The Biggar Independent Volume 115 Issue 22

We’ve moved! ... Ivan Young reassembles signage for The Independent as we get ourselves settled into our new digs, just a mere 200-feet north at 206 Main Street (the former D&E Transport). Publisher Dale Buxton and Young (inset) arrange the signal prior to hoisting. Thanks to all for your patience as we make the move into our new home. Please come in and see us for your printing needs! (Independent

by Kevin Brautigam)

Photos

Biggar 300 Fisher Squadron Air Cadets held their Ceremonial Review at Third and Main, Saturday. The day featured Reviewing Officer David Leithner, (above centre) a STARS Air Ambulance pilot, Air Cadet League’s Lisa Krueger, right, and various Legion members, guests and family. Promotions and awards were handed out, and cadets drill displayed and showed off the efforts of the past year. Congratulations, Cadets!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

BCHS Class of 1972 reunited after 52 years

Back row, left to right: Lynna (Stephenson) Buswell, Scott Learmonth, Don Sapsford, Frank MacKay, Rene de Moissac, Murry Anderson, Jane (Bell) Harrison, Gerry Besse, Brian Hoffmann, Les Gudmundson, Valerie (Rensby) Pickett, Cindy (Custer) Kanz, Dorothy (Baum) Stier, Glen Back. Front: Lorraine (Holt) de Moissac, Wendy (Roach) Nickel, Erin (Coote) Genaway, Suzanne (Robillard) Bitz, Ina Lou (Jenkins) Brownlee, Cathy (de Moissac) Northcott, Lynn (Mair) Murk, Shena (Mair) Donahue, Verna (Watson) Gudmundson, Judy (Sully) Back, Joy (Wylie) Burton, Cheryl (Smith) Isinger, Darlene (Smith) Vogelsang, Brenda Forrest. (Submitted Photos)

Axe the Taxes for Summer –Saskatchewan Caucus Press Release

Kelly Block, MP for Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek, is joining Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives in calling on Justin Trudeau to pause the carbon tax, the federal gas tax, and the GST for the summer to bring some desperately needed relief for Canadians.

After nine years of Justin Trudeau, Canadians are being forced to cancel their summer vacations as the Liberals’ tax-andspend agenda has made even a simple road trip unaffordable. Parents can barely afford basic necessities, much less a summer vacation.

Families will have to pay $700 more for food this year than they did in 2023. Last year, food banks had to handle a record two million visits in a single month, with a million more visits expected in 2024. Homeless encampments are common in every city across Canada. In the middle of this historic cost-of-living crisis, Trudeau and his NDP coalition partners decided to hike the carbon tax by 23 per cent. This is just one step in his plan to quadruple the carbon tax over the next six years, making

everything more expensive at the worst possible time. In fact, since Trudeau became Prime Minister, gas prices have surged by more than 50 per cent.

The independent Parliamentary Budget Officer has confirmed that most families pay more in the carbon tax that they receive in the rebate. This year, Trudeau’s carbon tax will cost Saskatchewan families an extra $2,618.

“[The] Common Sense Conservatives and I are calling on Trudeau to give Canadians a break this summer by axing

the carbon tax, the gas tax, and the GST between Victoria Day and Labour Day so families can afford to take a simple summer vacation,” Block said.

“This will save Saskatchewan families $860 this summer.”

Conservatives will axe the tax on everything for everyone in a carbon tax election, but until that can happen, Trudeau must adopt this common sense measure to give Canadians a break this summer.

Twenty-eight former classmates of Biggar Composite High School were reliving their grade school days, May 24-25.

Accompanied by their partners, the BCHS alumni reacquainted themselves with longago friends, putting 49 people in the Biggar Community Hall for a great weekend of

Biggar RCMP Report

by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment

This past week 28 Occurrences were received, along with eight tickets being issued and three warnings to drivers passing through the area.

A report was received of a silver Dodge Magnum travelling westbound on Highway 14 at a high rate of speed. Other drivers felt like the vehicle was travelling at about 180 kilometres an hour.

A few more significant speeds found three other road users operating 35 kilometres above the speed limit, citing a $562 fine for a white 2005 Chrysler 300, a $570 fine for a 2018 Silver GMC Sierra, and a $514 fine for a Toyota

Council minute highlights

nostalgia, laughter, and slightly exaggerated tales.

A memorial board was put together, honouring 11 classmates who are no longer with us.

An excellent meal was shared, following an evening and weekend of visiting and reminiscing.

Rav4.

A white 2017 Ford Transit Van was towed from Highway 4 north after colliding with a deer and in the far north of the RM of Glenside.

A 39-year-old put his Hummer over the river bank, and from the interior, one could say alcohol may have been a factor.

Complaints were received about dog owners in Kinley and Springwater; a red slip tank and pump was stolen from a yard near Arelee; and $17,500 fraud was reported, scammers using the computer lock out trick insisting the victim must buy Bitcoin to correct the problem. Take care out there!

Council resolved that this meeting be recessed at 7:40 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a public hearing to hear any person or group who

The regular meeting of Biggar Town Council was held November 17 at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Rickwood, Councillors Alan Boyle, Dakota Ekman, Nicole Hoppe, Kevin McNicholls, Edward Young, and Ivan Young.

wants to comment on the proposed Bylaw No. 24-865, being a bylaw to provide for the permanent closure of a roadway within the Town of Biggar. As no verbal or written comments were received Mayor Rick-

wrong. Money raised went to the free programs provided by the Family Centre, so you really couldn’t go wrong! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

wood closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular council meeting at 7: 42 p.m. Council then resolved that Bylaw No. 24-865, being a bylaw to provide for the permanent closure of a roadway within the Town of Biggar, be read a third time and adopted.

