Weather cooperates ... Biggar’s Festival of Lights featured better weather this weekend compared to last. Cody Parenteau, once again at the wheel, takes passengers on a hay ride through town, taking in the lights and sights. The passengers (inset picture) were pretty happy with the annual event - a ride to check out Christmas lights, some treats and an auction at the Museum ... it was, once again, a big hit! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
A first “W” in the win column for the Biggar Senior Nationals came in a thrilling overtime contest versus the Unity Miners, Friday at the Jubilee Stadium. A back and forth battle, things didn’t look good for the Nats after one as they trailed 2-0. Regrouping, they went to work on the Miners, taking it to OT when Taylor Bucsis (above) put it away with help from Brett Novak and Keaton Haynes.
(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Bernadette McIntyre New Lt. Gov for Sask
December 6, Premier Scott Moe offered his congratulations to Bernadette McIntyre on her appointment as Sas-
katchewan’s 24th Lieutenant Governor.
“Bernadette McIntyre has enriched our province by her substantial
contributions in several areas, including sport, tourism, business and corporate governance,” Moe said. “She has been a tireless volunteer for numerous groups and special events.”
Bernadette McIntyre was the Chief Executive Officer at Wascana Centre Authority, held senior positions with SGI and served on dozens of boards of directors and planning committees. Organizations having benefited from her leadership include Access Communications, the Regina Airport Authority, SaskSport, Canadian Curling Association, Sandra Schmirler Foundation and the 2013 and 2022 Grey Cup Festivals.
She holds degrees from the University of Regina in Economics and Business Administration and has been inducted into
the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
The Premier also commended Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty and his wife Donna for their many contributions to our province.
“On behalf of the people of Saskatchewan I would like to thank Their Honours for their outstanding service,” Moe said. “Everywhere they travelled throughout Saskatchewan, their genuine warmth and kindness touched the people they met. I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
A date for the installation for the new Lieutenant Governor will be announced shortly. Under the constitution, Lieutenant Governors are appointed by the federal government for a minimum of five years, but there is no fixed term of office.
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week 28 occurrences were handled by the Biggar members, 11 driver’s received traffic safety tips.
A hit and run was reported on a green Ford Edge, damaging the driver door while it was angle parked on Main Street in front of the bank. A white 2018 Hyundai Tucson was stolen from the RM of Biggar and remains outstanding.
Fraud report of a business e-mail being hacked and fraudulent requests being sent out to their contact list. A report of a suspicious person roaming around with a flashlight in Perdue, turns out they were out searching for their dog.
Theft from the liquor
store landed a 24-yearold female on remand for their five-finger discount and breaching their probation order for the eight time.
The word is out already, but yes, charges have been laid on the arson to our beloved Snow White Restaurant. Tami Falcon has been charged and will appear again in North Battleford Provincial court on Friday the 13th. We will leave all the superstition for that day to everyone’s imagination.
Take care out there!
Fall Sitting of the Legislature focuses on affordability, economy
With the conclusion of the Fall sitting of the Legislature Tuesday, Premier Scott Moe took time to highlight recent efforts to build a strong economy and bright future for all Saskatchewan residents, while delivering on the recent provincial election commitment to make life more affordable.
}We know affordability continues to be top of mind for many Saskatchewan residents,”
Premier Scott Moe said.
“Which is why our government brought forward The Saskatchewan Affordability Act. It is the fulfilment of the commitment we made during the recent election campaign, and it aims to deliver long-term, sustainable support for all Saskatchewan residents and families.”
Additionally, The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families)
Amendment Act, 2024 fulfils the government’s commitment from the recent provincial election to extend the carbon tax exemption on home heating. This is in response to the federal government’s decision to stop charging the carbon tax on home heating oil, which primarily benefits families in Atlantic Canada. Effective January 1, 2024, the removal of the federal carbon tax from residential SaskEnergy bills is saving the average Saskatchewan family approximately $400.
During this sitting, the assembly unanimously passed two pieces of legislation: Bill 1: The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, offering the largest personal income tax reduction since 2008; and Bill 2: The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2024 extending legislation to
NCCP Jr. shows talent runs deep in Biggar! ... New Creation Community Players Junior cast put on a fantastic show this past weekend with their telling of “Seussical” - a musical telling of the classic Dr. Seuss tale. Here, lead, Roberto Ramos as the Cat in the Hat, belts out a tune for a pre-showing to schools on Friday at the Majestic. The future is bright for the gem that is our theatre groups, as this generation was simply incredible! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
stop collecting the carbon tax on residential customers’ natural gas bills.
