And like that, 12 years have passed ... Biggar Central School Grads, Annika Hadden, left, and Althea San Pascual, make their final march in to the gymnasium, June 27, all part of the final act in a play that has been ongoing for 12 years. No fear, the grads move to their next role, and no doubt, they have been prepared well. This year’s theme, “Our Future Acts Are Still Unwritten” was appropriate, and the send-off, one of joy and satisfaction. See Page 2 and 10 for more on the Class of 2024. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar Central School 2000 bid Grade 12 students a fond farewell, June 27, honouring them with the annual gala, Graduation. There best dress and suit, smiles on bright, and laughs shared, graduates received a send-off from Guest Speaker, Margaret Blakely (left), parents, Jill Barber and Andrea Harrabek (below), teachers Derek Argue and Mark Tollefson (below right), and Principal Sean Lockwood (bottom), seen here congratulating Valedictorian, Althea San Pascual. Congratulations Grads! The keys to the world are now in your hands! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Annika Hadden Althea San Pascual
Jordan Painchaud Claire Mantyka
Kenzie Harrabek Elizabeth Dhil-Stevenot
Ava Barber Emily Molberg
Avery Anderson Annica Evanisky
Jenna Vos Harmony Downton
Alara Trotchie Aliesha Sneddon
Sherame Gallardo Isabella Baroni
Cody Doering Jeremy Tebb Tyler Keller
Jayden Silbernagel Alexzender Smith-Gerard
Colton Neufeld Hayden Hoogeveen
Wilks Aman Minjun Kim
Kayler Gidluck Hayden Meszaros
Graduates photos missing from Processional: James Domes, Michael Domes, Michael Falcon, Sara Williams
Neil McLeod receives Forage Innovation Award
Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC) has presented the Forage Industry Innovation Award to Neil McLeod
The Council recently held their annual general meeting in conjunction with the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence field day.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about the SFC’s current projects and initiatives and enjoyed a presentation on one project that investigated the use of grazing management software for improving range productivity.
The SFC was pleased to present the Forage Industry Innovation Award for 2024 to Neil McLeod.
Neil has been a for-
Familiar to Biggar audiences, Tanya and Graham Lehnert performed with the Saskatoon Summer Players in this year’s offering of Meredith Willson’s, “The Music Man”, June 14-23 at the Remai Arts Centre.
The wife/husband duo were joined by another wife/husband combo with Biggar ties, Chelsea and Marc Holt, both taking their place in the
age seed representative and dealer for 25 years. He initially started with Prairie Seeds in 1999 and then Northstar Seeds in 2006. Neil has been a strong supporter of the Saskatchewan Forage Council and forage industry innovation.
Research and Neil’s nominator noted that, “Neil is always quick to promote learning opportunities (such as field days) where producers can advance their knowledge and skills of forage production and management. An example of his leadership is that Neil has often gathered a group of local producers and provided transport for the group to attend industry events such as the Ag Canada field
orchestra pit. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation. The Music Man follows fast-talking travelling
day or Foraging Into the Future in Swift Current.”
Neil is known to be knowledgeable and thoughtful when assisting in selection of forage seed blends. He is a useful resource for his customers and others in the forage industry.
Neil was a founding member of the Southern Eagle Creek Watershed group in 2008, as well as a long-time board member of this group. He was also an active member of the Herschel Grazing Club and helped organize many events for this organization. The SFC thanks Neil for his dedication to the forage industry in Saskatchewan.
In honour of Neil, the
salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize - this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.
Graham will be in the role of Marcellus Washburn, Harold’s chummy old friend and former con man, who now lives in River City and is trying to settle down. Tanya will be in the Ensemble, playing “Pick-a-Little” Lady, as well as being a featured dancer, and assisting with costuming by designing and creating
Biggar Fire Report
by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department
Wow, June came at us fast. Our first call was on June 2 and by the 13th, we where on call number seven. Thankfully it slowed down a bit and we finished the month with 10 calls. These included, two false alarms, three Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVCs), three STARS landings, a water rescue and a structure fire. This
SFC will make a contribution in his name to the Alicia Hargrave
Memorial Bursary, College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the Uni-
versity of Saskatchewan.
Biggarites perform in Saskatoon Biggar RCMP Report
would bring our year to date total to 32 calls.
Practices over the month included some vehicle extrication work, review of some Standard Operating Procedures of what to do under different circumstances. On the 17th we built a large bonfire and covered nozzle techniques and hose operations, and finally we also trained with our air tools and the inflatable rescue craft.
We had a couple of newcomers join our ranks this month, Hudson Anderson and Bohdan Mariukhnich from BCS2000 are our newest Junior Firefighters.
Hopefully July finds everyone with time to enjoy some holidays, drive safe and remember to watch out for the other driver who might not be.
As always, if you’re interested we are at the Firehall, Mondays at 7 p.m.
the hats, belts, and bows to complete the Edwardian costume design by Gwenda MacPherson of Saskatoon.
“It is an experience we will treasure for a lifetime. Being on stage at Persephone with so many of our province’s most talented performers is a dream come true for both of us,” Tanya and Graham explained. “We’ve made so many new friends and connections in the arts community in Saskatoon and we hope to bring our newfound knowledge and skills to the work we do here in Biggar. We hope to be invited to return to SSP for next summer’s production of Legally Blonde.”
A massive show, The Music Man’s success was down to the talent
of the cast.