Council resolved that Bylaw No. 24-866, being a bylaw to amend the Biggar Utility Services Rates Bylaw, be read a third time and adopted.

Council resolved that the General Accounts Paid in the amount of $142,582.89 and the General Accounts Payable in the amount of $119,813.23 be approved.

Council resolved that the following correspondence be accepted for Council’s information and filed: Xylem - USCA Pump Service Report. SUMA - 2024 Conven-

tion Sector Reports. SUMA - Municipal Update. Sask EnergyMaintenance and Flare Notification. Biggar Museum and GalleryUpdate.

• 8:10 p.m. Mayor Rickwood left the meeting.

Deputy Mayor Councillor E. Young assumed the duties of Meeting Chair during Mayor Rickwood’s absence.

Council resolved that the Town of Biggar has committed to financial support for the Biggar Museum and Gallery in the amount of a $20,000 annual operational grant to be paid in two instalments and furthermore that a onetime donation of $5,000 be paid in two instalments of $2,500.00 in support of the “Rehome Your Art” fundraiser. Going forward, the Biggar Museum and Gallery is requested to submit in writing their annu-

al operational grant request by January 31 each year to ensure financial requests of this nature are considered during the Town’s annual budget deliberations.

• 8:23 p.m. Mayor Rickwood returned to the meeting and resumed his duties as Meeting Chair.

Council resolved that the sponsorship request received from the Biggar Golf Club for their 2024 tournaments be approved in the total amount of $1,000, one $500 Sponsorship for the Par 3 Tournament, and one $500 sponsorship for the August Classic.

Administration advised Council of the next steps in tax enforcement for Lot 6 Block 20 Plan D4770. Council directed Administration to proceed.

• Meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

We bit of picking ... The Biggar and District Family Centre held a barbecue and garage sale, May 11 at their facility (the old Nova Wood building). Treasures abounded and with a good lunch on the barbecue, you couldn’t go

by Mark Milke, President Sir Winston Churchill Society of Calgary, President Aristotle Foundation

for Public Policy

Historical figures should be honoured for their achievements, not condemned for their flaws It’s popular these days to cancel historical figures when their views do not precisely mimic our own.

Thus, those who practice deliberate historic amnesia rename streets, bridges, and entire neighbourhoods or remove statues to satisfy an Orwellian need to block out what they assume is a blot on the human species - the men and women who came before us and built Canada.

But go down that road and one can inevitably cancel any figure in history who might have accomplished anything useful despite having error-prone views on some other subject.

Here are a few examples.

One famous Indian activist once advised German Jews, after Kristallnacht [or the Night of Broken Glass, the massacre of Jews by the Nazi Party’s paramilitary forces], to practice non-violence toward the German SS. He also wrote Adolf Hitler in 1941 to inform

him that he, the writer, did not “believe that you are the monster described by your opponents.”

That was Mahatma Gandhi, who was egregiously naïve about Hitler and the Nazis but was right to demand independence for India from the British.

In the early 19th century, progressives assumed that eugenics - the assumption that race was a real “thing” and mattered to outcomes - was scientific. They were wrong. Eugenics was pseudoscientific nonsense.

But many progressives who held that view. Among them, the Famous Five suffragists (Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Emily Murphy, and Irene Parlby) were also active in the early feminist movement to gain the vote and equal rights for women. Early progressives were dead wrong about eugenics, but right to argue women deserved the same rights as men. Unless one is a deity, everyone in 2024 holds beliefs and opinions that future generations will likely view as misguided or worse. We should cut some slack to those who came before us, endured mass poverty, the Great Depression, and wars, and

Are the allegations devastating enough for the Sask. Party to lose power? That seems highly doubtful.

Notwithstanding the reality that the NDP had pretty good session pointing out the foibles and dysfunction of the Sask. Party government, it takes more than criticism to demonstrate you are a viable alternative.

Maybe it’s not enough to topple a 17-year government that still to have a stranglehold on all the rural seats that make up half the province’s legislature.

But the very fact that that Premier Scott Moe and his Saskatchewan Party government believe it can simply dismiss the bombshell comments made by Speaker Randy Weekes on the last day of the sitting may speak to a much bigger problem.

And while there are grumblings on the right, Moe’s government has effectively focused on placating such concerns.

All that said, the do add to the growing distrust with the Sask. Party government. And given how its handling the Weekes allegations expect those growing and will only continue to grow.

The most serious allegations from Weekes involve “an incident reported by a former special constable” suggesting Government

still managed to carve out an ever-improving Canada, which we all benefit from today.

As we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we should resist skipping over difficult history and cancelling historical figures in favour of self-righteous, moral self-congratulation.