The Affordability Act ensures that Saskatchewan maintains the status of the most affordable place in Canada to live, work, raise a family and start a business by implementing 13 affordability commitments including, the largest personal income tax reduction in the province since 2008 by raising the personal exemption, spousal exemption, child exemptions and the seniors supplement by $500 a year, for the next four years.
Due to the expected increase in the carbon tax on April 1, 2025, from $80 to $95 per tonne, the continued removal of the federal carbon tax from residential SaskEnergy bills will save the average Saskatchewan family approximately
$480 in 2025.
The government has also introduced the following legislation: Bill 3: The Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Amendment Act; and The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act. These key pieces of legislation are acting on the commitment to create safer neighbourhoods for all Saskatchewan citizens. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act to address challenges posed by abandoned properties that create a public nuisance and contribute to unsafe living conditions that negatively impact the health, safety and economic well-being of area residents. These amendments provide provincial SCAN officers the legal authority to identify and target nuisance properties in communities, while still following
their current mandate of responding to public complaints about buildings involved in illegal activities.
In addition, government introduced The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act. The Act will allow municipalities and First Nations to opt in to new rules that regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items that may be used as street weapons, such as large knives, machetes or bear spray. This legislation builds on the Bear Spray Regulations (The Wildlife Control (Capsaicin) Products Regulations) passed earlier this year. The Act’s rules will prohibit people from possessing and carrying large knives, bear spray and other street weapons in public spaces where a municipality or First Nation has chosen to opt in to the new rules. The rules will also prohibit people from defacing or altering street weapons in a manner that makes them easier to conceal.
The government committed to ensuring every Saskatchewan resident had access to a primary care provider by 2028. Recognizing that continued collaboration with all health sector partners is key to addressing staffing in health care facilities. Saskatchewan is investing $1.1 million to launch a medi-
cal resident recruitment incentive targeting high demand specialities. Medical residents training in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and Diagnostic Radiology programs are now eligible for a new financial incentive of up to $60,000.
A continued focus on infrastructure is key to expanding services to every region of the province, to that end, the government committed to expanding the Urgent Care Centre models to four additional cities, offering better access to immediate care for patients.
Increasing supports in our classrooms through the commitment to expanding the amount of specialized support classrooms from eight to 200. These classrooms provide extra resources to students, who are experiencing behavioural challenges, with an additional learning space and additional staff. They empower students with regulation, communication and problem-solving strategies which they can utilize when they return to their home classroom. The high impact individualized supports offered by these classrooms have already produced positive results with divisions who are currently participating in the pilots.
Bernadette McIntyre
Letter to the Editor:
Letter to the Editor:
Shortly after the Trump election, I called in to the Evan Bray Show here in Saskatchewan, but you can’t say much in 15 seconds.
Tens of millions in America and Canada had been praying for both Trump’s election and protection. Also, churches and synagogs around the world.
Oh, you say Trump said this and that or did the other thing? Yes, they finally got something to stick ... whoopy!
To make the “stupid sheep” - what Henry Kissinger calls us - believe outrageous lies, you mix in a little truth. The Marxist, Fascist, Communist, NWO globalist crowd (aka: Socialists) are masters of deception! They are the real power behind Democrats down there and the Trudeau “Chi-Coms” here in Canada. And mainstream media! And Trudeau is 100 per cent to blame for Trump’s tariffs!
Read, “The Democrat Party Hates America” by Mark Levin! Read, “Trump and Churchill: The Uncanny Parallel - Saviours of Western Civilization” by Nick Adams! Watch/listen to the MarkLevinshow.com, PeterSweden. org, Tucker Carlson, Rebel News, TruthSocial.com, LevinTV.com, C4i.ca, NewsMax, Fox News, Bill Cunningham.
Politics is no longer politics, it has become good versus evil! Klaus Schwab stated, and I heard him, “Once we get America [under control] the rest of our agenda will fall into place like a tsunami!”
Many times Ronald Reagan stated, “Our freedom must be fought for and protected, and passed on to our children to do the same, or one day ...” And, “If we lose our freedom here, there is no place to escape. America is the last stand on earth!”
