The Biggar Independent Volume 116 Issue 3

Vol. 116 No. 03

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

16 pages

$1.50

With a banjo on my knee ... Eliza Mary Doyle gets to work, and the wickedly talented musician delivered, Friday at the Majestic Theatre. Doyle, with an equally talented band (inset picture) was part of the Biggar and District Arts Council’s concert season, and charmed the audience with tales of life, love and harmony ... a delightful and entertaining evening. (Independent

Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

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2 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

The Biggar Central School Senior Boys Basketball Blazers hosted their annual tourney this past weekend, bringing in teams from Eston, Waldheim, Dalmeny, LCBI, Kindersley, Unity and Asquith. The action was fast and furious with the Green and Gold going all the way to the A Final. Unfortunately, they dropped to the eventual tourney winners from Unity.

Still, a weekend to remember from the players and coaching staff. Congratulations, Blazers!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Prepare to be swept away with Former Lovers Called “captivating” by music press, Former Lovers comes to the Biggar Majestic Theatre this Friday, January 24 for the fourth show of the Arts Council performance series.

Former Lovers are a new band of old friends, originally hailing from Prince Albert and Saskatoon. Coming from a small town, they share in making a big sound.

With driving rhythm, ethereal guitar stylings and catchy hooks you’ll be singing long after the next show, you certainly don’t want to miss this.

Consisting of band mates LJ Tyson (vocals), Cale Hretsina (drums), Kayanna Wirtz (vocals,bass) and Colin Klassen (guitar), all names you’ve seen around the Saskatchewan music

Prairie Pop comes to the Majestic Theatre, Friday, January 24, for the fourth concert of the Biggar and District Arts Council season. (Submitted Photo)

Biggar RCMP report

Busy year for Food Bank; Need still great byBiggarSgt.Detachment Dereck Crozier,

by Barbara-Ann deHaan, Food Bank Chairperson 2024 was another busy year for the Biggar Food Bank. 268 hampers were given out JanuaryNovember. In addition we gave out 63 grocery vouchers in December, providing 98 adults and 64 children some special Christmas treats.

This brought our total to 331 for 2024.

We provide a certain amount of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, milk, bread and eggs in each hamper. Each hamper is assembled according to the size of the household.

Throughout the year we add hygiene items, and household products such as laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, Kleenex, paper towels and

toilet paper. In November we offer gloves, scarves, toques, and socks. The local quilting club gave us enough quilts that we could provide a quilt for each household.

Many individuals have responded to food drives by school classes, churches and the Air Cadets. Many contributed to Donor’s Choice which helps with our grocery bill each month.

We received support from P&H, The Legion Poppy Fund, Credit Union Casual For a Day, Soldby Cari, AGI staff Christmas party, Knights of Columbus, Donor’s Choice, Mel’s Sausage Shop, Boortmalt staff, Hutterite colonies, Guardian Pharmacy, Pharmasave, Ruthilda Metis Society, and NU

Fitness. Two young men from the Group Home collect donations and deliver them to the food bank each hamper day.

We order groceries alternately from Main Street Market and Fresh Mart. They also keep us informed of upcoming sales so that we can get the maximum amount of products for our dollars.

We are committed to buying locally.

We owe a big thank-you to Hammond Realty for the rent free use of their facility. Because we do not have to pay for rent or utilities all monetary donations go directly to buying items for the food bank.

Finally, the food bank would not be able to function without the commitment and hard

work of nine volunteers.

They are all busy on hamper day - the third Wednesday of each month. In addition many hours are spent weighing, dating, organizing the food products, keeping the shelves clean, preparing hampers, dealing with financial statements and issuing receipts, and the administrative paperwork necessary to run an organization efficiently.

As a result, Biggar has successfully addressed the issue of food insecurity in our community. Clients and volunteers are truly thankful for your help.

Thank you Biggar for being such a giving community!

scene, Former Lovers has already been called “almost a supergroup.”

Drawing inspiration from 90’s teen centric rom-coms, you dad’s record collection and topics that make dinner at your grandparents uncomfortable. This crew is sure to wow you with an energetic show as they draw you in with catchy melodies and angsty anthems you’ll wanna belt out on that familiar drive into Saskatoon, and the world beyond.

Former Loves is at the Majestic Theatre for the fourth show in the Biggar and District Arts Council concert season this Friday, January 24, show time at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale from Ross Holt at de Moissac Jewellers or from ticketpro.ca.

This past week Biggar Detachment handled 21 occurrences.

In traffic, six drivers were spoken with on traffic safety.

Over this past week, like much of the province, we have seen some challenging winter road conditions within our towns, rural municipalities and main highways. The fluctuation in temperatures has slowed traffic down throughout the area and made driving at times challenging out there.

Thieves have been active around the rural areas, and the bridge construction work site in the RM of Eagle Creek has been one of the unfortunate recipients of theft and mischief at their site. The activity tread seems to be in and around the 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. period in quiet low traffic volume areas. With the fresh snow fall around, it is a good time to check on rural property areas for tracks that should not be around, as well check

your older homesteads for activity where thieves might be hiding stolen property to return for at a later date.

A late 2000’s model dark blue pick-up truck is among the suspect vehicles, as well, thieves made off with a blue 3500 Dodge Ram dually from a property in the Arelee area.

A silver Audi SUV, stolen out of Saskatoon, was recovered in Springwater and the investigation around its recent activity is ongoing.

Once again, a big thanks to all our firefighter volunteers that spent a long day out on Highway 14 after an SUV collided with a semi hauling a livestock trailer.

The highway remained closed for an extended period of time as emergency services personnel, livestock emergency response unit and local business operators assisted with recovering about 62 per cent of the pigs from the trailer prior to the semi unit being brought back onto the roadway and reopening the highway to the public.

Take care out there!

Biggar RCMP investigating fatal collision Tow truck operators, Biggar fire fighters, EMS and RCMP cleanup after an accident took the life of a lone Saskatoon motorist on Highway 14, January 9. The accident also claimed many pigs on the transport truck involved. (Submitted Photo)

On January 9, at approximately 12:40 p.m., Biggar RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway 14, east of Biggar.

Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined a car and a semi collided. The driver of the car, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 35-yearold male from Saskatoon.

His family has been

notified.

The driver of the semi was transported to hospital by EMS with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

Highway 14 was closed during initial response and investigation. It has since reopened.

Biggar RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Bingo Numbers for

JANUARY 16

B-2 I-27 N-40 G-54 O-75

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Opinions

An open letter to the Citizens of Biggar, Recently, the Town Council, very quietly, made an administrative change which concerns the method of billing for water and sewer services provided by the town to any property deemed as a rental unit.

This amendment mandates that going forward, any application made from a prospective new tenant will be declined, regardless of favourable credit history, employment status, or record of previous utilities supplied from other utility companies.

It will be the policy of the Town of Biggar that the water and sewer utility must be billed in the name of the property owner, otherwise referred to as the Landlord.

The opportunity to be provided services and pay for them as one would

normally, is exclusively denied on the basis of their status as a renter and not an owner. Many local residents view this as a very discriminatory action on behalf of Council. It makes the assumption that all tenants are irresponsible and are most likely not going to pay their bills in a satisfactory manner.

The Town claims that the already busy administrative staff spend too much time in efforts to collect delinquent accounts.

They further state that the only available solution to this situation is to amend the bylaw to order that property owners must now assume this responsibility. Without compensation, the Town is now “off-loading” their responsibility, and simply making it that of the property owner. It is well understood that all

administrations across the land, factor in an administrative cost to operate these utilities.

These utility services will still be collected, but now the task of calculating, and in turn re-billing, et cetera, is now to be done by the owner.

The problem of delinquent accounts for all types of utilities is not a new one. Cities and towns such as Saskatoon, Regina, Rosetown, et cetera, have all had issues with a small portion of their customers who don’t pay the fees for services as they agreed to when signing up for service.

