Vol. 111 No. 16
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
16 pages
$1.50
On the road again . . . If life feels a bit overwhelming, just hit the trail on a trusty horse and a like-minded friend. Clear air and open skies will set things right again. (Independent
Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
22 -- THE BIGGAR,SK SK THE INDEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR,
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Biggar Central School 2000 teachers hit the street, Monday, waving to students at home, wishing them the best in this time of uncertainty. With a bit of help from Biggar RCMP, the teachers, with mascot in tow, said a hello to students and some retired, pyjama-clad teachers, all keeping their distance but engaging in this time of doubt. (Independent Photos by Dale Buxton and BCS2000)
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
School’s are working to get kids back to learning Getting back at the books is the aim of Biggar Central School and St. Gabriel School as the COVID19 crisis continues. The return to learning has imposed a new reality for both students and teachers. “Every teacher has created on online platform that they are involved with,” Rick Garchinski, Principal of St. Gabriel School explained. “It’s an invitation to families to be part of supplemental learning opportunities.” Garchinski, like all students and teachers, is working from home. He is connected to all his school’s online class-
rooms, watching for learning challenges and the inevitable challenges of navigating their new online learning world. “One of our platforms is Google Classroom, which is very common, and we have a number of teachers who have used that throughout the year already. So they are far ahead of a lot of teachers in how they can present and share things with students, but we have other teachers that aren’t, and they’re learning,” he explained. “One of the things that our division has is a Cyber School. So we have access to resource materials there,
which has been very helpful.” Garchinski adds that St. Gabriel School has done a lot of planning with regards to the process and what it’s going to look like for students. An 11 page document, outlining roles and responsibilities of teachers, and what needs to be accomplished to support students, was quickly rolled out once schools were closed. The learning is “invitational” as families find their footing in this stressful time. “Our job is to support families the best we can. Obviously, it’s a tremendous learning curve for
everybody, and we do have families that have not accessed online learning yet. Part of that is trying to support them through technology. If families don’t have access to iPads or anything like that, it is something we are in the process of working on.” So far, response has been pretty favourable, Garchinski said. Students have said “This is awesome!”, “I really enjoy this!”. One Grade 7 student, however, said: “I never would have thought this, but is anyone else missing school?” cutting to the brutal reality and a
wish for normalcy. Garchinski adds that the division has set up a hotline for students who are feeling overwhelmed or under stress, “either academically or the uncertainty of what is going on around them.” There have been problems along the way, Garchinski admits - getting connected being the main issue. But a growing problem is parents - already swamped with isolation, work issues, and pandemic fears - feeling they aren’t doing enough for their children’s, and that they’ll fall behind. “We are trying to continue student learning in
a different way,” Garchinski said, and with uncertain times, he doesn’t want parents to feel they are failing their children. Echoing a Town of Biggar facebook video from April 8 where his counterpart at Biggar Central School, Principal Kim Fick stressed “whatever parents are doing, is enough.” It will be a stressful time, Garchinski says, but once everyone learns how to navigate through, learn what works and what doesn’t work, they’ll be able to press on.
Biggar RCMP report
by Cpl. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment, NCO IC The Biggar detachment received 25 calls for service this past week. Members attended to one domestic call, three commercial break and enters, two thefts and a call out to Perdue for a group of youth up to mischief in town. As well, quads and skidoos being driven on the roads and as a reminder, you need to have a valid licence to operate a recreational vehicle and be insured to operate it. Under the ATV Act you are not allowed to operate on any streets or alleys, unless a municipality has a by-law stating otherwise. There were three other general traffic complaints and due to ice and snow, four single vehicle colli-
sions reported. We had a number of calls from concerned citizens about an impaired driver in a mini van, eventually driving around just on a rim as it was missing a rear tire. Members were able to locate the van without the driver and towed it. This past weekend members and the Biggar Fire Department responded to a barn fire out on Triumph road. The property owners were okay, unfortunately not all residents of the barn were able to make it out. Of late, there has been an increase of commercial break and enters for the area. Any amount is to many, as we work on strategies to curve this trend. Please call if you notice any activity you may find odd at the time.
Gathering of Gooses and Ganders . . . It’s a feathery time for our area as geese make their way back. These avian travellers are making their home near Biggar’s Prairie Malt. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Snow Home . . . While the world is in a pause, kids have somehow made the most of it, decorating windows, making forts. A trip around town gives you an idea of the activities done from the comforts of home. (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)
COVID-19 Update: One new case, nine more recoveries, seven in hospital As of April 14, Saskatchewan has one new, confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 301. One hundred and ten of the cases are considered active. Nine more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 187. Currently, there are seven people in hospitals across the province receiving inpatient care. Of the 301 cases in the province: • 131 cases are travellers; • 121 are community contacts (mass gatherings included); • 27 have no known exposures; and • 22 are under investigation by local public health. Overall in Saskatchewan: 34 of the cases are health care workers, with 19 of them now recovered. Please note the source of
the infections may not be related to health care in all instances. 147 of the cases are from the Saskatoon area, 65 from the Regina area, 57 from the north, 15 from the south, 10 from the central region and seven from the far north. 21 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults. 129 cases are in the 20-44 age range; 100 are in the 45-64 age range; and 51 are in the 65-plus range. 53 per cent of the cases are males and 47 per cent are females. Four deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date. To date, 20,282 COVID19 tests have been performed in the province. Saskatchewan continues to have the second highest rate of testing per capita among the provinces.
Opinions HAVE A NICE DAY!
4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Reach out to those in need It goes without saying, but people here in the Prairies are an aware group of individuals. We come to those in need and we help, without wanting anything in return. With the current state of the world, that is in more evidence with each passing day. In amongst the endless reports of bad news, we now hear that our long-term care homes are increasingly vulnerable, and keeping in touch with those in homes is now more important. While we must protect those who may be susceptible to the effects of COVID-19, we should also remember to not shut them out. Contact them, talk to them, let them know we are here - we’re fine - and, perhaps, hear that they are fine. Allaying fears that the world is coming apart is important, and keeping them in the forefront of our thoughts, keeping in touch, does us all a world of good - now more than ever. While some of us are not all that tech savvy, we do know how to work a phone. Use it. Give a call. Send some hope and get some hope in return. No person can weather this alone, and making sure everyone is thought of, is “In the loop”, keeps us strong and helps us press forward. Sharing our worry, our fears . . . it takes the burden off our shoulders and off the shoulders of those who raised us, made us who we are. Keep in touch. We’ll get through this. K.B.
THURSDAY, APRIL16, 2020
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
Isolation will bring epidemic of domestic violence, suicide by Karen Selick Did anyone think about how many people will die as a result of the unnatural conditions forced upon us? There are always unintended consequences to government actions, especially those hastily adopted. So Canada’s COVID-19 policies could result in an epidemic of deaths and injuries due to domestic violence and suicide attempts. During the 24 years that I practised family law, I observed a large influx of separation and divorce cases every January and September. Having spent a lot of time cooped up with their partners over the Christmas or summer holidays, people finally realized what a big jerk or nagging witch their once-beloved spouses had become. They wanted out. All too often, they came to blows. I’m not imagining this seasonal phenomenon, although statistics are
the
hard to find. My observations are corroborated by Carolyn Hennecy, a speaker and author on domestic violence. She notes that U.S. abuse shelters are often full beyond capacity around Christmas. And the Cherokee Family Violence Center in Canton, Ga., reports increased family violence during the summer months. An article in New Statesman America attributes the Christmas spike in violence to “the combination of financial pressure, free-flowing alcohol and being cooped up in closed quarters.” That sounds accurate. Schools are now closed indefinitely across Canada. So are the daycare centres, libraries, movie theatres, swimming pools and community centres – every alternative place children could be kept occupied outside the home. Idle kids will be bored and up to mischief. Hordes of parents who
are ill-suited for the task are now attempting to homeschool. Twitter tells their tales of frustration: one mother tweeted that she had been homeschooling her six- and eight-year-old kids for just over an hour, and thought teachers deserved to be paid $1 billion a week. Her tweet earned 594,500 likes in the two days. Parents who still work outside the home are stressed about finding child care and paying for it. In many households, parents have been laid off, so there will be less income, despite provincial and federal guarantees. Add to this the frustration of waiting anxiously for a supermarket parking spot due to panic buying, plus the fear of finding empty shelves inside, and the stage is set for a massive increase in family violence and mental health problems. Statistics Canada tells us 26 per cent of all reported violent crime in 2016 (the
most recent year stats are available) was from domestic violence. This number is probably far too low, since the related stigma is believed to prevent victims from reporting abuse in 81 per cent of all cases. What’s the death toll from domestic abuse in Canada? From 2010 to 2018, there were 662 deaths, according to the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative. That’s an average of 73.5 persons a year, mostly female. One of the contributing factors is said to be social isolation, something we’re now being emphatically urged to engage in – ironically, to preserve our health. The numbers above include only deaths. Domestic violence sometimes results in injuries that aren’t fatal, but are nevertheless severe and permanent. Sometimes the scars are psychological rather than physical, but these can be just as
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debilitating. Rates of suicide in Canada closely mirror rates of marital breakdown. Did our governments at various levels think through all these consequences before imposing restrictions and closures on most of our social and educational activities? Did anyone try to estimate how many additional people will die as a result of the unprecedented and unnatural conditions being forced upon us? My guess is the number of dead and injured will far exceed what COVID19 would have inflicted had people been allowed to gather at will. But of course, we’ll never know for sure, because even if such statistics were ever gathered, an error in judgement of this magnitude by the state would never be publicized. Governments around the world have focused exclusively on stopping the spread of the virus.
