The Independent

Vol. 112 No. 14

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Spring Eternal ... Some fresh, new faces are watched over by protective mom’s while Biggar looms in the background under the clear blue sky of spring, Tuesday. Spring brings new hopes and fresh starts. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

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THURSDAY, APRIL ??, 8, 2021

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

I may be spring but you won’t be dipping your toes in the water just yet! Frozen bodies of water are still the normal as daytime heating ever so slowly melts what little snow remains and opens sloughs.

Runoff for many places is very poor making for what could be another dry year. Let’s hope for spring rains!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Sun West Board of Education highlights The Sun West School Division Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 23 in Rosetown in the Sun West Learning Centre with participants physically distanced or attending virtually.

Discussion included: • The Board approved the 2021-22 School Year Calendar as recommended by the Sun West Calendar Committee. The Committee included representation from the Board, Division office staff, school based staff, students, parents and School Community Council members.

The Committee received 1,160 responses to a calendar survey. Once the calendar is approved by the Ministry of Education it will be distributed to all schools and posted on the Sun West Web site and on social media.

• The Board participated in a virtual meeting with members of the Sas-

katchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) Executive. Discussion topics included the Provincial Education Plan, the Pandemic Response and the Indigenous Education Framework. The SSBA Executive recognized Sun West Chair Karen Itterman for her important work as part of Pandemic Response Team.

• The key topics for the Advocacy Committee’s agenda for their meeting with the Minister of Education Dustin Duncan that occurred on Wednesday, March 24.

• The Board identified the most effective method to communicate a clear response to the questions and themes that were present in the Sun West School Division’s Budget consultation survey.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for April 27.

Biggar Fire Department March Report The Biggar Fire Department responded to six calls in the month of March.

Two investigation requests, one vehicle fire, and three false alarms were handled by the department.

So far for 2021, the Biggar Fire Department has responded to one motor vehicle collision; one structure fire; two STARS landings; four investigation requests; two vehicle fires; and seven false alarms.

Here’s trouble ... Spring brings out all kinds, and Ken Miller, left, and Morley Ries, take in a nice sunny Tuesday afternoon on Main Street before hitting coffee row. You never know what you’ll see as spring brings warmer weather! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Biggar RCMP year in review

by Sgt Dean Kabaroff, Biggar Detachment Commander Over the past fiscal year Biggar RCMP responded to 3,343 calls for service from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021.

There were 36 reported thefts, 24 reported break and enters, 24 theft of motor vehicles, numerous assaults, mischief’s, frauds and 14 people were charged with impaired operation. There were 2005 reported traffic offences reported or proactive stops resulting in 930 tickets being issued and 696 written traffic warnings for driving infractions, many other criminal code driving offences such as prohibited drivers and many roadside suspensions being issued.

Biggar RCMP members and the Rosetown Traffic Unit continue to target impaired drivers on the

highways, rural municipalities and towns. Biggar RCMP have increased proactive patrols in the RM’s and highways and conducted three check stops in the detachment area and initiated other projects to help deter property crime. This past year the Biggar RCMP completed two successful search warrants.

Biggar RCMP would like to thank the public for all their support and assistance during the past year and being diligent in reporting suspicious persons and vehicles. We understand this has been a difficult year with COVID-19 and it has limited our community involvement due to the pandemic. This coming year we are committed when safe in returning to the schools and interacting with our youth in a positive way and we will be attending community

events once things get back to some kind of normalcy.

Moving forward RCMP will continue to target impaired drivers by conducting pro-active patrols and will continue to target and identify individuals responsible for trafficking drugs. As the weather gets nice police encourage people to report any suspicious vehicles or persons, lock and remove valuables from their vehicles. Police would like to remind people to remove keys from their vehicles as most stolen vehicles are a result in having the keys left in the them.

Biggar RCMP continue to get calls from people in the area regarding fraudulent phone scams.

Some include receiving a call from the Canadian Revenue Agency stating there are warrants out for their arrest to someone encouraging them via

e-mail to purchase gift cards and sending them the card number.

These are 100 per cent scams and people should hang up, delete the e-mail and report the incident to the anti-fraud section.

Police want to remind people to never provide strangers banking or personal information out over the phone or in general.

Biggar RCMP are asking the public if they have information regarding any crime to contact the detachment at 306-9486600 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or by e-mail.

When using crime stoppers you will remain anonymous and you will not have to go to court. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction you could receive a cash reward.

Biggar Revitalization Update

Members of the Biggar Fire Department executed self-contained breathing apparatus drills for their weekly practice this past Monday, March 29. This drill is done with members face masks covered to simulate being in a building with heavy smoke and limited vision, especially at night. Practising these scenarios helps ensure members know how to act safely, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a blaze. (Submitted Photo)

by D’Shae Bussiere, Biggar Community Development Officer We have seen some of the concept plan changes and are happy to say we are on track. A few tweaks still need to be made and we are excited to share the finished illustrations once completed!

The fund raising team has been working hard to develop the fund raising campaign and a COVIDfriendly fund raising kick-

off event. They plan to use various media outlets such as The Independent, Facebook LIVE, and local radio to bring awareness to our project.

An exciting announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13 at 11 am! Join us on the Town of Biggar Facebook LIVE at that time! If you do not have Facebook, not to worry, those details will be shared in next week’s Independent issue.

Following this announcement there will be more information about the fund raising campaign and details on how to get involved!

That is it for this week’s update. Continue to stay tuned right here and think about joining us as we focus on Being Biggar!

Bingo Numbers for

APRIL 8 B10 N32 G48 G58 O62

Opinions HAVE A NICE DAY!

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Taxpayers Federation slams MP pay raise The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is slamming members of Parliament for failing to stop their April 1 pay raise during the COVID-19 downturn.

The federation points out the basic MP salary is $182,600, while ministers receive $269,800 and the prime minister receives $365,200 annually.

MPs are eligible for raises each year on April 1, based on the average annual increase in private-sector union contracts with corporations that have more than 500 employees. The CTF estimates each MP will receive an extra $3,200, while ministers will receive an extra $4,700 and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will receive an extra $6,400, based on contract data published by the Government of Canada.

A media release from the organization said the federal government stopped the automatic pay raises between 2010 and 2013 in response to the 2008-09 recession. And it continued that Canada lost more than 700,000 private-sector jobs over the last year, according to Statistics Canada.