Specifically, the Sir Winston Churchill Society of Calgary will soon commemorate the sacrifices of the 15,000 Canadian soldiers who participated in the Normandy invasion on June 6. On that day, 960 soldiers were killed or wounded. We will also honour the thousands of Canadian Navy and Air Force personnel who served with distinction during that terrible day, as well as the more than 43,000 Canadians who perished in the Second World War to free Europe from the tyranny of Adolf Hitler and large swaths of Asia from imperial Japan. Every Canadian should remember those who died in the war and also Winston Churchill, the lone voice in the 1930s who warned of Hitler and the Nazis. Thanks to his efforts and those of tens of millions of other allies and leaders, we could breathe freer after 1945. That group includes the thousands of Indig-

House leader Jeremy Harrison “flaunted the rules concerning weapons when he brought a hunting rifle into the Legislative Building” a few years ago. More recently, Harrison asked if he could bring a handgun into legislation.

Regarding the handgun, it’s pretty much a case of Weekes’s word versus Harrison’s word as to whether such a ridiculous request was ever made. One might even thing that Harrison, trained in law, would have the common sense to know why this would be legal problematic.

As for Weekes’s other suggestions that Harrison owns many weapons including a “.223 AR-style 4-shot clip lightweight which looks like an assault weapon” and handguns or that he make perceived threatening gestures after the

enous Canadians who served in both world wars, hoping that Canada would one day treat them more justly than it had to date. It also includes Canadians of every ethnicity, religion, and colour who came to Canada in successive immigration waves, believing that Canada was where they and their children could succeed.

Now, let’s turn briefly to Winston Churchill, who first visited Calgary and the West in 1929 and who we at the Churchill Society of Calgary also remember. Churchill was fascinated by southern Alberta, particularly its ranching country and the Turner Valley oil fields. He

Speaker ruled against him, there’s nothing illegal about owning properly stowed guns and those supposed threatening gestures seem to be Weekes’ interpretation.

However, there is no doubt about “bullying” and “harassing” texts from Harrison and other government heavyweights that Weekes read in into the record that seemed abusive highly critical of Speaker rulings.

Those would be harassment in any workplace and should get you expelled from the legislature. Even Moe acknowledged that Weekes’ concerns in that area were true and that such behaviour from his MLAs was inappropriate.

However, Moe also called Harrison’s tactics with the Speaker as “ambitious” and criti-

was mesmerized by the beauty of Banff, Lake Louise, and Emerald Lake, where he painted landscapes he thought trumped even Switzerland in their beauty.

Churchill exemplifies why we should commemorate people for their achievements rather than condemn them for their flaws, which we all have.

Churchill was an imperialist but also a politician who advocated for the betterment of the working poor. He opposed Gandhi but wanted to protect the Untouchables and Muslims from the majority population. He was also a stalwart defender of basic fairness, refusing an American military

request to enforce white American segregationist practices against black military personnel in British pubs. As we approach the D-Day anniversary, a crucial moment in defeating Nazi Germany and ending one of history’s most evil regimes, let’s not listen to those who flippantly judge the past. These critics believe they have achieved peak moral virtue and casually dismiss the efforts of previous generations who built a freer, more prosperous world.

We owe the Second World War generation a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Party problems

cized Weekes for not raising the concerns earlier (the latter would seem reasonable criticism, but Weekes claimed he did not trust Moe or most anyone else in the hierarchy of the Sask. Party caucus because they were already making rumblings about removing him as Speaker).

Moe further suggested that Weekes’ criticisms were “sour grapes”. This doesn’t sound like a government taking serious allegations as seriously as they should.

As of the writing of this column, Harrison had not spoken publicly about the allegations and has been absent from public appearances - even ones in which he was scheduled. In fact, Moe didn’t even initially speak to Harrison after the serious charges were levelled.

Unfortunately for Moe, there are couple big problems.

The first few problems is, that Harrison isn’t directly refuting any of Weekes’ claims. And as of the writing of this, it appears some witnesses are coming out of the woodwork to verify that at least the rifle story happened.

But more devastating, these allegations are all coming from within the Sask. Party, making it hard to deny or suggest this is the work of political enemies.

When the problems are coming from within, it’s a big problem.

The next day, the Premier said the following to reporters: “I did follow up a little bit with the member that many of the accusations were directed at and ... I’ve been informed that they are all unequivocally false.”

Notable Notes

Bob Mason

I started out writing this article with only my personal point of view in mind.

But the more I got thinking about it, I knew that “making do” isn’t a personal thing anymore, nor is it as dead on the Prairies as many of us think it is!

All over the province, people are coming up with little innovative ideas that in the future

will surely contribute to the success of our society.

This little piece was to be only about our own efforts to get by with what we had, and I guess that is how we’ll have to tell it though, hoping, of course, that some reader sometime will benefit a bit from knowing that most problems can be rectified, often by just a little bit of “making do”!

Heck, many years ago, just after the war when we were farming out south, we pulled an old binder into the yard, and because we were 11 miles from town, used every bit of it for one thing or another! Bolts and iron, tin and wheels, beams, seat, packers and even knotters were used for projects around the place. A lot of it went into concrete for reinforcement. I kind of wonder what the rebar

Making do

people thought of that, but eventually the whole binder disappeared ... of course, most binders kind of disappeared anyway, somehow or other!

Maybe it was because of the times but Dad always let us build away at whatever we wanted to make.

Bill was always in the process of building something for the farm. It seemed part of the deal, always some situation came along when something was needed, and Bill would build it. Bait spreaders, closedin rigs, trailers and oil wagons, et cetera. Walt and I always had a few little projects of our own around the farm, making stuff that might lessen our work. Certainly, we never made any money, and I don’t think that old “Scotty”, the blacksmith, wanted to do it but we even repaired the

main bearing blocks on the old “Holt” combine when they broke in ‘41!

