The Biggar Independent Volume 115, Issue 17

As blue above, so below ... The colours of spring are on display, and with blue skies, sloughs and low lying areas have found H2O. While we aren’t out of the drought cycle, things are looking a tiny bit better for farmers as seeding is round the corner. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

It’s official! Spring is here - a sure sign? The annual Biggar United Church Garage Sale! The earlier winter bluster passed and while a bit cool, Friday was busy at the church as people searched out a great deal on some gently used items. The two-day sale kicked off Friday with a barbecue, followed by the busy sale. A great event, it marks the arrival of spring and the warmer weather - hopefully which, is here to stay!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Biggar RCMP report

by Sgt. Dereck Crozier and Cst. Chad Mehl, Biggar Detachment

This past week Biggar detachment had 30 calls for service.

The snow and hopefully the last for the season, caused grief for some. Mother Nature demonstrated that Spring, Summer, and Winter can coexist like oil and water in the same week, reminding us just how far north we live with a midApril snowstorm. Police and the fire department responded to assist with a rolled over GMC Sierra that took the ditch off of Highway 14, and later

a semi with an empty trailer that jack-knifed itself in the middle of Highway 14 blocking traffic.

A big thanks to all our fire department volunteers that assisted with traffic control until the heavy hauler was able to respond out of Saskatoon.

Vandalism was reported at an abandoned farm site near Biggar. An erratic semi was reported to have almost pushed a vehicle into the ditch near Perdue. A lost Alberta licence plate was reported to have fallen off in the Sonningdale

area. Traffic services was also busy in the area conducting traffic and vehicle equipment regulation enforcement.

Other traffic related incidents seen sixteen drivers receiving education on traffic safety, along with a 2017 Dodge Journey, operated by a 55-year-old driver who received a three-day suspension for operating under the influence of marihuana in town.

While on Highway 4 north, a White F350 operated by a 20-yearold driver also received a 60-day suspension for operating under the influence of cannabis.

A 2008 grey Mustang from Bird’s Point, Saskatchewan, wanted nothing to do with police on the highway and fled

from members ... may have seemed like a good idea at the time.

Reports from residents concerned with vehicle speeds around the park on Third Avenue East

and wants drivers to be more aware now that the season for using our green space is back upon us. As well, more responsibility of pet owners that have dogs running

around off leash in public areas and a friendly reminder to use the dog park.

Take care out there!

Saskatchewan boasts year of record exports in 2023

Tuesday, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) released the province’s annual State of Trade report. According to the report, the total value of Saskatchewan exports to the world reached $49.3 billion in 2023. Saskatchewan goods reached 163 countries, with 32 of those countries receiving over $100 million in provincial exports.

Saskatchewan broke multiple export records for 2023. Total agrifood exports reached over $20.2 billion, surpassing one of the goals of the Saskatchewan Growth Plan, and agricultural equipment

exports reached nearly $835 million, representing record investments in both categories. Exports to Latin American countries reached a record $5.4 billion. The province ranked first in Canada for per capita exports, at over double the national average, totalling $40,425, while the Canadian average was $18,925.

“Another recordbreaking year of exports further demonstrates that Saskatchewan is open for business and continues to be a reliable, sustainable supplier of products that the world needs,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Today’s report is a testament to the

incredible work being done by our exporters, producers and industry leaders. The continuous work of our network of nine international offices to showcase Saskatchewan’s story abroad is clearly having an impact on international markets. As the province with the largest per capita exports in the nation, and double the national average, this export growth is leading to the creation of new jobs and opportunities in communities across Saskatchewan.”

“Total exports in 2023 reached $49.3 billion, our second-best year on record,” STEP CEO Chris Dekker said. “It takes solid management, strategic marketing, and

nerves of steel to be successful in international markets dominated by global uncertainty.”

According to the report, volumes of most major exports increased from 2022 levels. The top export products for the province include crude petroleum oil, potash, wheat, canola seeds and oil, lentils, uranium, dried peas and barley. Saskatchewan’s international agri-food exports were led by record exports of wheat and canola oil.

STEP is a membership driven, government/ industry partnership, designed to promote the growth of Saskatchewan’s export industry.

Biggar close to having a Chamber of Commerce

A meeting was held at the Community Hall on April 17 with the hope of bringing businesses and interested parties together to form a Chamber of Commerce for Biggar and surrounding area.

There was about 30 people in attendance to hear what the new board of directors had to say about the benefits of doing a Chamber of Commerce.

The board had invited Jolene Watson to be the guest speaker at the event and Jolene delivered a riveting message about the benefits of joining a Chamber of Commerce.

There was a power point presentation and an introduction of the current board members. After the presentations there were four table groups set up, with board members attend-

ing at each table group so that interested parties could exchange comments and ideas about the new chamber. The evening was a relaxed atmosphere with snacks provided.

All in all the evening was a success with several businesses signing

up to belong to the new chamber. There is still some work to be done before the board has reached its goal of 30 businesses signing up as new members.

If you missed the meeting and are looking for more information or want to sign up with

the new chamber please contact any board member, Andrew Bennett, Angela Buhler, Dale Buxton, Flora Dalisay, Karla O’Brian, Karen Liska, Dhruv Pertel or Cassidy Burton at the town office at 948-3317 and that information will be provided.

Former Biggar resident up for Women Entrepreneurs of Sask. award

A former denizen who still maintains deep ties to Biggar, is up for the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Resilience Award.

Jolene Watson is the President of Clarity Coaching and Development, Certified MyersBriggs Practitioner, Executive Coach, Emotions-Centered Coach, Best Selling Author, and Award-Winning Professional Speaker. Additionally, she serves as a facilitator at the Praxis School of Entrepreneurship and Leadership Saskatoon.

Above all, she takes immense pride in her upbringing on her family farm located just outside of Biggar.

She has notable expertise in the areas of emotional regulation, corporate goal setting, charismatic leadership, personality types, stress management, and is well known as ‘Canada’s Networking Expert’.

She looks forward to expanding her business throughout North America in the coming year, beginning with Texas this summer! She has a genuine passion for entrepreneurship

and Saskatchewan!

Jolene is so proud to have recently won these prestigious Saskatchewan Business Excellence awards listed below and, as mentioned, is currently a finalist for the 2024 Resilience Award for the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Awards Gala coming up on May 15.

It will add to a growing and impressive awards and recognition list: NSBA Business Builder Growth and Expansion Award; Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Service Award; Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Growth and Expansion Award; Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce SABEX Entrepreneurship Award; Regina Chamber of Commerce PARAGON Customer Service Excellence Award.

Congratulations,

Jolene!

