The Biggar Independent Volume 116 Issue 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR ... As the sun sets on the year 2024, we at The Independent wish all of our treasured customers a healthy, properous and very happy New Year and may all of your dreams come true in 2025

Vol. 116 No. 01

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

… 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...OLINE!!

$1 IRU &HUWLÀHG 5HG &URVV &RXUVH GRQH RQ <285 7,0( &DOO 'DOH %X[WRQ RU &DVVLG\ +HDWKHU

gh-Arc Electric Ltd

28 pages

mercial / Residential / Service / Farm 251-1477 •306-491-9678 Now Servicing Biggar and Area”

$1.50

I S

INDEPENDENT SAFETY SERVICES

306-951-7700

tip@sasktel.net

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

One last longing look at Santa and his visit to Biggar, all courtesy of the Biggar Legion, December 14.

Santa visited the Long Term Care wing at the Biggar Hospital, Sunshine Care Home, Almost Home Care Home and, of course, the kids after a free movie at the Majestic Theatre. With our lives now into 2025, it just is nice to know Saint Nicholas is getting ready for Christmas 2025!

????????, ?????????02, ??, 2025 ????

THURSDAY, JANUARY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Award-winning musician kicks off 2025 for Biggar Arts Council, January 10

The Biggar and District Arts Council continues its concert season this January 10 at the Majestic Theatre with the incredibly talented Eliza Mary Doyle When Eliza Mary Doyle’s car broke down in Nashville in 2015, she found herself happily stuck in Music City. The venerable Saskatchewan banjo player and singer/songwriter had stopped in to see a festival and ended up enjoying an extended stay, playing in bars and meeting all manner of talented musicians.

Having been on sabbatical to follow her muse anyway, it seemed like fate urging her to keep on the wellworn path to musical fulfilment.

Doyle has had a 20 year career in groups, as a solo artist, as a professional session musician, playing banjo, singing, and performing with the banjo,

dobro, guitar, and mandolin. She has released nine full-length albums, won a Juno with the group The Dead South (which she toured with from 20162018), and has toured Canada, the USA and Europe extensively. Doyle has been a regional finalist in CBC’s Searchlight Canada competition and past winner of Bell Media’s contest, The Next Big Thing.

Most recently, she’s cofounded a non-profit, C.A.M.P. (Community Arts Mentorship Program) to bring music programming to remote and underserved Indigenous and Metis communities in Saskatchewan, winning her a CBC Top 40 Under 40 Award, as well as an Industry Achievement Award in 2021 and 2022, and nominations in both 2020 and 2023.

Doyle’s latest studio album, “Pretty Strange”

is a 10 track collection of bangers captured live at Sidekick Studios in Nashville, TN on May 4, 2022.

Recently released March 1, 2023, it summarizes Doyle’s progression as an artist by framing her unique and catchy, melody driven songwriting style in the context of an exciting alt-country/folk sound.

With driving banjo, guitar and pedal steel licks throughout to keep the listener engaged and eager to discover each track, her fresh take on the Americana genre is a welcomed addition to the scene.

Eliza Mary Doyle is at the Majestic Theatre for the third show in the Biggar and District Arts Council concert season this Friday, January 10, show time at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale from Ross Holt at de Moissac Jewellers or from ticketpro.ca.

Premier Moe’s Christmas Greetings

Faith... Hope... Love!

In a world that seems ever more chaotic, these are the things that we should seek... first in ourselves ... and in others.

Faith in the people around us... faith that the people we encounter are fundamentally good.

I know we are all so very busy this holiday season...

But let us all take a minute... and pause to see the good in those that we meet.

Let us have faith that by helping others we can

make a positive difference... in our own lives... in their lives, or in our communities.

Hope...

Hope for the people around us...

Hope for a more peaceful world...

Hope for a bright future for our neighbours... for our co-workers... and for our children... and grandchildren.

And love...

Love for... yes... our family and friends... but also for those who are struggling and need a helping hand.

Showing that love doesn’t require grand gestures...

It can be small acts of kindness...

Take a meal to a neighbour that you know is alone this Christmas sea-

son...

Stop to help push someone’s car that is stuck in the snow...

Donate toys to a local charity so a child can have a happy Christmas...

It was love that sent Jesus to us as a baby... the reason that we celebrate Christmas.

It is that love shown to us that allows us to have faith and hope for a bright future.

As we gather with friends and family this Christmas season, let us focus on these...

Faith... Hope... Love.

From my wife, Krista, and myself... and from our family to yours...

We wish you a very merry Christmas... and bright, hopeful new year.

Bingo Numbers for

JANUARY 2

B-6 I-22 N-43 G-60 O-68

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

2024 Christmas Message of Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty

Hello! Bonjour! Tansi!

Happy Holidays!

This season of celebration and goodwill is also a time for reflection. As the festive season arrives, 2024 is on its way out, and it has been an eventful year.

Representing our Sovereign is an extraordinary privilege. As Donna and I have travelled throughout our beautiful province, in addition to enjoying the magnificent forests, lakes and rivers of the north, and the grasslands and rolling hills of the south we have experienced the kindness and strength of the people of Saskatchewan.

I would like to thank every community and organization that has invited us to attend a tea, banquet, concert, pow wow, festival, parade whatever the event - we have enjoyed it! We are truly grateful for the heart-warming welcome we received everywhere we visited. It has been a wonderful gift to attend such a wide range of events and to meet so many people.

None of those special occasions would have been possible without tremendous community support and committed volunteers. In Saskatch-

Biggar RCMP Report Dec 23, 2024 This past week 25 occurrences were processed through the Biggar Detachment. The spirit of Traffic Safety seen eight drivers receiving tips in this regard. Old man winter stays hard at work in keeping things interesting for us, the 784 was tied up for awhile in the RM of Eagle Creek, when two semi’s met their challenge with the coulee hill.

In the RM of Perdue, two trucks met unexpectedly at the intersection 3120 and 364, as one driver failed to obey the posted yield sign. An abandoned blue Mitsubishi Outlander left road side in the 80

ewan we can be proud of the quantity and quality of our volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who donates their time, talents and funds to food banks, shelters, charities, service groups and wherever there is need. Giving reflects the true spirit of the holidays.

For many of us everything is “merry and bright” as we make memories with our loved ones, but what is a joyous time for some, can be lonely for others. I applaud all of you who look out for your neighbours and offer a helping hand.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is acknowledging those who make significant contributions in their communities. It is particularly gratifying to reward the sacrifice and service of our emergency personnel, through Exemplary Service Medals and other awards.

Last year, on May 6, our new monarch was crowned at Westminster Abbey. This May, on the one-year anniversary of the coronation, the King Charles the Third Coronation Medal program was launched. This national program honours Canadians for their exceptional contributions and accomplishments. It has been a great pleasure to present Coronation Medals to outstanding recipients from right here in our province.

Another highlight this year was hosting our largest public event - the

annual Canada Day Celebration. Once again thousands of people joined us on the grounds of Government House for a funfilled afternoon featuring multicultural entertainment.

I invite you and yours to our next major occasion the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s New Year’s Day Levee on January first from 1 to 4 p.m. Join us to celebrate in Government House, all decked out in Yuletide splendour!

As 2024 comes to a close, I would like to thank the dedicated team at the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. As well, I would not be able to do my work without the constant support of my wife Donna and our family.

In closing, I am pleased to extend seasons greetings on behalf of His Majesty, King Charles the Third, King of Canada, and to share greetings with you in my first language of Woodland Cree.

Nitha ikwa Donna ni-cawasimisinanak, nosisiminanak.

Nipakosithitinan kahkithaw Kita mitho makosikisikanisik ekwa kita mitho ocimikisikansik.

On behalf of my family and staff, I wish you health, happiness and prosperity throughout the holidays and into the new year.

Joyeux Noël! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Biggar RCMP report zone was removed after the weather started to decline creating a road hazard. A white 2006 GMC Sierra was reported abandoned in the ditch on the old highway to Kinley, although not a road hazard, its whereabout presents another type of hazard for rural property owners, keep an eye out for this one.

A break and enter reported to a rural shop in the RM of Rosemount and the Coop in Perdue was broken into during the 5 AM hour on the weekend.

Investigation remains on going and related to a larger crime spree investigation effecting businesses across the province.

A hit and run was reported on a black Kia Sol on Avenue P in Perdue. Back in Biggar, a report of a car horn blaring on Main street at 1 AM.

911 called by an 8-yearold looking for his parents, another 911 call received by a 12-year-old stating their friend they were speaking with was getting yelled at by their parent and they sounded angry. Report of fraud in a delay of repair on a snow blower, we can all sympathize with that frustration right now.

A report of court conditions being breached in the domestic nature, resulted in further charges of harassment and failing to abide by the said court conditions. January 15, 2025 is the next Provincial Court date for the Biggar area.

Merry Christmas all, have a safe holiday week.

Words of wisdom from “the Holy Grail” “choose wisely” Take Care! out there.

Sgt. Dereck Crozier

Opinions

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

HAPPY NEW YEAR

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, As Minister of Agriculture, a landowner and cowcalf producer, I personally appreciate concerns surrounding illegal foreign ownership of farmland in Saskatchewan. Ensuring there is no unauthorized foreign land ownership is a top priority for me and the public should be assured the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to protecting Saskatchewan farmland.

Through The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, the Farm Land Security Board monitors 40,000 farmland sale transactions annually in the province to ensure purchases are by either a Canadian or Canadian resident. It can issue exemption orders for

non-Canadian-owned entities, typically when in the province’s best interest.

For example, many agribusinesses in Saskatchewan require an exemption.

While the legislation provides enforcement tools regarding entities not in compliance, we are exploring options to enhance them.

As stated in the recent Auditor’s report, no illegal ownership was found in all sale transactions sampled. While the Auditor found that Board staff did not request statutory declarations in nine of the 18 out-of-province corporate transactions, each of the nine instances the purchasing corporation was Canadian. Most often these are family corpora-

tions and, where this was unclear, a declaration was requested. While declarations may not be mandatory given the numerous tools available to the Board, the Board is now requesting declarations from all out-of-province purchasers. Most of the Auditor’s 10 recommendations were already a priority for the Board and implementation has begun.

If you have information about a foreign land ownership concern in Saskatchewan, please reach out to inquiries.ag@gov. sk.ca or 306-787-5047.

Sincerely, Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison

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

It’s time for Jagmeet Singh to end Trudeau’s reign of failure

by Michael Taube, Troy Media syndicated columnist What on earth are you waiting for, Jagmeet?

Don’t give Trudeau more time to ruin our country Mr. Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Burnaby South Dear Jagmeet, Greetings. I hope you’re doing well.

I decided to craft this week’s Troy Media syndicated column in the style of an open letter. Some will consider this to be a direct appeal to your personal sensibilities as a political leader. Others may choose to view it as a direct means of pressing you to use some common sense in dealing with the frustrating situation currently at play in Ottawa.

While I’ve met some of your predecessors, including the late Ed Broadbent and Jack Layton, you and I have never spoken at any great depth. We did have a fleeting conversation when you were an Ontario NDP MPP. Hardly a moment that needs to be permanently etched in history for future generations to consider!

It’s no secret that I’ve been critical of your leadership and political career, both in Canadian media and publications abroad. Why, then, should you pay attention to a long-time conservative columnist and former speech-

the

the

writer for Stephen Harper?

The answer is simple: my advice is logical, helpful, and - crucially - beneficial to your political ambitions. You might not like everything I’m about to say, but if you want your influence to materialize rather than evaporate before the next election, it’s time to pay attention.

Let’s start with two indisputable points: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been a national and international embarrassment for much of his nine years in power.

His Liberal government barely has a political pulse these days.

The reasons for Trudeau’s downfall are plentiful. Three blackface scandals. Two ethics violations. Public spats with female MPs and ministers. Allegations of Chinese election interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections. The carbon tax. Spending taxpayer dollars like a drunken sailor. Surfing with his family in Tofino, B.C., during the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Speaking out of both sides of his mouth about Israel and the Middle East.

Allowing a Nazi to be honoured in Parliament. Icy relations with China, India and two U.S. presidents, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

What happened on Monday (December 16), however, highlighted a level of political dysfunction rarely seen, even under this mediocre and inef-

fective Prime Minister.

The stunning resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland revealed deep cracks in the government.

According to her letter to Trudeau, she was asked to step down last Friday, stating, “in making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence and possess the authority that comes with it.” She criticized the Prime Minister for his inability to work with provinces and territories to deal with Trump’s impending 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and his tendency to prioritize “costly political gimmicks” over the interest of Canadians.

The chaos culminated in no one formally presenting the Fall Economic Statement on Monday. Government House Leader Karina Gould simply tabled it and walked away, leaving behind a staggering $61.9-billion deficit.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc was appointed to replace Freeland as Finance Minister, though many believed that former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney was Trudeau’s preferred choice. On the same day, rumours swirled that Trudeau was preparing to either prorogue Parliament or resign. The Prime Minister remained out of sight for hours, only to reappear that evening at a Lau-

rier Club Event in Gatineau, Que., where he addressed a friendly audience as if nothing had happened.

The local and international media had a field day with this volatile situation. The Prime Minister’s reputation has been shattered for some time, but he’s taking Canada down with him – personally, politically and financially.

Jagmeet, this is your moment.

The combined seat tallies of the Conservatives, Bloc Quebecois, Greens and Independent MPs can’t mathematically bring Trudeau down.

A vote of non-confidence in Parliament can only succeed with NDP support.

You know this. I know this.

