The Biggar Independent Volume115 Issue49

Vol. 115 No. 49

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

16 pages

$1.50

Santa’s helpers are ready ... An early present for Biggar and area as the annual Christmas concert at the Majestic Theatre featured two concerts - a noon hour and an evening. Both concerts were holiday delights as kids and older “kids at heart” performers put everyone in the Christmas mood. God bless them, they were a perfect remedy for the Grinch in us all! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

A New BINGO Starts has started You could win a $400 Gift Certificate from a Biggar Business

ONLY $2 PER CARD

SANTA CLAUS DAY brought to you by the Biggar Legion #138

DECEMBER 14th starting at 3pm with a FREE MOVIE at the Majestic Theatre Followed by a vist with SANTA at 4:45 at the Majestic Theatre FREE HOT CHOCOLATE Finished off by the SANTA CLAUS PARADE AT 6:00pm

2 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

The Senior Girls Blazers hosted their home basketball tourney this past weekend, rolling to a fantastic second place finish. Opening their run on Friday, the Green and Gold defeated Delisle/Perdue, 68-34, but fell in their next contest versus Kindersley, 46-33 on Saturday. They pulled it together for their final game, this time versus a solid team from Watrous, putting the Green and Gold in for second place. Well done, Girls! Hard work and determination ruled the day!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 Crafters descend on Perdue for early Xmas shopping ...

The Perdue Complex was a busy place as shoppers made some Christmas purchases, looking for that “just right” gift for the holiday. Despite the cold, a steady stream of people made the day a success. The local ladies served a fantastic lunch of soup and sandwiches. (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)

Biggar Fire Report

by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department November practises started out with a continuation of October, more time spent on learning about the unique requirements of extrication involving school buses.

We then switched gears to some procedural issues, an introduction to our SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) equipment for our new people and everyone’s favourite ... annual hose pressure testing, not a lot of fun but a necessary task.

On the 25th, with the change in weather we were finally able to start working on the outdoor rink. Thanks to Boortmalt we also had seven people participate in a rope rescue training session over two weekends, an invaluable opportunity we can’t thank them enough for.

Calls for the month included three investigation requests and three STARS landings, bringing the year to date total to 73.

Get your head up ... The U11 Nationals played host to the Luseland/Kerrobert Mallards, Sunday at the Jubilee.

Not a great effort, but the Nats were a tired group having hosted the day before their home tourney. Still, the Nats did show some flashes of smart play in a tough loss.

(Independent Photo

by Kevin Brautigam)

With the onset of the cold weather we would like to send out a few reminders. Block heaters, a necessary item in these parts. Always make sure you are using an extension cord that is in good condition and maybe even think about using a timer so it is only running for four or five hours instead of all night long. If your house has an energy efficient furnace (with the exhaust pipe out the basement wall) make sure to check for ice build up preventing the carbon monoxide getting outside.

This would also be a good time to check your carbon monoxide detector, it should have a date for replacement marked on it as most are only good for 10 years.

If the Christmas season encourages you to set up a real Christmas tree please be sure to keep it well watered. The tree can become a large fire hazard if it dries out.

And last but not least, enjoy the season. Spend time with family and friends but please, if you are consuming alcohol or any other substance please find a safe ride home, call a friend, a family member or if you have to, even that person you don’t really like. Just be safe. From our house (fire hall) to yours, Merry Christmas!

Biggar RCMP Report

by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment This past week Biggar detachment has handled 28 occurrences.

The colder weather has slowed down the property thieves a bit while the rest of us have been busy shovelling snow.

In traffic, eight drivers had a conversation with the Traffic Services Unit, while a few others managed to avoid the red and blues.

A report of a drunk driver operating a Blue Dodge on Highway 14, was driving in the ditch, and another report of a grey Hyundai Kona being operated by and impaired male driver. A white Chev 1500, being driven by a 16-year-old, was reported stunting and drifting around streets near the school.

A pick-up truck hit the ditch narrowly missing

a culvert off Highway 51 south of Springwater, driver was okay and called CAA. A 17-yearold from Wilkie, rolled their grey Chev Trax into the ditch, west of Biggar on Highway 14.

A hit and run on a fence in the back alley at 303 Fourth Avenue East - driver left the scene without notifying owner of the property damage. Report of cattle out for a stroll on Highway 14 - they were rounded up without further incident.

A disgruntled ratepayer in Perdue was unhappy, accusing the grader operator of knocking down their “For Sale” sign.

Emergency services all responded to a cabin fire in the Eagle Creek Park - a wood stove was to blame.

This is the time to remind anyone burning wood for heat to check over our own stoves and area for any safety concerns and cleaning if needed.

Take care out there!

Successful fundraiser for Palliative Care

A donation will give palliative residents in acute care at the Biggar and District Health Centre, a better sense of home, making their suite in a more personal and welcoming space.

(Submitted Photo)

by Biggar and District Home Care Staff Following up from the Palliative Care fundraiser held on October 10, a grand total of $3,000 was raised towards supplies for quilts and palliative equipment.

Monetary donations were made from Napa, Biggar and District Credit Union, Sunshine Care Home, and One Stop Hardware to contribute to the funds raised from the bake sale and raffle table.

A personal donation was made in memory of a Palliative Client who received services from the Biggar and District Health Centre; both from home care as well

as acute care. These funds were put towards a memory wall that is now up in the palliative suite in acute care. Clients and families who are using this suite can now bring special photos, cards or any memorabilia that they want to display on the bulletin board and magnetic photo displays. A special thank you goes to the family of Glenn Goetz for making this happen.

Thank you again to all who contributed to the bake sale, the raffle table and those who came out to support our community.

We are forever grateful!

Bingo Numbers for

DECEMBER 5

B-8 I-17 N-42 G-52 O-73

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Opinions

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Union strikes creating a nation of haves and have-nots

by Gwyn Morgan One annoying characteristic of Canadian unions is their tendency to time strikes to maximize disruption and stress. For example, on Nov. 15, as the busy holiday shopping season approached, Canada Post workers went on strike, leaving small businesses scrambling to make alternative arrangements.

Not an easy task, as the cost of using services like FedEx and UPS is prohibitive for many. While Purolator, a subsidiary of Canada Post, offers lower rates, Teamsters Canada has prohibited its members from handling packages identified as an alternative to Canada Post.

As a result, according to the CFIB’s Corrine Pohlmann, “People unsure about delivery timelines are staying away from shopping altogether. It’s just the next big obstacle our members must deal with.”

Service Canada had to hold off mailing out 85,000 passports, leaving many Canadians with no choice but to cancel travel plans they had already paid for.

On-time delivery of

pension and financial assistance cheques is also hit, causing further hardship for those relying on these essential funds.

Canadians have had to endure a continuous series of work stoppages in 2024. In August, after nine months of negotiation failed to produce an agreement, the country’s two largest railroads locked out unionized workers, disrupting a railway system that moves $1 billion worth of goods per day.

The federal government issued a back-to-work order a week later.

Port strikes are even more damaging in dollar terms. Earlier this month, Port of Vancouver officials locked out union workers after they rejected a 19.2 per cent wage increase over four years. That disrupted $800 million per day in shipments.

A week later, Port of Montreal dock workers walked out, disrupting another $400 million per day, bringing the total port shutdown toll to $1.2 billion per day.

After another few days, Ottawa issued a second back-to-work order.

Measuring the impact of dock and rail strikes

in terms of reduced shipments vastly underestimates losses to businesses that count on shipped goods to replenish their inventories and keep their businesses afloat. Transportation shutdowns disrupt the entire supply chain for both manufacturers and retailers and hit the whole economy.

According to Statistics Canada, 2023 saw a huge increase in person-days not worked due to work stoppages from 1.9 million in 2022 to 6.6 million in 2023.