Bingo Numbers for APRIL 25

A jack-knifed semi greeted motorists on Highway 14 with the recent blast of snow. (Photo for The Independent by the Biggar RCMP)

Biggar is hoping to restart the Chamber of Commerce, and interested residents were at the Community Hall, April 17 to learn the benefits. (Submitted Photo)

Ratepayers of the RM of Biggar

Kent Dubriel and myself went to the regular meeting of the RM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. We presented a nonbinding petition with signatures of ratepayers from every division asking for a ratepayers meeting.

One has not been held since 2017.

We feel this would be an opportunity for council to explain happenings in the RM and for ratepayers to question council. A lot of ratepayers are not comfortable attending a council meeting in the office or speaking at a public forum to

express their concerns. This gives everyone the opportunity to listen and form their own opinions. Questions usually arise after topics have been brought forward.

We don’t know if a ratepayers meeting will be held because we are not sure if a resolution was put forward by a councillor.

Louise Singer, Biggar

Canada is in economic decline

by Lisa Baiton, President & CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

As a Canadian, I’m worried.

Our GDP performance reveals six consecutive quarters of shrinking per capita performance, the most direct measure of a country’s living standards. The numbers confirm what many Canadians feelCanada is falling behind and things are getting worse.

All Canadians should be distressed that the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is projecting Canada to be the worst-performing economy - dead last - of all 38 advanced countries over the next 40 years.

Political leaders of all parties should be seriously alarmed that, for the past seven years, Canada’s investment growth rate has ranked 44th out of the 47 countries tracked by the OECD. The Bank of Canada has rightly warned that weak productivity and low

business investment represent a national emergency.

And it’s a hard reality that Canada is no longer one of the wealthiest countries in the world. As our competitive edges erode, so do Canadian living standards and opportunities for future prosperity.

How did Canada so profoundly lose its way? The answer lies in our insular approach to the economy, our failure to act when other countries do, and our cumbersome and uncompetitive regulatory environment that the country’s most productive industries face.

But what’s the solution? One of Canada’s greatest competitive advantages in the global economy is our energy. We have a world-class resource base. We’re the fourth largest oil producer and the fifth largest natural gas producer in the world. Our oil reserves are larger than Russia’s.

A recent report by RBC forecasts a substantial increase in

global energy demand by 2035, equivalent to the energy needs of the entire United States.

We have a growing market for our products, and the energy industry is building the types of projects that can power an entire economy.

The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project has already created thousands of jobs for Canadians, including over 3,000 indigenous workers, and injected billions of dollars into our economy. When complete, the project will deliver billions more over the next decades by significantly increasing the international export capacity of our most valuable commodity.

The $40 billion LNG Canada natural gas export facility is the largest private investment in Canadian history. Not only will this project generate substantial revenue through the export of low-emission liquefied natural gas, it will also contribute to our GDP and enhance our

economic prospects for years to come.

Furthermore, there are attractive opportunities for investment in decarbonization projects, which can help mitigate emissions from our oil and natural gas sectors. For instance, the Pathways Alliance, comprising the country’s six largest oil sands companies, just announced regulatory filing for its estimated $16.4 billion carbon capture project.

We have three more LNG export facilities in various stages of progress. In addition, LNG Canada is considering an expansion that would double its export capacity. In Alberta alone, there are 25 carbon capture projects under consideration.

However, seeing these projects come to fruition in the current environment is far from

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME

guaranteed. To realize these opportunities, we need to tackle the fundamental policy barriers that drive away investment.

The evidence shows we need to urgently overhaul our regulatory framework to restore Canada’s competitiveness and attract global capital.

To build projects, export goods, and create jobs and opportunities for a growing population, we need successful and growing businesses.

Our governments must actively champion major investment opportunities, as they do in every other jurisdiction worldwide.

The OECD’s grim prediction of Canada becoming the worstperforming economy among advanced countries over the next 40 years paints a bleak picture. However, this need not be our fate. We must reject complacency and strive for excellence.

Canada stands at a crossroads. Will we continue to repel the investment necessary to revitalize our economy, or will we chart a new course, bolstering our key industries and reclaiming our position among the world’s most prosperous nations?

I know which path I choose.

Internal Sask. Party squabbling a problem

Party that used to be combination of the two but is now really the old Reform Party in a different form - such fighting has become an expected thing in Saskatchewan.

As Premier Scott Moe said last week after a couple of very public dustups in the legislature in which there were apologies and MLAs being kicked out of the legislature, it can be expected.

It’s not unusual to see politicians at the Saskatchewan legislature at each other’s throatespecially, in the final months before a general election.

In a province that’s been as politically divided between the NDP and whomever else they face - Liberals, Progressive Conservative and now the Saskatchewan

But here’s what’s different: While there were the usual dustups between the NDP and the Sask. Party, that’s not really what this was all about.

What we witnessed was a very public fight between Speaker Randy Weekes and Government House leader Jeremy Harrison - and frankly, now the entire caucus of which Weekes is, technically, still a member.

It speaks poorly to

those government cabinet minister including Harrison, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer and Highways Minister Lori Carr who, according to Weekes, have been the biggest abusers in badgering and hectoring the Speaker with “hundreds and hundreds of text messages”. (Really, the problem begins with Harrison, from whom everyone has taken their lead.)

It speaks poorly for democracy - petty, childish squabbling that gives politics the reputation it has.

But it speaks badly to Moe’s leadership. He is responsible for this turning into such a mess. Moe surely must have been aware there was a problem long before Weekes raised it in the assembly last week.

Unfortunately for the Sask. Party government, its behaviour is the kind

of thing that speaks to entitlement ... or at least, misplaced priorities in which winning the oftensilly daily question period battle with the NDP is of more important that the bigger problems of the province. It all started the week before in an innocuous exchange between Harrison and NDP economy critic Aleana Young over job numbers, when Harrison cited favourable numbers: “Here’s what Deloitte had to say and Deloitte doesn’t lie, Mr. Speaker,” the Trade and Investment Minister said.

The problem wasn’t what Harrison quoted, but that he used the word “lie” - something that Harrison would know is forbidden in legislature under any context. And he would know this because he has been the one member who has insisted on barring the

NDP from any expression that vaguely implies lying like “less than truthful” or ‘honest” or” forthright” or “inconsistent with the facts.”

Of course, Weekes insisted Harrison apologize and withdraw the remark. Harrison did, but in the most dismissive way possible.

“Stand up, please don’t slouch ... disrespect for this institution. Stand up,” Weekes ordered. That set the stage for the second incident in which, after another mildly raucous question period, a frustrated Weekes said he has received “hundreds and hundreds of text messages” from Harrison, Carr and Harpauer. In fact, he read one from Harpauer.

“‘Randy, if you can blatantly lie, tarnish reputations of elected, unelected individuals with innuendoes but no proof, we

have no avenue to push back, then this assembly has become a joke and a stage for an Opposition puppet show,’” Weekes read. “‘Disappointing.’” Weekes demanded Harpauer apologize, which she did. But Harrison than made a comment that Weekes heard.

