The Independent

Grabbing Air ... A pair of crows take flight east of Biggar, greeting the warming days of spring to come.

While seen as a bad omen, crows are often a a good sign of a healthy ecosystem. (Independent Photo by Kevin

Brautigam)

Vol. 112 No. 11

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

16 pages

$1.50

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THURSDAY,

22 -- THE BIGGAR,SK SK THE INDEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR,

While it wasn’t the hoped for fun and challenge of playing a rousing game of hockey, for most Biggar Minor Hockey players and coaches, getting on the ice was a break from the pandemic worries. With practices under restrictions, kids and coaches made the most of it, and give the coaches credit, they helped make it fun and rewarding.

Here’s to next season when we hopefully see everyone use what they’ve learned this year in full-on games!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Sun West Board of Education highlights The Sun West School Division Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 23 in Rosetown at the Sun West Learning Centre.

The board members who participated in person were appropriately physically distanced while others participated online.

Matters discussed and decided by the Board included: • The board set the agenda for its annual public meeting, which will be virtual and is scheduled for 7-8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16.

Highlights will include the following: • A presentation by Kevin Cameron, the Executive Director of the North American Centre for Threat Assessment and

Trauma Response. He is an entertaining and informative speaker who will discuss responses to the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to students, their families and schools; • A brief explanation

by Director of Education Randy Emmerson of Sun West’s Pandemic Response Plan and its alignment with the Education Plan’s priority areas of achievement, engagement and wellbeing; • A presentation about Promising Practices for Meaningful Family Engagement from McDowell Foundation research winners and Sun West teachers Carly Robson Gilchrist, Pamela Sawatzky and Amber Thompson.

The link to participate

in the Public Meeting will be posted on the Sun West Web site and distributed via e-mail and social media in the near future.

The Board passed a motion to authorize its annual application to the Ministry of Education for its highest prioritized major capital projects for funding purposes.

The Board reviewed the Ministry of Education’s Curriculum Advisory Committee information related to future curriculum design and planned for a longer review during the upcoming Committee of the Whole Meeting on March 9.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for March 23.

Thaw ... The frozen landscape is gradually melting as spring approaches.

Sloughs are slowly turning to bodies of water, and will soon become active wildlife hangouts. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Manufacturing shipments and housing starts show strong increases A Statistics Canada March 15 release on manufacturing shipments for January 2021 shows Saskatchewan sales were up 10.4

Music Festival goes virtual

by Jackie Zagoruy, President, BMFA The 93rd Annual Biggar Music Festival was held virtually March 8-13 at the Majestic Theatre.

Performers ages 6 -26 took to the stage and the performances were live streamed to the community via Zoom throughout the week. Everyone entering the theatre was masked as they entered the venue and the performers sat socially distanced inside the theatre while they waited for

their turns to sing or play an instrument. Cargill generously donated clear barriers so that singers could perform unmasked.

The barriers were appreciated and will be used again later this month by Public Health for vaccination clinics in Biggar.

Three professional adjudicators were in attendance. On Monday and Tuesday piano students were adjudicated

by Dianne Gryba. Mark Preece adjudicated the instrumentalists and BCS

2000 school bands on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday saw vocal performers adjudicated by Melissa Wood.

The Performers’ Concert was also held virtually at 7 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday night with 19 performances selected by the three adjudicators. The performances were live streamed to the community via Facebook music with teachers announcing the program.

Following the Perform-

ers’ Concert was a presentation of the Scholarships and Awards that were chosen by the adjudicators throughout the week of performances.

Trophies, plaques, medals, tickets, and scholarship certificates were sent home with performers and music teachers Saturday night.

Rose bowls bouquets were donated this year by Designs By Ann, Beautiful U Flowers, and Biggar Flower & Gifts.

See Page 6 for results.

per cent over last year, the second highest percentage increase among the provinces (seasonally adjusted).

Also, a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation release on urban housing starts for February 2021 shows Saskatchewan starts were up by 64.3 per cent over last February (seasonally unadjusted), the highest percentage increase when compared with the other provinces.

“Manufacturing shipments and housing starts are important indicators of economic performance, with both up substantially over the previous year,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jer-

emy Harrison said. “This shows Saskatchewan is in an enviable position for economic recovery coming out of the global COVID-19 pandemic in the months ahead.”

Significant increases in manufacturing sales came from wood products, as well as doubledigit gains in food manufacturing and in chemical products, on an annual basis. The value of manufacturing shipments in January 2021 was $1.28 billion.

Housing starts were up 55.0 per cent, to 93 starts, for single dwellings and 72.5 per cent, to 119 starts, for multiple units on a year-over-year basis.

Election for Reeve to be held in Glenside A new Reeve for the Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 will soon be named.

With the passing of former Reeve Elmer Dove this past January, three hopefuls have stepped forward for the position.

Current Division 3 councillor, Coady Dehr will be joined on the ballot by

Stanley Brodzki and Valerie Fossen. The winner will join current councillors Delmer Riley (Division 1), Allan Shakotoko (Division 2), Hugh Ross (Division 4) and Kim Custer (Division 5).

Election will be this April 7 with advance polls on March 31.

Bingo Numbers for

MARCH 18 Biggar Music Festival Rose Bowl winners, Larissa Raddysh, left, and Kolby Zagoruy were recognized for their talents at the annual gala. Larissa was Rose Bowl winner for vocal, while Kolby was instrumental and piano Rose Bowl winner. (Submitted Photo)

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Opinions HAVE A NICE DAY!

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Letters to the Editor: (more on page 6) Dear Editor, On Saturday I walked through part of the high school parking lot on my way to walk the loop of the Schmirler Park.

In that distance I picked up 27 dirty blue masks (yes, I wore gloves).

Sunday I walked to the park again and passed 15 masks on the ground.

Unfortunately I did not have my gloves with me

so those masks are still lying on the ground.

Please folks, take your masks home and dispose of them properly in your garbage. We do not have a HAZMAT team to go around behind you and pick up your masks. We just have concerned citizens who do so at their own risk.

Barbara-Ann deHaan Biggar

Dear Editor, This letter is in support of Ann Muc in her bid to have a park built where the outdoor skating rink now stands at the end of Third Avenue.

She has several valid points. This project would not be part of the revitalization plan for the town. In fact, this park was visualized 40 some years ago by a committee with some money left over when their community celebratioin was completed.

These people looked ahead and identified a need for a park in this area. They designated their excess funds for

that purpose. I’m thinking there would be a bank account somewhere with that money in it.

From my perspective, I can see many people in this area enjoing a place to sit outdoors. Perhaps there could even be entertainment at times.

The only consideration I would suggest would be some shelter from the sun, perhaps a gazebo.

This could be a “one summer” undertaking if the powers that be (read: elected representatives) decide to make it a priority.

Isla Solanik Biggar

Trudeau stumbles from one disaster to another

by Michael Taube After conducting job interviews for prospective employees, private-sector employers go through a vetting process before hiring someone.

Vetting an applicant involves (hopefully) a thorough background check to ensure the information provided was accurate and complete. This includes validating previous work experience, contacting references, and perhaps doing criminal record checks and requesting credit history, among other things.

If everything matches up, the employer has potentially found a good, qualified candidate. If minor details are missing, the candidate could be asked to fill in the blanks.

