Arts Council Concert Series Begins! ... Tom and Kalissa Landa took to the Majestic Theatre stage, Tuesday, for the first concert in the Biggar and District Arts Council concert season. The nine-show season got off to a great start with the talented couple, bringing Mexican, Latin, Celtic and Folk in a harmonious musical journey, mixed with a relaxed, laid back, welcoming approach. The next show is November 13 as magician/mentalist, Jeff Newman comes to the Majestic. (Independent
Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
BCS Senior Girls Blazers hosted a 12-team tourney this past weekend featuring furious and exciting volleyball action. The Green and Gold fielded two teams with the ‘A’ squad finishing the weekend off with a third place finish. Congratulations to both Biggar teams! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar RCMP Report
by
Cst. Chad Mehl, Biggar Detachment
Over the past week, Biggar RCMP responded to 32 calls of service with 21 occurrences generated by RCMP Traffic Services between warnings, inspections, speeding, seatbelt, and uninsured motor vehicle tickets.
On October 15, there was a report of vandalism/cut fencing at Lizard Lake Community Pasture; a motor vehicle collision at the train track bridge north of Biggar; and a theft of tools from a parked truck in the RM of Eagle Creek.
On October 16, a red Ford pickup truck with a white slip tank was in the areas of the RM of Perdue and RM of Biggar, acting suspicious which triggered complaints and a report of the theft of power tools from a land
location north of Kinley. A shoplifting complaint occurred at a business in Biggar in which the two suspects fled in a black car. Surveillance footage is being examined to help identify the suspects. There was also a theft of a licence plate from a Ford F150.
Biggar RCMP also responded to a traffic hazard/roadkill complaint in the westbound driving lane of Highway 14 approximately five miles west of Asquith. A caller also called in a hitchhiker dressed in all dark clothing on the shoulder of Highway 14 east of Biggar. When members responded, the hitchhiker was gone on arrival.
On October 18, Biggar RCMP were tasked to check on the well-being of a male who was located safe. A barbed-wire fence/gate had been driven into at a land location east of Biggar. A Capix Villain grey BMX bike with orange handles and two pegs was stolen while the owner’s child was at school. There was a report of an unwanted person at a business in Biggar.
Members attended and located the person in the streets of Biggar and cautioned the person to stay away from the business.
On October 19, at 6:40 a.m., Biggar RCMP responded to a house fire in the RM of Eagle Creek. All occupants were able to exit the residence and two of the occupants were treated at the scene by
EMS. Eagle Creek Fire Department responded and put out the fire, but the residence was a total loss. The fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature.
Biggar RCMP also responded to a deer versus pickup truck collision on Highway 14, five kilometres east of Biggar and a civil dispute
between neighbours. A quasi-threatening comment was made between a former employee and employer.
On October 20, Biggar RCMP responded to a person slumped over at a park bench. The person was found to be okay and in good health. There was a report of a house party and subsequent vandal-
RM of Biggar council minute highlights
The regular meeting of the RM of Biggar No. 347 was held September 19 at the municipal office at 9 a.m. Attending were Reeve Jeanne-Marie de
son, Mark Sagon, Greg Mundt, and Brian Watson, Assistant Administrator Maria Danychuk, and Foreman Darren Comstock.
The following are some highlights of the meeting.
Council agreed that the August 2024 Bank Reconciliation and Financial Statement be received and filed as presented.
Council agreed payments for cheques, online payments, online utility payments, Mastercard, monthly remittances, and August payroll in the amount of $219,149.77, be approved.
• 9:30 a.m. Council suspended the meeting to open a Public Hearing regarding the Development and Building Permit submitted by Fred Boisvert.
• 9:45 a.m. Public Hearing was closed, and Council meeting resumed.
Council agreed to approve the Development and Building Permit at NW 34-35-14 W3rd from Fred Boisvert.
Council agreed that verbal reports for Division 1-6 were presented, as were the Reeve, Administrator, and Foreman reports.
Council agreed that
the following correspondence be accepted for their information and filed: Cory McMahon - Lagoon Inspection; Evolution Training and Consulting Ltd. - Road Tour.
Council agreed to nominate Brian Watson to be the 2024 APAS (Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan) representative for the RM of Biggar, and approved administration to submit the forms on their behalf.
Council agreed to approve the request from Monarch Multiple 4-H Club requesting a drop-off location at the shop compound for the month of October for their battery collection fund raiser.
Council agreed to approve the drawings of the proposed expansion of their current dugout site located at NW 12-36-17 W3rd.
Council agreed that the RM of Biggar sign the renewed Municipal Funding Agreement
ism on a parked motor vehicle on the 300 block of Third Avenue West and a vandalized school bus parked at 300 block of Fourth Avenue West. The bus was forcefully entered by the main access doors which caused damage to the hinges of one of the doors. One of the doors was also discovered to be bent.
(formerly the Gas Tax Fund), a joint federalprovincial agreement. The grant funding is for a 10-year period commencing April 1, 2024 until March 31, 2034.
Council agreed to approve administration to contact WSP engineers and request an engineered design and approximate cost to develop approximately 750 metres of the road from the highway to the approach leading to the location of Farm In The Dell. Council approved the use of the Canada Community Building Fund to fund the Farm In The Dell road project.
Council agreed to approve administration to have WSP engineers update the cost estimate sheet and to complete the Rural Integrated Roads For Growth application for the remaining 1.5 miles of Grid 656 to be rebuilt.
• Meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
New Season, New Glory ... Biggar Minor Hockey has been non-stop practicing for the upcoming hockey season, and local skaters have been gliding on the Jubilee Stadium’s glass-smooth ice. A new year of fun and competition, here’s hoping the players and skaters have a fantastic year!
(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Take a bite of ‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’ this Friday! ... Castwell and Co. hit the Biggar Majestic Theatre this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a mash-up of Bram Stoker meets Mel Brooks in the ghoulish first offering of the Biggar play group. Don’t miss out on this very, very funny take on the classic Stoker tale as the Count looks for love and a quick bite to eat. Tickets are on sale at the door or at the Biggar Museum for $20. A licensed event, minors must be accompanied by an adult. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Political games are taking priority over Canadians’ rising food costs
by Roslyn Kunin, former regional director, Department of Employment and Immigration
More than half of Canadians are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living. It is even affecting eating habits.
Not only have many given up little luxuries like occasional restaurant meals, but they are now much more frugal in their grocery shopping, and some have even had to cut back on what they eat.
Having enough money to buy food is a basic necessity, and you’d expect the Canadian government to take this issue seriously. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. For many politicians, playing political games seems to take priority. A clear example of this is the Bloc Quebecois, whose support in Parliament is now crucial to prevent a no-confidence vote and avoid triggering an election. This shows how politics can overshadow the wellbeing of the people.
The Bloc has offered to support the Trudeau government subject to certain conditions. One of these conditions is that a law be passed by
Oct. 29 ensuring that supply management regulations for dairy and other products are not changed, nor used as bargaining tools in trade agreements or for securing similar benefits for Canada.
Restricting milk and related production has long been a “sacred cow” for the Canadian government (pun intended). This system benefits the small number of producers who hold quotas but comes at a cost to everyone else. Not only do we have to pay higher prices for basic food items, but we’re also limited in terms of choice. A more open industry could provide more options and variety, but the current system keeps those opportunities out of reach.
If that weren’t bad enough, the proposed legislation takes things a step further. By demanding that supply management never be part of trade negotiations, Canada’s ability to negotiate with other countries is severely limited. With fewer options on the table, Canada will likely receive less from other nations in return,
reducing our access to international markets and customers.
This means that not only Canadian consumers are being harmed, but so are businesses, employers, and workers. Canadian firms that currently export or have the potential to export in the future will face limited access to international markets, restricting their growth and opportunities.
Canada relies heavily on exports due to its relatively small domestic market. Limiting our ability to reach international customers will lead to fewer and smaller producers within the country. This will result in fewer jobs, lower tax revenue, and a generally weaker economy.
As consumers, we will not only face higher prices and fewer options in the dairy aisle but every product or service that could have benefited from freer and more open trade negotiations will now be less available.
Right now, many Canadians are concerned about the upcoming American presidential election, and rightly so. Some of the proposed policies
could hurt Canada. One such policy mentioned by Donald Trump is particularly worrying. In addition to the 60 per cent tariff he wants to impose on all imports from China, he is now discussing a 10 per cent or even 20 per cent tariff on all imports from other countries, including Canada.
Let’s set aside the fact that such tariffs would devastate the American economy and its consumers and focus on what it means for us. More than a third of Canada’s economy depends on foreign trade, with the U.S. being our biggest trad-
ing partner. Imposing tariffs would close off, rather than expand, markets and trade opportunities. We know this would have serious negative effects on Canada.
We don’t want others damaging our economy like this, yet the legislation proposed by the Bloc would do exactly that, even if on a smaller scale. The bill has already passed through the House of Commons and is now before the Senate. It’s amazing that it has gone this far.
It’s time for the Canadian government to demonstrate that it is governing for the ben-
efit of all, or at least the majority, of Canadians. The interests of small pressure groups, like dairy farmers, must not be allowed to continue to squeeze our already strained budgets. Our international negotiators must be free to secure the best possible deals for us - whether as consumers seeking variety and affordable prices or as producers who need markets to grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the economy.
The Bloc’s proposed legislation should not be passed.
PBO confirms carbon tax hitting Canadians hard
by Franco Terrazzano and Kris Sims, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should appoint Bill Murray to cabinet because the fight over the carbon tax feels like Groundhog Day.
In the film, Murray’s character is doomed to repeat the same day over and over until he makes some changes.
In real life, Ottawa’s carbon tax has continually punished Canadians when they drive, stay warm, buy food, invest in the economy and create jobs.
And the Parliamentary Budget Officer is doomed to keep confirming this.
The PBO released its third report confirming the carbon tax is costing Canadians.
“The average household in each of the backstop provinces will see a
net cost, paying more in the federal fuel charge and GST, as well as receiving lower incomes (due to the fuel charge), compared to the Canada Carbon Rebate they receive,” reads the latest PBO report.
According to the PBO, the carbon tax costs the average family up to $399 more this year than the rebates they get back.
By 2030, that cost jumps to $903.
Those are annual costs, so those numbers downplay the total cost over time. By the end of 2030, the carbon tax will have cost that average household up to a whopping $4,388, even after the rebates.
Even that downplays the total cost of carbon taxes. In its latest report, the PBO only crunched the costs for Trudeau’s consumer carbon tax.
Trudeau also imposed an industrial carbon tax and buried another carbon tax in fuel regulations.