One of the largest of all utility suppliers of what would be considered as an absolute necessity is none other than the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan through the agencies of SaskEnergy and SaskPower. They had

by Michael Taube, Troy Media Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 6 that he would resign as Liberal Party leader and prime minister once his successor was chosen.

Within minutes of this press conference and those words coming out of his mouth, the media frenzy was (predictably) the equivalent of a giant typhoon.

This was especially true of Canada’s small cadre of columnists and political commentators.

The sheer volume of commentary on Trudeau’s forthcoming resignation, both written and spoken, quickly overwhelmed public discourse. Every conceivable idea, theory, suggestion, angle and strategy had a seat at the proverbial political table.

Most of Canada’s chattering class reacted with either satisfaction or joy at the news that the ineffective, mediocre, delusional prime minister was stepping down. They knew the Liberal government’s collapse was imminent, paving the way for Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives to take power and steer the country in a new direction.

A smaller number, however, expressed disappointment

and concern about the Liberal Party’s future and the fate of progressive ideas. While they recognized this moment was inevitable, they struggled to come to terms with the significant shift about to reshape Canada’s political landscape.

Trudeau’s impending departure also generated significant interest internationally. A few Canadian columnists, including myself, wrote about this pivotal political development for U.S. and international publications.

The international interest wasn’t surprising. I’ve written extensively for audiences outside Canada throughout my career, and Trudeau’s resignation was a natural fit for the American and British publications I regularly contribute to.

The level of attention Trudeau’s resignation received was also remarkable.

For example, I wrote a piece about Trudeau for The Spectator, a magazine founded in 1828 and one of the world’s oldest publications. As someone who has contributed to this right-leaning publication on several previous occasions, I was happy to add my perspective on this

significant political moment. That same day, I also appeared on its YouTube channel, Spectator TV, to discuss the topic further.

While Spectator TV may not be widely known in Canada, it has a strong following in the UK, Europe, and beyond. The channel has hosted many prominent figures, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (a former editor of The Spectator), columnist and author Peter Hitchens, historian Douglas Murray, activist/ author Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson.

I was honoured to be part of such esteemed company. At the same time, I was curious about how the interview would resonate with viewers.

While Trudeau’s name is widely recognizable, I wondered if people would actually be interested in a nearly 20-minute interview about a Canadian Prime Minister’s decision to resign. Would this political development capture enough international interest to make an impact?

The answer was a resounding “yes.”

My interview with The Spectator’s political correspondent James Heale has received over 106,000 views as of

DEADLINE Monday 5P.M.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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

been experiencing a similar problem and needed to make changes to address it. The original thought was to

enact legislation, which obviously they had the ability to do, which would have made it a policy that any rental property must

this writing (Jan. 13). It ranks 120th out of the 2,201 videos currently posted on Spectator TV, which is in the top five per cent.

That’s mind-boggling.

When I began writing in 1996, most nonCanadian publications knew little about this country. Some editors were vaguely aware of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, largely due to his close relationship with former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. A few also remembered former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the current leader’s father, but often struggled to place him within the broader context of international issues and events.

If an interview about Trudeau’s resignation had taken place in 1996 instead of 2025, you could have safely assumed it would have received less than 500 views. At that time, hardly anyone outside Canada would have shown the slightest interest in it.

Interest in Canada among international publications largely improved when my former boss and friend, Stephen Harper, became Prime Minister.

However, when Trudeau took power in 2015, the

mood changed from positive coverage in centrist and left-leaning publications to highly negative coverage in right-leaning and leftleaning publications.

It’s fair to say that I played a modest role in promoting Harper’s leadership and critiquing Trudeau’s leadership on the global stage. Of course, many others contributed to shaping this narrative as well.

Trudeau outlasted most G7 and world leaders, an important fact for several reasons. His long tenure kept his name in circulation far longer, increasing recognition among Americans, Europeans, Asians, Africans, and others.

This prolonged visibility also meant that his many missteps - both domestic and international received extensive media coverage, further cementing his global reputation.

Allegations of Chinese election interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections added to the growing list of controversies surrounding Trudeau.

His handling of the two Michaels and the Meng Wanzhou affair further strained relations with China. In another international debacle, Trudeau accused India’s government of being

Continued on Page 5

The world wanted Trudeau gone as much as Canada did

the

INDEPENDENT

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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 Advertising Consultant - Dale Buxton Composition - Fallon Neugebauer

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linked to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar - a claim his own national security advisor, Nathalie Drouin, deemed “speculative and inaccurate” in November 2024.

Trudeau also faced backlash after a Nazi was honoured in Parliament, a scandal that underscored his government’s lack of oversight. His twofaced approach to Israel and the Middle East alienated many, while his icy relations with key global players China, India, and even two U.S. presidents, Donald Trump and Joe Biden - only deepened his diplomatic failures.

Collectively, these incidents eroded trust in his leadership both at home and abroad.

Long story short, Trudeau’s impending resignation as Prime Minister made international headlines because people abroad were just as eager to see him go as most Canadians. It speaks volumes about how deeply his leadership failed, tarnishing Canada’s reputation both at home and on the global stage.

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Online - $35+gst Pickup - $40+gst Delivery within 40 miles $50+gst Delivery Outside 40 miles - $60+gst 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.

Notable Notes

There’s an old saying, “Send a thief to catch a thief”.

Literature aside, I think that it is a fact! Who knows more about the M.O. of a thief than a thief does?

Related to this in a way is the old army axiom: “Send a sniper to get a sniper”, and that is just what they do! A lot of honest facts come from experience and the experience of snipers is that sooner or later ... hopefully later ... one of the opposition snipers is going to get you in his sights.

An open letter to the Citizens of Biggar, Continued from Page 4 be direct-billed to the owner on title.

The backlash was staggering.

To enact such a heavy handed policy was soon reconsidered as many thought it to be - an outright abuse of authority.

After much discussion and consultation, a compromised policy, viewed as fair by most everyone concerned, was reached. It is known as the Landlord Tenant Agreement. Landlords are required to provide the utility company a list of their rental properties and a satisfactory means of reaching the owners, preferably by e-mail if a tenant is in arrears, and that the service will be disconnected regardless of the season (i.e.: winter, spring, summer or fall).

The owner then has time to decide whether he voluntarily wants to assume the billing for any new consumption going forward or to ready the property for disconnection, such as draining water lines, et cetera.

This policy was then adopted by the City of Saskatoon, who in many cases supplies the water, sewer, electricity and recycling programs, all on

one utility invoice. Under the Landlord Tenant Agreement in the event of unpaid bills, the City will contact the owner and provide a notice of intent to disconnect, and the Landlord may then consider their options.

Most jurisdictions are now operating with a similar policy in place.

The Saskatchewan Landlord Association, representing thousands of provincial owners throughout the province, agrees that this is a fair and equitable solution for all parties concerned.

The question then remains, why does the Town of Biggar feel the need to act differently than the greatest portion of the province?

A group of owners who administer approximately 65 properties in the Town of Biggar sent representation to Council in an effort to be heard on the matter. The CEO of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association came from Saskatoon to attend the meeting.

Upon arrival, they were informed that they would be allowed 15 minutes to present whatever it was they had in the way of information. In other words, the decision had already been reached.

A request for an open meeting whereby all of the affected parties would

out on the frozen lake to where an animal was trotting along.

I never was a very good shot, and although I had aimed a little high, was surprised when the bullet kicked up a puff of snow about halfway out to the target!

Howard explained that I hadn’t shot at a 20-inch coyote at all but a 30-inch wolf! He pointed out to me how deceiving distances seem when looking out over a flat, snowy lake!

A whole bunch of recruits came to Camp Shilo, Manitoba, when I was stationed there, and eventually were given a “firing test” before being sent up to their separate units.

Although the Shilo rifle range had been used long before, it had been improved somewhat.

There was even a four hundred yard butte on it!