“I was thrilled when Graham and Tanya auditioned,” said director, Ron Knoll, who is originally from Landis. “Casting Graham as Marcellus Washburn, the sidekick of the lead character, Harold Hill, was a no-brainer. His stage experience, honed in Biggar, was obvious as he brought Marcellus to life. Tanya, a great singer, was cast in the adult ensemble and was an invaluable resource assisting with costumes. Their dedication to our show was so appreciated, especially their willingness to drive to/from Saskatoon several times a week. The Biggar community is so fortunate to have the Lehnert’s in their midst.”
Ron has been an avid
member and supporter of Saskatoon Summer Players since 1983 as dancer, choreographer, director and board member. Besides The Music Man, he also directed Grease, The Producers, Cinderella, The Pajama Game, the award winning The World of Beauty and the Beast, and eight of 10 Broadway Bash revues. He choreographed nine SSP shows and danced in three. He also worked with Saskatoon Gateway Players (choreographer, accompanist, stage manager) and Off-Broadway Dinner Theatre (director). He was Chief Instructor of the U of S Ballroom Dancing Club (19752001) and past accompanist and director for local choral groups.
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier,
Biggar Detachment Happy Canada Day!
This past week we had 32 calls for service. There were a few traffic tips provided, citing three drivers and providing warnings to another four. A 17-year-old missed a road curve during a foggy 2 a.m. morning and overturned their 2000 grey Mustang off Highway 4 down to the rodeo grounds. Thankfully the driver was okay and learned the value in a seatbelt.
Canadian Pacific reported a couple of males sitting on a rail car north of town, and Canadian National police reported pigs on the tracks near Kinley.
A three-inch water pump and hose was stolen from the Biggar Airport. Police are looking for possible leads to
where it may have disappeared to. A debit card was reported lost around a business in Perdue but not before the found and then stolen card was involved in transactions in North Battleford.
A couple of e-mail hacking frauds reported with money being taken, were also reported and investigated.
Multiple calls received last week - while a disgruntled 78-year-old male staged his protest on the service road in Perdue, disrupting traf-
Two females were fighting in a parking lot in Biggar, resulting in 24-year-old Tami Falcon being arrested, charged and placed on no contact conditions for assault. She will appear in Biggar Provincial Court on September 4. Congratulations to all our graduates, enjoy your summer as you start on your next adventures. Take care out there!
fic flow around Full Line Ag.
Jeremy Brown presents the Forage Industry Innovation Award to Neil McLeod. (Submitted Photo)
Fire Department members keep their skill sharp as they take to the training grounds. (Submitted Photo)
Letter to the Editor:
To the Editor of the Biggar Independent:
I am writing to say what a wonderful job the Town of Biggar employees do for the upkeep of the public grounds and buildings.
This town stands out above many other towns of the same size and visitors have commented to us on that fact. People do not have to drive down Main Street to see how well the town is cared for by looking at the walking paths, ball diamonds, North Entrance, Schmirler Park and the list goes on. So thank you to your staff and any volunteers involved.
I am also happy to see the installation of the new automatic opening door at the swimming pool. I stopped at the Town Office last year to say that the old door wedges shut and small children and older people have great difficulty opening it. I am sure that I was not the first person to express this but the result of this new door reflects a Town Council and Administration responsive to public concerns. Keep up the good work. Thank you!
Crystal Craig Biggar
by
Brian Giesbrecht, retired judge, Frontier Centre for Public Policy Chief Rosanne Casimir has finally confessed that her claim that the remains of 215 children, former students of the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS), had been found in unmarked graves on the school grounds was false.
She has finally admitted that a radar device detected only soil anomalies, which could be attributed to tree roots, past excavations, or a variety of other factors. Subsequent research indicates that these anomalies are almost
certainly trenches from a septic field installed in 1924 to manage the school’s sewage. No “unmarked graves,” “human remains,” “bodies,” or “mass graves” were found.
So, everyone in Canada now knows that her May 27, 2021, claim of unmarked graves containing human remains was untrue - everybody except Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his former Indigenous Affairs Minister and now Immigration Minister, Marc Miller. On June 17, 2024, Prime Minister Trudeau - instead of taking
the opportunity to set the record straightrepeated the whopper at an Indigenous event that “unmarked graves” have been found. He has been spreading that misinformation for three years.
You might expect that, since the person who originally made the false claim has admitted that no graves were found, only soil anomalies, Trudeau would take this opportunity to clarify the situation and tell the truth. Instead, on June 17, 2024, he repeated the original falsehood.
It is impossible that Trudeau was unaware
that by June 17, 2024, he was spreading misinformation when he claimed that unmarked graves were found. So, why would he do such a thing? Doesn’t a prime minister have a duty to avoid deliberately misleading Canadians? By now, most Canadians know there were no graves of residential school children at Kamloops. The only plausible explanation is that the Prime Minister was not addressing all Canadians at that June 17 event. He was specifically speaking to Indigenous Canadians. He was reiterating a falsehood
they believed, largely because he and Miller were actively working to perpetuate the hoax. Everything that Trudeau and his colleagues have done since May 27, 2021 - lowering flags, kneeling with a teddy bear in a regular community cemetery, and providing funds for Indigenous communities to search for missing children he knows were never “missing” - has been to pander to an Indigenous community that essentially believes these false stories about evil priests and secret burials. They believe this anti-Catholic bilge largely because
the Trudeau Liberals have encouraged them to do so. What Trudeau is doing, by deliberately lying to an already marginalized demographic with a history of being lied to by both Indigenous and nonIndigenous politicians, is reprehensible. These people will be outraged when they realize they have been deceived. While we do not know exactly why Trudeau continues to practice this deception, we do know his actions will have serious and negative consequences in the years ahead.