“I’m not deaf,” Weekes said, demanding Harrison withdraw and apologize.

“I’m not,” said Harrison, who then stormed out of chamber. Weekes then named Harrison and banished him from the Legislature for the rest of the day. He will be fined $400.

You probably can’t understand this silliness, either. But you likely see the problem.

When a government thinks it’s not accountable to its own authorities like the Speaker, it is a big problem.

Notable Notes

Mason

As far as real mechanics go, Yours Truly was never known as one who knew offhand how much gap a spark plug needed or a set of points should have.

Bill did most of that repair stuff around our place and Walt looked after the stock. The middle guy ... well, he also ran.

This “middle guy” I suppose was probably a product of having to make do over the years. And while I’m not a bit sure how successful he was, it makes me feel proud - even if I do have to laugh sometimes - while remembering some of the stuff we did.

I think the very start of this “making do” thing was when, as a young guy, I was doing some ploughing for a neighbour.

This was in bluff country just north of the river and about 1935. It was halfway through the ‘30s and nobody had “nuthin”.

Just across the fence line from where I was, Bill B., another one of our neighbours, was also ploughing.

Back and forth. Back and forth. We only stopped, now and then, to rest the horses a bit and visit a little.

Then, in the middle of the afternoon, his outfit stopped behind a poplar bluff and never moved for a long time.

I could see Bill working around it now and then, and I was just going to go over and see if I could help when down the field they came again.

The next time we rested the horses I walked over to where Bill was and he showed me what had happened.

Very proudly he explained what he had done.

The big oaken fourhorse evener on his gang plough had broken, and as he had an old axe with him, he had cut down a six-inch poplar tree to the proper length to take its place.

He tied the whole log to the front of his plough with a logging chain he had and away he went.

I don’t think that the company that had manufactured the plough would have been impressed by the beauty of his fix, but it sure worked!

Billy finished ploughing that field and I kind

The Mechanic

of wonder if he ever replaced that evener. That was the year we left Great Bend. We moved down south into real modern farm countryDelco planters, tractors, combines and all that stuff. Flat, open countryside where almost every acre was used.

All went well but suddenly while combining one day, the highspeed chain that drove the cylinder parted and wrapped around the sprocket. Before the machine could stop, it broke both cylinder bearing mounts all to pieces.

What do we do now?

Of course, Dad ordered new ones, but we understood there was no hope of their arriving for months, and we had just hired a fellow to take off the crop, but it rained, so...

Over his protests of failure, we got the local blacksmith to weld the broken bearing mounts into the 16-inch channelled cast chunks that they used to be, poured them solid, full of old babbitt [a type of metal or bearing metal], drilled holes and fastened them in place by using some long bolts we made, installed the cylinder and chain, and started combining again when it dried up!

The new parts came just as the snow flew and

SPSA to renew its landbased airtanker fleet

Tuesday, Premier Scott Moe and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman unveiled further details on the four repurposed land-based airtanker aircraft, consisting of two Dash 8-Q400AT models and two Dash 8-Q400MRE models, being purchased for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) at an approximate cost of $187.06 million.

The planes will replace the current fleet of land-based airtanker aircraft, which consists of four Convair 580 airplanes. Those planes will approach the end of their useful lifespan in 2027.

“Saskatchewan relies on land-based airtanker aircraft as part of its approach to managing wildfires,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “These aircraft are used in instances where waterbombers may not be able to access lakes to fill up their tanks.”

The Dash 8-Q400AT planes are dedicated air tankers, while the Dash 8-Q400MRE models can be fitted as an airtanker and reconfigured to provide multiple roles for air operations (e.g., air evacuations, patient transport, cargo hauling, et cetera). Both models have increased capacity and efficiency, and produce 30 per cent less emissions than a similar sized airtanker.

“Saskatchewan leads the country in preparing for future disasters with their order for four modern emergency response aircraft,” Conair Aerial Firefighting President and CEO Matt Bradley said. “They are the first province to invest in the safety and security of their citizens with a purchase of the multi role airtankers, built by Canadians for Canadians. Saskatchewan is supporting Canadian workers who build these aircraft, enhancing their fleet with aircraft designed to offer first in, last out capability, providing essential services

we returned them.

I think every old farmer could make a list of things they did to “make do” and when I look at mine, sometimes I have to laugh.

I remember hanging an old coal oil lantern on the Model A for a headlight; mounting a 30-gallon barrel on the old combine to replace the heating radiator; bolting a plate to the side of the W30 crank-

from response through recovery, connecting all regions of the province in times of crisis.”

The financial impact for the SPSA’s 2024-25 capital budget is a $5.52 million deposit with an additional three-year payment plan commitment. Federal funding of $16.29 million is committed to offset the cost of the aircraft through Natural Resources Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC).

“These planes will replace the SPSA’s aging land-based airtanker fleet with a modern, supportable aircraft with an anticipated useful life of 25 years,” Merriman said. “They will also support the SPSA’s ability to provide an operational response to more emergencies and public safety events beyond wildfires.”

The first of the four airplanes is expected to arrive in late summer of 2025, with the remaining arriving by the end of 2027.

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case when a flying nut broke a hole in it; or when Joe and I tied a tire tube around the leaking transmission on our old car; getting the dickens from my boss at the mine for tying a steering rod in place with a piece of haywire until we got it back to the shop.

hills, I used to carry my tin toolbox on the front of the one-way.

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One day we hit a stone in the field and the jar threw the toolbox right off. We drove over it and buried most of the tools.

It took a bit of time but eventually I found them all and one extra, a rusted old crescent wrench!

Some “mechanic” had hit that stone before!

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NOW HIRING

be asked of Administrator.

Bob

Ask The Money Lady

Christine Ibbotson

Dear Money Lady,

How do I get a prenup agreement without paying high lawyer fees? This is a second marriage, and I am very close to retirement plus we both have government pensions. My partner has three adult kids and I have two. We are both agreed that we should have something in writing.

Thanks, Helen M.

Hello Helen, This is a question I get often. Seems like people know it’s a good idea to have a prenup or cohab agreement but they don’t want to spend the money to get one. My answer to this is: Why not?

If you have assets: the car, the house, the cottage, and all your stuff, why do you want to risk all that you’ve worked for, by not having a written understanding? Even if it costs you a couple of thousand dollars to get one, isn’t that

money well spent, for both of you?

Let’s start with the easiest domestic contract, and the least expensive: a cohabitation agreement.

Cohabitating partners have very few rights to property, when compared to married couples. Typically, the property you bring into the relationship, plus any increase in its value, usually continues to belong to you alone. This would include investment assets, registered accounts, real estate, or chattels.

The main reason for drawing up a cohabitation agreement is to provide for a division of property if the relationship breaks down. The most straightforward way is to state that all property remains the separate property of each individual and to provide in the contract for a “separation of property regime.”

