The Independent

Vol. 112 No. 22

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Still Standing ... An old tree sits amidst the waters of Richmond Lake south of Biggar. The tree, probably dead, still stands after a harsh winter and the alkali water. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

20 pages

$1.50

????????, ????????? ????

THURSDAY, JUNE ??, 3, 2021

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

This year the Tiny Tots have been working on a new project. They have made many pictures, pressed flower windows, bracelets and signs to give away, as well as flowers; just being silly to make people laugh, or creating a Walking Book to share with the community. Some of these were given away to different community services and businesses, but others were randomly given away when they went on walks. It makes a persons day when a little one gives them a gift. It teaches children many things like: how to be brave when talking to an adult; services that our community provides; and that sometimes it is better to give than to receive. One of the students said, “It makes my heart be in LOVE!”

(Photos by Demonda Evanisky)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Impaired driver that left seat at highway speeds among those charged during Canada Road Safety Week May 18 to 24, 2021 was Canada Road Safety Week, and Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services officers were on the roads enforcing safety rules and removing dangerous drivers from behind the wheel.

During the week-long enforcement campaign, Traffic Services officers gave 1,519 warnings, laid 10 impaired charges, and issued nine roadside suspensions, 972 speeding tickets, 78 distracted driving tickets, 84 seatbelt tickets and 204 vehicle defect inspection notices.

Incidents investigated

by Saskatchewan RCMP officers during Canada Road Safety Week include: • On May 21, around 11:39 p.m., officers spotted a minivan speeding on Highway 55 near Pierceland. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver tried to evade police by increasing speed to nearly 140 km/

hr. The driver then left the driver’s seat entirely and moved to a back passenger seat – while the vehicle was travelling at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly stopped, causing a police vehicle to collide with it. No one was injured. The driver was charged with multiple offences including Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Police Officer and Resist/ Obstruct Peace Officer.

• On May 21 at approximately 7:46 p.m., officers observed a vehicle drive over multiple traffic cones at a check stop set up on King Hill in North Battleford. The driver was arrested and charged with Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand.

• On May 23 at approximately 2:50 p.m., officers conducting a check stop on Highway 904 in Meadow Lake observed a vehicle backing away to leave. Officers soon locat-

ed the parked vehicle. A passenger was observed throwing beer cans out the window and the driver was attempting to walk away from it. The driver was charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

“The Saskatchewan RCMP is pleased to participate in Canada Road Safety Week, but our commitment to eliminating high-risk driving behaviours continues year-round,” says Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services Supt. Grant St. Germaine. “We will continue to focus our efforts on enforcing the ‘Big Four’: distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and seatbelt misuse.”

Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcementdriven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. It seeks to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

Biggar RCMP report

Biggar RCMP are looking for suspects in a break-in at the Biggar Golf Course.

(Submitted Photos)

Biggar gets boost from NHL playoff contender Two members of the New York Islanders have taken time from their busy schedules to send a video of support to the Biggar Revitalization Project.

The Islanders are right now in the thick of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins.

Forward Jordan Eberle and assistant coach Lane Lambert say they know full well what teamwork, commitment and accountability means, and it’s exciting to see the Town of Biggar get behind this project.

The Islanders are right

now in the thick of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins.

Eberle, originally from Regina, playing his junior for the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats, competed for Canada at the 2009 and 2010 World Junior Championships.

He was taken in the first round of the 2008 NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers. In 2017 he was traded to the Islanders.

Lambert was born and raised in Melfort. He spent his junior hockey days with the Saskatoon Blades. The Detroit Red

Wings drafted him 25th overall in 1983. His NHL playing career also included time with the New York Rangers and Quebec Nordiques. Lambert was an assistant with the NHL’s Nashville Predators, and also the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals in 2018. He then signed with the New York Islanders.

Eberle says Biggar has a rich sports history with Olympic gold and three time world champion Sandra Schmirler and so many other prominent curlers. He also describes the Biggar Nationals

hockey program as a great tradition and Roadrunners lacrosse as a small town powerhouse.

Lambert says his grandparents were from Unity, and his mother was born in the town. He says he passed by the New York Is Big But This Is Biggar sign thousands of times.

He adds it’s great that Ina Lou and Wayne Brownlee have stepped up to give back to Biggar.

You can see the video on the Town of Biggar Facebook page, Revitalization Twitter account (@biggarcampaign) or on YouTube.

by Sgt Dean Kabaroff, Biggar Detachment Commander The Biggar RCMP responded to 65 calls for service area over the last two weeks.

There were 148 vehicles stopped for driving infractions, resulting in 62 tickets and 63 written warnings.

Biggar RCMP are also asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals responsible for breaking into the Biggar Golf Course in the early morning of May, 20, 2021. The two suspect

entered the building and stole items. They fled the scene and attempted to steal a vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding the break and enter or any unsolved crime is asked to contact the Biggar RCMP at 306948-6600 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by e-mail. When using crime stoppers you will remain anonymous and you will not have to go to court. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction you will receive a cash reward.

Bingo Numbers for New York Islander forward Jordan Eberle, left, and assistant coach Lane Lambert, in a screen shot taken from online live video, have lent their support to the Biggar Revitalization Plan. (Submitted Photo)

JUNE 3 B14 I27 N39 G53 O75

Opinions HAVE A NICE DAY!

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Dear Editor, Many letters to the editor are complaints, but believe it or not this is a letter to compliment the town! Yes, you read it right.

My brother Jack and I often visit the Biggar Cemetery to “see” the oldtimers that we grew up with. We are very impressed with the extensive upkeep that continues at the cemetery. Certainly a tribute to those who lived and labored and grew with this community.

The grass is neatly trimmed around the plots, bushes and hedges are carefully tended, and crumbling and sinking graves are restored.

Careful preperations are made before burials and proper fill and adjustments are completed after the ceremony.

It is a pleasant place to visit and know that past relatives, friends and neighbours are respectfully cared for and remembered.

Bill Haffermehl Biggar

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

Moe’s sharp vaccine comments telling Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said some things last week that were very different in his bluntness.

He spoke to those who aren’t yet vaccinated especially those who are refusing to get a COVID19 vaccine and are encouraging others not to get it.

And unlike previous occasions when either he or Health Minister Paul Merriman politely suggested getting vaccinated was a matter of personal choice, the Premier didn’t mince many words.

“We’re not asking you to storm the beaches at Normandy,” Moe said.

“All we’re asking you to do is go in and get a tiny needle in your arm.”

Other premiers like Ontario’s Doug Ford and Manitoba’s Brian Pallister have been more blunt.

Moe has been more guarded … until now.

the

Admittedly, it was a tad puzzling in the context of the overall message that Moe and Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab.

Both again said vaccinations in this province have been a huge success story.

We are at or in the lead among the provinces (the territories are way ahead of the provinces in general) in the percentage of our population vaccinated.

And at at his most recent briefing, Moe re-emphasized Saskatchewan’s vaccine success that has seen 80-per-cent-or-more vaccination rates among the 60 years and old age groups and pointed to large weekly percentage increases in younger age categories that have more recently been made eligible for vaccinations.

In fact, Moe said he isn’t

especially worried about vaccine hesitancy in specific age groups.

His Saskatchewan Party government’s strategy of doling out vaccinations mostly through an agebased system - as opposed to d to seeking out younger, frontline workers for vaccinations earlier - has drawn criticism.

But when it’s come to getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, it is a system that has also been effective.

However, judging by Moe’s concerns, there are new found worries out there about people’s unwillingness - or inability - to get vaccinations.

It would seem rather obvious that the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) drive-thrus are better suited for people with access to vehicles and who have the ability to take time off work to

get to those clinics. The success of those drivethru clinics in Regina and Saskatoon has been somewhat driven by people driving in for hundreds of miles from throughout rural Saskatchewan and willingly waiting in line.

This was very good thing and has clearly contributed to Saskatchewan’s high vaccination rate.

It also somewhat dispels an “urban myth” that vaccine hesitancy is just a rural problem driven by independent, anti-government rural types. As one rural resident put it to me: “Those that think that way have never lived in a smaller community where everyone knows everyone else and aren’t shy about saying something.”

That said, Moe’s remarks last week did also acknowledged newer Canadians and others like some in the First Nations

INDEPENDENT

Phone: 306-948-3344

Fax: 306-948-2133

Publications Mail Registrations No. 0008535 Published by THE INDEPENDENT PRINTERS LTD. and issued every Thursday at the office of publication, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan, S0K 0M0 Publishers - Dale and Trudy Buxton Editor - Kevin Brautigam Composition - Fallon Neugebauer

communities (although there have been massively successful vaccination campaigns run by reserves as well) need special attention.

Moe mostly seemed to be addressing those isolated, individual resisters. Cumulatively, they might be adding up to a big problem for all of us in the COVID-19 fight.

“You should know and you should be fully aware of the risks,” Moe said.

“COVID is not gone. You will continue to be at risk.”

Again, this seems to contrast with the government’s overall message.

But, sometimes in government there, are much bigger problems than a little messaging inconsistency.

Moe clearly sees resisters as the big problem and appealed to them directly to help end the restrictions he also hates.

Provincial Viewpoint Murray Mandryk

“I hate it,” the Premier said, of those imposing his restrictions. “I look forward to the day it all ends.

“But that day can only come when enough of us choose to be vaccinated.”