However, humans aren’t powerless victims with no option but to sit helplessly and await the onslaught of the bugs. There are measures that individuals can take to bolster their immune systems, but we’ve heard nothing of that from the government. Somebody might have to stick his neck out and do something different from the crowd. It’s far safer for politicians and bureaucrats to just do what every other country is doing and let more of us die of other causes, because taking that ‘safe’ course will never come to anyone’s attention or cause you to be held accountable. Karen Selick is a senior research associate with Frontier Centre for Public Policy who received her law degree at the University of Toronto. She has written widely about legal issues from a libertarian perspective.
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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.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5
These Hands
Chef Dez Chef Dez that I should . it must be awfulon plaincooking just a boy on cooking
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I suppose apologize for writing To know about a fellow about my own hands. This Chef . . Dez . (though you ask of ggy Hasein dubious acclaim - or who him in vain . . .) I want to acclaim anyway For the romance, art - is always suspect! and drama of his lifetime It surely was not that p l a i n l y fellow I played bridge stands with up north! Not only To be did he have good hands, read by but he took all my wages, all who too! want to, Sorry about that! But just by we all know guys like l o o ki ng that, eh? at his I suppose that someone hands. will mebbe criticize this I sat - I know that my hands a n d will never be in a beauty stared a contest! moment Here goes anyway! . . . and These Hands a voice I took the old typewrit- from far er down to try and tap away ggy Hasein a line, Down Mason And then I got to look-Bobthrough ing at these two big the years hands of mine, of memories at last began These huge and warty to say . . . lumps made up of cal“These hands in all their louses and scars innocence have known That lay so lean and the tender glow lazy on the old typewritOf the sun in April’s er bars. childhood of the very The seconds turned to long ago . . . minutes and the hours These hands have whitpassed away tled whistles from the But still I sat day schoolyard poplar trees dreaming on the sands And these fingers fashof yesterday. ioned waltzes on the The cover of the desk- black piano keys . . . lamp shaded out the rest These hands have of me writhed in agony; These And these two great big hands have clapped for bony hands were all Bruce that Penton joy ce Penton I could see . . . And helped to set the Until at last I realized . . gopher traps when I was
Asquith council news for April
Agriculture
Asquith Town CounI have felt them clench cil held its April reguinChef fury; I have seen them Dez Calvin Daniels lar council meeting on shake in grief; Wednesday, April 8. In despair they’ve Attending were Mayor strained and sweated Gail Erhart, Councillors, and they’ve opened in Sue Sawicki, Dylan Claypool, Jeff Eide, Harold relief, And oh, Edwards, and Ted Goodit’s hard to nough. Also attending realize the was CAO Kathy Picketts. rest of me The meeting was called to order at 7p.m. was near A motion was made to The night accept the March 11 reguthey held lar council meeting minmy stenutes as presented. gun . . . Council made a motion up on cold to accept the March 2020 Kapelsche financial statements and Veer! March 2020 bank reconT h e s e ciliations as presented to hands have them at the meeting. raised in Accounts Paid in the reverence Bob Mason Calvin Daniels amount of $21,988.67 . . . These hands have dripped with blood They have washed themselves in perfume and been caked in Saskatchewan small Europe’s mud businesses will receive They have held aloft a additional provincial banner in a far-off forsupport to help deal with eign town current COVID-19 chalAnd they’ve reached up lenges through the new for another so that they Saskatchewan Small could tear it down . . . They have felt in empty Business Emergency Paypockets . . . they have ment (SSBEP). The $50 million proworn expensive rings . . . gram will provide finanAnd on a prouder cial support to small and moment they have medium-sized businesses grasped the hands of that have had kings; Kim Inglis to tempoKim Inglis rarily close or significantThey have held the ly curtail operations as a hands of maidens as we result of the COVID-19 wandered side by side pandemic. And they’ve gripped the Rural Municipality of “We have heard from arms of soldiers who lay our business commuscreaming ‘till they died Reford No. 379 nity and understand the They have held” . . . I unprecedented challengjumped and shuddered, es that they are facing,” for I’d almost been asleep Premier Scott Moe said ... thursday. “Our governMy hands lay on the Due to weather conditions, the roads in our table in an ugly useless ment is providing critical support for businesses municipality will be soft. These are your roads; heap I stretched them wide that have had to fully or please use common sense when using them. Your cooperation will help keep road repairs and a moment . . . and made partially close their doors to protect public health mill rates at an acceptable level. The onus is on you them fill my pipe Then they reached out and reduce the spread of the ratepayer. for the keyboard and3 col/6 at COVID-19. This is a sig… Council of the R.M. of Reford No. 379 nificant first step in our last began to type! economic recovery efforts and we are committed to continuing to work with Attention: Lorraine businesses through this Rural Municipality of Grandview No. 349 Price: $52.54 plus gst per week uncertain time.” This ad will run on Thursday, March 27 and April 3 The SSBEP provides a Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of the Rural Municipality of Grandview one-time grant for small No. 349 for the year 2020 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of and medium-sized enterthe assessor from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days prises directly affected by government public health Monday to Friday, April 17th to May 18th, 2020 (excluding holidays) orders related to COVIDA Bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the 19. Grants will be paid based on 15 per cent of a assessment notices have been sent as required. Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his business’ monthly sales revenue, to a maximum or her notice of appeal; accompanied by a $25.00 appeal fee with: of $5,000. The Assessor To give maximum flexRural Municipality of Grandview No. 349 ibility to businesses, the Box 39 grant is not dedicated to Kelfield, SK S0K 2C0 specific cost pressures. by the 18th day of May, 2020 Through the consultation process, many busiDated this 16th day of April, 2020 Shonda Toner, Assessor nesses made it clear they
ourly
Notable Notes
sports
Penton on sports
Notable Notes
Financial Advice
Agriculture
and Accounts Payable of $42,004.84 were accepted as presented. The Town of Asquith has received information from the Municipal Potash Tax Sharing Administration Board that they will be receiving $20.807.81 for the 2020 estimate. Education Mill Rates have been set as, Agricultural Property – 1.43 mills, Residential Property – 4.12 mills, Commercial/Industrial Property – 6.27 mills, Resource – 9.69 mills. Due to the COVID-19 circumstances the Town of Asquith will be extending the 2020 Assessment Roll from 30 days to 45 days.
The Town of Asquith will be extending the municipal tax discount of four per cent from August 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020, in response to the unforeseen conditions resulting from COVID-19. The Asquith Town Office will continue to be closed until further notice. Please refer to the Town of Asquith website for any information regarding payments, information regarding COVID-19, or call the Town Office at 306-329-4341. The Town of Asquith hopes everyone is staying safe and well!
Emergency support program for Saskatchewan small businesses
Financial Advice
NOTICE TO RATEPAYERS
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL
are facing acute cash flow pressures in the immediate term due to fixed overhead costs, such as rent and lease payments. The SSBEP will help businesses address these immediate pressures. To be eligible for the SSBEP, a business must: have been fully operational on February 29, 2020; have ceased or curtailed operations as a result of the COVID-19 public health order; have less than 500 employees; and commit to reopen business operations following the cancellation of the COVID-19 public health order. The development of SSBEP is the result of extensive consultations with the business community since COVID-19 restrictions began. The program was designed to be simple and provide businesses with timely access to funding. The Government of Saskatchewan will be requesting that the federal government exempt the SSBEP from business income for tax purposes. The SSBEP supplements previously announced supports for businesses, including waiving penalties and interest charges for three months for late PST returns, zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months for all Crown utilities, and waiving Workers Compensation Board premium penalties until June 30, 2020. “COVID-19 is having a significant impact on business and our economy,” Regina and District
Chamber of Commerce CEO John Hopkins said. “We applaud the Government of Saskatchewan for introducing the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment and for hearing our concerns about the lack of business cash flow because of COVID-19. Many businesses are facing critical decisions about the future and the need for cash flow now to help with expenses like rents or leases. The reality that the payment will be expedited is also vital at this time of need and we commend the government for its understanding of the plight of business.” “CFIB is pleased the Government of Saskatchewan has heard the concerns of the business community and appreciates this support, which will help to address immediate cash flow issues businesses are dealing with,” CFIB Vice-President Western Canada and Agri-business Marilyn Braun-Pollon said. “The flexibility and timeliness of this funding will help businesses allocate the dollars as needed during this difficult time.” “Our members are experiencing significant cash flow issues as the result of this pandemic and we appreciate the provincial government stepping up with this new program,” North Saskatoon Business Association Executive Director Keith Moen said. “This funding will provide some much needed support for businesses to help with these challenges.”
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Chef Dez on Cooking – EASY Italian Sausage & Gnocchi Soup One of the best things about Italian cuisine can be its simplicity, and one of the best things about staying at home is making soup. One of the commonly asked questions directed to me is for easy, fast, and delicious soup recipes. This is the one I recommend all the time. This soup is hearty and because it is loaded with Italian sausage, gnocchi pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and incredible cheese it is everything you would expect from an Italian soup . . . but also very quick and easy to prepare. If you have never heard of “gnocchi” pasta before, don’t despair – vacuum sealed packages of the small dumplinglike pasta shapes can be found at almost all major grocery stores down the pasta aisle.