This means that all property, including the assets that are owned before cohabitation, plus any increases in value, and all property acquired during the relationship is owned strictly according to title.

This type of domestic agreement is very different to a marriage contract and not usually

something that is ideal for partners long term. But that being said, cohabitation agreements are not as rigid as marriage pre-nups, they’re a lot less costly, and contracts can be crafted with a lot more freedom or creativity based on the particular conditions and circumstances that each party is in when they begin their union and plan a life together. If you don’t have a lot of assets and you’re planning on just living together and not getting married, a cohabitation agreement is a good, less expensive option.

Now let’s talk about prenups.

This is a marriage contract that you typically enter into prior to the marriage, hence the term ‘pre’ -nuptial. However, they can also be signed or amended at any time during the marriage. I personally have always recommend getting a marriage contract with older couples who bring any assets to the marriage.

Prenups are extremely beneficial for comprehensive estate planning which always must include death succession, not just the possibility of a divorce.

To protect each other, you want your lawyer to be interested in what

will happen in the event of one of you dying and you must have the new marriage contract and your new Will “in sync.”

The reason I say this, is because marriage contracts can, and often do, override existing Wills. Marriage contracts can be limited in their scope and to be valid and enforceable, the spouses must have made full and complete disclosure of all their assets and the current values, including debts and liabilities. You also want ILA, or independent legal advice, so that the marriage contract is less vulnerable and can’t be challenged by family members after a death and set aside by the courts.

Remember, this is not a lack a love but rather a mutual understanding that you both agree, drafted with your lawyer and signed well in advance of your wedding date. Good luck and best wishes!

Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and CTV News @6, syndicated across Canada. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at askthemoneylady.ca

Every moment matters, the theme of Volunteer Week in Canada

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

Author Unknown

The Biggar Museum and Gallery relies on volunteers to put together our community’s events, create our exhibits, to accession donations to the collections, and to sit on the board.

And the museum is not the only community service that relies on volunteers.

Parent volunteers are the life blood of the dance festivals, music festivals, skating, hockey et cetera. It’ll be a sad place to be without the volunteers for sure!

On April 20, the museum had an appreciation brunch for their volunteers during the Canadian Volunteer Week, April 14-20. The board

members (volunteers themselves) will be baking and cooking up a spread, their way of saying thank you!

Not only does our community benefit from our volunteers, but so do the volunteers themselves:

Benefits of volunteering: four ways to feel healthier and happier:

1.) Volunteering connects you to others.

2.) Volunteering is good for your mind and body.

3.) Volunteering can advance your career.

4.) Volunteering brings fun and fulfilment to your life.

New to town? Volunteering is the best way to meet new friends and to get to know the community services.

There are studies that have concluded that volunteering helps with depression, anxiety, stress, and anger.

“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”

Winston Churchill

Biggar Connections to Downton Abbey

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery

Mr. William Hodgins Biggar named this area after himself. He was employed by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway as a solicitor. He and other VIPs from the Grand Truck Pacific Railway who built the first tracks through this area, travelled in a car on the new line, naming sidings and places as they passed them. Biggar felt this area would prosper. Well ... the power of positive thought!

He was born and raised in Ontario and returned

there and he continued being the solicitor for the GTP until his death. He too felt the potential in the Biggar area as did Charles Melville Hays, as seen in The Independent in the Thursday, April 11 edition (Biggar’s connection to the Titanic). Investment in the Grand Truck Pacific Railway was an international affair. Many in England invested in the fledging railway being built to compete with the Canadian Pacific Railway, already bringing thousands of settlers into the West.

After the death of

Charles Melville Hays, the builder of the GTP, died on the sinking of the Titanic, the GTP went bankrupt. Many in England, the U.S. and Canada lost a fortune overnight.

Are you familiar with “Downton Abbey”, a very popular series written by Julian Fellows, currently on PBS, CBC and even Netflix. This is where the Biggar Connection to Downtown Abbey comes together. In the series, Lord Grantham has invested heavily in the Grand Truck Pacific Railway crossing Canada, and when it

goes bankrupt, so goes the Downtown Abbey fortunes. Then Lady Mary begins to pick up the pieces and Downtown is saved from the auctioneer’s hammer!

After the company declared bankruptcy, a new company, the Canadian National Railway, took over control of the line and transportation of goods and services.

There are other Biggar Connections to events, people, and places in the world. Do you have any? It would be great if you could share them.

William Hodgins Biggar, 1859-1922. From Ontario, consul for Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. (Photos for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)

The Downton Alley actors.

Agriculture

Monday, (April 22) was Earth Day.

Sadly, I suspect very few were aware, and fewer still gave the significance of the day much serious thought.

Now you might ask why Earth Day is included here in a column on agriculture, but I have always thought - at least for the more ‘grassroots’ farmer - there is a natural connection with the earth and agriculture.

In broader terms we all need to care about this planet we call home because, at least in terms of what in known today, this is the only world that is supporting life.

If we ruin our world, we doom our future. And therein lies a significant problem for our species and our world.

There are far too many people who do a fine impersonation of an ostrich with its head buried in the sand when it comes to the damage our species is doing to this planet. Ignoring the problems is not a solution, nor is constructive in the least in terms of coming up with solu-

Earth Day passes without a thought

tions to problems we know exist.

And the issues are many.

Are, for example the world’s pollinator species - the bees - in trouble?

It certainly seems so, what do we do to ensure they remain healthy?

Because without them doing their job we humans and other species as well are in dire trouble.

Then there is the concern for deforestation around the world.

Trees are largely the plants lungs for what they do in creating oxygen. Plants are able to convert carbon dioxide

and water into oxygen through photosynthesis.

And, what do we do as climates change?

You might nay-say the impact of human activity - but that doesn’t mean climate is changing.

So how do we adapt?

That is a hugely important question for farmers who might not be able to grow the crops they do today, in 10-20 years because climate has changed.

Then there is the crazy situation of garbage, in particular plastics, and what it is doing to the planet as it is piled in mountains at landfills, stuffed down abandoned mine shafts, and

dumped into the oceans like they are merely waste lagoons.

Since plastics take decades, if at all, to degrade, dumping from an ever growing world population makes no sense given its negative impact on the planet.

That’s why the official 2024 theme for Earth Day - first held in 1970is ‘Planet vs. Plastics.’

The list of issues could go on, but in the end it comes down to our collective need as a species to recognize we need to do a better job of looking after the Earth because it is all we have if we want a future as a species.

Calvin Daniels by Calvin Daniels

Chase The Ace Tickets available at Westwinds and The Independent Tickets only $5.00 Next Draw Date

2,

(THURSDAY)

by Trudy and Dale Buxton

Today we start on a new journey into Alberta. It’s a beautiful day for riding as we head west on Highway 14. We breeze through

Unity and make a quick stop in Macklin.