And if there are glaring holes, a prospective employer would know this candidate should be avoided at all costs.

Seems simple and straightforward.

the

But the federal government, which theoretically uses a similar vetting process, has struggled mightily in this regard as of late.

One of the worst political appointments in recent memory was Julie Payette as Canada’s governor-general. It was a disaster from start to finish.

Payette seemed uninterested in this ceremonial role. Her work ethic was suspect.

She never moved into Rideau Hall. She wasted the taxpayers’ money, including on plans for a $140,000 “private staircase” that never got built. Last July, the CBC reported 16 allegations of harassment, including instances of “abusive conduct.”

The final nail in the coffin occurred in January. An independent workplace review noted that Payette and her secretary Assunta Di Lorenzo created a “toxic environment”

at Rideau Hall. Fortythree staff members were interviewed, and troubling allegations of “yelling, screaming, aggressive conduct, demeaning comments and public humiliations” were reported.

After becoming the first governor-general to resign in disgrace, questions began to circulate: • Had Payette’s treatment of employees when she held other roles ever been investigated or redflagged?

• Were reports of harassment at Rideau Hall taken seriously?

• Was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made aware of these allegations?

• Most importantly, had a vetting process for Payette ever been conducted?

The Trudeau Liberals recently appointed an advisory panel to find a suitable new governor-general.

It remains to be seen who this panel – co-chaired

by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc (one of Trudeau’s close friends and allies) and interim clerk of the Privy Council Janice Charette – comes up with.

The federal government is also dealing with a remarkably similar situation with our military and the vetting process – or lack thereof.

Admiral Art McDonald served as chief of the defence staff for the Canadian Forces from Jan. 14 to Feb. 24. He stepped down after an allegation of sexual misconduct. An investigation is ongoing.

Ironically, Gen. Jonathan Vance, McDonald’s predecessor, also faces allegations of inappropriate behaviour with two female subordinates. One allegation was related to an ongoing relationship.

The other was related to a younger female soldier and dates back to 2012, three years before he

INDEPENDENT

Phone: 306-948-3344

Fax: 306-948-2133

Publications Mail Registrations No. 0008535 Published by THE INDEPENDENT PRINTERS LTD. and issued every Thursday at the office of publication, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan, S0K 0M0 Publishers - Dale and Trudy Buxton Editor - Kevin Brautigam Composition - Fallon Neugebauer

became defence chief.

Vance was appointed by the former Conservative government in July 2015.

What makes the Vance controversy eye-raising now is that Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan may have known something about one allegation.

Global News’s Amanda Connolly reported on March 3 that former military ombudsman Gary Walbourne recently told a House of Commons committee he brought this information to Sajjan’s attention during a 2018 meeting.

“I did tell the minister what the allegation was,” said Walbourne. “I reached into my pocket to show him the evidence I was holding. He pushed back from the table and said, ‘No.’ The minister didn’t want to see the evidence.”

A military ombudsman traditionally has no particular political axe to grind. That’s why this looks bad on the Liberal

government.

The same questions have begun: • Was Vance’s treatment of female subordinates ever investigated or redflagged?

• Were reports of sexual improprieties taken seriously?

• Was Sajjan made aware of one allegation and was Trudeau made aware of it?

• Most importantly, had a vetting process for Vance ever been conducted?

To paraphrase William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, to vet or not to vet?

That’s the question for the Liberal government.

They haven’t provided a good answer, and the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune may be forthcoming.

Michael Taube, a Troy Media syndicated columnist and Washington Times contributor, was a speechwriter for former prime minister Stephen Harper.

www.biggarindependent.ca

E-mail: tip@sasktel.net

P. O. Box 40 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

COPYRIGHT The contents of The Independent are protected by copyright. Reproduction of any material herein may be made only with the written permission of the publisher.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Biggar Independent invites the public to participate in its Letters to the Editor section. All letters must be signed.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Two Great Days Captain Day and my birthday!

Notable Notes Bob Mason

Captain Sherman Day and I holed up in a broken and busted down house during the Second World War. We spent the night there sleeping because of his cough, and that house was a bit small We moved up to Bad Zwesten the next evening.

A guide came to lead us in, telling us to camp anywhere ahead in the next half mile or so.

It was near the end of

the war in Europe and we were being extra careful!

Y.T. (Yours Truly) was the Company Signaller and we were moving up carefully.

Captain Day was in a good mood as we moved in, but he seemed a little concerned the more we moved.

“Do they know we are coming?” he asked.

“Yes,” I answered. “I sent a message to tell them we were coming, and they sent a man to guide us in!”

Nevertheless, he seemed a little more nervous as we moved up and as time went by.

He was near the end and he knew it! Sweat poured off his face. He took a step into the open and a shot from the Canadian

Group rang out, going through his heart!

“I’m finished,” he said, and fell down. The guide had led us to the wrong post!

That was May 4, 1945.

Captain Day had been in the army for a long time!

And who do we blame for the senseless mistake?

Being a self-centred type, I was going to write that my birthday was also coming up (May 8).

The thing was, we never planned on Captain Day being hit and killed, and I sure have remembered Captain Day ever since!

He had a family back home somewhere, and as I’ve mentioned, he had been in the army quite some time, but what a way to go out! Shot by one of our own men on

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M.

the last day before armistice! Everyone misses him, and how sad we all felt!

I was going to make a wisecrack about my birthday, but Captain Day being killed on the near to last day of the war in Europe by mebbe the last shot of the war ... I just can’t.

I can still remember Major Carl Zavitis bending over Day. “Back from a world of blood, Back from the rain-filled skies.

The Major knelt in the mud, And there were tears in his eyes!”

Remember!

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose 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 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose 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 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns

DIY strategies to deep-clean carpeting What’s underfoot in a home can go a long way toward making residences comfortable and aesthetically appealing.

A study of home buyer preferences found that 54 per cent of home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring. But that doesn’t mean that carpeting doesn’t still have its devotees. In 2019, a real estate firm installed nearly one million yards of carpeting in its homes.

It was reported that, in 2018, 17 per cent of renovating homeowners purchased carpets and 50 per cent purchased indoor rugs.

Carpeting and rugs can offset some of the shortcomings of hardwood, providing a softer texture that makes for a better landing spot for active young children. However, carpets will require more maintenance than hardwood floors. Learning how to deep clean carpets can help homeowners, as vacuuming is not enough to keep carpets in top form.

Spot clean stains Stores sell a bevy of carpet cleaning solutions. When applying such solutions, do so in an inconspicuous area of the room to ensure col-

orfastness of the carpet and that the solution does not adversely affect the fibres. If the spot is clean and the carpet is not adversely affected, you can then apply the solution to more visible areas.

Homeowners who prefer all-natural cleaning solutions rather than chemicals can use a solution of white vinegar, baking soda and salt to make a safe cleanser. Soak the stain, use a scrub brush to work in the cleanser and then blot up the liquid with a clean cloth.

Club soda also works as a cleanser when it is sprayed on a stain.

Deep cleaning Carpets periodically need to be revitalized, and that can be accomplished with a specialized cleaning machine. Many are available for purchase (a good investment for homeowners with kids and/or pets), while others can be rented as needed.