Electrical regulation fight both politics and principle
Provincial Viewpoint
Murray Mandryk
The Saskatchewan Party government is in another fight with the federal government - this time, over the Clean Electricity Regulation (CER).
After a study by the Saskatchewan Economic Impact Assessment determining that “federal regulations could cost the province economy $7.1 billion and 4,200 jobs” and that “it will not be complying with the regulations when they
come into effect”.
Yes, the Sask. Party government is again defying the federal law. While not taking the feds to court, it says the “onus on federal government to prove CER’s constitutionality”.
Given the national polls and the recent results of a federal byelection in Toronto in which the Liberals lost one of its safest seats, one doubts we will ever see this played out in court.
Of course, we have been down this road before. In fact, since vowing after his 2018 Saskatchewan Party leadership win to “just watch me” battle the federal government, Premier Scott Moe and the Sask. Party have made such fights their brand.
This has included challenging the constitutionality of the entire carbon tax to the Supreme Court of Canada - the
first big battle. They lost in the courts, but surely won in the court of public opinion.
The skirmishes have been constant. Often they have been over petty matters that could be easily resolved in a system of cooperative federalism where provinces and the national government recognize they have overlapping responsibilities.
Consider their challenge that “non-decomposable, single-use plastics can be safely landfilled” or the regulation changes pushed forward on a weekend to harass federal health inspectors from checking slough and ditch water on or near farms. Consider the hyperbolic white paper that federal policies will cost Saskatchewan $111 billion.
This government has had penchant to both exaggerate and be petty.
It also can’t be lost that we are in an election and that Moe’s government has been taking a battering over problems of its own making like the fight with Speaker Randy Weekes or the Premier’s own meeting in Speers that was surely dominated by a lot of Internet conspiracists.
Coincidental or not, this tribunal report and latest government seems a well-time distraction.
But does that mean there aren’t valid provincial concerns on the CER issue? Of course there are.
The government news release last week further talked about “an $8.1 billion negative effect on Saskatchewan’s export sector under the CER”.
“This report offers irrefutable, independent evidence that these federal regulations will have a substantial impact on the cost of electricity in
Saskatchewan and, as a consequence, our economy and way of life,” said Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre. Irrefutable? Maybe not totally irrefutable.
The office of much-reviled Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault responded with a statement accusing the Moe government of using its tribunal for “underlying ideological agenda” with “results wildly out of sync” in order to build a political fight with the federal government.
It is no small irony that the Saskatchewan government also announced last week that it was putting up $100 million for windpower in the Weyburn area.
It is also no small irony, both sides actually agree that fossil-fuel generated electricity is not our future - something former prime minister Ste-
phen Harper recognized when he passed federal legislation to phase out coal-fired electrical generation by 2030.
But for that reason, Saskatchewan does need the flexibility of naturalgas generated electricity as a bridge.
Were it not for the federal government’s poor response on the 2035 deal, we likely wouldn’t be having this CER fight at all.
It’s realistic that by 2035 we each be paying $241 more for electricity and $630 more by 2050, as per the tribunal report.
But one way or another, such costs are going up anyway.
More cooperation is needed to address such issues.
Regardless who is right, more squabbling isn’t helpful.
Why is Trudeau sticking to the unmarked graves hoax?
The formula, H-W=P (Humans minus Weapons equals Peace)
Notable Notes
I have no idea what Mr. Shakespeare had in mind when years ago, he wrote “Much ado about nothing!” But a bit of translation starts a fellow thinking that maybe it was about some of our world governments!
We don’t have Shakespeare around anymore but there are quite a few critics - maybe I’m one - who profess to know what the practical score is all about! The main mistake in their attitude, however, is that to many of us, governments aren’t that practical nowadays!
I’m sure glad ... probably you too ... that Y.T. (Yours Truly) isn’t the prime minister of anything because, besides considering the plight of a peasant, a P.M.’s decisions must include the solvency of the bigmoney boys too! As the
bronco said when it kicked the gate down, “That lets me out!”
If there is anything that really turns me off, it is when two political types start out shouting at each other, trying to get their “practical” points across, thereby, by there own over-displayed intolerance of the other persons opinion, shown anything but practicality themselves!
And we are expected to look up to these guys?
It is very true that although Y.T. writes like he does, he really doesn’t know that answers to most of the world’s problems. But he does, along with a lot of other people, feel that he has a different method of solving them!
There is sure to be a lot of criticism about claims like that, and in defence of it, one must point out that if “force” is the way to handle worldly tensions, how come after thousands of years of using force, do we still have a problem?
The pages of history are full of the violence of the past. The heroics of the winning nations since long before Samson pulled down the Temple of Dagon, have been gazed on with awe and recorded over and over and over, and sometimes I think that
this very advertising of violence has been why many of us think that it is the way to go! The martyrs of one cause are often the brainwashed villains of another! What would happen if only the non-violent exploits of our society were honoured as being worthy of intelligent life.
Can it be true that this philosophy that Y.T. draws attention to was held up for man to see thousands of years ago, and was often ignored for much of our lives and seems to be even more ignored right now!