Did you know that the town of Macklin hosts a “Bunnock” tournament every year. Bunnock is sometimes referred to as the “Game of Bones” and is thought to have Russian origins.

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Biggar Aquatic Centre Biggar Aquatic Centre

The game is simply this, it is played with two teams of four players opposite each other, and you set up a row bones, or what look like bones, in front of your team. The object of the game is to throw some bones at the opposition line of bones and try to knock them down and in as fewest throws possible. The team that knocks down the opposition bones in the correct order wins.

The Town of Macklin host this tournament every first weekend of August and is a huge draw for many people from all over Western Canada. The world’s largest Bunnock stands at the entrance of Macklin.

This year’s tournament only has room for 320 teams at $200 per team. The money raised through this tournament

goes to local charities. The economic spinoff created by this tournament is huge in the way of hotel rooms, restaurant business and overall money spent in the community. The tournament is usually sold out each year; that is over 1,200 people participating.

The game of Bunnock is catching on as you will see other communities trying their hand at becoming a Bunnock Champion.

The population of Macklin is around 1,250 people and was named after Harry Macklin, an executive of the Winnipeg Free Press. He was following the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and reporting his findings. The naming of the streets in Macklin followed the tradition of the newspapers by naming the streets after newspaper publications.

The original settlement came about in 1906 and

Swimming Lesson Registration Swimming Lesson Registration Monday, May 6th 6:00p.m. - 7:30p.m.

Biggar Community Hall (319 1st Avenue East)

After registration night, forms will be available at the Biggar Town Office and on www.townofbiggar.com

Payment by cash or cheque

the original post office was a mile out of town and was a landmark which stands as an old shack that was used in the trading of goods with the First Nations people that lived in the area.

In the early years Macklin had several disasters that threatened the community. But over time the community overcame those disasters to become a prosperous town of mostly agriculture, oil and natural gas exploration.

If you are into recreation, Macklin certainly enjoys their hockey and curling in the winter time and in the summer time, a regional park that consists of over 160 campsites that sits on the edge of Macklin Lake. The land for the regional park was donated by the local rural municipality. The park also has a nine-hole grass green golf course, a beach for swimming and the lake itself is stocked with fish so that you can enjoy some leisure time fishing.

The community has a vibrate downtown as it sits on the intersection of highways 31, 17 and not far away Alberta Number 13, which is the direction that we are heading.

Stay tuned next week as we begin our trek into Alberta.

Did you know we offer Social Media Advertising?

Would you like to advertise on Social Media but are unsure where to start?

We can design full color Social Media friendly Ad’s for you to share on any Social Media platform. Along with your ad being shared on our Social Media pages.

All Social Media Ad’s will also be printed in our weekly newspaper! Contact Dale at The Independent for pricing or inquiries!

Macklin Bunnock Tournament held every first weekend of August

The world’s largest Bunnock stands at the entrance of Macklin.

Chef Dez on Cooking

Low

& Slow for Scrambled Eggs

One of the many reasons I write a food column is to inspire you to get into the kitchen; to embrace the opportunity to unleash gastronomic adventures in your home.

One other reason of great importance is to hopefully make things easier for you through different tricks, tips, and time saving ideas ... but not this time. This time I am going to take one of the easiest things you do so quickly and make you do it longer with more finesse. A staple dish for almost any breakfast that you think you have mastered ever since you started cooking, and now I am going to reteach you everything you thought you knew about this dish.

Yes, in our homes it’s time to revolutionize the art of making scrambled eggs. Wait. Hold on here.

Scrambled eggs? Isn’t this as simple as mixing some eggs in a bowl, pouring into a hot pan, and moving them around until they’re done?

Not quite.

Yes, the mixing is still the same; and moving them around in the pan is kind of the same, but the cooking temperature needs to change, thus the time it takes to make them will be longer. However, the results are

worth it.

The main rule I have learned about egg cookery is to always avoid high heat and do not overcook. High heat and overcooking will make eggs rubbery, discoloured and affect their flavour. Eggs are mostly made up of delicate proteins, and like all proteins they coagulate when cooked. Coagulation is the process of the protein strands connecting with each other, becoming firmer, shrinking, and releasing moisture. Exposing any proteins to extreme heat will toughen them and make them dry; especially eggs. The excessive heat could also cause discolouration. Have you ever cooked a hardboiled egg and the egg yolk had a green ring around it? This is caused by the sulphur in the egg whites reacting with the iron in the yolk and forming iron sulphide. This reaction causes not only that familiar green colour, but also a strong odour and flavour.

Now in the case of the hard-boiled egg, this only shows up at the area where the egg white meet with the yolk, but with scrambled eggs the two are combined into a homogenous mixture and the results could be unappealing if not cooked properly. This is where low heat plays such an important role. I always scramble my eggs with a bit of added moisture: about one tablespoon of water, milk, or cream for every two large sized eggs - do this in a bowl with some salt and pepper until the eggs are thoroughly

combined. Heat a pan over medium heat and melt a small pat of butter in the pan. When the butter starts to foam, add the egg mixture and reduce the heat to low. Occasionally stir gently while cooking over the low heat as the eggs coagulate: basically, you are lifting portions of the coagulated eggs up so that uncooked parts can run underneath.

Try not to stir too much as this will cause the eggs to be broken up into very small particles. When the eggs are set, but still soft and moist, remove from the heat and serve immediately. The results will be fluffy, succulent, and nothing like the hard, rubbery, bits of eggs you get when doing this over high heat.

If you are a stickler for exact temperatures, it is important to note that egg whites and egg yolks each coagulate at different temperatures. This is what allows you to cook an egg (soft boiled or fried, for example) with firm whites and a soft yolk. Egg whites typically coagulate between 140°F to 149°F, while egg yolks will coagulate between 144°F to 158°F. Combined eggs (as in scrambled eggs) will thus produce a coagulation point of approximately 155°F.

It is also important to mention that the term “scrambled eggs” comes from the process of mixing the eggs together in advance of cooking, not from overworking them in the pan. Until next time, happy cooking. Send your food/cooking questions to dez@ chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford,

Garage storage solutions

Who doesn’t have a space at home that serves as a catchall for items that seemingly have no other home?

For many, this storage wasteland where items go to be forgotten tends to be the garage. Before long, clutter can overwhelm the space and create an eyesore. Garage clutter also makes the space less functional by making it harder to park a vehicle or store equipment.

Organizing a garage takes work, but the end result can improve the appearance, free up space, make work more efficient, and make it easier to find and use tools more readily.

Here are some ways to get started on organizing your garage. Start with cleaning and culling

One of the first steps when organizing a garage is to thoroughly analyze what is needed and what can be removed from the garage.