Canadians know this.

Yes, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives will likely win the next election. Polls suggest it could be a majority victory even greater than what Paul Martin dreamed of in 2004 (which, as we know, he failed to achieve). The odds of Trudeau - or any Liberal leader - beating Poilievre are slim to none.

It’s no secret that you and Poilievre hold fundamentally different views on political and economic matters. You disagree with most aspects of the Conservative platform - and always will. If Poilievre replaces Trudeau as Prime Minister, you risk losing what little influence you have left in the current parliamentary session.

INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT

Phone: 306-948-3344

Phone: 306-948-3344

Fax: 306-948-2133

Fax: 306-948-2133

Publications PublicationsMail MailRegistrations RegistrationsNo. No.0008535 0008535 Published Publishedby byTHE THEINDEPENDENT INDEPENDENTPRINTERS PRINTERSLTD. LTD.and andissued issuedevery everyThursday Thursdayatatthe theoffice officeofofpublication, publication, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan, S0K 0M0 206 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan, S0K 0M0 Publishers - Dale and Trudy Buxton Publishers - Dale and Trudy Buxton Editor - Kevin Brautigam Editor - Kevin Brautigam Advertising Consultant - Dale Buxton Composition Composition--'BMMPO /FVHFCBVFS Fallon Neugebauer

You also stand to lose your opportunity is closing fast. generous pension, which You don’t have the funds reportedly kicks in around or support to run a highMarch 2025. I’m sure you’ll intensity political campaign deny that this has influenced in 2025. Your decision to your decision to keep the tear up the supply-and-confiTrudeau government afloat. dence agreement in SeptemThen again, when was the ber hasn’t absolved you in supply and confidence agree- the eyes of Canadians. Many ment supposed to end? Oh, still blame you for propping that’s right - June 2025. Just up Trudeau longer than he sayin’. deserved.

Here’s the thing, Jagmeet.

When asked by reportYou’re ignoring what you ers, you stated that Trudeau could potentially gain by should resign but stopped bringing down the Trudeau short of committing to supLiberals. port a vote of non-confiDespite the brave face you dence. Meanwhile, NDP and your party show in pub- House Leader Peter Julian lic, there isn’t a chance you indicated on CBC that the will win the next federal elec- party would consider helping tion. The NDP has never held to bring down Trudeau if he power in Ottawa, and 2025 remains Prime Minister by won’t be the year it happens. February or March of next But you could position your- year. self as Canada’s next Leader What on earth are you waitof the Opposition, a hero to ing for, Jagmeet? Don’t give progressive Canadians for Trudeau more time to ruin ending the Liberal reign of our country, and stop grumincompetence. By pulling bling about what Poilievre the plug, you can present the will do as Prime Minister.

NDP as the real alternative to Pull the plug on the Liberal Trudeau’s broken Liberals. government and let CanadiThis isn’t without prec- ans decide who should be our edent. After the Liberals col- country’s next leader. lapsed under then-Liberal This is your moment to do leader Michael Ignatieff in the right thing. Stop worry2011, there was chatter of ing about what Poilievre will their extinction or a merger do as Prime Minister, and with the NDP. Trudeau tem- focus on what you can do for porarily saved them in 2015, Canada right now. but under his leadership, Merry Christmas and the party is sinking to new Happy Holidays to you and lows. If you wait, the Liberals your family. might drag you down with Regards, them. www.biggarindependent.ca Michael However, the window of

E-mail: tip@sasktel.net

E-mail: tip@sasktel.net

COPYRIGHT www.biggarindependent.ca

Newspaper Pricing

Online - $35+gst Pickup - $40+gst Delivery within 40 miles $ +gst P.Outside O. Box 40 40 miles - $ +gst Delivery

Biggar, SK40S0K 0M0 P. O. Box

Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

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

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

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

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.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

INDEPE

the

Notable Notes

Without a doubt, there have been wells all over the world since way, way back when. But, of course, the ones out here on the lone Prairie are the only ones that we think much of or give a darn about.

I don’t have a clue, of course, how many have been dug in our own locality let alone the province, but I’ll bet there have been thousands and thousands dug by hand.

The big motorized well digging rigs have dug an awful lot more, but the holes they sunk don’t have the same ... uh ... personality as the ones a homesteader put there by the sweat of his brow!

Actually, there were quite a few ways to make a well: many dug, many drilled holes. Some were made hundreds of feet deep that were punched by dropping a huge, pointed five-inch by 10-foot pencil shaped shaft from a tripod and windlass, but all were in search of the same thing: water.

Maybe I shouldn’t say that about searching for water because up in the area where we were raised as kids, I remember that many of the low spots had wells in them to take care of the spring run-off.

As young fellows we found quite a few of them sitting there, sometimes

Mayor Jim Rickwood

A Word or Two

By-Jim Rickwood It seems that 2024 went by in record time, as most years do… In 2024 we were part of many changes within the Town of Biggar, all creating another chapter in our book of life. As we reflect on the past, it gives us the opportunity to solidify our memories, learn from them and build on processes

Usually, before scrawling a few lines on most subjects, he makes a small list of what pertinent things he’s going to write about. But when he started on this one, he found that there were 20 or 30 items, like: Standing on a pail: One time I dug a well for a fellow who used old gas barrels for cribbing and the hole was so small that I could barely let the mud pail down past me.

I would then stand on the pail when it got to the bottom. Although the boys on the windlass up on top complained how heavy the pail was, we dug the bottom 20-feet that way!

Badger Simpson: Shorty or “Badger” dug wells all over the place and never wore a hard hat. One time a fellow dropped a mud pail on his head and darn near killed him!

Mick saved my life: (I like to say that because maybe it was a near thing!) I was digging a well near here that had only a few feet of cribbing, when, just as we struck water, I heard a splash.

I hollered up to Mick Munroe who was on the windlass not to drop any more lumps down.

“I didn’t drop any down,” he hollered back.

Y.T. jumped into the pail and yelled, “Pull ‘er up!”

When we got to the top, the pail was full of cavedin earth!

Horse down the well: One time when Phyllis and I were on the farm, I was watering my team of horses when one of them backed into the well we were repairing, until only its head and front feet

were out.

Y.T. grabbed a nearby logging chain, wrapped it around the horse’s neck, hitched the other horses to the chain, and pulled it out. Whew! Thank Heavens they were both harnessed!

Water witching: Y.T. is a little hesitant in admitting that he believes in well witchers.

Not because it is kind of mysterious and hard to understand, but because to him anyway - it proves that a willow crutch is a little smarted than he is!

Water table: Aquifers aside, in many parts of the province there is a water table (level) just so many feet down, where one can hit water anywhere. And then there are other parts where one has to go hundreds of feet.

Cream can: Sometime long ago, our ice pit dried up before winter came and we would put our cream can - full of cream - down the well on a rope until it sat in the cool water.

But one day the rope broke!

Those stories aside, wells are becoming a thing of the past ... though, so is Y.T. One doesn’t often see a fellow, shovel in hand, starting to dig one anymore!

When a person wants a well dug, they gladly call the nearest driller and pay them for the job.

Of course Shorty “Badger” Simpson is kind of being bypassed by these guys. So is old Y.T.!

It was fun while it lasted, though I suppose “fun” makes well digging sound more enjoyable.

But really, it was “work”!

Jim Reiter, M.L.A.

Rosetown-%FMJTMF Constituency

306-882-4105, toll free 1-855-762-2233 jimreitermla@sasktel.net Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

215 Main Street, Rosetown Our wish is for a holiday season filled with enough warmth and happiness to fill every heart with gladness. May your Holiday Season be everything you’re wishing for and more!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at

DEA’Z BEADZ and

4 ELEMENTS WOODCRAFT Diane Akister deaz.beadz@hotmail.com Biggar, SK

The Majestic Theatre Biggar JANUARY Í Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy 2024--Time: 1 hr 50 min

Friday, Jan.3 • 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan.4 • 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan.5 • 2 p.m.

A word or two from the Mayor of Biggar that will enable us to make improvements in the future and contribute to our towns opportunities for the future success stories.

As we meet 2025 with open arms, both Mayor and Council are very pleased to announce that Camille Box, who was brought onboard in early 2024 as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, has been awarded the position of CAO for the Town of Biggar. Camille brings with her an enthusiasm and zeal for our town and if you haven’t already had the opportunity to meet her, please stop by the office for that introduction.

In mid January we will be tendering the Gateway and CN areas for their respectful projects in the Revital-

ization Project. All ducks finally seem to be in order and it will be an exciting time to see these advancing after the long wait. On the subject of change, it is with great regret that the Biggar Curling Rink is slated for demolition. The building was started in 1961 by the Biggar Curling Club and has been the home to many, many curling success stories throughout its lifetime as we are all aware, but was also a beehive of activity everyday with men’s and women’s leagues, school, clubs, organizations and just everyone and anyone who wanted to get out and curl. It seemed that every weekend had a bonspiel and the parking lot was always full and when you entered the building the

smell of rink burgers filled the lobby. Our memories of this building are strong and our hearts filled with emotion of the facilities demise but we will endure and plans are being made for public community consultations on what we should be planning for to meet our towns future recreations needs. It will be a great opportunity to create a pathway to the future so please keep your eyes open for the event.

The Farm in The Dell Project is currently in full stages of planning and hopefully will have an early spring start. The FITD will provide opportunities for not only the residents that will live there and call it home, but also for Biggar in multiple aspects from construction

Rated: PG

Bob Mason

with no covers even. And I remember being warned

by Dad not to go too near to them!

Maybe I seem kind of old and ignorant when I write stuff like this, but in those years every farm, school yard and town had a well that everybody drank from. Not very often was the water analyzed and tested to see if it was drinkable or not.

We just darn well drank it and though nothing of it!

Maybe our immune systems adjusted a bit to its contaminants, I don’t know, but even though we all drank the same water from the same dipper, from the same school water-pail, very few people ever got sick!

In the past many, many wells have had a pretty grim history. More than one person got into carbon monoxide when they went down to clean them out.

Dad always insisted that we let down a lighted lantern on a rope before we ever went into one.

A toddler disappeared in our area one time, and we found its bonnet floating 40-feet down in a well that someone had left uncovered.

I’ll bet that very few folks remember the shallow roadside wells that were dug all over Great Bend so that we could tank water to the old steamers. As far as that goes, few will remember the steamers!

Wells, wells, wells! They have quite a history, and I’m sure this whole paper wouldn’t be large enough to list even a part of it, considering the importance of what they were all about, though maybe Y.T. (Yours Truly) should mark a few items down.

Wells

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

Í

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Matinee Admission $5

Ratings from the Saskatchewan Film Classification Board

For bookings and information please NEW phone no. 306-951-8244

supply and service, job offerings, housing and just about every facet of engagement you can imagine. Opportunities for financial donation and/or service commitment towards establishment and operation can be made at any time by either contacting FITD directly through contact information on their website or through donor opportunities on social media.

I want to take the opportunity to thank our staff for their dedication, today and in the

past. Often we get frustrated by things not “quite as they were” but we are very fortunate to have the best snow removal in the province and considering the magnitude of all services they provide and cover---they do amazing!

My message, this time around, will be brief but first and foremost, I wish everyone a very Happy New Year with a wealth of happiness and health throughout 2025!!! Its going to be a great year…

06 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

email us at tip@sasktel.net 1/4 Page

OBITUARY NOTICE

TIME TO RE-NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2025 PRICING FOR 2025 PICK-UP $40.00 MAIL (local) $50.00 MAIL (outside 40 miles) $60.00 MAIL (national) $65.00

WILFRID DESROSIERS

October 28, 1937 - December 29, 2024 It is with saddness the family of Wilfrid Desrosiers annouce the passing of our dear father on Decenber 29.

A funeral will be held on Saturday January 4, 2025 at St.Gabriels Catholic Church on 7th Ave. W in Biggar.

Full obituary will be in the next edition of The Independent

St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh DONOR’S CHOICE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING January 16, 2025 at 7:00pm at the New Horizon’s. This meeting is open to ALL. MID - YEAR SPECIAL Aa representative from local organizations Try subscription for only $15.00 plus GST andthat get it in your mailbox are supported

by Donor’s Choice for the rest of the year Check out the needWEBSITE”” to attend. ““NEW for on-line options

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You are likely to question information you receive this week, Aries. Investigate things further, but remain receptive to what others are saying.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, it is time to solidify plans and any grand schemes you may have; otherwise, you may not know which path to take. For now, start outlining your ideas.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Practice your communication skills, Gemini, as you are likely to need them this week. You may need to resolve a sticky situation and serve as a voice of reason.

By; Dale Worrall, Pastor Biggar United Church

In Luke 10:39-42 Mary and Martha found life like a circus high wire balancing act. Each had to try and balance her needs with the needs of her sister. Martha was frustrated Mary did not come and åhelp her in the kitchen. No doubt Mary could not understand why Martha did not join her and listen to Jesus. Jesus appears to criticize Martha and to affirm Mary and her choice. Perhaps Jesus was making a comment on the need for balance in their lives. It is a theme that can be applied to many of Jesus teachings. Peter needed to temper his quick responses with some reasoned thought. Nicodemus needed to make a choice between his love of material things and his desire to follow Jesus. Balance in

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, this week you may be looking to clean house, so to say. You are tossing away old beliefs and habits and are ready to embrace something new. It might be an exciting time.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, everything that you are going through right now is part of a cycle that has a beginning and an end. If you wait it out, you will find that patience pays off.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, maintain open lines of communication. Some may offer advice, while others may seek it. Be receptive to the former and do your best to accommodate the latter.

life seems to be the underlying message.