Don’t underestimate the choice of the Pecorino Romano cheese as the finishing garnish for this soup as it adds incredible flavour and compliments and balances all the other flavours in this soup beautifully. Large shavings of this cheese are easily prepared with a simple vegetable peeler – shave it directly onto the individually bowled soup portions just prior to serving – this looks much more rustic and gourmet than simply grating it, but either
way is fine. If you can’t find Pecorino Romano, a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano will suffice. Italian Sausage & Gnocchi Soup 500g raw mild Italian sausage, casings removed and discarded; 1 tbsp olive oil; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup f i n e l y chopped onion; Chef Dez 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 – 796ml can of diced tomatoes; 1800ml chicken broth;
1 tsp sugar; 1 – 500g package of potato gnocchi pasta; 1 packed cup fresh baby spinach leaves; 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil; Generous amounts of shaved Pecorino Romano cheese. 1.) Add the sausage meat, olive oil, garlic, onion, salt and pepper to a large pot. Turn the heat to medium and cook
for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage in cooked through, while breaking up the sausage meat with a spoon as it cooks. 2.) Add the can of tomatoes, chicken broth, and sugar. Increase the heat to medium high to bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and continue to cook for 3 minutes. 3.) Remove the pot from
the heat. Stir in the spinach and basil and portion out immediately; garnished with generous amounts of shaved Pecorino Romano cheese. Makes approximately 13 cups Chef Dez is a chef, writer, and a host. Visit him at chefdez.com. Write to him at dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 6R4
Chef Dez on cooking
Bizarre data breaches you’ve never heard about Hackers have a wellearned reputation for stealing sensitive data and using that data for criminal acts. For instance, some hackers make purchases with stolen credit card data and others use stolen data to steal identities. While it’s safe to say all hackers act maliciously to a degree, some hackers aren’t trying to steal identities. The hackers you don’t hear about in the news are sometimes self-proclaimed vigilantes and trolls as evidenced by some bizarre data breaches. Like the time someone hacked Google Maps to show fake traffic jams. There are two main ways hackers get this data: by tricking people into voluntarily providing their data and by stealing unprotected data.
Aside from tricking victims into giving up their login credentials, hackers can only gain access to sensitive data when that data is left unprotected. Protecting data from hackers is crucial, but encryption is non-negotiable. Encrypted data can still get stolen, but it can’t be deciphered by a hacker. With more businesses moving to the cloud, data security is more important than ever. Just having a cloud hosting environment isn’t enough. Business owners – especially SaaS providers – need a range of comprehensive cloud security solutions, including encryption, to protect sensitive data. While all data breaches are serious, in hindsight, some can be a little funny. Here are a few interest-
Biggar and District Arts Council
Would like to advise all our Season tickets holders that the balance of the season has been cancelled. In wanting to be fair to all season ticket holders we are offering the following options as to compensate for the cancellation of three shows. All options are based on the cost of three shows.. Option 1: If you wish to donate the amount to the Arts Council we will issue you a tax receipt for the amount. Option 2: If you wish to use the amount as a credit on your 2020-2021 season ticket we will do so. Option 3: is a refund of the amount. Please contact Denise at 306-948-2452 to advise her of your wishes. Thank You.
Biggar & District Arts Council
ing incidents you may not have heard about: Hackers Sent Out Random Food Orders in London With all the major data breaches in the news, you probably haven’t heard about the Deliveroo hack. In 2019, hackers obtained account information for Deliveroo customers and posted the data for sale on the ‘dark web’ for about $6. Soon, customers started noticing all kinds of orders placed on their accounts with food being delivered to random people and businesses. One Deliveroo victim noticed an order placed at 10 a.m. for cakes and ice cream, totaling almost $200. The order was sent to a bakery chain outlet in 1/4 Page
East London. “If I was going to hack someone, I would’ve ordered bacon sandwiches at that time,” she joked with Forbes. From the randomness of the orders, it doesn’t seem like the hackers used Deliveroo to get their own orders, but rather, pranked London with random deliveries for a while. In an official statement relayed to Forbes, a spokesperson from Deliveroo insisted their internal system had not been compromised. The company believes hackers used existing leaked email addresses and passwords to gain access to Deliveroo accounts owned by customers who use the same password 20042SS0
across the internet. FBI and DHS Employee Information Leaked When the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) get hacked, you know the hacker had a good time. In 2015, an anonymous source released the names, email addresses, titles, and phone numbers for 9,000 DHS workers and 20,000 FBI workers. While the names and titles of government officials are public record and can be obtained through a records request, email addresses and phone numbers are private. Both information dumps were accompanied by pro-Palestine slogans, but it’s hard to tell who was actually behind the hack. Hackers routinely do things that make people believe someone else is the source of the hack. Although hacking is a serious crime, the irony is a little funny. Perhaps from now on, government agencies will take better measures to secure private data. Various “Funny” Web site Hacks While these types of incidents aren’t your typ-
ical data breach, they do involve obtaining log-in credentials, and are too silly to leave out. For as long as web sites have existed, hackers have been pulling some hilarious pranks. For instance, in 2010, hackers upgraded the Spanish Prime Minister’s website by replacing his photo with an image of Mr. Bean. In another funny stunt, a hacker put images of dinosaurs in fashionable hats at the bottom of Vogue magazine’s website. Perhaps the funniest web site hack of all happened back in 2011. MI6 replaced all the bombmaking recipes from an online al-Qaeda magazine with cupcake recipes taken from Ellen DeGeneres’ Best Cupcakes in America. Even though some of these incidents are a little funny, data breaches cause serious damage. Data breaches can carry expensive fines and businesses can lose their reputation overnight as people lose their faith in the companies they once trusted.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7
Agriculture
Oil battle, COVID-19 makes for murky ag future It’s sometimes easy to Last fall producers were forget how interconnect- generally hit with added ed commodity costs to markets are. dry grain, Farm prom e a n ducers are ing a hefty generally propane aware that or natural the price of oil gas bill for tends to drive most. the overall T h i s market trend, spring they with it certainmay see ly impacting the lowest farm inputs, fuel costs both in the in years as case of direct they head fuel costs, and to the field Calvin Daniels the price of to plant some fertiliztheir crops. ers. But oil With Russia and Saudi prices are more than Arabia fighting over share direct savings, or higher of the global oil, market prices to fill the fuel tank prices plummeted, and on the tractor or farmers. the situation has been For example there has made worse as demand been a continuing mardipped massively in the ket for grains going into face of COVID-19 reduc- the ethanol sector. It has ing needs internationally. not been the market once So the current disaster envisioned when ethathat is the world of inter- nol was going to be the national oil prices is not answer to the then exorall bad news for farmers. bitant oil prices, but there
Agriculture
has remained a niche. Niche markets by their nature can be overrun rather easily, and when crude oil prices are at levels not seen in decades – some suggest below $20 a barrel for the first quarter of 2020, ethanol becomes a rather redundant fuel source. Thankfully the ethanol market is not a massive one for grain sales to access, but it is likely a market that will be lost in the immediate months ahead, and whether it ever rebounds to relevance in the short-terms is a question mark. Producers are likely not lamenting the potential market loss in the short term. The COVID-19 pandemic is going to keep food demand strong, provided the infrastructure to get product from farm gate to production mill to the consumer table holds up. At this point we should believe the system will manage, at least
in developed countries where systems are generally better. So the demand for what farmers produce should hold at least steady, with increases in some area,
such as wheat flour in North America as consumers safeguard their home food supply by stocking up on non-perishable items. How the markets play
!
out amid the oil market battle and COVID-19 of course is the question hanging over farm producers headed to the fields to plant a new crop.
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306.948.2298
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8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
SHA releases next phase of COVID-19 response plan Continued efforts on the part of the public are needed to ensure our health system can respond to the impact of
COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. Modeling data released today by the Saskatchewan Health Author-
ity (SHA) indicates that the key variable for saving lives and protecting health care workers during the COVID-19 pan-
Can you spot the person Surprise, who has hearing loss? They All Do!
Do you have hearing loss?
40% of adult canadians have hearing loss (CHMS 2012-2015)
1 2 3
Do you feel people are mumbling? Do you turn up the television? Do you have ringing in your ears?
4 5 6
Risks associated with hearing loss:
Do you experience difficulty hearing in a crowd?
fatigue, tension, stress and depression avoidance or withdrawal from social situations Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks Diminished psychological and overall health
Do you ask friends or family to repeat themselves? Is it hard to hear someone from a different room?
(306) 445-5700 #2 11204 Railway Ave. E North Battleford, SK
Better Business Bureau BBB.org
41% 9%
Reported losing money to a COVID scam
Total COVID related scams
$80 Median amount lost
Better Business Briefing COVID-19 Scams Data collected from BBB Scam Tracker from March 1-31, 2020
35-54 years-old most susceptible
39
40
18
40
35-54 yrs
54 9
44
55+ yrs
35 Masks
Females most susceptible
85.7% Males
Stimulus, grants, loans
Employment
Top means of contact (with $ loss)
8.1%
9.2%
33
60
Website
31 6767
Females 47
Of marketers said Exposure %that more than 80% of their blog Susceptibility posts contained% some type of visual.
Of marketers Social Media said that between 50% and 80% of their blog posts contained at least one visual.
17
Of marketers said that
10 less than 50% of their
blog posts contained visuals.