Groundhog Day news flash: higher taxes still don’t make life more affordable.
Carbon taxes cost so much because they hit almost all aspects of Canadian life.
Canada is a big place and the carbon tax makes getting around more expensive. The carbon tax adds about $13 to fill up a minivan, about $20 to fill up a pickup, and about $200 to fill up a big rig truck.
Canada is a cold place and the carbon tax makes staying warm more expensive. The average household uses 2,385 cubic metres of natural gas per year, so the carbon tax costs families about $360 extra to heat their homes this year.
Canadians need to eat and the carbon tax makes that more expensive too.
The carbon tax costs truckers about $2 billion this year and farmers about $1 billion by 2030. By making it more expensive for farmers to grow food and truckers to deliver food, the carbon tax makes it more expensive for everyone to buy food.
Canada’s economy relies on natural resources. The carbon tax will cost our economy $12 billion this year.
The Trudeau government also charges its sales tax on top of the carbon tax. This carbon tax-on-tax costs taxpayers hundreds of millions every year. That tax-ontax money isn’t rebated back.
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault claims the PBO report
showed Canadians are better off with the carbon tax. He called claims to the contrary a “big lie” and “misleading.”
Nice try, minister. As the PBO report shows, the only way Canadians are better off is if you ignore the carbon tax’s “economic” costs.
That’s like saying you’re sticking to your diet, but only if you ignore the big plate of poutine you had after your Saturday night beer binge.
The reality is the carbon tax is costing Canadians big time and is not an environmental solution.
The PBO noted that “Canada’s own emissions are not large enough to materially impact climate change” and the “potential economic benefits of reducing Canada’s emissions” would “largely accrue to residents in other coun-
tries.”
That’s because Canada accounts for only 1.4 per cent of global emissions. This repetitive bad news about the carbon tax would be Groundhog Day funny if it wasn’t causing so much pain. But Groundhog Day wasn’t just funny. Eventually, Murray’s character learns from his mistakes. And then he gets to move on with a better life. There’s a lesson there.
Trudeau has a choice. He can keep imposing the same carbon tax and getting the same bad economic news, and things will keep getting worse. Or he can recognize the facts: it’s time to scrap the carbon tax, make things more affordable and move on.
Bob Mason
Notable Notes
There are some pretty grim accounts of the terrible things that went on during the war.
In the history books I have are the personal memories of the guys who were there during the action, and sometimes they are very dramatic! Every day, each regiment kept a record of its activities in what was called the “War Diary,” and these do a lot, more or less, to give a calmer, objective point of view!
Army leaves and passes were something else, however, and I often wonder what they’d read like had a “War Diary” been kept of them!
Men being men - and boy, did some guys take advantage of that! We often sat around, almost enviously, as some fellow just returning from leave recounted in great detail his carryings-on and accomplishments while away. As a matter of fact, I spent a weekend in Winnipeg with one of those self-styled Romeo’s one time, and never had such a dull time in my life!
Maybe that B.S. bit was just part of barrack life, I’m not sure. But after sitting back on an army cot and listening to a lot of this kind of stuff, a political speech sure seems almost welcome! Pretty good alliteration,
eh?!
After a couple of months in the forces, being taught the intricacies of the “Route March,” the finer points of “Parade Drill,” and the words to dirty songs as we marched down the main drag of the local city, the army, in its benevolent way, would turn young, virile us, out on the unsuspecting public on our first leaves ... wow!
So I came home and got into a rousing game of Chinese Checkers with my aunt who happened to be visiting, having supper with the family around the big table, and on Saturday night, barged ever-so impressively into the local cafe with Clint and Joe, downed a couple of softdrinks (straight!) and swaggered - leave now over - back to camp... Wow, again!
It takes a bit of barrack-room experience before a recruit finds out that this “Chinese Checkers, supper with the family, soft-drink story” isn’t accepted around the army cot. Everyone seems to be ready to hear about the wild, carefree, drunken escapades of the leavetaker and his prowess with the ladies in the big city where he spent it!
It didn’t matter much, I think, even if a fellow knew that most of it was made up - so are a lot of the best books! But the story itself was okay even if the camp library suffered (if they even had one!) and the entertainment in some corners of those huts was pretty good! Sometimes even more so!
Embarkation leave was maybe a little different. A young guy came home, possibly for the last time, and didn’t want to go back to camp, claiming he had ignored his folks
for too long by spending his time elsewhere.
Actually, the army, in its immutable and very thorough fashion, lost track of and eventually granted Y.T. (Yours Truly) three embarkation leaves!
This was okay from Private Mason’s angle, but Mother accompanied one of her favourite sons (well, I always thought I was!) to the old CPR station three times to say goodbye! I’ll bet some of those old station platforms have a thousands tales to tell!
We weren’t in the forces near as long as some were, but Y.T. did get a few passes! One time while downtown in Woodstock, Ontario on a midnight pass, I met a couple of old friends from Radisson who invited me up to their place. As my pass expired at 2400 hours (midnight) I went back to camp through the main gate and got marked off, then climbed over the fence and went back down to Lloyd’s place.
About 0300 hours (3 a.m.) on the way back into camp (over the fence!), Lindgren and I ran into the patrol - with softball bats no less!
“When we see you coming over the fence, we’re bound to report you!” they said.
Y.T. was kind of tonguetied but Lindgren spoke up.