Remove all of the furniture from a room and vacuum to clean dust, dander and any other debris.

Address any darker stains first by pre-treating with a cleaning solution. Let sit for around 20 minutes.

While waiting, learn how to operate the machine, fill it and clean out the

soiled water. Never allow the machine to over saturate the carpet with water, as it can get into the padding and subfloor, causing problems like mould or wood damage. Spray the water-detergent solutions, and then pass the carpet cleaner over spots repeatedly until the carpet feels only slightly damp. It is advised to run the machine at the pace of one foot per second.

Removing shoes when entering the home can keep carpets clean and reduce wear and tear.

With frequent deep cleaning, carpets can maintain a like-new appearance for years.

1/4 Page

NOTICE OF POLL The Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 By-Election 2021.

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that: (1) A by-election will be held for the office of Reeve for the Rural Municipality, on Wednesday, April 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Candidates: Coady Dehr Valerie Fossen Stanley Brodzki (2) The advance poll will take place on Wednesday, the 31st day of March, 2021, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(3) Both polls to be held at: R.M. of Glenside Office 113 6th Ave E, Biggar, SK. Dated at Biggar, this 15th day of March, 2021.

Learning how to deep clean carpets can help homeowners, as vacuuming is not enough to keep carpets in top form.

Joanne Fullerton Returning Officer

**Election results will be declared Thursday, April 8th, at 11:00 a.m. at the R.M. office located at 113 6th Ave E in Biggar, SK.**

Cost of notice $169.00 plus gst

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Letters to the Editor: (Continued from page 4) Dear Editor, “Three kinds of lies . . .

Lies, damned Lies, and statistics.” - Mark Twain Where there is billions of dollars and politics involved, statistics are warped and contorted to sway public opinion.

Anti-gun advocates fudge facts and numbers to the max. One example was when Bill Clinton claimed that 13 children died of gun violence everyday in America when actually it was 1.7.

He had included gangshootings!

Back in 1999 a 6 year old walked into a Michigan classroom with a loaded handgun and shot and killed 5 year old Kayla Robbins. The ensuing outcry had the media convinced that handguns should be banned. But the fact was, that little boy who shot Kayla lived in a crack-house run by his career-criminal uncle who had several out-

standing warrants for his arrest! The boys father was in jail and his crackaddicted mother was out of the picture.

It is a well known fact any country or state that allows responsible citizens to carry a gun have far fewer incidents of random gun crimes and shootings. Britain and Australia are prime examples.

Peter Worthington, in an article in the Toronto Sun stated, “Criminals break the laws and gun laws apply only to people who don’t.”

Worthington has been an advocate for Richard Poes book: ‘The Seven Myths of Gun Control.’

That should be required reading.

A Gallup Poll back in October 2013 found that 74 per cent of Americans opposed banning handguns. They believed that if more responsible people carried a gun, most

random mass shootings would have been prevented.

In his speech to the American public on December 21, 2012, NRA Vice-president Wayne LaPierre made clear; “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun!”

Common sense. On July 16, 2001 the BBC News reported: “A new study suggests ethe use of handguns in crime rose 40 per cent in the two years after they were banned.

The report suggests that despite the restrictions the use of handguns in crime is rising.

So are we the people of Canada going to lie down and let our government take our guns? Because if we do, we will lose much much more! “For evil to prevail, good men need do nothing!” - Edmond Burk.

Ross Himgston Landis

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M.

Dear Editor, Hello, I hope you are doing well. My name is Anna de Bussac, and while I am not a resident of Biggar, my parents were born and raised there. We still have many familial ties there, which is why we are subscribed to your newspaper.

While reading the paper that was issued on March 4, I noticed a particularly concerning Letter to the Editor from Marjorie Fortney, discussing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This letter was skeptical of public health measures that exist to keep us all safe: some examples of false ideals include that we are returning to the “Dark Ages” because many are following public guidelines, that masks “limit our supply of oxygen”, and that proper measures to prevent against catching the disease include having an optimistic outlook on life and a trust in God. The section also shows sympathy for a Christian pastor that is currently being held in prison as a result of hosting a ser-

vice, calling it “freedom of worship”. While I am sympathetic to those trying to practice their faith during these difficult times, the editorial calls for attendance of churches to not be limited, which is irresponsible. Services of worship have been able to occur in safe ways, such as limited numbers and online services, but having services with a full attendance puts the parishioners and their acquaintances in danger.

The pastor was charged because he was endangering lives, not because he was being oppressed as Marjorie seems to imply.

As I am writing this, on March 11, according to the Governor of Canada’s official Web site, there have been a total of 899,757 cases and 22,371 deaths. In Saskatchewan, according to our government’s Web site, there have been 30,193 cases and 401 deaths. Based on the amount of people who have either fallen ill or died in Canada and Saskatchewan, it is deeply troubling that you would allow these incorrect allegations to be given a plat-

form in your paper. It’s insulting to the all those who have been affected by this deadly disease, such as those infected, their loved ones, and the health care workers keeping our population safe. I ask you to consider more carefully what ideas you platform in the future, and at bare minimum to publish a rebuttal in an upcoming edition.

In conclusion, I am aware that Section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms does establish the right to freedom of expression, so Marjorie Fortney is allowed to express these ideas. However, section 1 of the Charter does also establish that reasonable limits can be placed if they are justified in a free and democratic society.

I think that these limits can include the deplatforming of incorrect and harmful ideas. I am also allowed the right to freedom of expression, so I can criticize the platforming of these beliefs as well.

Thank you for your time, Anna de Bussac

2021 BIGGAR MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS Instrumental: 1. Biggar Music Festival Association, Trophy and $50, Main Street Market Scholarship - Best Brass; Annika Hadden.

2. Biggar & District Music Festival, Trophy & H&R Block $50 Scholarship Best Woodwind; Cassandra Raschke.

3. Duperow Co-op, $50 Scholarship - Best Guitar; Reid Silvernagle.

4. Carl and Trish Nicholls, $75 Scholarship - excellence in performance; Cassandra Raschke.

5. BCS2000 SCC, $50 Scholarship to a band member displaying a positive attitude, dedication and enthusiasm for performance. (The recipi-

ent of this scholarship was chosen by the BCS 2000 Band Director, Miss Amy Klippenstein) ; Cassandra

Raschke.

6. Festival Association, Band Plaque and Biggar & District Credit Union $100 Scholarship - Band displaying most musicianship and enthusiasm in performance; BCS2000 Senior Band.

9. Festival Association, Silver Medals for honorable mention; Presented to Bella Baroni, Taylor Singer & Vialexis Santiago.

10. Biggar and District Arts Council, Stars for Saskatchewan Series Tickets (valued at $80 each) for honorable mention of dedicated band students; Presented to Claire Mantyka, Braxton Zagoruy & Davin Dehr.

11. The Biggar Majestic Theatre, Movie Passes for showing merit; awarded to Teagan McLeod Vocal: 1. Biggar Pharmasave, Trophy and $100 Scholarship for Most Promising in Vocal; Kalaen DhilStevenot.

2. deHaan, Trophy and $50 Scholarship - Most Promising Vocalist, 12 years and under; Jacob Delmoro.