I’ll bet that if it got right down to “having to”, there are a lot of ideas out there yet, just waiting for a chance to be used!

In that terrible winter of 1948, Phyllis and Y.T. (Yours Truly) were hibernating a mile and a half off of the main road below the correction line and south of Kinley. It was awful! The snow drifted and drifted and drifted...

We thought it was quite a thing when we fastened an old pair of skis under a big blueribbon tea box, and hauled hatching eggs out to the main road by using a tumpline [a strap attached at both ends to a sack or backpack, used to carry by placing the strap over the top of the head] and an old pair of

Harrison resigns as House Leader over allegations of gun in the leg

Sask. Party Government House Leader, Jeremy Harrison has admitted to bringing a gun into the legislative building a decade ago. The MLA will now resign as House Leader.

Harrison made the announcement this past Friday following allegations from Speaker Randy Weekes.

Harrison claimed he did not bring the gun to the Legislative Chamber or other parts of

by

the building during the period referenced by Weekes, but did say that about a decade previous, he brought the firearm onto the property while on a hunting trip.

“Approximately a decade ago, I was going hunting on a weekend,”

Harrison said in a statement this past Friday.

“I stopped at the Legislative Building for a short period of time and brought a properly cased long gun into the build-

ing with the knowledge of security officials so as to not leave it unattended in my vehicle in the parking lot. In retrospect, I should not have done this.”

Harrison apologized for what he called a lapse in judgement. Premier Scott Moe accepted his resignation as Government House Leader.

The NDP were clearly not impressed with the antics by the Sask. Party.

“It’s now clear that Premier Scott Moe lied to the people of Saskatchewan,” NDP leader, Carla Beck said Friday. “Either that or his minister lied to the people of Saskatchewan and if that’s the case, that minister needs to be booted from caucus.”

Harrison claimed that other accusations Weekes said about him are not true. He will remain MLA for Meadow Lake and minister of Trade

snowshoes.

Well, we thought it was something until we realized that people had done things like that a thousand years ago! We felt good anyway!

I think that 1948 or so was also about the time when we first used our sod hen house! We didn’t have much dough so we used sod from

that must have cost us nearly 20 bucks ... and a while bunch of sweat! When we read in the paper that the “crunch” is on its way, we kind of wondered if and when we’ll have to start “making do” again!

Biggar had a cheese factory

Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery

I love it when someone drops in and tells me what they remember about the area’s past.

I just had Bob Carruthers drop in for a lovely visit. I had put out the question, “Did you know Biggar had a cheese factory?”

Bob was able to remember the buildings but had no memory of the cheese. The buildings were on the corner of what we now call Highway 51, just over the tracks on Highway 4. That location would be in the RM of Biggar. He remembers a square building painted white with a peaked roof. We found entries in The Independent in May 1935, marking the opening of the Cheese Factory - Wm. Affleck would be the managerand again in June 1936, when the cheese factory was opening again. Seems if you took in the milk they used to make cheese, you could get a reduced rate for the cheese.

There was a dairy here on the north side of Biggar, near the water tower, called the Dairy Pool. It was operating from the 1930’s until the early 1960’s. Farmers with milk cows would drop their milk and cream off there, some being made into butter. It has been reported in the Independent thieves had once tried to break into the safe in the building and failed. So, they took 50 pounds of butter instead.

There must have been farmers who kept dairy cows in the area now. Carruthers says the Martins had milk cows. They would take the milk to St. Gabriels Convent then on to the Canadian Pacific station north of town to be set on the train and taken to the city.

I do not see many dairy cows here. At one time, communities could be self-sufficient for their food, not dependent on hundreds of miles of supply chains. The Farmers’ Market does provide us with locally grown fruits and vegetables during

the summer though. Bob also told me that at one time the road

we call Highway 51 was Highway 14. How things have changed!

Please, if you remember the cheese factory or have pictures or stories, please drop in and share your memories.

and Export Development, Immigration and Career Training, Innova-

tion Saskatchewan and Tourism Saskatchewan.

Museum looking for info ... A smart looking building on Main Street Biggar, but here at the museum, we don’t know what year this photo was taken. Check out the reflection of the old CIBC building in the window ... it may give a clue as to its location. Is it beside Micky’s Store on the south side? Carter’s storage building now? I would sure like

photo.

museum

Ask The Money Lady

Christine Ibbotson

Dear Money Lady, My husband died in January, and we paid into mortgage protection insurance from 2004. The issue is that we had been paying mortgage insurance for 19 years with our regular payments and when my husband died we began a claim for the mortgage insurance and provided all the information to the bank. At that time, we were told there were two possibilities for claim,

death, or accident; however, because the cause of death was a heart attack they focused on the single death claim. We originally took out the insurance when the mortgage was $482,000 and I was shocked to only get $191,864, which only covered the balance of the mortgage. I thought the death coverage was for the original mortgage amount, but the bank said they had to account for the amortization on

the loan. Should I get a lawyer to fight this?

Jane

I am so sorry for your loss, Jane.

Unfortunately, the mortgage insurance you purchase from the banks is very different to what you may be used to with a regular insurance policy.

Mortgage insurance is upsold by financial institutions to pay off your mortgage balance in the event of a death and the beneficiary is the bank not the mortgagor. These funds are used to pay out and discharge the mortgage balance at the time of death, regardless of the amount that you started with. The cost of this insurance is always based on the original mortgage amount and added onto your monthly mortgage payments to make it more convenient. So, if the balance of your mortgage was only $191,864 and this is what the bank paid - then that would be correct.