Reagan was a long-time member of the “Q” society, as were JF Kennedy and DJ Trump. The whole world is holding its breath as our freedom and democracy hangs on a thread, and America is the last standing nation. And the men that Franklin Graham and Pat Robertson want us to keep praying for as we face the threat of WW3, is Donald Trump and JD Vance. But our faith really belongs in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His soon return.
Ross Hingston Landis
CORRECTION: Last week’s Independent contained an error. The Poppy Fund donation of $1,000 to Jo Angelopoulos went to the Secret Santa project, not the CWL as indicated. We apologize for the error.
DEADLINE
MONDAY 5 P.M.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME
They MUST be signed, approximately 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Thank Yous will not be permitted in letters
Solar energy’s dirty little secret: It comes with a the trillion-dollar price tag
by Ian Madsen, Senior Policy Analyst, Frontier Centre for Public Policy Solar energy’s promise of a green, abundant future is captivatingbut beneath the shiny panels lies a more complicated reality.
Advocates of solar energy highlight its ability to reduce carbon emissions and its reliance on a free, limitless resource - the sun. However, these claims often overlook critical challenges. Solar power is unreliable without storage, and the cost of making it dependable is far higher than most people realize. Furthermore, integrating solar energy into power grids can lead to higher electricity bills and instability for consumers.
Solar panels only produce electricity during daylight hours and perform best in sunny
weather. To use solar energy consistentlywhen the sun isn’t shining - requires significant energy storage, such as batteries, pumped hydro, or other technologies. This is referred to as “dispatchable” energy - electricity that can be stored and delivered on demand, regardless of when it is generated. Without affordable storage solutions, solar power cannot deliver reliable electricity around the clock.
To make solar energy truly dispatchable, the world would need to store at least 12 hours of electricity generated by solar panels. Using the global installed solar capacity of 1.6 terawatts (TW), this equates to 19.2 billion kilowatthours (kWh) of storage. Batteries are currently the most practical storage solution, but at
today’s utility-grade cost of C$670.99 per kWh, achieving this level of backup would cost approximately C$12.9 trillion. For a more reliable 24-hour backup, the cost doubles to an astronomical C$25.8 trillion.
For perspective, the total global GDP in 2023 was about C$148 trillion, according to the World Bank. Even if every country on Earth pooled its resources, funding the necessary storage infrastructure for solar power would be economically unfeasible. As of 2023, total global energy storage capacity was only 260 gigawatts (GW), a fraction of the 3.2 million GW of global power production in 2022.
These financial and technical hurdles are not the only problems with solar energy. With-
out adequate storage, integrating solar power into existing grids destabilizes them. Solar energy is often marketed with a “levelized” cost, which averages out production costs over the lifetime of the panels and makes solar seem cheaper than it actually is. However, this misleading pricing undercuts traditional energy sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear, which are essential for providing stable, ondemand electricity.
High solar and wind power output can push electricity prices into negative territory when there’s an oversupply, as noted by the Institute for Energy Research. But prices can then spike when the sun sets or winds calm, as the fixed costs of traditional power plants are spread over fewer hours of
operation. This pricing volatility increases costs for utilities and, ultimately, for consumers. California offers a cautionary tale, where solar mandates have led to frequent blackouts and wildly fluctuating electricity bills.
The stakes go beyond economics. Reliable energy is vital for hospitals, schools, businesses, and homes. Without traditional baseload power sources, gaps in energy supply can lead to outages with potentially dangerous consequences. Without sufficient storage, solar energy forces continue to rely on these conventional sources, undermining its promise of a clean, independent energy future.
Despite its challenges, solar energy has made remarkable advances, and ongoing innovation
in battery technology could reduce storage costs in the future. Companies like Tesla are developing largescale battery solutions, and researchers are exploring alternatives like pumped hydro and compressed air storage. However, these technologies are not yet viable at the scale needed to support a global transition to solar power. Until storage costs drop dramatically and grid infrastructure adapts, solar energy remains a seductive but impractical solution for meeting global energy needs. Its unchecked adoption risks turning power grids into costly and unreliable experiments, jeopardizing energy security and stability.
Bob Mason Notable Notes
After listening to this old family standby axiom for sometime in my short career, it finally got through to me to try and analyze a little bit of it to try and find out why we started using “Who cares?” in the first place.
It does kind of sound rude, actually, after someone has offered an opinion - even help - of or in a situation, to just more or less discard their
efforts by a shrug of the shoulders and utterance of “Who cares?”