3. Biggar and District Ministerial Association, $100 Scholarship, Best Sacred Music 12 and under; Larissa Raddysh.

4. Biggar and District Ministerial Association, $100 Scholarship, Best Sacred Music 13 and over; Ava Barber.

5. Spirit of Broadway, Plaque & $50 scholarships (sponsored by Dale and Sherry Martin) - Solo or Duet best reflecting enjoyment in performing and on merit of staging and costume but not necessarily first in class; Pre-

sented by Sherry Martin to Abigail Dowson.

6. Anonymous donation, of a $50 Scholarship Most Promising Student Accompanist in Vocal section; Kolby Zagoruy.

7. New Creation Community Players, $50 Scholarship - Musical Theatre; Ella Barber.

8. Carl & Trish Nicholls, $50 Scholarship - Individual Verse; Presented to Malia Hadden.

9. Anonymous, $50 Scholarship - soloist performance of merit of contemporary/ pop/jazz music; Larissa Raddysh.

10. John & Helen Zagoruy, $50 scholarship; Reid Silvernagle.

11. SMFA, $25 Centennial Award for Saskatchewan Music; Presented to Ava Barber.

12. Music Festival Association, Silver Medals for honorable mention; Presented to Michael Gallardo & Christopher Stephens.

13. Biggar & District Arts Council, Stars for Saskatchewan Series Tickets for honorable mention; Annika Hadden, Jaxon Leschinski, & Abigail Donahue.

Junior Piano: 1. Carl and Trish Nicholls, $75 Scholarship - 9 years

and under; Drew Fick.

2. Meszaros Chiropractic, $25 Scholarship for Canadian Music; Blake Dearing.

3. Anonymous, $50 Scholarship for performance of merit of contemporary/ pop/jazz music; Reid Silvernagle.

4. Independent Printers, $25 Scholarship; Brieann Singer.

5. Festival Association, Silver Medals for honorable mention; Presented to Nathan Deutchoua, Gracie Moody, & Presley Steeg.

6. Biggar & District Arts Council, Stars for Saskatchewan Series Tickets for honorable mention presented to Addison Mohlberg, Heidi Kramer & Charlotte Heuchert.

Intermediate Piano: 1. Festival Association, Gold Medal for Excellence in Bach - 16 years and under; To Kyra Sittler.

2. Christina Paul Memorial, $50 Scholarship; To Nelson Heuchert.

3. Wallis Memorial, $ 100 Scholarship; to Korina Medancic.

4. Linda Belak, $50 Scholarship; Presented to Taylor Singer.

5. Combined, $50 Charlie deBussac Memorial

Scholarship and Knights of Columbus, $50 Scholarship - Best Intermediate Piano Duet; Presented to Brieann & Taylor Singer.

6. Music Festival Association, Silver Medals for honorable mention; Presented to Alyssa Hyland, Tyra Suter, & Ethan Hyland.

7. Biggar & District Arts Council, Stars for Saskatchewan Series Tickets for honorable mention; Valeria Sanchez, Ella Barber & Ava Barber.

Intermediate piano students, receiving recommendation to attend Provincial Competition; Kolby Zagoruy, Emily Rempel, Kyra Sittler.

Piano - Open 1. A.G. Davidson Award and Brent & Jackie Zagoruy, $100 Scholarship Excellence in Piano; Presented to Kyra Sittler.

2. deMoissac Jeweller’s, Trophy and Molberg $50 Scholarship - Most Promising in Piano; Presented to Kyra Sittler.

3. Wayne & Tracy Dollansky, $50 Scholarship for Sight Reading and Quick Study; Presented to Kolby Zagoruy.

4. John & Helen Zagoruy, $50 Scholarship; Presented to Emily Rempel.

5. SMFA, Centennial Award of $25 for Saskatchewan Music; Presented to Emily Rempel.

General - Open 1. Louise Soullet Hawkins, $75 Scholarship and the Louise Back Trophy for Excellence in Bach grade 9 and over. Any discipline; Presented by to Kolby Zagoruy.

2. Buckberger, Baerg & Partners, $50 Scholarship - Own Composition; Presented to Kolby Zagoruy.

3. Katja Meszaros Memorial, $50 Scholarship Own composition; Presented to Kera Savostianik.

RoseBowl Winners - For excellence in individual performance INSTRUMENTAL Music Festival Association Rose Bowl and $200 Tom Meszaros Memorial Award; Presented to Kolby Zagoruy.

VOCAL - Music Festival Association Rose Bowl and $200 Biggar & District Credit Union Scholarship; Presented to Larissa Raddysh PIANO - Music Festival Association Rose Bowl and $200 Karen East Memorial Scholarship; Presented to Kolby Zagoruy

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

Topsy turvy world of ag

Agriculture Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels When it comes to any agriculture commodity there is an ebb and flow to production levels, typically tied to returns.

When prices are higher, producers up production to try and grab a piece of the better returns.

When you are looking at cereal grains, oilseeds and pulse crops, the ebb and flow results in more, or less, acres planted, which of course reflects in overall production.

On the livestock side of things, increasing production means keeping more females to produce offspring, and when you want to reduce production you send some of the producing females to market.

Of course the ups and downs in production are typically relatively shortlived, as prices tend to react to production in an opposite fashion.

Increased farm production sends a message to markets there is a greater supply, and prices tighten, which in turn tell farmers to reduce supply.

So when Statistics Canada releases numbers in terms of livestock herds, or crop acreages, increases and declines are the norm, and while they help farmers formulate plans, if you see a big increase in numbers, you might want to hold off expansion in that area because you can see prices may be declining in response to bigger production, the more telling numbers are in long term trends.

For example when Statistics Canada released the 2020 livestock inventory March 1, a one per cent decline in the Canadian cow herd, all of the decline in the West as numbers actually inched higher in the East, was not extremely significant past maybe sending some market inklings to producers.

Far more telling is that the one per cent drop in the national cattle herd is part of a general decline that has been happening since 2005.

When numbers have generally moved lower for 16 years it is a trend and one that will not eas-

ily be turned around in a significant way.

The situation suggests some producers have simply quit the cattle business, and depending on location, their land base may well be in grain production now, meaning fences have been pulled up, and the likelihood of cattle ever returning slim.

Once a fence gets pulled it takes a serious shift in agronomics over a period of time to see the investment of putting it back as worthwhile.

The question then becomes what the long term decline means?

It would suggest the consumer looks to beef less often these days. If demand was steady production rarely declines.

It may also mean those wanting a good steak will see regularly higher prices. Lower supplies tend to push up end product prices.

It also likely suggests cattle production is moving back to the fringe lands best-suited to grazing, with land where crops can reasonably be grown are being planted.

And, certainly the trend of cattle numbers will be one producers and consumers will want to watch in the years ahead.

Regal Motors

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Our constituency office is here to assist with government services and programs.

Please contact us by phone or email to maintain social distancing.

Call the HealthLine - 811 if you are experiencing symptoms and require medical advice For the latest information on COVID-19 visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 Public inquiries may be emailed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca For general not health-specific inquires related to COVID-19 call 1-855-559-5502 The Business Response Team can be reached at 1-844-800-8688, emailing support for business@gov.sk.ca or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses Information on support for workers who have had their employment impacted by the current economic situation is found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-workers

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1/4 Page

8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

The Saskatchewan Traveller

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by Trudy and Dale Buxton Continuing up the road we come to the community of Radisson.