“If you guys will just turn around,” he said, “you won’t see us at all!”
“I’ll turn around,” says one of the guards, “if you guys promise you won’t see me come over when you’re on guard!”
End of deal!
I still don’t think it was worth it, but after being shot at quite a few times, the army, in its generous way, would send some of us on leave.
Wilf and I ended up in Brussels, and maybe could have had a wild time. But after all, that is not what we joined up for!
Reading the Argyll history book the other day, I saw a piece by a guy who must have been off
to my left as we started up the dike at K.V.
“All of a sudden,” he wrote, “this fellow says, ‘I’ve got a leave coming up tomorrow ... and I’m going to miss it,’ and took off back!”
I always kind of wondered where that young officer went, and why the other officers didn’t seem to have much regard for him afterward! Quite a few fellows were killed that night, but not him. He was way back there, going on leave!
Regardless of all the often fictional carryingson and wild times that some fellows had, I don’t think I ever heard of one who didn’t want to go home when it was all over.
Instead, I like to claim that the “Big Three” got their heads together and declared the war over and my 26th birthday, May 8, 1945. And I’ve been on leave ever since!
Notice of Abandonment of Poll
Whereas a poll is not required under the Local Government Elections Act, 2015 for the office of:
BOARD MEMBER: ST. PAUL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 20, SUBDIVISIONS NO. 2 and 3
I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office will take place, and that the following persons are elected by acclamation:
Dated this 11th day of October, 2024. Ron Walter Returning Officer
Ask The Money Lady
Dear Money Lady,
Going into retirement as an older single woman is more daunting then I thought it would be when I got divorced five years ago. I haven’t even updated my Will yet, and I don’t know what to do about my current mortgage. It’s just so much to think about all by myself! Any tips for us older single ladies?
Bernice Dear Bernice,
In 2001 there were more than 1,500,000 single women in retirement, today there is over 2,600,000 Canadian women living alone. Women tend to live longer than men and many divorced or widows are simply choosing to remain single in retirement. This has created unique challenges for women today. Many retired women receive much less than their male counterparts. Often women have not worked the same amount of years as men or have earned less income during their working careers and therefore do not receive the same pension benefits. They are also much more conservative when investing than most men.
A recent study done by Bank of Montreal showed that men were more
When our busy family finds the time to get together these days, it is generally for a birthday or for one of the traditional meal-oriented holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas. And when we congregate at someone’s home, we tend to gather at a
likely to hold stocks and mutual funds in their investments whereas women were more likely to hold GICs.
So, what are our single ladies to do?
We as women need to support one another and become more knowledgeable about our future opportunities. We need to expect more from ourselves and definitely more from the people we interact with.
Start by educating yourself. When we know more, we make better decisions and feel more empowered to improve our situation.
Start to know what your true financial picture looks like. Buy a notebook and create a budget - your new financial plan. Review all your investments, insurance and taxes. Do you have a good financial advisor? Do you have a good
accountant?
It is important for you to have a well thought out strategy that provides for the unexpected. You should have an easily accessible emergency fund, like a line of credit or savings account. This will help pay for unexpected costs that are not built into a budget.
For your investments, we must ensure your portfolio grows with products that offset inflation and taxes. Remember that risk is a relative term and as a single woman in retirement, there is more risk to doing nothing than for those who try to improve their situation.
Review your investment portfolio with your advisor, get involved and ensure you have the correct asset allocation to provide compounded growth year over year. If money is tight in
retirement, then maybe it is time to review your overall situation. Can you downsize (or rightsize) to something less expensive. Can you continue to work part-time or is there something that you may be uniquely qualified to do that will provide a little extra income?
In establishing your financial plan, assess your basic needs and ensure they are covered by an income source that is guaranteed for life. Why not consider guaranteed Annuitiesthese are a great product, often overlooked by most Canadians and if you are a single with no beneficiaries, you should consider the highest paid-out annuity: Straight-Life.
It also goes without saying that every good financial plan should have an up-to-date Will
The Kitchen Table
special place in that home and spend the majority of our time together in that one particular place in the home. That one particular place in our home is the special bonding place that holds our family together. And that bonding place is: The kitchen table. The kitchen table is the
and Power of Attorney.
Start taking control of your life, your future and your finances - for those of you that already have - than Bravo! You Go Girls! Bernice, don’t be less than you can be. Reach further to all your future possibilities no matter what age you are.
You have the power as a single woman - so make it happen!
Good luck and best wishes!
Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and BNN, syndicated across Canada. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at askthemoneylady.ca
focal point in the house of the average family. The place in the family home where everyone gets together to catch each other up on their lives. That’s where the eating is done, that’s where the talking is done, that’s where the laughing is done and that’s where the bonding is done.
Everything in our family gatherings tends to revolve around time spent at the kitchen table and always has, right from our early childhood meals to the spirited after-dinner conversations we currently have when we gather together in our present-day adulthood.
When we were very little, we took all our meals at the kitchen table. It was the one place where everyone all got together at the same time. This is where you were asked how school went that day and this is where Mom and Dad discussed the events and happenings of their day (and as a kid, if you kept your mouth shut and your ears open you could sometimes learn some very interesting things).
You learned your manners at the kitchen table. This is where you learned to eat with your mouth closed, to sit up straight and keep your elbows off the table, not to stick your tongue out or flick peas at your brothers and sisters, not to slurp your soup and all the other lessons in good table manners essential to helping you to grow up to be a well-rounded and well-mannered person.