The large paper targets were run up and down on metal frames by fellows who stood in the eightfoot deep concrete lined

Sniper

trenches. These guys had long poles that had a black disc at one end to show where bullets hit the targets, and a red flag at the other end to show a complete miss.

Of course, for one reason or another a lot of fellows didn’t want to pass their tests at all, and there were a lot of red flags showing. I hate myself when I remember this kind of stuff, but it was an instructor’s practice to put a sniper - with lots of ammo - on the four hundred yard butte and when he saw a red flag appear he immediately put a bull’s-eye on the target!

Of course, whether they liked it or not, he passed every one!

I was standing behind a prone young fellow in the 150-yard butte when he turned to me and said.

“By Gosh, Corporal!

They marked a bull’s-eye on my target and I never even shot at it!”

I consoled him by saying something like: “It must have been the

LETTER TO THE EDITOR have an opportunity to be heard, ask questions and, most importantly, express the content, value and success of the Landlord Tenant Agreement, was denied with the explanation that, “they were not going to give this matter any more time.”

One might suggest that a program created by, used by, and endorsed by the Government of Saskatchewan concerning the multimillion dollar billing cycles of both SaskEnergy and SaskPower, as well as utilized by major cities across the province, would be an adequate program for the Town of Biggar.

The residents of Biggar should be aware that landlords are providing a much needed resource to the Town. Men, women and families who are working in the Town utilize many of those rental accommodations.

If landlords are pressured to do the work of the Town, many may decide to sell those properties and thus create a great hardship for Biggar to attract much needed workers. If there is no

place to live in Biggar, they have no choice but to go elsewhere. I feel confident in saying that most reasonable thinking people understand the need and value of a community’s ability to provide housing for its citizens.

By now, almost everyone has heard something concerning the shortage of available housing. This situation exists in generally every progressive city or town.

The entrepreneurs, who are willing to work extra hours, invest personal savings, and deal with all of the aspects of the rental industry, should not be saddled with yet another layer of challenge and bureaucracy when perfectly viable and proven solutions are available. Many individuals have personally given much to see the Town of Biggar continue to remain successful.

Without sufficient housing for its inhabitants, it will all be for not.

Vi McCarty, Biggar

We Do Laminating

guy beside you. Maybe he thought you had fired at his target!”

But of course as an instructor, I knew ... and that’s why I hate myself!

And then there was that Boy Scout Jamboree at Prince Albert. Like I’ve mentioned before they were pretty hard up for help and got me to go along!

We set up a small archery and rifle range in Little Red River Park.

Smaller bore rifles, smaller targets and of course shorter distances.

One 16 year old scout with badges all over his arm - including one for marksmanship - turned to me after he fired a few shots and said in deep disgust: “I can’t hit anything with this rifle, Mr. Mason ... not even at this short distance and I’ve got a badge for shooting straight!”

I leaned down beside him. The rifles that we borrowed were the old, small-bore army type.

“Maybe you’d best fold down this long distance sight,” I told him. “After all, we are only shooting 25-yards instead of half a mile!”

There are some darn good shots in the country, that’s true. And I’d like to claim that most of them came from Saskatchewan ... but that wouldn’t be true!

In the army only one fellow out of a whole group would be good enough to be a sniper.

A lot of us were issued among other stuff - Sten submachine guns. A fellow might hit a barn door with a scoop shovel but he darn near had to have a sniper licence to hit anything with a Sten!

We can’t all be snipers!

Okay, Busher?

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The Majestic Theatre Biggar  JANUARY GLADIATOR II

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Bob Mason

This angle about snipers goes on and one until it gets kind of messy. However, it is not the writer’s intent to present the messy part!

However, for the more morbid types who happen to have read this far, actions of the Northwest Rebellion at Duck Lake resulted in most of the men being shot between the eyes! There was a sniper somewhere! Could he have had the initials, G.D.?

Some of the best snipers of both World Wars, came from Saskatchewan and the West!

Yes, down through history there is a long list of men shooting other men. But I want to tell about the ones who didn’t!

Many years ago young Bob was hunting way up north with one of his cousins. Howard pointed.

“Take a shot at that coyote out there on the lake,” he said.

Young Bob looked at what sure enough seemed a couple of hundred yards

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5



THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Friday, Jan.17 • 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan.18 • 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan.19 • 2 p.m.

Matinee Admission $5 Ratings from the Saskatchewan Film Classification Board

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



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

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

SE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 2

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

All land is adjoining and totals approximately 204.17 acres. o NE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 0 has approximately 158.85 acres. o SE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 2 has approximately 45.32 acres.

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

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

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

4. Possession Date: March 26, 2025.

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

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

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

Page 8. Land 1/4 to be sold as one package or as individual quarters (bids on any number of quarters will be considered). The Vendor retains the right to select to sell one or any number of quarters to a package offeror. Package bids must specify price offered for each quarter.

9. Property sold “as is”.

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

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021

6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

©2025 Western Canada Press westcanpress@gmail.com

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Experience a world of flooring excellence, from exquisite hardwood to inviting carpet innovative luxury vinyl, enduring laminate and tile, and eco-friendly cork flooring. Let their team of specialists assist you in selecting the ideal flooring that matches your unique preferences and financial considerations.

Bee Hive Flooring sells and installs quality name-brand flooring by Mohawk, Shaw Floors, Mannington, Armstrong and Tarkett.

Professional installation ensures the longevity and proper functionality of your new flooring. Bee Hive Flooring takes all the specifications of your space into account when deciding how much flooring you will need and how the installation should proceed. They seek perfection in even the smallest details, leaving you with flooring that looks professional and expertly executed.

Bee Hive Flooring makes it their top priority to offer flexible services to accommodate your flooring installation needs.

To get an accurate quote visit their store or their website at www.beehiveflooring.com.

Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BeehiveFlooring/.

A Heathy, Beautiful Smile Starts Here Your Best Source For New & Used Tires & Wheels 1601 11th St. W., Saskatoon 306-664-6411 Purchasing tires is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that significantly impacts your safety and driving experience.

By understanding your specific needs, researching tire options, and considering factors like size, type, and tread patterns, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vehicle and driving conditions. That’s where A-1 Tire & Wheel comes in, they are your tire experts.

A-1 Tire & Wheel a community-minded award-winning business boasts 15 tire stations manned by qualified technicians with over 100 years of combined experience.

A-1 Tire & Wheel specializes in the sale and professional installation of passenger cars, performance, light trucks, and SUV tires. They proudly feature quality tires by Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, and Cooper, to mention a few.

Additionally, they sell used tires, with tire trade-ins welcome.

Used tires can be a practical and economical choice for budget-conscious consumers. All used tires sold are backed by a peace of mind 30-day warranty.

Upgrading to custom wheels is an exciting journey that allows you to personalize your vehicle and make a unique statement on the road. By considering style preferences, wheel size, materials, and finish options you can make a wise choice. A-1 Tire & Wheel features over 10,000 Factory OEM and aftermarket used wheels in stock, covering all wheel bolt patterns.

Managing flats, slow leaks, TPMS sensors (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems), tire rotations, and wheel balancing is no problem at A-1 Tire & Wheel with their modern equipment. They also have two double drive-thru large truck bays serving customers with trailers and campers.

Founded in 1999, A-1 Tire & Wheel has provided outstanding service to the people of Saskatchewan. Local owner, Anthony Renneberg invites you to stop by when in need of replacement tires or related services featured at competitive prices.

Visit them online at www.a1tiresaskatoon.com to view their catalog, and browse for tires. Ask about money-saving tire rebates and special offers.

Like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/A1TireWheel Gift cards are available. Keep the good times rolling with a new set of tires from A-1 Tire & Wheel a business worth recommending.

40-1519 8th St. E., Saskatoon 306-956-2245 CumberlandSquare www.shoppetplanet.ca Pet Planet is more than just a retailer; it’s a community hub for pet lovers. The store is staffed by knowledgeable and passionate individuals who are committed to helping customers make informed decisions about their pet’s care.