Over a game of crib I was talking to a fellow the other night who, in all sincerity, said that it was the nature of man to be violent. I don’t think that I argued much, but it started me thinking (sometimes that word “thinking” is an over statement in my case!) that if a person can be trained to be violent, surely they can be trained to be passive!
And this means turning the other cheek!
Any scholar would be mistaken if they thought that this attitude is only mentioned in the Bible! The attitude of “Love they neighbour” is a universal thing that in the name of greed can almost be translated to “Take advantage of him
any way you can!”
I’m sure that Y.T. doesn’t have any idea how much of the world’s wealth is spent to try and show some tolerance of others, but I’ll bet that is quite a bit short of our so-called “defence” budgets!
If all of our worlds economies were placeoriented instead of based on war production, and most of their energy, enthusiasm and resources channelled toward our human welfare, how different it would be!
After I went to bed that night, the thought came into my mind again and
again. How can civilization hope to claim even a small part of this “passive” policy while world lobbyists clamour for more and more of our wealth in order to produce guns and ships and tanks and mines and ever more lethal bombs and planes? And as mentioned before, if guns, ships, tanks, mines and bombs are so effective, how come there is more violence in the world than ever?
Of course Y.T. - for all this grand philosophydoesn’t know what our worldly ambitions would be in the perfect world he mentions, but as of
right now, it appears to this humble scribbler that dominance of world economies is the goal of many a “First World” country!
Ho hum! So I guess I’ll just sit back until our next gab session on coffee row, and then over a few brews, pretend that those in charge must be blind not to have found a solution to this worldly wrestling stuff long ago! Maybe they are blind! Maybe they have been trying to find a solution! Maybe they have! I dunno! But it does make a good subject at tax time! Pass the sugar, please!
A Word or Two From The Mayor of Biggar - Jim Rickwood
It seems so hard to believe that it is the end of June/start of July already and, as of writing this, the week that the school year ends.
We have had soccer tournaments in town, rodeo events, concert events, ball tournaments, Town and Country Fair Days, Show ‘N’ Shine car show and just so many things going on that it’s no wonder the time has passed so quickly.
The Grade 12 graduation ceremony took place at BCS 2000, June 27, and I, along with Council of the Town of Biggar pass on the best of wishes and successes to all the Graduates
of 2024. As you go out into the world to make your mark in life, wherever your journey takes you please remember that Biggar is home. Rely on your family and cling to your friends - we are always here!
Although we have had a rough time in the past few weeks, our community came together to support one another in times of need. It is the Prairie way. We must always hold onto our memories, honour our past, live in the present and prepare for the future... Our thoughts and prayers are always with those close to our hearts who have touched our lives in some way. As we move forward with the summer season, we will see some projects happening around our town. Work has already begun on a water main extension along First Avenue West and will continue on towards the intersection of First Avenue and Highway 4. This project will provide water service for present projects and new developments.
Recently, a tender was awarded to replace some
of the oldest water and sewer lines in Biggar on Second Avenue West from the alley behind the west side of Main Street all the way west to Quebec Street. This project has been discussed and considered by council for many years as it has been somewhat problematic, so the time has come to get at it as inflation has a way of hindering much needed projects.
We still have our CN Rail grounds on the Revitalization radar as well as the Gateway project. Hopefully we will be able to share more details on those developments in the near future and proceed to the next steps. Many questions have been asked of the future of our curling rink. Council has chosen to form a committee made up of representatives from The Town of Biggar, The RM of Biggar, The RM of Glenside, the Biggar Curling Club, and the Town of Biggar Recreation Director. The mandate of the committee will be to develop and explore options for the future of curling in our town. We have, most
probably, the curling rink with the most success stories in Canada and I am sure that the committee members will bring well thought out recommendations forward for consideration. We will keep everyone posted on this matter. Seemingly, Mother Nature has thrown us a curve ball on our weather, from a forecast of a hot and dry summer to our cool and surprisingly welcome rainfalls. We are witness to luscious growth in our grass and gardens - although some heat would be a nice addition. Our town crews have been out cutting seemingly non-stop with no immediate end in sight. I would ask that everyone to take pride in their property by cutting their lawn and keep things looking good. Not only does it create a visually appealing display, it also gives us exercise and a sense of satisfaction. Our green compost bins will be emptied every Wednesday until fall and additional bins can be arranged for upon request at the town office.
Without doubt, Biggar
has the best volunteers. As events take place in town, they do not come by a naturally occurring force but by a group of hard working and dedicated people who are the planners, movers and shakers, and leaders that fit into that category of volunteers. These are genuine, giving, and caring people who don’t look for congratulations or accolades for a job well done, and to them I pay my deepest respect and admiration.
The Town of Biggar website is an evolving reference for almost anything town related. It is a window into all things Biggar. Provincial, civic, and municipal elections will be held in Saskatchewan in the autumn of 2024 and the town website will be posting information for people who may be interested in learning more about elected civic positions. I encourage everyone to check it out.
Our website also has a
listing of our local bylaws available for public access. Bylaws have been developed over many years for public safety and provide guidelines for respectful coexistence within our town. Bylaws are also evolving documents and updates are posted to the website when developed. Our website truly provides a window into our operations and functions. Please take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with our website - it contains lots of interesting information. In closing, I wish everyone a great summer and I look forward to seeing our seasonal facilities used often. We have an awesome gem of a regional park, golf course, and a huge amount of recreation opportunities without even starting a vehicle. The season is hereenjoy, be safe, and support local business - it all makes us Biggar and better!