When Mom was working in the kitchen and wanted to keep an eye on you, you played at the kitchen table. When
you got a model for your birthday and wanted to glue it together, you put newspapers down and glued it together at the kitchen table. You drew pictures in drawing pads or on pieces of paper at the kitchen table. You coloured in colouring books at the kitchen table. You peeled potatoes and carrots for dinner at the kitchen table. When the neighbour ladies got together for coffee and gossip, they all sat around the kitchen table. And in the absence of having his own shop, Dad would sometimes fix small appliances or other odds and ends at the kitchen table.
Bills were paid at the kitchen table. Major family discussions took place at the kitchen table. Major decisions were made at the kitchen table. And when we were bad and had to be punished, sentence was often meted out by our parents at the kitchen table.
Family game night was always at the kitchen table, whether it be crokinole, monopoly, risk, tabletop hockey or other kids’ games you played with your siblings. Your parents would play assorted card games with friends at the kitchen table. In the absence of a den or a man-cave, your Dad might occasionally play poker with his buddies when Mom would let him (usually over a few alcoholic beverages) and it was usually at the kitchen table.
Christmas and birthday gifts were sneakily wrapped on the kitchen table when the gift recipient wasn’t around. Greeting cards for various events like birthdays and anniversaries and
Christmas were often signed on the kitchen table to be sent to friends and loved ones. Notes were usually left on the kitchen table to let others know where you were going and what you were doing or to tell you to pick up milk on your way home.
Birthday parties, mostly for little kids and sometimes for grownups, were always held around the kitchen table. That’s where the songs were sung, the cake was cut and eaten, the gifts were opened and the birthday pictures for the photo album were taken, always around the kitchen table.
For all these life events and many more, the kitchen table was always front and centre in the middle of the action. So many family memories have been made around the kitchen table. If your kitchen table could talk over the years what stories it could tell!
Everyone takes the kitchen table for granted but in many ways it can be the most important piece of furniture in the house.
So the next time you take a meal at the kitchen table, think about how many family memories, both happy and sad, your kitchen table has been witness to. And take solace in one thing: whatever you may need it for in the future, be it a meal, a special event or simply a gathering of loved ones, you will always have the steadfast and unconditional support of the most important piece of family-friendly furniture in your home: The kitchen table!
Keith Schell Remember When
Christine Ibbotson
Micro-organisms are the new science in ag
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
by Calvin Daniels
It is simply amazing what science and research is achieving these days in term of farming’s future.
We live in a world where there is something of a backlash against science - at least among some with the time and inclination to flood social media with their concerns - a situation that should be concerning to most.
It would be a vastly different, and far less advanced world without science, and while there have been examples where initial discoveries in science were later
proven badly flawed, that is in part the process of science. Something is studied, conclusions are drawn and the ‘discovery’ goes out into the world, where other researchers take fresh looks and sometimes nod their heads in agreement with the discovery, and at other times find serious flaws, something that comes to the forefront with ever expanding knowledge.
If we want 100 per cent guarantees from science, we are dreaming because science evolves with more research, with one ‘discovery’ building on another, and in the process creating better knowledge.
Certainly we need to have a process of review for many discoveries, but it would be folly to ever stop the research because what is learned tomorrow might be crucial to a better future.
For example, what fired this week’s column was a headline at pro-
ducer.com: Researchers develop battery powered by soil.
The story by Robert Arnason noted “there can be billions of microorganisms in a single gram of soil. That massive population of bacteria and fungi deliver many functions for crops, such as breaking down nitrogen molecules so the nutrient becomes available to plants.”
The story then goes on to scientists at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom “have learned that soil microbes can also perform a task unrelated to agriculture that may soon benefit farmers.
“The micro-organisms can generate electricity for a soil-powered battery.”
Branded as a Bactery, which is about the size of a baseball, it is hoped farmers will use the batteries to power the infield sensors that are becoming more common in agriculture.
The idea of the soil providing electricity is simply put - rather amazing - at least to this writer. That such technology has rather obvious farm applications is significant to the sector too.
But, a bigger question
- one it is likely scientists have already asked themselves and are working to answer iswhat can come next?
Where might the technology go in terms of an alternate energy source?
What applications might it serve in the future?
Science is much like a bucket of Lego, each discovery (block) adding to what can be a much bigger project - these little batteries may be just one of those blocks.
WESK Connect, hosted by Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK), is a networking event designed to connect business owners from your community. Their aim is to provide a platform for sharing insights, stories, and knowledge, fostering meaningful connections and community. Also, registration, appetizers, a beverage of your choice, and entry to win a door prize are all free! This event is designed to celebrate, connect, and elevate leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. WESK Connect embodies the spirit of WESK’s successful Uncorked and Shaken with a Twist series but with a fresh look and feel. Register today by scanning the QR code above or visiting www.wesk.ca/ events/rural-wesk-connect-biggar/ Thank you, For more information you can contact Lisa Haynes at 306-951-7350
The Saskatchewan Traveller ... Nova Scotia Edition by Trudy and Dale Buxton
What a fabulous stop in Lunenburg - the weather was fantastic as we had breakfast overlooking the harbour. With that done, it’s time to move on.
We continue heading west on the old Number 3 Highway as we travel towards the town of Bridgewater.