Some of us might feel like a rider trying to keep their balance on a runaway horse. We rush about constantly, trying to complete our lengthy list of tasks - after all one of the most sought-after skills is to be an expert multi-tasker.

For the rider on the runaway horse, the obvious answer might be to get off the horse. Its good advice but just how do we do it?

Our society is geared to an ever-increasing pace, and we must live and work in this hectic world. We cannot simply get off the horse. Perhaps the answer is to find ways to be at peace. We need to learn to take the time to enjoy life’s experiences, rather than hurrying onto the next one.

There are moments in every day to quiet our

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Do what you can to help others in need, Libra. Offer your services and insight, and be prepared to help in other ways as well.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you are giving off an energy lately that others might be attracted to. Don’t be surprised if your fan club increases in the next few days. Enjoy the attention.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Communication from a former friend or an old roommate may catch you by surprise this week, Sagittarius.

Embrace this opportunity to reconnect.

inner turmoil, if only we could recognize and learn to use them. At every red traffic light, it is easy to sense the tension of the drivers waiting for the light to turn green. Instead, we could use this moment to breathe deeply and offer a simple prayer. Just a peaceful, thankful thought or two will start to change a stressful attitude. There are many such moments in our day – waiting in a lineup at the store, waiting for someone who is late. These moments we take can help to balance our frame of mind. They will not of themselves change our lives, but such moments can bring us a calm heart and help us to counter our frantic pace.

It is all a matter of finding the balance.

The writer of our scripture tells us to be still, know God and find balance in our lives. Sounds so simple and wouldn’t this be a wonderful New Year’s resolution to keep? New Year’s Blessings to all of you. Amen

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you’ve been waiting patiently to say something and looking for an opportunity to share your input. You might need to interrupt if you feel it is important enough.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Your mind feels as if it’s going in a million different directions, Aquarius. One way to alleviate distractions is to direct your energy to an assortment of small projects.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, sometimes it seems like what you are saying is going in one ear and out the other. Don’t let your frustration get the best of you.

Keep trying to be heard.

Show off the best side of your business!

Don’t be faceless, give them something to recognize!

ADVERTISE Biggar Independent 306-948-3344

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 205 4th Ave. E

Redeemer Lutheran 319 7th Ave. E

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

JANUARY 12 10:30am Regular Worship JANUARY 26 10:30am Regular Worship REDEEMER LUTHERAN

Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559 Office Phone: 306-948-3731 (Messages are forwarded to Pastor’s phone immediately)

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 Minister 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

NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH ...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope...1Pe 1:3

You are Invited

Sunday Tea and Coffee -10:15am Worship - 10:30am NEW HORIZONS 117 3rd Ave. W, Biggar For more info - Philip Watson - 250-487-8476

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2024

Business & Professional …

CLEANING SERVICE

• • • • • • • •

TRUSTY TIDYING CLEANING SERVICE Washing Baseboards Washing Walls Cupboard Cleaning Oven Cleaning Fridge Cleaning Light Fixtures Carpet Cleaning Organizing of closets 639-480-8439 (TIDY) Ask for Katy or Sharon trustytidying@ gmail.ca Connect with us on Facebook@Contact Us Thankful to clean for Biggar regularly Tuesdays-Thursdays

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 07

Dr. Kirk Ewen Dr. Michelle Skoretz Doctors of Optometry

- together with In BIGGAR

Every Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

New Location

Co-Ed Fitness Centre

315b Main Street, Biggar, SK

For appointments…

Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss Personal Training Fitness Classes

1-833-948-3331

Tired of running out of ink.?

WE CAN HELP JUST SEND US

YOUR DOCUMENTS

…owned and operated

by Brett Barber

102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar

306-948-9750

www.newufitness.ca

BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Housing for families and seniors Rent based on income

2 col/6 AND LET US PRINT THEM FOR YOU.

HEALTH/WELLNESS

ROSETOWN ROSETOWN NATURAL HEALTH NATURAL HEALTH

healthy, naturally!

311Stay Main Street, Rosetown Massage Therapy Supplements 311 Main Street,- Rosetown Ideal Protein Clinic Quality Supplements Mail orders welcome.

Mail Orders Welcome.

Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 6:00 Monday306-882-2220 – Saturday 9:00 – 6:00 rosetownnatural@sasktel.net 306-882-2220 www.rosetownnaturalhealth.com rosetownnatural@sasktel.net PLUMBING & HEATING

BRETT’S DECORATING & DESIGN

FLOWER SHOP s FLOWERS s CUSTOM WEDDING DECORATING & EVENTS s RENTALS… 4ENTS "OUNCY #ASTLE

Brett…

Call: SERVICES 306•303•7246 Naty/M

GALLARDO Liner

Price… 2.5 inches = $201.50 Passenger Services plus gst per 6-month prepaid 122 Main St. - Biggar Depot commitment.

Macklin to Saskatoon & towns in-between Kindersley to Saskatoon & towns in-between

306-948-9750

Please get back to me with Special Event, Airport Service or changes/corrections Advertisingby return Doctorʼs Appointments email is this morning. an

Biggar, Sask.

Thanks Urla

102 - 3rd Ave. West,

newufitness@sasktel.net /WNED AND OPERATED BY "RETT "ARBER

investment

in your business.

PHONE......306-951-0078 or 306-951-0098

This is paper, 6 mont

08 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

ACCOUNTING

Business & Professional … THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2024 SERVICES

AUTOMOTIVE

M & N REPAIR 701 - 4th Ave. E., Biggar

306-948-3996

201B 2

nd

Avenue West, Biggar

Office: 306-948-3558 Email: info@biggaraccounting.ca Services Provided Include: Compilation Engagements Personal & Corporate Taxes Bookkeeping AgriStability & AgriInvest

C AMPBELL A CCOUNTING S E RV I C E S • Personal Tax Returns • Corporate Tax Returns • Farm, AgriStability, AgriInvest • Estate Returns • Bookkeeping • Payroll

ACCEPT NEW C ING LIE Year R NTS ound

Ph: 306-948-4430 or 306-948-4460 rodc@campbell-accounting.ca 117 - 3rd Ave. West,

(New Horizons Bldg) Biggar

INSURANCE

ÿ Auto & Home Insurance ÿ Farm & Commercial Insurance ÿ Health & Travel Insurance ÿ Life Insurance & Investments ÿ Farm Succession & Estate Planning ÿ Notary Publics

Biggar Office Hours…

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

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

“We’ll getcha covered”

Landis Office Hours:

Mon.-Tue, & Fri., 9:00am - 4:30pm Wednesday, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Thursday CLOSED

Phone: 306-658-2044 Toll Free: 1-855-658-2044

Perdue Office Hours

Mon,Tue,Thurs,Fri, 9am - 4:30 Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30 Closed at noon 12 - 12:30

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

INVESTMENTS

Open Monday-Friday Mike Nahorney - Journeyman Red Seal Mechanic

HEAVY TRUCK AUTO TIRES BOATS & RVs FULL MOBILE MECHANICAL SGI Safety INSPECTION

3 col/6

306-948-3376 Serving Your “EnTIRE” Needs

YH Truck, Ag & Auto s (EAVY TRUCK PARTS s !GRICULTURE PARTS s !UTOMOTIVE PARTS ACCESSORIES WWW YHTRUCKAGAUTO COM

223 Main Street Biggar Box 580 Biggar, SK SOK OMO

306-948-2183 Email: hrbbiggar@sasktelnet Website: www.hrblock.ca

(WY %AST "IGGAR

306-948-2109

BIGGAR Attention: Deanna Stevenot REFRIGERATION SERVICES

Lesco

COMMERCIAL AND (year) for $ the next 52 weeks RESIDENTIAL Bill has been sent SERVICES Franchise Advertising Payable

Please proof Business & Profe

Richard (Chico) Livingston towing & recycling “Same Great Service” Price: $63.00 plus gst per weekBIGGAR•LANDIS•PERDUE•WILKIE•ASQUITH for publiation on Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 #102 - 9622 - 42 Avenue, SPECIALIZING Licensed Journeyman Journeyman Automotive Repair Technician “Top Dollar Paid Cash On The Spot ForIN Salvage Vehicles” Edmonton, AB T6E 5Ya Adrian de Haan Removal of us out at - biggartowing.com Please get back to me14by p.m. North on Monday,Check Feb 4 2 Miles East Hwy 1/45 Mile Phone: 780-448-2166; Thanks, Urla 306-948-5291 CALL LES Cars, AT (306) 951•8446 Junk Trucks Fax: 780-438-1233; * (TURN NORTH AT THE OLD TRUCK) * * and any Scrap Metal 1298 EW email: CSC-Edmonton.accoun 306-948-5077 Box Biggar, SK. email: les@lescotowing.com ***N TION Rebel Landscaping A S0K 0M0 www.lescotowing.com 948-2879, chicosautoworks@sasktel.net LOC “CASH PAID” evenings Will this work? right colour?

MECHANIC SHOP

DIESEL & GAS 317 MAIN STREET (Formally Chico’s) Call Tamas 306-303-3676

NOW OPEN

CAR CARE

Basic Car Wash Vehicle Detailing Call Jane 604-338-8976

DENTAL

Rosetown Dental

SEED CLEANING

wYLIE SEED &

115 - 1st Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.

PRoCESSING INC.

Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Seeds Canada Authorized

OFFICE HOURS

Phone:306.882.2123

DEADLINE for ads, classisifeds and news MONDAY - 5 P.M.

LEGAL SERVICES BUSSE LAw

PRofESSIoNAL CoRPoRATIoN Barristers & Solicitors Stuart A. Busse, KC Larry A. Kirk, LL.B. 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK

306-716-4021

p.m. phone: Chris

Chico’s Auto Works

Dr. Krista Maedel & Associates

DEMOLITION & RESTORATION STUCCO , DRYWALL CONCRETE FINISHING

Mon - Fri • 8 a.m.-5

Jennifer:

New Patients Welcome!

Métis Owned Aboriginal Owned • Mobile Welding & Fabrication • 24/7 Emergncy Service • Repairs? Got a project in mind?

• We cater to ALL Give us a call industries… farming, for a quote. commercial, oil field, • NOW offering industrial Skidsteer, Transport, • CWB Hot Shot Service!

Certified Call Chance Parenteau @ 306-948-9465 or Sarah Nagy @ 306-290-9766

Service Truck Full Mechanical Service

306-948-3346 …serving your community since 1972

Pedigree Seeds & Custom Cleaning fULL line of Cleaning Equipment and Colour Sorter

Excellent Quality at a Reasonable Price!

on the Spot

Biggar-Landis-Perdue Asquith-Wilkie Rosetown Call Les at 951-8446

Cari Perih RealtoR®

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

www.SoldbyCari.ca homesforsale@soldbycari.ca

Acres of Expertise.

for all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning

Bill: Dale:

948-7457 948-6045

Plant located 8 miles south of Biggar on Hwy #4, ¼ mile west on Triumph Rd.

HAULING

Jason Peszko Bailee Massett Sarah Roesler look forward to assisting you and can be contacted at:

Dave Molberg

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

Rockin D Trucking & Cattle • Cattle Hauling with 21 ft. gooseneck trailer • Grain Hauling • round and large square bale hauling with step-deck or highboy semi-trailers • also buying and selling straw and forage • also Machinery Hauling

Dan • 306-948-7843 Biggar, Sask.

306-948-5352 or 306-244-9865

306.237.7671

Troy May, owner/operator

Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Western Canada

T 9 9

fo

9

Shoreline Realty

Peszko &Watson

is a full service law office that practices…

Criminal Law Commercial Law Real Estate Law Wills and Estate Law and our lawyers,

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

206

w

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Happy New Year The Saskatchewan Traveller…Fireworks Issue Safe Riding in 202

The Saskatchewan Traveller

We will continue our trip into Nova Scotia next week, however I thought I would write about our trip to Nipawin this past December 20.

I was contacted by the Nipawin Regional Park to do fireworks show in conjunction with festivities they were having in the park with light displays and such.

Off to Nipawin and it didn’t really have a good start.

By the time we arrived in Perdue I noticed that we had a flat tire on the trailer and that a simple air hose wasn’t going to do it. Now what? There was only one place that could possibly help me without destroying what

was left of the tire and that was Full Line Ag who happened to be opened at the time.

Full Line Ag not only had the right tire for me but installed it in a very reasonable time and get me back on the road towards Nipawin. Only in a small town can you find that level of service, thanks Full Line.

Well back on the road, with the hopes that nothing else goes wrong.

We decided to take the highway north to Prince Albert and head East to Nipawin. I must say the highways are really in good shape, except for those few icy patches were a pretty smooth drive to Nipawin.

Next up we meet up with Craig Sutherland, who is the park manager and was extremely helpful in getting my equipment set up for the big show. Craig and his staff not only cleared a path for the setup but also cleared a huge area for the residents to park and enjoy the show.

Lighting off fireworks in the winter is a very different than lighting off fireworks in the summer. The air is crisper and cooler therefore the noise is a bit louder and the reflection off the snow and crystals in the air make for a fabulous display.

The display went off as expected and afterward looking around at how many residents of Nipawin came out to enjoy was very satisfying.

Good job to Craig and his team for the experience and professionalism to make this firework show possible.

After the show we enjoyed the hospitality of Brian’s Place, which is a resort that is operated by Craig and Rena Sutherland.