And right now, Moe’s foremost concerned is those who won’t be vaccinated.

www.biggarindependent.ca

E-mail: tip@sasktel.net

P. O. Box 40 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

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

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

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Notable Notes Bob Mason

Mebbe you won’t believe this now, but Y.T. started out his “career” with an inferiority complex, namely because he had a lot of well-adjusted relatives who possibly wondered about his odd-ball tactics.

The folks often said, “Why don’t you work for Uncle Will a bit? And I did, but It often seemed to me that the job I was given wasn’t quite up to snuff. Sure, they would overlook my shortcomings and lack of knowhow, but like I say, somehow I developed a real sense of not being good enough.

It took quite a few years but eventually, thanks to my family, all turned out quite well. Y.T. became a passable hired man and always strove to please his employer, Uncle or not!

Incidentally, later I darn near got fired for handing a foreman the wrench he needed. Apparently he had gotten the idea that hired men aren’t able to think!

Even at this time, we were still young and ready to turn our little world upside down. We didn’t know it then but the continuous challenge of different (however rural) problems was, in a way, preparing us to be the extroverts we eventually became, guys who pretend they know all about everything!

That first winter morning, Uncle Will announced at the table: “We’d better water the cattle up north today!”

Of course this was long before electricity came to

Uncle Will

the country, and young Y.T. , despite misgivings about contracting “pumphandle fever”, volunteered to go with one of the boys.

Sorry! When Willie and Y.T. walked out north to where Uncle Will had threshed an oat/straw stack on top of a poplar bluff, there was no pump to be seen! And only a board covered hole in the ground, with a nearby pail and rope, gave any indication where the well was!

I think that there were 60 or more thirsty cattle in that herd, and by the time Willie and I had pulled and splashed water into the small trough, we were soaking wet.

Y.T. was all set to retreat to a nice warm seat by the tin heater in the bunkhouse when Willie spoiled the whole deal by saying, “There is supposed to be a bronco-faced steer in that bunch. I wonder where it went!”

After half an hour of

1/4 Page

Let’s Meet a Biggar Revitalivation Donor This week’s recognition donor for the Biggar Revitalization program is Jim Newton.

Jim was born and raised in the Town of Biggar.

While growing up played lots of hockey and lacrosse, and continued to play hockey for the Biggar Nationals for 10-plus years even after moving away from Biggar.

Jim graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Applied Science adding the Executive Leadership Program at Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Jim’s career took him to work for the Canadian National Railway, catching his shifts from the Biggar office. He would eventually see his career sore as he took on more managing duties within the ranks of the CNR, becoming Trainmaster.

Later, Jim would become General Manager for the CNR, moving to the Toronto area until his retirement in 2018. Jim liked the Toronto area for all that it had to offer; however after his retirement he moved back to Saskatoon, closer to his roots.

Jim’s interest in the Revitalization program started a couple of years ago when he had returned

to Biggar for a Nationals Alumni game against the current Nationals. There wasn’t a lot of information at the time until last January a life long friend, Todd Peterson, had mentioned that the group was looking for someone to connect with the CNR. His contacts with senior people in the CNR made Jim ideal to approach the rail company on behalf of the town for financial and other contributions. Jim was more than happy to lend a hand and became part of the leadership committee and later the alumni committee.

“What excites me the the most about this proj-

searching (and freezing) we finally found the hind end of that steer wedged way back in between a couple of folds in the stack. And by the time we hoofed it back for a couple of forks and dug it out, the sun was getting pretty low and we were dead beat!

And the main chores hadn’t really been started yet!

It took some time to adapt oneself to the responsibilities of catering to these “dumb” animals’ but we did! I don’t know how people would handle a problem like that nowadays, but I wouldn’t be surprised (in this day of overtime and fringe benefits) that they’d find a skeleton in the ashes when they burned the stack down! In that faroff winter of our youth we worked hard until we sweated, and then froze until we sweated again, got wet, thawed out and sweated again. It’s a wonder that we didn’t end up with some kind of rheumatism, but it did prepare us for that awful winter of ‘45 ... brrr!

There’s an old saying about “every dog having his day” though and of course so do farm hands!

Y.T. remembers those years far better than the dramatic, ever romantic ones we knew later on!

ect is what this is going to do for the town all the way up main street,” he said. “We are going to become the envy of most small towns in Saskatchewan.”

If you have a connection to Biggar, Jim stresses that people should get involved in whatever way, either with a donation or time. The Brownlee’s put forward this massive generous gift and now we are out there collectively to match this gift, Jim added.

Jim is quite confident that the community will match and exceed that goal.

Jim Newton, Photo Submitted

If all the odd-ball escapades that hired help have made were marked down and printed in books, our library would be too small to hold them!

And then there were pigs!

Porkers are a complete subject by themselves, and the whole story of them will probably never be told.

One can’t blame a hograiser for commenting on a pigs personality, because that is just what some of them have!

Having had a lot of contact with them in the past Y.T. is quite qualified to reminisce about their almost human traits.

He has been run over, bitten (it was his own darn fault!), ignored and almost worshipped (at feeding time), and even had one break his big toe (just before a ball game).

And Uncle Will had lotsa pigs!!

I asked him onetime, and he said he wasn’t sure, but he must have had 200 or more (give or take a few snouts!), which was quite a lot in those days. They were scattered in old buildings all over the place, and he even called some of them by name!

I’m sure that if modern pork-raising people used Uncle Will’s methods there would be no short-

age of pets around, shortage of hired men maybe, but no shortage of pets!

Heck, one day a big old sow named “Nellie” went missing and we looked and looked for her for weeks. Sometime later Ernest and Y.T. opened the door of an old abandoned stable, and there she was! Well, there she was until she saw all that playlight! Then she left so fast we nearly got knocked down.

Apparently, the way pigs do, she had nosed that door open and it had swung-closed behind her.

Uncle Will almost cried, he felt so relieved that she had been found, and we were really congratulated around the supper table that night. Although we protested a bit about the I.Q. of a pig that didn’t know how to open a door from the inside, Uncle Will explained to us that even if it was a dumb animal it was still one of God’s creatures!

Of course Y.T. has no idea how many people who read this had an “Uncle Will” of their own.

And as far as my uncles go (although they’re all gone now), let’s hope that the example they set and the considerate way of life that they led, didn’t die with them!

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Plants that can keep bugs away from outdoor living spaces

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years, and that popularity grew even more over the last year.

As social distancing guidelines issued in response to the COVID19 pandemic encouraged people to stay home as much as possible, a desire for accessible, enjoyable

outdoor spaces grew. A 2020 study of Google trends data found that searches for items such as patio daybeds and small-space outdoor furniture grew by more than 200 per cent between the early part of 2020 and the middle of the year.

If outdoor living spaces are in demand, so, too, are ways to make those spaces as comfortable as

possible. There’s much homeowners can do to make the most of their outdoor spaces, but they might feel helpless against some unwanted, often relentless guests: insects.

Insects can turn relaxing days on the patio into wars of attrition with hungry bugs like mosquitoes.

Thankfully, there are ways to fight back against insects while simultaneously adding a little aesthetic appeal to the backyard. Planting insect-repelling plants around the patio or backyard can help

homeowners successfully repel unwanted insects, including mosquitoes.

• Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant plant that adds a pop of purple and has been known to repel mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths.

• Basil: Basil can provide the best of both worlds, as it’s been found to repel flies and moths and also makes for a tasty addition to pasta sauces and other dishes.

• Thyme: Also a valuable ingredient to keep in the kitchen, thyme can help keep hungry mosquitoes at bay.

• Mint: It’s easy to overplant mint, so homeowners should only plant with care and make a concerted effort to prevent overgrowth. Also great in the kitchen, mint has long been considered an effective mosquito repellant.

• Alliums: Like lavender, alliums can add a burst of purple to your patio.

And though they aren’t believed to repel mosquitoes, alliums have been found to be helpful against cabbage worms, aphids, carrot flies, and slugs.

• Chrysanthemums: If ants are drawing hom-

eowners’ ire, chrysanthemums may do the trick.

These eye-catching flowers also are believed to repel fleas and roaches, among other insects.

• Marigolds: The scent of this awe-inspiring plant is known to repel mosquitoes and other pests.

Marigolds also attract insects like ladybugs that are known to consume aphids, which are minute bugs that reproduce rapidly and feed by sucking sap from plants.

Clinics continue ... A COVID vaccination clinic was held last week at the Biggar Community Hall, one of several the community has hosted as we continue to battle the pandemic. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

DEADLINE MONDAY 1/4 Page 5 P.M. Midtown Auto Body Ltd is excited to announce that we will be doing estimates in Biggar!

We will be in town JUNE 4th and JUNE 18th at KRF Customs (Kevin Fick). Please call (306) 378-2828 to book!

NOW DOING WINDSHIELD INSTALLATIONS!!

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

306-378-2828.

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

Biggar Flags in Stock Need a Flag?

Come see us at the Independent

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

Farmers were the first environmental caretakers hungry, and the populations continues to grow, meaning more mouths to feed?

And what of dealing with storage batteries when they fail? Or the blades and gears and towers of wind farms?

Certainly there is growing awareness of what we do with our garbage having a huge impact on the environment. The problem of plastics, which can take hundreds of years to degrade in nature, polluting world oceans is now a thing of headlines.

How we address that issue alone is a huge question we must answer as caretakers of this planet.

We tend to look at agriculture as doing things rather well in terms of sustainability, with increased awareness to protecting waterways and wildlife.