For more information on scam prevention visit BBB.org/coronavirus *Trade-Mark(s) of the International Association of Better Better Business Bureaus used under license.
information at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19. The following are highlights of the measures the SHA is taking in its next phase of pandemic response to ensure safety by segmenting patient populations between COVID-19 and nonCOVID-19 patient populations: • Creating dedicated spaces within many of its facilities to cohort COVID-19 patients; • Designating certain hospitals COVID-19 hospitals. These changes are not immediate. The SHA has proactively identified 20 out of its 65 hospitals that would be designated COVID-19 hospitals, if required to meet the clinical needs of the patient population in their areas of the province; • Adding acute care capacity through the creation of field hospitals in Saskatoon and Regina, with more locations being considered as part of later, contingency planning. These measures are in addition to those SHA has already initiated to meet the demands of COVID-19. A slowdown of non-essential services to increase bed availability has already created acute care capacity across the system for handling a surge in COVID-19 related cases at future stages of the pandemic. As of April 5, 43 per cent of Saskatchewan’s acute care beds were available for use, largely as a result of the slow down and preparation for the surge. “We wanted to be transparent with the plan going forward so the public is aware of the escalated measures we will put into place if needed, but it is
critical to remember that many of the changes proposed in this plan will be implemented only in response to anticipated surges in patient demand that start to exceed our capacity,” Livingstone said. “Changes like conversion to COVID-19 dedicated hospitals will only occur where it is absolutely required to ensure safety and maintain access for patients who need our care.” Saskatchewan residents can continue to help by taking specific action, including: • Practising good hygiene, washing hands regularly and practicing physical distancing (two metres apart wherever possible); • Taking care of family, friends and neighbours who may be affected by mandatory self-isolation orders; • Abide by provincial and local travel, self-isolation, event and gathering restrictions; • Use medical supplies effectively and efficiently so that they are there when needed; and • Avoid visiting our hospitals and long-term care facilities unless there are compassionate reasons for doing so. “No health system in the world can manage this challenge without the sustained help of the general public,” SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said. “To save lives, Saskatchewan residents need to do their best to stay healthy and strong and abide by the restrictions and guidelines for the general public around COVID-19. Demand will exceed our capacity as a health system if we are not diligent about these measures.”
First oil and gas public offering raises $1.7M
Most common types of scams
16
18-34 yrs
demic is public compliance with prescribed isolation measures, physical distancing, effective hand washing and staying home, whenever and wherever possible. It also indicates that current interventions are making a difference. “Our job as a health care system is to provide care for those in need and to be ready for any scenario,” SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said April 8. “While we understand Canadian data is starting to show some hopeful signs about flattening the curve on COVID-19, it is critical to remember not to be complacent. We need to continue to escalate our response to ensure we are prepared for the worst case scenarios and we need the public to help us avoid those scenarios.” The SHA has increased access to testing through the creation of 38 testing sites around the province and tripled the staff available for contact tracing efforts to detect and prevent community transmission. As public health measures and capacity for community care services continue to increase, the acute care system has also been planning to add capacity. Up to 57 per cent more acute care capacity will be phased in as needed over the next several weeks, in anticipation of increased hospitalization rates. None of the major changes in this plan are immediate. Communities will continue to be updated as changes to services and service locations occur in their areas through various communications channels as well as through Saskatchewan’s central access point for
Saskatchewan’s April public offering of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights held Tuesday generated a total of $1.7 million in revenue for the province. This is the first of six oil and gas public offerings for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The Lloydminster and Kindersley areas generated the majority of the bid activity. The Lloydminster area brought in
$848,629.60 for 19 parcels totalling 2,169.132 hectares, while the Kindersley area brought in $731,624.20 for 43 leases totalling 11,063.984 hectares. Fourteen parcels, comprising 841.750 hectares in the Lloydminster area, received a total bonus amount of $628,982.18. These parcels are prospective for heavy oil in the Mannville Group. Two of these parcels
each received a bonus bid of $182,450.61, or $2,817.77/hectare, the highest bonus bid and dollars per hectare received on a parcel in this offering. Millennium Land (222) Ltd. and Millennium Land (333) Ltd. were the successful bidders on these two parcels, picking up one parcel each. The scheduled date for the next public offering is June 2, 2020.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
Easter visit . . . Bob Mason, left, is all smiles as he gets a visit from son Barry this past Easter Sunday. Although they had to talk over the phone and through a window, the visit was a wonderful moment in these trying times as many adjust to a very different reality. (Photo for The Independent, courtesy Beth Polovick)
Taking care of your mental health during the pandemic
Mental health services and supports are readily available to Saskatchewan residents who need them during the COVID19 pandemic. In recent spending estimates, the Ministry of Health is investing $435 million in mental health and addictions services, an increase of $33 million. The Government of Saskatchewan and health sector partners are working together to ensure that services are available, particularly to vulnerable populations and that they comply with public health requirements limiting close contact. “Living through this uncertain and distressing time has caused some level of worry for us all,” Premier Scott Moe said. “Just as people should be caring for their physical health during this pandemic, it’s important to pay attention to our mental health too. Whether you’re coping with the loneliness of self-isolation, concerned about the health of your loved ones or worried about what the future may hold, there are mental health supports available to help you through this difficult time.” All Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) mental health inpatient units for adults, children and youth remain open for admissions as needed. Community mental
health sites remain open, offering most services by phone. However, they have maintained capacity to assist clients and patients in person if necessary. Group-based services have been discontinued, but clients and patients are being contacted by phone. The SHA continues efforts to reallocate resources to areas of critical need, such as mental health. Regular intake phone lines are operating, including HealthLine 811 which has mental health services available providing 24/7 assistance or referral. Family Service Saskatchewan, in partnership with the SHA, supports 23 mental health walk-in clinics that are now offering services by phone in communities across the province, in light of the need for social distancing. Other mental health resources available to Saskatchewan residents include: • The Farm Stress Line, saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-naturalresources-and-industry/ agribusiness-farmersand-ranchers/programsand-services/farmstress-line) • Kids Help Phone kidshelpphone.ca/) offers professional counselling, information and referrals by phone, text or online chat. It’s confidential, free and available 24/7.
• Mobile Crisis mobilecrisis.ca/mobile-crisis-helpline/) centres are located across Saskatchewan and operate 24/7. • Employee and Family Assistance Programs can assist with mental health supports and counselling for qualifying employees and their dependents. • Ministries across government are providing mental health resources and supports. For example: The Ministry of Education continues to offer Mental Health Capacity Building support for staff and students in five schools during school closures, through online and social media platforms. Ministry of Social Services staff are supporting clients, service providers and Approved Private Service Homes. All CBO agencies continue to offer counselling by phone or virtual technology. Indigenous Services Canada Mental Health Therapists are available by phone or Telehealth to residents of First Nations communities. People are encourage to provide assistance within their communities to friends, neighbours or family who may need assistance with things like picking up groceries or other needed supplies. Moe encouraged people to remember the difference between physical distancing and social distancing.
20043pm0
10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
Mark Hamill hits Trump with a Monstrous Coronavirus comparison Trump has bragged about his ratings during the pandemic before, and has repeatedly praised his own performance. Earlier this week, Mediaite documented 116 examples of Trump’s self-congratulatory rhetoric during the crisis. On Thursday, Hamill compared Trump to the monster in the 1982 John Carpenter horror classic “The Thing,� which can shift form and mimic humans. Except according to Hamill, the monster did it better:
Mark Hamill hits Trump with a Monstrous Coronavirus comparison Star Wars icon Mark Hamill is calling out Donald Trump’s constant need to praise himself amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And he’s done it by comparing the president unfavorably to a monster from a classic horror flick. On Thursday, Trump bragged about the TV viewership of his news conferences concerning the pandemic that has so far claimed nearly 15,000 American lives. Responding to a highly critical editorial by The Wall Street Journal, Trump tweeted:
Dirty Easter Bunny leaving eggs for Florida residents We won’t be celebrating Easter this year, at least not the way that we are used to. But, some people are still celebrating it, albeit in weird ways. The sheriff’s office got
several calls about explicit Easter eggs people were receiving. Easter eggs had crackers, toilet paper, and pornographic photos stuffed into them. The eggs were secretly placed into lots of mail-
boxes throughout Flagler County, Florida, according to a new release that came out Monday morning. Deputes are trying to find out who this “dirty� Easter Bunny is . . . both
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
20200330_Weekes_COVID-10 Info Ad.indd 1
figuratively but also physically. “The person who did this is not only a very sick individual but could actually be spreading COVID19 by their actions,� Rick Staly, sheriff, said in Monday’s news release. “We are working to identify the offender and put them in the Green Roof Inn. If anyone else receives something like this or has information on who did this, we ask that you call us immediately.� When people called the police about the Easter eggs they had gotten, they said that they were left in their mailboxes. And that there mailboxes were left in the up position. They saw the eggs when they looked inside of their mailboxes. Residents were finding a fish-shaped cracker or
one sheet of toilet paper. The news release also said there was a powder drink mix or a crumpled piece of paper with a pornographic image found inside the eggs. Editors Note: Deputies have arrested a 42-yearold woman, Abril Cestroni. Cestroni claims to have distributed more than 400 pornographic Easter eggs. She did
not have symptoms of COVID-19. When caught, Cestroni was incoherent, making rants about the church, local clergy and stating that she “included the images because homosexuals are allowed to each in the church,� according to the Sheriff’s Office. Cestroni was charged, and is being held at the country jail.
