards throw them into prison.
However, these Holy Spirit filled men had connections with the God whom the Pharisees and Sadducees claimed to worship. Acts 5 verse 19 states, “But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, ‘Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.’ They obeyed, and when they didn’t show up for the religious tribunal, the temple guards found them, and delivered them, without violence to the church leaders.”
The conversation went something like this:
“Didn’t we tell you not to teach in the name of Jesus? You have spread your doctrine all over Jerusalem. Are you intending to make us feel guilty?” Well, maybe the old saying, ‘If the shoe fits, wear it,’ is appropriate here. Thus, the above response by Peter and the disciples.
It is difficult to understand how church leaders can come to the place where they believe that it is okay to persecute their own people, or others, for believing differently. The leaders were so busy protecting the institution, that they totally lost their mission. God help us that we will not be so busy protecting the church establishment that we fail to preach the good news about Jesus and the freedom from the penalty of sin that He brings to all who choose to follow Him; and the liberty of freedom of conscience to all humanity. Regarding spiritual matters humanity cannot sit in judgement. God is the judge.
WATKINS by Trudy
FLAVORED ICED COFFEE
Ingredients
3/4 c. Chilled coffee
Did you know we offer Social Media Advertising? Would you like to advertise on Social Media but are unsure where to start?
We can design full color Social Media friendly Ad’s for you to share on any Social Media platform. Along with your ad being shared on our Social Media pages. All Social Media Ad’s will also be printed in our weekly newspaper! Contact Dale at The Independent for pricing or inquiries!
1/4 c. Milk of choice any WATKINS PURE EXTRACT of your choice (see variations below)
1/2 to 1 c. Ice cubes
Extract Flavor Variations:
Almond Iced Coffee: 1tsp WATKINS PURE ALMOND
Cinnamon Iced Coffee: 1tsp WATKINS PURE CINNAMON
Cocoa Iced Coffee: 1tsp WATKINS PURE COCOA
Peppermint Iced Coffee: 1tsp WATKINS PURE PEPPERMINT
Peppermint Patty Iced Coffee: 3/4tsp WATKINS PURE COCOA and 1/4 tsp WATKINS PURE PEPPERMINT
Vanilla Iced Coffee: 1tsp WATKINS PURE VANILLA
Vanilla Almond Iced Coffee: 1/2 tsp WATKINS PURE VANILLA and 1/2 tsp WATKINS PURE ALMOND
Directions
In a tall glass, add coffee, milk and WATKINS EXTRACT. Stir with a long spoon. Adjust to taste by adding more flavor or milk. Add ice to glass, stir again, and enjoy immediately
We have all the WATKINS EXTRACT so come down and check it out.
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 JUNE 8 10:30am Regular Worship (St.Pauls) JUNE 22 10:30am Regular Worship (St.Pauls) Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559 Office Phone: 306-948-3731 (Messages are forwarded to Pastor’s phone immediately)
Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to come and join us Biggar United ChUrCh REGULAR SERVICES SUNDAY 11:00 am Minister Dale Worrall Inquires Call Church Office 306-948-2280 Leave Message
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 323 MAIN STREET, Biggar For more info - Philip Watson - 250-487-8476
NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH
invites you to join us on June 1st at our new location at 323 MAIN STREET, Biggar across from the Majestic Theatre Service Starts at 10:30am with coffee and tea served at 10:15am EVERYONE WELCOME!
It’s that time of the year. Your Donations are needed for the fight against PROSTATE CANCER Help us with that fight Call 948-3344, The Independent or E-Transfer to dale@dtjssb.ca
The First Annual Biggar Fair Days Flea Market
Bring a Table and Set up What-Ever you are Selling “Collectibles, House Items, Keepsakes, Baking” Located on the 2nd Block of Main Street June 14 from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm for more info Contact Ray or Dale 948-3344 or 948-4800
JUNE 13, 14, 15
& DISTRICT CREDIT UNION TOWN OF BIGGAR, THE INDEPENDENT LEADING EDGE WELDING, E-KAY’S FLORA’S FOOD TRUCK, PIZZERIA ADRIA
-Friday Night there will be Fireworks at the Sports Complex
-Parade on Saturday morning at 10:00 am
-B.A.G.C. will be having a fun in the park at the 3rd Ave. Playground
-Cold Plate Luncheon sponsored by New Horizons
-Block Party 1:00pm - 8:00, -Beer Garden by Farm in the Dell -Entertainment in the afternoon featuring ROCK BOTTOM 4:00pm till 8:00pm
-Majestic Threatre will be doing games at the theatre in the afternoon
-Karaoke sponsored by Castwell in the evening at 7:30pm Majestic Threatre
-Fibre Fair from 10:00 am till 4:00pm at the Town Hall
Sponsored by
-Biggar Light Horse Show in the Valley Saturday and Sunday
-Business Side Walk Sale and -Biggar Fair Days Flea Market
Interdenominational Church Service at the Majestic Threatre Car Show on Sunday sponsored by Excell Tire
Free Swim sponsored by Biggar Insurance from 2:00pm - 4pm Contact --The Independent-- for questions Biggar, SK 306-948-3344 SPONSORED BY:
Biggar Air Cadets Receive Cheques…Dale Buxton, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #138, hands over a cheque in the amount of $500 to Jennifer Massie, Rob Thomas, and David Dram of the 300 Fisher Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Biggar. The Money will go towards ongoing operating expenses of the Squadron. Rosetown Legion also presented a cheque for $500 for ongoing operating expenses. (Independent photo by Kevin Brautigam)