“Our MPs should know that a pandemic and severe economic downturn is the worst possible time to be padding their pockets with a pay hike,” said Franco Terrazzano, the CTF’s Alberta Director. “Millions of Canadians have been struggling with COVID-19 for more than a year now, so it’s long past time for our MPs to get off their butts and put an end to their automatic pay increases.”

Terrazzano added that it wasn’t “Rocket Science” for MPs to try and figure out a way to stop the automatic pay hikes during a severe economic downturn.

“This second MP pay raise during COVID-19 is a slap in the face to the many taxpayers who have taken a pay cut, lost their job or their business.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME They MUST be signed, approximately 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Thank Yous will not be permitted in letters

Sask. Party gov’t must rise to challenges If you are continually losing battles in politics, maybe you are picking the wrong fights.

Or at least, maybe you are picking the wrong approach.

Those of you who follow Saskatchewan politics will recognize how this has done in the NDP. For decades, the NDP (and its forerunner, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation) was the natural governing party in this province for three basic reasons.

First, coming out of the Great Depression and the Second World War, a destitute rural-based Saskatchewan was more inclined to accept its social-democratic philosophy bolstered by the co-operative movement.

Second, NDP governments did find ways to in later years adjust philosophies just enough to

the

maintain a big tent that could accommodate the more free-enterpriseminded.

And, third, Liberals and the Progressive Conservatives in this province usually split the rightof-centre vote at election time.

Then along came the merger of the provincial Liberals and PCs in the late 1990s into the new Saskatchewan Party - a home for business and rural people that long felt abandoned by the NDP. Rather than change and evolve, the NDP has maintained its philosophies. In fact, under the leadership of current leader Ryan Meili, they seem even more firmly entrenched in a left-wing perspective that much of the rest of Saskatchewan has long-ago abandoned.

This is a cautionary tale for any political move-

ment ... perhaps even the Saskatchewan Party.

Let us be clear that it’s unlikely the same fate awaits the Sask. Party juggernaut ... at least, not any time soon.

However, there was a time not so very long ago when many assumed this could never happen to the NDP, either.

But the NDP slowly began losing some battles, even when it seemed to be on the right side of some issues like the fight over the National Energy Program.

That scenario might sound a bit familiar today as Premier Scott Moe’s government is also now losing battles with the federal government.

Of course, losing the carbon tax fight before the Supreme Court of Canada isn’t exactly hurting the Sask. Party government’s popularity. The tax is

rightly seen for what it is - something unlikely to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It just hasn’t proven to be effective policy.

That said, the provincial government is now burdened with having to follow the law and do something. It seems illprepared to do so.

What Moe offered as an alternative - at-the-pump rebates similar modelled after what New Brunswick - was something the Sask. Party said was unworkable when it was introduced in that province more than a year ago.

What shouldn’t be lost in this conversation is that the reason Saskatchewan lost in the courts (it also lost at the local federal Court of Appeal level) is the courts’ recognition that manmade global warning is a real-

INDEPENDENT

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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

ity.

To not offer something - to not compromise at least at little until legal forced to do - is to be too rigid.

And being too rigid in its beliefs and approach Is become a familiar Sask. Party government pattern.

Consider its slowness to react to COVID-19 - especially, the spread of new variants from Regina to other parts of the province.

This, too, may not be an issue of the Sask. Party government’s own making. But all governments are judged on how they do handle a crisis and that usually means having to be smart and nimble.

Being popular isn’t enough in the long run.

When the Grant Devine PCs came to power in 1982 with the biggest majority in the province’s

Provincial Viewpoint Murray Mandryk

history, many thought it would last forever.

But then it began losing the fight...

In less than a decade, the PC government became massively unpopular because of its daily handling of issues and it’s rigid approach to things like privatization.

Governments can only afford to lose so many fights.

www.biggarindependent.ca

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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, APRIL 8, 2021

Operator Notable Notes Bob Mason

They say that older people often repeat themselves.

Well, in their defense, I’ve got to suggest that as a society we’d better prepare ourselves for repetition because unless something changes quite a bit that is what the future holds!

I imagine that there are a million or more recordings out there somewhere, many of which only say, “You have reached John and Jane Doe. We can’t come to the phone right now, please leave a message!” Or, “For the personnel department

push button 1. For management push 2. For an operator ...”

I often wonder whose voice it is, and also wonder if the owner of that voice has any idea how often it will be heard contributing to the reiterations of the future! As far as that goes, sometimes I wonder if that voice owner is still around, for often it sounds like they were on their last legs!

Mother used to sing at her work because she wanted to, many and many a time her voice drifted out of the kitchen window to where we were working. But now the blare of a much too loud (according to me) radio echoes across the countryside the sentiments of some far-off professional whom we often don’t even know!

Doesn’t anyone have their own thoughts anymore? Mebbe this is how modern society does

Humans could evolve to become venomous If you’re like 99 per cent of humanity, you will know at least a couple of people you would describe as “toxic.” These kinds of individuals are pain to be around, but luckily you can in most cases get rid of them by just cutting them off.

But in the future, you might want to seriously steer clear of them. That’s because if evolution plays out just right, they might become literally toxic.

A new study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has found an interesting little tidbit about human genes.

It turns out that we have potential to evolve into having venomous bites.

Granted, the likelihood of this happening is unlikely, but who knows?

Maybe some kind of global cataclysm will force us back into the wilds, and people with nastier bites start surviving better.

“Essentially, we have all the building blocks in place. Now it’s up to evolution to take us there,” Agneesh Barua, a PhD student from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and the study’s co-author, told LiveScience.

Venomous animals are nothing special when you look at the nature. Any number of insects, arachnids, and reptiles have venomous bites, some of them strong enough to even harm humans.

Even primates can have venom. The slow loris, which lives in Southeast Asia, secretes a substance in its bite that can cause painful swelling and, if you happen to be particularly allergic, could even kill you.

But the new study on which Barua worked didn’t actually study the toxins that various animals drool, spit, and inject from their mouth parts.

Instead, they examined the evolutionary structures that helped them develop those abilities.

Barua calls these structures “housekeeping genes.” They aren’t directly responsible for creating toxins, but they are the framework on which biological venom-delivery systems are built.

“Since we know the function of all the genes that were present in the animal, we could just see what genes the venom genes are associated with,” explained Barua.

express itself, I dunno, but Y.T. (Yours Truly) is sometimes moved to look back.