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
3/30/2020 1:09:21 PM
THIS A 3 COLUMN BY 3 INCH COST $100.00
Jim Reiter, MLA
DEPOSITS FULLY GUARANTEED
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
Credit Union Deposit Corporation guarantees the full repayment of deposits held in Saskatchewan credit unions.
www.cudgc.sk.ca
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THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK. -11
Currently accepting applications for
Edward Silvernagle 1931 - 2007
“With so many memories and much love, You are forever in our hearts”
Love… Family
FOR RENT
Apartment for seniors at Central Park Place in Biggar available immediately; call 306948-5626 46tfn Charter/ Sherwood Apartments in BIGGAR 1 or 2 Bedroom, Heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite systems, laundry facilities, appliances, some suites with MUSIC air dishwashers, D.J. Music for all occasions, pop, rock, conditioning, country, new, edm, parking with light show included Marriage plug-ins. Commissioner For more For MoreinforInfo: dale@dtjssb.ca mation call: Risa or Management 951-7700 at 306-665-2300 948-3344 or Andre at 306-831-4430
REAL ESTATE LARGE HOME FOR SALE in Saskatoon. Quiet central neighborhood. 8 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2800sq.ft. Plus additional 900sq.ft unfinished basement. 2 car garage. Asking $443,000 Call 306-2208523 for details
Heavy Duty Mechanics and Dozer Operators and 1A Drivers 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 Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sask. S0E 0A0 Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@xplornet.ca www.brydenconstructionandtransport.ca
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.
CERTIFIED SEED WHEAT AAC PENHOLD, GO EARLY, PINTAIL OATS AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY, SO1 SUPER OAT BARLEY BUSBY, CERVEZA, CDC AUSTENSON, CDC MAVERICK, SUNDRE
=,9@ ,(93@ @,336> 7,( Email: -69(., 7,(: dtiefenbach@smhi.ca 7630:/ *(563( for application form and :7905. ;90;0*(3, job overview. -69 469, +,;(03: *65;(*;! 306-569-1852 ext 170. mastinseeds.com 3 col/6 403-556-2609
CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY The RM of Rosemount No.378 is seeking quotations for the following summer signage project:
EARLY VARIETIES
CIVIC ADDRESSING
GO EARLY HRS WHEAT
Installation of new signage - TWP and RGE roads and Civic address signs withing the RM of Rosemount, on a contract basis. The contractor must provide an estimate for the entire project, estimated start and completion dates and follow all rural municipal signage regulations.
BUSBY & SUNDRE BARLEY AAC PEACE RIVER FIELD PEAS EARLY ONE POLISH CANOLA mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609
Please contact the municipal office for details on the project - (306)658-2034
If YOU are… • NEW to our communities of Biggar/Landis/Perdue • Have a new baby Call WELCOME
WAGON
at 306-948-3837
Sheila Itterman
We have gifts and information www. welcomewagon.ca
DB SAFETY Quotes can be submitted to the RM office by May 11th, 2020 SERVICE 1ST AID BY TRAINING
SALE
TENDER
1st Aid training on-line or classroom. $120 Re-Certs $85 Approx. 115 Canadian Red Cross For More Info:
“Two quarters of land for sale. NE and NW of 22-33-15 W3M.
total cultivated acres with native grass and sloughs. 23 km south of Biggar and 1.6 km west. Offers must include contact dale@dtjssb.ca information of purchaser and a deposit cheque for 5% made payable or 951-7700 to “Peszko & Watson In Trust”. Purchaser assumes 2020 property taxes. 948-3344returned if tender rejected otherwise forfeited if offer is acceptDeposit ed and purchaser fails to close within 30 days. Tenders must be submitted to Peszko & Watson, #300, 245 Third Ave S, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M4 and postmarked by April 30th, 2020 to be considered. The highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.” HIP/KNEE Replacement?
Looking to buy good quality retail fireworks? For More Info:
Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?
dale@dtjssb.ca or
951-7700 948-3344
The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and $20,000 Lump sum refund.
ALL REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES ARE POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR CHURCH ON ALTERNATIVE SERVICES BEING HELD ON VARIOUS FORMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA. GOD BLESS
NOTICE BOOKS FOR BIKES SPONSORED BY LODGE #100 IN BIGGAR HAS BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL NEXT SPRING. … Need to Re-certify? … need your First Aid Course certification? … Don’t have time to leave work or tie-up your weekend!
Do it from the comfort of your home... ONLINE!! $120 for Certified Red Cross Course done on YOUR TIME!
D B
CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2020 hail season. (July - October)
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Free delivery! Birch Rose acres Ltd. 306921-9942
Call Dale Buxton for more information
SAFETY SERVICES
Biggar, SK
306-951-7700
dale@dtjssb.ca
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. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details
Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!
Expert Help:
1-844-453-5372
PEDIGREED SEED FOR SPRING
2020
LENTILS: -CDC Impulse CL (red) DURUM: -AAC Stronghold New -CDC Proclaim CL (red) -CDC Precision -CDC Lima CL (lg.green) New -CDC Greenstar (lg.green) WHEAT: -AAC Alida VB New -CDC Peridot CL (french green) -AAC Brandon -CDC Marble (french green) -Carberry PEAS: -CDC Forest (green) New -CDC Lewochko (yellow) New
FLAX: -CDC Sorrel -CDC Bright CANARY SEED - CDC Bastia
NAKONECHNY SEEDS RUTHILDA, SASK. (306) 932-4409 WHERE QUALITY COMES FIRST!!
12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK CLUES ACROSS 42. Broken branch 1. Germanic 44. Put in mythological advance god 47. Arrest 4. Cash 48. Prefix indimachine 7. Improvement cating adjacent to 12. What voters 49. Artificial intelwant ligence 15. Sheepish 50. Disfigure 16. Placed at 52. The Fighting powerful level Irish (abbr.) 18. Measure of 53. Not in any illumination place 19. Trent 56. Predict Reznor’s band 61. A system 20. Commercial of getting stuff 21. Amounts of from one place time to another 24. English 63. Philosophy of broadcaster the principles of 27. Rolls of things tobacco 64. US gov’t 30. Position office (abbr.) 31. Expresses 65. Seaborpleasure gium’s former 33. Corporate name (abbr.) exec (abbr.) 34. Body part 35. Bleated CLUES DOWN 37. Businessman 1. Network con39. Beats per nector minute 2. Primordial 41. Defunct Italmatter ian monetary 3. Get up unit
Independent Classifieds 4. Uncoordinated 5. Ill-fated cruise ship 6. Work hard 7. Drivers’ speed 8. Largest English dictionary (abbr.) 9. Healthcare pro 10. Egyptian Sun god 11. Expresses the negative 12. Some are three-legged 13. Clothing manufacturer 14. Close by 17. Tooth caregiver 22. Housing material 23. Flows through 24. Founder of Babism 25. Honorific title 26. A type of letter 28. Seize and hold firmly 29. Artery 32. Body fluids
36. Press against lightly 38. An island in the Pacific 40. A reminder of past events 43. Austrian spa town 44. Peter’s last name 45. Something a mob might do 46. Of the bones of the feet 51. “Amazing Stories” writer 54. Nazi-resistant youth group (abbr.) 55. Used to have (Scottish) 56. A way to cook 57. Japanese port city 58. Type of precipitation 59. Engrave 60. Female sibling 62. Expresses emotion
SLOW COOKER BEEF SHORT RIBS
4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, well trimmed 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional for seasoning 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional for seasoning 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 6 ounces thick-cut bacon cut into 1⁄4-inch dice
1 large onion, halved and cut into 1⁄4inch slices 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard 1 bottle (12 ounces) Irish stout 1 bay leaf 1 cup beef broth 2 table-
spoons finely chopped parsley leaves Hot mashed potatoes or cooked egg noodles (optional) Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet over mediumhigh heat until almost smoking. Working in batches, cook short ribs in skillet, turning to brown on all
sides. Transfer each batch to a slow cooker as it is finished. Wipe out pan with paper towels and return to heat. Cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon
drippings from pan. Reduce heat to medium and add onion. Cook until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste, flour, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt and 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove from bottom of pan. Pour over short ribs. Add
drained bacon, bay leaf and beef broth. Cover and cook on low 8 hours, or until meat is tender and falls off the bone. Remove beef and skim fat from cooking liquid. Remove bay leaf and stir in parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Tip: This recipe can be cooked ahead and refrigerated overnight.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
Business & Professional ‌
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
ROOFING
ELECTRICAL
BIGGAR ELECTRICAL & REFRIGERATION SERVICES Commercial and Industrial Electrical Wiring
MADGE ROOFING INC.
COURIER
BIGGAR COURIER
• Biggar to Saskatoon • Same day Service • Monday to Friday • 24-hour Answering Service
~Brian and Cathy Fick~
Cell: 306-948-7524
Licensed Journeyman Adrian de Haan
GALLARDO Liner
PHILLIPS ELECTRIC
317 Main St. - Biggar Depot
306-948-5291
s 2ESIDENCE s #OMMERCIAL 7IRING For free estimates, call‌ Menno:
306-480-6822
Passenger & Parcel Services
“Setting a Higher Standardâ€? New Construction Re-rooďŹ ng Torch-on Tile Metal All repairs Asphalt Inspections Shakes NOW DOING Eavestroughing Downspouts Soffit & Facia We offer 10 Year Workmanship Warranty and Liability/Torch On Insurance Excellent Local References For a FREE estimate please call‌ 306-948-5453
HEALTH/WELLNESS
#6 - 3010 Deifenbaker Dr., Saskatoon
Cell: 306-221-6888 Store: 306-948-1773
FOR RENT BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY
Housing for families and seniors Rent based on income
Call: 306-948-2101
INVESTMENTS For all your investment needs, Visit‌
- together with -
Co-Ed Fitness Centre Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss 30-minute Circuit Personal Training Fitness Classes ‌owned and operated by Brett Barber
102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar
306-717-2818
www.madgesaskrooďŹ ng.com Biggar, Sask.