However, a United Nations’ Food Systems Summit, which will be held in New York this fall, may well show the sector, at least on a worldwide basis is not doing so well.

And, if that is the case, what will the response be? It is likely going to be a response which impacts

Agriculture Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels In our world very little operates in a vacuum.

The activities of the human race tend to be very interconnected, with what happens in one sector having a ripple effect into other areas of our lives.

For example, there are those who focus a lot of attention on reducing the use of fossil fuels, in part because it is a finite resource, and of more immediate concern what burning coal and using gasoline a diesel has on the atmosphere.

But, what is the impact of renewable energy options?

Do we need to worry about utilizing a finite farmland base to grow crops for biofuels in a world where we know people still go to bed

how farmers farm.

It was the UN Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting in Paris in 2015 that got the ball rolling on the upcoming Food Systems Summit. Delegates attending the COP meeting learned that food production was responsible for 12 gigatons of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.

That was about 25 per cent of emissions, not from coal fired factories, or gridlocked cars on city freeways, or passenger planes and ocean freighters.

Now the UN has never been quick in coming to binding agreements.

Getting a deal on world agricultural trade tends to be a process that drags on for years, and typically ends up so watered down its impact is hard to notice, but world climate change has many much more focused on solutions, so what comes out of this process may hit sooner than later.

And, it will impact farming, the energy sector, and given their dual importance, it will ripple widely.

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

Our constituency office is here to assist with government services and programs.

Please contact us by phone or email to maintain social distancing.

Call the HealthLine - 811 if you are experiencing symptoms and require medical advice For the latest information on COVID-19 visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 Public inquiries may be emailed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca For general not health-specific inquires related to COVID-19 call 1-855-559-5502 The Business Response Team can be reached at 1-844-800-8688, emailing support for business@gov.sk.ca or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses Information on support for workers who have had their employment impacted by the current economic situation is found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-workers

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

3 col/6 20200330_Weekes_COVID-10 Info Ad.indd 1

3/30/2020 1:09:21 PM

CHASE THE ACE

THIS A 3 COLUMN BY 3 INCH COST $100.00

TICKETS

WESTWINDS AND THE INDEPENDENT

TICKETS ONLY $5.00 JACKPOT $2454.00 + 30% 45 CARDS REMAIN NEXT DRAW DATE JUNE 4, 2021 (FRIDAY), LIVE ON FACEBOOK GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY !!!

Regal Motors

Over 30 Years in Business

306-882-2283 www.allwestsales.com

Established in 1929 124-1st Ave.W

Rosetown, Sask.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

2021

AVAILABLE AT

Highway 7 West Rosetown Box 1054 • S0L 2V0 PATENTED SUSPENSION SYSTEM

-No Pain. More Gain. Our patented suspension technology reduces the effects of uneven terrain, virtually eliminating shock to the chassis and your body.

FORD F-150 LARIAT Regal Price: $70,890 licensing and taxes

t t t t

2.49% for 84 months Guard 4x4 Electronic 10 Speed Automatic t 2.7L V6 EcoBoost t Auto Start-Stop Tech.

INNOVATIVE CUTTING SYSTEM FOR A SUPERIOR CUT

-The iCD™ Cutting System was engineered to produce the best possible cut in a multitude of conditions. Every component works together to achieve superior cut quality.

Enjoy buying your next vehicle at Regal Motors!

• • • • •

2017 FORD F-150 LARIAT REGAL PRICE $50,995 +licensing and taxes Mileage: 71,935 km Exterior: Brown Drivetrain: 4x4 3.5L V6 24V GDI DOHC Twin Automatic

Sales: 855-971-2211

• • • • •

2016 FORD FLEX LIMITED REGAL PRICE $22,995 +licensing and taxes Mileage:122,753 km Exterior: White Drivetrain: AWD 3.5L V6 24V MPFI DOHC Automatic

Service: Parts: 855-920-4343 855-751-0967 Regalmotorsltd.com

CHECK OUT THE APACHE SPRAYERS

Power, performance, and value- that is what you can expect from Apache Sprayers, with stainless steel tank and 132′ Pommier Booms.

Come on down and check out some amazing sales on all of our new and used farm equipment.

306-882-2283 • 306-882-2024 • F: 306-882-3336 Contact the knowledgeable staff at All West Sales

8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

The Saskatchewan Traveller Kindersley & Rosetown Denture Clinics Professional Denture Services -Direct to Public-

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

David Anderson DD Caitlin Geiger DD 21061SS0 21063SS0

by Trudy and Dale Buxton Our adventure continues on a beautiful Saturday Spring day as we travel to the provincial capital, the City of Regina.

There was a rumour that someone in Regina had a motorcycle for sale so off to Regina we went to see it.

Along the way on the Trans-Canada Highway we run into the small community of Belle Plaine.

Belle Plaine has only a population of around 85 people and there isn’t a lot of services available, however near the community is the Mosaic Potash Ash mine. The mine is the first and the largest solution mine in the world.

Solution mining is the process of injecting hot saltwater into the potash layer, and this process happens over 3,600 feet below the surface. The Belle Plaine mine has a workforce of around 500 people and processes a product that is uniquely white in colour.

Next up is the City of Regina with a population of around 220,000 people.

Regina started off as a hunter’s camp back in the 1880’s, back when the buffalo still roamed the prairies. The camp was called “Pile O’Bones” for all the bones that were left behind after processing the buffalo.

Land was acquired by Lieutenant-Governor Edgar Dewdney along what would be the future CPR line and a community was born, it was said to be a national scandal at the time for his conflict of interest in obtaining the land and his position in the government.

Regina attained national attention in 1885 during the North

West Rebellion when troops were sent in from the east before marching into the battlefield in the northwest and later the leader of the rebellion, Louis Riel, was tried and hung in a Regina court house.

Did you know that Regina is the closest city to the centre of North America. It also holds a world record for having the longest bridge over the shortest span of water.

Wascana Park surrounds the Legislative buildings and is an excellent place for a walk or, in the winter, a crosscountry ski. There are approximately 25,000 annuals planted each year in the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens in front of the Legislative buildings.

Wascana Lake was created by damning the Wascana Creek. Did you know that Wascana, built around the lake, is larger than Vancouver’s Stanley Park and New York’s Central Park combined.

Wascana Park has one of the largest populations

of Canada Geese that call Regina home every summer.

Regina is home to The First Nations University of Canada, specializing in indigenous knowledge.

It is, of course, also home of our beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders. All year long you can’t go without seeing someone wearing green and white. Go Riders!

Now on to the purpose of the trip - a “new to us” motorcycle. When I saw this machine, I was a little overwhelmed at the possibilities in continuing our trips around Saskatchewan.

I was surprised at how well this machine had been taken care of, and we bought it on the spot.

It was only months ago we had crashed the other bike, and this machine gives us new hope and excitement.

We look forward to many new miles travelling around Saskatchewan!

Stay tuned for more adventures.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Barbara Goretzky’s Diggers at the Biggar Museum and Gallery An industrial-inspired event drove an artist and her work, now featured at the Biggar Museum and Gallery.

Toured through OSAC’s Arts on the Move program. Touring Spring 2019 to 2021. This exhibition is comprised of ceramic sculptures and linocut collaged prints.

On January 6, 2004, a small army of heavy-duty machinery descended upon a drained Wascana Lake in the middle of Regina. Over the next three months they would remove over 1.3 million cubic metres of soil from the lake bed at a cost of 18 million dollars.

A brand-new island was constructed, and the park extensively re-landscaped.

Colloquially known as the Big Dig, the Wascana Lake Urban Revitalization Project became a source of inspiration for Regina-based artist Barbara Goretzky, who was impressed by the monumental scale of both the project and the machinery used to carry it out.

At first glance, Goretzky’s work disarms; it’s cute, almost kitsch aesthetic drawing the viewer in. Foxes and other ground-dwelling creatures are lovingly rendered in clay, along with miniature versions of the excavation equipment Goretzky observed throughout the course of the Big Dig. Dump trucks carry loads of colourful leaves, yet the work has darker implications.

Goretsky is making a connection between humans and animals that dig. Like our animal counterparts, we alter our surroundings to make them more hospitable.

However, when we look at projects like Regina’s Big Dig, it becomes clear that the impact and scale of these alterations are incomparable.

Because of these projects, Goretzky’s grounddwelling creatures are often displaced from their natural habitats, forced to move or adapt to an increasingly urban environment.

Nature becomes a small plant pushing its way through a crack in a sidewalk or a jack rabbit bolting across an asphalt parking lot.

While we alter the land-

scape with an eye towards the hospitable, we also have an eye towards profit and claiming land as our own. We set ourselves apart, positioning ourselves as masters over our domain.

Under this logic, nature

is something to be controlled and exploited, an ever-present threat waiting to burst forth and reclaim the world. But this attitude is to our detriment and has led to the destruction of countless habitats and real

human lives. We aren’t separate from nature, we are nature and as such, Goretzky’s work in “Diggers” asks us to consider the impacts of our actions as well as our desire to reshape the world.

Adjudicated Art show in the museum last weekend

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery Carol Wylie, a past

resident of Biggar, was in town on the weekend to teach a portrait drawing workshop and

Carol Wylie presents Rusty Morris with the medal, declaring his body of work as the winner of the show.

Abstract and colourful, creative, and unusual were the some of the words used to describe his body of work.

(Photos courtesy of the Biggar Museum and Gallery)

to adjudicate this year’s adjudication.