Mebbe the communication equipment that my generation had wasn’t the best, but boy oh boy did it ever have personality!

I’m pretty sure that Y.T. (that’s me) has compiled a couple of revelations before about his lack of prowess as a telephone switchboard operator, like “The Dundurn Caper”, “My Telephone Line” or a bit about some army switchboard maneuver.

And to anyone who can remember them, mebbe some of this stuff is being told again. If so just put it down to the excuse stated at the top of this page.

Much as I’d like to blame the military for the whole thing, we did have a few connections with the operator before WWII. As children, Mother used to leave us with the lady switchboard operator in Borden when she went shopping. Boy, that must have been a long time ago!

Mrs. Halstead, If I remember right, had a little book of cartoons called “Foxy Grandpa” which Walt and I always looked forward to reading and always wondered how come our babysitter was so often sitting in front of her odd-shaped desk.

We sure found out later!

We also found out that grandpa’s have to be foxy!

Of course those old telephone setups could only accommodate about 50

lines, and she had only one panel so wasn’t too busy.

Depending on where people lived, sometimes there were quite a few phones on each line necessitating individual rings.

Naturally anyone on the calling or receiving line could “listen in” if they wanted to, and many did.

News good or bad got around in a hurry if anyone used the phone!

When a real emergency came, like a fire, “central” (the switchboard person) would connect up all the lines and give one great long “general ring” to which everyone listened and responded when the operator explained the situation.

I remember a few of these and they were always bad news. Mother would rush to the phone muttering “What now!” as Dad waited in the doorway ready to rush off and help someone!

Of course when we got older and were really versed in all kinds of technical stuff, we fastened some binder twine to tin cans and carried on our 40-foot conversations over them almost as clearly as if we had yelled them!

Often, especially when the wind got up or heavy rain fell, there was so much static on the line that couldn’t make out what was being said.

Every now and then, because all the lines were on poles above the ground, lightening would travel down the line to the

nearest ground (every 10 posts or so) where most of it would be absorbed, but a little always got through...

Moral: Don’t use the phone during a thunder storm!

As wide-eyed Saskatchewan kids we used to marvel at grim-faced Dick Tracy speaking to his cohorts over a wrist radio, and doubted if ever those wonderful things would ever come to pass.

Yet now we have small phones and miniature TV cameras capable of being concealed anywhere!

And those poor dumb kids (who were a generation before us!) thought that a jet-plane was only a dream!

All this modern stuff would be dandy, I think, in tracking down some terrible disease and such, but I’m not so sure about this “I’m watching and listening to your every move” bit!

Alexander Graham Bell did his bit in perfecting communication all across the world, but sometimes I wonder if we’re really using his good intentions right!

1/4 Page 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

Midtown Auto Body Ltd is excited to announce that we will be doing estimates in Biggar!

Every other Friday, starting April 9th at KRF Customs (Kevin Fick).

Please call (306) 378-2828 to book!

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,in Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 specialize aluminum Please call with questions or concerns

We are OE Certified and I-CAR Platinum Certified and repair. We have a fleet of 10 courtesy vehicles for use while your vehicle is being repaired. Clint Whyte and Clint Kennedy, formerly of 1st Avenue Collision have joined our amazing team at Midtown Auto Body Ltd. We have top technicians in all fields that take care to do the best quality work for you and are proud to say we are backed by 50 years experience in the automotive industry.

We look forward to serving Biggar and community for all your auto body needs, please call us at 306-378-2828.

Owner: Kirston Rouse, General Manager: Scott Knezacek, Office Manager: Jill Hamilton

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Chef Dez on Cooking

Chef Dez on cooking Chef Dez

Easter Eggs in the Kitchen A tradition in my family has always been the customary ritual of decorating eggs for Easter.

As far back as history can take us, the egg seems to have always been a symbol of continuing life and resurrection.

Therefore, it was natural to decorate them and give out as gifts for part of the feasting after the solemn fast of Lent.

Although it is now more contemporary to exchange chocolate or candy eggs, many families still carry out the historic practice of using real eggs. However, what is to become of all the excess hard-boiled eggs other than the habitual egg salad sandwich?

Allow me to give you a few examples that will hopefully inspire some culinary creativity in your kitchen.

A quick and simple idea would be to slice or chop them to garnish salads.

This would not only add bright colours to the salad, but is also is a fantastic way to add additional protein. Crumbled eggs are also vivid garnishes for stir-frys or rice. Add a splash of freshly chopped parsley over the rice, and you will have transformed the bland grains into something more attractive. The crumbled mix of white and yellow is much

more eye appealing than egg slices.

Egg slices are better used along with spinach and cheese rolled inside the middle of a pork loin for a stuffed roast that is extraordinary. Egg slices can also be layered in many different casseroles.

If one were to search the Internet or visit the local library, they would discover a variety of hardboiled egg recipes. They will include a number of egg and cheese dips, pickled eggs, and many versions of deviled eggs.

For example, try combining the yolk mixture for deviled eggs with smoked salmon before stuffing back into the egg white halves for a delicious variation.

My favourite hardboiled egg recipe is Scotch Eggs. This recipe is prepared by encasing hard-boiled eggs with sausage meat. They are

5 epic reasons why becoming a senior isn’t that bad

Many people dread getting old, but seriously it is not as bad as it may seem.

Growing old is an inevitable part of life and it always will be. In fact, you will spend most of your life as a senior citizen, so why not just embrace the epic lifestyle? Retire ... Hurrah!

No more twelve-hour shifts, no more overtime, no more early starts, you wait all your life for this moment – enjoy it!

A recent study by the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) which analyzed the way retirees spend their time, found that almost 10 hours of their spare time each week is dedicated to leisure activities such as reading and travelling, which is equivalent to going on a day trip once a week.

When you get over the age of 55, it is also a good time to consider your future on a broader scale.

Many people move to assisting living facilities to enhance their lifestyle.

One of the most beautiful things about retirement is having less responsibility on your shoulders. It is weird how you can go from being

panicked if you oversleep and miss the bus for work one day, and sleep into oblivion the next, without any harm done just because you are retired.

One thing you will not miss out on when you get old, is a good night’s sleep!

Having experienced more than half of your life, you are going to be much wiser than when you were 20, due to your vast life experience since then.