PLUMBING & HEATING
Pamela Eaton
Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.
Lyndsey Poole
Cheri Steeg
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist Credential Asset Management Inc.
Located at the Biggar & District Credit Union 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK • 306-948-3352 Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc., and mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities Inc. ŽCredential is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under license.
INSURANCE
306-948-3389
For all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning Call: Bill: Dale:
Journeymen Plumber, Gas Fitter, & Electrician on staff
AUTOMOTIVE
DENTAL
M & N REPAIR
FULLY MOBILE MECHANIC
SGI Safety INSPECTIONS
ROSETOWN DENTAL
SERVICE TRUCK FULL MECHANICAL SERVICE
115 - 1st Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.
-ON &RI s A M P M phone: Chris
INSURANCE ? 306-948-3376
THIS SPACE
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 OfďŹ ce Hours:
Mon.-Tue, & Fri., 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday, 10:00am - 4:30pm
(WY %AST "IGGAR
306-948-2109
ONE COLUMN X
306-951-7700
2
INCHES
FOR
26-WEEK
PREPAID
BIGGAR col/6 DEN3TAL CLINIC 104 - 6th Ave. East, Biggar, Sask. Southeast entrance of Nova Wood Bldg. Hours‌ Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
306-948-3408
Biggar Sand & Gravel
A Sign of
Website: www.biggarlandisinsurance.ca Email: biggar@biggarinsurance.ca
In Biggar - Dale Buxton
Ph: 306-948-5133
223 Main Street Biggar Box 580 Biggar, SK SOK OMO
306-948-2183 Email: hrbbiggar@sasktelnet Website: www.hrblock.ca
LEGAL SERVICES
Attention: Deanna Steven
Peszko &Watson
isPlease a full service lawBusiness office proof that practices‌
&P the next 52 weeks (year) f Bill has Criminal Law been sent Commercial Law Advertising Pay Franchise Real Estate Law #102 - 9622 Wills and Estate Law - 42 Avenue, Edmonton, and AB T6E 5Ya ourPhone: lawyers, 780-448-2166; Jason Peszko Fax: 780-438-1233; Lisa Watson email: Logan CSC-Edmonton.ac Marchand
306-244-9865
BUSSE LAW PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Barristers & Solicitors Stuart A. Busse, QC Larry A. Kirk, LL.B. 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK
306-948-3346 ‌serving your community since 1972
SERVICES
100 - 2nd Ave. W., Landis Phone: 306-658-2044 Toll Free: 1-855-658-2044
Since 1977, Primerica has offered term life insurance, giving families the coverage they need at a price they can afford.
OFFICE HOURS
IS AVAILABLE FOR
Thursday CLOSED
“We’ll getcha covered�
P. O. Box 1480 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0
Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 30 p.m.minutes could change Bailee Massett Phone:306.882.2123 your life!!! look forward to assisting you New Patients and can be contacted at: Welcome! 306-948-5352 or
IN THIS DIRECTORY ONLY
YH Truck, Ag & Auto s (EAVY TRUCK PARTS s !GRICULTURE PARTS s !UTOMOTIVE PARTS ACCESSORIES WWW YHTRUCKAGAUTO COM
306- 948-2807 or 948-5609 948-5394
Plant located 8 miles south of Biggar on Hwy #4, Âź mile west on Triumph Rd.
GST‌
Biggar OfďŹ ce Hours‌
201B - 2nd Ave. West
Excellent Quality at a Reasonable Price!
$161.20 PLUS Ăż Auto & Home Insurance Ăż Farm & Commercial Insurance Ăż Health & Travel Insurance Ăż Life Insurance & Investments Ăż Farm Succession & Estate Planning Ăż Notary Publics
Rockin D Trucking & Cattle
Canadian Seed Institute Accredited Pedigree, Commercial & Custom Cleaning FULL line of Cleaning Equipment including Gravity Table
Biggar, Sask.
BOATS & RVs
117 - 3rd Ave. W.,
Super B outďŹ ts hauling grain and fertilizer in Alberta and Saskatchewan
WYLIE SEED & PROCESSING INC.
Owners/Operators • Dallas Young • Claude Young
Red Seal Mechanic
rod.campbell@sasktel.net (New Horizons Bldg) Biggar
SEED CLEANING
For all your home, business and rural needs
HEAVY TRUCK & AUTO Repair TIRES NEED LIFE
Ph: 306-948-4430 or 306-948-4460
hauling with step-deck or highboy semi-trailers • also buying and selling straw and forage • also Machinery Hauling
PLUMBING HEATING ELECTRICAL
Mike Nahorney, Journeyman
ACCOUNTING
Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca
Biggar, Sask.
306-948-3996
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist, Wealth Consultant Credential Asset Management Inc.
TROY MAY, owner/operator
Dan • 306-948-7843
Open Monday-Friday Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.
306.237.7671
• Cattle Hauling with 21 ft. gooseneck trailer • Grain Hauling • round and large square bale
701 - 4th Ave. E., Biggar
Dean McCallum, CFP, CIM, FCSI
HAULING
SEEKIN G NE CLIENT W CAMPBELL S ACCOUNTING SERVICES • Income Tax Returns • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Financial Statements
Macklin to Saskatoon & towns in-between Kindersley to Saskatoon & towns in-between
Passenger Cell‌ 306.951.0078 Parcel Cell‌ 306.880.1435 Pick up & Delivery Bus Depot
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13
Qualilty! s 7OOD METAL PLASTIC SIGNS s 6EHICLE WINDOW GRAPHICS s "ANNERS STICKERS AND Magnetic signs
Jerry Muc Phone: 306-948-2958 Fax:
306-948-5699
Biggar, Sask. Brody Ellis, Sever Ellis, Stetler Heather
306-948-3380 306-948-2234 alloutdrilling@gmail.com
Call today for a FREE estimate!
• trenching • trucking • water & sewer • sand & gravel • excavating OfďŹ ce ‌
306-948-5455
Rebel Landscaping
948-2879, evenings 948-7207, daytime Ed Kolenosky s $RIVEWAYS s 3OD s #ONCRETE s 0ATIO s 'ARAGE 0ADS "LOCKS s 0RUNING s 3NOW s 0LANTING 2EMOVAL s 4OPSOIL s &ENCES s ,AWN #ARE xAND s ,EVELING MUCH MORE
14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Business & Professional …
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
SERVICES
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 SAGITTARIUS – Nov Work will dominate 23/Dec 21 Aboriginal Owned Hang on to a source the week, but make Sagittarius, the last t .PCJMF 8FMEJOH 'BCSJDBUJPO t &NFSHODZ 4FSWJDF of real empowerment sure you advocate for few weeks may have t 3FQBJST (PU B QSPKFDU JO NJOE in your career, Aries. fair treatment while come off as humdrum, t 8F DBUFS UP "-- Sewing & Embroidery Give us a call Custom Embroidery It may take willpower t +BDLFUT t 8JOETVJUT JOEVTUSJFTy GBSNJOH you are hard at work, and that’s probably for a quote. t 4IJSUT t )VOUJOH (FBS Teams, Corporate and DPNNFSDJBM PJM GJFME and dedication, but Leo. Check that paybecause you didn’t t #VOOZIVHT t $BQT t /08 PGGFSJOH JOEVTUSJBM Personal Attire t 5PRVFT t #BHT you can make it hapment is in full and take any chances. Be 4LJETUFFS 5SBOTQPSU Judy Check outKahovec… our new website: 2 col/6 • CWB pen when your mind is timely. more bold in the days )PU 4IPU 4FSWJDF classicmakings.ca 306-882-4313, cell 306-831-7935 Certified CALL Chance Parenteau @ 306-948-9465 on the goal. VIRGO – Aug 24/ to come. Judy Kahovec: 882-4313, Cell 831-7935 or Sarah Nagy @ 306-290-9766 TAURUS – Apr 21/ Sept 22 CAPRICORN – Dec Carey Krchov: 882-3213 May 21 There will be no 22/Jan 20 DB Brett… SAFETY You can accomplish surprises for you this Capricorn, ask youranything you set your week if you simply self how you want BRETT’S DECORATING & DESIGN SERVICE Danny Vogelsang mind to, Taurus. This stay the course with to see your finances MUSIC Price… 1ST AID2.5 inches = $201.50 306-222-6081 may even mean being your actions, Virgo. grow. Then you can D.J. Music for all s FLOWERS plus gst per 6-month prepaid L, S occasions, pop, rock, the boss of yourself Go about your normal speak with a financial s CUSTOM WEDDING TRAINING country, new, edm, DECORATING & EVENTS 1st Aid commitment. R, T, with self-discipline. Ask routine and things will planner and make training on-line s RENTALS… 4ENTS light show included C, G, S friends to help keep work out just fine. your dreams a reality. or classroom. $120 "OUNCY #ASTLE Marriage B, E, you stay the course. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct AQUARIUS – Jan 21/ Re-Certs $85 Please get back to me with Commissioner G T Canadian Red Cross GEMINI – May 22/ 23 Feb 18 changes/corrections by return For More Info: Serving Perdue and area rd For More Info: Jun 21 Libra, change things Everything that 102 - 3 email this morning. for the past 10 years dale@dtjssb.ca You have the poten- at home so you can involves you moves dale@dtjssb.ca Ave. West, or tial to lay the groundbetter care for chilup on the priority list, or OPTOMETRISTS Biggar, Sask. Thanks Urla work now for events dren or other people Aquarius. Even though 951-7700 951-7700 newufitness@sasktel.net that will pay dividends in your charge. A lot you’re known for put948-3344 /WNED AND OPERATED BY 948-3344 throughout the next of progress can still be ting others first, this all "RETT "ARBER few years, Gemini. Get made if you redirect needs to change if PHOTOGRAPHY Dr. Kirk Ewen a team of trusted advi- your attention. you are to progress. DB SAFETY sors on your side. SCORPIO – Oct 24/ PISCES – Feb 19/Mar Dr. Michelle Skoretz SERVICE CANCER – Jun 22/ Nov 22 20 Doctors of Optometry C 1ST AID for all Jul 22 Scorpio, things may Pisces, take some op, rock, Cancer, while othbe moving quite slowly time this week to be TRAINING w, edm, ers may be focusing for you, but that does alone and seek inner 1st Aid training on-line ncluded or classroom. $120 on their careers, you not mean progress has peace. During these Looking to buy good ge Re-Certs $85 understand the impornot been made. You’ll times of contemplaIn BIGGAR quality retail Portraits, Family, ioner Canadian Red Cross tance of zeroing in on realize after a few tion you can focus on Every Tuesday fireworks? Wedding, Sports, Info: For More Info: your relationships and weeks how far you’ve future plans. For More Info: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. ssb.ca Passport & Firearm dale@dtjssb.ca love life. Keep those come. dale@dtjssb.ca Biggar Professional Building, hours, as per phone call on Feb. 26, 2019 Photography or you care about close. or Sask. Biggar, 223 Main St., Biggar 20