In looking back ... far, far back ... sometimes it does offer up a bit of a reason. And while its presentation here may not mean anything to most people, it just might explain to some the things that brought on the opinions that they have!
I could tell you the guys name but I won’t, and the name of the outfit they worked for has long been forgotten because it is all so far in the past. But when we were kids, there was the odd inference that our Dad had done some very questionable stuff over the years.
Right away I must mention that while searching through the long index of my old L and T, I find under “D” an entry entitled, “Dad was honest” citing quite a few
Who cares?
instances that surely proved he was! Aren’t we all?
The whole thing was about this other, unmentioned fellow who was the shady type that Dad took the fall for, proving again that “good guys finish last!”
More than once in Dad’s lifetime, folks questioned his honesty and usually he just walked away, leaving but one thing for society to remember - the only ones who really care were already on a persons side in the first place! And a son who sometimes seems kind of ignorant when he walks away and says, “Who cares?!”
A long time later the person we were renting land from asked another neighbour what they though the yield might be.
“Oh,” says the neighbour, who had nothing
to lose. “Over forty-five bushels to the acre?”
Whereas Dad, not wanting to estimate too much, suggested that it probably was near forty.
The renter thought that over and in their suspicion, felt that Dad was stealing five bushels of wheat for every acre, and turned against him right away!
As it turned out, both fields produced the same but, as in the case of grain, the “seeds” of distrust had been sown!
Much has been made of the “heroes” who joined up in the Forces to fight for “freedom” and “patriotism” in the Second World War. Maybe there were quite a few of those guys, I don’t know. But a lot of the ones that I met were in it for the big bucks: $1.39 per diem, I found.
The absurdity of it all is sure brought home on page 323 of the book,
“Black Yesterdays” in a letter to his wife by one of our Captains. I quote:
“If some of the politicians could see a company of 47 men go into action to do a company job sometime (a full company was supposed to have 120 men) then they would at least have to realize that political careers are murdering me. If this is democracy, is it worth the price?”
And again, who cares?
Regardless of bluff and bluster, it was plain that Ottawa didn’t!
So ... Walt and I got home okay only to find that most of the available land around had been bought up in anticipation of our arrival, leaving us with the impression that despite “the conquering heroes coming home!” our folks were the only ones who really cared!
Things have been kind of good to us over
the years, though, and sometimes we’re kind of sad when we witness how inconsiderate some parts of society seem. But mostly, we get along pretty good.
As for analysis, maybe it is just that we have been involved in a lot of discriminatory moves in the past that this “to heck with it” attitude has developed!
Maybe we just don’t want to be included anymore in what we feel are the petty little emergencies of the times!
Yours Truly sure doesn’t want his generation to appear “stuck up” by seemingly ignoring the problems of the present. But he does know that when faced with some of the aforementioned emergencies, he is apt to turn away, shrug his shoulders and say, “Who cares?”
Three Wise Men in the Big City
by Frank Cox
On a clear, starry night long ago, three wise men, Melichor, Balthazar, and Caspar, were on a long journey to Bethlehem. They followed a particularly shiny star that seemed to have its GPS coordinates set to “Divine Baby.”
The wise men were excited, but let’s be honest, camels are not exactly the fastest ride. After days of travel through sand and desert, they were getting cranky, hungry, and more than a little saddle-sore.
So when they saw the gleaming lights of a bustling city ahead, they decided it was time for a pit stop.
“We’re ahead of schedule,” Balthazar said, checking his sundial watch.
“Let’s grab some food and maybe a little rest,” added Caspar. “Plus, I hear the falafel here is legendary.”
The three wise men rode into the heart of the city, parked their camels (after checking for no parking signs), and headed straight to a market square cafe.
They piled their treasures - gold, frankincense, and myrrh - on a nearby table.
They were so engrossed in the menu they didn’t notice a shady character with an eye patch and an overcoat slinking around the marketplace. This guy, Slick Felix, had a nose for treasure and an appreciation for other people’s property. Like a snake, he slipped in, grabbed the gold and the other goodies, and disappeared into the crowd faster than you could say, “Magi heist.”
“Hey, where’s my gold?” Melichor said, his voice suddenly higher than normal.
“My frankincense!” cried Caspar.
“Seriously? My myrrh? Who steals myrrh?” Balthazar started flapping his arms.