Bridgewater was originally settled by the French in the mid 1600’s in a little community called LaHave, which was down the river towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The population grew to around 300 people with the major industries being lumber and fishing.
The name Bridgewater comes from the bridge system that goes over the LaHave River. The first bridge was constructed in 1825, and with that the population grew. It was around this time that the community expanded to where the town now sits at the head of the river system. Industries in the area began to grow and it became more of a challenge for the Mi’kmaq people to keep their traditional way of life.
Canada. The rail service continued until 1976 when the last passenger train left.
By the late 1800’s the railway came into the community connected to Middleton that was across the province, and eventually came to rest of the province and into
Bridgewater has always thrived on manufacturing, and in the early 1900’s Acadia Gas Engines built two-stoke engines. This was Canada’s largest manufacturer of inboard engines. The company eventually declined and closed in the early 1970’s.
However, as one company came to a close another started up - the Michelin Tire Company opened, employing more than a 1,000 people, becoming the number one industry in the area.
Bridgewater in known more for being the centre of commerce and industry but does have a little culture flavour as it hosts the South Shore Exhibition, bringing in over 50,000 people for this July event.
Today the population is around 9,000 people, boasting a very vibrate harbour with shipyards and a large marina. There is lots of park space and an eight-kilometre
Centennial Trail. Bridgewater is the largest centre in the South Shore Region. Next up is the community of Liverpool with a current population of around 2,500 people. Liverpool has had a couple of names in the past, the Mi’kmaq called this place Ogukegeok, meaning a dry sandy place. Samuel de Champlain originally name this place Port Rossignol in honour of an early 17th century captain. Later it became known as Port Senior.
With the expulsion of the the Acadians and the arrival of New England settlers in the 1700’s, the community was renamed Liverpool after the Liverpool in England. During the American Revolution, Liverpool was a base for privateers that were equipped for the battle against the Americans.
Traditionally Liverpool has been known for its commercial fishery and shipbuilding. Today, tourism, seafood, theatre, shipbuilding and lumber are the mainstays of this community.
If you are into traditional Canadian Country music - and for that matter, any country musicentertainer Hank Snow came from Liverpool. There is a museum in honouring his career. Stay tuned next week as we head towards the Bay of Fundy and my hometown.
Lighthouse at Liverpool, Nova Scotia
In the Days of One Room Schoolhouses
“Alert” described the settlers, the school and the community by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
Back in the days of the early settlers, schools were built on portions of land donated by a landowner.
There were over 15 little schools spread out throughout the rural municipalities of Biggar, among others.
Most of them were only one room and the teacher was responsible
for teaching every grade in that room. The teacher boarded with a local family. The students arrived by foot or by horse tethered to a wagon or on the horses back. Toilets were outhouses behind the school.
There is a book in the gift shop at the museum called Alert School District No. 647, Portrait of a Community, A Peek into the Past.
In the early days, the school was only open from April 1 to November
1, according to the book, giving an insight into how the winter weather affected travel and keeping the schoolhouse warm.
Do you know the family names of Ellis, Kerr, Donahue, Johnson,
Alert School 1929. The last year it was open. Looks like a costume party.
Anderson, Crozier, McCarty, Williams? If so, they could be the part of the families who first attended Alert School and were part of the Alert Community. There are many more names mentioned in this book.
The school opened in 1912 with 28 pupils. By 1929 the Alert School pupils attended Allanbank School every other year. If a new family moved into the area, the Alert School could open again if the number of pupils was met. If someone moved out, they had to change and go to Allanbank School. By 1930 the school building
was up for auction and students were bussed into Biggar. Where was Alert Community and School? All that can best describe its location is east of Biggar, encompassing Woods Road, Crozier Road and Anderson Lake. I hope someone will correct me as to its precise location.
Alert School opened in 1912. Here is a photo of the first students. (Photos for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)
November 13
- Business Owner - Pizziaria Adria, 22 years.
- Ray’s Vinyl Music, 5 years. Thank you Biggar for being the
Credit Union celebrates ... Flapper gals, Kaylee Oesch, left, and Sabrina Yurchak show off their outfits, the winning entry for Best Dressed at the Biggar and District Credit Union’s annual supper gala.
The Bromantics hit the stage and kept the full house entertained at the Community Hall, Saturday. (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)
Since narrow back-toback losses to Winnipeg in the Labour Day Classic and Banjo Bowl, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have been the Canadian Football League’s hottest team.
And it couldn’t be happening at a better time.
Playoffs in the CFL are on the agenda this weekend and the Riders may or may not be playing, depending on their final placing in the West Division. Four straight wins after the losses to Winnipeg in September have left the Riders and Bombers battling it out for first place in the West, with the top finisher earning a bye into the Western final.
Defending Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes, meanwhile, have locked up top spot in the East, losing only four games in 2024 and even coasting to victory over Ottawa in midOctober without starting quarterback Cody Fajardo, who left the team
Prediction time: Riders, Als in Grey Cup
for a few days to attend to his wife giving birth a baby boy in Nevada.
Check out the individual statistics in the East Division and one would be hard-pressed to believe that the Alouettes are anywhere near the top of the standings. Fajardo ranks seventh in passing yards and is only sixth in passing touchdowns. Their top rusher, Walter Fletcher, is seventh in the league and their top player in the rushing TD category, Caleb Evans, is 11th. Tyson Philpot, the Als’ top receiver, is 15th in receiving yards (but sixth in receiving touchdowns).