Term insurance that you purchase through a licensed insurance agent pays out the face-value of the policy as a lump sum to the beneficiaries in the event of a death. This is very different to mortgage insurance since the original amount of the policy stays the same. The money paid out from a term insurance policy can be used any way you wish - to pay off debt or a mortgage, to invest, or to replace lost income.

Most people opt for mortgage insurance

when they first get a mortgage since it is very easy to acquire. There is no medical exam required and you usually only have a few questions to answer truthfully at the time of application. But for all its conveniences, mortgage insurance that you purchase through your financial institution, still has many drawbacks. When your mortgage is paid off or if you move to another lender, or sell your home, your coverage ceases.

Term life insurance, on the other hand, is much more detailed and they may require medical tests and questions to underwrite the policy at the time of application to ensure the policy will be paid out if a claim is made. The costs for this type insurance varies based on your health, age, the coverage amount, and the term. Yes, it may be more cum-

bersome to get, but the benefits of a term policy far outweigh the banks alternative. Remember your coverage never changes (unlike the mortgage insurance which decreases over time as your mortgage amount gets smaller) and it is portable. Regardless of whether you move, or if you pay off your mortgage, or if you decide to change your lender, the term policy stays in place and you have peace of mind knowing your family is protected in the event of a tragedy.

Good luck and best wishes!

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

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Perdue Town Clean-up

a shine on Perdue

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Genetic EngineeringAgriculture’s Frankenstein?

Agriculture

Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels

If you want to see a headline that is polarizing in nature ‘Geneedited wheat tested’ is a fine example.

On one hand the producer.com story will be seen as a huge first step in terms of opening the door to a technology which could have dramatic positive effects in agricultural crop production in the years ahead.

That is good news for producers, and a growing world population which will need to be fed.

On the other hand the headline will send a shudder of concern through some - in particular those who are looking at science in general

as some great bugaboo destined to cause the decline of civilization.

Certainly in my own case I was excited by the prospect of what a relatively new science may do. I see weather change and unchecked population growth as issues moving forward which will put added pressure of food production.

There is little expectation of thousands of acres of new land coming under cultivationespecially if we want to maintain critical natural vegetation cover so growing more on what acres we do farm is important.

The way to get to greater production will be through science.

That said I understand the worry some feel. Science has always been beyond the common thinking of most.

When something is not well-understood it can create worry, doubt and fear.

So iron plows were seen by some as a development which would poison the soil, and the pasteurization of milk was bad, and vaccinations are more danger-

ous than the diseases they help prevent.

It would be folly to not at least consider the safety of any new development, asbestos insulation, lead in paint, thalidomide and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, commonly known as DDT, are examples of things once seen as safe but in time shown to be dangerous.

They are a reminder of why you need well-defined, applied and verified processes to ensure safety.

Will any protocol be 100 per cent in weeding out dangers? That is unlikely.

But then again little is 100 per cent, and the benefits of science are still huge and varied in being positive for humankind.

So which will gene editing - a type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of a living organism according to Wikipedia - be in the future?

Ultimately, only time will definitively answer that question, but is a scientific path which

and

needs to be walked down - with caution of coursefor the future of food for the world.

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Putting

... Biggar

District Credit Union and Perdue residents, were out in

annual cleanup day. Perdue School students, residents and Perdue Credit Union members held a barbecue and took advantage of a good-weather day for the annual spring cleaning day of the village. (Photos for The Independent courtesy of Biggar and District Credit Union)

Bingo!!! Independent announces winners! ... The Independent’s popular Bingo game sports four new winners. Congratulations to Brenda Bourk, Joyce Sherbino, Janet Hunter and Mark Pickett. A new bingo will begin next week. Come on down and get your cards to play! (Independent Photos by Dale Buxton)

senator in the late 1800’s until 1925, the village was incorporated in 1911.

by Trudy and Dale Buxton

As we continue with our trip into Central Alberta, we are heading west on Highway 13. The next small area we come upon is Lougheed.

Named after Sir James Lougheed, an Alberta

A current day population of 225, like many other small communities, Lougheed is seeing people moving to larger centres with more services. However, Lougheed is home to one of Canada’s largest Agribusinesses along with other strong agriculturebased concerns. It aligns well with the Canadian Pacific Railway alongside Highway 13.

Employment in the area also comes from the vast oil and gas industry.

In the curling world, Lougheed is the home to international star, Kevin Martin. Martin, sometimes nicknamed “The Old Bear”, is an Olympic, World and four-time Canadian curling champion. After retiring from the game, Martin became a curling commentator. He is considered to be one of the greatest curlers of all time.

Lougheed has a little bit of a retail section to the village, a nice museum with a bunch of old tractors and lots of year-round recreational activities.

Next up along the highway we come to the Town of Sedgewick.

Named after the Honourable Robert Sedgewick, a judge and jurist in the late 1800’s, Sedgewick passed away in 1906, the same year it was incorporated.

Located in a geologically sandy area - meaning that there was good water only about 14 feet below surface,

“Welcome to the Friendly Village of Lougheed”

Sedgewick is known to have the best tasting water in Alberta.

One important piece of Indigenous history comes from the “The Stone God” which is a 320-pound rock that is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old.