Realizing they’d been robbed, after they calmed down they discussed what they should do. These guys were wise, but tracking down a thief in the middle of a city was not their expertise. They needed help. Real help. The kind that wears trench coats and talks in gravely voices. They needed ... a detective.
Enter H.B. Hayes - a no-nonsense private investigator with a penchant for hard-boiled eggs and harder-boiled mysteries. He was a legend in the city, known for cracking tough cases and even tougher heads. The wise men found him in his smoky office, feet
on the desk, sipping from a mug labelled “World’s Gruffest Dad.”
“Whaddya want?” H.B. grunted, barely looking up from a crossword puzzle. “I’m busy.”
“We’re the wise men. Our treasures were stolen,” Melichor explained. “Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
“And we didn’t get our lunch either,” Caspar chimed in.
H.B. raised an eyebrow.
“Okay, gold I understand. Frankin-whatzit and myrrh? You guys hawking vitamins or something?”
“Not exactly,” Balthazar said.
“It’s complicated,” Caspar added. “We need them back. We’re on our way to Bethlehem to deliver these gifts to someone ... important.”
H.B. grumbled, but his curiosity was piqued.
“Bethlehem, huh? That’s way out in the sticks. What’s going on over there?”
Balthazar shook his head.
“You wouldn’t believe us if we told you.”
H.B. shrugged.
“Try me.”
“Look,” Melichor said. “There’s this prophecy, right? About a king being born - a special one. We’ve been following a star.”
“Uh huh. A star,” H.B. squinted. “So you’re tellin’ me you’re three wise guys, you’re on some celestial scavenger hunt and your gift basket got jacked.”
“Wise men and yeah, that’s pretty much it,” Balthazar said.
H.B. shook his head. “That doesn’t seem very wise to me,” He sighed. “Alright, whatever. It’s been a slow month. I’ll take the case.”
Within hours, H.B. Hayes was shaking down the usual suspects: street vendors, pickpockets, even a smarmy conman selling knockoff scrolls. It didn’t take long before the trail led him to Slick Felix, holed up in a grubby room in a disreputable inn, polishing the gold and trying to figure out what on earth myrrh was used for.
H.B. kicked down the door, grabbed Slick by the collar, and in his signature no-nonsense style, got the treasures back without so much as a scuffle. Slick Felix, realizing he was outmatched, was more than happy to hand them over.
The next morning, the three wise men were reunited with their precious gifts in the office of H.B. Hayes, their unlikely saviour.
“Thank you,” Melichor said, handing him a pouch of coins for his trouble. “We owe you.”
“No sweat,” H.B. said, pocketing the money. “But I gotta ask you again ... what’s so special about Bethlehem anyway? Why are you three lugging all this stuff across deserts and cities?”
The wise men looked at each other. Finally,
Caspar spoke up.
“There’s a child. A king, actually. We’re going to honour him. He’s ... well, he’s going to change the world.”
H.B. blinked.
“A baby? A king baby?” He scratched his head.
“You’re going through all this trouble for some kid?”
The wise men shared a knowing smile.
“It’s not just any kid,” Melichor finally said.
H.B. shook his head.
“Well, alright. If you say so. You guys do you. But take my advice and keep an eye on your treasures. This city’s got
a lot of Slick Felixes.” With that, the three wise men loaded the treasures back into their packs and left the office. H.B. Hayes sighed, shook his head and tipped back in his chair.
“Bethlehem,” he snorted, picking up his crossword puzzle. “Takes all kinds.”
As for the three wise men, they mounted their camels and continued on their way to Bethlehem, ready to meet the king of kings and fulfil their destiny. Thanks, of course, to the toughest detective in the city.
LAND
Frank Cox Humble Opinion
Christine Ibbotson
Ask The Money Lady
Retirement Strategies for Volatile Markets!
Readers continually ask me to suggest ways to help them deal with stock market swings.
While we have had somewhat of a difficult year, it is believed that the markets will be mov-
ing more positively into 2025. When we look at the markets overall, third quarter earnings were up and our economy continues to grow. Large cap stock still trends to be the favourite but with anticipated easing interest rates next year, we will most likely see midcap and small-cap stocks outperforming again.
So, for now, I thought I would give you five steps that you can keep in mind when your investment portfolio dips in random volatile market conditions.
1.) If you are five to 10 years from retirementyou still have time on your side. You can still benefit from future stock market returns, price appreciations and divi-
dends. Continue saving as much as you can to build out your portfolio.