Data for 2024 aren’t yet complete but may be even higher. The negative impacts reverberate through an economy already seriously underperforming our largest trading partner. Only 10 per cent of American workers are unionized, compared to 30 per cent in Canada - which is yet another reason why Canada’s per capita productivity, a key indicator of living standards, is 30 per cent lower than in the U.S. Are unions in Canada creating two classes of workers, haves and have-nots? The website of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), Can-

ada’s largest privatesector union, states, “Union workers make an average $190 more per week and are more likely to have jobs that provide health insurance, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, scheduling overtime protection and other benefits and have more rights that protect them on the job than nonunion workers.”

This all sounds great, provided the nature of the work fits into a union model and employers can afford it.

It’s no surprise that the unions causing havoc are employed by huge private-sector monopolies like railways and ports.

Then there’s Canada Post, a governmentowned monopoly that’s particularly important to average Canadians and small businesses.

Virtually all non-union businesses and their customers - the havenots - are the victims.

The reality is that Canada’s unionized monopolies are both dividing and destroying our country. Our elected representatives must extend the list of essential services where striking is prohibited

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M. thew Lau wrote in the National Post, “The legislation shows only that politicians value certain privileged unionized workers. They do not value other members of the labour force who are more disadvantaged, less privileged and have less political power.”

I guess the only action left for beleaguered “have-nots” is to wage a personal protest campaign expressing our outrage to those who are supposed to be representing our interests.

But best to send our petition by e-mail, not struck mail.

to include healthcare workers, police, firefighters and electricitysupply workers.

Unfortunately, our legislators have made union domination even worse. In June, the Trudeau government passed legislation banning replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces such as crown corporations, railways and television broadcasters.

It was predictable that the Liberals and NDP would support the ban but, surprisingly, the Conservatives also voted for it. As Mat-

You can e-mail CUPW feedback@cupw-sttp.org or try them on Facebook at cupwsttp or Twitter: @ cupw / @sttp. The Prime Minister Office at pm.gc. ca. Hit “Connect” at the top of the page, then “Contact”. Please be civil.

Trump’s tariffs risk repeating the mistakes of the Great Depression

by Roslyn Kunin, Canadian economist “Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

One chapter of history we must not repeat is the Great Depression of the 1930s. With no adults still alive from that time, we must rely on historical records to understand its lessons.

After the First World War, the victorious Allies imposed harsh conditions on Germany, including crippling reparations. This contributed to severe economic instability across Europe, including Britain, beginning in the 1920s. Meanwhile, in North America, the Great Depression is often traced to the 1929 stock market crash, which wiped out fortunes overnight and set off a cascade of financial failures. The economic collapse persisted on both sides of the Atlantic until the Second World War began in 1939, finally lifting economies through wartime pro-

the

duction.

The Great Depression in North America produced an unemployment rate of 25 per cent, with one in four workers unable to find a job. This was before the advent of social safety nets like employment insurance.

Most families depended on a single earner, leaving many households in desperate conditions.

Breadlines and soup kitchens became symbols of the era as people struggled to meet basic needs. The Depression’s impact was so profound that the term “depression” is no longer used to describe economic downturns.

Instead, we now refer to them as “recessions” or other gentler terms. But why revisit this dark period of history now?

One major factor that worsened the Great Depression was protectionism - manifested through tariffs, trade barriers and restrictions on the free movement of goods. Alarmingly,

this harmful approach appears to be resurfacing today. Since the Second World War, global free trade has lifted living standards and reduced poverty on an unprecedented scale. Yet some nations, including the United States, are now embracing tariffs as a supposed solution to slower economic growth and manufacturing job losses to Asia. This reasoning is flawed for several reasons.

First, the U.S. economy does not need drastic measures. Currently, its GDP is growing at around three per cent annually - its long-term trend - and its unemployment rate is about four per cent, which most economists consider close to full employment. By contrast, Canada and Europe are struggling with GDP growth hovering around one per cent. Despite the U.S.’s robust economic health, political rhetoric often focuses on solutions for crises that do not exist.

Second, manufacturing jobs are no longer the magic solution for economic growth they once were. Technological advances mean fewer workers are needed to produce goods. Machines dominate manufacturing, and as artificial intelligence develops, even the machines will require minimal human intervention. Goods production now accounts for less than 10 per cent of overall employment, and that figure includes construction.

The jobs that do exist in manufacturing demand advanced skills and education, which much of the current labour force lacks.

Third, tariffs do not deliver the benefits their proponents claim. Contrary to Donald Trump’s assertions, tariffs generate limited government revenue while significantly reducing the availability of imports.

Imagine empty shelves at Walmart. Domestic prices rise as local pro-

ducers face less competition, inevitably leading to inflation. Consumers pay more for less, and economic growth slows.

Protectionism also harms the very citizens it claims to help. When tariffs create monopolies for local industries, those industries become less productive and less innovative. Inflation grows, jobs become harder to find, and living standards decline.

Rather than creating economic strength, protectionism often leads to stagnation and hardship.

Worse, tariffs tend to be contagious. When one country imposes tariffs, its trading partners retaliate, creating a cycle of escalating barriers to trade. This is precisely what happened in the 1930s. Countries raised tariffs in a misguided attempt to protect domestic industries, but the result was a downward economic spiral that deepened and prolonged the Great

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Depression.

The lessons of history are clear. Tariffs and protectionism do not make nations great they make them poorer, weaker and less competitive. While it is understandable that countries want to safeguard their economies, the evidence shows that open trade and collaboration yield far better results. Since the Second World War, global free trade has driven the highest standard of living in history and lifted billions out of poverty.

It is vital to resist the lure of protectionism and the false promises it offers. Instead, countries should focus on fostering innovation, investing in education and training, and building economies that can adapt to the demands of the 21st century.

Let us remember the lessons of the Great Depression and choose a path that leads to shared prosperity, not economic decline.

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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.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Bob Mason

Notable Notes

Joke: Everyone has heard of the two hunters who followed some tracks that led into a big hole in a mountainside, and got run over by a train!

There must be hundreds of stories about tracks and what made them, like the one about Oscar and I trailing a disappearing deer!

It seems to me that in memory, when we were kids, there were an awful lot more animals and birds around.

Of course we lived up in park country with lots of nearby pasture around where wildlife loved to play. Maybe there’s still lots of them around up there - I dunno!

As of March 2002, I haven’t seen a jackrab-

bit. They must be in some kind of recession.

When we were young up in Great Bend, there were hard-packed rabbit trails all over the place!

As young, would-be trappers, we would often cut a chunk out of those trails, set a trap in it and cover it with a square of tissue paper. Oh, we caught the odd rabbit, all right, and after skinning it and delivering it to old Billy in town, we sometimes got 25¢ or so! Wow! What kind of a kid could resist a deal like that!

Mitzi was a friend of mine up north who was pretty good in the bush.

One day, away back where, we came on a set of footprints through the snow.

“I don’t know why some guys ever come out into the bush,” he said.

“They strut through the trees for a mile or so and shoot at anything that moves, mostly because they’re just darn-well played out!”

“How do you know all this stuff?” asked dumb, young Y.T. (Yours Truly).

“Just by looking at their footprints?”

“See those prints,” says Mitzi. “They’re both toed way out. Only a guy

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

Tracks

who doesn’t walk much makes a track like that!

A person who walks quite a bit leaves footprints that point straight ahead.”

And he continued.

“We crossed those same tracks back there a mile or so, and I’ll bet the guys that made them are resting not too far away!”

We moved through the bush a bit and suddenly we smelled coffee. A couple of well-clad hunters, shell studded vests and all, were sitting on some deadfall, pouring a steaming brew from a thermos.

“Hi!” says Mitzi.

“Where are you guys headed today?”