Bob Mason
Jim Rickwood
Mayor
Ask The Money Lady
Christine Ibbotson
Dear Money Lady Readers:
I have been asked many times about the best times to invest - so today, I want to share with you the top four mistakes Canadians make when deciding to save for the future.
In our current economic environment, most are feeling the pinch of higher prices on the essentials and the higher lending rates when consolidating debt or renewing their mortgages.
So, it’s not surprising that saving continues to take a back seat for most middle-class Canadians. There simply is not enough money in the budget to do it all ... right?
Life has a way of never making it the optimal time to save or invest and here are the top four reasons why many avoid it all together.
1.) The emotional roller coaster ride. Watching your investments go up and down every day in the market is a recipe for insanity and will guarantee to make you reluctant to invest additional funds. Investing requires a well thought
out plan, often done with the help of a professional advisor, who knows your goals and risk tolerance and can recommend the right products versus investment ideas you may have been given by friends or family. You must understand your investment strategy so that you can remove the emotional component and make your decisions with a clear head, based on your long-term financial goals.
2.) Waiting too long to get started. Time is your biggest ally when it comes to investing. You want to start early and take advantage of compounded growth. Most Canadians wait far too long to get started. I know there are a lot of pulls on your wallet: kids, cars, mortgages, the list is long and endless. Investing early, allows your money to grow and earn more, just as you do through your career. This is called monetization (the movement of money). You can’t be expected to purchase and pay for everything you need over the course of your lifetime, so you must choose investments that will grow over time to provide you with the savings or lifestyle you want. This could be investing in real estate as a primary residence or rental property, or it could be investing in a stock portfolio that takes advantage of compounded interest and dividends to grow and increase your wealth over time.
3.) Trying to time the
market. This is a fool’s endeavour for most. Trying to time the market of when to buy in and cash out is a difficult task, even for the most experienced day trader. Your focus should be on saving consistently (monthly if you can) and using that money to pay off your mortgage or to contribute to a well-thought out financial plan and investment strategy.
4.) Underestimating the tax benefits to investing. Many Canadians are leaving a lot of money on the table not choosing registered accounts. RRSPs (registered retirement savings plans) make it so easy to save and reduce your annual income tax. Have you checked with your employer to see if they will match your RRSP savings - many offer a percentage based matching program as a perk to incentivize employees to save. TFSAs (tax free savings accounts) also provide a beneficial savings vehicle making your entire investment and growth, tax free.
I know saving is tough. Thinking that you shouldn’t save because you don’t have enough money is the total opposite of what you should do. It is because you don’t have enough money, that you should be saving. You need your money to have the time to grow. Remember, this is a long term strategy. 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
Pea processor adds value to growing market
Agriculture
Calvin Daniels
by Calvin Daniels
It was certainly a day to remember in particular for the Louis Dreyfus Company, the city of Yorkton and for Saskatchewan pea producers as LDC officially marked the upcoming construction in the city with a sod turning recently.
Company officials and other dignitaries gathered on the site of LDC’s existing canola crushing plant to celebrate the start of construction of a new pea protein isolate production plant.
The new production plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 and will employ approximately 60 people once completed.
With the new plant LDC will bring significant economic benefits to the Yorkton community through the construction phase and beyond, similar to that already experienced since the company opened its
existing canola crushing facility in 2009.
The canola plant was one of two - the other by Richardson Oilseeds - announced for the city on the same day - two separate announcements which collectively created what I would mark as likely the biggest news story for Yorkton in my near 35 years at the newspaper.
When the releases hit that day I admit the consensus in the newsroom was that one of the two companies would blink - withdrawing plans because they would not want to establish a plant right next door to a competitor. We were wrong.
Not only did both canola plants move forward, both have undergone significant plant growth since making Yorkton the destinations for huge amounts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba produced canola. That has been huge in terms of the local economy of the city, and perhaps even more significant for producers in terms of competitive market access.
And now LDC is adding pea processing to the Yorkton industrial complex.
The new plant is a pea protein isolate production plant, which basically means taking peas and creating a product that is destined for the food processing sector for things such as veggie burgers and a host of other products with more emerging all the time.
There is already a huge demand for veggie protein, and there is no reason to doubt that will continue, so the plant, a first for LDC makes a lot of sense.
Notably too is that if the plant is successful an expansion would seem a logical expectation give the company’s history in Yorkton in terms of its canola crush facility.
Certainly the pea processor is great news for the city and province in terms of economic stimulus, and locally builds on a significant agriculture value-added infrastructure base which includes TA Foods processing flax, Grain Millers with its oat processor, and the aforementioned canola crushing facilities.