According to Psychologist Samuel Lawrence, brain scans show that older people make better decisions due to the way their brain works. When old people use their prefrontal cortex (the front of their brain) it employs rational thinking, where-

as younger adults use just half of their brain to solve problems (one hemisphere) and are therefore not prone to making such reasoned decisions.

When you retire, you are under no obligation to live your life in a particular way, as long as you remain a law-abiding citizen. You can use your time in any way you wish to, whether that is spending more time with your family, or migrating to your favourite holiday destination to soak up the sun, what you do with your life when you retire is completely up to you.

See, you do not need to fear growing old. View becoming a senior as your reward for your life’s work and most importantly, enjoy the epic lifestyle.

then rolled in a mixture of cracker crumbs and fresh chopped parsley, and baked in the oven.

Once cooled, they are sliced into quarters for a sensational presentation.

Hopefully all of this egg inspiration will keep your mind from questioning, “what was cooked first – chicken or the egg?”

Dear Chef Dez: I hate making hardboiled eggs. I find it difficult to peel them without having huge chunks of the cooked white staying attached to the shell pieces. Also, they always have that “green ring”

around the yolk. Are there any tricks to help me?

Janet C. Maple Ridge, B.C. Dear Janet: Firstly, when selecting eggs to boil, one wants to make sure they are choosing older eggs rather than the freshest ones. This is because over a period of time more air develops between the shell and the shell membrane, and thus making it easier to peel. Also try rolling the cooked egg on the counter with some gentle pressure to makes cracks all over the sur-

face, and then peel under cool running water.

The “green ring” indicates a chemical reaction between the iron in the yolk and the sulfur in the white. This happens when the egg is either cooked too long, or at too high of a temperature. Try adjusting your cooking time and plunge them into an ice water bath immediately to stop the cooking process.

Chef Dez is a Chef, Writer, & Host. Visit him at chefdez.com. Write to him at dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 6R4.

The disturbing every day life of pet leech owner Some people like their pets on the more exotic side. You can find birds, reptiles, even spiders and insects in most big pet stores.

For the most part, these are fairly harmless creatures. But then there are the people who keep leeches as pets.

And if that’s not weird enough for you, it gets better. Or worse, actually.

Some of them feed their little pet abominations with their own blood.

You read that right.

There are people that grow leeches and let them suck on their blood when it’s meal time.

One anonymous leech keeper told ScienceAlert about their little pets.

According to the publication, the person wanted to stay nameless to avoid online harassment.

Yeah, that seems like a smart move. Again, no judgement, but this person is way too enthusiastic about bloodsucking parasites.

“They’re amazing, curious creatures that grow like crazy and make wonderful pets,” this Leech Lord/Lady gushed.

The leech keeper said they own four leeches.

Each of them is a buffalo leech, also known as the Asian leech.

And these things get big. How big you ask?

Well, let’s just say that an online store specializing in selling them (for $300 a pop, no less) describes them as “monster-sized.”

The can grow up to five and half inches in length.

Basically, it’s almost the size of your palm.

According to their owner, each of the leeches even has its own personality. They said that some are more adventurous, while one of them is what they called “shy.”

“Some like to try and sneak a feed more often than others! But once they’re full, they’re content to sit and rest for a bit out of water if handled gently,” the owner said.

Speaking of sneaking a feed, though, everybody knows that leeches like fresh blood. Not all, some are happy swallowing worms whole, but most are more disgusting versions of a vampire.

When it comes time to feed your wriggling, slimy pet, there really aren’t that many options available. They want their blood warm and fresh, so you pretty much just have to slap one on your arm and let it go to town.

The leech keeper said that the initial bite hurts a bit, but the pain soon goes away. All thanks to the leech’s anesthetic-laden saliva.

“Once they get feeding you don’t even feel it, even with the large buffalo leeches,” they said.

The leech bites usually heal “without a scar,” but they can keep bleeding for days. Again, thanks to the leech saliva, which also acts as an anticoagulant.

But, in all fairness, growing leeches is nothing new. In fact, people have been doing it for thousands of years.

“Why, though?” you may ask. Well, picture a medieval doctor - what is he probably going to prescribe for your headache?

That’s right, leeches.

These blood-slurping little fiends have been a popular cure throughout the ages for everything from headaches to nymphomania until as recently as the 19th century.

No, they didn’t usually work. But at least the doctor could say that he tried.

Even today, leeches are sometimes employed in medicine. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved their use as “medical devices.”

“Leeches are used postoperatively in patients who have had digit reattachment or muscle or flap surgery. The leeches are applied to the site and suck away the congested blood to allow for blood flow to the peripheries to keep the surgical site viable,” explained nurse Julie Smolders from South Western Sydney Local Health District.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Agriculture Keeping your finger on the pulse market

Agriculture Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels It is interesting how ideas percolate to fill this space on a weekly basis for more than 30-years now.

Earlier last week my better half sent me a link regarding pulse exports and India, which I had more or less forgotten by the time I sat down to write a column, and frankly probably would have, except my better half had also questioned what we might have for lunch on Easter Sunday.

There was left-over ham in the freezer, and well she hadn’t made homemade baked lentils for ages, so it was off Saturday to buy some bulk lentils, and they turned out great. And now here I am thinking lentils, and by

extension pulse crops.

Pulse crops of course have a huge potential as they are eaten as a protein source in many countries, but knowing which pulses to grow in a given year is a bit of a lottery pick because there are such a range of crops within the world of pulses.

For example, at the local bulk food outlet my better half had wanted black lentils for the baked dish. She had made them before and they looked unique in the bowl and tasted great.

There were no black lentils, only brown and red. She chose brown, and they turned out great, although didn’t have the same dynamic look of the black ones.

For us, a lentil is a lentil is a lentil, but in world markets there are a range of colours and each tends to have rather specific markets, so while red lentils might go up in price, the brown may not, and therein lies a challenge for producers, tracking numerous markets.

It’s the same with yellow and green peas, and of course the variety of beans grown is huge,

although not all are viable crops on the Canadian Prairies.

The variety within in pulses is its greatest potential as a crop for Canadian farmers, but also the greatest challenge.

Most years there will be a pulse crop with a solid upside in terms of price, but since some types have a rather limited niche market they are also prone to price swings based on rather minor production shifts.

So producers need to stay very focused on markets and most of the key ones are on the other side of the world, with India driving much of the pulse demand, with Pakistan, China and Turkey also key.