“Well,” says one, “we thought maybe we’d push some bush out east of here!”

The breeze was from the west ... but then we all can’t be bushmen!

“Good,” says Mitzi as we moved on. “I think we’d best move west a bit to where the game can’t smell that coffee!”

Howard was pretty good in the bush and did a lot of tracking. One of his favourite manoeuvres when the track he was following turned downwind, was to make

a big circle and approach upwind from the other side of where he figured they’d bedded down.

He kind of outsmarted himself one time, thought, when a moose jumped up and he shot it down three times before he realized that he had shot three moose ... and only had one tag!

When we were kids, Walt and I used to spend a lot of our summer holidays snaring gophers.

Beside a freshly tracked mound and with a few feet of binder twine in hand, we’d spend hours waiting for the lively little things to stick their heads up and look around, then yank the twine and sell the tails for 2-cents a piece.

We got pretty good one summer at hitting them with out slingshots, but it didn’t work nearly as well. If a fellow shot at them and missed, down they’d go and it would be quite a few minutes before they’d stick their heads up again.

Years later, when we were dug-in on some of those battlefields of Europe, I often thought how much like those prairie gophers Canadian soldiers were! Heads would be sticking up out

The holiday gift-giving guide

by Allan Britnell, Editorin-Chief, News Canada The holidays are a time of giving, usually in the form of gifts.

This year, we’ve got you covered for gift ideas for everyone from the techie in your life to ways you can make meaningful donations to help those less fortunate. And if you’re navigating holiday deals, we also have tips to ensure you get the promised value.

Disrupt hunger with school meals Every year 45 million children suffer from malnutrition and every 10 seconds a child loses their life. Malnutrition can also disrupt focus in the classroom and impede learning. But by supporting meaningful gifts that give back, like purchasing school meals for a child in need through an organization like Children Believe in their Gifts for Good Catalogue, you can help provide for needs in communities where school meals are lacking. It’s a small act that empowers children to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.

Give an AI-powered

laptop For the techie who needs a powerful computing device, an AIpowered laptop is a game-changer. AI PCs, such as those from Intel, use artificial intelligence to make your computer smarter and more efficient, learning from your usage patterns to provide a more personalized experience. With advanced processing power and extended battery life, these computers’ AI capabilities can optimize performance, enhance security and even assist with creative tasks like photo and video editing.

A curated photo album We’re able to take photos of family, friends, holidays and other events more easily than ever. But once we snap pictures on our phone,

they tend to get lost in the ether. Make those memories last by compiling them into a photo album. With some printers you can seamlessly print professional-quality images at home from your phone or laptop using an app.

Choose gifts that matter People often choose predictable gifts, assuming they’re safe bets.

Recipients, however, tend to value gifts with emotional significance.

Consider giving a lifechanging gift that harvests hope for families. Alpacas purchased through World Vision Canada, for example, offer families a sustainable income source through their valuable fleece, which is used to create products like clothing to sell in local markets.

Make sure your deal stands up If a phone, Internet or TV service provider doesn’t live up to their promises during or after a sale, you should know that you can turn to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS).

The organization offers a free and impartial complaint resolution service for issues with telecom and TV services in Canada, such as the charges not matching an agreement or the service not performing as promised. The CCTS also has the authority to make providers fix the problem when they haven’t followed industry rules.

of holes everywhere, a bit of dust would kick up when some lousy sniper missed, down they’d go!

One could almost imagine their tails flickering!

A few minutes later, bit by bit, up would come the heads again to look around. But sometimes the sniper never missed...

God’s creatures ... great and small!

A few years ago some of us were up along the river.

“Look at those great big tracks!” exclaimed one of the boys. “And they turn right in here!

Let’s go in and look!”

They were great big tracks, about six-inches long, and they turned into a steep gully along the riverbank.

“Maybe we’d better not,” says wise old Y.T. (the spoilsport)! “ Sometimes bears don’t like to be surprised!”

There must be thousands of stories about tracks. In my old L and T are quite a few entries

under “T”. Like: “Buffalo Trails,” “Pasture Trails,” “Bone Trails,” and “Trails on the Range.”

Even one bit about some errant cow tracks across the greens of the Biggar Golf Course! But the tracks that I remember most were “somewhere in Europe.” A sixty-eight ton Royal Tiger [Editor: King Tiger or Tiger II, the Panzerkampfwagen Tiger was Nazi Germany’s heavy tank] had gone down a street and tore the old cobblestones all to heck.

Sorry! Some misdirected ambition on someone’s part had thrown these behemoths out there against the ones that we had, and scared the dickens out of little Private Mason!

Often I wonder if this homo erectus guy should ever follow those tracks where, I think, they are bound to lead him!

Surely there must be more out there in this world of so-called “compassion” then that!

PASSPORT PHOTO’S Available at The Independent 948-3344 No Reservation Needed 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 270 acres.

R NE-01-39-14-W3 Ext 0 has approximately 158.85 acres.

R 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.

8. Land 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”.

NEED A DOCUMENT NOTARIZED? Contact DALE BUXTON at The Independent 948-3344

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

No Reservation Needed

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.

Come check out new stuff for sale at THE INDEPENDENT keeping in touch with Biggar

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Contact Ed Howell for a free quote on your home or business insurance.

1-403-992-6675 or ehowell@blockagencies.ca

6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

The Sears Christmas Wish Book

Keith Schell

Remember When As with many of us in our youth, the Sears Company had a huge influence in our family life as consumers.

When I was young, I think there was a Sears mail-order outlet store on every Main Street in every small town in Canada. We certainly had one in our town. Our family usually had the most current and up-to-

date seasonal Sears catalogues in our home and could phone the Sears outlet store in town to place an order for whatever we needed at our convenience.

But for all us kids back then, the king of all catalogues was the Sears Christmas Wish Book.

It was always a huge deal in our house when it came. The second it came through our door there was usually a fight to see which kid could look at it first! Mom had to be referee, and tried to be as fair as possible, allocating a certain amount of time each day with it to each of us three boys.

And what a catalogue it was! Back then the toy section of the Wish Book had pages and pages of the coolest toys, games, and other kid-friendly

stuff of the day that you actually had to physically play with, not just sit on the couch and twiddle your fingers at.

When it came time to select the toys in the catalogue we wanted from Santa, we were lucky. Our parents said we could each ask for one big thing or three little things. If there was any doubt if something was big or little, it would be decided by our parents. I remember sitting with the Wish Book and making a huge list every year and slowly whittling it down one by one, until I finally achieved my one big thing or my three little things. We made our lists, gave a copy to our parents for their approval, and then wrote to Santa.

I was always so excited on Christmas Eve. I

always had trouble going to sleep that night and didn’t want to go to bed.

And I was always up super-early on Christmas morning to see what I got!

And when we finally starting opening presents after the eternity of breakfast, most of the toys we got back then came from the Sears Christmas Wish book.

It’s amazing how much joy came to our house and so many other homes in the country on Christmas morning from that one particular catalogue. Sears was responsible for many happy Christmas memories in many homes for many years.

But gradually, consumer tastes and attitudes began to change. And with that, the fortunes of Sears started chang-

ing for the worse. Sears started losing market share and the Christmas Wish book started getting thinner and thinner every year and the entire Sears’ empire eventually became no more, declaring bankruptcy in 2019.

Personally, I think that no longer having the Sears Christmas Wish book is a significant loss of part of the Christmas experience for children everywhere, but I guess today’s kids won’t miss what they never had. The e-commerce retailers have taken the place of the Christmas Wish Book and ‘leafing through the pages’ has been replaced with ‘swipe left’ on everyone’s hand-held devices and ‘making a list’ has been replaced with ‘add to cart’. These are the memories that our chil-

dren are building to tell their own kids about down the road. But to me, it’s just not the same and it never will be.