2.) Since for most, retirement will be long term - your investment focus should also be long term. Stay invested in a diversified portfolio when you enter retirement. Do not try and time the market or take on risky investments. Staying invested will ensure you avoid the risk of knowing when to get back into the market if you decided to bail out when the markets go down. Ensure your advisor rebalances your portfolio on a continuous basis to maintain a strategic target asset allocation. This will guarantee your portfolio is realigned properly to
your risk tolerance, age, and future goals.
3.) Most advisors will tell you to keep maximizing your RRSPs until you retire. While this is okay advice, I am not a big believer in having all your investments in registered retirement savings plans. Of course, they do have their place for tax savings, I still believe everyone should also be maxing-up their TFSAs and work on lowering consumer debt. If you can, try to put a lump sum down on your mortgage or lower your amortization to pay it off sooner.
4.) For millennial investors, why not consider investing in deferred variable annuities. This can be done with your
RRSP contributions and will offer a compounded return to provide a guaranteed income at retirement. Annuities are not popular in Canada because they are transactional and remove the need for the traditional advisor who monitors a stock portfolio, but they are worth a second look. Economists unanimously agree they are still the best product to provide a guaranteed lifelong income in retirement.
5.) Once in retirement, many will go through the “Honeymoon Stage” which is usually a time when new retirees, who are still young and vibrant spend too much during the first one to two years. Try and delay portfolio withdrawals
for as long as possible to allow a recovery to equity prices and portfolio values if the market is volatile. Also, curb major purchases in the first year of retirement. Use your portfolio to generate income from interest and dividends rather than selling securities that have declined in value.
Good luck and best wishes!
Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, syndicated national radio host, and now on BNN Bloomberg News, and CTV News. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at info@ askthemoneylady.ca
Regain control of your finances this year
When people struggle to pay off their debt, it can add a lot of stress to their lives.
Financial stress can even lead to health problems, including everything from insomnia to more serious issues like high blood pressure and depression. If paying down your debt is becoming a challenge, small actions can make a difference.
Assess your debt load and set a timeframe for all your debts
Start by making a list of all your debts. Then, set goals for paying down your debts and track your debt-repayment progress. Prioritize paying down high-interest debts first. That way, you’ll pay less interest over the term of your loan. If you have multiple high-interest debts, consider consolidating them into a single loan with a lower interest rate. Consolidating your debts means you’ll only have to make one
monthly payment rather than pay each one individually. Review your budget Review your budget carefully to see where you can cut costs to rebalance your spending to debt-repayment ratio. If you don’t have a budget, take some time to make one. Having a budget that lays out your income and expenses is an effective way to manage your day-to-day finances. To help you get started, try the Finan-
cial Consumer Agency’s online budget planner tool. It will help you identify areas where you can cut expenses to put more money towards paying down your debt. Seek advice If you’re struggling to keep up with payments, be proactive and contact your bank or creditor immediately. There could be options available to you. Banks are expected to help individuals who are struggling to pay their mort-
gages due to exceptional circumstances such as high household debt, increased cost of living and rapid increases in interest rates. For example, they could offer you a lower interest rate on your debt, extend your payments over a longer period and reduce your minimum monthly payment amount. You may also consider consulting a financial advisor or credit counsellor for guidance. If you are considering that
option, make sure that the agency is in good standing with a provincial or national association. And remember that no reputable credit counselling agency will charge you for the first meeting.
Managing your debt isn’t always easy, but there are resources to help you. Find unbiased and fact-based information you can count on at canada.ca/money.
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
Biggar celebrated ‘Light up the Night’ last Friday ... a very popular event in our town!
We had to postpone from the previous Friday because we had all woke to minus-46 Celsius in the wind-chill that morning. My first thoughts went to the
Festive Season is open in Biggar!
kiddies on the hay ride, completely muffled up to avoid frostbite, then the Family Centre started thinking the same way. Gees, that was cold! It was a collective decision to postpone the event until the following Friday. Then came Friday, December 6, the weather cooperated, and it turned into a balmy night!
The museum sold out of hot dogs and ran out of the free hot chocolate! While the kiddies took the hay ride, parents got to check out the Christmas Magic Facebook Auction items set up in the gallery. The bidding ended the very next day. Our regular driver, Cody drove the John Deere tractor and wagon. He left the museum and
went downtown Main Street, checking out all the Christmas lights. Each time he left the wagon was filled with hay riders!