This is a place that you want to stay at while visiting Nipawin. Brian’s Place offers you a house with 4 bedrooms and a place that is quiet where you can relax for a day, weekend, or enjoy for the week. Plenty of space for sledding in the winter and fishing in the summer.

Happy New Years 202 PRECISION AUTOBODY 2326 Avenue C North Saskatoon 306-664-4156 customerservice@precisionautobody.ca

We are out in Biggar every Wednesday at Spyder Autobody

I-Car Gold Class and OEM Certified Technicians Consumer Choice Award Winners 12 Years Running Certified Aluminum Repair Hail Repair Experts

Highly recommended.

Heading home the next day we decided to take the Tisdale, Melfort route home, again the road system was in very good shape without any issues in travelling.

We made it back into Saskatoon and home before the sun was down.

I have a couple of restaurants that I would also like to mention while on various trips into Saskatoon.

First is the Bistro on B which offers a smoked brisket and chicken menu, the place only holds around 20 people inside with a small patio in the summer, the food here is spectacular, the entries and appetizers are done with perfection, and you will not leave hungry, in fact you might even ask for a takeaway dish.

Bistro on B is just half a block off 20th street.

Another fine dining experience is the Liberty Kitchen up in the Lawson Heights area, not an overly big menu, but you can have a variety, mainly leaning towards pasta.

This is another place where the food is very good and the resembles more of a bar atmosphere but good service and a good experience for the first time, a place that I would try again.

Stay tuned next week as we continue our trip in Nova Scotia…

BRIAN’S PLACE - NIPAWIN

10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025 AS K I N - STO R E F O R D E TA I LS

2024 FORD BRONCO SPORT FREE GIVE AWAY OFFER ENDS: JANUARY 8, 2025

Buy 2 eligible kitchen major appliances

SAVE

150

$

*

Buy 3 eligible kitchen major appliances

SAVE

300**

$

s Bonu r You! o Gift F ” “Free

Certified CARE

See sales associate for details and list of qualifying models*

Ask about the SIX YEAR PARTS AND LABOUR WARRANTY. Exclusively from Battleford Furniture!

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Let’s turn lemons into lemonade today!

Christine Ibbotson

Ask The Money Lady One of my closest friends has never owned a home, always lived very poorly, and feels that she has never had any luck in her life. She looks at others and wonders why they have more than her and yet does nothing to try to improve her situation.

It is a very sad situation to see someone like this.

Now I know I will get lots of e-mails from readers that will disagree with me. But before you send me your e-mails of discontent, let’s be honest.

Sometimes hard times do set you back in life, and the longer you live, the more things you have to deal with and overcome.

And this year has been tough with rising costs, inflation and interest rates. We all have had to tuck-in and tighten our budgets.

When things get really difficult, sometimes that creates a desire to change things. You want to try to become more resilient to adjust to hard times and look for a positive outcome so that you can face uncertainties with less fear. Becoming resilient is the key to turning your sour lemon life into a sweet lemonade life!

This may be hard to

read, but honestly, the only thing that is holding you back from reaching your ideal financial future and your very best life in this world, is not your current situation, not your family or friends, not your job, or your past experiences, it is you!

You need to believe that you are worth more and stop believing that you “can’t” attain the life you want, regardless of the economic situation.

Holding yourself back is the worst thing you could ever do to yourself.

Whether you are working or now retired, it doesn’t matter - everyone has a unique and very personal vision of what they wish for their life. It may not be the clinched dream of wealth and power. It could be a wish for a better relationship with a friend or loved one, for the ability to help others in a profound and thoughtful way, for a healthier lifestyle, for a career move or even a full-on life-altering change.

Whatever your wish is, now is the time to begin to work towards your new future to make 2025 your year.

Everyone should create a very personal but easyto-maintain and realistic long-term strategy to become happier, wealthier, and more successful.

Our natural instinct is to keep doing what we have always done and what is familiar. This is often referred to as the “definition of insanity” - doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result - not just

with our finances but with our personal lives as well. Remember the adage: “if you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you always got.”

I encourage you to make the necessary changes for the better and start stacking the odds in your favour. The fastest way for you to create more wealth and to be happier is to believe in your ability to earn more and do more.

If that means you have to get a second job, go back to school to retrain, or change careers and get a better paying position then do it. If you need to downsize your home to lower your debt burden, lower your expenses to save more - then do it.

You can go in a different direction, change your life, or begin again if you have to. All that is required is that you shift your mind toward believing you can succeed.

Like yourself for making a change. Disregard the inevitable setbacks and obstacles that you will have to overcome. Just keep going until you succeed.

Remember, you can always be more than you are today!

Good luck and best wishes!

Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, syndicated national radio host, and now on BNN Bloomberg News, and CTV News.

Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at info@askthemoneylady. ca.

Established in 1929

124-1st Ave.W

FEATURES OF THE WEEK!

2025 FORD ESCAPE PLATINUM Regal Price: $49,394 +licensing and taxes • Space Silver Metallic • Automatic / Power Liftgate • Heated Front Seats • 2.0L 4cyl Engine / AWD • Heated Steering Wheel

!!

W O W

2025 FORD BRONCO RAPTOR Regal Price: $132,600 +licensing and taxes • Hot Pepper Red Metallic • Automatic / 4x4 / Off Road • Leather Trim Suede Seats • 3.0L Ecoboost V6 Engine • Terrain Mgmt System

Enjoy buying your next vehicle at Regal Motors!

SALES, SERVICE & PARTS 306-882-2623 Toll Free 1-877-882-2610 Regalmotorsltd.com

NOW OPEN Liquor Store

Biggar Esso 904 Main St Biggar Sk. 948-3600

PHONE TRENT at 948-7200 Gravel Supply Basement Development Trucking General Excavating

Enjoy the Friendly Service and all the products that we offer

INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT

the

12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Pretendians like Buffy Sainte-Marie were exposed in 2024

the

With sincere best wishes to our neighbors, patrons and friends. Your support means everything to us.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the In this season of celebration, we are reminded of “Tax Professionals” both the diversity and bounty that nature provides Management, Staff and Families us, and are grateful for the richness and 223 Main Street beauty of this wondrous season.

Professional Building We are also grateful to share it with good people Biggar, Sask. like you, and wish you all the best during this306-948-2183 special time of year.

Merry Christmas

GHDQQD VWHYHQRW#KUEORFN FD Wylie Seed & Processing

Dale, Bill, Brian, Mark and families

306-948-2807

Atttention: Deanna I am attaching your Christmas WISHING YOU Greeting @ $88.50 plus gst and for A different HAPPY, New Year’s (same size, content) for 1/2 price, $44.25 if you HEALTHY & would like.

PROPEROUS

Deadline approval/changes is by return email or

by November 30 please We know we have much to celebrate this year, including the privilege of serving great Thanks for your prompt attention. people like you!

Wylie Seed & Processing

by Doug Cuthand, Saskatoon StarPhoenix Each December, the word of the year is announced by various sources. This year the Oxford dictionary has chosen the term “brain rot,” while the Websters dictionary has chosen “polarization.”

Both are worthy as they describe the crazy social media fuelled politics of the year.

But I have another choice that’s more appropriate for Indian Country. The word of the year for us is “pretendian.” Pretendian describes individuals who claim Indigenous status, but don’t have any; they claim Indigenous roots for notoriety, status and money.

2024 was the year of the pretendian and they were dropping out of the woodwork. Buffy Sainte-Marie, medical researcher Carrie Bourassa, Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond and member of Parliament Randy Boissonnault all came under scrutiny and were found wanting.

Pretendians have been with us since Grey Owl and, more recently, writer Joseph Boyden and filmmaker Michelle Latimer.

The case that rocked Indian Country was Buffy Sainte-Marie. For several generations, she was the only Cree face we saw on TV. She was on Sesame Street and various music

shows. She toured North as Allen Ahenakew and America selling her Cree Angus Merasty who told roots. me they knew Grey Owl In 2007 she won the wasn’t Indigenous.

Juno for Indigenous When he spoke Cree, album of the year; now his accent was obvious. we know that she is nei- But they accepted him ther Indigenous nor a because they considered Canadian and she should him harmless, and he was return the award. promoting Indigenous At the University of issues. He was also a proSaskatchewan, Carrie digious drunk and reinBourassa was a professor forced the stereotype. in the College of Medicine But Grey Owl was not as well as the scientific an anomaly - he was the director of the institute tip of the iceberg. For of Indigenous people’s decades nobody wanted health, which is part of to claim Indigenous stathe Canadian Institutes tus. It was considered a of Health Research. detriment rather than an She held high-profile advantage. Times have positions and was seen as changed and today there Indigenous and an expert is serious cash and fame on Indigenous health for an individual who issues. knows how to play the Our people have a sixth system. sense when it comes to Pretendians know how fraudsters. People who to use the system to their are living a lie and claim- advantage. Institutions ing Indigenous ancestry like them because they are bound to slip up and speak their language and reveal their lack of knowl- provide a sense of comedge. fort. In the case of Carrie They make up stories of Bourassa, the institution being adopted and raised was reluctant to let her outside the culture, or go because she was doing they redirect concerns by a good job. telling stories of racism Pretendians create a and hardship. Eventu- dichotomy in that many ally people start to ask are talented individuals, questions and dig into the but they are living a lie. In OWNER/PUBLISHER individual’s past. the process they are takTHE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT When Grey Owl ingWEST funding, awards and RD was 102 - 3 AVENUE revealed to be ArchieP. O.salaries BOX 40created to serve Belany fromBIGGAR, Hastings, the Indigenous populaSK. S0K 0M0 England, the country was tion. shocked. However, I have Equally talented Indigtelephone: 306-948-3344 spoken to elders fax: such enous 306-948-2133scholars, writers OWNER/PUBLISHER e-mail: tip@sasktel.net THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT www.biggarindependent.ca 122 MAIN STREET Thanks for your prompt attention and participationP. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca

Attention Dale and Bill…

I am attaching your Christmas Greeting last yealus gst; and again for New Year’s (same size, dif-ferent content if DALE BUXTON desired) for half price FREE colour Deadline approval/changes is by

DALE 29 BUXTON return email or by November please.

INDEPENDENT

the

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

306-948-2807

MERRY CHRISTMAS…

The wreaths and the trees and the parties Aren’t what we need to convey It’s the birth of our Saviour, Jesus The real reason for this holiday.

SEASON’S GREETINGS!

The wreaths and the trees and the parties Aren’t what we need to convey It’s the birth of our Saviour, Jesus The real reason for this holiday.

We wish to thank our loyal customers, and wish you the best in 202

Biggar Refrigeration Services 306-948-5291

We wish to thank our loyal customers, and wish you the best in 2023.

Adrian and Barbara de Haan, Lyle Zbeeshko

Adrian and Barb deHaan

Atttention: Adrian/Barbara I am attaching your Christmas Greeting last year @ $105.00 plus gst and New Year’s from last year for 1/2 price FREE colour 52.50 Deadline approval/changes is by return email or by November 29 please

and entertainers are left out. Pretendians are not an asset to our people, they are a detriment to the advancement of our people.

Many individuals like Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond have done good work and advanced Indigenous causes. Buffy Sainte-Marie had the “cradleboard” project, which is a teaching tool to raise the self esteem of Indigenous children.

But this is something that they could have done without claiming Indigenous ancestry. They should have declared their racial background and pledged their support to the Indigenous nations.

This, however, is easier said than done. Once someone starts living a lie, it is hard to back out and admit wrongdoing.

The result is that the individual gets in deeper and deeper and suffers enormous loss and embarrassment when found out.

No doubt more pretendians will surface, but we must move on. We need to look out for each other and promote the real Indigenous people.

So that’s my word for the year. It’s the product of brain rot, but it hasn’t led to the polarization of Indigenous society.

n d

INDEPENDENT

the

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Trump tariffs will result in ag turmoil

Calvin Daniels

Agriculture

by Calvin Daniels As of writing this and we near the turning of the calendar we also draw ever nearer to the day the world changes.

The inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States in the new year is going to change the world, and probably not in the positive way his supporters are hoping for.

When Trump won his first term you often heard him described as a wild card, and that term is even more appropriate

this time as he appears - many that are extreme politics, to present a uniteven more entrenched in and short-sighted from a ed pro-Canada response the view he is the smart- world perspective - the to whatever tariff packest man in the room, and potential withdrawal from age is finally enacted. his vision is the only one NATO, ending support The united response that matters. for Ukraine’s battle with needs to start with a very For any leader of a coun- invading Russian forces, firm and obvious no to try to look in the mirror and of course huge tariffs even considering the each morning believing on at least some imports ridiculous notion that the person looking back from some countries. this great nation would is the only one with the The tariffs are what has subjugate by becoming answers to any questions to be at the forefront of an American state. That they might face is frankly the minds of Canadian Trump would even suga scary government head. exporters as we head to gest that of a sovereign The best leaders listen 2025, and that means neighbour nation, and to varied views and work many who ship agricul- long time ally speaks to bring the varied views tural products south. again to the wild card together in a way which And, government too nature that will be his creates the best solu- has to be spending a lot of legacy.

We energy hope your tions. inholiday trying season to come How Canada builds a is filled brimthe withbest happiness There is little to sugupto the with way response to tariffs which good fortune!! gest Trump listens to any toand respond to Trump’s have a positive effect for voice except his own. expected moves. this country is unclear, Trump’s arrogance will In terms of government as again Trump does not “Experience the Westwinds Difference” impact the American the Canadian response seem to be willing to lisDayna,Trent and staff people, who at least had needs to be a united ten to reason, or consider 306-948-3301 the opportunity to chose effort, one with the feder- compromise. whatever it is he brings in al government, the oppoBut, whatever we do, the next four years. sition in Ottawa, and the may politics in this counThe rest of the world provincial and territo- try be left at the door, however has to deal with rial governments put- so the voice sending the the splash effect of poli- ting away the often petty Canadian message is cies Trump has hinted at squabbling that is party united.