Radisson was named after Pierre-Esprit Radisson, an explorer who was instrumental in the creation of the Hudson’s Bay Company. It has a population of a little over 600 people and is a full service community enjoying many benefits of a small community while having access to both North Battleford and Saskatoon.

Radisson became a community in the early 1900’s with the first stores going up in 1903.

The boom of the village came in 1905 with the arrival of the railroad, at least 65 buildings were built in that year. It was incorporated as a town in 1913.

Radisson has an excellent craft show and trade fair each fall that brings out many, this follows the traditional fowl supper which brings out most in the community.

If you are looking for something unique there is a shop called the Sesula Mineral and Gem, that exhibits over 1,500 rocks, gems, fossils and minerals from around the world. The museum also has Canada’s only baby T.rex.

Radisson offers many residents and visitors and excellent variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities all year round.

If you are looking for a good little place to eat then look no further than the Red Bull Restaurant, which is a favourite spot for motorcycle enthusi-

asts that travel the short distance from Saskatoon or North Battleford looking for lunch or supper.

Next up on our journey is the community of Maymont.

Maymont was named for Mary Montgomery who was the niece to William MacKenzie, who had built the CNR line through the area in 1905.

He couldn’t name the village Montgomery because it was already taken so he used the first part of her first name and last part of her last name to make the the Maymont.

Maymont’s population is around 150 residents and like many of other communities Maymont was established because

of the rail lines. The main economy is the agriculture industry with rich farmland all around the community.

Maymont is also on the intersection of Highway 376 which will take you south down to Sonningdale and beyond.

Close by is the Glenburn Regional Park, that offers walking trails that are accessible to canoes, kayaks and paddleboats.

The trails are wheelchair accessible and provide beauty along the river.

Did you know that the territory of Western Canada was formerly known as “Ruperts Land” by the early explorers.

Stay tuned for more adventures.

Legion Masks

It pays to belong!

Biggar & District Credit Union Board of Directors has declared a 5% dividend for 2020.

That means $361,769 will be paid back to our members!

KƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƵŶŝŽŶ͘

Last year, Biggar, Landis and Perdue areas received almost $108,850 in support from the Biggar & District Credit Union.

Help supporting the Legion Only $10.00

1 THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Saskatoon companies providing masks and face shields for schools The Government of Saskatchewan is purchasing an additional four million medical grade disposable masks and 30,000 face shields from two Saskatoon companies.

This is the fourth order of PPE supplies the province has provided directly to Saskatchewan schools.

“Our government is committed to providing teachers, students and school staff continued access to personal protective equipment from locally based companies,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. “We will continue working with our school communities to ensure they have the supplies needed to

keep students, staff and families safe.”

School divisions will receive these additional supplies by mid-march.

The medical grade disposable masks will be shipped directly to school divisions by Innovation Safety Supply. This additional order will support school divisions in ensuring all students and staff have daily access to masks for the remainder of the school year.

This new mask order is in addition to the 12.4 million disposable and 210,000 reusable masks that have already been provided to school divisions and independent schools this school year.

The face shields, from Saskatoon-based company Benchmark Personal Protective Equipment, will continue to ensure that all classroom based staff have access to a face shield. This new order of face shields is in addition to the more than 46,000 that have already been provided to school divisions and independent schools.

These supplies are being purchased using the $10 million allocated to the Ministry of Education by the provincial COVID19 contingency fund for the purchase of PPE for schools.

Asquith Council news for March 2021 Asquith Town Council held its regular council meeting on March 10.

Attending were Mayor Gail Erhart, Councillors, Jackie Stobbe, Cecilia Mryglod, Jeff Eide, Wade Monks-Janzen, Jodi Nehring, and Darcy Stack.

Also attending was CAO Kathy Picketts and Foreman Darren Kraft. The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.

A resolution was made to accept the council minutes from the February 10 regular council meeting.

Council made a motion to accept the February 2021 financials and February 2021 bank reconciliations as presented to them at the meeting.

Accounts Paid in the amount of $18,538.83 and Accounts Payable of $40,815.38 were accepted as presented.

The Town of Asquith purchased a 2019 Deere Tractor/Loader, for $122.804.22, to replace a much older tractor for which maintenance was

having a difficult time acquiring parts for.

If you have changed your phone number, please contact the Asquith Town Office to update. Often this office must contact individuals regarding water disruptions and an updated number is not available.

In 2021 the entire province is again having a revaluation of all assessments. This occurs every four years, as a result every property owner will be receiving an assessment notice. An information sheet will be included with your assessment.

Council has passed amendment bylaws to Bylaw No. 5-2015 and Bylaw No. 6-2015. As a result of these bylaws being amended, the old firehall/museum zoning will be changed from commercial to residential.

Did you know……that if you take out a building permit, the onus is on the property owner to contact

Working with the local communities, Mid-Sask helps address the needs of local business through: • A combination of localized long range strategic planning • Counseling and business development • Financial assistance up to $150,000 to small, medium sized business and entrepreneurs Mid-Sask Community Futures 500 Progress Avenue, Box 176 Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 P: 306-867-9566 Fax: 306-867-9559 https://cfsask.ca/mid-sask

the building inspector to make a final inspection and to close the permit.

Failure to do so results in your permit being left open and as such could pose a real problem for you should you decide to sell your property. If you are not sure whether your permit was finalized or closed, please feel free to contact the Asquith Town Office.

Spring is here and of course with spring comes issues of water and drainage. It is suggested that all residents ensure that there are no ice dams on their roof tops and that their eavestroughs are working correctly and that they are pointed away from the foundation of the home.

May 2021 will be a Census of Population.

1/4 Page

Campbell Accounting Services Rod Campbell, CMA, CPA

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS * Over 25 years experience * We handle: - Corporate Tax Returns - Personal Tax Returns - Estate Tax Returns - Farm Books Accounting - Monthly Payroll - GST & PST Filings - Consulting - Training

Due to COVID-19 please call Jen at 306-948-4460 to make an appointment or leave your documents in our Office dropbox at the New Horizons Building

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our farmers and remind everyone how important it is to practice safety as we head into another busy growing season”

Jim Reiter, M.L.A.

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency 215 Main St., Rosetown Monday-Friday, 9 - 5 p.m.

Phone: 306-882-4105 Toll Free: 1-855-762-2233 Email: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

Correction

Our apologies for the errors in the March 11 issue.

1/4 Pa

10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

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Sports

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

Leafs giving hope to long-suffering fans

Penton on sports Bruce Penton

Municipal planners in Toronto are getting an early start on arranging the Stanley Cup parade route, which will be held shortly after the Maple Leafs win their first National Hockey League title since 1967.

“We don’t want to get caught off guard,” said one of the organizers.

“We want to give our long-suffering fans plenty of advance notice about where they will be able to view their hockey heroes go by.

“We also expect Prime Minister Trudeau will want to have the Leaf team visit Parliament, and we expect he may want to give out a few Order of Canadas, too, depending on who scores

the winning goal, et cetera.”

One day, the Leafs appear to be for real. The next, they look like the same ol’ Leafs that have endured a Stanley Cup drought since 1967.