The museum volunteers do such a great job every year. The 300 Fisher Squadron Air Cadets were once again attending and assisting the loading and off loading of the hay ride.
“Special Days” lose importance amongst a myriad of others
way to show love, support, and friendship.
We use a tractor and straw bales, it’s a modern hay ride! But there have been hundreds of hay rides up and down our Main Street throughout the ages. Most of them practical farmers coming into town to sell their items, and then pick up supplies, to do some visiting, who knows maybe even taking in a movie, a maybe a beverage at the local hotels. As the settlers were making their way into the area, I imagine animals pulling carts were
commonplace. Maybe the player piano came up Main Street into the theatre from the railway by horse and cart. I can only imagine what Main Street would like at the end of busy day of traffic! Was there a position in our town back then who spent their day being the official pooper scooper? The museum hay ride may not be like the “good old days”, but the streets stay cleaner! And the children still get a thrill, that’s why we put it on!
The day was founded in 1986 by Kevin Zaborne, who wanted to create an opportunity for people to share warmth and care through hugs.”
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
by Calvin Daniels
Apparently December 5, was designated World Soil Day by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to celebrate this critical resource and raise awareness of the challenges of protecting it.
Now I am not personally sure designating a day to raise awareness accomplishes a great deal anymore.
There might have been a time when marking a particular day had people pausing at least to consider what it was all about.
But now rare is the date on the calendar throughout the entire year when something isn’t being marked.
For example, according to dayspedia.com “Hug Day is celebrated on January 21 in the United States and is an informal holiday dedicated to hugging as a
And while fans of flapjacks might rejoice the same site notes “National Maple Syrup Day is on December 17. Maple syrup is made from the xylem sap of one of the three maple tree varieties: sugar maple, black maple, or red maple.
Whether you like your maple syrup as a topping on pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream, enjoy some today in honour of National Maple Syrup Day!”
No offence to maple syrup producers, but a day to celebrate the sticky stuff seems a bit extreme.
The result is so many days, some created by international organizations such as the UN, and other by groups and associations looking to promote what they do, that it has become too easy for most to become tone death to any day designation.
That’s unfortunate because there are some days that are focused on very important issues.
Again as an example; “The National Day of Remembrance and
Action on Violence Against Women, also known informally as White Ribbon Day (Jour du Ruban Blanc), is a day commemorated in Canada each December 6, the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, in which armed student Marc Lépine murdered 14 women and injured 10 others in the name of “fighting feminism”. The commemoration date was established by the Parliament of Canada in 1991,” details dayspedia. com
From a farmer perspective World Soil Day should be an important one - although I’d wonder how many paused for even a minute to consider the day last week?
But that said, soil is such a finite and critical resource to the survival of life on this planet, it deserves to cared for as best we can, and decertification, urban sprawl, deforestation, preventable erosion and other forces continued to negatively impact the resource.
So the theme of the day this year ‘Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,’ focused on how we might do things better in terms “of accurate soil data and information in understanding soils characteristics and
supporting informed decision-making on sustainable soil management for food security,” noted a producer.com article capturing the need succinctly. Soil and its secure future is our future too.
If you remember the discontinued Cinnamon Spread from years ago then you will love Cinnawin!! Homestyle Cinnamon Spread made right here in Saskatchewan. Get yours at the Independent
Common sight on Main Street back in 1913. (Photo for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)
The Saskatchewan Traveller ... The Nova Scotia Edition by Trudy and Dale Buxton
After a nice little visit into Church Point, we are back onto the highway heading south on the Number 1.
In the early 20th century, the region that connected Yarmouth to Halifax via the
SANTA CLAUS DAY
Annapolis Valley was first connected by the Dominion Atlantic Railway, which was the upstart of the tourism industry in the province bringing in a new and prosperous industry where the province didn’t have to rely on fishing or boat-building for a way of life.
Did you know that this railway led to the naming of this route the “Evangeline Trail” which pays homage to this transport lifeline. Today the old Number 1 highway is commonly known as the Evangeline Trail as it reflects to the old route.
The Evangeline Trail measures around 300 kilometres and goes through many communities in which the Acadians once made their homes or still do make their homes today.
Continuing south we pass through the community of Saulnierville, which is a small community located along the shores of St. Mary’s Bay.
Saulnierville is home to the largest fishing plant along the French shore, Comeau Sea Foods, which has been an active employer in this area since 1946. It was established in 1785 and was named after the first settlers named Saulnier who came from France.