Christmas is the most special of times, and if you have young children, cherish these times at Christmas, for these are the special times you will never get back.

And if you have Grandkids who visit you at Christmas, cherish them, for through them you get to relive the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child one more time.

And a special thanks to the Sears Christmas Wish book, now gone to the ages, for providing countless happy yuletide memories in millions of lives of people from our generation and older.

The Hearth Sprite

Frank Cox

Humble Opinion In the dimly lit office of Detective Jack “Iceman” Frost, the frigid air hung heavy with the weight of unsolved cases and broken dreams. Jack, a hardboiled detective with a heart as cold as arctic ice, had seen more than his share of pain and suffering.

But recently a case had gone south, leaving him feeling more alone and despondent than ever before.

The snow fell outside and Jack sat by the fireplace. The flames danced and flickered, but they lacked strength and warmth. The heat from the fire was faint, barely enough to take the chill off the air, and the ghosts of past failures haunted his every thought.

As the fire died down Jack felt the icy grip of despair tightening around his heart and he could feel the weight of his defeats pressing down on him.

Jack was lost in a cold and empty world with no hope of escape and the fire seemed to mirror his own distress, its flickering flames offering little heat or solace.

He could feel the world’s pain like a boulder on his soul, and he was drowning in a sea of failure and regret. He longed for the days when he felt like he was leaving his mark,

stirring the pot where it needed to be stirred, making a stand when the chips were down. When he could see the light at the end of the tunnel. But those days seemed like a distant memory, and Jack found himself struggling to find his way.

Suddenly, a small, glowing figure appeared beside him. Jack started and his heart skipped a beat. The figure was no more than a few inches tall, with glowing red eyes and skin that seemed to shimmer like fire. It was a hearth sprite.

The fire took on a new life. The flames grew stronger, casting a warm, golden glow over the room.

“You seem troubled, my friend,” the hearth sprite said, its voice like the crackle of a fire. “I sense despair and sadness in your heart.”

Jack chuckled bitterly.

“I’ve cracked cases that left others stumped, stared down killers and lowlifes, but still, my efforts are for naught. One crook off the streets, three more step up to take his place.

What’s the point? I’m trying to make a difference in a world that never seems to change.”

The hearth sprite cocked its head, its eyes full of empathy.

“You are a warrior, a guardian of justice. But the fiercest flames need to be tended to, and the sturdiest of hearts can fracture under the weight of the world.”

Jack stared into the hearth sprite’s eyes, feeling a strange warmth spread through his chest.

He had never been one

for sentimental talk, but there was something about the presence of the hearth sprite that made him feel ... different.

“It’s a bleak world out there, pal. I’ve been kicked around by the cold winds of fortune, and I don’t think I’ve got what it takes to keep going. I’ve lost my way, stumbled off the path,” Jack sighed.

“I’m just another cog in the machinery of this city.”

The hearth sprite nodded.

“All I can offer is an observation. The hearth is a symbol of warmth, light, and hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a spark of light that can guide you through. You may gaze upon the concrete jungle, the filth, the grit - life’s

relentless facade. But don’t be fooled. There’s still a sliver of the good and the decent lurking in the shadows, waiting to be uncovered.”

Jack watched the flickering flames, feeling a spreading warmth. He sat quietly for several minutes, then nodded slowly.

“I understand,” he said, his voice stronger. “I will find my way again.”

The hearth sprite smiled, its eyes glowing brighter.

“I knew you would,” it said, before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

As the hearth sprite disappeared, the fire roared to life like never before.

The flames leapt and danced, casting a golden glow over the room, creating patterns and shapes that seemed to shift and change before Jack’s

eyes.

The heat from the fire washed over Jack, filling him with a sense of warmth and comfort that he hadn’t felt in a long time. He felt peace and clarity wash over him and the weight of his sorrow lifted from his shoulders, as if the fire was burning away his doubts and fears.

The fire grew more intense. It was no longer a symbol of the cold and darkness but a reminder of the dignity and light that could be found even in the darkest of times, now a symbol of the strength and resilience that lay within Jack, and within us all.

Jack would continue to fight for justice, to bring light to the darkest corners of the world, and he would never forget

the hearth sprite and the warmth and the hope it represented.

So if you find yourself weighed down by the troubles of the world, take comfort in knowing that there are those who walk alongside you, bearing the same burden.

Together we’ll weather the storm and when the skies clear we’ll stand tall, our spirits unbroken and our resolve unshaken. We may bear the weight of the world’s sorrows but we don’t break. We bend, and in bending we find a strength that could move mountains.

The world can be a tough place but we’re tougher.

We’re the hard-boiled men and women of the city, and we’ll always make it out the other side.

Prairie Malt comes up “Biggar” for Food Bank ... Biggar’s Prairie Malt staff got into the Christmas spirit, donating 90-pounds of canned goods for the local food bank. The need is year-round, but at Christmas, the need is still there. (Submitted Photo)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

High-Tech Plains Drifter ... Farming more Asimov than Zane Grey

Calvin Daniels

Agriculture

by Calvin Daniels Few things bring the passage of time more into focus than the scale of today’s farming.

This journalist is at that stage where the hair I have remaining on my head is white, so I have a few years experience on my resume, but some 60-plus years still does not seem like that long.

However, the farming of

my youth is like some rustic fairy tale of old while today it’s more something Isaac Asimov might have created for a sci-fi novel.

Admittedly my Dad’s farm was smallish even in my youth in the 1960s - a mere three quarters of land, and a small herd of registered swine - but he generally made it work.

That said, the die was cast toward larger and larger farms. My Dad would point to this quarter and that describing how in his own youth a family lived and farmed there. But slowly they began selling out to the bigger producers.

That trend - one generally occurring worldwide since the war years - has

accelerated to the point that in order to find a functional three-quarter land-base farm, would be difficult today.

As acres have jumped the machinery has grown in response.

I have a difficult time imagining how Dad seeded with a mere 12-foot press drill. The boredom of travelling around a field with only 12-feet of seeder was likely part of the reason I never took to driving the tractor.

Let’s jump ahead to the present. There is an article at producer.com noting Bourgault is introducing a new family of 7-Plex 3545 PHD drills for the 2026 season.

They will be available in working widths from

Poppy Fund donates to local charities ... Biggar Legion President Dale Buxton, hands over cheques to Barb deHaan (above picture) of the Biggar Food Bank and the CWL’s Secret Santa Jo Angelopoulos (below). The $1,000 cheques were money raised from this year’s local Poppy Fund.

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Crafters make holiday shopping a breeze ... The Biggar New Horizons hosted crafty Christmas vendors, November 27 for their annual craft fair. A bit of shopping and keeping the money local and not in the hands of the big box stores was a perfect way to shop, have a meal and socialize. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

80- to 100-feet. My Dad, now long gone, would not be able to imagine that scale.

Likewise I recently interviewed a local collector of pull-type combines. One fairly common ... they are simply no longer made for the Canadian farmer. In taking photos I could literally reach to the top of the grain hopper on a couple of the models.

Today I am barely

as tall as the tires that come on large combines, the kind that, brand new with some added attachments and technology, will cost the farmer $1-million.

That new combine will basically drive itself and the grain cart it empties into autonomously, the operator close to being a passenger only.

Again my Dad would have no reference point for either the tech

involved, or the dollars involved - he didn’t even read sci-fi, preferring a Zane Grey western any day.

Add in the truly alienlooking high clearance sprayers and the use of drones, and the sci-fi analogy only strengthens.

That leaves only one unfathomable question what will farming look like in another 50 years.

Real teaching stories that will bring laughter and tears!

Marjorie Fortney from Biggar, SK, accomplished author brings to you a fabulos resource for all educators.