Runaway leaders in the Scotia North Division, the Leafs got off to one of the best Western road trip starts imaginable in late February and early March. They skated into Edmonton, playing the high-powered Oilers three times in four nights, and not only won all three, but they won them with a combined score of 13-1.

Oh, by the way, coach Sheldon Keefe was without his best player, Auston Mathews, for the first two of those games, and used three different goaltenders - Jack Campbell in the opener; Michael Hutchinson in the middle game; and No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen in the finale.

But when one sees Dr. Jekkyl, you know Mr. Hyde is not far behind.

Four losses in five games followed, two in Vancouver and two of three games at home versus Winnipeg. Parade plans, however, continued unabated. If nothing

else, Toronto fans are true beLeafers.

Toronto is getting scoring from all four of its lines, but is led by Mitch Marner and Matthews, both rolling along at better than a point per game.

John Tavares and William Nylander are also among the league leaders. Playing surprisingly effective roles are veterans Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton.

At one point, Toronto’s winning percentage was closing in on the .800 mark, considered either a) remarkable; or b) indicative of a weak division. Winnipeg, Edmonton and Montreal are also generally regarded as Stanley Cup contenders, so for the Leafs to dominate as they did through the first half bodes well for the rest of the season and the playoffs.

The millions of Leafs’ fans across the country are starting to get giddy, thinking about the championship possibilities and for the first time in a long while, their enthusiasm has genuine merit. As for that parade, organizers say it’ll start on Yonge Street and work its way ...

• Mike Bianchi of the

Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel, after Nets guard James Harden - who forced a trade out of Houston said he hoped Rocket fans would show him ‘some love’ upon his recent return: “Yes, James, and I hope to have a pouffy head of hair like Bruno Mars, a sculpted physique like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and the entrepreneurial skills of Jeff Bezos, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “In honour of the (competitive curling season), the top five curling rock acts: 5. Kiss; 4. Crowded House; 3. Ice-T; 2. The Jam; 1. The Rolling Stones.”

• Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade, on animal rights activists’ opposition to declaring rodeo to be Alberta’s national sport: “They figure if you’re

going to pay homage to a bunch of big, dumb animals that work for no more than eight seconds a day, why not the Calgary Flames?”

• Rob Vanstone of the Regina Leader-Post, on Twitter, after it was announced the XFL, fronted by Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, and the CFL were planning preliminary talks about a potential working arrangement: “Today’s news demonstrates that the CFL is caught between a Rock and a hard place.”

• Lou Brown, on Twitter, trying to analyze on-course woes of Rory McIlroy: “Rory needs to ditch his Peloton, his selfhelp reading list and his Trackman and get back to his roots. Because right now, he looks like Hendrix trying to read sheet music.”

• Headline at the theonion.com: “Duke Basket-

ball Attempts To Lure Bronny James By Offering To Help Family With Rent, Utilities” • Headline at fark.com: “Texas Rangers to open Globe Death Field at full capacity of 40,000 for season opener.”

• Gary Bachman, via Facebook, on Russian bodybuilder Kirill ‘Popeye’ Tereshin facing a bunch of surgical repairs after injecting his arms with petroleum jelly to make his muscles bulge: “Wouldn’t it have been much safer just to eat lots of spinach?”

• Patti Dawn Swansson again, on the remarkably intact, first-century chariot unearthed in Italy: “Although they don’t know what to make of the Tom Brady rookie card stuck in the spokes.”

Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.

New Jersey man sued company over mail

Nicholas Carreta, 47, of Bergen County sued New York based prank company after what he received in the mail. He alleged that they sent a chocolate penis, a glitter bomb, and other unwanted packages.

Carretta felt that the things sent to him from R&D Promos, aka Ruin Days, were meant to shock, offend, and frighten him. The company sent him “multiple unsolicited, obscene and harmful packages” over the course of 18 months.

Ruin Days is a company out of Queens New York that allows its customers to send the most obnoxious of things including glitter bombs, imitation feces, bags of dirt and other annoying pranks to unsuspecting recipients.

“We ruin your enemy’s day …” the literature states.

Carretta received a chocolate penis in the mail in May 2019 while he was at work in his office at Fair Law. The package was “designed to disguise the true nature of its contents,” states the suit, which was filed last month in Superior Court of Bergen County.

He claims upon opening the package containing the fake penis that he had “suffered fear, apprehension, harm and emotional distress.” In November 2020, he got a spring-loaded glitter bomb that exploded in his face, according to the lawsuit.

“Carretta opened the package (and) the glitter bomb exploded in his face, causing glitter to strike him with force in the eyes, nose, and mouth,” the suit states. The glitter became “lodged in Mr. Carretta’s clothing,

as well as a nearby desk, files and carpet,” the suit states.

Carretta received mail addressed to “Fat Midget” with chocolate imitation feces. He said he was frightened and shocked, “and offended that the package of chocolate imitation feces came in contact with his body.”

The lawsuit claims assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress, negligence and conspiracy.

Also, the lawsuit names an unidentified John Doe who allegedly ordered and sent the products.

Carretta is seeking $75,000, along with court fees and post-judgment interest, and neither company R&D Promotions nor Ruin Days have responded in regards to commenting on the lawsuit.

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12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

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TROY MAY, owner/operator

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Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca

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Passport & Firearm e Info: For More Info:

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Business & Professional …

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

DB SAFETY SERVICE 1ST AID TRAINING

1st Aid training on-line or classroom. $120 Re-Certs $85 Canadian Red Cross For More Info:

dale@dtjssb.ca or

951-7700 948-3344

REAL ESTATE

Shoreline Realty

Cari Perih ®

REALTOR

Cell: 306-948-7995 Office: 306-867-8380 carip@remax.net

www.SoldbyCari.ca homesforsale@soldbycari.ca

Acres of Expertise.

Dave Molberg

Farm & Acreage Salesperson (306) 948-4478 dave.molberg@hammondrealty.ca HammondRealty.ca

BIGGAR INDEPENDENT BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 306-948-3344 tip@sasktel.net SUBSCRIPTION RATES…per year ONLINE… $40.00 + $2.00 gst = $42.00 Inside 40-mile Radius… $45.00 + $2.25 gst = $47.25 Outside 40-mile Radius… $50.00 + $2.50 gst = $52.50

a break where you can or relax and decompress for Thanks Urla a951-7700 change, Gemini. Maybe 948-3344 you can use it as an opportunity to be introspective and forward-thinking.

ing but you may not be in the mood to do the receiving. Don’t isolate for too long, as support from others is important and beneficial.

What’s on your mind ?

Send your comments or concerns to

tip@sasktel.net or Drop a note off at 122 Main Street

All letters need to be addressed by the person sending the concern. Don’t be shy let us be your voice.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK-13

LIBRA – Sept 23/ Oct 23

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Do not fight the thoughts or feelings that are running through you this week, Libra. Some may not pan out, but something may come through that sets a new course for you.

Capricorn, even though you have a solid game plan in place, you may experience a few challenges along the way. Use these experiences to learn from your mistakes.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Sometimes you can be a bit vague when it comes to relationships, Scorpio. Be clear about your intentions if you are thinking of getting into a new relationship.