Biggar Central School 2000
Teale Awards
Band Awards ~ Presented by Ms. Tremblay
Grade 7 Most Valuable: Skye Moore
Grade 8 Most Valuable: Abigail Dowson
Grade 8 Most Improved: Joshua Smith
Grade 9 Most Valuable: Adriana Alzate Sanchez
Grade 9 Most Improved: Emily Hatzel
Grades 10-12
Valuable: Roberto Ramos
Grades 10-12
Improved: Noah Park
Band Master: Claire Mantyka
Rookie of the Year Danica Evanisky & Merit Derks
Most Improved Noah Park
Football Awards Presented by Derek Argue
Most Improved: Colton Neufeld
Most Dedicated: Tyler Keller
MVP: Cody Doering
Girls Volleyball
Most Improved: Emily Hatzel
Rookie of the Year: Isabelle Hoffman
MVP: Chloe Bartusek & Lara Meszaros
Senior Girls Volleyball Awards Presented by Miss. Minish
Rookie of the Year: Mya Danychuk
Most Improved: Kori Owens-Nahorney
MVP: Kenzie Harrabek
Senior Boys Volleyball Awards Presented by Ms. Arnal
Rookie of the Year: Noah Park
MVP: Minjun Kim
Caleb Hardenne Chloe Bartusek
Most Valuable Athlete: Division III Presented by Mr. Argue & Miss. Minish
Rookie of the Year: Hayden Meszaros Most Improved: Minjun Kim
Corrine Herzberg Memorial: Rei James Dalisay
Senior Boys Basketball Awards Presented by Mr. Johnson
Rookie of the Year: Corbin Neugebauer
Most Improved: Noah Park
MVP: RJ Dalisay
Junior Boys Basketball Awards Presented by Mr. Lockwood
Rookie of the Year: Xander Hebert
MVP: Ty Roy Most Improved Jared San Pascual
Senior Girls
Basketball Awards Presented by Mrs. Johnson
Senior Badminton Awards Presented by Mr. Johnson
Junior Badminton Awards Presented by Miss. Minish
Congratulations to the BCS2000 2024 Graduating Scholarship Recipients
Hayden Hoogeveen John Sag0n Memorial Award: Presented by: Mr. Tollefson
Colton Neufeld
Mr. Tollefson
Biggar Central School 2000
“Our Future Acts Are Still Unwritten”
Althea San Pascual - Valedictorian
Kenzie Harrabek - Shirley Rennie Award
Annika Hadden - Mabel Donahue Award
Claire Mantyka - Class of ‘42 Award
Althea San Pascual - George Lund Memorial Trophy
Emily Molberg - Avalon-Gagenville Trophy
Minjun Kim - Dale Fogelberg Trophy
Annika Hadden - Linda Beckett Memorial Trophy
Penton On Sports
Bruce Penton
When the Florida Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 to win this year’s Stanley Cup, it marked the 30th consecutive season that a team based in the United States has paraded around the ice holding Lord Stanley’s mug. When will this Canadian national nightmare come to an end?
It wasn’t always like this, you know. For a period in the 1980s and early 1990s, the opposite was true. Canadian teams exhibited domination of the Stanley Cup final, winning eight titles in the space of 10 years.
The Oilers won twice to kick off the streak in 1984 and 1985, and Montreal followed by hoisting the Cup in 1986. The Oilers then won in 1987 and 1988, with Calgary Flames winning the Cup in 1989. After Edmonton won for the fifth time in 1990, Pittsburgh Penguins snapped the Canadian streak by winning two in a row in 1991 and 1992 before the Canadiens brought the Cup back north of the 49th parallel in 1993.
Since then, zip. Nada. Nothing. No cups. It’s been a championship drought which many thought might end this
Stanley Cup drought: Thirty years and counting
year with the McDavidand Draisaitl-led Oilers. But it wasn’t to be, and now we’re looking at the possibility of 31 years in a row without a Cup as the 2024-25 season gets underway in October. Since the Habs won the cup in 1993, Canada has experienced two professional sports’ titles - the 1993 Blue Jays won the World Series a few months after the Canadiens’ victory parade, and the 2019 Toronto Raptors captured the National Basketball Association championship. But hockey? Our national sport? Nothing for 30 years.
Some of our country’s teams have come close in that 30-year window. Calgary Flames won three rounds in 2003-04 before losing to Tampa Bay Lightning in the final. Vancouver Canucks almost got to the finish line in the spring of 2011, losing Game 7 on home ice to the Boston Bruins, leading to post-game municipal unrest that created more headlines than the hockey itself. The Canadiens got back to the Cup final in the 2020-21 season, but lost to Tampa Bay. Even the Ottawa Senators, generally regarded as Canada’s weak link, advanced to the Stanley Cup final in 2006-07 but lost to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Not so lucky in the playoffs have been the Toronto Maple Leafs, who made it to the conference final a couple of times but still hang on to the glory year of 1967, the last time they won the cup. In that same boat are the Winnipeg Jets, whose best playoff
result was 2017-18 when they beat Minnesota and Nashville before losing to Vegas in the West final.
The Oilers are certainly Canada’s best hope in the immediate future, but with rumblings of major personnel changes (can they keep both McDavid and Draisaitl?), perhaps Edmonton’s best chance at Cup success has passed them by.
Oh, for the glory days of the six-team NHL. Canadian teams’ odds were much more favourable back then.
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “Scott Boras, agent of Yankees free agent Juan Soto, said that no price is too high for the next team that signs his client because they’ll be getting a ‘centurion.’ Yeah, I don’t know what that’s supposed to mean either.”
• Canadian parody website The Beaverton: “Oilers fans not sure what’s worse: Losing Cup or realizing Leafs fans were right about how good Atlantic Division is.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, on players not necessarily loving their coaches: “Steve Shutt once said it best when he said players on the Montreal Canadiens hated Scotty Bowman 364 days a year but loved him on the day they got their Stanley Cup rings.”