Whether it’s providing personalized nutrition advice or sharing training tips, the team at Pet Planet goes above and beyond to support pet owners on their journey.

Choosing the right food for your pet is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. A wellbalanced diet is essential for your pet’s overall health, longevity, and quality of life.

Pet Planet sells quality nutritional dry kibble, canned (wet), dehydrated food, and raw pet food. The products that they sell have been formulated using top-quality ingredients that dogs and cats love.

Investing in quality pet food is an investment in your pet’s health and happiness. Pet Planet sells quality pet foods

by Farmina, Nutram, Acana, Instinct, Nulo, Almo Natural, Merrick, Tikki Cat, Tikki Dog, Bold by Nature, Horizon, Pet Nutrition, and Grain-free TAIGA, just to mention a few.

Serving Canada since 1996, with 46 locations Pet Planet prides itself on providing more than just products; it offers personalized service and expert guidance. The store on 8th St. E. in Saskatoon is guided by local owners Mike and Rochelle Heebner. Their staff members are well-versed in pet nutrition and are eager to assist pet owners in finding the most suitable products for their furry companions.

Products in this pet-friendly store include nutritional supplements, chew toys and treats, stylish collars and apparel, leashes, custom travel harnesses, travel cages, feeders, pet beds and more. They also offer self-wash services $10 for the first 15 mins.

Sign up for their industry-leading loyalty program become a “My Pet Planet” member and earn points with every purchase. Then redeem your points in-store or online and save on your pet’s item. Every day in-store, they offer 5% off when you buy 12 or more wet food cans. Gift Cards are available.

Remember, your pet depends on you to make the right choices for their diet, so choose Pet Planet.

Visit them online at www.shoppetplanet.ca Like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/PetPlanetCumberland/ and follow them on Instagram.

3B 3602 Taylor St. E., Saskatoon 306-249-3737 Free parking at the front and back of the building Rose Town Denture Clinic 311 Main St., Rosetown 306-831-8888 www.accufitdenturecentre.ca

Whether you have lost one tooth or multiple teeth, Accufit Denture Centre will be ready to learn about your needs and show you all of their dentures and dental implant solutions.

Missing teeth make it difficult to eat the foods you love and may hinder your social activities because you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the way you look.

If you are tired of looking at photos where you’re not smiling, Accufit Denture Centre can improve your appearance – and your diet – with beautiful, well-fitted dentures.

For three generations, the Anderson family has provided exceptional denture services. Ryan Anderson DD a member of The Denturist Society of Saskatchewan is skilled in offering the most precise, advanced, and effective denture services in the region.

Ryan looks forward to introducing you to the many different types of dentures that may be used to rebuild your smile and functionality. He offers conventionally designed partial and complete dentures, immediate dentures, as well as implantretained dentures. He is dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you’re proud to show off.

With a denture laboratory on the premises, Accufit Denture Centre can provide relining and rebasing to keep your dentures looking, feeling, and functioning like the day you first got them. Repairs can be done while you wait, highquality mouth guards are available.

It’s crucial to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. They can assess the fit and function of your dentures and advise you on when replacement may be necessary.

We suggest you contact Accufit Denture Centre to book an appointment to receive a complimentary consultation.

Ryan is also available at his Rosetown Denture Clinic every Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Flexible payment options are available. Inquire about the new (CDCP) Canadian Dental Care Plan program for seniors 65 and older. Ryan provides denture services for this program funded by the federal government.

Accufit Denture Centre offers personalized care and ongoing support to ensure that their patients receive the best quality care they deserve, and at a price you can afford.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Future of the world defines the future of agriculture

Calvin Daniels

Agriculture

by Calvin Daniels The idea of sustainable agriculture has been one of those ‘hot button’ topics which occasionally pops up for the farm sector.

When farm groups use the term sustainable agriculture they tend to be pointing a finger at themselves for doing a good job of it already.

Government programs often are pushing for better from the ag sector, using the carrot of funding to get farmers to

Christine Ibbotson

Ask The Money Lady Dear Money Lady Readers, I have been asked many times how the wealthy save and make money.

So, today let’s share some secrets from those high net worth Canadians - Canadians that have retired with highvalued investment and retirement assets. How did they do it, and what can you copy?

Wealthy people have all made their money differently. Some are great investors; some use real estate and others have great entrepreneurial skill. But when you drill down to the core of those high net worth people, they all have a few traits in common that we don’t see in those people with much less.

First up, the wealthy have a higher appetite for risk than the average person.

Now I am not saying they are reckless but rather are always on the lookout for opportunities

do more.

It’s an interesting dynamic made more dramatic by political overtones.

In Canada, especially on the Prairies Justin Trudeau has largely been vilified - some clearly warranted, and some he became the easy scapegoat for all ills - but with the Prime Minister disliked and mistrusted it certainly did not foster support for any ag programming suggesting greater sustainability.

Now pending the outcome of an obvious soon to be announced federal election all the rules are likely to change.

If you believe polls - and we are well out from a day at the poll that will matter - Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada are likely headed to power.

Now the Prairies are likely to be largely

send Conservative MPs to Ottawa, but even if they form government agriculture will not suddenly be a key issue - unless as part of a tariff war with the U.S. Domestically, the farm sector just doesn’t carry enough votes to courted

by MPs with legislation.

That said the environment isn’t likely to fare particularly well under a Conservative government, so sustainability may disappear from a lot of farm programming language.

That will doubly be the case stateside under a Donald Trump presidency.

Environmentally it’s likely to be back to something akin to the ‘Wild West’ where anything goes and the long-term effects are ignored in favour of profits today. Those

policies are going to have a splash effect across North America.

Now back in midDecember producer.com noted “Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada, Grain Growers of Canada, Pulse Canada and Soy Canada said Canadian agriculture is already the most sustainable in the world, and the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy must contain measures that are practical, science-based, market driven and beneficial for the entire sector as well as the environment.”

That suggests strongly the farm sector wants changes.

Of course defining what each word in a line such as “practical, sciencebased, market driven and beneficial for the entire sector as well as the environment” is the

that might be prosperous.

Wealthy people leverage their assets to create more wealth. They are not individuals that stay stagnant. Moreover, we often see wealthy people who have paid off their mortgages multiple times throughout their lives, only to have the ability to leverage lend again.

The wealthy see debt not as a bad thing, but as a tool to create more wealth.

They borrow to use the interest as a tax write off and then monetize the funds to expand their net worth. This is done through investing in the stock market, creating a business, or buying real estate. They want appreciating assets and never leverage on something that will depreciate over time.

Second, wealthy people are tenacious workers. They invest in themselves, always upgrading and looking for advancements. They are also individuals that pivot to change, taking full responsibility for a bad judgement call and then do the things that others wouldn’t, to get ahead.

I have never seen a wealthy person sit back on their laurels and wait for something to happen. They want to be the “market movers” and they will always be trying to improve their situation.

Third common trait of the wealthy is that they never do things as a “lone wolf.”

They know they can’t know it all and believe that more minds are better than just one. The wealthy always have advisors in everything they do. They are inquisitive thinkers and want to know more - the true believers of “knowledge is power.”

Lastly, we see that wealthy people understand the concept of diversification.

They never have all their assets in one place, but rather continuously want to spread their assets across multiple platforms to lower their risk.

And contrary to what you may think, the top one per centers are not pretentious or outwardly gregarious with their money. They buy perowned cars to save money rather than new ones.

They use reward credit cards to get discounts.

And they keep to a personal and professional financial budget so they know where their money is, how it’s performing and how they can save more.

Good luck and best wishes!

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

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

difficult part. Definitions of each of those words would vary considerable depending on who, or what group was offering the definition.

And, we can’t forget at the end of the day farmers cannot be impeded to such an extent they can’t

feed the world - which of course is paramount.