Understanding the complexities of the varied pulse sector, and its associated markets are certainly more challenging than a much better understood canola or wheat market, but those challenges do offer opportunities.

As the protein market changes, the opportunities are only going to grow too.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

to walk-ins HERE TO ASSIST YOU Closed but here to assist

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

Randy Weekes MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca / 306-948-4880 / 1-877-948-4880

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8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

The Saskatchewan Traveller Tree’s taking in Carbon Beaver’s taking in Carbon it’s a win win Show us the Carbon Tax Money $

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by Trudy and Dale Buxton Our journey continues on Highway 16 east of Saskatoon.

Our first stop is by the little French village of Clavet.

The first name given to this village was “French” in 1908, the name was changed the following year to Clavet.

In the early years Clavet had a hard time keeping its status as a village with a population of only 26, that included 12 children.

However the community did have two elevators, general store, implement shop, lumberyard, church and a post office, not bad for a community of only 26.

Eventually Clavet was reduced to a hamlet and the affairs of the community were run by the Rural Municipality until 1978 in which they were once again called a Village with their own council. Most of the records from the early years were lost in a fire in 1982 and had to be reconstructed mostly from memory.

Todays population is around 425 and it is mostly a bedroom community for Saskatoon, offering a small town atmosphere with most services.

Next up down the highway we come upon the municipality of Elstow.

Elstow isn’t a very big place with a population under 100 people but it was once a village that was incorporated in 1908 and then finally dissolved like many other communities in 2014.

Elstow, like many villages and towns, relied on the railroad for commerce and people, today most people in the agriculture world knows Elstow by the iconic “Combine in the Sky” sign of Combine World, one of the provinces largest used dealer, in everything farm machinery. People from all over needing a part from some piece of equipment usually gives them a call.

Next up is the Town of Colonsay, know as the “Isle of the Prairies”, which derived its name from the Inner Hebrides Scottish island of Colonsay. Most of the streets in Colonsay are named after islands that are located along the coast of Scotland.

Colonsay has a population of around 500 people and is mostly a full service community. Its major employer is the Mosaic Potash Mine which is a short distance of 13 kilometres east on Highway 16 and Highway 2.

If you are looking for a place to relax, Colonsay

does have a sand/green golf course and camp ground called the Painted Rock Camp Ground.

Here is a super fun fact in Saskatchewan as we come up on summer! Did you know that in Saskatchewan, the Co-op food chain sells more than a million hot dogs and buns, over 200,000 cans of pop, 100,000 bags of ice, a million marshmallows and over 150,000 watermelons?

However, they don’t know how many of those watermelons are used as headwear!

Stay tuned for more adventures.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

DEADLINE MONDAY - 5 P.M

Kindersley & Rosetown Denture Clinics Professional Denture Services -Direct to Public-

Satisfaction Guaranteed 309 Main St., Rosetown 306-831-8888 109- 1st Ave. W., Kindersley 306-463-4124

David Anderson DD Caitlin Geiger DD Putting a polish on ... Town of Biggar employees have been hitting the streets - literally, cleaning streets of their winter debris. It is one of the sure signs that spring has really arrived! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

6 ways to prevent looming pothole damage this spring From damaged rims to punctured tires, potholes can have a disastrous effect on vehicles.

Fortunately, most of this damage is avoidable by adopting certain driving habits.

Here, tire shop experts share some preventative tips and tricks for staying safe on the road while avoiding unforeseen spring expenses: Prevent the blow The risk of serious damage is significantly reduced when tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Unsure of how often to check your tire pressure? On average, tires lose one PSI every month after being filled up, so checking once a month is a good place to start.

Keep your eyes open Take a hint from other vehicles and watch for

behaviour that signals what’s up ahead. If cars are slowing down or consistently moving around an object, be prepared to do the same. Keep your eyes peeled and follow their lead.

Avoid jumping on the brakes It’s a natural reflex to break when a pothole appears unexpectedly.

However, if you can’t avoid it by safely changing lanes, it’s best to slow down and move smoothly over the hole. Braking aggressively while driving into a pothole is a surefire way to damage the struts in your suspension system.

When all else fails, drive squarely over When it’s impossible to go around the hole, it’s better to centre it between your wheels and drive squarely over. If the pot-

hole is directly beneath the vehicle’s body, your tires will avoid dipping into the crevice.

Change your tires When temperatures consistently hit 7°C, make sure you switch to allseason tires so that you’re not wearing out your winter ones prematurely.

Pothole season usually accompanies the start of the warmer weather.

Often overlooked Regular tuneups and maintenance are essential. Ensure all vehicle components are functioning correctly with a periodic checkup by a certified technician. A vehicle with good working brakes, suspension and steering systems will allow you to react more effectively to any road hazards.

10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery Yup …here we are in the Big Apple …Manhattan, New York City, State

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Biggar goes to New York!

of New York, USA! And, yes, New York is definitely bigger, but we are Biggar!

During lockdown, we started a communication

“I was in Manhattan for the first time in months, and I’m sending you three photos I took. They are not the best, because I was on my own and had to juggle the license plate and the phone, but hey, they are something. These are on Fifth Avenue near Rockefeller Center.” (Photos courtesy of Martha Livingston)

with a lady from New York City, Martha Livingston.

She had found our Web site and was wanting to purchase items from our gift shop.

We happily filled her order and sent it off.

And in a show of appre-

ciation, she sent us photos of one her purchases in Manhattan! I have always wanted to go there, to actually stand on Broadway, to eat a hot dog from one of those street carts, you know, all that stuff that has been in movies

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on Fifth Avenue and 50th Street.

1/4 Page

and books! Maybe I could even fling my hat off into the air on a corner! Do you remember who did that?

Martha lived in our beautiful province in the ‘70’s. Now Martha is living in Queens, New

York City, one of the five boroughs in the city: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. She is now fully vaccinated and “now able to do dangerous stuff like take public transportation.”

Fifth Avenue at Rockefeller Center (the buildings on the right).