In the receptions’ category, Fletcher leads the team, but is only ninth in the league. Obviously, it’s a team game in Montreal, because the offensive stats are not great. Defensively, the Alouettes are among the leaders in tackles, forced fumbles and sacks and have given up the secondfewest points in the CFL. That’s winning football. The way things are shaping up, everything is pointing to a MontrealSaskatchewan Grey Cup game in Vancouver Nov. 17. After a slow start, Winnipeg went on a tear and took over top spot, but the Bombers’ play has been so-so down the stretch while Saskatchewan has romped to a number of
impressive victories. Guaranteed a home playoff game for the first time since 2021 (either the Western semi-final or the final), the Riders have been riding the hot play of quarterback Trevor Harris and the reliability of kicker Brett Lauther to establish themselves as the CFL’s hottest team. Impressively, Saskatchewan pasted B.C. Lions and quarterback Nathan Rourke to the tune of 39-8 for their fourth win in a row in mid-October.
Perhaps Harris was right when in a Sports Illustrated story following the 2023 Grey Cup, the QB said: “I absolutely know that we can win a championship in Saskatchewan ... threehundred, sixty-five days from now we’re going to be looking at green-andwhite confetti coming down on us and we’re going to be celebrating.”
Maybe that was just off-season optimism, or maybe Harris knew something. Riders’ fans are hoping the latter is true.
• Sports.yahoo.com: “After beating nearly every opponent in his path over the past two decades, Rafael Nadal has finally admitted defeat to the only one who’s never lost: Father Time.”
• Mets TV play-by-play voice Gary Cohen, on
local broadcasters being bumped from the playoffs by national network broadcasters: “It’s kind of like taking a transatlantic voyage on a ship, and then getting thrown overboard a mile from shore.”
• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen, on the start of the NHL season: “The NHL really knows how to make a splash with its opening game - Blues at Kraken on a Tuesday afternoon.”
• Rolfsen again, on the arena-record $120,000 in beer sales at Utah Hockey Club’s opening game against Chicago: “I didn’t think they drank in Utah. Must have been those 500 Blackhawk fans.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “You know the WNBA has become big time in the USA when the headlines complain about officiating.”
• Hough again, after Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase uncharacteristically blew a save against the Yankees in Game 3 of the A.L. championship series: “Ouch, well Clase and Choke are both five letter Wordle words.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, on Cowboys’ 81-year-old owner Jerry Jones threatening the jobs of two radio hosts following Dallas’s blowout loss to the Lions: “Too bad the
Cowboys can’t put him out to pasture like the Democrats did with Joe Biden.”
• Jack Finarelli on his sportscurmudgeon.com site, annually declares the Brothel Defence of the Year award for college football - “so named because it is easy to score on that defence.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Eleven years ago, NASCAR’s Danica Patrick co-hosted the American Country Music
Biggar Bowl
Awards. And why not? Her marriage had broken up, she owned a dog, drove a Chevy and all her chases were ending in heartache.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Titans release Jamal Adams; veteran safety said to be looking forward to his next opportunity to join another team’s injured reserve list.”
•Caretocomment?E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.
weekly scores
Monday Adult Mixed
Tuesday Night Mixed
Thursday Afternoon Seniors
Biggar Bowling Weekly Scores
Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 191. Ladies High Triple - Marilyn Miller 464. Mens High Single - Jason Raschke 160. Mens High TripleJason Raschke 423.
Ladies High Single - Hailey Boobyer 163. Ladies High Triple - Hailey Boobyer 421. Mens High Single - Michael Hebert 221. Mens High TripleMichael Hebert 555.
Ladies High Single - Mary Boy 176. Ladies High Triple - Nina Carruthers 478. Mens High Single - Walter Fernets 257. Mens High Triple - Walter Fernets 685.
YBC- Pee Wee Single - Benjamin Olson 70; Double - Benjamin Olson 140. Bantam Single - Nash Wheaton 118; Triple - Nash Wheaton 310. Junior Single - Bentley McNaughton 190; Triple - Bentley McNaughton 492. Senior High Single - Noah 276; High Triple - Noah 667.
Bruce Penton Penton on Sports
Business & Professional …
Business & Professional …
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ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
You’ll feel a strong urge to take initiative, especially in areas related to your career or personal projects, Aries. However, be careful to avoid overextending yourself.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you might find yourself evaluating your spending habits or considering new ways to increase your income. It’s a good time for financial planning and budgeting.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, be open to new information and perspectives, as they could lead to valuable insights. Social interactions may be particularly rewarding, so make time for friends.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
You may find yourself reevaluating your work-life balance, Cancer. It’s a good time to establish healthy habits and set realistic goals for self-improvement.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Romantic relationships may experience a boost this week, so it’s a great time for connection and fun, Leo. Just be mindful of avoiding overindulgence and don’t stray from your principles.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, it’s a good week for practical projects that enhance your daily life. Think about what you can change around the house to be more efficient with your actions and time.
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, engage in activities that stimulate your mind and encourage personal growth. Pick up a new skill or engage in thought-provoking conversations with loved ones.
SCORPIO –Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, explore your deeper values and how they align with your financial goals. Embrace this opportunity to make strategic decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
Personal goals and selfimprovement are on your mind this week, Sagittarius. You may feel a surge of motivation to pursue your ambitions or start new projects.