If items belong elsewhere, such as in a shed or the basement, move these items first. Discard damaged or broken items. Next,

move on to tools or gear that hasn’t been used in some time. Will you use it again? If the item has been collecting dust for years, you likely already know the answer to that question.

Pile all items in the driveway so you have a clean slate with which to start. Measure the room to figure out the dimensions so you’ll know how much wall space is available for storage.

Free up floor space

The ultimate goal of a garage storage renovation is to make floor space available.

Lifting items off the floor makes access easier, and protects items should there be a flood or leaks.

A combination of wall shelves, overhead shelves, cabinets, and wall hooks can help homeowners create more floor area. Organization becomes easier when everything has a designated space where it can be easily returned to.

Consider weight

When investing in shelving and racks, remember that many of the items stored in

B.C., V2T 6R4. Chef Dez is a Food Columnist, Culinary Travel Host and Cookbook Author. Visit him at chefdez. com

garages tend to be heavy. It’s important to ensure that shelves and hooks are heavy-duty and able to withstand the weight of pressure put on them. Verify the maximum weight so that racks will not buckle or tip over and cause issues.

Utilize overhead space

Overhead storage can be reserved for items that aren’t used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or luggage.

Out of sight

Some items should be stored out of sight and beyond the reach of children and pets. Cabinets and containers can be used and locked to secure materials, such as fertilizers, paints, solvents, and other chemicals.

Additional ideas

Magnets, pegboards, organization bins and systems, and similar products can be used to corral small or errant items like hand tools, fasteners and more.

Garage organization will take some planning and time, but the end result can be well worth the effort.

Chef Dez

Monarch 4H take in Beef Expo

Members of the Monarch Multi 4-H beef club recently attended the Saskatchewan Beef Expo at Priairieland Park in Saskatoon, April 2-4. They participated in clinics put on by professional cattle fitter Kirk Stierwalt, followed by a cattle show. The kids learned a lot and had lots of fun at the same time. (Submitted Photo)

Biggar Masons donate ... Brother Glenn Barclay, right, Secretary of the Biggar Masonic Lodge No. 100 presents a cheque for $1,000 to Andrew Bennett, president of Inclusion Biggar. The donation will be used to assist children attending the Summer Camp held in Biggar. (Submitted Photo)

The NHL’s best family affair: the Hughes brothers

Penton On Sports

There have been some tremendously talented family combinations over the years in the National Hockey League - the Richards, the Sutters, the Tkachuks, the Hulls - but the current trio of Hughes brothers might be the best family act yet.

Only one of the three - likely Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes of Vancouver Canucks - will be skating in the playoffs this year, while the younger two, Jack and Luke, both ply their trade with New Jersey Devils, who finished a disappointing seventh

There only are a set number of hours in a day and a lot of demands on personal time.

Finding ways to use time more efficiently and effectively is a goal many people aspire to, whether they are business owners, students or anyone in between.

A hectic schedule quickly can get the better of anyone, but there are many individuals who seem to have it all together. It is likely they have figured out how to manage time better.

According to Starling Bank’s “2020 Make Business Simple” report,

in the Metropolitan Division and didn’t come close to a post-season berth.

American-born and all products of the U.S. college system, the Hughes’ boys come by their hockey talent honestly. Their father, Jim, played college hockey, later becoming an assistant coach for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. He went on to play a key role in the Maple Leafs’ player development program, retiring 10 years ago, so the boys spent most of their formative youth learning the game in Toronto. Their mother Ellen played for the U.S. national women’s team in the world championships of 1992. As player ‘developers’, Jim and Ellen Hughes just might be the best ever.

“Whenever we got the chance to watch a game with my dad, it was like watching video with an NHL coach,” Jack said in an ESPN. com story in 2018. He

said the Hughes’ boys were getting hockey tutoring at the age of 10-14 that many others didn’t get until turning professional at 19 or 20.

All three Hughes’ boys were first-round draft picks, which has no NHL precedence. Quinn is 24 and went No. 7 overall to the Canucks in 2018. He runs the Canucks’ power play, finished second on the team in scoring with 93 points and will likely wind up winning numerous Norris trophies. Jack is 22, was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2019 draft and this year, despite missing the last two months of the season due to a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery, racked up 74 points in 62 games after amassing 99 points last season. Luke, at age 20, was the fourth overall selection in the 2021 draft and has established himself as the Devils’ No. 1 blueliner. He finished fifth in team scoring this year and is a regular on the New Jersey power play. He, too, will garner a few Norris trophy votes.

Quinn and Luke both wear No. 43 for their respective teams, while Jack wears 86 for the Devils. Does the numbering mean Jack is twice as good? Hardly. If a poll were taken, Jack and Quinn would be 1 and 1A while Luke would be on the cusp of that talent level. Jack says Quinn is the best of the brothers; Quinn says it’s Jack. Regardless, they’re both all-stars, soon to be joined by Luke, and likely en route to hoisting more than one Stanley Cup over the next dozen or so years. Quinn hopes to start that Cup-hoisting this June.

• Super 70s Sports: “If they made Bull Durham today, Nuke LaLoosh would be on a pitch count and never see the fifth inning.

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Deion Sanders got defensive recently when USA Today pointed out how Sanders doesn’t make recruiting visits to high schools or do in-

home visits with recruits and their parents. Maybe Primetime needs to change his name to Downtime!”

• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe. com: “Tom Brady says he’s ‘not opposed’ to a late-season NFL return. What about as a captain for the Pro Bowl?”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Ex-NASCAR driver Danica Patrick was among the first passengers to ride a new driverless bus in Las Vegas. To make her feel comfortable, they had it follow 33 cars.”

• One more from Janice Hough: “At least two teams, the Las Vegas Aces and the Washington Mystics, have moved their games against (Caitlin Clark and) the Indiana Fever to larger arenas because of higher than expected crowds. Good for them. Now pay the women more.”

• Canadian satirical website The Beaverton: “‘Maybe this is the year the Leafs beat Boston,’ says delusional idiot who doesn’t know (anything).”

How to master time management

small business owners and solo entrepreneurs spend up to 31 per cent of their weekly time sorting finances and doing other administrative work. Learning early on how to more effectively allot time for tasks is one of the key skills a person can learn. Use a calendar and set reminders

There’s only so much the average person can remember. Putting events into a calendar will provide visual cues as to what needs to get done and when. It also may help illustrate a pattern of when blocks

of time are more busy and when there are free moments so that tasks can be redistributed, serving as a time audit of sorts. Reminder functions are a great way to stay on top of things and avoid feeling stressed and rushed when responsibilities are accidentally overlooked. Learn about the

Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a tool that helps people distinguish between tasks that are important, not important, urgent, and not urgent. The matrix is broken down into quadrants that

correspond with the 4Ds of execution: do, defer, delegate, and delete. This matrix can help a person prioritize tasks relevant to their goals.