Campbell Accounting Services Rod Campbell, CMA, CPA

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Ad Design Color and Black&White Photocopying Business Cards and Rubber Stamps Office Supplies and Laminating Wedding Invitations and Supplies Flyers, Brochures, Calendars, Sign Making 1st Aid Training DJ Services (PA and equipment rental) Fireworks (professional and retail) Marriage Commissioner Life Insurance GIVE US A CALL AT 306-948-3344 OR EMAIL AT tip@sasktel.net

let us do the work for you

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

Sports

Thanks to offence, Jays promise excitement

Penton on sports Bruce Penton

Toronto Blue Jays are going to score a ton of runs in 2021, and get huge TV ratings because of their explosive lineup, but rules of baseball insist that manager Charlie Montoyo put his team out in the field on defence for nine innings every day.

That could be the part that hurts.

Toronto’s offence was ranked third-best in all of Major League Baseball

by MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince (behind only the Yankees and Dodgers), but unless Hyun-Jin Ryu - the only legitimate pitching star on the team - can pitch every other day, the Jays could lose almost as many as they

win.

But what an offensive lineup! And if the pitching somehow overachieves, Toronto might just make the playoffs and give hope to fans across Canada that a World Series title is possible.

The Jays, who will use Dunedin, Florida, as their home base for at least the first two months due to COVID-19 restrictions, have one of the most talented young teams in baseball. The trio of Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Cavan Biggio and Bo Bichette, all sons of former major leaguers and all entering their third year, are expected to blossom this year. The slimmer and quicker Guerrero, especially, is expected to have a breakout season, having lost about 30 pounds in the off-season But that’s not all. The Jays braintrust went out and signed free agent centerfielder George Springer, who was a member of the ‘Cheatin’ Astros in 2017 who won the World Series. He was probably the best free agent available and that

the Jays were able to sign him ($150 million for six years) offers proof that ownership is intent on winning.

Springer and the three aforementioned youngsters have plenty of talent surrounding them.

Teoscar Hernandez has 25-30-home run potential and Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., is a future star. and power to spare (42 career HR in 206 games).

Another outfielder with pop is Randal Grichuk, who hit 12 homers in 55 games in 2020. Marcus Semien was another freeagent signing and while his stats pale in comparison to Springer’s, he has enough power to put fear into opposing pitchers.

But ah, the pitching. After Ryu, the Jays are thin on the mound.

None-household names Robby Rae, Nate Pearson and Tanner Roark fill out the other three rotation spots, with Steven Matz the fifth starter and out to prove that his 0-5 record and 9.68 ERA with the Mets last year was an aberration. He was 11-10 with the Mets in 2019.

Coyotes, foxes, and ... pigs?

Wild animals in your community Wherever you live, chances are you’ve encountered a wild animal near your home.

Most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people have spent more time at home, making way for wildlife to come out of hiding. And if you haven’t seen them yourself, you’ve most likely heard the stories of foxes, deer and coyotes roaming around your community.

Those are not the only wild animal to watch out for in rural areas though.

Particularly in Quebec or the Prairies, you could encounter wild pigs. A highly invasive species, these pigs - a mix of wild boars and domestic pigs have been spreading rapidly across Canada for the past few decades.

Roaming a massive territory and able to survive in almost any climate, wild pigs can be a danger to livestock as well as

crops and the environment.

You should stay away from any wild pig you encounter, and ensure your enclosures are strong around your livestock and their feed. It’s crucial to avoid any contact between your own pigs and wild ones, because wild pigs can carry diseases that could infect your animals. Even contact with your animals’ feed could be a site of cross-contamination if one of them is infected with something like African swine fever (ASF).

Though it hasn’t been found in Canada, ASF is a highly contagious virus that has killed millions of pigs in many African, Asian and European countries. Humans can’t catch it and is not a food safety risk, but it would spell disaster for Canadian pig farmers and our economy.

One wild pig with ASF could easily spread the virus if it comes into contact with other pigs or contaminated clothing, feed or farm equipment.

Just like with COVID-19, distance and practising good biosecurity is key to preventing the spread of ASF. If you encounter a wild pig, report it to the local animal health authorities.

You can find more information about effective health and safety practices and African swine fever at inspection.gc.ca/ asfbiosecurity.

Injuries, hot streaks, breakout players … who knows what will happen in the next six months?

But it’s almost guaranteed that the Jays will never be out of a game, no matter how far behind they might be. It may or may not be a championship season, but they’re going to be a fun team to watch.

• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha, who spent 13 years as a writer for Jay Leno’s NBC Tonight Show, about Leno’s lack of sports knowledge: “(He would use) an elaborate set of notes in case anything came up that he didn’t know - for example, how many points a touchdown is worth or what’s meant by the word ‘dribble.’”

• Dickson again, on the night Terry Bradshaw was a Leno guest and how ‘stupid’ they acted together: “How stupid did they act? Picture Curly and Moe if Larry called in sick.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Brian Cashman, GM of the Bronx Bombers, pays his ex more than $1 million annually in their divorce settlement. So Yankee Stadium isn’t his only costly diamond.”

• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald: “A Miami Heat

that even catcher’s masks aren’t mandatory.”

• Another one from Perry: “And, in news about free agents, the Blue Jays signed George Springer, the Phillies signed J.T. Realmuto and the Royals slammed the door on Prince Harry’s possible return.”

• Headline at TheOnion. com: “Nelson Agholor signs two-year, 23-drop contract with Patriots.”

• Headline at fark.com: “NFL owners approve increased profits for NFL owners.”

• Another headline from fark.com: “The Pittsburgh Pirates surprise a local health-care worker with tickets to the home opener. Hasn’t she suffered enough?”

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

arena name change is at hand. It’s going from AmericanAirlines Arena to FTX Arena, after a cryptocurrency exchange.

Will players now be paid in Bitcoin?”

• PGA Tour player Chesson Hadley, who thought Joel Dahmen might party too much after winning his first PGA Tour title at the Corales Puntacana Resort championship, on Twitter: “I’m so happy for @Joel_Dahmen! Absolutely first class human.

No chance he makes the charter tomorrow to San Antonio.”

• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Gov. Greg Abbott has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in the Lone Star State, meaning the Texas Rangers’ home opener might be a sellout. The rules there are now so lenient

CALLING ALL RESIDENTS of

LANDIS - RUTHILDA - HANDEL SPRINGWATER - PERDUE - ASQUITH CANDO - ARLEE - SONNINGDALE - KELFIELD and all places around these areas!!!

We are looking for your news items or feel good stories for our LOCAL PAPER.