The Biggar and District Art Council and OSAC

work with the museum and together invite artists from all around West Central Saskatchewan

Laura Latimer, right, and her painting “Ring the Bells” was declared People’s Choice Award and took home a plaque with her name on, presented each year by an anonymous donator. Rita Sutherland from the Biggar and District Arts Council presented the award.

and the Battlefords to enter their body of work to be adjudicated by a professional.

The art has been hanging in the gallery since May 2. Carol got here Friday evening and got right into a three-hour workshop on how to draw a portrait. Jarrett Moore was the patient model and there were five aspiring artists learning how to draw from a professional portrait artist.

The workshop continued Saturday morning from 9-11:30. At 1:30 all the artists who had their art hanging in the gallery showed up to hear what Carol had to say about their art. Carol was very complementary of everyone’s efforts and styles. She pointed out the attributes of each piece to the artists. She also made kind suggestions on how the artists could improve and carry on improving their styles.

Normally the public is invited to their adjudications, but because of the restrictions, only

the artists were invited this year.

Carol did declare a winner of the show. Rusty Morris from Rosetown Photography club went home with the top award.

With this Rusty can now be qualified to enter the provincial adjudication and maybe even have a show travel around Saskatchewan in one of their Arts on The Move exhibits. The art exhibits shown in the museum are the winners of the provincial adjudications.

The Museum also ran the People’s Choice Award. Laura Latimer won with her “Ring the Bells” selection from her series based on the Leonard Cohen poem …

“Ring the Bells, That still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack in everything, That is how the light gets in.”

Each artist was also awarded a ribbon of merit for one or two pieces in their body of work.

So, despite COVID, art goes on!

RETAILS FIREWORKS ARE HERE TO PURCHASE COME ON DOWN TO THE INDEPENDENT

10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

PERDUE SCHOOL Aidan BrownWright

Cade Shields

Adam Munro

VALEDICTORIAN Rylee Moody

Faith Stevens

Thank you to our advertisers for the support AGI-Envirotank, Biggar, 306-948-5262 Biggar & Landis Insurance, 306-948-2204 Boortmalt - Prairie Malt, Biggar, 306-948-3500 Busse Law Professional Corporation, Biggar, 306-948-3346 Central Plains Co-operative Ltd., Perdue, 306-237-4639 de Moissac Jewellers, Biggar, 306-948-2452 E-Kay Enterprises Ltd., Biggar, “Builder of Back Savers”, 306-948-2544 Full Line Ag , Farm Equipment Superstore, 306-237-4212 Jim Reiter, M.L.A., Rosetown-Elrose Contituency, 1-855-762-2233 Nutrien Ag Solutions, Perdue, 306-237-4337 Perdue Agencies, Congratulations Grads!, 306-237-4373 1/4 Page Perdue Oasis Golf and RV Resort, 306-237-4653

Pharmasave, Biggar, 306-948-3315 Rack Petroleum, Perdue, 306-237-1800 Randy Weekes, M.L.A., Biggar-Sask Valley Constituency, www.ranyweekes.ca, 306-948-4880 Royal Bank, Biggar Branch, 306-948-3235 Spyder Autobody, Biggar, 306-948-2044 TND Plumbing Heating Electrical, Biggar, 306-948-3389 T-ROY’s Trucking Ltd., Perdue, 306-237-7671 Westwinds Motor Hotel/Cold Beer & Liquor Store, 306-948-3301 The Biggar Independent Printers, Dale, Trudy, Kevin, Fallon, Kenneth 1/4 Page 306-948-3344

In Perdue & Biggar 948-3352

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2021

Congratulations to all the Graduates of 2021 at Perdue High School

306-948-3363

Hanover Junction Elevator located Hwy 14 West., Biggar

Call: 306-948-1990

1/4 Page

1/4 Page

/;:3>-@A8-@5;:?

&/$66 2)

Serving Perdue and Area

Congratulations to the Grads of 2021

,Q WKHVH H[WUDRUGLQDU\ WLPHV ZH FHOHEUDWH \RX %H IHDUOHVV DQG GUHDP ELJ &21*5$78/$7,216 *5$'8$7(6

Congratulations Graduates of 2021

Biggar and District

Tel: (306) 948-2183 hrbbiggar@sasktel.net

.HOO\ %ORFN 03 &$5/721 75$,/ŭ($*/( &5((.

.(//< %/2&.Ÿ3$5/ *& &$ .(//<%/2&.03 &$

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Congratulations Graduates

Brock Thomson

Brock Thomson, son of Derek and Cindy Thomson, convocated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bioresources from the University of Saskatchewan.

He majored in Agribusiness and is employed at the Duperow Co-op in Biggar.

Congratulations Brock!

by Charlee Wolfe The Monarch 4H Club has been busy this yeareven with all the Covid restrictions in place.

We started off in October with our registration night. This year we have 23 members in 3 different projects- Light Horse, Beef and Rodeo.

Light Horse has been meeting throughout the winter regularly, working on their project books, learning a bit about first aid and planning their year. Now they are riding every Tuesday and Thursday in the valley. They had a clinic on the weekend with Chelsea Norheim and also had their Evaluation Day. Now they have lots of time to work on improving their skills before Achievement Day which will be held later this summer.

Beef has had a few meetings- weighed their animals, took their animals to SLS to wash, clip and learn a bit about their cattle. They met in the valley and will be having a mock Achievement Day there on June 7 followed

by Achievement Day on June 19 in the valley.

Rodeo project has started to ride now and have also had a few clinics- Steer Wrestling and roping clinic with Meg & Jared

Kaidree Elliott

Congratulations to Kaidree Eliiott on obtaining her Bachelor of Education degree with Great Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan.

Proud Parents are Jim and Bonita Elliott.

MONARCH 4H CLUB

Sparrow and a goat tying clinic with Ashley Heather. They plan to continue riding and end their year with a fun skills day in September.

Public Speaking still happened this year- although

a bit different. We couldn’t have everyone together due to restrictions so some did their speeches virtually and some were done in person. Everyone did get their speech com-

pleted this year.

The Regional show and Sale in Kerrobert had to be cancelled again this year so that is unfortunate for some as that was their chance to show their

animals. Some kids will be going to the Regional Show and Sale at Prairieland at the end of June / beginning of July.

All in all it has been a good year despite all the

restrictions- we weren’t able to have our regular Christmas party or to hold regular meetings but at least we were able to have a modified year for 4H.

Photos Submitted by B.J. Wolfe

12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

1/4 Page

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

PRECISION AUTOBODY IS NOW WRITING SGI ESTIMATES IN BIGGAR!

We’ve been working with Fred & Patsy at Spyder Autobody for the past 6 months, and will continue servicing the Biggar community Now doing mobile SGI appraisals

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

• Courtesy cars available • Free pickup and delivery

2326 Avenue C North Saskatoon 306-664-4156 customerservice@precisionautobody.ca

Moose and Family ... You never know what will be outside your door when you wake up, but for Stephanie Weekes, this long-legged family greeted her last week, no doubt, waiting for breakfast!

(Photo for The Independent by Stephanie Weekes)

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency 215 Main Street, Rosetown Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 Tel: 306-882-4105 Fax: 306-882-4108 Toll free; 1-855-762-2233 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns

Prairieland Collision Centre Sure sign of Spring! ... It is always a beautiful sight for visitors to our community when greeted by the Town of Biggar sign at the intersection of Highway 4 and 14, and these ladies have once again made us proud with their gardening prowess. Thank you, ladies! (Submitted Photo)

COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE

306-882-2289 Darren Wenzel Kelan Deibert 601 Colwell Road, Rosetown, SK. prairielandcollision@sasktel.net Working with the local communities, Mid-Sask helps address the needs of local business through: • A combination of localized long range strategic planning • Counseling and business development • Financial assistance up to $150,000 to small, medium sized business and entrepreneurs Mid-Sask Community Futures 500 Progress Avenue, Box 176 Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 P: 306-867-9566 Fax: 306-867-9559 https://cfsask.ca/mid-sask

Green Thumbs ... A new batch of gardeners blossomed last week at the Biggar Central School grounds, as the Kids in the Kitchen Gardening Group began learning the art of growing their own food. Potatoes, beets, carrots .. a whole lot1/4 Page of tasty veggies will be on the plates of these gardeners. (Independent Photo by Kevin

Brautigam)

Pizzeria Adria and Ray’s Vinyl A Perfect Combination

Thanks for your Business

948-4800

Ray’s Vinyls

210616G0

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK PUBLIC NOTICE

SGI and law enforcement focusing on seatbelts and child restraints in June

PROPOSED XPLORNET 45 M SELF SUPPORT INSTALLATION Proposed Xplornet Telecommunication facility:

With respect to this matter, the public is invited to provide written comments by June 26, 2021 to the contact information shown below. Please include a return address or contact information.

x

45m self support tower

x

Located Southeast of Marcelin, next to Highway 40m, within the SE 34-045-06 W3M Surface Parcel #32988832 and to be accessed using an Existing road off Highway #40 on Township 460.

x

The facility will be fenced and will include a locked 10m x 10m shelter, which will be located at the base of the tower

x

The site will provide faster and reliable high speed internet and phone services in the general area of Marcelin.