In Canada this book is only $20 Shipping charges may apply Also available at The Independent

Order this book today Call 306•951•7440 marjorie.fortney@gmail.com Makes a Great Christmas Gift

8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 The Saskatchewan Traveller ... Nova Scotia Edition

by Trudy and Dale Buxton We continue south on the old Number 1 Highway, passing through the tiny community of Belliveau Cove, a historical settlement of the Acadians.

Settled in 1768 in

SANTA CLAUS DAY DECEMBER 14, 2024

Presented by: The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #138

3:00pm with a “FREE” movie at the Biggar Majestic Theatre 4:30pm at the Biggar Majestic Theatre (when the movie ends) we will have “FREE” Hot Chocolate 4:45pm Visit from “SANTA”

6:00pm Town wide “CHRISTMAS PARADE”

Come and enjoy the fun.

Thanks to: The Biggar Majestic Theatre Shirley at Main Street Market Biggar & District Day Care The Town of Biggar

All Businesses are Welcome in our Parade To pre register for the Parade and put in a Float.

Dale at 951-7700 or 948-3344

Mi’kmaq territory, Belliveau Cove was a major ship building centre. Their claim to fame was building the second largest wooden ship ever built in Canada.

That was in 1884.

This area has such a deep rooted history, not only the Mi’kmaq, who had been in this area for thousands of years, but the Acadians who made this a major settlement, discovering this land in the late 1700’s.

Today the area is a mixed and diverse community.

When the Bay of Fundy tides are out and the season begins, this community is a very popular clamming spot.

Next up is the community of Church Point which sits on the edges of St. Mary’s Bay, which flows into the Bay of Fundy Church Point was originally named by the Mi’kmaq, “Chicaben” meaning a place where wild potatoes grow. It was after a second visit

by Father Joseph Bourg and another church was built, that the name became Church Point.

Church Point is home to Sainte-Anne University, which has around 500 students that participate in the only French postsecondary school in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1890, the name of the university was SainteAnne, named after the Virgin Mary.

The university is very strict on the use of the French language and students are asked to sign a pledge that they will only speak French while on the grounds of the university.

If students are caught speaking any language besides French they are issued a warning.

A third warning results in expulsion without compensation of fees.

The population of Church Point and the surrounding area is just over 1,100 people. It is also the home to North America’s tallest wooden church, rising from the floor to steeple at 184 feet. Its main duties today are a museum and interpretative centre.

Another tourist attraction is the lighthouse at Church Point. Originally built in

Sainte Marie Church in Church Point/ (Independent Photos

by Dale Buxton)

1874, it is crowned by a red lantern room. That light was discontinued in 1984 and replaced by an electrified beacon that did not need to be manned.

The famed lighthouse was destroyed in 2014 by a huge storm that came up from the south but was rebuilt and opened to the public in 2017, keeping the beacon’s history alive.

The community is a full-service community and is a very diverse community with French being the first language.

The population is made up of descendants of Acadians who returned

to the area following the “Great Expulsion” of Acadians by the British.

Church Point is located in Municipality of the District of Clare which consists of 48 communities that are all identified by a colourful blue sign and a French Flag. The population of Clare is a bit over 8,000 and is commonly referred to in Nova Scotia as the French Shore, keeping alive the French language and customs.

This is where we will continue next week, exploring the vast history in this part of Nova Scotia on the French Shore.

Eglise Saint Bernard Church, Nova Scotia

The stories of the Sask

Travellers adventures can be found on our website biggarindependent.ca

Sonningdale Saddles-up to Cowboy Poetry

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

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THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

Chase The Ace

Tickets available at Westwinds and The Independent Tickets only $5.00 Next Draw Date DECEMBER 5,2024 (THURSDAY) $630.00 +30% of Sales

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40 CARDS REMAIN

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 - 4:00pm

It was a stormy day in Sonningdale as cowboys with the “gift of gab” showed some Prairie eloquence, poetically charming roughly 75 people who came to see poets Jason Hanley and Jim Boswell. Despite the frigid, miserable weather, lots of food - a great steak dinner with a fantastic dessert, and drink were had as well as a great silent auction. Hosted by local volunteers, the event raised money for the Sonningdale Volunteer Rapid Response vehicle as it gears up to do its job for the Eagle Creek Fire Department. (Photos for The Independent by Shelley Andrews)

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

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10 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Cryptocurrencies: Buyer beware

U15 Nats dump Wings ... Biggar/Wilkie National Outlaws hosted the Rosetown Red Wings, Friday at the Jubilee. The Nat Outlaws feasted on Wings, taking a 5-3 win. (Independent Photo by Daryl Hasein)

U11 host tourney ... The Biggar Jubilee Stadium was a busy place this past Saturday as the U11 had their tourney. Miserable weather didn’t slow down the action on the ice as the Nats went on to a pretty good showing. (Independent Photo by Daryl Hasein)

These days, ads e n c o u r a g i n g people to invest in cryptocurrencies seem to be everywhere.

If you’re considering getting into crypto assets, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of the various types.

Crypto is not the same as cash Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ether, are a form of digital asset.

You should think of them as an investment.

Unlike cash, they are not issued by a central bank, and their value can fluctuate wildly.

To try and limit these fluctuations, another type of crypto asset was created: stablecoins.

They are meant to maintain a stable value.

Stablecoins may be tied to the value of a currency, such as the U.S. dollar.

They can also be backed by other crypto assets or use algorithms that trigger purchases and sales to stabilize their value.

However, the value of stablecoins can also go up and down abruptly, just like other crypto assets.

Risks of using crypto assets In general, people use crypto assets as an investment, but this comes with many risks that you should be aware of.

You may become a victim of hacking, fraud and scams. Someone may hack into the technology or platforms used for crypto assets, stealing your keys and gaining access to your wallets and your crypto assets.

Crypto assets are unstable and high-risk.

Their value may rise and fall suddenly and significantly, including stablecoins.

Your deposit is not protected. If the crypto trading platform or wallet provider goes out

of business or bankrupt, you may lose your money.

You may have a hard time using your crypto assets. Most businesses don’t accept crypto assets as payment.

You may completely lose access to your crypto assets if you lose your private key.

Transactions are not reversible. You may not be able to stop or cancel a payment.

How to protect yourself If you decide to use crypto assets, here are ways to protect yourself.

Check the platform’s registration.

Anyone who sells or provides advice in securities must register with their provincial or territorial securities regulator. Find out if the company has faced any disciplinary action.

Protect your wallets.

Keep your wallets and any backups in a safe place. Don’t share your private key with anyone.

Use a strong password.

Know the merchant’s refund, return and dispute policies. Before you make a purchase using crypto assets, find out what the exchange rate will be, if refunds are available and how they work.

Wait for confirmation of your transaction.

Confirmation happens when users on the network verify a crypto asset transaction. It may take 10 minutes or more.

Understand the costs and find out what fees apply. These may include fees to exchange crypto assets for cash and trading platform fees.

Before you buy crypto assets, consider the impact it could have on your finances. Given that the value of crypto assets can fluctuate significantly, you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose.

Learn more at canada. ca/money.

November SWHL 3 Stars of the Month

by Phil Heilman Each month, the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) aims to highlight outstanding performances by players in the league, whether they are the usual high scorers or the unsung heroes.

Third Star: Jonathon Redlick; Biggar Nationals What haven’t we said already about Redlick?

The top scorer and leader of the Nats sits in a tie for fourth in scoring with nine points (6-3) in four games.

The highlight game for him was a four-point performance in a tough 8-6 loss to the Wilkie Outlaws. The Nationals haven’t started out the way they wanted to, but it is in no way the fault of Redlick.

Second Star: Brock Harrison; Wilkie Outlaws We think this name sounds familiar, maybe someone has heard of him? In five games so far this year, he has collected a point in every game, amassing 10 points (2-8).