It is said that this rock held great powers and over the centuries there were many ceremonies held around the rock with prayers chanted for power, good hunting and victory in war.

When the rock was moved out of the area, First Nations people claimed it was stolen, and within two months of its removal, there was war. Smallpox hit the Cree and Blackfoot tribes and most of the bison were wiped out on the Prairies.

However, because of the good water there was a boom in the small burgeoning community.

Agriculture and later oil and gas became the

economic drivers in this flourishing community.

If you are into museums, Sedgewick has a fabulous facility depicting the early days in the river valley and the community.

It has a growing retail sector and is the economic hub for the area.

Two important sports figures came from Sedgewick, one being Billy Rose, who came from North Dakota, made his claim to fame in curling and became Brier champ in 1946. The other important person being Brain Berg who was drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and in 1974 set a league record for the most consecutive converts in a season, he was later released by Saskatchewan, joining the BC Lions and finished his illustrious career. Stay tuned next week for more of The Saskatchewan Traveller.

Sedgewick Museum in the Town of Sedgewick

Leave it to Beaver? ... A lone, scruffy beaver - maybe looking for Wally, Ward and June - takes some time before crossing the road near Kinley, Saturday. Wet conditions have given this Canadian icon its choice of areas to live in. (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)

Biggar runner takes in the Sask. Marathon ... Pictured below is Tim Hammond who this past weekend competed in the Saskatchewan Marathon in Saskatoon. There were more than 5,000 registered runners and walkers in the Meewasin Valley, featuring five different distances to run; Tim participated in the 21 kilometre event. “I did not do as much training as I normally do, but I achieved my goal: to finish injury free!” said Hammond. Congratulations! (Submitted Photo)

DEADLINE

MONDAY 5 P.M.

Biggar Music Recital

Music on Monday ... Biggar music teachers and their students hit the Biggar Majestic Theatre, Monday to showcase their hard work from the past year with a Music on Monday! concert. A silver collection at the door raised cash for the Majestic, and folks were treated to some pretty talented musicians. Hats off to all the students and teachers Amy Zhao, Peggy L’Hoir, Graham and Tanya Lehnert, Clayton Braybrook, and Prairie Notes choir. (Independent Photos by Dale Buxton)

Penton On Sports

The Major League Baseball season has just passed the quarter pole, and it might already be next-year country for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Could a rebuild begin by trading either Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., or Bo Bichette, or both?

Hope springs eternal every year, but here we are approaching the middle of June and the Blue Jays, in perhaps the toughest division in baseball, are sitting dead last, needing fairly strong binoculars to see the American League East-leading New York Yankees.

Pitching-wise, the Jays are strong, and with the recent performance by Alek Manoah, who went seven innings May 19 for his first victory since last August, the staff could be the catalyst that turns the Jays’ season around. Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman provide the

Is it next-year country for Blue Jays?

Jays with a solid nucleus, and the others filling out the rotation, Yusei Kikuchi and Manoah (fingers crossed) fill out a relatively reliable fiveman group.

But at the plate?

When the Jays’ are on offence, Vincent Price should be the public address announcer. It’s not pretty. Of MLB’s 30 teams, Toronto stood 27th in runs scored and 23rd in home runs at the end of May. If the team was in a rebuilding phase, those numbers might not matter, because better days would be ahead. But better days might be in the rear view mirror with this group, because the supposed heavy hitters are hitting puffballs.

Take George Springer, for example. Yes, please, take him, as comedian Rodney Dangerfield would say. In 2021, Springer was a bigname free agent signee from the Houston Astros, and the Jays guaranteed him $150 million over six years. This year, he’s making $24,166,666, and after the May long weekend, Springer was batting .194 with three homers and eight runs-batted-in through Toronto’s first 47 games. Next year, and again in 2026, he’ll pull down salaries in that $24 million range,

and by then he’ll be 36 with likely even more diminishing skills.

The only Blue Jay with a respectable batting average through May 25 was Guerrero, Jr., who was hitting .289 with five home runs. Guerrero, Jr. hit 106 homers in the previous three seasons (35 per year average) but is on pace for a mere 16 this year. Shortstop Bichette, a career .294 hitter going into this season, was plodding along in the .230 range before hitting a bit of a hot streak. Both young stars (Guerrero, 25; Bichette, 26) have been the subject of trade rumours and are free agents after the 2025 season.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com wrote in mid-May that it “seems inconceivable” that Toronto would move either Guerrero or Bichette. Sportsnet, in fact, reported that the Jays have engaged in talks around major league baseball about a blockbuster trade involving both Guerrero, Jr., and Bichette. They’re stuck with Springer and his massive contract, but could start rebuilding by dealing their two young stars.

Heresy? Perhaps, but it might be the only way out of the mess in which the Jays find themselves.

Seeding progress advances

Producers made considerable progress with seeding after many regions experienced delays due to rainfall. Currently, 56 per cent of the 2024 crop is in the ground. This is up from 32 per cent seeded last week, but behind the five-year average of 76 per cent and the 10year average of 74 per cent. Producers in the southwest, northwest and southeast are most complete at 64 per cent, 63 per cent and 61 per cent respectfully. The east-central region is 54 per cent complete, followed by the northeast and westcentral regions at 48 per cent and 47 per cent. Rainfall occurred in much of the province at varying amounts over the past week. The highest reported rainfall was in the Mossbank area at 58 millimetres, followed by the Meadow Lake and Choiceland areas at 52 millimetres and 51 millimetres. Although the rain has helped replenish

topsoil moisture levels and improve growing conditions, many producers are hopeful for a pause in rainfall to allow seeding progress to continue.