Happy New Year

Thank you for filling our year with so many memories.

We are grateful for the all the fantastic friends and customers like you

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Westwinds Motor Hotel

Westwinds Motor Hotel “Experience the Westwinds Difference” Dayna, Trent and staff

INDEPENDENT 306-948-3301

the

Attention Dayna....

An essential kitchen tool you should be using

I am attaching Christmas Greeting Insert your the thermometer tiple surfaces thatfrom can be into the thickest part of exposed to harmful bacWelcome The Season! last year @ $105.00 plus gst; and again for New Welcome The Season! the meat, without touch- teria, so they should be ing any bones.

Leave it in content thoroughlyifcooked.

For Year’s (same size, different desired) place until the tempera- beef and pork burgers, for half price FREE colour ture stops rising.

Insert $52.50. cook until they reach 71°C

the thermometer in mul- (160°F). Test by inserting tiple spots to ensure you the thermometer through have an accurate reading. the side of the patty.

If you have multiple piecWash the thermometer es of meat, check each probe with soapy water one with the thermom- before storing it away for Thanks for your prompt eter before attention serving. and participation next time.

There may be a chill The specific temperature Find more tips at canaway you can ensure that in the air at the range will vary by type da.ca/foodsafety. holiday season, food has been cooked to a of protein. A mediumBut In we’re filled with safe temperature. fact, much warmth and this simple tool can truly rare steak, for example, you are the reason. be a lifesaver, or at least should have a minimum So to our many internal temperature of help people avoid goodgetting friends both about 63°C (145°F). A sick from food poisoning. far and near, whole turkey or chicken, Before using We one,bidthora most on the other hand, should oughly wash your hands joyous Christmas be cooked to at least 82°C and the thermometer and a Happy (180°F). A digital therprobe in soapy Newwater.

Year. mometer will provide the Thank you to our customers most accurate readings. meats have mulfor their support. Ground 1-866-934-6675/306-934-6675

DALE BUXTON

Deadline approval/changes is by return email or by November 30 please.

If you’re like most people, you likely have a drawer in your kitchen that is crammed with rarely used cooking gadgets.

If one of those items is a digital food thermometer, you should consider finding a more accessible spot for it. Using a digital thermometer is the only

There may be a chill in the air at the holiday season, But we’re filled with much warmth and you are the reason.

So to our many good friends both far and near,

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 122 MAIN STREET P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca

We bid a most joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you to our customers for their support.

1-866-934-6675/306-934-6675

Atttention: Dwayne I am attaching your Christmas Greeting from 20 @ $105.00 plus gst and New Year’s for 1/2 price FREE colour (may change content but same size) Deadline approval/changes is by return email or by November 30 please Thanks for your prompt attention.

Many thanks for all your support in the past year and we look forward to seeing you in 202

For the Love of Good Food

Homestead Family Restaurant 902 Main Street 948-948-5656

“Your Family Restaurant”

DALE BUXTON

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 102 - 3RD AVENUE WEST P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca

DENT

eetings of the Season

y peace, joy, and contentment visit 14 harmony - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK your home during this special time of year.

We are sincerely grateful and look forward to your continued friendship.

.FSϬZ ˱SJTUNBT B B As we pop open a New Year,

233 - 1st Ave. West, Biggar 306-948-2700 we the Management of Biggar Bowl, Jack, Carolyn, Daniel and families

would like to share our best wishes with all of our valued friends and customers here in the community.

Thanks for the oupouring of support you’ve shown us!

IGGAR

OWL

Management and staff 119 - 1st Ave. East, Biggar 306-948-2255

From Our Hearth To Yours

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

CLUES ACROSS

1. Americans’ “uncle” 4. Chair 8. Ancient kingdom 10. Egyptian city 11. Alaskan glacier 12. One from Somalia 13. Ancient alphabets 15. Relating to vocabulary 16. Small mongrels 17. Natural settings 18. Weekend entertainments 21. Line from which light seemingly streams 22. Your own private code 23. Swiss river 24. Satisfaction 25. A person’s brother or sister 26. Folk singer DiFranco 27. The Blonde Bombshell 34. Kids’ school project 35. Bluish greens 36. Classifying 37. Cube-shaped 38. Choo-choos 39. Indian religious god of dissolution 40. French department 41. Leak into gradually 42. Foundation 43. Midway between south and southeast

it comes to Christmas, we’ve got you covered th our warm wishes and heartfelt thanks. ing

ng last year ferw Year’s (same FREE half price

CLUES DOWN

࠮3HUKPZ ࠮7LYK\L 1. Counterbalancing debt

urn rn email or byWe are sincerely grateful for your

friendship and patronage in 202 and look forward to your continued MYPLUKZOPW PU 202 st

233 - 1 Ave. West, Biggar DALE BUXTON 306-948-2700 OWNER/PUBLISHER

2. In slow tempo 3. Glamorous city

ANSWER ON PAGE 6

4. Japanese lute 5. Makes law 6. Informative book 7. Animal’s body part 9. American playwright 10. Blood poisoning 12. Angels 14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

15. Written account 17. Unwelcome pest 19. Saddle horses 20. Type of gibbon 23. Delta is one 24. NE Massachusetts cape 25. Soup cracker 26. Yes vote 27. Muddy ground

28. Physics apparatus (abbr.)

29. Type of drug 30. German city 31. Animal disease 32. Martini ingredients 33. Get away 34. Spanish municipality 36. Thrust a knife into

INDEPENDENT

the

Attenti

I am a ing tha pende Sask. gst FR and, w again (differ half pr

Jack, Carolyn, THE Daniel and families BIGGAR INDEPENDENT

102 - 3RD AVENUE WEST P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca

Thriller inmore Jr. tourney At thegame holidays than ever, ... A battle for the ages, as Biggar Central Blazappreciate much joy friends ers we faced the St. how Gabriel Saints in thelike opening game of a Junior Basketball tourney REFORD TERMINAL you bring14. to each this past December Thatday. game went down to the wire with the Blazers taking a close 44-43 win.

Both Biggar teams played well but came up a little short in the Hwy 14, south of Wilkie, Sask.

Thank you and tourney. Didn’t matter, they had a lot of fun in their tourney run! (Independent 1-306-800-6874 Merry Christmas Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing all of our customers and friends a happy, healthy and festive New Year!

We look forward to sharing more good times with you in 202 , so please stay safe and celebrate responsibly.

We’re thrilled to be ringing in another year with great folks like you. Thanks and best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

REFORD TERMINAL

Hwy 14, south of Wilkie, Sask.

1-306-800-6874

304 Main St., Biggar 306-948-2204 3HUKPZ ࠮7LYK\L

DQJLH JOHDYH@grainsconnect.com PLNH PFJLQQLV@grainsconnect.com

Dead is by ber 2

Than atten

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

INDEPENDENT

the

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

Eastern Star celebrates 111 years!

Heartfelt Greetings and Best Wishes To Our Valued Customers and Friends at this Special Time Of Year

“Now serving you from our new location in Perdue” 306-948-2544

Merry Christmas

eetgst

“Now serving you from our new location in Perdue” 306-948-2544

From all of us at

Open Installation of 2025 core of officers took place on December 16. Left to right, front row: Morley Ries, Debbie Robinson Worthy Matron, Les White Worthy Patron, Carol Fowler-Burns. Back row: Irene ThiessenCampbell, Marion Kelly, Cheryl Rann, Elizabeth McMahon, Donna Foster, Nancy Stewart, Carla Simsic, Rick Rann, Linda White, Bev Otsuka, Urla Tyler, Laraine Wood. This year Acacia made annual contributions to theSaskatoon, Warman and Biggar Serving International Peace Gardens where International Order of Eastern Star has a garden area, service/guide dogs, Heart and Stroke, Parkinson’s, Cancer Research and dressings, Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Legion Poppy Call 306-649-3100 Funds in Biggar, Unity, and North Battleford, Ronald McDonald House.

Atttention: Leroy/Dakota

Acacia Chapter No. 3 Order of Eastern Star Biggar celebration of 111 year anniversary with cutting of cake by Worthy Matron Linda White and Worthy Patron Rick Rann. (Submitted Photos)

I am attaching your Christmas Greeting from last year @ $112.50 plus gst and again for New Year’s (same size, different content if desired) for 1/2 price FREE colour $56.25

DALE BUXTON

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 102 - 3RD AVENUE WEST P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0

Deadline approval/changes is by return email or by November 30 please Thanks for your prompt attention.

PENDENT

r

Happy New Year and sincere thanks to each and every one of you.

We look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

telephone: 306-948-3344

We wish you a Prosperous fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net and Happy New Yearwww.biggarindependent.ca From all of us at Serving Saskatoon, Warman and Biggar Call 306-649-3100

Happy Holidays from

It’s Almost Time… … to wish you all a very

Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Here’s hoping your New Year delivers it all!

Thank you for dropping in this year.

Hannigan‛s Hamburgers & Pizza

“Selected on CBC Radio Blue Sky as one of Saskatchewan‛s Hidden Food Gems” 306-948-3335 • Main Street, Biggar

May the Holiday Season fill your home with warmth, your heart with love and your life with laughter!

Highway 14 West

Chance Parenteau @ 306-948-9465 or Sarah Nagy @ 306-290-9766

ent content if desired) for half price FREE colour $47.25.

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK Your visits and your trust mean so much to us, and we look forward to serving you this holiday season and for many more to come, Merry Chritmas to you!

Leslie’s Drugstore

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

LIGHTS OF THE SEASON

Thanks for your prompt attention and participation Urla

Tina, Baylee, Ashlyn, $VKOH\, $QQD, &KULVWLQD, $PEHU, .DUHQ, (YD & .HQGUD 306-948-3397 www.lesliesdrugstore @sasktel.net

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of our friends, customers and neighbours a happy and healthy New Year. Thanks!

Leslie’s Drugstore

Tina, Baylee, Ashlyn, $VKOH\, Cristina, $QQD $PEHU .DUHQ (YD .HQGUD 306-948-3397 www.lesliesdrugstore@sasktel.net

DALE BUXTON

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 102 - 3RD AVENUE WEST P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0

INDEPENDENT

the

telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133

Have a Happy Holiday Season From All the Staff

Start Your Engines…

Christmas is Coming!

As we gear up for another holiday season, we’d like to send you our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks for your trust in us. We look forward to serving your again soon.

•Overstock•Returns•Slightly Used• From a BIG BIG Major Box Store!

521 Main Street Biggar, SK 306-948-1313

Thank You for Shopping Local

Excell Tire

operating under Integra Tire Auto Centre

306-948-3376

Chris, Raelynn, Ron, Don, -RKQ Damon, Logan, Shawn, Tyrelle

LET’S CELEBRATE!

THANKS FOR GIVING US SO MUCH TO BE EXCITED ABOUT IN THE NEW YEAR. YOUR TRUST MEANS THE WORLD TO US!

Excell Tire

operating under Integra Tire Auto Centre

306-948-3376

Chris, Raelynn, Ron, Don Damon, Logan, Shawn, Tyrelle, -RKQ

Attten

I am a mas G plus g and N FREE I just please

Dead is by Nove

Thank attent

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 17

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Busting myths about the disability tax credit

Pizzeria Adria & Ray’s Vinyl A Perfect Combination This pizza from Ray’s is awesome

212 Main St. Biggar

Time Machine

Ray’s Vinyls

Thanks for your Business 948-4800

The disability tax credit (DTC) is an important program for those facing severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment. You may have heard it’s too difficult to apply for the DTC or only certain conditions qualify.

Don’t let these myths stop you from applying.

You may miss out on money in your pocket.

Let’s bust five common myths: Myth: I don’t pay taxes, so I won’t benefit from the DTC. Fact: Being eligible for the DTC doesn’t only affect your taxes. It can help you access other federal programs like the Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Child Disability Benefit.

Myth: The application process is difficult.

Fact: The Canada Revenue Agency has made it easier to apply. You can complete Part A of the T2201 form, which includes basic information, either online or by phone. After that, simply provide your medical practitioner with the reference number for them to fill in Part B of the form.

Myth: Only certain conditions qualify.

Fact: With the exception of Type 1 diabetes, eligibility is not based on specific medical conditions. Instead, it is based on the effects of one or more serious, longterm physical or mental impairments.

Myth: Receiving other disability benefits means I’m automatically eligible.

Fact: You must apply

DENT

separately for the DTC and eligibility is determined independently from other benefits you may receive.

Myth: I don’t have a doctor so I can’t apply for the DTC. Fact: There are several types of medical practitioners who can complete and certify the effects of the impairment in Part B of the T2201 application. These include doctors, nurse practitioners, optometrists, audiologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and speechlanguage pathologists.

Find information at canada.ca/tax-credit-disability.

Wishing your family all the best with the holidays and looking forward to serving you in 2025

Kim Gartner, MLA

Kindersley - Biggar Constituency Unit #5 1001 Main Street Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0 Phone: 1-306-463-4446 Fax: 1-306-463-4449 Toll Free: 1-833-463-4446 kgartnermla@outlook.com

Thanking our customers for their business in 2024. Wishing everyone the gifts of the season – Peace, Joy, Hope.

Hope It’s a Banner Year!