This week you may have a conversation with someone who opens your eyes to entirely new possibilities, Aquarius. Embrace this exciting time.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

PISCES – Feb 19/ Mar 20

Learning how to read other people’s emotions can help you learn to interact with and support those around you, Sagittarius.

Practice your skills of perception.

Don’t avoid conflict at all costs, Pisces. Rather, learn effective ways to face any and all events that come your way. You’ll be more well-rounded.

14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Lentils:

BIGGAR INDEPENDENT ONLINE

PEDIGREED SEED FOR SPRING 2021

Peas: HRS Wheat:

SWS Wheat: Canaryseed:

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, 1/4 Page etc.

Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

CDC Simmie CL (red) New CDC Impulse CL (red) CDC Lima CL (lg.green) New CDC Peridot CL (french green) CDC Marble (french green) CDC Lewochko (yellow) New CDC Forest (green) AAC Wheatland VB New AAC Starbuck VB New AAC Alida VB AAC Brandon AC Andrew CDC Bastia

NAKONECHNY SEEDS

RUTHILDA, SASK.

(306) 932-7771

WHERE QUALITY COMES FIRST!!

FOR SALE BY TENDER

www.biggarindependent.ca

FEED & SEED

Heavy Duty Mechanics required: Late model, clean CAT, JD equip; winch, dump, gravel trucks, and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

The Rural Municipality of Eagle Creek No. 376 is accepting bids on the following: • •

1972 Ford Firetruck 1985 Chev single axel dump truck

R.M. of Eagle Creek No. 376 Box 278 Asquith, Sask.

S0K 0J0 Or rm376eaglecreek@xplornet.ca Or 306-237-4294 (fax) Highest or any bid not necessarily accepted.

Tenders will be accepted before May 11, 2021.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction )V_ (YIVYÄLSK :R : , ( " Fax: 306-769-8844 ,THPS! brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

CERTIFIED SEED WHEAT

GO EARLY, PINTAIL. OATS AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY, SO1 SUPER OAT.

Interested persons may submit a bid tender to:

BARLEY

AMISK, BUSBY, CONLON, CDC AUSTENSON, CDC MAVERICK, CERVEZA, SUNDRE. PEAS AAC PEACE RIVER (VERY EARLY YELLOW), CDC HORIZON (FORAGE), POLISH CANOLA, 1/4 Page SPRING TRITICALE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

Biggar Rural District Fire Association Cost of notice $89.00 plus gst ATV For Tender 2019 TEXTRON/ARCTIC CAT ALTERRA 700 EFI Color: Dark Blue Odometer: 212 miles VIN:4UF19ATVXKT200675 Accessories: x Power Steering x Front Bumper x Rear Bumper x Metal Fender Racks x Fresh Service Completed

FOR SALE: 2015 VOLVO and 2017 grain bulker B-train.

For more info phone 306-338-7006.

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306649.1405 for details.

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $50,000 Lump sum refund.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE?

The Blanket Classifieds are a great place to advertise your livestock for sale.

51 local community newspapers Delivered into over 450 communities Circulation of over 450,000 Pricing starts at just $209.00 Reaching the people of Saskatchewan like no other medium can.

306-649-1405 Classified@swna. com www.swna.com

1-844-453-5372

Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Sealed tenders will be accepted by email – rm347@sasktel.net; mail – Box 280 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 or hand delivered to the RM office – 201A-2nd Ave. West Biggar by April 7th, 2021 4:00 p.m.

Tenders will be opened at the Thursday April 8th, 2021 Fire Association meeting.

Semi-retired or retired this job is for you!

Competitive salary, all expenses & mileage paid, health spending account and pension plan. We provide extensive training using our industry leading crop hail adjusting program.

Email: dtiefenbach@smhi.ca for application form and job overview.

306-569-1852 ext 170.

5:30 p.m. at the Biggar Town Office. The report of the auditor will be presented and remarks from the Board of Directors.

All interested persons are invited to attend.

Put on your TV Ears and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-888-802-0141

FOR RENT Central Park Place

has apartments for seniors available in Biggar Call 948-3901 0r 948-7824

Charter/ Sherwood Apartments in Biggar

Expert Help:

CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2021 hail season.

(July - October)

MONDAY MARCH 29, 2021 The Annual Meeting of the Biggar&District Community Foundation,

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

Currently accepting applications for

MEETING NOTICE

AUCTIONS WARD’S & BUD HAYNES FIREARMS AUCTION, Saturday, April 24th, Edmonton, AB. Online Bidding, Live Preview April 23rd.

WardsAuctions. com. Consign Now. Brad Ward 780-940-8378.

1 or 2 bedroom, heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite system, laundry facilities, appliances, some suites with dishwashers, air conditioning, parking with plug-ins.

For more information call: Risa Management at 306-665-2300 or Andre at 306831-4430 Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 844-4493547

Deadline for Classifieds is Monday at 5 p.m.

Independent Classifieds

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

OBITUARIES

ST. GABRIEL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Michael Bernard Baroni September 15, 1942 – March 12, 2021 It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our father Michael Bernard Baroni who passed away peacefully in the long-term care facility in Biggar on March 12, 2021 at the age of 78.

He is survived by his daughter Tina and her children Kevin, Kaitlyn and Karissa; his daughter Lana (Dan) and his son Marty (Destiny) and his children Hailey and Isabella.

Michael was predeceased by his wife Louise (Stang) and his parents Martino and Gertrude.

He is also survived by numerous family members and friends.

109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar

Michael was born in Neepawa, Manitoba and moved to Calgary, Alberta when he was twelve. He married Louise on May 22, 1965 and upon retirement moved to Kerrobert, Saskatchewan.

After Louise’s death in 2012, Michael moved to Biggar, Saskatchewan.

We will miss his smile and giggle he had for everyone he knew.

There will be a private family graveside service on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Donations in memory of Michael may be made to the Alzheimer Society, 1405 Faulkner Crescent, Saskatoon SK S0K 0M0.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.

Please email resumes to: biggargolfclub@outlook.com and state what position you are applying for.

Application deadline: April 9, 2021 TOWN OF BIGGAR is now accepting applications for the following seasonal position: Recreation Maintenance - Cemetery: This is a position within the Recreation Department. Most of the time will be spent at the cemetery. It will include grass cutting and trimming, and will also include filling in sunken graves, removal of dead trees, pruning trees, aligning headstones, levelling areas, and other general maintenance. Ability to operate small equipment is an asset.

Must have valid driver’s license.

For more Information on duties and wages contact Erin at the Town Office, 306-948-3317 or recreation@townofbiggar.com Deadline for all resumes: March 25, 2021 or until filled.

Apply to: Biggar and District Recreation Board P.O. Box 1360 Biggar, SK, S0K 0M0 Fax: (306) 948-5134 Email: recreation@townofbiggar.com The Town of Biggar wishes to thank all prospective candidates; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

3!452$!9 -!33 4)-% s P M SUNDAY MASS TIME s A M

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH, Landis 35.$!9 -!33 4)-% s A M

Due to the pandemic, Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans worship services are online until further notice. For pastoral services, or to be included in online worship, please phone Cindy Hoppe at 9482947 or John Bennett at 948-2852.

BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.