• Daniel NugentBowman, on Leon Draisaitl’s future in Edmonton (sign extension or depart): “As much as he and McDavid are good friends, he could feel like it’s time to stop being the Sergei Fedorov to McDavid’s
Steve Yzerman or the Evgeni Malkin to No. 97’s Sidney Crosby.”
• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “Lots of American friends asking me tonight how hard it is to get Canadian citizenship. Learn the hockey rule book and name three Stompin’ Tom Connors’ songs.”
• Vancouver humorist
Steve Burgess: “Great series, Oilers. If you’d like us to break a few
Vancouver windows for you, just say the word.”
• Super 70s Sports: “I bought an autographed Warren Spahn baseball at 3 a.m. last night. My bad decisions after midnight are a lot better now than they were when I was in my 20s.”
• Headline at TheBeaverton.com : “‘You should root for the Oilers because they’re Canadian’, says man who has confused this
with the Olympics.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Just wondering: Why aren’t right-handed pitchers called northpaws?”
• Headline at fark.com: “The Lakers pick Bronny in the second round, plan to change from the Lakers to The James Gang.”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
LLOYDMINSTER PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSED BOUNDARY
Believing public library services in Lloydminster should develop naturally with the growth of the city and desiring the continuation of effective and efficient services within the city, on Monday, June 24, 2024, the Lloydminster City Council unanimously approved a motion to establish a municipal library in Lloydminster. The reason for the proposed boundary change is that the Library’s unique and complex governance requirements as a bi-provincial operation could be better managed under a municipal model. The City of Lloydminster proposes the boundaries of the new municipal library to be those of the existing city limits in accordance with subsection 12(1) of the Public Libraries Act, 1996 (c. P-39-2). Pursuant with clause 4.1(3)(c) of the Public Libraries Act, 1996 (c. P-39.2), any person may, within four weeks after the last publication of the notice, file a written letter of support or objection to the proposed change with the City of Lloydminster. If you have any questions, or would like to submit a letter, please email cityclerk@lloydminster.ca by August 2, 2024.
Additionally, we will be holding a Public Meeting for anyone interested in speaking to representatives of the Lloydminster Public Library and the City of Lloydminster on this matter in person. This will be held on August 8, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Small Meeting Room at the Seruvs Sports Centre.
Business & Professional …
Business & Professional …
ROSETOWN NATURAL HEALTH
311 Main Street, Rosetown Massage Therapy - Supplements
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
After some time, a difficult situation is beginning to settle down, Aries. Enjoy this well-earned peace and consider how a new perspective can help going forward.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, a new plan can be just what you need to make notable progress. Finding a mentor or someone who has forged a path already can be a useful step.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, you have a lot going on in your life right now to keep you busy. With so much going on, try not to worry about what is going on with others. Stay in your lane.
CANCER –
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you may be feeling introspective and philosophical, so much so that people may catch you staring into space and lost in thought. Now is not the time to make heavy decisions.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, this might not be the week for parties or large social events. You are experiencing some introverted feelings right now and are best in situations that have only a few people.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
Life isn’t always fair, Sagittarius. Recognize that sometimes things won’t go your way. Your resolve could be tested this week so be aware.
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, it may be tempting to let someone else take over when the going gets tough. That likely will not be best for you, so continue to make decisions and let things play out.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you are due for a big break after going through a lot of emotional ups and downs. Your positive attitude has paved the way for some brighter skies ahead.
PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20
No one else is going to do a tough job for you, Pisces. You have to dig in your heels and make a plan. You are ready for this kind of assignment and the pressure that comes with it.
Troy May, owner/operator Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Western Canada
SUDOKU
Jun 22/Jul 22
It is a fine week to really think about your future, Cancer. If you have goals to start a business, start hashing out plans and give thought to seeking a partner.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Please
BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY
Housing for families and seniors
Rent based on income Call: 306•303•7246
Leo, this week you start out with a lot of energy, but likely will burn through it early on. If you want to reach your goal, you are going to have to learn how to pace yourself.
Thanks Urla
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
A lot of emotions are running through your mind, Virgo. They may be very confusing. It is alright to feel out of sorts. Perhaps talking to someone can offer you perspective.
Clean a floor
Vied for
Canned fish
Inspire with love
Sent down moisture
Wrest
Partner to carrots
Parts of an organism
Person from England
Tropical plants of the pea
Body part
Practice boxing
Contrary beliefs
Pre-Islamic Egyptian
A group of similar things
one after another
Innermost spinal cord
of
Annoy constantly
Orchestrate
Z Z Z
Astute
Highly decorated tea urn
Teach to behave
Endurance
Urinating
Barbie friend dolls
Repents
Man-eating giant
Accelerated
Husband of Sita in
by Pastor Dale Worrell, Biggar United Church
Words of encouragement and a blessing for all students graduating from high school and university.
As you take the next step, remember this: to achieve greatness, you must embrace boldness and daring.
Graduation marks the beginning of an exciting journey where risks and challenges await. It’s a time to step out of your comfort zone, to dream big, and to pursue your passions with fearless determination. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God has plans to prosper us and give us hope. This promise should encourage you to take calculated risks, knowing that the Holy Spirit is guiding your steps. Being bold doesn’t mean being reckless. It means having the courage to pursue your dreams despite uncertainty and fear. It means
REFLECTIONS
standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s not popular. It means pushing beyond the boundaries of what’s comfortable to discover your true potential. In your pursuit of boldness, remember the support systems that have brought you this farfamily, friends, teachers and mentors - who believe in your abilities and encourage you. Surround yourself with positive influences who challenge you to grow, and who celebrate your victories.