First Star: Keegan Tiringer; Edam 3 Stars When Red Rider sang about being White Hot, they might have been talking about a future Tiringer. The first year 3 Star has scored a head spinning 12 points (8-4) in just three games. Two five-point games already under his belt, this was a no brainer.

Honourable Mentions: Brett Boehm and Rick Cey, Wilkie Outlaws.

David Dziurzynski, Unity Miners.

Biggar Nat, Jonathan Redlick is one of the Sask West Hockey League’s Three Stars for the month of November. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Golf putting brakes on ball flight distance

The world of professional golf is set to undergo a major transformation within the next two years, as the two major governing bodies - the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient - have decided to go ahead with ‘rolling back’ the golf ball.

Nothing in cast in stone about the rollback, but USGA CEO Mike Whan says the change will be made starting in 2028.

After myriad studies, the two golf bodies came to the conclusion that the ever-increasing distance today’s best players were getting off the tee was relegating some of the world’s best courses to ‘pitch and putts’.

Cameron Champ led the PGA Tour in driving distance in 2024 at 322.8 yards. Rory McIlroy was second at 320.2 and the top 102 golfers

managed to exceed, on average, the 300-yard mark. Throw in a good downwind on some long par-5s and some of the longer hitters would be looking at a pitching wedge or less for their second shots.

The change is coming, according to the governing bodies, but details have yet to be worked out. Golf ball manufacturers are not totally on board, and debate rages about whether the golf ball rollback will apply to the overall game - pros and amateurs alike - or whether there will be two types of balls: The rolled-back pro version and the still-explosive amateur kind.

Most of today’s best golf courses were built decades ago, when a long-hitting golfer might pound out a 270yard drive. Today, some of those courses have become obsolete because of the tremendous distances the world’s best golfers are realizing. Of course, better fitness and athleticism has led to the distance explosion, too, but those in charge of the game’s direction feel that rolling back the golf ball would be the best course of action to bring top-notch skill back into

the game.

Which leads one to wonder what other sports might do to protect the integrity of their games: • If scoring became too prevalent in the National Hockey League, would there be an outcry to reduce the width of the net? Or, if scoring dropped off, could the net be widened?

• In basketball, some of today’s behemoths make dunking look so easy that perhaps 12 feet, not 10, would be the appropriate height for the basket.

(Why is it 10 feet? The game’s inventor, James Naismith, placed his first hoop on a gymnasium railing, which was 10 feet off the ground.)

While the golf ball is generally regarded as the culprit in the distance debate, some people are looking at golf club manufacturers as being equally culpable.

Technology advances lead the likes of Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist and Srixon to advertise to the world that their clubs provide the distance a golfer needs to shoot lower scores.

The longer the ball goes, the bigger the course must be built.

And the more land that’s required, the more

expense it requires to water and maintain the grounds. It has to slow down somewhere. And like it or not, it’s starting with the ball rollback.

• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “If you combine the New York Jets and Giants, could you make one competent NFL team?

Or are they still lacking at quarterback?”

• Craig Ellenport of Athlon Sports: “Despite a wild win (over Washington Nov. 24) for the Dallas Cowboys, America’s Team remains America’s Mess.”

• Ellenport again on the Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas: “The Thanksgiving matchup pits Cooper Rush against the Giants’ Tommy DeVito. Talk about a Turkey Bowl.”

• Former NHLer and regular TV analyst Paul Bissonette, after intervening in a restaurant squabble in Scottsdale, Ariz., and winding up fighting with seven men: “Took some, gave more.”

• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “Edmonton is hosting a PWHL game between Toronto and Ottawa.

That should go over well.

No one is more of a fan of Toronto and Montreal

by Phil Heilman Another exciting week of the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) has come to an end, with the Wilkie Outlaws finding themselves in a familiar spot.

They sit on the top of the table with a 4-1 record, followed by the Macklin Mohawks with a 3-1 record. The Edam 3 Stars and the Hafford Hawks are tied with an identical 2-1 record.

Sitting in fifth is the Kindersley Sr Klippers with a 1-1 record. The Biggar Nationals (0-3-1) and the Unity Miners (0-3) bring up the rear.

On Friday night, one of the marquee matchups of the season happened at the SaskCan Community Centre as the Wilkie Outlaws battled the Edam 3 Stars, with the Outlaws coming out on top 6-3.

Edam opened the scoring at the 14:11 mark of the first period thanks to Tristan Derenoski’s second of the year.

Mike Sittler and Brock Harrison would respond for the home side two minutes apart, leaving the scoreboard reading 2-1 Outlaws after 20

minutes.

Rory Gregoire would extend that lead to three, however, the white-hot Keegan Tiringer’s 8th (!!!) of the year cut it back to 3-2. Rick Cey’s fourth of the year on the power play would open the lead back up to two goals, which held after 40 minutes.

In the final frame, Joel Blaquiere would score on the power play to once again cut the lead to one goal. In the later stages of the period, Derek Keller and Brett Schell scored 38 seconds apart to tie a bow on the victory.

Taryn Kotchorek took the loss, stopping 41 of 47 shots, while Jared Herle scored the win, stopping 35 of 38 shots.

Also on Friday, the Macklin Mohawks welcomed the Hafford Hawks, but it was the visitors spoiling the night, taking a 5-3 win.

Scoring was scarce in the first 40 minutes, with Clay Casavant giving the Hawks a 1-0 early in the first. That held all the way until the 16:25 mark of the second when Tyler Baier scored his first of the year to tie

it up. In the third, the flood gates opened, with Spencer Bast scoring a shorthanded marker to put the Mohawks up 2-1.

Brandon Lesko and Jeremy Boyer would respond in short order to restore the one-goal Hawks lead. Hunter Steinhubel would tie it back up at three. Quinton Cubbon would score with 5:13 left to give Hafford the 4-3 lead, with Boyer adding an empty net goal to secure the win.

Joel Gryzbowski took the win, stopping 23 of 26 shots, while Owen Bosch took the loss, stopping 24 of 28 shots.

On Saturday night, the Macklin Mohawks headed east to visit the Unity Miners, with the Mohawks coming away with the 8-5 win.

Carson Pickett opened the scoring on the power play, but David Dzuirzynski would tie it up very quickly after.

Davis Chorney would put the home team up.

However, Pickett fired his second of the period (on the power play) to tie it back up at two.

Darian Dziurzynski didn’t wait long in the

middle frame, scoring just 1:08 into the frame, putting Unity up 3-2. Ian Hillis would score on the power play to tie it right back up at three. Danial Hilsendager would once again give the Miners the one goal lead. Jared Hillis would again tie it up on the power play, with Spencer Bast finally giving the Mohawks their first lead of the game late in the period.

In the third, Hunter Steinhubel would score his third of the year to extend the lead to 6-4, but Darian’s second of the evening would claw the Miners back to within one goal.

It was as close as they would get as Jesse Gartner and Steinhubel scored to finish up scoring.

Trevor Martin secured the win, stopping 30 of 35 shots, while Brett Vanderveer took the loss, stopping 28 of 36 shots.

Two games are slated for the December 6-8 weekend, seeing Unity travelling to Biggar on Friday night, and Macklin travelling to Kindersley for a Saturday night game.

Bruce Penton

Penton on Sports

Sask West This Week

than Albertans.”

• Another one from Rolfsen: “Gordie Howe had only one Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, fight) in his career. And get this: Cy Young never won a Cy Young award.”

• Humorist Brad Dickson of Omaha, on the Nebraska-Iowa college football game: “Special promotion tonight at Kinnick Stadium (in Iowa City). The 5,000th fan through the gates gets to be Iowa’s backup quarterback.”

• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportbabe.com: “Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus has been fired. Perhaps he can use some of his newfound free time to learn how to count and read a clock?”

• A golden oldie from

the late humorist Erma Bombeck: “Thanksgiving dinner takes 18 hours to make and is consumed in 12 minutes. Halftime takes 12 minutes. This is not a coincidence!”

• Headline at fark.com: “Dennis Rodman’s son DJ is released by the Capital City Go-Go in the G League, yet his stats are way better than Bronny James’. Makes one say hmmmm!”

• Steve Simmons again: “This is crazy: Wayne Gretzky won nine MVP awards in the NHL. Combined, Michael Jordan and LeBron James have won nine MVP awards in the NBA.” • Care to comment?

E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.

Biggar Bowl weekly scores Biggar Bowling Weekly Scores Monday Adult Mixed Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 217. Ladies High Triple - Melissa Raschke 531. Mens High Single - Brandon Markewich 214. Mens High Triple - Steven Little 596.

Tuesday Night Mixed Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 161. Ladies High Triple - Jennifer Jiricka 436. Mens High Single - Michael Hebert 256. Mens High Triple Michael Hebert 627.

Thursday Afternoon Seniors Ladies High Single - Ann DeBussac 212. Ladies High Triple - Ann DeBussac 489. Mens High Single - Gerry Besse 239. Mens High Triple - Gerry Besse 542.

YBC Pee Wee Single - Ashton Kramer 95; Double - Ashton Kramer 175. Bantam Single - Nash Wheaton 187; Triple - Nash Wheaton 425. Junior Single - Bentley McNaughton 219; Triple - Bentley McNaughton 549. Senior High Single - Tegan Mcleod 209; High Triple - Tegan Mcleod 479.

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M.

12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

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on the Spot

Biggar-Landis-Perdue Asquith-Wilkie Rosetown Call Les at 951-8446

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

Cari Perih REAlToR®

ProCessing inC.

Cell: 306-948-7995

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

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

seeds Canada authorized

www.SoldbyCari.ca homesforsale@soldbycari.ca

OFFICE HOURS

Phone:306.882.2123

LEGAL SERVICES Busse Law

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

306-948-3346 …serving your community since 1972

Pedigree seeds & Custom Cleaning fuLL line of Cleaning equipment and Colour sorter

excellent Quality at a reasonable Price!

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

Acres of Expertise.

for all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning

Bill: 948-7457 Dale: 948-6045

Plant located 8 miles south of Biggar on Hwy #4, ¼ mile west on triumph rd.

HAULING

Dave Molberg

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

PLUMBING & HEATING

Dan • 306-948-7843 Biggar, Sask.

Peszko &Watson

is a full service law office that practices…

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

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

306-948-5352 or 306-244-9865

306.237.7671

Troy May, owner/operator

Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Western Canada

T 9 9

fo

9

Shoreline Realty

115 - 1st Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.

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

306-716-4021

306-948-3376

Will this work? right colour?

DEADLINE

DEMOLITION & RESTORATION STUCCO , DRYWALL CONCRETE FINISHING

p.m. phone: Chris

Chico’s Auto Works

Dr. Krista Maedel & Associates

• 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

Mon - Fri • 8 a.m.-5

Jennifer:

New Patients Welcome!

Métis Owned Aboriginal Owned

Service Truck Full Mechanical Service

PLUMBING HEATING ELECTRICAL For all your home, business and rural needs

Biggar, Sask.

306-948-3389 Owners/Operators • Dallas Young • Claude Young

Journeymen Plumber, Gas Fitter, & Electrician on staff

w

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Business & Professional … THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13

CLEANING SERVICE

• • • • • • • •

TRUSTY TIDYING CLEANING SERVICE Washing Baseboards Washing Walls Cupboard Cleaning Oven Cleaning Fridge Cleaning Light Fixtures Carpet Cleaning Organizing of closets 639-480-8439 (TIDY) Ask for Katy or Sharon trustytidying@ gmail.ca Connect with us on Facebook@Contact Us Thankful to clean for Biggar regularly Tuesdays-Thursdays

Dr. Kirk Ewen Dr. Michelle Skoretz Doctors of Optometry

In BIGGAR

Every Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

New Location

315b Main Street, Biggar, SK

For appointments…

1-833-948-3331

Tired of running out of ink.?

WE CAN HELP JUST SEND US

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

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This is what I worked up for the Business & Professional section in back of Passenger Services paper, Price… 2.5 inches = $201.50 122 Depotprepaid plusMain gst St. per- Biggar 6-month 6 month commitment for $161.20 plus gst

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BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Housing for families and seniors Rent based on income

Call: 306•303•7246

14- THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

email us at tip@sasktel.net

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21

Aries, your energy is impressive and contagious this week. You can put it to use tackling tasks that you have been putting off.

A surprise message could brighten your weekend.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, review your budget and consider a new investment opportunity. This week brings a chance to reconnect with someone special. Don’t avoid vulnerability, as it could enhance things.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

You might find yourself in discussions that lead to exciting new projects, Gemini. Be open to collaboration and work on improving your communication skills. Time for fun comes later.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

This week is all about selfcare, Cancer. Take some time to focus on your emotional well-being and nurture it as much as you can.

A midweek work opportunity could arise.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, dive into artistic pursuits or share ideas with others this week, as your creativity will be shining brightly. A social engagement may bring new connections that lead to exciting prospects.

VIRGO – Aug 24/ Sept 22

Get down to business and organize your workspace or tackle a project that has been pushed aside, Virgo.

If you feel overwhelmed, be sure to ask for some help from those you trust.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, it’s all about balance this week, something you know a lot about as the scales sign. Make time for both work and play so you can make the most of every opportunity.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Intensity and passion might define your week, Scorpio.

Delve into a project that excites you. By the middle of the week, news reaches your ears and it could be very exciting.

–

This is the week for exploring new ideas or planning a trip, Sagittarius. It’s only a matter of time before you realize that adventure awaits. Get started on what awaits.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, try focusing on your long-term goals this week. Strategic planning will pay off in the long run.

If you need help, seek a mentor who can offer advice.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

A surprise opportunity might arise for you midweek, Aquarius. Don’t hesitate to snatch it up quickly, as others also might be interested. Leave weekend plans open for now.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, if you feel your emotions are running high this week, try to channel your feelings into a creative project that will use them in a smart way. A friend may call asking for advice.

Brand-new fire station burns down in Germany - Because it had no fire alarms

If you preach something, you’d better practice it as well. Otherwise, you might end up making yourself look downright silly.

Just like this German fire department.

The Stadtallendorf Fire Department moved to its new fire station earlier this year. The multimillion-dollar building is a state-of-the-art facility with everything firefighting personnel could ever hope to need.

Oh, excuse us. It was a state-of-the-art facility.

The whole place recently burned down - because it had no fire alarms.

Due to some loopholes in the local building code, the fire station wasn’t legally required to have fire alarms. So, to presumably save a few pennies, nobody bothered to install them.

Well, that didn’t work out so well, as the firefighters found themselves trying to extinguish their own headquarters. Unfortunately, they were ultimately unsuccessful and the inferno gutted the building.

Ironic, don’t you

think?

Stadtallendorf is a city of roughly 21,500 residents in central Germany. It’s a thriving little burg, with successful chocolate-making and engineering businesses, among others.

In December 2023, the Stadtallendorf Fire Department got to make a big move. The department transferred its equipment and services to a brand-new fire station.

Their 70 firefighters had been waiting to move for a while, too.

The new fire station had been under construction for two years and by the time it was finished, it had cost the city nearly $17.5 million.

That said, it was a building worth waiting for. This was an ultramodern fire station, as fine as money can buy.

According to local news reports, the new Stadtallendorf fire station boasted a huge vehicle hall, with enough space for 10 firefighting vehicles. It also had a 75-foot-tall tower for training purposes, a fully-equipped gym...