312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar

Annie is survived by her three children: Gwen, Viola (Gary), and Robert (Nellie); brother Fred; grandchildren; Ryan, Hawk (Kalin), Vicki, Eleanor (Blaine) and Amanda; great grandchildren Ethan, Scarlette and Athena, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Annie was predeceased by her parents Demian and Emma, husband Alex, brother Walter, sisters Ruby, Nettie and Mary, and son Glen.

Lastly Annie said, “We all may go to different churches, but in the end we all walk together.”

Our family extends our deep appreciation to all the health care supporters involved in the last days of Annie's life.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private family graveside service will take place at the Arelee Mennonite Brethren Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations in Annie's memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

We are hiring for the following positions: Canteen Operator ClubhouseCanteen Staff Outdoor Maintenance

Father Edward Gibney

Parish Phone: 306-948-3330

Annie Antifaev June 20, 1931 - March 7, 2021 As our family mourns the passing of our dear Mother, Grandmother and Greatgrandmother we would like to share some of Annie's life's journeys. Annie was born to Demian and Emma Raichuk in Stetichevo, Poland. Her family moved to Canada in August 1939, just prior to World War II and settled in the Arelee area. In 1950 Annie married Alex Antifaev and began her life as wife, farmer and mother. Farm life included many jobs like gardening, food preparation with much Ethnic flair, caring for livestock and during her spare time sewing quilts for all the family. In the early 1980's Mom and Dad semiretired and moved to Perdue where they continued gardening and lesser jobs on the farm.

Six years after Dad passed away Mom choose to move to Saskatoon where she continued to live for the next four years.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

BIGGAR UNITED CHURCH 907 Quebec St./corner Turnbull Ave., Biggar

SUNDAY Services 11 a.m.

Covid 19 Guidelines Apply Masks Required INQUIRIES CALL CHURCH OFFICE 306-948-2280 LEAVE MESSAGE

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association's Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

21033cc2

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Advertising doesn’t cost,

it pays!

21033ss0

Busted! SGI’s top five insurance fraud cases

Unfortunately, some people don’t always tell the truth when they’re making an insurance claim.

When a claim looks suspicious, that’s when SGI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) comes in. The SIU is a team of employees, all with law enforcement backgrounds, who work to prevent fraud and keep rates low for SGI customers.

“When you lie about an insurance claim, you’re committing insurance fraud,” said Penny McCune, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund.

“The truth is those lies have real consequences.

It starts with the denial of your claim, leaving you on the hook for thousands of dollars. Those lies could also land you in legal trouble, because insurance fraud is a crime.”

Every time a fraudulent claim is paid, honest insurance customers pay the price in higher insurance premiums.

March is Fraud Prevention Month and SGI is once again highlighting the work the SIU does to keep insurance rates low in Saskatchewan. The SIU closed 1,700 files last year. Not all of them were fraudulent, (and SIU is just as happy to find out there is no fraud related to a claim) but the ones that were resulted in savings of $6 million for SGI and our customers.

Here are SGI’s picks for the Top 5 Insurance Frauds from 2020: Back and forth A customer advised SGI she lent her son (we’ll call him “Roy”) her vehicle, and that it was meant to be driven by a female friend “Pam.” The vehicle ended up crashing into a large, well-marked, construction zone hole.

Police attended the scene, and Pam initially admitted to driving, which was confirmed by others in the vehicle (including Roy). Once faced with taking a breath test by the police, Pam attempted to state she hadn’t been the one driving. She blew just under the legal limit.

Pam later provided SGI a statement that she was the operator at the time of the collision but could provide little details of how the collision occurred. When interviewed by SIU, she again recanted the version that she was driving and advised that Roy was the operator.

Evidence suggested Pam had been pressured to take the blame for the collision. She provided text messages, photographs, money transfers and video evidence to support her new version and was encouraged to go to police and tell the

truth. Police continued the investigation, and were able to determine that Roy was in fact the operator. He was charged criminally for making a false statement and driving while suspended.

SGI is also taking steps to recover $7,600 paid out for this claim.

Cliffhanger “Jessica” reported to SGI that she left her vehicle on the side of a gravel road because the engine light came on and she didn’t want to drive it. She had plans to come back and get it the next day. It was then stolen.

Jessica said that she only had one key that was still with her and she had lost the other one a long time ago.

However, in the lead up to all of this: • Jessica changed the policy coverage on the vehicle from “storage” to “drive” shortly before the day it was reported stolen; • Jessica had taken her vehicle to the shop for a mechanical issue, and refused to pay the invoice, leading to her vehicle being locked in the shop’s compound until it was released by court order (bill still pending); • Jessica then took the vehicle from the shop to a dealership who advised it had major issues that needed to be addressed.

Police verified that the vehicle was driven to an 80-foot cliff (yes, in in the Prairies) and pushed off the edge. There was no evidence that the vehicle had been broken into, and no keys were found at the scene. The claim was denied. Approximate savings: $25,500.

Gaming the system “Sheldon” submitted a stolen auto claim, alleging it had been stolen while he was away with the only key, and the vehicle was subsequently involved in a hit and run.

Sheldon made a lot of claims during the investigation: • He claimed to have bought the vehicle from a person who was not the registered owner by trading a video game console and about $2,000 – which was well below the market value of the SUV in question; • He said it was stolen to SGI, but did not report it to the police; • When police called Sheldon about the hit and run, he told them he was home with his wife – but upon further investigation, stated that he lived alone and didn’t have a wife; • He claimed the vehicle was parked in front of his house when he left to go out of town, however investigation revealed that the SUV had already been in the collision the

morning of the alleged theft.

The person believed to be driving during the hit and run (Sheldon’s friend “Leonard”) had a suspended license. The vehicle was claimed to be stolen to avoid getting Leonard involved. Sheldon wanted to withdraw his claim until finding out he would be held responsible for third party damages and required to repay SGI. Savings = $5,800.

The old switcheroo “Fiona” reported her vehicle stolen from her residence and stated she still had the only key for it.

Fiona said she had found the vehicle online and met the seller for a test drive. Fiona said she paid the seller in cash and began to put permits on the vehicle through phone and online transactions only.

SIU investigated, and found the missing vehicle had actually been exported out of the country years prior, and the key Fiona claimed belonged to it was actually from an entirely different vehicle.

Due to her unbelievable story, she was denied coverage for a savings of approximately $47,000.

All in the family A tractor was heavily damaged in a fire.

Although “Kyle” had an Agro Pak, the tractor had not been included in the policy.

Kyle’s parents contacted the brokerage, where they learned of a 30-day acquisition clause that extends coverage to any newly acquired machinery. After learning of this clause, the parents later let SGI know that Kyle had recently purchased the tractor from them, providing a hand-written bill of sale conveniently dated within the 30-day clause. They also stated a down payment had been made of some livestock, with the remainder to be paid at a later time, so no actual cash had traded hands.

The circumstances of this interfamilial sale were highly suspicious, and when Kyle considered his options with SIU, he decided to withdraw his claim.

Total savings: $15,000.

If you’re making an insurance claim, just be honest. There are fewer reasons than you would think for not being covered.

Anyone with information about potential insurance fraud is encouraged to contact SGI’s Special Investigation Unit at siu@sgi.sk.ca or 1-800667-8015, ext. 6887. To report anonymously, call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.