Topsoil moisture conditions continue to improve across much of the province with the recent rainfall. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at six per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and five per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at three per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent very short. Similarly, pasture topsoil moisture is rated at three per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Early seeded crops are beginning to emerge throughout the province with good emergence reported overall. Crop development is in the normally expected range for this time of year but seeding delays due to rainfall and cooler

• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “What’s really missing from this Jays season - a schedule with 162 games against the White Sox.”

• Headline at Canadian satirical website TheBeaverton.com : “Toronto’s expansion WNBA franchise mathematically certain to win their league championship before Leafs do.”

• Comedy guy Steve Burgess of Vancouver: “LinkedIn says my profile was searched by the Dallas Vigilantes Arena Football Team. Better late than never, I suppose.”

• Headline at fark. com: “Watching every Dallas Cowboys game this season will cost $808.86 on various TV and streaming services, thanks to the new NFL licensing model. $807.86 sounds like a lot of money, but that’s less than four hot dogs, eight beers and a pretzel at the game.”

• Scott Michaux of Global Golf Post, on Tiger Woods’ recent play: “The last seven official results since the 2022 PGA for the 48-year-old Woods are: WD, MC, T45, WD, WD, 60th and MC. Age is undefeated.”

• Super 70s Sports: “I’m gonna tell my grandkids there was once a simpler world where college

conferences actually made sense.”

• Another one from Steve Burgess: “The Canucks are out. Now there is nothing left in my bleak existence but waiting for the Garfield movie.”

• Swiped from Steve Simmons’ column in the Toronto Sun: “49ers’ Nick Bosa on the calmness of his quarterback, Brock Purdy: ‘He reminds me of Scottie Scheffler, except he didn’t get arrested.’”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Canada’s two PWHL playoff teams were eliminated in Round 1, so no championship

for a Canadian women’s hockey team. Congratulations, ladies: you have achieved parity with Canadian men’s teams.”

• Another fark.com headline, after UConn beat Purdue in the NCAA men’s basketball final: “Perdon’t”.

• The late Muhammad Ali, explaining his occupation: “It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.”

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

temperatures have slowed development in some regions of the province.

Producers are continuing to monitor pasture conditions while moving cattle. Currently, pasture conditions are rated as 12 per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 26 per cent fair, six per cent poor and one per cent very poor across the province.

As crop emergence continues, producers are diligent in monitoring for any damage to their crops. Most of the crop damage this week was due to frost, minor flooding, wind and hail. Although not widespread, some producers have reported crop damage due to cutworms, wireworms and flea beetles.

As the weather allows, producers will be busy continuing with seeding operations, herbicide applications, moving cattle to pasture and branding. Producers are reminded to keep safety top of mind while working.

Bruce Penton

If you remember the discontinued Cinnamon Spread from years ago then you will love Cinnawin!! Homestyle Cinnamon Spread made right here in Saskatchewan. Get yours at the Independent

Business & Professional …

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311 Main Street, Rosetown Massage Therapy - Supplements

Ideal Protein Clinic

Mail orders welcome.

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

- together with -

Co-Ed Fitness Centre Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss Personal Training Fitness Classes …owned and operated by Brett Barber

102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar 306-948-9750 www.newufitness.ca

ARIES –

Mar 21/Apr 20

You may have a chance to get to know someone better this week, Aries. Trust your instincts rather than listening to what is running through the rumor mill.

TAURUS –

Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you may be ready to shake things up in regard to your social life or even with a professional pursuit. Work out the path you want to take.

GEMINI –

May 22/Jun 21

Following your curiosity may lead you down some interesting paths, Gemini. Things can change on a moment’s notice, so be prepared to respond.

CANCER –

Jun 22/Jul 22

LIBRA –

Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, have a good time over the next couple of weeks. You deserve it. Recognize that fun interactions do not necessarily have to be shallow experiences. You can learn something new even while being entertained.

SCORPIO –

Oct 24/Nov 22

It might feel like your peer group has shifted in a way that no longer gels with you, Scorpio. It may be time to find some new friends who share your current interests.

SAGITTARIUS –

Nov 23/Dec 21

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Proactive changes you make this week may improve your love life, Capricorn.That can be a good thing if you have encountered relationship issues lately.

AQUARIUS –

Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, setting out on an impulsive adventure could be worth the effort right now. It can be refreshing to spend time outside your usual surroundings.

PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20

Putting up a tough front may be a protection strategy right now, Pisces. Over time, you may need to let your guard down and ask for some help if the situation is chronic.

Troy May, owner/operator Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca

BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Housing for families and seniors Rent based on income Call: 306•303•7246

An intellectual debate could grow somewhat tiresome this week, Cancer. You need to know when to pull out of the conversation to help maintain your mental well-being.

LEO –

Jul 23/Aug 23

Have an important conversation with a loved one, Leo. You need to clear up a misunderstanding that has been growing more significant. Once you take care of this, smooth sailing awaits.

Please

VIRGO –

Aug 24/Sept 22

Thanks Urla

You may want to rely on someone else to bring some stability and comfort to your life, Virgo. Now may be the time to seek out a new relationship.