SITE LOCATION MAP

Further information may also be obtained through the following contact: Xplornet Communications Inc. (“Xplornet”) c/o Vertex Professional Services Ltd. 4240 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4E6 Phone: 403-229-3969 Toll Free: 1-844-7VERTEX (783-7839) Fax: 403-244-1202 Email: telcocommentsab@vertex.ca Innovation, Science and Economic Development Northern Saskatchewan District Office 123-2nd Avenue South, 7th Floor Saskatoon, SK S7K 7E6 Phone: 1-877-783-7757 Fax: 306-975-4231 Email: ic.spectrumsaskatoonsaskatoonspectre.ic@canada.ca RM of Blaine Lake N0. 434 118 Main Street, Box Saskatchewan, S0J 0J0 Phone: 306-497-2282 Fax: 306-497-2423 Email: rm434@sasktel.net

• • • • • • •

38,

Blaine

Lake,

“NEW” Family Combo 1 LARGE PIZZA 1 POUND of CHICKEN WINGS 6 CHICKEN FINGERS 95 .

6 DRY RIBS $5 4 GARLIC TOAST LARGE CAESAR SALAD 2 LITRE POP Proposed Site Location

Biggar Homestead Restaurant 948-5656

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

In November of 2019, three-year-old Kinsley Powell was in the back seat of her grandfather’s SUV on Highway 2 near Wakaw.

As they rounded a curve, an oncoming car swerved, straightened out and then lost control and slammed into the SUV, almost head-on.

The resulting head-on crash was very violent, resulting in the tragic death of the car’s driver and severe injuries to Kinsley’s grandfather.

Kinsley’s mom, Jasmine Draude, was travelling to the same destination in a separate vehicle.

She arrived on the scene moments after the collision took place, even before first responders.

Jasmine found Kinsley was completely uninjured, aside from a couple of scratches from the curtain airbag, thanks to being properly restrained in her car seat.

“It was terrifying to see my father’s SUV partially in the ditch, with its front end destroyed, knowing my daughter was in that vehicle,” Jasmine said.

“If Kinsley wasn’t properly secured in her car seat, there is no doubt she would have been very, very badly hurt ... or worse.”

Because she was properly fastened in that car seat, Kinsley is now a vibrant 5-year-old who loves spending time at the lake, dancing, and going for bike rides with her family.

In a collision or sudden stop, properly fastened occupant restraints – seatbelts for adults, car seats and boosters for kids – can mean the difference between death/ serious injury and walking away unscathed. Saskatchewan law enforcement and SGI are focusing on seatbelts and child restraints this month as a part of the June Traffic Safety Spotlight. As part of the campaign, SGI will be sharing tips and resources for families who are ready to make a change in how they buckle up and a commitment to always buckle up, even on short trips.

“Parents are always looking out for the safety of their children, but may have questions about when their little ones want to grow up and use the same seatbelt system as Mom and Dad,” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “We want parents to remember that your child’s size and weight is the only way to

decide when to change what seat they use in your vehicle. It’s about making sure they fit the restraint system properly.”

Child seats are mandatory for all children in Saskatchewan who are: Under age 7; Less than 145 cm (4’9”) in height; and under 36 kg (80 lb.) in weight.

SGI recommends that children remain in a rearfacing car seat until they are at least 9 kg (22 lb) and shouldn’t transition to a booster seat until they are at least 18 kg (40 lb). Child seats are not one-size-fits-all so be sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing instructions before you make the change. Children 12 and under should always sit in the back, away from where the front airbags deploy.

Keeping kids safe while in a vehicle can be challenging, but there are plenty of resources to help. Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines that came with your car seat and follow their instructions. SGI has resources on our web site about car seats and booster seats. If you need more help, reach out to a car seat technician in your area and make an appointment.

Get Noticed

Consumers are exposed to thousands of brands/ads daily less than 100 will create awareness and only about 12 will make an impression and engage consumers.

*conditions apply

From April 1 - June 30 we are offering loans as low as prime* for yard or home upgrades, credit card consolidation, a car, truck or boat - tell us what you need.

And you could win a bistro set!

Consumers notice the ads in newspapers. Advertise in print and get noticed.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Sports Lack of hitting not a big hit with fans

Penton on sports Bruce Penton

What do the following people - Joe Musgrove, Spencer Turnbull, John Means, Carlos Rodon, Corey Kluber and Wade Miley — have-in common?

Unless you’re an avid fan of Major League Baseball, you might not know the answer is that the aforementioned sextet had pitched no-hitters in the first seven weeks of the 2021 season. The number would be seven if Madison Bumgarner’s seven-inning no-hitter was counted, but MLB has said no-hitters won’t be recognized if they happen in shortened games in doubleheaders.

Considering, for example, there were only two no-hitters thrown in all of 2018 and only one each in 2017 and 2016, having

six occur in the first seven weeks of 2021 is rather remarkable. But it begs the question: What the heck is going on?

Easy. Pitchers are getting better, and hitters aren’t.

The overall MLB batting average through May 23 was an abysmal .235.

Used to be that it was an insult to call somebody a .250 hitter, but these days, that number would be well above average.

In 1968, the overall MLB batting average was .236, with Carl Yastrzemski’s .301 good enough for the American League batting title. As a team, New York Yankees hit .214. Baseball took action, lowering the mound to minimize the dominance of pitchers, and tightening the strike zone. This isn’t 1968, but MLB may decide to do something drastic once again to get more hitting, more offence, more excitement, into the game.

Fans are staying away - and not just because of COVID-19 restrictions because games are dragging, not to mention the excitement level. Home runs are up; doubles and triples are down. Teams rarely bunt anymore.

Pitched balls are put into play less frequently.

Strikeouts are up, again. A

record number of strikeouts has been set every year since 2007. Pitchers who threw 95 miles per hour 20 years ago were freaks. Now every team has a couple of them, with most teams rostering a pitcher or two who regularly zoom past 100 on the radar gun. Said Marlins’ manager Don Mattingly: “Sometimes it’s unwatchable.”

No-hitters are fun to watch, but an 11-8 game featuring 27 hits, stolen bases, wild overthrows and spectacular catches in my mind provides much more entertainment. Baseball has to figure out a way to reduce the former and increase the latter.

• Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, describing a night at the ballpark interviewing ‘cardboard’ fans: “At the A’s ballpark, I interviewed one of those cardboard fans, the only one that was not smiling. Said the fan, ‘I wasn’t cut out for this.’”

• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “MLB has had six no-hitters already.

Normally they only have two no-hitters a year and sometimes none. Who would have guessed a symptom of COVID-19 would be batters hitting like one of the Kardashian

sisters?”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Police in Ireland broke up a fight at a chess tournament after a player was found strategizing using a computer in the toilet. Imagine that: Plotting against kings and queens on the throne.”

• Eammon Lynch of GolfWeek, on the proposed Super Golf League: “Imagine Gretzky having quit because Dancing on Ice offered more money. Or Jordan’s Bulls deciding that joining the Harlem Globetrotters was better than winning championships.”

• Comedy writer Eric Stangel, on Twitter: “While you were sleeping, nine more no-hitters were thrown.”

• Sports figure Kyle Porter of CBS, on Twitter, describing Rickie Fowler’s outfit during Day 1 of the PGA: “Rickie looks like he’s in disguise as an undercover investigator into a complex Phil Mickelson cryptocurrency enterprise.”

• Patti Dawn Swansson, on Twitter: “It isn’t easy being green, but my favourite curler, Chelsea Carey, plans to see if the colour fits. Chelsea will be skipping a team from the Flattest of Lands next season, which means she’ll be going after a

rare trifecta - champion of Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.”

• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “So, which NBA team will be the first to hoist a ‘2021 Play-In Champion’ banner next season?”

• Patti Dawn Swansson again: “It’s official: The people at Guinness World Records have declared film of Corey Perry’s knee hitting John Tavares’ head to be the most dissected piece of video evidence since Abraham Zapruder’s home movie of the JFK assassination.”

• Headline at fark. com: “Leafs captain Tavares removed from

ice on stretcher. Expected to recover in time to make Leafs’ tee time next week.”

• Another fark.com offering: “Shohei Ohtani is the most exciting player in MLB and will only see a World Series from the stands because he is on the Angels.”

• Steve Simmons of Sunmedia, on double threat Shohei Ohtani of baseball’s Los Angeles Angels: “In simpler Toronto terms, he is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Hyunjin Ryu all in one person.”

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

Answers: A feline B. claws C.purr D. scratch

21063GE0

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

INVESTMENTS

Business & Professional …

For all your investment needs, Visit…

Lyndsey Poole 3)3

Pamela Eaton 3)3

Mutual Fund Investment Specialist, Credential Asset Management Inc.

Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.

Cheri Steeg

Ashley Booker &)3

Mutual Fund Investment Specialist Credential Asset Management Inc.

,QYHVWPHQW $GYLVRU Credential 6HFXULWLHV ,QF

Located at the Biggar & District Credit Union 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK • 306-948-3352

ACCOUNTING

NEED LIFE rod.campbell@sasktel.net 117 - 3rd Ave. W.,

(New Horizons Bldg) Biggar

INSURANCE 210 - 616 Main Street Saskatoon, Sask.

S7H 0J6

Biggar Office Hours…

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

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

Landis Office Hours:

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

Thursday CLOSED

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

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

“We’ll getcha covered”

Ph: 306-948-5133 306-657-8999

701 - 4th Ave. E., Biggar

306-948-3996

Open Monday-Friday Mike Nahorney, Journeyman Red Seal Mechanic

306.237.7671 INSURANCE ?

TROY MAY, owner/operator

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

223 Main Street Biggar

Dan • 306-948-7843 Biggar, Sask.