How production, profits, and environmental sustainability are handled in the turbulent years ahead will potentially define our world’s overall future.

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Delisle 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

JIM Established in 1929 REITER 124-1st Ave.W RE-ELECT

ROS E TOW N - D E L I S L E

AUTHORIZED BY THE FINANCIAL AGENT FOR JIM REITER

FEATURE OF THE WEEK! HAPPY NEW YEAR

• • • • • • •

2025 FORD MAVERICK XL Regal Price $38,645 +licensing and taxes Finance from $260 Bi-weekly Desert Sand / Remote Keyless Entry 2.0L Ecoboost Engine / AWD Electric Pwr Assist Steering Removable Tailgate w/Lock Pwr Locks and Windows 13.2” LCD Touchscreen

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2021 FORD EXPLORER Regal Price $45,995 +licensing and taxes Automatic / AWD 60,318km / Remote Start Star White Metallic 3.0L Ecoboost V6 Engine Heated/Cooled Power Front Seats Heated Steering Wheel Premium Audio System Platinum Pkg./ Fordpass Connect

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

8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Kim Gartner, MLA

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

Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 4:30pm

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 The Saskatchewan Traveller ... Nova Scotia Edition

by Trudy and Dale Buxton After a great little trip down the South Shore and then into Bear River, time for little rest, eat some fresh fish from over the mountain and then head up the valley on our final run back to the rest.

You will notice that some slang words like down the French Shore, head up the valley and over the mountain are expressions mainly used for someone who lives on the East Coast.

Growing up on the East Coast comes with sort of its own language and some slang words are usually used in everyday conversation.

While we were over the mountain to have something to eat we decided to dine at one of

our favourite restaurants, The Crow’s Nest. The fish and chips in this place have got to be one of the best ... guaranteed you will not leave hungry.

Heading up the shore there are several communities along the way that at one time had a post office, school and a store for the surrounding people that lived and mostly fished in the area.

One of those places is called Parker’s Cove.

Parker’s Cove has been around since the late 1700’s and was named after the Parker family who had settled on this part of the North Mountain, cleared land, and fished out on The Bay Funday as a source of income. Not much farming in this area as the landscape is mostly of a rock ledge.

A wharf was built in the early 1800’s as other people began to settle in the area. A post office was established in 1871 and as the population grew a school was built and opened in 1957. The highest population for the community was 225.

Shipbuilding and scallops were the main source of income in Parker’s Cove.

Travelling up the shore we come to the community of Hampton.

The original name was called Chute Cove, named

Hampton, Nova Scotia Lighthouse

after an earlier settler to the area. The name was changed to Hampton as the name came from England and the name itself was a very popular name at the time.

The earliest settlers arrived in 1809, a wharf was built, and fishing became the main source of income in this community. Over the years there were many acres of land cleared and some limited farming started. The highest population was around 175 people.

There was a large following in the Baptist faith and there was a meeting house built around the mid 1830’s so that they could hold meetings and have fellowship. A post office was established in 1859.

A new lighthouse was erected in 1911 along with a brand-new hotel which was used quite a bit for weary travellers coming

over the mountain from the valley.

Turning right on the Hampton Road we head for the community of Bridgetown, along this road there is a quartermile stretch of road that if you look at it, it appears to be going uphill, but if you put your vehicle in neutral, amazingly it seems to roll uphill with no problems, and if you walk this little hill going downhill you will huff and puff. This is known as a magnetic hill.

It seems that there are 15 magnetic hills in Canada and this one on Hampton Road is one of them. Magnetic hills are a wonder of Canada and are just a natural optical illusion where the hill appears to be uphill but is really downhill.

Interesting though.

Stay tuned next week for more from The Saskatchewan Traveller.

Fish & Chips at The Crow’s Nest Restaurant

SAVE THE DATE!!

2025 Community Builders Workshop Series

‘Positive Pathways to Rural and Small Town Prosperity’ with Facilitator - Peter Kenyon MAY 8 8:30 - 4:30 at The Biggar Community Hall

Workshop Overview: • • • • • • •

Continually growing and diversifying local leadership and capacity.

Fostering a positive and can-do mindset.

Actively encouraging healthy community behaviours related to inclusion, conversation, engagement and collaboration.

Encouraging asset, idea and opportunity obsession.

Developing community wow-factor.

Enhancing lifestyle options related to housing, childcare, recreation, education, health, retail services and staying local.

Creating the environment that supports local-based employment, enterprise and economic development.

The one-day workshop will focus upon the above seven locally driven development actions, to provide community builders the necessary principles, frameworks and tools to drive community change.

The format of the workshop incorporates presentations, interactive group exercises and an open space experience. Action principles and frameworks will be illustrated by stories, practical examples and humour.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Farm in the Dell receives massive support from Biggar ... Biggar and District Credit Union, Insurance, and Accounting Services, stepped up with a massive donation to the upcoming Farm in the Dell project for our community, a huge $50,000! The major Biggar business is very excited to support Farm in the Dell, feeling it is a great addition to the community, and the donation goes a long way to making the initiative a reality. From left to right: Bryce Kramer, Biggar and District Credit Union; Lynette Zacharias, Farm in the Dell; Breanne Harrabek, Biggar and District Insurance Services; Dylan Haynes, Biggar and District Accounting Services. (Submitted Photo)

911 calls that “missed the mark” in 2024 With 367,707 calls for service, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) had another busy year in 2024, taking calls ranging from 911 misdials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety.

“Our annual list is fun, but it’s important to realize that DOCC officers play a really important role during emergencies,” says Lee Rosin, Recruiter and Training Facilitator for DOCC. “We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from police. We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them. It’s important that these lines remain open for those who reach out for help through 911 or 310-RCMP.” Here are the top 10 calls that “missed the mark” in 2024: 10. Who are you?

A concerned individual

called 911 to advise that they didn’t recognize someone on their social media friend list.

9. Spick and span A frustrated individual called to complain that their parents were forcing them to clean their room.

8. Stop stressing meowt A caller advised that a fox was wandering the neighbourhood and scaring a local cat.

7. To bee or not to bee 911 dispatchers received a call from a person saying that they had a problem with bees in their home.

6. Tech support A concerned individual called 911 to ask for help unlocking their cell phone.

5. Litter bug An individual called 911 to report that someone had thrown their ice cream on the ground.

4. Cut the cat-itude A caller advised that their cat was being mean to them and they were hoping an officer would come and help with the situation.

3. Loads of fun 911 dispatchers received

a call from a person who was having trouble with their washing machine.

2. I’m counting on you An individual called 911 asking for help on a math equation as they didn’t want to fail their test in the morning.

1. Party’s over 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual saying that their tambourine was taken from a party they attended.

Please remember: whether you’re frustrated with your washing machine, trying to unlock your phone or suspicious of a fox, calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress.

Saskatchewan RCMP would like to remind the public that there are ramifications for those who misuse 911. Not only is there a chance of preventing someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help, there is also a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act with fines up to $2,000.

Box 39 ~ KELFIELD, SK S0K 2C0 Phone (306) 932-4911 ~ Email rm349@xplornet.com Shonda Toner, Administrator

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF GRANDVIEW NO. 349 SEASONAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR The R.M. of Grandview No. 349 invites applications for the position of Seasonal Equipment Operator/Maintenance Person. The successful candidate should have previous, large equipment, tractor and mower experience as well as general equipment maintenance knowledge. Applicants must hold a current driver’s license.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, mowing, road maintenance, culvert and sign installation, and equipment maintenance and repairs.

The R.M. of Grandview offers an attractive benefit package with Health and Dental and Short-Term Disability coverage as well as Long Term Disability and Life Insurance. Salary will be negotiated commensurate with related qualifications and experience.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume to the following until a suitable person is found to fill the position: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION R.M. OF GRANDVIEW NO. 349 BOX 39 KELFIELD, SK S0K 2C0 (306) 932-4911 rm349@xplornet.com For more information call (306) 932-4911 or (306) 948-9778 Only individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted.