Become a Corespondent, and get paid (depending on volume and stories) Send to The Independent at tip@sasktel.net or phone 948-3344

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OFFICE HOURS

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SEED CLEANING ÿ Auto & Home Insurance ÿ Farm & Commercial Insurance ÿ Health & Travel Insurance ÿ Life Insurance & Investments ÿ Farm Succession & Estate Planning ÿ Notary Publics Biggar Office Hours…

Mon. - Tue, Thur - Fri 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday, 9:30am - 5pm

304 Main St., Biggar Phone: 306-948-2204 Toll Free: 1-855-948-2204

Landis Office Hours:

Mon.-Tue, & Fri., 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday, 10:00am - 4:30pm

Thursday CLOSED

100 - 2 Ave. W., Landis Phone: 306-658-2044 Toll Free: 1-855-658-2044 nd

Website: www.biggarlandisinsurance.ca Email: biggar@biggarinsurance.ca

“We’ll getcha covered”

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For all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning Call: Bill: Dale:

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ROOFING

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

306.237.7671

TROY MAY, owner/operator

Ph: 306-948-4430 or 306-948-4460

rod.campbell@sasktel.net

117 - 3rd Ave. W.,

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

(New Horizons Bldg) Biggar

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This is what I worked up for the Business & Professional section in Box 580 Biggar, SK paper, 6 month commitment for $161.20 plusSOK gst OMO

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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

engage or in a very interesting conversation this week.

Thanks 951-7700Urla This person has not crossed 948-3344 your path in a while, and the reconnection sparks new goals.

lighten the atmosphere around the house this week.

Encourage others to kick up their heels and keep the focus on fun and fun alone.

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.

Scorpio, even though a few setbacks come your way, your financial situation still looks very promising this week. Figure out how to capitalize on this favorable position.

You are usually laid back and calm, Sagittarius. However, when something goes against your beliefs this week you are ready to stand up for morals or concerns.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, trust your gut instinct about big financial moves regardless of any advice you’re getting from others. You’ll likely see that now isn’t the time for spending.

PISCES – Feb 19/ Mar 20 A bumpy start to the week that has you questioning several choices will smooth out, Pisces. The weekend will be very productive.

14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

BIGGAR INDEPENDENT ONLINE

www.biggarindependent.ca

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

I would like to give my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of my friends and customers that I have dealt with over my 5 years with Petro-Can in Cando and 30 years with Petro-Can in Biggar.

I would like to give special thanks to Reg Little who has been my co-worker for the past 15 years, I have enjoyed our working together.

I have enjoyed my working years but now I look forward to retirement and spending extra time with family and special projects.

Thank you everyone Ken Kobelsky

The Rural Municipality of Marriott No.317 Invites applications for the position of Seasonal Mower Operator

The RM of Marriott No.317 is West Centrally located in Saskatchewan, halfway between the communities of Biggar and Rosetown, and is accepting applications for a Municipal Mower Operator & Laborer. This is a seasonal position July to September likely to extend to mid-November as needed and as weather permits.

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

Eligible applicants should possess the following qualifications: -Knowledge of road maintenance and mowing operations.

-Ability to operate tractors and other heavy equipment.

-A basic mechanical aptitude.

-Additional duties may include but is not limited to culvert installation, equipment repairs, signage, and shop work.

-A valid driver’s license is required and a clean drivers abstract may be requested.

FOR RENT Charter/ Sherwood Apartments in Biggar

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 WALK-IN TUBS SASKATCHEWAN

Prairie Malt in Biggar, Sk is currently hiring a Barley Merchandising Assistant

-The successful applicant will provide administrative support to the Barley -Supply Team at Prairie Malt, interact with members of the operations and finance teams, as well as with our grower customers.

-Must be organized, detail oriented and a quick study. Will be working regularly in Microsoft Office software as well as industry specific programs.

-Knowledge and experience in SAP, OPERRA and the agriculture industry is considered an asset.

Please submit resume to: eleanor.scharf@boortmalt.com Only those candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SAFETY, QUALITY & COMFORT! STAY INDEPENDENT AND SAFE, IN YOUR HOME. ACT NOW AND SAVE UP TO $1000!

Call Today!

1-306-536-7660

www. walkintubssask.ca

ANNUAL SPRING MEETING BIGGAR GOLF CLUB APRIL 21, 2021 7:00 pm LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED USE FACEBOOK GROUP FOR LOCATION AND FURTHER DETAILS

Salary will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications.

The RM offers an excellent health & dental plan as well as a pension plan. This position has an expected start date of June 28, 2021, however this date is flexible and an alternative start date may be negotiated.

Please forward resumes stating experience, qualifications and a minimum of three references by May 5, 2021 to: RM of Marriott No.317 Box 366 Rosetown, Sk S0L 2V0 Phone:(306) 882-4030 Fax: (306) 882-4401 Email: rm317@sasktel.net The RM wishes to thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Lentils:

PEDIGREED SEED FOR SPRING 2021

Peas: HRS Wheat:

SWS Wheat: Canaryseed:

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 Christ Arose – Prove it!

by Pastor Doug Motz, Associated Gospel All of us have just celebrated Easter!

Some celebrated Easter as time off work. Others celebrated Easter via the Easter bunny and eggs; but many celebrated Easter by remembering Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, and His resurrection three days later!

Some have celebrated this infallible truth out of religious tradition; others out of sincere gratitude for God’s amazing Love, and Perfect Plan of salvation as a result of the events that I’ve just mentioned.

So then, if the real reason for celebrating Easter is because of the cross and the resurrection, it’s what followed these events that helps to put the “icing on the cake”.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the First Century Church

email us at tip@sasktel.net

REFLECTIONS

of Corinth these words in 1Corinthians 15: 3–8: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and the He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures; and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren al once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.

After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

The Apostle Paul goes on discussing in this passage how that a number in that church had been deceived by outside influences that tried to convince them that the Lord Jesus Christ was

still in the grave – which isn’t at all true! Otherwise, if Christ isn’t raised from the dead, then Christianity, and the preaching of the Gospel message of hope doesn’t exist at all!

But that isn’t true, because Christ did rise, ascended to God the Father, He’s seated at the right hand of God (Romans 8: 34; Ephesians 1: 20; Colossians 3: 1) and is interceding for all those whose sins are forgiven, and are truly born again, and reconciled back into a right relationship with God the Father (John 3:1–21; 2Corinthians 5) with the promised hope of returning again (2 Peter 3: 1–13).