FLOWER SHOP 306-948-9750
Photos by Jocelyn
700 344
951-7700 www.photosbyjocelyn.com
306-948-7267 948-3344
700 344
For appointments…
1-855-651-3311
REAL ESTATE
Shoreline Realty
Cari Perih
uy good etail ks? Info:
ssb.ca
951-7700 948-3344
REALTOR®
What’s on your Attention: Karen mind ? Send your Here is a draft of Business & Professional ad for your approval. If you get back to me by 5 p.m. comments or tomorrow, February 23, then the ad would start on February 28. concerns to
tip@sasktel.net Price: $225 plus gst for 26 weeks (6 months) 1 column x 3 inches long
All letters needprice is $28.98 plus gst per week x 26 weeks = 753.48 plus gst) (Regular to be addressed We are able to offer this to you when we get the committment for six months prepaid. by the person Nice tosending have met you, and I’m looking forward to meeting with you next Tuesday, March 1st. the concern. Don’t Urla Tyler, Advertising Consultant be shy let usIndependent be The Biggar your voice. phone: 948-334 fax: 948-2133 email: tip@sasktel.net ADVERTISING
Cell: 306-948-7995 Office: 306-867-8380 carip@remax.net
www.SoldbyCari.ca homesforsale@soldbycari.ca
Acres of Expertise.
Dave Molberg
is an
Farm & Acreage Salesperson (306) 948-4478 dave.molberg@hammondrealty.ca HammondRealty.ca
investment
in your business.
PROOF - The Biggar Independen
BOX 40, BIGGAR, SK S0K 0M0
Phone: 306-948-3344; Fax: 306-948-2133
CLASSIFIED AD RATES Deadline Monday at 5 p.m.
Email: tip@sasktel.net PLEASE READ YOUR AD -- Advertisers
should read their advertisement the FIRST ISSUE it APPEARS and report any errors in time for the next insertion.
25 words or less ..... $15.00 per week over 25 words ...... 25¢/word
$30 for 3 Weeks
r "-- $-"44*'*&%4 .645 #& 13&1"*% r
Tel: 948-3344 Contact: CONDITIONS OF SUBSCRIPTION RATES…per year Fax: 948-2133 ADVERTISING ACCEPTANCE ONLINE… spelling and accu 9 Please check thisAllcopy advertisingcarefully subject to publisher’sfor approval. It is agreed by The $40.00 + $2.00 gst = $42.00 Independent and any advertiser using or requesting space that the 9 When you OK this proof, cannot held responsi publisher shall not be we held liable for damages inbe event of non-insertion Inside 40-mile Radius…
r "-- $-"44*'*&%4 .645 #& 13&1"*% r
Obituaries, limit of 300 words, …without photo ....................$80.00 …with photo .........................$90.00 …additional words, 25¢ per word “Happy” ads…Anniversary, Engagements, Birth Announcements, Birthday Greetings, etc. Price is determined on size
$45.00 $2.25 gst = $47.25 for +any errors that
of or errors in advertisements. In excess of or beyond the amount paid remain for space actually occupied by the non-insertion, or by that portion of p.m., Wed. Feb.23 the advertisement in which the error5 or non-insertion occurred whether Outside 40-mile Radius… 9 Please approve and such errorreturn or non-insertionby:____________________ is due to the negligence of its servants or $50.00 + $2.50 gst = $52.50 otherwise. OK as is. All advertisers must assume responsibility for errors in any advertisement which is supplied to The Independent in handwritten Make correctionsformas noted and schedule additional p or given over the phone. Make correctionsNOas noted and Times proceed with REFUND on classifieds. to run must be statedproduct at First Insertion. Enclose cheque, money order, Visa, without additional proof. MasterCard for your classified. Initials_______ Other Advertising Rates Available upon Request.
E-TRANSFER
The BIGGAR INDEPENDENT accepts advertisements in good faith. We advise that it is in your interest to investigate offers personally. Publication by this newspaper should not be taken as an endorsement of the product or service offered.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
Rooting for a return of live sports
When all this ends - and it will end - how grateful will a desperate sports fan be to finally have normalcy in the world of sports? Let us count the ways: - Sportsnet can bring back Don Cherry to spew his absurdities - daily, even - and I wouldn’t care. - Those dumb National Football League and Canadian Football League players can do all those silly choreographed endzone celebrations they want and there wouldn’t be a single complaint from me. - Never, ever again will I have to watch a replay of a ‘classic’ game played last year, or last month, or several years ago, and try to pretend I can’t remember the final result. (Exception: Will never get tired of watching Game 6 of the 1995 World Series, when my Atlanta Braves beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0 thank you, Tom Glavine to win a World Series for the first time since 1957). - Booth reviews . . .
coaches’ challenges. Bring ’em on. As long as the game is live. Will never complain again about games being lengthened by replay delays. At least for a year. - When the live golf telecasts begin and the announcing crew spends at least 10 minutes reviewing how Tiger Woods has been doing even if he’s in a four-way tie for 54th place and zero chance of contending - I won’t complain. I know they’re bound to get to live golf within a couple of moments, instead of the current situation - a couple of months (hopefully). -Gulp! I’d even agree to watch a half-hour Sportscentre hosted by Kate Beirness - as long as live sports were involved, even though during ordinary times she’s an immediate channel-changer for me. - Bring on local sports, no matter how horrible the weather conditions. Thirty-five below with a nasty northern wind? Not a problem. If my local hockey team has a home
game - a live home game a rare trade recently— the - it’ll be straight to the first between the teams arena’s box office for me. this century — bring- Nightly sportscasts on ing defensive end Chris TSN - for Wormley to good reason the Steelsarcastiers. So see, cally named folks, there the Toronto is still hope Sports Netfor peace in work by the Middle angry WestEast.” ern Cana• Dwight dians - can P e r r y broadcast again: “Hall all the Leafs, of Fame Blue Jays, goaltender Raptors Dominik and Argos Hasek is reports they mulling want for a run for six straight president in Bruce Penton m o n t h s his native and, as long C z e c h as a few other ‘live’ sports Republic. Morning-line results are interspersed, favourite for his camwe can live with it. paign slogan, of course, Live sports, no matter is: The Puck Stops Here.” what negatives accom• Omaha comedy guy pany them, will be wholly Brad Dickson: “The 2020 embraced. Because, of college football season course, that will mean may be cancelled due to that COVID-19 will be a the need for social disthing of the past. tancing. Here’s the ironic • Dwight Perry of the thing: in the Big Ten you Seattle Times: “Hated AFC can stay six feet away North rivals Pittsburgh from your opponent and and Baltimore agreed to still be called for Target-
Penton on sports
ing.” • Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “It’s still puzzling to me that Tom Brady chose to leave the Patriots for Tampa Bay. A mid-life crisis can make a man do funny things.” • Norman Chad of the Washington Post, on complications surrounding rescheduling of the Olympics: Officials have to deal with “25 or 30 sports, plus golf.” • TV star Larry David, on toilet paper: “In a few months, if I walk into someone’s house and stumble onto 50 rolls of toilet paper in a closet somewhere, I will end the friendship. It’s tantamount to being a horse thief in the Old West.” • Gypsy Oak, on Twitter: “Me and my 4-yearold boy made a Billy Martin mask today. He put it on and then punched me in the nose and stole my beer!” • Tod Leonard on golfworld.com, on the abnormally quiet second week of April in Augusta, Ga.: “The Hooters, where
John Daly always hawks his merchandise from his bus during the Masters, is open for ‘curb side take out’ only, which will really test the theory that some men just go there for the wings.” • PGA Tour player Max Homa, on Twitter: “U know what helps on a cold November day in Augusta, Georgia? A brand new green jacket.” • Dan Barnes of Postmedia in Edmonton, on Twitter: “If the CFL returns to action this year, the offensive and defensive linemen will have to be two yards apart on the line of scrimmage. #PhysicalDistancing” • Headline at Fark.com: “EXFL.” • One more from Dwight Perry: “Attention, Astros: Updated catchers’ signals if the baseball season gets pushed all the way into December: One’s a fastball; two’s a curveball; three’s a snowball.” Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.