NEXT HOME GAME: Sunday January 26 @ 2:00pm Biggar Jubilee Stadium

VS:

Wilkie Outlaws 1/2 and 1/2

Chase the Ace

Fun Social following each Home Game upstairs Biggar Jubilee Stadium

10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 Future looking bright for hockey ... Biggar Jubilee Stadium hosted a U9 carded tourney, Saturday, showcasing the talent to come as teams fought it out for top spot. A talented group of young athletes proved they are going to make Saskatchewan hockey a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M. Biggar Locals receive King Charles III Coronation Medal ... Area MP Kelly Block handed out King Charles III Coronation Medals to Biggar residents, Dale Buxton (top picture), Ray Sadler (middle) and Barb deHaan (bottom) this past Saturday. The medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada, and recognizes recipients for their contributions to the country, province, region, territory or community.

The ceremony was held in Saskatoon. (Submitted

Biggar Bowling Weekly Scores Monday Adult Mixed Ladies High Single - Marilyn Miller 188. Ladies High Triple - Marilyn Miller 497.

Mens High Single - Jason Raschke 223. Mens High Triple - Jason Raschke 527.

Tuesday Night Mixed Ladies High Single - Jennifer Jiricka 211. Ladies High Triple - Jennifer Jiricka 490. Mens High Single - Michael Hebert 225. Mens High Triple - Michael Hebert 549.

Thursday Afternoon Seniors Ladies High Single - Ann DeBussac 209. Ladies High Triple - Ann DeBussac 565.

Mens High Single - Gerry Besse 197. Mens High Triple - Gerry Besse 491.

YBC Pee Wee Single - Hadley Harrabek 88; Double - Hadley Harrabek 172. Bantam Single - Nash Wheaton 149; Triple - Nash Wheaton 372. Junior Single - Bentley McNaughton 262; Triple - Bentley McNaughton 639. Senior High Single - Hanna Keefe 229; High Triple - Hanna Keefe 564.

Over 30 Years in Business

306-882-2283 www.allwestsales.ca Highway 7 West Rosetown Box 1054 • S0L 2V0

Feature of the Week More Snow is on the Horizon!!

Make Life Easier with a Brand New Snow Blower See Daryl for a Great Deal

Versatile 580 DT Tractor 36” Track PTO Just Arrived

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

Photos)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Improving Habs becoming a threat once again

Normalcy is returning to the National Hockey League now that the Montreal Canadiens are a threat again.

The Canadiens, the league’s flagship team and winner of more Stanley Cups than any other franchise, have fallen on bad times in recent years, but are one of the league’s surprise success stories this season.

Crave TV ran a documentary on the Habs, called ‘The Rebuild: Inside the Montreal Canadiens’, that focused on efforts made by frontoffice staff to return the Canadiens to their glory days. And judging by recent results - nine wins in an 11-game span over

Christmas and into the new year, for instance it’s working.

At one point, Montreal was two games above .500, which was something worth celebrating. In one late-December stretch, Montreal won backto-back-to-back road games against Tampa Bay, Florida and Vegas, following up later with road wins over Cup contenders Colorado and Washington.

The Canadiens, whose 24 Stanley Cups wins are 11 ahead of second-place Toronto, have had three successive last-place finishes in the NHL’s Atlantic Division, but find themselves in a battle for an Eastern Conference wildcard playoff position as the season approaches its halfway mark.

In fact, this iteration of the Canadiens, given a couple of years of growth, could develop into a Stanley Cup contender.

Offensively, Cole Caufield is one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers. Line-mate Nick Suzuki, the team captain, leads the team in points.

One of the most exciting young defencemen in the league, rookie Lane Hutson, plays a ton of minutes and quarterbacks their power play. Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2022, is developing nicely, with more points than any other member of the ‘22 draft class (Hutson went 62nd in the same draft).

And while many around the NHL shook their heads when the Habs acquired Patrik Laine and a second-round pick in a trade with Columbus for Jordan Harris, the acquisition has turned out great. The Finnish forward, a former Jet and Blue Jacket, scored nine goals in his first 14 games for Montreal and adds the power to their power play. Still to join the team is Russian sniper Ivan Demidov, a sharpshooter who was selected No. 5 in the 2024 draft.

On the defensive side, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle and Alexandre Carrier join Hutson as game-changers on the blueline, and the recent

emergence of rookie goalie Jakub Dobes, who won his first two games with a .982 save percentage, to share duties with six-year vet Sam Montembeault gives Montreal fans hope another Patrick RoyCarey Price stabilizing influence will develop between the pipes.

General manager Kent Hughes is taking a lowkey approach.

“We still have a lot to learn,” Hughes said in a Canadian Press story.

“I’m glad we’re playing better than we did at the start of the season, but we’ve played 40 games and are (just) over the .500 mark. We’re not celebrating for nothing.

We haven’t achieved anything yet.”

• Headline at theonion. com: “LeBron pressures Bronny to have grandchildren before he’s too old to play with them in NBA.” • Brett McMurphy on Bluesky: “Forget the Kentucky Derby, Jack Sawyer’s 83-yard fumble return for Ohio State (vs. Texas) is the most

exciting two minutes in sports.”

• Columnist Norman Chad, on Twitter: “ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky talks more in a three-man booth than the late Vin Scully talked in a oneman booth.”

• Jack Finarelli on his sportscurmudgeon. com website, on Orlovsky: “I am a fullfledged supporter of the First Amendment guaranteeing free speech, but I think Orlovsky’s performance was a violation of that right.”

• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “Canada was bounced earlier in the World Junior for the second straight tourney. Now we’ll be subject to more federal commissions, inquiries and referendums than in a normal election year.”

• Rolfsen again: “Latvia has fewer people than Greater Vancouver, but way happier hockey fans.”

• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “Did you notice that ESPN began running Masters commercials on Jan.

1. C’mon now. It’s the Masters. As if people would forget to watch.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “New Orleans police recently were looking for ex-WWE star Davey Boy Smith for assaulting wrestler Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts - by throwing coffee at him. So the complaint had grounds.”

• Headline at theonion. com: “NBA Team Physicians Admit They Only Know Medical Stuff About Legs.”

• From the golf site First Call: “Scottie Scheffler suffered an injury to his right hand from broken glass while preparing Christmas dinner, keeping him out of action for a few weeks. Shouldn’t a man who won $62 million with his hands last year be kept away from sharp objects?”

• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “No one of sound mind will sign Pete Alonso for nine seasons.

But that’s assuming that everyone in baseball is of sound mind.”

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

by Phil Heilman A wild weekend in the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) resulted in some movement in the standings and some shifting of games (thanks Mother Nature).

In first is the Kindersley Sr Klippers at 8-2-1, followed by a tie in second between the Wilkie Outlaws and the Hafford Hawks at 8-2. In a tie for fourth is the Edam 3 Stars at 4-4 and the Macklin Mohawks at 4-5. In sixth is the Biggar Nationals at 1-6-2, followed by the Unity Miners at 0-8-1.

On Sunday, in a rescheduled game from Saturday, the Macklin Mohawks travelled north to Edam for a game against the 3 Stars and it was the home team coming away with a 4-2 victory.

Keegan Tiringer and Cody Mckinnon traded goals for the respective teams for a 1-1 draw after 20 minutes. No scoring was reported in the second, however the scoring started early again in the third, as Logan Nachtegaele and Josh LaClare scored a minute apart to open up a 3-1 lead for Edam.

McKinnon would cut the lead to 3-2, but Tiringer would score to finalize scoring.

Trevor Martin stopped 41 of 45 shots in the loss, while Taryn Kotchorek stopped 34 of 36 shots in the win.

Also on Sunday, in a game rescheduled from Friday, the Wilkie Outlaws welcomed the Kindersley Sr Klippers into town, with the Outlaws securing an 8-4 win.