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

HEAVY TRUCK & AUTO Repair (WY %AST "IGGAR 30 minutes could change TIRES your life!!!

306-948-2109 BOATS & RVs FULLY MOBILE MECHANIC

SGI Safety INSPECTIONS

ELECTRICAL BIGGAR ELECTRICAL & REFRIGERATION SERVICES Commercial and Industrial Electrical Wiring Licensed Journeyman Adrian de Haan

306-948-5291

Box 580 Biggar, SK SOK OMO

306-948-2183

AUTOMOTIVE

M & N REPAIR

Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc., and mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities Inc. ®Credential is a registered mark owned

by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under license.

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

HAULING

SEEKIN G NE CLIENT W CAMPBELL S ACCOUNTING SERVICES • Income Tax Returns • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Financial Statements

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

SERVICE TRUCK FULL MECHANICAL SERVICE

-ON &RI s A M P M phone: Chris

306-948-3376 FOR RENT

BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Housing for families and seniors Rent based on income

Call: 306-948-2101

SERVICES PHOTOGRAPHY

Email: hrbbiggar@sasktelnet Website: www.hrblock.ca

Since 1977, Primerica has offered term life insurance, giving families the coverage they need at a price they can afford.

In Biggar - Dale Buxton

306-951-7700

REAL ESTATE

Acres of Expertise.

Dave Molberg

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

Shoreline Realty

Cari Perih

Phone:306.882.2123

www.SoldbyCari.ca homesforsale@soldbycari.ca

New Patients Welcome!

LEGAL SERVICES

…serving your community since 1972

ROSETOWN DENTAL

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

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

Office: 306-867-8380 carip@remax.net

306-948-3346

306-948-3408

OFFICE HOURS

Cell: 306-948-7995

302 Main Street, Biggar, SK

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

115 - 1 Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.

REALTOR

PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Barristers & Solicitors Stuart A. Busse, QC Larry A. Kirk, LL.B.

Custom Embroidery t +BDLFUT t 8JOETVJUT Family, Corporate and DENTAL Please proof Business & Portraits, Professional directory adTeams, to t 4IJSUT t )VOUJOH (FBS be published for t #VOOZIVHT t $BQT Wedding, Sports, Personal Attire t 5PRVFT t #BHT the next 52 weeks (year)Passport for $403.00 plus gst.

CLINIC & Firearm Judy Check outKahovec… our new website: th has been sent classicmakings.ca Bill Photography 306-882-4313, cell 306-831-7935 104 - 6 Ave. East, BigJudy Kahovec: Biggar, .

Franchise Advertising Payables & Sask Inquiries gar, Sask.

882-4313, Cell 831-7935 Carey Krchov: 882-3213 www.photosbyjocelyn.com SEED CLEANING Southeast entrance of Avenue, #102 - 9622 - 42 306-948-7267 Nova Wood Bldg.

Edmonton, AB T6E 5Ya WYLIE SEED & Hours…

Phone: 780-448-2166; PROCESSING INC. Monday - Thursday, A Sign of Fax: 780-438-1233; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Qualilty! email: CSC-Edmonton.accountspayable@hrblock.ca Friday,

st

®

BUSSE LAW

DENTAL

Photos by Attention: Deanna Stevenot BIGGAR Jocelyn

Dr. Krista Maedel & Associates

Peszko &Watson is a full service law office that practices…

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

Jason Peszko Lisa Watson Bailee Massett look forward to assisting you and can be contacted at:

306-948-5352 or 306-244-9865

Dr. Kirk Ewen Dr. Michelle Skoretz

s 7OOD METAL PLASTIC SIGNS s 6EHICLE WINDOW GRAPHICS s "ANNERS STICKERS AND Magnetic signs

Biggar Professional Building, 223 Main St., Biggar

For appointments…

1-855-651-3311

Excellent Quality at a Reasonable Price!

For all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning

PROOF -

Call: Bill: Dale:

)PU 4IPU 4FSWJDF CALL Chance Parenteau @ 306-948-9465 or Sarah Nagy @ 306-290-9766

Rebel Landscaping

In BIGGAR

Canadian Seed Institute Accredited Pedigree, Commercial & Custom Cleaning FULL line of Cleaning Equipment including Gravity Table

PLUMBING HEATING ELECTRICAL

For all your home, business and rural needs Owners/Operators • Dallas Young • Claude Young

Biggar, Sask.

306-948-3389

Journeymen Plumber, Gas Fitter, & Electrician on staff

MADGE ROOFING INC.

“Setting a Higher Standard” New Construction The Biggar Independent Torch-on Re-roofing Plant located 8 miles south Fax:Tel: 306-948-5699 948-3344 of Biggar Fax:on948-2133 Contact: Hwy #4, ¼ mile TileUrla Metal Triumph Rd. All repairs Asphaltand accuracy. copyoncarefully for spelling 9 Please check this west Inspections Shakes 9 When you OK this proof, we cannot be held responsible NOW DOING for any errors that remain Eavestroughing noon, Fri. April 25 9 Please approve and return by:_______________________ Downspouts Soffit & Facia OK as is.Aboriginal Owned We offer 10 Year Make corrections as noted and scheduleWorkmanship additional proof. t .PCJMF 8FMEJOH 'BCSJDBUJPO t &NFSHODZ 4FSWJDF Warranty and t 3FQBJST (PU B QSPKFDU JO NJOE Make corrections as noted and proceed Liability/Torch with production t 8F DBUFS UP "-- On Insurance Give us a call JOEVTUSJFTy GBSNJOH without additional proof.

Excellent Local References for a quote.

DPNNFSDJBM PJM GJFME For a FREE estimate please Initials____________ t /08 PGGFSJOH JOEVTUSJBM 4LJETUFFS 5SBOTQPSU call… 306-948-5453 • CWB Jerry Muc Phone: 306-948-2958

Doctors of Optometry

Every Tuesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sewing & Embroidery

948-2879, evenings 948-7207, daytime Ed Kolenosky s $RIVEWAYS s 3OD s #ONCRETE s 0ATIO s 'ARAGE 0ADS "LOCKS s 0RUNING s 3NOW as per hours, s 0LANTING 2EMOVAL s 4OPSOIL s &ENCES s ,AWN #ARE xAND s ,EVELING MUCH MORE

306- 948-2807 or 948-5609 948-5394

Certified

306-717-2818

www.madgesaskroofing.com Biggar, Sask.

Biggar Sand & Gravel

• trenching • trucking • water & sewer • sand & gravel Biggar, Sask. phone call on Feb. 26, 2019 Brody Ellis, Sever Ellis, Stetler Heather • excavating Office …

306-948-3380 306-948-9307

306-230-4653

info@alloutdrilling.ca

Call today for a FREE estimate!

Attention: Karen Here is a draft of Business & Professional ad for your approval. If you get back to me by 5 p.m.

Business & Professional …

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

COURIER

BIGGAR COURIER

• Biggar to Saskatoon • Same day Service • Monday-Wednesday-Friday • 24-hour Answering Service

2 col/6

~Kiley and Sever Ellis~

Cell: 306-948-7524

SERVICES

GALLARDO Liner

Passenger Services 122 Main St. - Biggar Depot Macklin to Saskatoon & towns in-between Kindersley to Saskatoon & towns in-between

Naty/Michael…

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

Special Event, Airport Service or Doctorʼs Appointments

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

HEALTH/WELLNESS

- together with -

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK-17

ARIES – Mar 21/ Apr 20

VIRGO – Aug 24/ Sept 22

You feel most comfortable when things are organized, Aries. However, flexibility is handy as well, and sometimes things may not be in order as much as you like. Adapting is key.

Virgo, check your messages frequently this week, as someone needs to get in touch with you. He or she may have some news that can change your course.

TAURUS – Apr 21/ May 21 Taurus, once you get into a groove, you will find that many of your tasks are much easier to manage.

Keep plugging and you’ll hit your stride soon enough.

Libra, don’t focus too much on emotions this week. Instead, put all of your energy into intellectual musings, which will help you complete a project in the days ahead.

GEMINI – May 22/ Jun 21

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Gemini, sometimes it may seem like the smallest issue is suddenly a major mountain that you must scale. Change your approach and you’ll soon realize you can handle anything.

Scorpio, even with the frenzy of activity around you, try not to be overwhelmed by the situation.

Your first reaction may be to fly off the handle. Keep it together.

CANCER – Jun 22/ Jul 22 Many things may come to you more easily than usual, Cancer. Ride this wave of ease that has fallen into your lap. Enjoy the break that comes with it as well.

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

MUSIC

D.J. Music for all occasions, pop, rock, country, new, edm, light show included Marriage Commissioner For More Info:

(Answers on Page 15)

Co-Ed Fitness Centre

Brett…

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

Biggar, Sask.

951-7700 newufitness@sasktel.net 948-3344 /WNED AND OPERATED BY

Thanks Urla

102 For - 3rdMore Info: dale@dtjssb.ca Ave. West, or

1ST AID TRAINING

1st Aid training on-line or classroom. $130 Re-Certs $85 Canadian Red Cross For More Info:

tip@sasktel.net or

951-7700

Capricorn, this is one of those weeks when you get sidetracked at seemingly every turn, Capricorn.

Don’t be too hard on yourself about the delays.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

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

THIS SPACE

"RETT "ARBER

Independent Safety Service

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

This is your week to make short work of chores, Pisces. You may be lacking patience, but everything will get done, especially if you ask for help.