As important as celebrating Easter is from year to year, it’s what

follows that Easter Sunday morning that provides the proof that these events did change history forever! It was the eye witnesses who literally saw, felt, and ate meals with the Lord Jesus Christ following His bodily resurrection that makes this historical event true fact!

These are just some Scripture passages that tell us that these things really did happen: John 20: 11–29; John 21: 1–14; Acts 9; 1 John 1: 1–4. Without these historical events literally taking place, there isn’t a chance in the world that anyone would ever experience eternal life in heaven (John 3: 16; Romans 8: 18–25; 1 Corinthians 15: 20–28, 42–56).

Here we are, Easter is past for another year, but what life changes have taken place in your life, that has prepared you for heaven?

Has Easter just

been another holiday for you, or has there been a 180 degree turn for the better which has prepared you for life after this life in heaven?

Keep in mind, you and I won’t ever experience eternal life in heaven by just doing good things; good deeds. It must be us submitting to God’s work in and through us by way of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

We must repent of our sin, believe in our hearts that God truly raised His Son from the dead, and receive this free gift of eternal salvation made available in and through Christ alone (Ephesians 2: 1–10)– so we might be born again by His Spirit and reconciled by to God! You must choose one way or the other! I urge you don’t keep going on living for yourself without taking these matter seriously!

***** PASTA PRIMEVARA ***** Warm weather, blue skies and time spent outdoors are hallmarks of spring.

Springtime is a season of rebirth and renewal. That’s evidenced by budding trees and the return of frolicking animals. Spring also can be a time to refresh mealmaking.

Now is the time to trade in those hearty, filling dishes that are perfect for cold winter nights for lighter fare.

Recipes like “Pasta Primavera” from “Seasoned America” (William Morrow and Company, Inc.) by Chef Paul Prudhomme can be brought out in spring and enjoyed throughout the

warmer seasons. In Italian, “primavera” means “spring,” making this classic, vegetable-infused pasta dish a favorite this time of year.

The vegetable inclusions below can be switched out for your own favorite produce as well.

Pasta Primavera Makes about 8 cups Seasoning Mix: 21⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaves 11⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 3⁄4 teaspoon white pepper 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoon olive oil 1 cup thin strips prosciutto 2 cups cauliflower florets 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 1⁄2 cup sliced carrots (cut on the diagonal) 2 cups sliced zucchini 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic 1 cup asparagus tips or 3⁄4 cups snow peas 1 cup chopped green onions 2 cups heavy cream 9 ounces of your favorite pasta

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Combine the seasoning mix ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl.

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat. When oil is very hot, add the prosciutto, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. Add the butter and, as it melts, stir in the garlic and the seasoning mix.

Stir in asparagus tips or snow peas and green onions.

Stir well and cook just until the vegetables are crisptender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the sauce has thickened a bit, about 3 minutes.

D B

SAFETY SERVICES Biggar, SK

306-951-7700

dale@dtjssb.ca

Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss well and remove from the heat. Serve immediately.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

ST. GABRIEL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar

Father Edward Gibney

Parish Phone: 306-948-3330

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

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans will be celebrating Easter Sunday, April 4, In person worship at Redeemer at 10:30a.m., 313 7th Ave.E COVID restrictions will apply. Online and phone in access will be available. For pastoral services or to be included in online worship, please phone Cindy Hoppe at 948-2947 or John Bennett at 948-2852.

BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar

Good Friday Service 10:30 a.m.

Easter Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

All are welcome to come and join us as we celebrate Lord Jesus has Risen!

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

S-D A C

SATURDAY SERVICES

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16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

7 strategies to prevent cancer

1/4 Page

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

Prairieland Collision Centre COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE

306-882-2289 Darren Wenzel Kelan Deibert 601 Colwell Road, Rosetown, SK. prairielandcollision@sasktel.net

Cancer affects people from all walks of life. The National Cancer Institute estimated that, in 2020, roughly 1.9 million new cases of cancer would be diagnosed and more than 606,000 people would die from the disease.

The most common cancers include breast, lung, prostate, colon, melanoma, and bladder cancers. Even the healthiest people are1/4 notPage immune to these diseases.

However, there are ways for people to reduce their risk for various cancers.

1. Skip tobacco products.

Avoiding tobacco in all forms can greatly reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer. Smoking is a major contributor to various cancers, including lung and bladder cancers.

2. Exercise regularly.

Exercise benefits the body in various ways, including reducing a person’s risk for various types of cancers. Exercise for at least 45 minutes per day. This doesn’t have to mean a hard workout at the gym. Moderate exercise through gardening,

dancing, playing with children, or walking the dog are sufficient forms of exercise.

3. Lose weight in a healthy way. Obesity and being overweight have been linked to increased risk for breast, colon, esophageal, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers.

Fat and sugar metabolism may be mechanisms implicating weight in cancer occurrence. Skip the fad diets and lose weight through portion control, a balance of healthy foods and exercise.

4. Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers to the breast, esophagus, mouth, and larynx. Harvard Medical School recommends that those who choose to drink should limit their consumption to no more than one drink per day.

5. Reduce consumption of animal fats. Studies

Healthy foods that are rich in vegetables and low in animal fats can help people reduce their cancer risk. point to a diet high in animal fat as a contributor to increased risk of certain cancers. Red meat is a particular concern.

6. Avoid radiation exposure. Opt for medical imaging tests only when they are absolutely necessary. Radon in a home is a factor in cancer causation, so homeowners should periodically test their homes for radon. In addition, sunscreen and avoiding the sun during certain times of day, such as between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., can reduce exposure to potentially harmful UV rays.

7. Prioritize safe behaviours. Certain viruses can cause cancer, including Epstein-Barr and human papillomavirus. Hepatitis and HIV also can increase a person’s risk for cancer.

Practicing safe sex and avoiding illegal drug use can lower the risk of getting cancer from infectious diseases.

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death and affects millions of people. By examining their behaviours and lifestyles, people can make changes that reduce their risk for various cancers.

Here is the what’s it for April

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#& +) + '- #!! )

The What’s It Lady had the last one up for two months, and no one got it right.

So she has stumped you again! So far she is winning! How about this one? Here’s a hint, medical item …Come in to the museum and fill out your ballot! Check out the local art and you could win a bag of Biggar goodies!