Mike Sittler (on the power play) and Brett Boehm opened the scoring very quickly for a

2-0 lead. Brock Harrison would tack on another one for a 3-0 lead, but Aiden Bangs would cut the lead down to 3-1. Ryan Keller would extend the lead back to 3 after 20 minutes. In the middle frame, Byron Ismond would score to cut the lead to 4-2. Mitch Suchan would bring it up to 5-2, however, Markus Boguslavsky (on the power play) would score to cut the lead back down to 2. Rick Cey would bring that gap back up to 6-3 after 40 minutes.

In the third, Harrison and Boehm would extend that lead further to 7-3 before Hunter Smith’s first of the year would tie a bow on scoring.

Cody Beswitherick took the loss, stopping 41 of 49 shots, while Jared Herle stopped 29 of 33 shots in the win.

In another Sunday tilt that was meant for Friday, the Unity Miners headed north for a contest against the Hafford Hawks, which ended with an 8-2 victory for Hafford.

It was all Hafford in the first, with Brandon Lesko, Kyle Rivett and Quinton Cubbon all scoring for a 3-0 Hawks lead. Quinton would score again in the second to extend the lead further, but Daniel Hilsendager would cut the lead to 4-1. Lesko fired his eighth of the year to open up a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes. Lesko made the hats fly just 17 seconds in the final period, and Connor Neave would add another one for a 7-1 lead. Davis Chorney would cut the lead to 7-1.

Kyle Litchenwald’s fifth of the year would round out scoring.

Brett Vanderveer stopped 27 of 35 shots in the loss, while Joel

Gryzbowski stopped 43 of 45 shots in the win.

On Saturday night, the Hafford Hawks headed to Unity for a contest against the Miners, with the Hawks coming away with a 7-3 victory.

Brayden Schultz opened the scoring early to give the Miners a 1-0 lead.

Ryan Schaefer would tie it up just four minutes later, with Quinton Cubbon giving the Hawks the lead just two minutes after that. Connor Neave, on the power play, extended the lead to 3-1 after 20 minutes. It was all Hafford in the second as Kobe Kindrachuk (shorthanded), Schaefer and Neave all scored to open up a commanding 6-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Ryan Jackson and Justin Gerein both scored their first of the year to cut the lead to 6-3, but Brandon Lesko would secure the

victory with an empty net goal.

Chase Honan secured the victory, stopping 20 of 23 shots, while Ryan Rewerts took the loss, stopping 29 of 35 shots.

Also on Saturday, the Biggar Nationals hosted the Kindersley Sr Klippers, with the Klippers coming away with the 3-2 OT victory.

Chris Henry opened the scoring just 34 seconds into the game. Newcomer Markus Boguslavsky scored his first as a Klipper to tie it up at 1 after one period. In the middle frame, the lone goal came off the stick of Brody Ryberg, giving Kindersley the 2-1 lead after 40 minutes. That lead held all the way to the 2:34 mark of the third, where Derek Nicholls scored his first of the year (on the power play) to tie it up and send it to

extra time. The OT period was extremely short lived as Boguslavsky was the hero.

Cody Beswitherick stopped 33 of 35 shots for the win, while Brett Matlock took the loss, stopping 32 of 35 shots.

Quickly looking at provincials, as all seven SWHL teams entered Hockey Sask Provincials.

In the ‘A’ Division, the Hafford Hawks open up in the quarter finals against the Kenaston Blizzard of the Sask Valley Hockey League.

In the ‘B’ Division, the Biggar Nationals are set up in the semi-finals to play the Davidson Cyclones of the Sask Valley Hockey League.

The winner of this series will play the Kindersley Klippers in the North Final. In the ‘C’ Division, the defending Jack Abbott Memorial Trophy

winner Wilkie Outlaws open up their defense in the quarter finals against the Outlook Ice Hawks of the Sask Valley Hockey League, while the Unity Miners will open up their quarter final play against the Eston Ramblers of the Sask Valley Hockey League. In the ‘D’ Division, the J.W Hamilton Trophy winner Macklin Mohawks will start their title defense in the quarter finals against their Sask West rivals in the Edam 3 Stars. All series are best of three, with dates to be determined.

The upcoming weekend is loaded with important matchups. On Friday, Kindersley hosts Edam and Unity travels to Macklin. On Saturday, Biggar heads west to Unity, Hafford hosts Wilkie and Macklin hosts Edam.

Bruce Penton

Penton on Sports

Sask West This Week

Chris Henry, left, opened scoring on the home start versus the Kindersley K l i p p e r s , Saturday. Along with line mate Brett Novak, centre, the Nats took the Klippers to OT, unfortunately falling 3-2 in the sudden death OT. (Independent

Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

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Landis Office Hours:

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

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Perdue Office Hours

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

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MECHANIC SHOP

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

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CAR CARE

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

DENTAL

Rosetown Dental

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115 - 1st Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.

PRoCESSING INC.

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

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Phone:306.882.2123

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

LEGAL SERVICES BUSSE LAw

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

STUCCO , DRYWALL CONCRETE FINISHING

p.m. phone: Chris

Chico’s Auto Works

Dr. Krista Maedel & Associates

306-716-4021 DEMOLITION & RESTORATION

Mon - Fri • 8 a.m.-5

Jennifer:

New Patients Welcome!

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

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

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

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

Excellent Quality at a Reasonable Price!

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

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HAULING

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

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

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14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

email us at tip@sasktel.net

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Aries, charm is one of your strongest attributes. This week your magnetism is magnified and can work to MID - YEAR SPECIAL Try a advantage. subscription for You might your only $15.00 plus GST and get it in your mailbox attract people who can help for the rest of the year Check out the with a situation. ““NEW WEBSITE””

Cancer, others are supportive of a new project you recently proposed. Maintain that support by staying focused on the tasks at hand. It’s time to move things along.

Taurus, it is never easy to reevaluate finances and cut back. However, this is the week when you likely have to keep your credit card in your wallet; otherwise, the bills add up.

You are open to new activities and friendships, Leo. Luckily, you may not have to work too hard to make these things happen. Bring new members into existing friend groups.

for on-line options TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, now is the time to turn great opportunities into big ideas. Make a plan of action and spell out the steps necessary to see an opportunity come to fruition. Ask for help, if needed.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Do whatever it takes to have some quality time to yourself, Virgo. This may include taking a trip or booking a relaxing day at a nearby spa.

Libra, allow some time to pass by before offering an assessment. Responding too quickly might produce a knee-jerk reaction that could prove regrettable down the road.

Take extra care dealing with a sticky situation at work, Scorpio. You may need to be very careful about checking for mistakes in detailoriented tasks without stepping on any toes.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

You might need to bargain to get something you want this week, Sagittarius. Figure out what you are willing to give up and then identify a person you can work with.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Clear communication is needed right now, Capricorn; otherwise, you may fall victim to hearsay or crossed signals. Get the facts before sharing your opinion.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Start contemplating big changes pertaining to your employment situation, Aquarius. An opportunity might come along that proves too good to pass up.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

The feelings you have for someone will help you overlook any imperfections you have noticed, Pisces. Keep your relationship strong by focusing on this person’s good points.

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Tasting Notes 0IbMTV]\ +PWKWTI\M *ZW_V ;]OIZ Taste Complexity *WTL ;_MM\ +TMIV

Dark Roast Mexico

Fundy Storm Fogged in? Swamped?

Feel like you’ve lost control in a 60 ft. tide? :MIKP NWZ \PQ[ KW‫ٺ‬MM \PI\ will keep you from the rocks, buoy you to refuge IVL W‫ٺ‬MZ [UWW\P [IQTQVO to safe harbour. This dark roast brews a brightness at the end that will hold the bitterness of a nor’easter at bay.