INDEPEND

the

We loved serving you every day this past year!

We thank you for your patronage and look

M & N Repair

~LANDIS 306-658-2002 ~

Don, Cole, Robert, and Rochelle

Mike, Darlene and staff

701-4th Ave. E, Truck Route East, Biggar • 306-948-3996 :LVKLQJ \RX D VHDVRQ ÀOOHG ZLWK

ORWV RI ORYH ODXJKWHU DQG MR\

For all your support, we are deeply grateful.

The Foundation wishes to thank all who have assisted with their monetary donations. Without your help, we could not support many local organizations with their projects.

May this Christmas season remind all of us of the joy in our lives and of the joy given to others due to your support.

Biggar & District Community Foundation /ŶƚĞƌŶĂů ʹ &Žƌ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů ĂŶĚ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ĞdžƚĞƌŶĂů ĚŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ extends to all a Joyful Christmas and Happy New Year!

306•717•2818

Box 489, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

Atttention: Board Members/Marty Baroni I am attaching your Christmas Greeting from last year @ $126.00 plus gst and New Year’s for 1/2 price FREE colour (changed content but same size)

18 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Ruthilda Métis Local #105 Donates to Farm in the Dell Project

Ruthilda Métis Local #105 has donated $1,800 to support the Farm in the Dell project coming to Biggar, SK. The funds were raised during the “Roots & Wings: A Celebration of Generations” event.

Farm in the Dell provides homes and meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in rural settings. With only one location in Canada, Biggar will be the second, with construction planned for spring 2025. The project will empower residents to live fulfilling lives and create around 20 local jobs.

Ruthilda Métis Local #105 is proud to support this transformative initiative and thanks everyone who made this donation possible. (Photo Submitted)

0*11>'14(025 (&

+ʋSʠɨ 1ʑɦ <Hʋɠ ʓUʝə ʝʦɠ

Agriculture Real Estate Professionals

As we count down to a brand new year, ZH DUH ÀOOHG ZLWK MR\ DQWLFSDWLRQ DQG JUDWLWXGH 7KDQNV WR HYHU\RQH ZKR PDGH WKLV SDVW \HDU VR VSHFLDO IRU XV DQG ZH ORRN IRUZDUG WR VHUYLQJ \RX LQ

Happy New Year and Best Wishes

Dave Molberg (306) 948-4478 Biggar

Dave.Molberg@HammondRealty.ca

HammondRealty.ca

113 3rd Ave W Biggar SK (306) 948-5052

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 19

Season's Greetings from

INDEPENDENT

the

306-948-7685 martinsexcavating@outlook.com Box 1392 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

Atttention: Chris I am attaching your Christmas Greeting from last year @ $223.65 plus gst and New Year’s (same size, United Churche drives the distance for seniors... Pictured is Glenn different content) for Barclay(left) who is the Chairperson for the leadership team at the Biggar United Church and Norm deBussac(right) who is a driver for the Biggar Courtesy Car. 1/2 price FREE colour

Happy New Year to you and you r fam ily from our fam ilies at

The Biggar United Church Outreach Program is pleased to support all seniors in the community by offering FREE rides during the Christmas season in the local community. During the week of December 16 through the 20th, 130 seniors were able to take advantage of this wonderful program and enjoy the rides made available by the Biggar New horizons and the Courtesy Car. Well done to all and it will surley be welcomed next year. Photo’s for the Independent by Glenn Barclay

Deadline approval/ changes is by return email or by November 29 please

Battleford Furnitu re!

INDEPENDENT

the

an livers ay de matter d i l o hat ur h eess, pe yo gifts t We ho nce of the lth, happin ne. tu da ea abun cluding h d good for s! in an ur , t o e s v y o o l m and u ship, o d y n e i o fr hes t

PASSPORT PHOTO’S Available at The Independent 948-3344 No Reservation Needed

May you and yours revel in the splendor of the season.

R.M. of Biggar #347

Council and staff NEED A DOCUMENT 306-948-2422 NOTARIZED? Contact DALE BUXTON at The Independent 948-3344 No Reservation Needed

Come check out new for sale at Pstuff eace Prosperity THE GoodINDEPENDENT Fortune keeping G ood Cheerin touch with Biggar May your New Year be filled

is

Best w

Thanks for your prompt attention.

Attention Sandi, Karenwww.battlefordfurniture.com 192-24th Street West, Battleford

Phone 306-937-7474

Fax 306-937-7676

mail@battlefordfurniture.com

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

I am attaching your Christmas Greeting last year @ $63.00 plus gst; and again for New Year’s (same size, different content if desired) for half price FREE colour $31.50.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Deadline approval/changes is by return email or by November 30 please.

Thanks for your prompt attention and participation

with reasons to celebrate!

R.M. of Biggar #347 Council and staff 306-948-2422

DALE BUXTON

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 122 MAIN STREET P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344

DALE BUXTON

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 102 - 3RD AVENUE WEST P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca

20 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

From Everyone at BIGGAR NEW HORIZONS 117 3rd Ave. West 306•948•5115 HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sr. Blazers dump Blues ... Biggar Central School Senior Blazer, Roberto Ramos, right, and a visiting Outlook Blues player keep a look on the ball, December 13. Blazers were tough, defeating the Blues 83-59. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Saskatchewan’s Quarterly Population Growth among the highest in Canada Saskatchewan’s population has topped 1,246,000 for the first time according to the latest quarterly population estimates released December 18 by Statistics Canada.

There were 1,246,691 people living in Saskatchewan as of October 1, 2024 - an increase of 6,826 people over the past quarter and 26,989 people over the past year.

Saskatchewan’s quarterly population increase of 0.55 per cent was the second highest among provinces and higher than the national average.

Premier Scott Moe said a growing province is a sign of a strong economy that creates more jobs and provides the services people need.

“Our government is

pleased with the province’s continued growth thanks to our strong economy,” Moe said. “We are committed to meeting the increased demand of a growing population. Over the next four years our government is making a number of ambitious commitments to educational spaces and health care for residents. Ensur-

ing Saskatchewan people have timely access to the right care when they need it as well as creating the most supportive environment for every student in our province to achieve at their greatest potential will be a priority for our government.”

INDEPEND

the

A

:H ZLVK \RX D KDSS\ KROLGD\ ÀOOHG with joy and cheer to last the entire year.

Thanks for your patronage DQG ZH·OO VHH \RX LQ WKH FRPLQJ \HDU

INDEPENDENT

REBEL LANDSCAPING

the

Ed Kolenosky and family 306-948-2879 306-948-7207

Hopeyourholidayistrimmedwitheveryhappiness.

Thanks for hanging with us all year!

Merry Christmas!

M & N Repair Mike, Darlene and staff

701-4th Ave. E, Truck Route East,

Biggar • 306-948-3996

Hope it’s a Banner Year!

We loved serving you every day this past year!

We thank you for your patronage and look forward to seeing you again in 202

M & N Repair Mike, Darlene and staff

701-4th Ave. E, Truck Route East, Biggar • 306-948-3996

Attention Darlene/Mike

I am attaching your Christmas Greeting from last year (updated picture) @ $84.00 plus gst; and again for New Year’s (same size, differ-

I i a f F

D r p

T

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 21

Best of the best from 2024 (Part II)

Bruce Penton

Penton on Sports Part II of the year’s best quips and quotes (July through December, 2024): • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, on players not necessarily loving their coaches: “Steve Shutt once said it best when he said players on the Montreal Canadiens hated Scotty Bowman 364 days a year but loved

him on the day they got their Stanley Cup rings.”

• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “Lots of American friends asking me tonight how hard it is to get Canadian citizenship. Learn the hockey rulebook and name three Stompin’ Tom Connors’ songs.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “In early November, 1963, Ronald Howes marketed the first EasyBake Oven - three years before the start of the Maple Leafs last Stanley Cup-winning season.

Since then both have run on the same principle: just replace one dim bulb with another hoping the final product won’t be

LAND FOR SALE BY ONGOING TENDER R.M. OF GLENSIDE NO. 377 Land Descriptions:

NE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 0 -

SE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 2

Land located approximately 18 miles south-east of Cando, Saskatchewan, near Lizard Lake.

All land is adjoining and totals approximately acres.

R NE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 0 has approximately 158.85 acres.

R SE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 2 has approximately 45.32 acres.

Conditions: 1. Highest or any Offer not necessarily accepted.

2. Bidding will be conducted by ongoing tender. Once all qualifying bids are received, all bidders will be informed of the highest bid on each quarter they have bid on. Bidders will then be provided the opportunity to declare their bid final or to increase their bid at least 2% above the last highest bid. Once all bidders have declared their final bid the bidders shall be informed of the Vendor’s decision.

3. All bids must be in writing and accompanied by certified payment in the amount of $10,000 per quarter bid on payable to Battle River Law in Trust. Payment will be returned without interest if offer is not accepted.

4. Possession Date: March 26, 2025.

5. Balance of purchase price for the successful offer, plus GST (if applicable), to be paid to Battle River Law in Trust on or before the Possession Date or the deposit will be forfeited.

6. All 2024 property taxes payable by Vendor. 2025 property taxes payable by Purchaser.

7. Successful offeror(s) to enter formal purchase agreement following tender.

8. Land to be sold as one package or as individual quarters (bids on any number of quarters will be considered). The Vendor retains the right to select to sell one or any number of quarters to a package offeror. Package bids must specify price offered for each quarter.

9. Property sold “as is”.

For more information contact: Michelle Spence, 306-445-6177, michelle@battleriverlaw.ca

Offers must be received no later than 12:00p.m. February 12, 2025. All Tenders must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Do Not Open: Kanz Land” to: Battle River Law, #201, 1291 – 102nd Street (Box 905), North Battleford, SK, S9A 2Z3, Attention: Michelle Spence.

half-baked.”

• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “Next week marks the 40th anniversary of the NBA draft, in which the Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon No. 1, the Portland Trail Blazers took Sam Bowie second and the Bulls reluctantly chose Michael Jordan third.”

• Headline at fark.com: “Just like Crazy Eddie’s prices, French Olympic officials say scheduled water events will be in Seine.”

• Another fark.com headline: “Max Scherzer addresses trade deadline rumours and says there is only one team he wants to be on the injured list for.”

• New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick, who said soon-to-be Fox analyst Tom Brady was getting advice from NBC’s Cris Collinsworth: “That’s like taking singing lessons from Yoko Ono.” • Torben Rolfsen again: “Cleveland Guardians drafted Travis Bazzana first in the MLB draft. I hope at some point he gets to play for the Savannah Bananas. That would be awesome.”

• Jack Finarelli on his website sportscurmudgeon. com, quotes from a note he received from a reader named Barry: “Reminder that the term ‘Home Run’ is incredibly offensive to homeless people, people in wheelchairs and espe-

The Rural Municipality of Marriott No. 317 Invites applications for the position of Full-Time Equipment Operator The RM of Marriott No. 317 is West Centrally located in Saskatchewan, half way between the communities of Biggar and Rosetown, and is accepting applications for a Municipal Equipment Operator & Laborer.

This is a full-time position.

(OLJLEOH DSSOLFDQWV VKRXOG SRVVHVV WKH IROORZLQJ TXDOLÀFDWLRQV Knowledge of road maintenance and construction equipment operation.

Ability to operate tractors and other heavy equipment Experience in operating graders is considered an asset.

A basic mechanical aptitude.

Additional duties may include but is not limited to culvert installation, equipment repairs, signage, and shop work A valid driver’s license is required and a clean drivers abstract may be requested.

Class 1A License is considered an asset.

6DODU\ ZLOO EH QHJRWLDWHG EDVHG RQ H[SHULHQFH DQG TXDOLÀFDWLRQV The RM offers an excellent health & dental plan as well a pension plan.

7KLV SRVLWLRQ KDV DQ H[SHFWHG VWDUW GDWH RI $SULO KRZHYHU WKLV GDWH LV ÁH[LEOH DQG an alternative start date may be negotiated.

3OHDVH IRUZDUG UHVXPHV VWDWLQJ H[SHULHQFH TXDOLÀFDWLRQV DQG D PLQLPXP RI WKUHH UHIHUHQFHV E\ )HEUXDU\ WR RM of Marriott No. 317 Box 366 Rosetown, SK S0L 2V0 3KRQH )D[ (PDLO RIÀFH#UP FD The RM wishes to thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

cially homeless people in wheelchairs.”

• Another one from Currie: “OHL and WHL junior hockey players are suing to be paid minimum wage. League representatives were quoted as saying: ‘Who do they think we are? The CFL?’” • Another one from Bob Molinaro: “Jim Harbaugh’s vigourous public denial of knowing anything about Michigan’s sign-stealing scheme would have impressed Sgt. Schultz.”

• Another one from Simmons: “Every Olympics, in my view, should have women’s softball and men’s baseball. How those rank below break dancing, pairs race walking, rock climbing and surfing is beyond me.”

• From fark.com: “Lamar Jackson thinks he’s better known for No. 8 than Troy Aikman. The defence attorney calls Steve Young, Cal Ripken and the ghost of Kobe Bryant to the witness stand.”

• L.A. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp: “When the ball’s in the air, as a receiver, it’s just you want to be a Frisbee-catching dog out there.”

• St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong, justifying making offer sheets to two Edmonton Oilers, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway: “I’d offer-sheet my mother if it would make the Blues better.”

• Kendall Baker of Yahoo Sports, on the eve of the start of the college football season: “Yahoo!

It’s Friday! My weekend to-do list: (1) Watch college football. (2) ... Oops, looks like that’s the whole list.”