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, set aside time this week to work on personal goals and address any unresolved issues. Quiet activities and solitude can provide valuable insights and inform your next steps.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
You may find yourself drawn to group activities or collaborative projects, Aquarius. It can be challenging to cede control, but you can learn from others as you go along.
PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, you might feel a stronger sense of responsibility in your work if you switch up your tasks. If you feel the work is getting stale, figure out what you can change.
REFLECTIONS
by Rev. Daphne Bender, PALs
In so many arenas of life, we want to know the truth.
We long to know the truth in our world of false advertising, fake news, and scam phone calls. We want our government leaders to be truthful with us. We expect our friends, neighbours, business leaders and every institution in our community to tell us the truth and to live their lives truthfully.
We seek the truth in all aspects of life, believing that when we have obtained the truthwhen we have got to the bottom of the matterall will be well.
Pontius Pilate thought the same. We can almost hear the question that Pilate asks Jesus while Jesus is on trial. Pilate was trying to get to the bottom of who Jesus
was, asking, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answers by telling Pilate that his kingdom is not from here. Pilate, still looking for the truth, asks again, “So you are a king?”
Jesus answered that he “came... to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Then Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” and we can feel the silence that follows (ref. John 18:3338). Indeed, what is truth when truth is something one can belong to?
“You will know the truth and the truth will make you free... If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36).
The truth is the Son. He is truth. Believing in Jesus is not believing facts about him. Believing in Jesus is being in relationship with him
- living our lives in his presence, and under his guidance. Believing in Jesus is trusting Jesus with our very life. Pursuing the truth - longing to know the truth in our world only leads to knowing whether something is true or false. Longing to know Jesus, the Truth, is conforming our lives to his. It is putting our trust in Jesus into actionfollowing in the way of Christ Jesus.
Florence Cox (1937-2024)
A lifelong resident of Biggar, Florence passed away in Melville Sask on October 14. She has two sons and three grandchildren. There is no service planned at this time.
Emil & Jean Itterman would like to thank our family and friends for the many words of kindness and expressions of sympathy on the loss of Emil’s sister Joyce Moncrief
Monday, October 28 from 7 pm to 11 pm
the
Come celebrate an NDP victory with us. Authorized by the financial agent for the candidate.
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.
Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans
NOW IN STOCK
LANDIS LIBRARY ANNUAL CRAFT, TRADE, BAKE SALE & SILENT AUCTION
Sunday, November 3rd 10am - 3pm Lunch 10am - 1pm only Admission $2.00
Spin the wheel ... Biggar and District Credit Union celebrated Credit Union Day, October 17. The Biggar, Perdue and Landis branches handed out coffee and donuts, gave out prizes, and let people visit staff at the branches. (Independent Photo by Daryl Hasein)
St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E OCTOBER 27 ST.PAULS ANGLICAN NOVEMBER 10 REDEEMER
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
at
Majestic Theatre: Kindersley-Biggar NDP Time for a Change Election Night Watch Party.
Kid actors ready for Cinderella ... Janelle Carr, left, leads her junior thespians through a scene for their upcoming play, Cinderella, slated to run this November with sneak peaks going on as October comes to a close. Cast and crew have been practicing hard, seen hear at Biggar Central School’s Band Room. Stay tuned for more! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Chef Dez on Cooking Easy 7-Up Biscuits for the Win
I think there are far too many people that believe that homemade biscuits from scratch are too difficult, so they resolve to making them from a boxed mix.
Nothing could be farther from the truth - biscuits from scratch don’t have to be burdensome, especially when it comes to my 7-Up Biscuits.
The name of this biscuit recipe using the brand “7-Up,” but you can use any sweet
lemon/lime flavoured soda. You could even use tonic water (as it is clear and sweet) but don’t use soda water. The sweetness from the soda pop you choose to use plays a part in the flavour of these biscuits.
The easiest thing about these biscuits is that you don’t have to cut in the butter. Instead the butter is melted first and poured in the cake pan. This makes for a very crispy buttery bottom, and a soft tender biscuit
7-Up Biscuits
above that. This recipe is also featured in my latest book “From My Kitchen to Yours.”
Recipe created by Chef Dez, chefdez.com
“A very simple, but tasty, biscuit recipe that results in biscuits that are a bit dense but still very tender ... and the crispy, buttery bottoms are the best!”
• 1/2 cup butter, melted.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder.
• 4 teaspoons sugar.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1 cup sour cream.
• 1 cup 7-Up soda/pop (or other lemon/lime flavoured soda/pop).
1.) Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.) Pour the melted butter into a 9x13 inch cake pan. Tilt the pan to coat the butter evenly on the bottom.
3.) In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
4.) Add the sour cream and 7-Up to the dry ingredients and gently start to mix until it starts coming together. Empty the contents onto the counter and work the dough gently until it almost fully comes together and is approximate shape of a 9x13-inch rectangle (about 3/4 inch thick). Be careful not to overwork the dough, as overworking will make a tough biscuit.
5.) With a sharp knife cut the dough into 12 equal biscuits and place in the buttered cake pan. Bake for approximately 12-14 minutes until cooked and slightly golden.
6.) Remove from the oven and let stand until the biscuits have absorbed any residual butter, approximately three to four minutes.
Makes 12 biscuits
Send your food/cooking questions to dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 6R4. Chef Dez is a Food Columnist, Culinary Travel Host and Cookbook Author. Visit him at chefdez.com