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Medium Roast Tasting Notes Cirtus, Caramel, Floral Taste Complexity Balanced & Full, Vibrant & Fruity Honduras

YOUR DOCUMENTS AND LET US PRINT THEM FOR YOU.

CLUES ACROSS 1. This regulates cortisol production (abbr.)

5. People of northern Vietnam 8. Employee stock ownership plan 12. Regions 14. The center of a city 15. Hindu serpentine deity 16. Roared 18. Sun up in New York 19. “Sir” in Malaysian 20. Shrimp dish 21. Muckraker Tarbell 22. Apex 23. Harmonic effects 26. One of Babe Ruth’s nicknames 30. Groups in organic chem-

istry 31. More pleasant-tasting 32. Spring forward 33. Noted writer 34. Building occupied by monks 39. “The world’s most famous arena” 42. Colorless liquid hydrocarbon 44. Long or fast speech 46. Things you can eat 47. Substance in which magnetic moments are not aligned 49. Actor Idris 50. I (German) 51. Taxes 56. Indonesian island 57. Nuisance (slang) 58. Shawl

59. Digits 60. Moved on foot quickly 61. “For goodness __” 62. Facial body part 63. Russian river 64. Urinates

CLUES DOWN 1. Partner to “oohs” 2. Scaly water dweller 3. Pueblo people of New Mexico 4. Music producer Teo 5. Greek mythological goddess 6. Got together to discuss 7. Acquires 8. Involve 9. Some are tomato-based

10. Old Irish alphabets 11. A sheet of glass in a window or door 13. Blood poisoning 17. A moon of Saturn 24. Neither 25. Sums 26. They follow “A” 27. Satisfaction 28. People of southeastern Burma 29. Small amount 35. Guy (slang) 36. Sound unit 37. Midway between northeast and east 38. Affirmative 40. Almost at the top 41. Extremely slow 42. Pearl Jam’s debut album 43. Influential mid-century playwright 44. Martens 45. Approval 47. Dallas-adjacent Texas city 48. African nation 49. Dark brown or black 52. A place to get caught 53. Large-headed, elongated fish 54. Type of sword 55. Scottish tax or levy

­

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

IN LOVING MEMORY

Everyone Welcome!

JAMES EDWIN HOULT

May 16, 1946 - January 19, 2015

It’s hard to believe that 10 years have gone by alreadysince you left us.

Missed By: Brenda (Ray) Wood & Family Bob (Donna) Hoult & Family

St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh

by Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church The song “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” quickly became the song of the ‘70s, originally sung by Simon and Garfunkle.

The lyrics seemed to resonate with many hearts. “When you’re feeling weary, feeling small; when tears are in your eyes; I will dry them all. I’m on your side...

Like a bridge over troubled waters, I will lay me down.”

The truth is that Jesus is our bridge over the

Corner of Main Street and 1st Ave. Biggar, SK

You are welcome to CHAPEL of HOPE Meeting at the Centennial Room at the Westwinds Motor Hotel Sundays at 10:30am Pastor Doug Motz Coffee & Refreshments provided

troubled waters of this world, and He did lay His life down on behalf of all humanity. The whole world is experiencing troubled waters currently. Even our beloved country of Canada. Justice and mercy seem to be afar off. Many people are homeless and hungry.

Crime is through the roof.

According to the Government of Canada 49,105 Canadians have died from opioid toxicity during the period of January 2016 to June 2024. There is much more that could be written, but it is difficult to deny the reality of the troubled waters.

Jesus is not only our bridge over troubled waters, but He can calm those waters. He demonstrated His authority over the wind and the water in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Mark 4:39.

There is another song with a message of instruction and hope, “Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water. Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea. Take a look at yourself, and you can look at others differently. Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee.”

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be anxious. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Thankfully, God is not a politician. He keeps all His promises.

DID YOU KNOW!!

The Biggar Independent is a

We can offer you all the great products that you would find at a Staples Store without making the drive, and in most cases can sell to you CHEAPER. Contact us today at 948-3344

St. Gabriel CWL would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all the individuals, organizations, and businesses who generously donated toys, money and space to the 2024 Secret Santa Project.

Your donations are very much appreciated and enabled us to provide this service to many families in our community

$126.00 plus gst for December 13 edition

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

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

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

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans

St.Pauls Anglican 205 4th Ave. E

Redeemer Lutheran 319 7th Ave. E

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

JANUARY 26 10:30am Regular Worship (Redeemer Lutheran) FEBRUARY 9 10:30am Regular Worship (St.Pauls)

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

Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

All are welcome to come and join us

Biggar United ChUrCh REGULAR SERVICES SUNDAY 11:00 am Minister Dale Worrall Inquires Call Church Office 306-948-2280 Leave Message

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SATURDAY SERVICES BIBLE STUDY 10:00a.m.

CHURCH SERVICE 11:00a.m.

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

www.amazingfacts.org

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

You are Invited

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

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

There’s always something happening at the museum!

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery The holidays are done and dusted, and life gets back to “normal”. Here at the museum, we have raced into 2025 with several things happening, because as you all know, there is always something happening at the museum!

The slogan ‘New York is Big, but this is Biggar” will turn 111 years this Halloween, and our town will be 114 this year. The museum started out in the basement of the library 53 years ago and has been in this location for 28 years.

There is a new art exhibit up in the gallery, called “Labours of Love, Under Lamplight.”

The museum volunteers came in on the first day we opened and put together this very interesting exhibit of Indigenous Art. Ten Saskatchewan artists have created objects that were at one time considered as crafts or hobby. Things like ribbon skirts and moccasins.

In the exhibit is also examples of birch bark biting. Have you heard of this art form?

The schools have been invited to view this exhibit and the teachers are booking times now.

COVID did slow down how many students

visited the museum per school year, but we are pleased to say that the numbers are rising again.

It is just so great to see the students and to enjoy their enthusiasm while learning about the art and the history of Biggar.

There is a new exhibit in the Royden Donahue Exhibit Gallery as well.

Before Christmas our dedicated exhibits committee created a new exhibit honouring the women who played a large part in Second World War. Uniforms, medals and information are exhibited for you to see across from the Heritage Albums and Hanson Buck.

The Biggar Museum and Gallery hosted an Exhibit Design Course in October. The course was presented through Museums Association of Saskatchewan (MAS).

The instructor was John Snell, Manager for Programs and Exhibits at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina. He brought with him over 30 years experience in design. Participants in the course came from all over Saskatchewan.

Five people from Biggar took the course as well, supported by grants from MAS. The Biggar group had a purpose. It was to learn the design principles to

create a new permanent exhibit in the museum.

Since completing the course and then working for over a month, a design was created and submitted to the instructor for marking.

We have discovered recently that we all got a passing grade for the design!

Plans are going forward this year to acquire the funding and artifacts to create a professional and informative display on the history of the Metis in our area.

The museum is planning on bringing back the same very popular community events in 2025. Beginning with the Valentine’s Pie

Sale. Our volunteers will canvas businesses in town to take orders for their employees. These pies will be delivered in the morning of the February 14. In the afternoon, the Pie and Tea sale will serve slices of pie with a hot beverage. Our volunteers will be calling pie bakers in the next little while.

If you would like to be part of this community event and can bake pies, please let us know at the museum and we will be delighted to give you more information.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy 2025 from the staff, board and volunteers at the Biggar Museum and Gallery.

Just one piece of the “Labours of Love, Under Lamplight” art exhibit in the gallery in the Biggar Museum and Gallery. (Photo for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)

June 13, 14, 15, 2025

•Do you have an event that you would like to do?

•Do you have an idea to help make Fair Days more Memorable?

All idea’s and all suggestions are looked at and considered.

No responses means that your satisfied that way it is

What would you like to see?

We are already planning the Fireworks on Friday Parade on Saturday and Block Party on Saturday Night Car Show will be on the Sunday Contact us with your ideas and suggestions

--The Independent-206 Main Street Box 40 Biggar, SK 306-948-3344