Vol. 103 No. 17
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012
Biggar, Saskatchewan
www.biggarindependent.ca
24 pages
$
1.25 tax included
Rodeo coming back to Biggar by Kevin Brautigam of The Independent
The Biggar Recreation Valley will once again be the site of some highflying action as the 2012 Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association makes a tour stop this May-6. One of the organizers of the event, said they are hoping to make it a regular affair. “We’ve had high school rodeo here in the past, and my husband and I have provided the stock - that was 2003, 2004,” Monika Schultz explained. “A lot of people wanted the rodeo to come back to Biggar. I know the contestants talked about how much fun they’d had, and what a nice community we have and wanted to return. We have about 150 competitors coming from all across Saskatchewan - it’s a big deal, actually. “We’d like to have this as an annual event.” The action starts May 4 with an open barrel racing jackpot for locals, starting at 5 p.m. (registration at 4:30 p.m. - contact BJ Wolfe at 948-3706). Saturday, the Biggar Masonic Lodge will hold a pancake breakfast in the Valley, filling stomachs before the junior high cowboys and cowgirls begin the rodeo competition at
10 a.m., followed at 1 p.m. by the senior high school events. Sunday’s action begins bright and early - 6:30 with another pancake breakfast, followed at 8 a.m. with junior competition, and at 1 p.m., the senior high school rodeo event. In between, starting at 9 a.m., the Bear Hills Gun Club will help the Biggar Rec Valley members by hosting a high shooting event at their facility. Local cowboys and cowgirls can compete. If they choose to take out a high school rodeo membership, it will then count towards the year’s standings. A lot of the up and coming junior rodeo stars will compete at the Biggar Rec Valley. Many often moving on to rodeo scholarships in the States, some going pro. “It’s very good rodeo action,” Schultz added. “If you want to see excellent rodeo competition, this is it! The top five in Saskatchewan will go on to Nationals in New Mexico this June. Some will go on to Silver State which is in Wyoming.” While dates for the event is not chosen by the Biggar members, rather preselected by the Sask. High School Rodeo Association, Schultz says the timing of the event has meant some folks simply
Chin up, smile on . . . Soon to be graduated St. Gabriel School Kindergarten student, Jay Gajjar gets a few last adjustments Wednesday, looking handsome and ready for the first benchmark photo of his young learning life.
Local photographer, Jocelyn Redlick made some magic memories for both Kindergarten and Grade 9 as time rapidly ticks off to June. (Independent Photo by Kevin
couldn’t volunteer or help out. She, and the Biggar Rec Valley committee, aren’t complaining, however. “The community has been wonderful to us as far as sponsorship,” she said. “We wanted to give back by providing an opportunity [for an organization] to raise money for the new lodge by giving out our booths. But we understand.” Some volunteers have stepped forward, working the grounds north of Biggar, getting them ready and in shape. Volunteers can still get involved by contacting
But the reason we did it was to be able to host here. We’re always in everyone else’s community, it’s nice to host people here in our community, and show
Henrietta Parenteau (9482026), Monika Schultz (9517389), or Lisa Haynes (9482563). Local entries are to BJ Wolfe (948-3706). “It’s been a lot of work.
Brautigam)
them what we have to offer. The community sure stepped up to help us; we appreciated everything,” Schultz concluded.
Former MP collecting electronics to bring music to senior’s lives The “Music for Memories” program begins today in rural Saskatchewan. Recent studies have proven that Music Therapy can improve a senior citizen’s quality of life and former Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar MP Carol Skelton is asking for your help. Skelton is looking to collect gently used iPods, CD players, and mp3 players to provide music to seniors who may not be able to purchase a device of their own.
“We need to bring music into the lives of those who may not be able to afford it,” explained Skelton, “I can only imagine how this would have benefited my parents.” Music Therapy has been proven to improve the lives of seniors that are battling dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent viral video campaign, viewers were exposed to the miraculous effect that music can have on a patient who is normally described as
mute. Skelton feels that the opportunity is there to enrich Carol Skelton the lives of seniors in and around our province. Any gently used electronic device donation would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Skelton at (306) 656-2183.
Armed thief foiled in Biggar robbery
Red River Jig . . . Metis dancer and actor, Crystal Pederson leads kids at St. Gabriel School through a jig, Monday. The sashes on the head is a traditional part of the Metis lore - essentially, the longer you keep it perched atop, the more accomplished the dancer. Pederson had the kids up to speed in little time at all. Check out biggarindependent.ca this Wednesday for more photos! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
In the early morning on April 18, RCMP in Biggar were called to a business on Main Street in Biggar. The call was a robbery complaint where a male allegedly entered the business, demanded money and was in possession of knife. The male suspect fled the scene and was located at his residence soon after the investigation began. Police recovered the
stolen cash and weapon used in the alleged offence. Members from Biggar and Rosetown Detachment attended the scene of the arrest. Surrounding detachments were alerted immediately about the suspect vehicle and provided assistance by searching the immediate area. A 54 year old male from the Biggar area was arrested without incident.
Charged with the following offences is 54 year old Indrek Muursepp: Robbery; Disguise with i n t e n t ; Po s s e s s i o n o f Weapon for Dangerous Purpose; Possession of a Controlled Substance Over 30 Grams. Muursepp appeared in Provincial Court on Thursday, April 19 in North Battleford for his first appearance.