Communities need their newspapers, and newspapers need their community Adapted by Steve Nixon from an article by Judy Patrick, NYPA From afar, the COVID-19 pandemic is generating news of such terrifying magnitude that it is nearly too overwhelming to comprehend. Millions are suffering and thousands are dying. Economies are collapsing. The world seems out of control. That’s the big picture, which you can learn about from innumerable print, web and broadcast news outlets. But it’s in the pages of local newspapers that this terrible news hits home. Through stories of sickness and of death, of brave healthcare workers and struggling small business owners, local journalists are documenting their communities. In communities all over Saskatchewan, dozens of local newspapers are chronicling the challenges town by town, city by city. As the virus spreads beyond other province, the chronicling extends, paper by paper. In each, above all are the stories of the lives that have been lost, touching tributes to much loved
grandfathers and grandmothers, principals and store clerks, police officers and nurses. Next come the stories of isolation and loss as the life of a community is put on hold: Funerals, weddings, Little League baseball, high school proms, senior citizen trips and college graduations. The list goes on and on. Finally come are the tales of generosity and hope, of food drives for the afflicted, of music and art and of the million small kindnesses of one person to another. Years from now, these stories will be part of the historical record of this pandemic. Right now, however, they serve a far greater purpose: They are helping communities come together to mourn, to support and to hope. To eventually go forward and heal, we first need to understand what is happening to the people we know and the businesses we rely on. These are the stories that set local newspapers apart from anything you’ll see and read via bigger outlets. Each paper is telling its community’s unique set of
stories about death and heroism and struggle. And for communities in crisis, this personalization is key to grappling with this pandemic. There are practical benefits as well. In times of crisis, local newspapers have long been a clearinghouse of essential information such as phone numbers, emergency food distribution plans, road closures and boil water orders. Nowadays, with much of this information scattered online, newspapers are adapting and collating. Take the Grasslands Group that publish the Melville Advance, Fort QuAppelle Times and the Whitewood/ Grenfell Herald Sun, for example. They provided continual updates on the COVID-19 situation both in their printed publications and on their web site. They also did stories on how local businesses were being affected by the pandemic, how people were coping and stepping up, and how groups or organizations were doing things to help people through self isolation. Through their press plant, they also provided an insert filled with infor-
mation about COVID-19 to help readers know how to prevent and limit transmission. All of this is how local newspapers bring communities together. It’s just one reason they’re so important. While their watchdog role in sustaining our democracy will always be paramount, and one that’s become a crucial part of the ongoing story, this shared commitment to community is shining right now. Local newspapers care – they always have and always will. It’s what sets them apart from all other media, even facebook. They will be at the zoning board meeting you care about, at your Canada Day parade and your high school graduation. They will write about the kindergarten class trip to the pumpkin farm as well as the school budget, food banks for the hungry as well as which takeout joint has the best burgers. They’ve been around so long it’s easy to take them for granted. But they are in danger, especially now that local businesses that provide crucial advertising revenue have closed.
There’s a lot of news you can access for free. Many local newspapers have even temporarily dropped their paywalls on their virus-related content. The gesture reflects their mission to go above and beyond to serve their communities in a time of crisis. But news really isn’t free. It’s costly to produce. Reporters, photog-
raphers, editors, printers, advertising representatives and support staff deserve and need a paycheck for the work they do. To do that, newspapers need the people in those Canada Day parades and at those school board meetings to subscribe. Now, more than ever, they need their communities.
Steve Nixon, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association. (Submitted Photo)
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Leslie's Drugstore We are open regular hours with only one exception, we are closed for one hour 12:30-1:30 Monday - Friday for registered Town of Biggar volunteers to shop for deliveries to shut ins and people who have travelled. Regular hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30am-7:00pm Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm Saturday 8:30am-6:00pm Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm We are doing deliveries for people who shop in store but if they want a phone in delivery they need to call the Town of Biggar by noon Monday to Friday only 948 3317. Email- biggarshopeasy@sasktel.net fax- 306 948 3414 phone- 306 948 5144 We are doing curb side only for people that can not be in a public place at this time. As we are still open for regular shopping. We prefer an email or fax for this service and if they can have their order in the day before that would be great but same day is possible if they call by 1:00 pm. We take credit card or cheque (for approved customers) for this service. Fridays have been our busiest days so if customers could avoid that day for curb side that would be appreciated only if it is avoidable.
We are open 8am- 5:30pm Mon.-Fri. Saturday 8am-Noon The doors are locked but we are still here to assist you!! Please phone 948-2700 Order parts needed, pay with Credit Card. Parts will left outside the door. Stay Safe
Due to the State of Emergency announced by the Government of Saskatchewan our doors will remain closed to the public intil further notice. Our staff are still working and we are committed to finding ways to meet your needs. PLEASE CALL US 306-948-2204
Ways to Do Business Remotely Renew Motor Vehicle Products Driver’s License or Registration
Phone 948-2204 Payment by Credit Card
Pay for General Insurance Policy Phone with Credit Card E-Transfer Send Check in the Mail Drop Check in Night Depost at Credit Union Review General or Life Insurance Policy
Phone 306-948-2204 or email biggar@biggarinsurance.ca
Apply for New General or Life Insurance Policy
Phone 948-2204 email address must be provided
306-948-2204
for signatures EMAIL: biggar@biggarinsurance.ca
Open Mon-Fri 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-5:00 pm Open for Business
When possible call ahead to have your order ready. We deliver daily and offer curbside pick-up. We carry giftware and Easter candy, cards and presents. Check our facebook page or call us to have pictures/ prices of items. Call 1-306-948-3397 or text 306-948-7836 We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this pandemic.
Campbell Accounting
Please be advised that we will be open as follows: Monday to Friday from 9:30am - 6:00pm People can drop their documents in a bin we have outside our office(inside the New Horizon’s Building). Will see people by appointment only. Please call Rod at 948-4430 or Jen at 948-4460 We can pickup if people have mobility issues
BUSSE LAW PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION - our doors are now locked - if you require assistance please contact 306-948-3346 and we will try to help you out the best we can - most questions can be answered over the phone and we are set up to meet with you virtually. We are taking in office appointments to but we will be asking you to sign a waiver in regard to traveling outside the country and whether you have been exposed to someone who has been out of the country in the past 14 days or have been exposed to someone that has COVID 19 .
Homestead Family Restaurant 902 Main Street
948-948-5656 Open 10am - 8pm Daily
TAKE OUT ORDERS ONLY!!
PANDEMIC SPECIAL!!!!
Buy 1 pizza or pasta dish and get 2nd one for 1/2 price
We are maintaining regular hours of Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm We ask that you please call and order ahead and we will set your goods outside for you. If you need to come in give us a call and we will accommodate you. We are not accepting cash or returns at this time. Sorry for the inconveience. Thank you for helping to keep all of us safe!
YH Truck, Ag & Auto 105 Hwy #14 East, Biggar
306-948-2109
Biggar Liquor Board Store Government Liquor store 111 1st ave east Biggar operating with regular store hours 10am-12pm & 1pm-6pm at this present time. Lana Slga store Biggar SK
EŽƟĐĞ͗ dŚĞ ĚŽŽƌƐ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ďƌĂŶĐŚĞƐ ŝŶ ŝŐŐĂƌ͕ >ĂŶĚŝƐ ĂŶĚ WĞƌĚƵĞ ĂƌĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝĐ tĞ ĂƌĞ ƐƟůů ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ŚĞƌĞ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵ͘ The health, safety and well-being of our employees, members and communi�es remains our primary focus. Take comfort in knowing that your credit union is here to support you. By following self-isola�on, social distancing protocols and other government and health official direc�ves, together we can limit the spread of COVID-19. We recognize the financial impact this may ul�mately have on our members, both personal and business. From pay disrup�ons, school and business closures to illness, the impacts are significant. As your financial partner, we’re commi�ed to providing flexible solu�ons to help you through these challenging �mes.
Member Contact Line 306-948-3352
To talk to a real person call us during regular business hours Monday - Thursday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Friday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Ăůů ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ůŝŶĞ ĨŽƌ͗
• Bill payments • Assistance with debit and credit card issues • Safety deposit box access
ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞƐ͗
• Opening and managing chequing and savings accounts • Transferring funds • Resolving online and mobile banking issues including changing Personal Access Code (PAC)
• Deposits can be made through the ATM and Night Deposit (we will provide sealed bags and key) • Coin or Float Money - phone in your request and we will have it ready for pickup
For Borrowers DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ƉĂLJŵĞŶƚ ƌĞůŝĞĨ ŽĨ ƵƉ ƚŽ Ɛŝdž ŵŽŶƚŚƐ ŝƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ůŽĂŶ ƉĂLJŵĞŶƚ