Tackle difficult things first

Leadership expert Brian Tracy developed a productivity method called Eat That Frog. It is good for those who have trouble avoiding distractions or people who tend to procrastinate. The gist is tackling the most complicated or dreaded task first, and only moving on to other things once you’ve “eaten

that frog.” Use the right tools

Certain tools work for some and not for others. While one person may like making paper todo lists, another may prefer digital devices. Identifying the resources that help a person manage time better can be an asset.

Limit time spent on each task

According to Parkinson’s Law, “work expands to fill the time allotted to complete it.” People should set reasonable limits on how long to give each task; otherwise, they may

• Another Beaverton offering: “NHL to expand to every city in North America except Quebec City.”

• Former U.S. college basketball coach Al McGuire: “Winning is overemphasized. The only time it is really important is in surgery and war.”

• Headline at theonion. com: “Nobody In Entire Dodgers Organization Has Heart To Tell Ohtani What’s Going On With Interpreter”

• Headline at fark.com: “Bring your family, bring your wives to see the new NHL team in Salt Lake City.”

• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, on uniforms for the new Utah NHL team: “Please don’t hire whoever came up with these San Diego Padres uniforms that look like clown costumes.”

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

spend more time than is necessary.

Multitasking is not the answer

Productivity is reduced when individuals multitask, says the American Psychological Association. Sticking to one job at a time puts full attention on that job and may help it get done more quickly and to a better level.

Time management is a skill like any other that needs to be mastered in order to put it to use effectively. After which, schedules may be more balanced and work better for all involved.

How to find the right fit for summer camp

Many adults fondly recall their days at summer camp. The increase in households with two working parents has made it more important than ever to find a camp to accommodate youngsters who need to remain engaged and entertained throughout over summer vacation. That reality has led to more summer camp options, but it’s not always so easy finding one that’s the right fit for a child. No two children are the same and kids change quite a bit as they grow up. So a camp that worked for an older child or even one that accommodated a younger camper may not make the perfect fit this summer.

With that in mind,

parents can consider these tips to find the right summer camp for their children.

• Ask around. Even if no two campers are the same, it can benefit parents to ask around when shopping for a summer camp. Summer camp spots are limited and it’s not uncommon for competition for available spaces to develop, which can make it more difficult to gather information. However, ask neighbours whose children have outgrown summer camp if there’s one they might recommend (or would not recommend).

• Pursue a package deal. Though package deals might not result in lower rates, approaching a camp with the parents of your child’s friend or friends may work in your

favour. Kids undoubtedly will be more excited about camp if their friends will be there as well. Camp officials may see these quasi-package deals as beneficial and a quick and easy way to fill spots.

• Ask kids how they want to spend summer. Specialized camps run the gamut from sports camps focusing on a particular sport to general outdoor recreation camps to camps that cater to young musicians. More general camps offer a wide range of activities throughout the summer, and that might appeal to children less interested in specialized camps. Ask youngsters for their input before making a final decision. Involve kids in the search by showing them websites

of prospective camps and asking them what they think of each one. If attending an in-person consultation, bring kids along so they can form their own impression.

• Make sure the camp suits your schedule. Kids’ preferences are not the only opinions to consider. In households with two working parents, moms and dads must find a camp that aligns with their work schedule. Many camps offer half-day sessions and/or full-day sessions, but some offer just one or the other. If parents need full-day sessions, they might need to begin their search early to ensure they can secure a spot before they fill up.

• Identify what you can afford. Camp costs vary significantly, so parents should identify how

much they can afford before they begin their search. Doing so may eliminate various camps right off the bat, saving parents precious time as they try to find a camp for their children before spots fill up. Many towns offer local camps at schools, and these may be an affordable option. Parents also should know that many

camps allow them to pick certain weeks or days of the week a child will attend rather than insisting kids attend camp for the duration of the summer.

Summer camp season is right around the corner. Parents and children can work together to identify a camp that will ensure this summer is filled with fun.

Bruce Penton

- together with -

ARIES –

Mar 21/Apr 20

You can get your spark back with some help from friends, Aries. You may have been struggling in one form or another, but others can provide the perspective needed.

TAURUS –

LIBRA –

Sept 23/Oct 23

Making room for your needs right now is challenging as others seem to require all of the attention, Libra. You will have a chance to balance the scales soon enough.

SCORPIO –

CAPRICORN –

Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you are ready to move forward, but others in your orbit may be holding you back. Know when to cut loose and do things according to your bigger vision.

AQUARIUS –

102 - 3rd

Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you are a dependable rock and that comes with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed, and in those instances feel free to delegate some tasks.

GEMINI –

May 22/Jun 21

Too much joking around may strike a nerve of someone close to you, Gemini. Feel out every situation before you start communicating in such a laid back and jovial way.

CANCER –

Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, like it or not, you have to stand by a promise or a commitment you made to someone, even if you no longer feel like doing so. Once it is finished, you can go your separate ways.

LEO –

PHONE......306-951-0078 or 306-951-0098 SERVICES Naty/Michael…

Oct 24/Nov 22

Right now you may be reluctant to commit or comment on an issue that is affecting some in your circle, Scorpio. You can get involved once you dig further and do your own research.

SAGITTARIUS –

Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, when you hang out with friends, you may be tempted to spend more than is in your budget at the moment. Set a limit, and perhaps leave your credit cards at home.

Price… 2.5 inches = $201.50 plus gst per 6-month prepaid commitment.

Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, if others have underestimated you or written you off in the past, you will have an opportunity to prove them wrong this week, even if you already know the truth.

VIRGO –

Jan 21/Feb 18

Thinking about all of the things in your life that may not be going to plan could have you feeling down, Aquarius. Flip the perspective and start focusing on the right things.

PISCES –

Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you are known for being a dreamer, but right now you have to come down from the clouds and develop a solid plan of action. There will be time for fanciful ideas later.

Aug 24/Sept 22

This is what I worked up for the Business & Professional section in back of paper, 6 month commitment for $161.20 plus gst

Your keen eye for detail has you pointing out a mistake that may have cost someone a lot of money, Virgo. Your reward could be a promotion or another commendation.

Please get back to me with changes/corrections by return email this morning. Thanks Urla (Answers on Page

We find ourselves excited by a massive snowfall, hoping that it might help, looking to the sky, praying for a miracle of rain to water the land enough.

This reminds me of a Bible testimony from 1 Kings 18. Israel had been in drought and famine for three and a half years which ended when Elijah prayed for rain.

He believed before it happened, as he said to King Ahab “... there is the sound of a heavy rain,” (vs. 41) before there was even a cloud in the sky!

Then he climbed Mount Carmel and, prayed. He sent his servant seven times to look for clouds but each time there was nothing, until

the eighth time. The servant came back having seen a cloud “the size of a man’s hand.” (vs. 44).