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Everything except fire alarms.

How on earth could you build a fire station without fire alarms?

To begin with, this was a public building that was owned by the local government. To help them get necessary buildings up quickly, German law allows local authorities some leeway in construction requirements.

Additionally, the new fire station was technically not a fire station.

For reasons we couldn’t find out, the building was officially classified as an “equipment storage facility,” not a fire station.

Early on October 16, the Stadtallendorf Fire Department received a fire alarm. The firefighters hopped out of bed and rushed to the fire station...

Only to realize it was the fire station that was blazing.

Although the cause of the fire isn’t certain at the moment, initial investigations indicate that an overheating battery charger caught aflame in the fire sta-

CLUES ACROSS

1. Bar bills 5. Recipe measurement (abbr.)

8. Swiss river 11. Czech Republic capital 13. “Officially known as” 14. A French abbot 15. Having a strong sharp smell or taste 16. Local area network 17. Data transmission speed measure 18. Embarrass 20. When you hope to get there 21. This (Spanish) 22. Gives up 25. Churchgoer 30. Current 31. Slang for gun 32. Small drum 33. Vanished union bigwig 38. Rocker’s tool of the trade 41. Dearth 43. 2024 Olympics host 45. Excess blood in the vessels 48. Afrikaans 49. Agreement between provider and customer tion’s vehicle bay. Due to the lack of an alarm system, nobody noticed the fire until it had spread to the surrounding vehicles.

By that time, it was too late. Despite 170 firefighters combating the fire, the inferno destroyed each of the station’s 10 vehicles, alongside much of the station itself.

Overall, the destroyed building and vehicles are going to set Stadtallendorf back some $22-$26 million. The only silver lining is that the fire station did have protective walls so the blaze couldn’t spread to other buildings.

Understandably, the incident has raised some questions about building standards. According to Schäfer, discussions are ongoing on whether the next fire station should have fire alarms.

50. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 55. Ancient Syrian city 56. Witch 57. Celebrations 59. Long period of time 60. A team’s best pitcher 61. Current unit 62. One-time aerospace company 63. French/Belgian river 64. Swedish rock group

CLUES DOWN

1. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)

2. Genus of clams 3. Remark 4. Actor LaBeouf 5. Ohio town 6. Olympic sport 7. Cure 8. Behave in a way that belittles 9. Shares a boundary with 10. Give advice 12. Promotional materials 14. Assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing 19. “Agatha All Along” actress Kathryn 23. Small piece 24. King of Camelot

206

25. Parts per thousand (abbr.)

26. Small Milky Way constellation 27. One who challenges authority (abbr.)

28. Equal (prefix) 29. Shawl 34. S. American wood sorrel relative 35. The end 36. Supervises interstate commerce 37. Yes vote 39. Officer of high rank 40. Church office 41. Tire pressure measurement 42. From a distance 44. Photographs 45. Industrial process 46. Nobel Prize-winning physicist 47. Map out 48. Mammary gland part of female mammal 51. Honorable title (Turkish) 52. Spongelike cake leavened with yeast 53. Speak incessantly 54. Poetry term 58. Relaxing space

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh

THANK YOU

The Family of Dorothy McCarty Would like to thank Biggar Hospital and Long Term Care home for the wonderful care she received.

The Gerein Funeral Services for all their help with the arrangements.

To Minister Dale Worrall a huge thank you for your help and guidance through this difficult time.

The United Church lunch committee for the wonderful lunch.

We would also like to say a special thank you to everyone who took the time to come and celebrate mom’s life with us.

Forever grateful The Family of Dorothy McCarty

… need your First Aid Course certification? … Need to Re-certify? … Don’t have time to leave work or tie-up your weekend!

Do it from the comfort of your home... ONLINE!! $130 for Certified Red Cross Course $150 done on YOUR TIME! CALL: DALE BUXTON or Call Dale Buxton 951-7700 for more information CASSIDY HEATHER 713-0021

I S

INDEPENDENT SAFETY SERVICES

306-951-7700

tip@sasktel.net

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 Wow the snow is here, the stores are bustling with people doing their Christmas shopping, Christmas carols are playing. Oh what a wonderful time it is. A time when Eggnog is available in the dairy sections in stores and the once-a-year treats are brought out to favour us with their rich delights.

And as the song plays those word, “Christmas, what a wonderful time of the year.”

But there are some who view Christmas with a heavy heart. They have experienced a loss of some sort and do not see the joy and wonder that this season is known for. Their painful hearts have no room for joy. But here is the paradox, at this time, many in the world are celebrating the goodness of God who gave us the birth of His son, Jesus.

It was through the life, death and resurrection of God’s Son that a new door has opened to bring peace and joy to the broken hearted. In [Luk 4:18 KJV] Jesus said “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

But how do people

receive healing from their pains, many feel that they can’t approach God for this healing.

King David in the Bible says in [Psa 4:3 KJV] “…the LORD will hear when I call unto him.”

And David declared in [Psa 65:2-3 KJV] “O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

Iniquities prevail against me: As for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.”

This is the great wonder of Christmas, that God gave us a babe, His Son [John 3:16 KJV] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” To receive this gift we must believe this promise that God has provided for all who will believe. Believe that Jesus loves you enough to die for you and take the punishment for all the wrongdoing, ask Jesus to forgive you, and allow God to change your life, to heal your brokenness and tell someone what you have done. If you don’t know someone that you feel will listen to you then please call me, Pastor Philip, 250-4878476

Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m.

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans

St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran Worship - 10:30 a.m.

205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E

DECEMBER 8 10:30am Regular Worship DECEMBER 15 10:30am Lessons & Carols DECEMBER 22 10:30am Regular Worship DECEMBER 24 7:00pm Christmas Eve Worship (St. Pauls Anglican Church)

Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559

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

Available at The Biggar Independent

You are invited to help Beth Young celebrate her 95th birthday With a come and go tea Saturday, December 14th at the Biggar New Horizons 2:00 p.m. to 400 p.m 1/4 Page

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

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M.

Biggar United Church Is paying for your ride Courtesy Car December 16 to 20 All Riders Welcome

Credit Union a Marquee Sponsor for upcoming “Seussical” ... New Creation Community Players Junior Cast for this weekend’s “Seussical”, a hilarious take on the classic Dr. Seuss tale. The sizeable donation made it possible for NCCP’s junior cast to take to the Majestic Theatre stage this weekend. Left to right: CU’s Lorraine Metz, NCCP cast Reid Silvernagle, Jaxon Leschinski, Kabrie Metz, CU’s Hailey Metz and Marissa Cempron. (Independent

Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

call 306-948-5115 to book

Drive into Winter with a Great Deal on a New or Used Vehicle at Regal Motors in Rosetown

2025 FORD ESCAPE Regal Price $39,794 + licensing and taxes • 4-Door / AWD / Automatic • Oxford White • 1.5L Ecoboost w/Start-Stop • Heated Steering Wheel • Heated Front Row Seats • Heated Door Mirrors • Remote Keyless Entry

2022 FORD F-350 Regal Price $56,995 + licensing and taxes • 54,275kms / Automatic • Oxford White / 4x4 • 6.2L EFI V8 Engine • Trailer Tow Package • FordPass Connect • Reverse Sensing System

2024 FORD BRONCO SPORT Regal Price $51,300 + licensing and taxes • 4-Door / Automatic / 4x4 • Azure Grey Metallic • 1.5L Ecoboost Engine • Heated Sterring Wheel • Remote Vehicle Start • Fordpass Connect • Premium Sound System

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

The Biggar Christmas Catalog is out!

Grab a copy for ideas to Shop Local this holiday season!

Available at the Independent or any participating stores