• New York Post reader Ken Mortenson, after a graphic near the start of the North CarolinaMinnesota football game on Fox said a key to the game was for UNC to ‘Play Complimentary Football.’: “Apparently victory for UNC is based on saying only nice things to the Gophers during the game.”

• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa suffers concussion. It is bad. Tua said he wants to play for the Carolina Panthers.”

• Headline at theonion. com: “Bengals Coaching Staff Holding Breath After Joe Burrow Endures Rough High-Five.”

• RJ Currie again: “After claiming the baseball hit his foot, Jose Altuve of the Astros took off his shoe and sock to let the umpire see his tootsies:

“To prove he had toed the truth.”

• Sign held by a fan at the final home game of the Oakland A’s, who are moving to Las Vegas: “Today, there is crying in baseball.”

• Eamon Lynch of golfweek.com: “LIV wound down its season with a now-familiar whimper, its finale awarding Jon Rahm $18 million, or 200 bucks for every viewer watching.”

• Headline at fark.com after a stray bullet struck an Ohio golfer in the leg: “Golfer with two legs gets a hole in one.”

• Another one from Alex Kaseberg: “The selfish divas in the WNBA are complaining bitterly about the media focus on Caitlin Clark, whose great play has increased attendance. Those WNBA morons would win the lottery and complain about paying the taxes on it.”

• Torben Rolfsen again, on the arena-record $120,000 in beer sales at Utah Hockey Club’s opening game against Chicago: “I didn’t think they drank in Utah. Must have been those 500 Blackhawk fans.”

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, on Cowboys’ 81-year-old owner Jerry Jones threatening the jobs of two radio hosts following a blowout loss by Dallas to the Lions: “Too bad the Cowboys can’t put him out to pasture like the Democrats did with Joe Biden.”

• Jack Finarelli again: “Cleveland Browns: When your starting QB goes out for the year and many folks believe that is a positive occurrence for your team, that team is incompetent.”

• Another fark.com offering: “The NY Jets can’t buy a touchdown, heading for a 2-15 season.

Jets’ execs: Better raise prices.”

• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “I just had my first trick or treater. The kid was facing the wrong direction, seemed totally confused, his shirt was inside out, he’s shouting ‘I hate Nebraska!’ I said, ‘Who are you supposed to be?’

The kid goes, ‘A Big Ten football referee.’”

• Headline at theonion. com, ridiculing a Fox Sports baseball announcer: “MLB Adds Clock To Speed Up Joe Davis’ Commentary.”

• RJ Currie again: “Not long ago, former WWE star Christy Hemme gave

birth to quadruplets.

Things got a little tense during delivery when she broke a chair over her obstetrician’s head.”

• Vancouver humorist Steve Burgess, after someone suggested Roughriders’ QB Trevor Harris would dominate the Blue Bombers in the CFL’s West final: “I hope so, but last time someone predicted a Harris landslide it didn’t work out so well.”

• Headline at theonion. com: “LeBron James Denies Son Receiving Preferential Treatment When Being Lifted Up To Dunk” • RJ Anderson of CBSsports.com, on Juan Soto’s free-agent search for an MLB landing spot: “Soto and agent Scott Boras are taking meetings with various teams’ braintrusts to determine which club is the best possible fit. (Spoiler: it’ll be the one that offers the most money.)”

• Torben Rolfsen again: “The Dallas Cowboys have to get back to what made them successful in the ’70s and ’80s: Recreational drugs, driving infractions and strippers.”

• From The Sports Troll, on Facebook: “Disgusting scene at AT&T Stadium in Dallas as security forced a Cowboys’ fan to stay and watch the game all the way to the end.”

• Former NHLer and regular TV analyst Paul Bissonette, after intervening in a restaurant squabble in Scottsdale, Ariz., and winding up fighting with seven men: “Took some, gave more.”

• Brad Dickson again, on the Nebraska-Iowa college football game: “Special promotion tonight at Kinnick Stadium (in Iowa City). The 5,000th fan through the gates gets to be Iowa’s backup quarterback.”

• Michael Traikos of the Hockey News, on the controversy surrounding offer sheets: “It’s the NHL equivalent to asking out someone who is wearing a wedding ring.”

• From the Canadian parody site The Beaverton: “Report: Juan Soto in talks with Ohtani about best way to get Canadians’ hopes up before crushing their dreams.”

• Care to comment?

E-mail brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca.

22 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Sask West This Week

By Phil Heilman At the Break a simple and quick recap of the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) thus far.

The Wilkie Outlaws hold the top stop with a 7-1 record (14 pts), followed by the Kindersley Sr Klippers with a 6-1 record (12 pts). In a tie for third is the Hafford Hawks at 4-2 (8 pts) and the Macklin Mohawks at 4-4 (8 pts). In fifth is the Edam 3 Stars at 2-3 (4 pts), followed in sixth by the Biggar Nationals at 1-6-1 (3 pts) and the Unity Miners in seventh at 0-5-1(1 pt).

Taking a look at the Top Ten scoring leaders, there is no surprise to see a trio of Wilkie Outlaws on top. Brock Harrison is on top with 21 pts (3-18) in 8 games, followed by Derek Keller with 17 pts (1-16) in 8 games, and Brett Boehm with 15 pts (10-5) in 7 games. Keegan Tiringer of the Edam 3 Stars sits in a tie in 4th (8-6 in 4 games) with Jonathon Redlick of the Biggar Nationals (8-6 in 7 games) and Rick Cey of the Wilkie Outlaws (7-7 in 8 games) with14 pts. In 7th is Ryan Keller of the Wilkie Outlaws with 12 pts (9-3) in 5 games. In a tie for 8th is David Dziurzynski of the Unity Miners (4-7 in 5 games) and Rory Gregoire of the Wilkie Outlaws (3-8 in 6 games) with 11 pts. In a

3-way tie for 10th is Shayne Neigum of the Kindersley Sr Klippers (6-4 in 6 games), Taylor Bucsis of the Biggar Nationals (6-4 in 7 games) and Tyler Baier of the Macklin Mohawks (1-9 in 8 games) all with 10 pts.

Looking at the Top five in goaltending (minimum 3 games played), we see Logan Drackett of the Kindersley Sr Klippers on top with a 6-1 record (and 1 shutout), a 1.58 GAA and a .958 Save %. In 2nd is Jared Herle of the Wilkie Outlaws with a 5-1 record, a 2.35 GAA and a .929 Save %. In 3rd is Joel Gryzbowski with a 202 record, a 3.50 GAA and a .903 Save %. Trevor Martin of the Macklin Mohawks sits in 4th with a 4-3 record, 3.66 GAA and a .910 Save %.

Curtis Sander of the Wilkie Outlaws sits in 5th with a 2-0 record in 4 games with a 4.87 GAA and a .844 Save %.

The league resumes with 4 games in the first weekend of 2025. Kindersley hosts Unity at 8:30pm and Edam hosts Wilkie at 8:30pm on Friday night. Edam hosts Hafford at 8pm in the lone Saturday night game.

Hafford hosts Kindersley on Sunday at 6pm.

December 3 Stars of the Month

By Phil Heilman Each month, the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) aims to highlight outstanding performances by players in the league, whether they are the usual high scorers or the unsung heroes.

Third Star: Taylor Bucsis; Biggar Nationals. It has been a tough year for the Nats, but Bucsis has been doing his part, scoring in 3 of 4 games this month and amassing 7 points over those 4 games.

Second Star: Shayne Neigum; Kindersley Sr Klippers. In 5 games this month, the top point scorer for the Champs has gathered 9 points in 5 games, helping propel them to a perfect 5-0 record in December.

First star: Derek Keller; Wilkie Outlaws. The heartbeat of the Outlaws has also had an outstanding month. Not only is he the top scorer for defensemen, he sits 2nd in league scoring. In just 3 games, he has collected 8 points.

Honourable Mentions: Rory Gregoire and Ryan Keller, Wilkie Outlaws. Hunter Steinhubel, Macklin Mohawks.

Logan Drackett, Kindersley Sr Klippers.

CANADA SINGLES TOP 100

Top Songs in Canada for 2024

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30TH, 2024

Summary 8 new; 10 re-entries; 13 up; 64 down; 5 stuck; 18 dropped out

this week; last week; title / artist; peak position; total weeks Columns

1.

2

That’s So True

1

5

26.

21

The Door

21

28

2.

1

A Bar Song (tipsy)

1

32

27.

20

Austin

11

40

3.

3

Die With A Smile

3

14

28.

re

Jingle Bell Rock

4

38

4.

4

Birds Of A Feather

3

27

29.

40

The Emptiness Machine

12

11

5.

6

Apt.

2

5

30.

23

Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma

13

27

6.

5

I Had Some Help

1

28

31.

24

Slow It Down

19

35

7.

new

Wavy

7

1

32.

33

It’s Ok I’m Ok

12

10

8.

7

Beautiful Things

1

44

33.

26

Wildflower

20

27

9.

8

Taste

4

13

34.

25

Pink Skies

7

26

10.

9

Good Luck Babe

4

33

35.

29

I Am Not Okay

29

23

11.

10

Espresso

3

32

36.

re

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

6

32

12.

11

Stargazing

11

28

37.

re

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

4

39

13.

re

All I Want For Christmas Is You

1

57

38.

31

Lies Lies Lies

10

20

14.

12

Lose Control

2

63

39.

27

Hot To Go

19

25

15.

17

Timeless

4

8

40.

30

Cowgirls

21

49

16.

16

Sailor Song

16

17

41.

38

Sticky

26

4

17.

13

Too Sweet

2

35

42.

32

Dancing In The Flames

15

10

18.

15

Love Somebody

4

5

43.

35

You Look Like You Love Me

33

22

19.

19

I Love You, I’m Sorry

14

19

44.

re

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

9

29

20.

22

I Can Do It With A Broken Heart

4

31

45.

re

Santa Tell Me

8

35

21.

18

Miles On It

10

29

46.

28

High Road

28

2

22. new 2TateHands Mcrae

22

1

47.

42

Bed Chem

17

13

23.

36

Last Christmas

3

43

48.

re

Holly Jolly Christmas

16

16

24.

14

Please Please Please

3

24

49.

re

Underneath The Tree

7

27

25.

44

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree

1

44

50.

37

12

22

Gracie Abrams

Shaboozey

Lady GaGa & Bruno Mars

Billie Eilish

Rose & Bruno Mars

Post Malone & Morgan Wallen

Karan Aujla

Benson Boone

Sabrina Carpenter

Chappell Roan

Sabrina Carpenter

Myles Smith

Mariah Carey

Teddy Swims

The Weeknd & Playboi Carti

Gigi Perez

Hozier

Morgan Wallen

Gracie Abrams

Taylor Swift

Marshmello & Kane Brown

Wham!

Sabrina Carpenter

Brenda Lee

Teddy Swims

Dasha

Bobby Helms

Linkin Park

Luke Combs

Benson Boone

Tate Mcrae

Billie Eilish

Zach Bryan

Jelly Roll

Andy Williams

Michael BublØ

Morgan Wallen

Chappell Roan

Morgan Wallen & Ernest

Tyler & The Creator & The Creator

The Weeknd

Ella Langley & Riley Green

Dean Martin

Ariana Grande

Zach Bryan

Sabrina Carpenter

Michael BublØ

Kelly Clarkson

Pour Me A Drink Post Malone & Blake Shelton

1/3

Biggar Bowl weekly scores For December 16

Monday Adult Mixed Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 204.

Ladies High Triple - Marilyn Miller 547. Mens High Single - Brandon Markewich 178. Mens High Triple - Brandon Markewich 480.

Tuesday Night Mixed Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 185.

Ladies High Triple - Melissa Raschke 455. Mens High Single - Michael Hebert 212. Mens High Triple - Michael Hebert 501.

Thursday Afternoon Seniors - cancelled due to weather YBC Pee Wee Single - Ashton Kramer 68; Double - Ashton Kramer 128. Bantam Single - Kaysen Sauntry 116; Triple - Kaysen Sauntry 307. Junior Single - Xander Hebert 206; Triple - Xander Hebert 520. Senior High Single - Noah 606; High Triple - Noah 214.

Top Movies for 2024

1.- Dune Pt.2 2.- The Brutalist 3.- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 4.- The Wild Robot 5.- Nosferatu 6.- A Real Pain 7.- The Substance 8.- His Three Daughters 9.-The Outrun 10.- Anora 11.- Ghostlight 12.- All We Imagine as Light 13.- Wicked 14.-Challengers 15.-The Count of Monte-Cristo 16.- Young Woman and the Sea 17.- Sing Sing 18.-The Fall Guy 19.- Gladiator II 20.- Good One

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Highlights from the Christmas Concert

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 23

Photo’s for The Independent by Ryan Yaroshko

PLUMBING & HEATING

Biggar, Sask.

306-948-3389

Journeymen Plumber & Gas Fitter

Authorized Dealers for Continental Furnaces and Logix Water Softeners

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Thank you and best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

It’s been a pleasure serving you.

Happy Holidays

ENDENT INDEPENDENT

g from

may price

from the lawyers and staff at

PESZKO LEGAL

Jason Peszko Nancy Farenick Amanda Morao

the

Bailee Massett Sarah Roesler

Biggar Professional Building 223 Main Street, Biggar 306-948-5352 306-244-9865

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays!

WITH THE VERY BEST OF WISHES FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

Happy New Year

As the celebration begins, we recall the good times we’ve had this past year serving you, and hope that wherever life takes you in the year ahead, that you are blessed with much love, happiness and good fortune.