Elijah probably smiled at that point, and soon storm clouds formed and it rained heavily! The drought was over! We might end this here saying, “See? Pray for rain and it will come!” But it’s important to see what led up to this happy ending. Before the rain came, Elijah had confronted King Ahab, rebuking him for leading the people of Israel astray in worshipping idols instead of the Lord. He challenged the 450 prophets of Baal to a “strongest god contest.” They would each build an altar and ask their respective god to set fire to the sacrifice. Whichever god did so without the aid of man was the stronger god. From morning until evening the prophets

CINNAMON HOT CROSS BUNS

Ingredients

3/4c warm water

1tbsp active dry yeast

3c all purpose flour

1tbsp milk

1/4c granulated sugar

3/8tsp salt

1 egg

1 egg white

3 tbsp unsalted butter softened

3/4 c dried currants

1tsp WATKINS ORGANIC GROUND CINNAMON

1 egg yolk

2tbsp water

Frosting

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1tsp WATKINS ALL NATURAL ORIGINAL

GOURMET BAKING

2tsp milk

Directions

Buns combine warm water and yeast, let stand for about 5 minutes add flour, milk, sugar, salt, egg and egg white mix for 10 minutes

add butter, WATKINS ORGANIC GROUND

CINNAMON, currants mix for 5 minutes transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover

of Baal danced around their altar, shouting, even cutting themselves, begging Baal to perform. Throughout all this Elijah mocked them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought... Maybe he is sleeping!” (vs 27).

Baal didn’t respond.

Then Elijah soaked his sacrifice with so much water it even filled a trench around his altar. He asked the Lord to send fire so that the people will “know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

The fire came, it burned up everything, not just the sacrifice but the wood, the stone altar, and all the water (vs 33-38). It was obvious which God had real power!

The people turned back to the Lord, and all idols were destroyed.

All of this had to happen before the rain came.

2 Chronicles 7:1314 says, “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain ... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Who or what is your Baal? What do you have as an idol? Money? Pleasure? Self? Addiction? Family? Anything that you put before God can be an idol. Idols must be removed.

St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh

109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney

Parish Phone: 306-948-3330

Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m.

Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m.

our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m.

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans

St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E

APRIL 28, REDEEMER

Biggar associated gospel church

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

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

All are welcome to come and join us

Biggar United ChUrCh

REGULAR SERVICES

SUNDAY 11:00 am

Pastor Dale Worrall

Inquires Call Church Office 306-948-2280 Leave Message

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

SATURDAY SERVICES

BIBLE STUDY 10:00a.m.

CHURCH SERVICE 11:00a.m.

320 - 6th ave.east contact: 306-951-8445 3 abn www.amazingfacts.org

with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, allow to raise until doubled, place in a warm spot for an hour

punch down on floured surface, cover, let rest for 10 minutes shape into dough balls and place in a greased pan, cover and rest in a warm place until doubled, about 35-40 minutes mix egg yolk and water, brush on top of dough balls

baked at 375F for 20 minutes, rmove from pan and placed on cooling rack

Frosting

mix together WATKINS ALL NATURAL ORIGINAL GOURMET BAKING VANILLA, milk and powered sugar until smooth place in a piping bag and pipe cross onto each bun

Makes a dozen buns

Mother’s Day Tea

WEDNESDAY MAY 8, 2:00pm at the Biggar Community Hall sponsored by Prairie Branches Enterprise. Enjoy entertainment and snacks, raffles, and bake table! Funds raised support the residents of Prairie Branches. Everyone is invited to attend. Silver Collection.

Saskatchewan caps off successful year internationally

Thanks, Urla Open Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 1-4pm

Attention: Janet

Saskatchewan is reporting new successes internationally for the final quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year. These have led to increased opportunities and new partnerships for local businesses and communities here at home.

Please proof and get back to me by return email.

June 7-9, 2024

KIDS CARNIVAL: Sponsored by the BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH Fireworks Parade

We Need your Help!!! Want to get involved with your event?

Give us a call we want to hear from you! DALE AT 948-3344

Car Show

“Showcasing Saskatchewan’s innovation and sustainable energy, mining and agriculture products to new markets is essential to the economic growth we are seeing in the province,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Over the past year, we have made concerted efforts to share Saskatchewan’s story on the global stage, and we are seeing the benefits of that work. We exported nearly $50 billion worth of products to 163 countries, including another record year of agri-food exports totalling over $20 billion. This success is only possible through the strong relationships we continue to build internationally.”

Doerksen said. “Cameco joined the Saskatchewan delegation in Dubai and engaged with governments, utilities, organizations, and businesses regarding the tremendous contributions our province’s uranium industry is making in the battle against climate change, and our significant capacity to meet demand as nuclear power generation ramps up worldwide. We shared the resources, technology, and innovation that our province is providing for addressing climate change. Together, we sent a clear message that Cameco and Saskatchewan can energize a clean-air world.”

Strategy, and the new Saskatchewan Trade and Investment website InvestSK.ca. The strategy brings new, extended and expanded incentives for businesses who invest in the province, including the Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive, the Saskatchewan Technology Start-up Incentive, and the Critical Minerals Processing Investment Incentive, among others.

On labour recruitment efforts, the Saskatchewan UAE Office supported the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training’s recruitment mission to Dubai. The mission resulted in over 148 job offers being extended to high-qualified workers.

Saskatchewan’s international office network facilitated over numerous trade and investment activities in Q4. This included supporting missions, events and webinars in countries such as Japan, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. These had over 30 Saskatchewan exporters represented and resulted in an estimated 190 trade deals with sales over $7 million.

“At COP28, world leaders affirmed the vital role that nuclear energy needs to play in meeting global net-zero carbon emission targets,” Cameco Vice-President of Marketing David

Other successes from these missions include Memorandum of Understanding signings, many between international postsecondary institutions and Saskatchewan universities to support higher education and cross-cultural knowledge sharing. This includes signings with QpiAI, the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, IPB University and the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology. Saskatchewan’s international office network also supported eight total partnerships for innovation and research and development for the Saskatchewan Research Council, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Saskatchewan. This quarter also brought the launch of two new tools for attracting international investment, Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction

In 2023, Saskatchewan has seen 78 incoming commercial and diplomatic delegations, with many more on the horizon.

Saskatchewan continues to show its commitment to attracting the best global talent. Earlier this quarter, the province launched Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy. The strategy outlines Saskatchewan’s initiatives for bringing in and retaining a healthy job market and a diverse, skilled workforce.

All of this is on the tail end of another successful year of growth for Saskatchewan. The province saw $12.4 billion in private sector capital investment last year, up 24.6 per cent, with an expected increase of 14.4 per cent to $14.2 billion this year. Saskatchewan is expected to be first among provinces in terms of growth in this category for 2024.