948-3344

fireworks?

306-948-9750

Consider calling up an old friend or a former romantic partner who has the potential to stir up some passion inside of you, Sagittarius. More excitement is on the horizon.

PISCES – Feb 19/ Mar 20

2 col/6 951-7700

Please get back to me with changes/corrections by return email this morning.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Aquarius, embrace some difficult tasks this week.

These projects will make you appreciate the value of hard work and put simpler tasks in perspective.

or

951-7700 948-3344

s FLOWERS s CUSTOM WEDDING DECORATING & EVENTS s R ENTALS… 4ENTS

Looking to buy good "OUNCY #ASTLE quality retail

You can get far with minimal effort this week, Leo. Simply set your sights on an end goal, and before you know it you will reach that destination.

dale@dtjssb.ca

or

FLOWER SHOP

23

1st Aid training on-line or classroom. $120 Re-Certs $85 Canadian Red Cross For More Info:

dale@dtjssb.ca

BRETT’S DECORATING & DESIGN

LEO – Jul 23/Aug

DB SAFETY SERVICE 1ST AID TRAINING

LIBRA – Sept 23/ Oct 23

BE SEEN in the BUSINESS DIRECTORY CALL

306.948.3344 FOR SPECIAL RATES AND SIZES

IN THIS DIRECTORY IS AVAILABLE FOR ONLY

$6.20 PLUS GST…/WEEK ONE COLUMN X

2

INCHES

FOR

26-WEEK

PREPAID

email us at tip@sasktel.net

18 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

OFFICE ASSISTANT SKILL SET AND REQUIREMENTS • Strong communication skills both in person and via email • Ability to work independently and multi-task while maintaining organization and being thorough with tasks that are time sensitive • Valid driver’s license and clean criminal record • Patience in dealing with people who are grief stricken and come from diverse backgrounds • Experience with Adobe Creative software considered an asset.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: • Perform office duties such as answering phones and email correspondence • Organizing funeral details such as burial permits and booking churches and cemeteries • Capture accurate information to prepare documents related to registering a death, insurance policies, obituary information and creating funeral cards.

• General cleaning of the funeral homes and vehicles

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

Our family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and excellent care our mother, Katie Sagon, received during her stay at the Biggar and District Health Centre and Long-Term Care facility. We are forever grateful for everything you did to fulfill her 90th Birthday Wishes.

We are saddened by her passing but are comforted in knowing that she received the best care available. Please express our appreciation to everyone who worked with Mom. Thank you to Gerein Funeral Services for your compassionate service delivery. And of course, to all our family and friends for the hugs, flowers, cares, phone calls, and gifts of food and prayers in Mom’s passing.

The New Horizons would sincerely like to say Thank-You to Neil Irven and Tammy Lindgren for the $1000 donation made to The New Horizons

The Sagon Family CASUAL OFFICE ASSISTANT WANTED TOWN OF ASQUITH

The Town of Asquith is inviting individuals to submit a resume for the position of casual Office Assistant with the Town of Asquith.

Some office/computer experience is required. The individual must be willing to train on Munisoft computer software and must have experience dealing with people and handling money.

Hours may range from 20-30 hours/week and can offer some flexibility for the right candidate.

To apply send a personal resume to: carla@gereinfuneralservice.com

HJR Asphalt LP. Heavy Equipment Operators and Truck Drivers Wanted in Saskatchewan.

Loaders, pavers, rollers, 1A and 3A drivers. Valid license required.

Send resume & references to: resume@hjrasphalt. com ARE you an experienced Flat or Steep Roofer or trainee looking for an exciting opportunity in Vernon, BC? Community Roofing Ltd. is a company that has been in the roofing business for over 30 years. Qualifications and Skills: Previous experience preferred installing, repairing, and replacing flat and steep roofs, including Torch -On (single and 2 ply), laminate shingles and cedar conversions as well as TPO, safely and correctly on new/used residential and commercial roofs. Wages TBD Drivers License an asset.

Dependable and reliable. In house Fall Protection training WE also require labourers and non-experienced trainees. Call Today Ray 250.308.0157

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED:

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED:

Late model winch trucks and trailers; dump trucks and pups. Hauling heavy equipment, gravel, and camp shacks.

Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season.

Position is minimum of one day a month, however, you will also be required to cover for the administrator’s EDO’s, when ill, conventions, and holidays (at times possibly 2 weeks in a row).

Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to: Send resume and Bryden Construction work references to: Bryden Construction )V_ (YIVYÄLSK :R : , ( " )V_ (YIVYÄLSK :R Fax: 306-769-8844 : , ( " ,THPS! Fax: 306-769-8844 brydenconstruct@ ,THPS! xplornet.ca brydenconstruct@ www. xplornet.ca brydenconstruction www. andtransport.ca brydenconstruction

Please have all resumes stating qualifications in at the Asquith Town Office by 4:00 p.m. on June 14, 2021. Mailing address of Box 160, Asquith, SK S0K 0J0.

For more information, please contact the Asquith Town Office at 306-329-4341.

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

HOUSE FOR SALE

901 ave. O south Perdue.

1132sq.ft. 2+1 bedroom bung. with breezeway and 1 car detached.Brand new vinyl fence, high eff-furnace w/ central air. New high end kitchen including quartz counter tops, some windows and wood floors.

Must see! $219900.

AGPRO SEEDS is BUYING: HEATED CANOLA #1 BUYER, TOP PRICE PAID IN SK. On farm pickup!

Call: 306-8733006 or email: sales@agproseeds.com.

Check out prices @ agproseeds. com

HOUSE FOR SALE

905 5th st. Perdue.

Executive home in town of Perdue. 3248 sq.ft. with 4 car attached garage/workshop and too many high-end upgrades to mention. $419900.

Call Dwein to view (306)221-1035

Call Dwein to view (306) 221-1035

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

Father Edward Gibney

Parish Phone: 306-948-3330

3!452$!9 -!33 4)-% s P M SUNDAY MASS TIME s A M

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH, Landis 35.$!9 -!33 4)-% s A M

andtransport.ca

FARMLAND WANTED I am currenlty CERTIFIED SEED Integrity Post PURCHASING single WHEAT Frame Buildings to large blocks of AAC GOODWIN, land.

SINCE 2008 AC ANDREW, SADASH, GO EARLY, PINTAIL. Built with NO FEES OR OATS COMMISISONS AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, Concrete Posts AC MUSTANG, DERBY, Barns, Shops, Saskatchewan born SO1 SUPER OAT. Riding Arenas, and raised, I know BARLEY land, farming and CDC AUSTENSON, Machine Sheds farmland and can CDC MAVERICK, and More help you every step CERVEZA, SUNDRE. of the way.

PEAS sales@ AAC PEACE RIVER Integritybuilt.com (VERY EARLY YELLOW), Doug Rue, for further information CDC HORIZON (FORAGE), 1-866-974-7678 POLISH CANOLA, 306-716-2671 www.

SPRING TRITICALE saskfarms@shaw.ca integritybuilt.com www.sellyourfarm mastinseeds.com land.com 403-556-2609

WANTED - Books, DVD’s, Puzzles and games The Biggar Museum & Gallery will begin accepting books for the Annual Used Book Sale Fundraiser now.

Our hours are Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 - 5:00 closed over noon hour.

Please call first at 306-948-3451 and meet us at the back door and we will put them into the shed on the north side of the museum.

Book Sale will begin July 2, 2021

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans LOOKING FOR VCR’S

VHS - DVD COMBONATION CALL DAN AT 306-246-43125 AFTER 6PM PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306649.1405 for details.

INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www.chateauvilla.ca, 306-281-4475 or chateauvilla@ sasktel.net.

FOR RENT Charter/ Sherwood Apartments in Biggar

1 or 2 bedroom, heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite system, laundry facilities, appliances, some suites with dishwashers, air conditioning, parking with plug-ins.

For more information call: Risa Management at 306-665-2300 or Andre at 306831-4430

Central Park Place

has apartments for seniors available in Biggar Call 948-3901 0r 948-7824

will be holding IN person worship service at Redeemer Luther, 319 7th East, June 13th and 27th at 10:30 a.m. For pastoral services or to be included in online worship please phone; Cindy Hoppe at 948-2947or John Bennett at 948-2852.

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 as we celebrate the Lord Jesus Covid restrictions apply

BIGGAR UNITED CHURCH 907 Quebec St./corner Turnbull Ave., Biggar

SUNDAY Services 11 a.m.

Covid 19 Guidelines Apply Masks Required INQUIRIES CALL CHURCH OFFICE 306-948-2280 LEAVE MESSAGE

S-D A C

SATURDAY SERVICES

B S : ..

C S : ..  -  A. E C: -- www.amazingfacts.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

email us at tip@sasktel.net

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 19

OBITUARIES

Katie Sagon April 22, 1931-May 18, 2021 t is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our mother, grandmother and great grandmother Katie Catherine Sagon.

Katie Sagon (nee Zbeeshko) was born on April 22, 1931, to George and Marie Zbeeshko in the Louvain District. She was born on the home quarter SW-23-27-13 W3rd with the local midwife, Mrs. Dolanski, assisting with her birth. She was George and Marie’s fourth child, and the couple’s family eventually grew to seven children including Annie (Satz), Steve, Bill, Katie, Nettie (Wiebel), Nick and Elmer.