Sunshine Family Care Home

With our sincere appreciation for your invaluable friendship and support!

Main Street Market

Shannon and Vince Morgan :M[QLMV\[ IVL ;\I‫ٺ‬

115 Main St., Biggar

“Your Local Market Grocery”

Shirley and staff • 306-948-3337

306-948-9301

May your home be blessed with peace, love, joy and contentment throughout the Yuletide season.

We feel blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbours like you. Thanks!

Attention Shannon....

I am attaching your Christmas Greeting last year @ $135.00 plus gst.

DALE BUXTON We are also offering a New Years ad for 1/2

INDEPENDENT

the

1/4 Page

24 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Student life hack: How tuition fees can lower taxes Attention Terryyour and Sending Our Best advertising manager…

at the Holidays

Here’s hoping your holiday delivers a bundle WK 6WUHHW :HVW of joy and good cheer.

6DVNDWRRQ 6. 6 / ; SKRQH Merry Christmas!

WROO IUHH

Parrish & Heimbecker &DUQLYDO 6XSSOLHV 5HQWDOV &DVLQR 5HQWDOV 'HFRUDWLRQV :HGGLQJ 3DUW\ 6XSSOLHV %DOORRQV Limited 7URSKLHV 0HGDOV 3ODTXHV (QJUDYLQJ /DVHU (QJUDYLQJ Hanover Junction %LQJR 6XSSOLHV (TXLSPHQW &RQFHVVLRQ 6XSSOLHV Biggar, Sask.

(TXLSPHQW $1' 08&+ 025( +RXUV 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

0RQ WR )UL DP WR SP 6DWXUGD\ DP WR QRRQ www.parrishandheimbecker.com 9LVLW XV RQOLQH ZZZ ED]DDUQRYHOW\ FRP

306-948-1990

A Toast To You At The New Year

As we lift our glasses,we’re filled with cheer; As we recall the good friends we’ve made this year!

May your good days be many, and your troubles few, That’s our New Year’s wish for you!

Parrish & Heimbecker Limited Hanover Junction Biggar, Sask.

306-948-1990

www.parrishandheimbecker.com

I am attaching your Christmas Greeting from last year @ $110.25 plus gst; and again for New Year’s (same size, different content if desired) for half price FREE colour $55.13.

Deadline approval/changes is by return email or Post-secondary education claim this credit when filby November 30 please. comes with a hefty price ing your taxes with the tag, especially as the cost

Canada Revenue Agency.

Thanks your prompt attention of livingfor keeps climbing.

To claim the credit, and participation Luckily, the tuition tax make sure to share your

credit can help take some social insurance number of that financial pres- with your school. Then, sure off your shoulders. in February, your school Understanding how to will issue you a T2202 take advantage of this form, also known as the credit is essential for stu- Tuition and Enrolment dents and their families.

Certificate. You’ll use this The tuition tax credit is information when you do a valuable tax break as it your taxes and claim the can help you reduce the credit. taxes you owe now and for years to come.

If you’re 16 or older, enrolled in a post-secondary program and paying for tuition, you can OWNER/PUBLISHER

Claiming the credit could help reduce your tax bill. If you don’t owe enough tax to claim the full credit, you have options: you can carry it forward to a future year or transfer it to an eligible family member, such as your parent, grandparent, spouse or commonlaw partner.

If you don’t have a lot of experience doing your taxes, many schools offer free tax clinics to help you through the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out. These clinics can help you make the most of available credits and deductions.

More information on deductions, credits and payments for students is available at canada.ca/ taxes-students.

INDEPE

the

DALE BUXTON

Have A Jolly Holiday

Wishing all of you a most THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT Merry Christmas, and 122 MAIN STREET Best Wishes for the P. O. BOX 40 New Year.

BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344PRAIRIE BRANCHES fax: 306-948-2133 ~ Board, Management, Staff and Participants 1/4 Page e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca

Thank you for your business and we look forward to serving you in 202 Corner of Main Street and 6th Ave. Biggar, Sk. 948-5494

Open Daily 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

INDEPENDENT

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 25

How Trudeau’s GST/HSTthetax break turned into a holiday turkey

by Sylvain Charlebois, Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Dalhousie University T’was the week before Christmas, and all through the malls, many creatures were stirring...

Consumers and retailers are scrambling to understand the GST/HST holiday chaos. With Bill C-78 granting Canadians a temporary tax reprieve receiving royal assent mere days before its implementation on Dec. 14, businesses were faced with an almost impossible task: recoding systems during the busiest shopping season of the year. While some major food retailers had anticipated the bill’s passage and prepared in advance, others were caught off guard or distanced themselves entirely from the initiative.

What was supposed to bring holiday cheer has instead become a tax policy nightmare.

The confusion started early. On Dec. 10, PepsiCo announced it would not participate, informing its partners- Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro - that it would continue charging taxes due to the complexity of its systems. PepsiCo wasn’t alone; other manufacturers reportedly followed suit. By the eve of Dec. 14, Ottawa confirmed that participation

in the GST/HST holi- hazard rollout, making stressful time of year. day would be voluntary, the GST/HST holiday feel A hidden consequence with no enforcement less like a gift and more of this policy could be mechanism or penal- like an awkward misstep. opportunity pricing. With ties for non-compliance. One shopper quipped, “I retail taxes temporarily What could have been a just want to know I’mfor holiday removed, some businessIt’siftime straightforward consum- saving money - not es may quietly raise prices funsolve and gathering er benefit instead created a puzzle every time I go to to account for operationthe family together an uneven playing field, the store.” al disruptions. Items like to share a warm, leaving businesses and Ottawa billed the wonderful tax coffee, cocoa, and baked shoppers frustrated. holiday as a festive mea- Season. goods could see noticeChristmas For retailers opting sure to provide relief We to hopeable the price increases, hidout, the stakes are high. Canadians, but anyone den until the holiday ends holidays bring In provinces where the familiar with fiscal everything policy inyou February. Consumers GST/HST rate is as high knows better. The rushed, want!may be left facing higher as 15 per cent, not par- temporary, and optional costs long after the festicipating could mean a initiative has introduced tive season fades, adding We wish you and significant competitive unnecessary complexity yours theinsult best to injury. disadvantage.

Larger into Canada’s food retail What began as a politiseason ever. chains with the resources system at a time when cal gimmick has instead Staff to adapt quickly are likely Management simplicity and&certainty revealed the pitfalls to benefit, while small- are desperately needed. of poor policymaking. er, independent grocers In the weeks ahead, con- Rather than launching a 401 Hwy #4 South, Biggar • 306-948-5262 - already struggling with sumers will likely ques- temporary and voluntary tight margins - may lose tion receipts, demand tax break during the busicustomers. refunds, and flood gov- est retail period, Ottawa The experience is no ernment hotlines for could have focused on less chaotic for consum- answers. meaningful, permanent ers. Many shoppers don’t Meanwhile, retailers reforms to stabilize retail know which stores are face rising operational prices and protect Canaparticipating and often costs, eroded confidence, dians from market voladiscover the answer only and the risk of losing tility. By introducing such at the checkout counter. already scarce customers. a disruptive initiative in Stories of long lines and For businesses weighing the middle of the holiday disappointed customers their options, this fiasco season, the government spread quickly, and some only reinforces Canada’s has highlighted its misvow to avoid non-partici- reputation as a challeng- management rather than pating retailers altogeth- ing place to do business. its generosity. er, whether for economic Restaurants, fortuUltimately, this tax holor even political reasons. nately, have been spared iday is shaping up to be Adding another layer of much of this confusion, as a lump of coal in Canacomplexity are retailers their operations remain Christmas has always meant da’s economic stocking. pledging to donate colrelatively straightforward reflecting upon one’s blessings. Consumers are confused, lected taxes to charity. under the new policy. retailers are frustrated, Here’s hoping the holiday season While noble in intent, But for grocers and food and the policy’s tempobringsretailers, all of your wishesadds to life!rary nature ensures its these efforts only underthe holiday score the holiday’s hap- pressure to an already benefits will be shortlived at best. As Canadians muddle through the holiday season, one thing is certain: the GST/HST holiday is a case study of how not to deliver fiscal Teena, Heather, 0DGG\ relief.

Happy New Year It’s time for holiday fun and gathering the family together to share a warm, wonderful festivity. We hope the holidays bring everything you want!

We wish you and yours the best season ever.

Management & Staff

AGI Envirotank

INDEPENDENT

the

AGI Envirotank

401 Hwy #4 South, Biggar • 306-948-5262

Jolly.

I am attaching yourHappy.

Christmas Greeting @ $87.50 plus gst and New Years forMagical.

1/2 price FREE colour Atttention: Shanon

Deadline approval/changes is by return email or by November 30 please

Thanks for your prompt attention.

Busse Law Professional Corporationthe Larry and Stuart 306-948-3346

Hope the coming year is filled with cause for celebration for our many good friends.

DALE BUXTON

Busse Law Professional Corporation

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 102 - 3RD AVENUE WEST P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0

INDEPENDENT telephone: 306-948-3344 Teena, Heather Larry and Stuart fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net 306-948-3346 www.biggarindependent.ca

Atttention: Stuart, Larry, Teena and Heather I am attaching your Christmas Greeting last year @ $126.00 plus gst and New 0HUU\ &KULVWPDV DQG +DSS\ 1HZ <HDU Year’s (same size, different content) for May the joy of this holiday season lift your spirits and THE DIRECTORS OF THE BIGGAR & DISTRICT 1/2 price FREE colour DALE BUXTON ILOO \RX ZLWK KDSSLQHVV

HEALTH SERVICE FOUNDATION WISHOWNER/PUBLISHER TO THANK THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT RESIDENTS OF BIGGAR & AREA FOR YOUR 102 - 3 AVENUE WEST Deadline approval/changes is byTHE return GENEROUS SUPPORT THESE PAST YEARS. P. O. BOX 40 email or by November 30 please BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE telephone: SUPPORT OF HEALTH SERVICES IN 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 Thanks for your prompt attention.

BIGGAR ON YOUR BEHALF.e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca HAPPY NEW YEAR, WE WISH EVERYONE RD

Thanks to all of the members DQG IULHQGV ZKR KDYH kept us going strong this past \HDU

See you in 20 PUMP UP THE CHEER!!

Diamond Gym

Laurie, Cliff and staff • 306-948-5600

Laurie/Cliff…

Biggar & District Health Services Foundation Inc. Box 1003, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

I am attaching your Christmas Greeting last year @ $157.50 plus gst and New Year’s (same size, different content if desired) for 1/2 price FREE

26 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

It’s Time to Say…

Happy New Year

7LPH VXUH ÁLHV ZKHQ ZH·UH KDYLQJ IXQ ZLWK JUHDW FXVWRPHUV DQG IULHQGV OLNH \RX :H ZLVK \RX DOO WKH EHVW

DEPENDENT

w

Spyder AutoBody 306-948-2044

)UHG 3DWV\ 7HDJRQ

May the holiday eeting from spirit be with you today, and throughout the New Year. again for New To those that are missing nt if desired) someone special and grieving over the holidays, take comfort knowing 5.

DALE that you are in our thoughts and BUXTON

return email

ion

/Andrea

prayers.

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 122 MAIN STREET P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 e-mail: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca

Merry Christmas Happy New Year

thefrom all of us at

BIGGAR 306-948-2669 WILKIE 306-843-2222 UNITY 306-228-448 CUT KNIFE 306-398-2469

www.gereinfuneralservice.com

Just a little note to say…

Merry Christmas We hope you have a great holiday!

and Thanks for making this community Happy Year such an inviting place to do

From all of Us at Christmas ad for you to look business! We really appreciate All Out Water Well Services @ $105.00 plus gst your patronage.

ow if ok

DALELTD. BUXTON & Drilling

OWNER/PUBLISHER THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT - 3RD AVENUE WEST 111 Highway 102 #14 east P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 Biggar, SK

306.948.3380telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 805 Main Street, Biggar e-mail: tip@sasktel.net 306-948-2248 www.biggarindependent.ca

Contact us for a free estimate Committed to safe, reliable results

Attention Dennis/Kim…

Thanks for choosing us We appreciate your business!!

805 Main Street, Biggar 306-948-2248

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 27

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

Biggar Skating Club Christmas Carnival

Highway 7 West Rosetown Box 1054 S0L 2V0

INDEPENDENT

the

Happy New Year

and may the new year bring you peace and prosperity

Over 30 Years in Business

306-882-2283 www.allwestsales.com MERRY CHRISTMAS ࠮ ࠮ -!

Contact the knowledgeable staff at All West Sales

WITH WARM WISHES AND HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING YOU THIS YEAR! 30

6-

23

7-

76

71

It has been a joy to serve the citizens of Biggar and District and we wish you all good Troy, Kerry everyonefor at… health andand happiness 2025 Merry Christmas from all of us at the Biggar Detachment

The Biggar Christmas Catalog is out!

With appreciation for your patronage this past year.

Biggar and Perdue 306-237-7671

Grab a copy for ideas to Shop Local this holiday season!

Available at the Independent or any participating stores

1/4 Page

Troy, Kerry and everyone at…

Happy New Year!

306-237-7671

Atte Troy

I am Chri ing f $84. again (sam cont half lour

28 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025

We are taking time to thank and celebrate All involved in the compassion, diversity and development that continues to make Biggar the best place to live and prosper.

We hope you had a joyous holiday season and hope for a peacefull and happy 2025!

Happy New Year