As you navigate the path ahead, remember that each step you take, however daunting, is a step closer to realizing your hopes and dreams. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and let your spirituality steady you in uncertain times. Dare to be bold, and you will discover the wonderful possibilities that await you.
Looking for a part time Job ?
Do you like meeting people? Would you like to sell a product that helps families protect themselves?
The Biggar Independent will be closed from August 2 - August 9 No Paper on August 5 GONE BIKING
JULY 6 - JULY 14 JULY 11
Lo-Cost Entry and Free Education For More Info: dale@dtjssb.ca or 951-7700 948-3344
We celebrate what you have become at this moment in time and so we pray: “God, we thank you for the gifts of our graduates; their excitement, their wonderment and curiosity, their open speech and encouraging words. Their contributions have blessed and challenged us, and we have become a richer and more diverse community because of them. As they step forward into the world that awaits, comfort them with your presence. Strengthen
them to walk in a world that needs their Spirit. Guide them as they move through life. Surround them with the love of our community. We ask this blessing upon each graduate, in the name of Jesus Christ, teacher of the way, companion on life’s journey, Amen.”
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.
Anglicans and Lutherans
PERFECT SUGAR COOKIES
Ingredients
2cups all purpose flour
1/2tsp baking powder
1/4tsp salt
1cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4cup granulated sugar
1large egg
2tsp WITKINS PURE VANILLA EXTRACT ICING
1cup powered sugar
1tbsp milk
MUSIC
11/2tsp WATKINS PURE VANILLA EXTRACT or CLEAR
VANILLA IMITATION EXTRACT
directions
Preheat oven to 375F line a baking sheet with parchment paper whisk together flour,baking powder and salt combine butter and sugar until light and fluffy add egg and vanilla extract mix until combine add flour mixture combine together roll dough into circles, place on baking sheet bake for 8 to 10 minutes remove from oven and let cool on rack icing
mix together the three ingredients together until smooth spoon and smooth over cooled cookies and sprinkle with WATKINS SPRINKLES AND SUGAR makes 24 cookies
TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST
Rural Municipality of Rosemount No. 378 Province of Saskatchewan
Looking to buy good quality retail fireworks? For More Info: dale@dtjssb.ca or 951-7700 948-3344
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.
D.J. Music for all occasions, pop, rock, country, new, edm, light show included Marriage Commissioner For More Info: dale@dtjssb.ca or 951-7700 948-3344 Independent Safety Service 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
Biggar and District Arts Council is hosting a Christmas supper and concert on Friday December 6, 2024 at Biggar Community Hall. We are inviting tenders to cater supper for approximately 175-200 people. If interested please submit your menu and pricing to:
Beth Hoppe
Email sales@salterindustries.ca Mail Box 1598 Biggar SK, S0K0M0 Phone 1-306-280-0596 for more information. Deadline for proposals July 15.
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
by Trudy and Dale Buxton
We continue our trip in Leduc, Alberta. Leduc has population
PRECISION AUTOBODY WRITING
We’ve been working with Fred & Patsy at Spyder Autobody for the past 3 years, and will continue servicing the Biggar community with mobile SGI appraisals
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
of around 34,000 people, and has all the amenities of a big city without being a big city.
Leduc’s economy has long been oil and gas. More recently, the city is a founding member of the Leduc-Nisku Economic Development which is a partnership that markets “The International Region” in proximity to the Edmonton International Airport. If you like shopping, there is a business park in the north end of the city that has more than 1,400 businesses of all kinds.
Leduc also has a large arts following in the community featuring a 460-seat theatre.
Sports and recreation are also very important to the community with three NHL size hockey rinks and many other recreational facilities.
There are a couple of interesting attractionsone being the Stone Barn Garden which features, of course, an original stone barn with many activities including a milking shed. One other interesting attraction is
the Leduc Heritage Grain Elevator, one of the last wood crib elevators. This facility offers tours of a working grain elevator.
Next up we head into Edmonton with a population over a million people, making it the fifth largest city in Canada.
The name Edmonton was first used at Fort Edmonton, which was a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River way back in 1795. It was named after a community based in England.
Edmonton in England was the birthplace of Sir James Winter Lake, who was at the important meeting of governors of the Hudson’s Bay Company when Fort Edmonton was established. The area where Edmonton now sits is believed to have been inhabited by the First Nations People going back centuries.
The first known European to explore this area was a fellow
named Anthony Henday back in 1754. The ring road around Edmonton now bears his name. The first railway arrived in 1891 and Edmonton became a city in 1904, later capital city of the new province of Alberta in 1906. The rich fertile land and cheap land prices brought in many settlers from all over the world and firmly establishing Edmonton as the major economic and agriculture centre in Northern Alberta.
Edmonton had experienced rapid growth in the early 1900’s and amalgamated with the City of Strathcona in 1912 which controlled both sides of the North Saskatchewan River. Did you know that there is a small airport within the city, and it was the first licensed airfield in Canada? The small airport was used in the transportation of mail, food and medicines to northern communities, hence the slogan for Edmonton, “Gateway to the North”.
How big is Edmonton?
Did you know that the Edmonton River Valley is 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park and that Edmonton is one of the sunniest cities in Canada with an average of 2,299 hours of sunlight per year. Stay tuned as we do more exploring in Edmonton before our trip home.