With the onset of the dirty thirties, the family’s early years were characterized by all the social and economic struggles of the Great Depression. In 1937, Katie began her elementary education at Louvain School. Eight years later, in 1945, her parents moved to a farm in the Avalon District with Katie completing her education at Avalon School.

In 1947, Katie’s parents’ retirement plans took them to Malakwa, BC, where the family purchased an acreage complete with fruit trees.

Katie, Nettie and Nick moved with their parents to BC, while Steve and Bill stayed on the family farm. While in BC, Katie and Nettie worked at

Sheila Margaret Pickett April 22, 1930-May 26, 2021 Sheila grew up with two brothers and two sisters. As an adult, once she met the love of her life, Lloyd Pickett, she became very busy raising a family and running a home.

Lloyd worked both the farm and was a railroader, which left Sheila with much work to run the home.

Sheila and Lloyd always had a very busy and social lifestyle. They often were having lots of fun hosting family and friends in their home. For her own enjoyment she loved to dance with Lloyd who always made sure there was room on his dance card.

She curled for many years and was an avid curling fan watching every curling bonspiel on television and knowing every player.

various jobs, spending a stint in Revelstoke where their pay was $1.00/hour (which was generous for the times).

Katie and Nettie eventually returned to Saskatchewan to visit their brothers, and while here, Katie met a dashing young courter who stole her heart – Victor Sagon. They were married on May 28, 1950.

Soon after, their first child Pat was born in January of 1951, followed by their second child, Ted, in November of the same year. They lived and farmed in the Gagenville District and suffered through low wheat prices of ~$1.26 bushel (depending on the grade and quota). As was common for the times, Katie raised chickens, pigs, milked cows, and grew a large garden to help support her family.

In 1956, when the time came for Pat and Ted to attend school, Katie and Victor moved the family to a farm east of Biggar (today the location is part of the Bigger Malt Plant site). Katie and Victor had their third child Barry in 1959, followed by Bernadette in 1961.

Being close to the town of Biggar allowed Katie the opportunity to work off the farm. She had various jobs in Biggar over 25 years, including working at Macleods, Ok Economy, Dehmke’s Red & White and McCreas.

Katie and Victor moved to their present yard site in 1973. Katie was always known for her delicious home-made meals complete with perogies and cabbage rolls, and this talent fed her entrepreneurial spirit and in 1980 she had her first catering job – the Valentine’s Day Dine and Dance sponsored by the Biggar Stock Car Club. It wasn’t long before her business took off and Katie was a regular around town catering for many CNR retirement banquets, associated Gospel Church suppers, weddings,

Sheila spent a great deal of time in the kitchen either baking for the Catholic Women’s League, making meals for the men out working the farm and preparing the meal’s for not only her children and husband but as well for the boarders and extended family who would come to stay. She was renowned for her hot cross buns, cinnamon buns and Christmas cut-out cookies which her grand-children loved. Once her children were grown, she spent many weeks preparing pails of Christmas cut-out cookies that she would send home to each family for the grandkids.

Sheila spent her last few years at the Sunshine home where she very much enjoyed the relationship she built with the caring staff. Sheila loved and missed her husband Lloyd dearly and will be happy to now rejoin with him.

Sheila leaves to morn her daughters - Linda (Mike) Covey, Debbie (Fran) Dierker, Velda (Laurie) Pedrotti; sons - David (Val) Pickett, Mark (Donna) Pickett, Larry (Cindy) Pickett, Patrick (Shelley) Pickett; 16 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Sheila was predeceased by her loving husband Lloyd in 2002; brothers - James Keogan, David Keogan; sisters - Mary (Blocha), Pat (Jansen)

reunions, fundraisers, anniversaries and graduations. Katie prepared every dish herself and although everyone had their favorite, she was most known for her perogies, cabbage rolls, lemon pie, saskatoon berry pie, and strawberry shortcake.

Katie and Victor were blessed with 12 grandchildren beginning in 1976, with the last born in 1993.

With all four of their children living in close proximity to Biggar, Katie was always actively involved with all of her grandchildren. She would attend sporting events, birthday parties, and often had one (or more) over for weekend sleepovers.

Through the years, many immediate and extended family members, as well as friends, helped Katie cater the day of an event. And when the grandchildren were old enough, many helped as well – carrying in large heavy roasters, mashing potatoes, setting up, serving, and cleaning afterward.

And as each grandchild graduated from high school, Katie was insistent that she cater every single high school graduation of her 12 grandchildren. Katie continued to cater, as well as prepare custom orders of perogies and cabbage rolls, until she was 87 years of age!

The Christmas holidays were always her busiest time, and she would often work all hours of the day and night to fill her orders. Katie would often boast about the day she made 120 dozen perogies working that day and half the night.

Over the last 14 years, Katie was enamored with her 22 greatgrandchildren and was smitten when the grandchildren would stop in for tea or call and say they were coming for supper. She could even remember all her greatgrandchildren’s names (most of the time!).

Despite her health challenges, Katie

remained in her home until age 89.

In September of 2020 the Biggar and District Long Term Care Facility became her new home. The last eight months were difficult as her health continued to deteriorate, and COVID-19 restrictions would not allow her to see her extended family. As her 90th Birthday was approaching, she had only one wish – and that was to see all her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. Katie’s 90th Birthday Wish was granted, and her heart was full once again. She passed away peacefully less than 4 weeks after the celebration.

Katie is survived by four children: PAT (Jerry) Kirilenko and children – Clinton (Kara) Kirilenko and family Riley (Susan), Kaylee (Brennan) and Grayson, and – Karla (Roman) Domashovitz and family Davin and Braylin. TED Sagon and children – Jennifer (Jason) Mundt and family Jeslyn, Eric and Evan, – Steven (Lindsay) Sagon and family Katie, Kylie, Clayton and Cole, and – Mark (Stacey) Sagon and family Georgia and Jayla. BARRY (Odette) Sagon and children – Blair (Linda) Sagon and family Colton, Karli, and Bracen, – Chris (Sarah) Sagon and family Henry and Jonathan, and – Theresa Sagon (Ian) and family Navaeh and Brecklan. BERNADETTE (Greg) Blocha and children – Elan (Curtis) Houben and Ian (Shelby) Blocha.

Katie was predeceased by her husband Victor; parents George and Marie Zbeeshko; grandchildren John Sagon (son of Ted) and Erin Blocha (daughter of Bernadette & Greg); and infant great grandson Conner Sagon (son of Mark & Stacey).

Tributes Biggar & District Health Centre Long Term Care - Activity Fund Box 130, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

REFLECTIONS Acts of Kindness

By Sue Bernier for the Biggar United Church My grandson had a homework assignment to complete this past weekend and I had the privilege to help him with it. He was to take one of his art projects from this past year and present it anonymously to someone who could use their day brightened. The artwork included a poem stating what was happening. He put the poem and picture on the step, rang the doorbell and ran back to the truck.

We cheated a little, as my grandson is shy, and he presented it to someone we know.

She recognized the truck as we sped away and called later to thank us. She declared it made her day and the artwork will hang in a place of honour.

In this time of trial, wouldn’t it be nice to be on the receiving end of a good deed or kindness? All it took for this woman to smile was an “anonymous” act of kindness.

How can we spread smiles and joy without compromising the safety of others?

The school students partnered with the local Credit Union to collect garbage and spruce up our town. Would this be considered an act of kindness? I think so. It definitely makes me smile when I don’t see garbage and litter laying around. Writing cards and notes to shut-ins would be an act

of kindness. A pretty bouquet of posies, a plate of homemade cookies, a phone call just to say hello are all acts of kindness we can all do at little or no cost.

God sees us when we perform these acts of kindness and we are rewarded in return.

It warms our hearts to reach out to others and spread a little cheer. We find ourselves a little more joyful and relaxed. Acts of kindness are contagious. So instead of spreading the covid virus around, how about we start another “virus” and spread acts of kindness.

God bless you and keep you safe, and may you be on the receiving end of an act of kindness!

20 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Presented By:

CHAMPION SPONSORS

FRIDAY June 11

Gates Open at 8:00pm--Fireworks approx. 10:00pm Family Movie: “War with Grandpa” Starts 15 mins after the fireworks

Drive-in Fireworks Late Night Movie: “John Wick”

Display & Movie in the Rec Valley

Starts: 15 mins after 1st movie

Must Register online at biggartcfd.ca Cucina Ni Flora food truck on-site Popcorn!! Brought to you by the Biggar and District Family Centre “FREE” popcorn for the kids Sponsored by Many Local & Regional Businesses $3.00 per bag for Adults.

SATURDAY June 12 “TOWN-WIDE PARADE”

Starts 10:00 am at Petro Canada Covering all streets in Biggar (please respect Covid restrictions and stay home and watch) “Out of towners” can park either at Jubilee Stadium, corner of 6th & main, or 8th & main

Randy Weekes, MLA Biggar - Sask Valley Constituency Office 106- 3 Ave. West, Box 1413 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 rd

Toll Free: 1-877-948-4880 Phone: 1-306-948-4880 Fax: 1-306-948-4882

“1ST ANNUAL BANANARAMA RACE”

Brought to you by: The Biggar & District Family Centre Starts:12:30 pm Registration: 3rd Ave.& Main St. Gazebo Attention: Janet Cost $25 per team Prizes Sponsored by Many Local Bussinesses Please proof and get back to me by return email.

Thanks, Urla

“FREE SWIM”

TIME: 2:00 - 4:00 Biggar Aquatic Centre Sponsored by: Biggar and Landis Insurance

Partner Level Sponsors