You may seek validation from peers or even people on social media if you feel like you are being inhibited by current insecurities, Sagittarius. Others can corroborate your value.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the estate of Wilfred James Elliott, late of Biggar, Saskatchewan, deceased.

securities simultaneously

Month

Most thin 23. Naturally occurring material

24. Luke’s mentor __-Wan

Postmodernist Austrian

Aquatic salamander

Baseball stat

Beginning military rank

Talk rapidly and unintelligbly

33. Paddle 34. Caregiver (abbr.)

35. Old Irish alphabet 36. Japanese city

In a way, acted

Things to see

of tooth

To be demonstrated

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 20th day of June 2024.

Ms. Jessie C. Buydens, Solicitor for the Executor.

Scott Phelps & Mason Barristers and Solicitors 306 Ontario Avenue, Main Floor, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K

by Pastor Ken Davidson, Perdue United Church

Because of Pentecost, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us in the ways of Jesus, our Christ.

Now Jesus lives and was killed and raised in full body form. He did not rise as a ghost or spirit, but in full body, with scars and nail holes, to prove that He was fully raised. This was the way God, through Jesus, took away the power of death.

After He arose, He spent 40 days with His disciples, teaching them many things and helping

REFLECTIONS

them to understand the scripture. When this had been done, He led them out of the city where they could witness His accession and His return to His Father in Heaven.

Even while He was ascending, He was blessing His disciples. He told them to wait until the Holy Spirit had come upon them before they went into the world to tell of Jesus and the Father. When the Holy Spirit touched each of them, they were able to speak in tongues (languages) that were unknown to them. These tongues were the lan-

guages of the foreigners they would be preaching to, so that all would hear the gospel in their own language. Much power was given to these men so that they could spread the love and mercy of God to all the world.

Jesus’ commandments was to go and make disciples of all nation. Now as we are believers in Jesus and accept that He is the Son of God and that His sacrifice forgave ours sins and removed them from our judgement, we too have the Holy Spirit in us. He will empower us with the perfect words to say to

FOREMAN

FOREMAN

those in need. He will help us to live a life so that others may see our peace and kindness and joy, and have them want the same.

So let us use this power and show people the plan God has for all Creation.

As Francis of Assisi said, “Preach always, and if necessary use words.” Praise God for His mercy. Amen!

The Rural Municipality of Biggar No. 347, is a large R.M that usually staffs approximately 10 seasonal employees every year We are currently seeking applications for an experienced, permanent Foreman. Eligible applicants must possess the following:

3 years of road maintenance experience

Valid driver’s license-Class 1A knowledge of equipment operations and a mechanical aptitude excellent interpersonal and organizational skills capability of prioritizing numerous jobs within the municipality strong leadership and supervisory skills

A salary package including a competitive benefit/pension plan, will be negotiated based on qualifications at the time of hire. For a more detailed job description, please contact our office

This position will remain open until a suitable applicant is selected. Please send resumes to:

R.M. of Biggar No. 347

Mail: P.O. Box 280, Biggar, SK, S0K 0M0

Drop off: 201 – 2nd Avenue West, Biggar

Phone: (306) 948-2242

Fax: (306) 948-2250

Email: rm347admin@sasktel.net

The R.M. of Biggar thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

The Rural Municipality of Biggar No. 347 is presently accepting applications for the position of Equipment Operator

Applicant must hold a valid driver’s license. Experience operating various equipment would be an asset. Contact our office for a more detailed job description

Please forward applications by Monday, June 17, 2024 stating experience, expected salary and at least two references to:

R.M. of Biggar No. 347

Mail: P.O. Box 280, Biggar, SK, S0K 0M0

Drop off: 201 – 2nd Avenue West, Biggar

Phone: (306) 948-2242

Fax: (306) 948-2250

Email: rm347admin@sasktel.net

The R.M. of Biggar thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m.

Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m. our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m. Biggar

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E JUNE 9, INTERDENOMINATIONAL

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 Worship - 10:30 a.m.

(Messages are forwarded to Pastor’s phone immediately)

It’s that time of the year. Your Donations are needed for the ght against PROSTATE CANCER Help us with that ght Call 948-3344, e Independent or E-Transfer to dale@dtjssb.ca

June 7-9, 2024

Fireworks - Friday at Dusk

Biggar and District Museum - Pancake Breakfast 8:00am - 10:00am SATURDAY

Parade Starts at 10:00am

“FIBER FAIR” - ALL DAY

Biggar Community Hall

*Workshops & Trade Show*

Biggar Barracuda

“DUNK TANK” and BBQ

12 - 5pm at the Pool

Music - Shopping - Food Trucks - Beer Gardens - Fun

Biggar Majestic eatre

Treats and Games 3rd Ave.

BLOCK PARTY 3pm-10pm

A er the Parade enjoy and “COLD PLATE” lunch sponsored by the NEW HORIZON’s $13/plate, includes drink and dessert

KIDS CARNIVAL: Sponsored by the BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Biggar 3rd Ave. Park

Proceeds to Ranger Lake Camp

Ol’McDales Petting Zoo

Sponsored By: Biggar Credit Union and Biggar Accounting Services

“FREE SWIM” - 2pm - 4pm

Sponsored by: Biggar & District Insurance

Multi-Denominational Service Biggar Majestic eatre 10:30am

SUNDAY

Biggar Masonic - Pancake Brunch 10:00am - 12:30pm ( eatre Parking Lot)

Car Show

11:00am - 5:00pm Main Street

Food - Beer Gardens - Music