Next up is the community of Meteghan.
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
Founded in 1785 by a group of Acadians that had escaped the expulsion of the British and was named after the Mi’kmaq name Mitihikan, meaning blue rocks.
Meteghan is the largest of the communities in the Clare District along the French shore, also with the largest fishing fleet and busiest fishing port.
When the ships are in there is a number of boats that can range up to 40feet and include scallop draggers, trawlers, herring seiners and of course lobster boats.
Along with the fishing boats, Meteghan also has a busy recreational marina housing many pleasure boats.
Meteghan was once a busy shipbuilding port with contracts with the Royal Canadian Navy. There is still one shipyard that remains along the shore, A.F. Theriault & Sons Shipyard, which remains as one of the largest shipyards in Atlantic Canada. Since 1938 this shipyard has produced over 1,000 vessels of various kinds.
While on a visit along the docks we stumbled along a couple of fishermen who were fishing for flounder off the wharf. The fellow in the picture is named Louis. He spends most of his time along the wharf catching different species of fish, after each
day he processes his catch and sells most of it to the tourists and locals in the area. This was his way of making a living and having some fun at the same time.
Meteghan is also home to Smuggler’s Cove Provincial Park.
Smuggler’s cove is known for a small cave along the cliff that was used for smuggling rum back in the 1920’s during the years of Prohibition. The cave cannot be accessed during high tide but is fully accessible during low tide.
The stories of this tiny provincial park has also produced a number of stories and folklore in the area leading to some interesting reading.
Stay tuned until next week as we continue with our adventures in Nova Scotia.
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
Metaghan Harbour, Nova Scotia (Independent Photos by Dale Buxton)
Louis in Meteghan, Nova Scotia
Students from the Biggar Central School 2000 Grade 1-3 classes participated in an after-school robotics/ coding club. The young engineers enjoyed learning how to create code on an app called Scratch Jr. and were very excited to apply those skills to coding for a robot called Dash. Lots of learning happened had over the last month and hopefully all students are inspired to continue this learning outside of school time!
(Photo for The Independent by Jennifer Singer)
BOWLING TRIOS
November was a busy month for your youth bowlers. On November 3 they had the
YBC SINGLES
Biggar bowlers participated in West Sask Zone playoffs happened November 9 in Rosetown, Lloydminster and Biggar. (Submitted Photos)
Provincial North Trios. Biggar was represented by bantams, juniors and senior team. Seniors Tegan Mcleod, Jake Keefe, Junior Dominic Raschke, coached by Angela, received silver medals. (Submitted Photos)
Oilers overly reliant on their two superstars
Bruce Penton
Penton on Sports
It’s a good-news, badnews scenario that Edmonton Oilers have the two highestscoring team-mates in the National Hockey League.
The good news is that Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are a threat to score almost every time they’re on the ice, but the bad news is that the team’s secondary scoring beyond the two superstars is scarce.
Memo to NHL coaches: Figure out a way to stop, or slow down, Draisaitl and McDavid, and you’re more than likely to stop the Oilers.
Recent NHL stats show that while goal production from the top two scorers on each team in the NHL represents, on average, 28.5 per cent of a team’s offensive output, the figure is a league-high and unhealthy 40.2 per cent for the Oilers.
Through the end of November, Draisaitl had 17 goals and McDavid
12. The next-best goal output by an Edmonton forward was four - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Corey Perry and Jeff Skinner. Other teams quite dependent on their top two scorers are the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Habs depend heavily on Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, who provide 36.7 per cent of the team’s goals, while the Leafs relied on William Nylander (15) and John Tavares (11) to lead the offence. The Toronto situation could hardly be called dire, though, because high-scoring Auston Matthews missed almost a month due to injury and Toronto’s offence is spread out further now that he’s back. At the lower end of the statistical story are Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets, whose top two scorers provide a little more than 20 per cent of the team’s total.
Oilers’ general manager Stan Bowman is obviously burning up the phone lines trying to find a dependable scoring forward to add to his roster, because if either Draisaitl or McDavid were to be sidelined for any length of time, the Edmonton offence might come close to drying up.
On the other hand, McDavid and Draisaitl are so prolific, that coach Kris Knoblauch gives
Sask West
This Week
by Phil Heilman
A light week in the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) did not disappoint.
The Wilkie Outlaws continue to hold first place, with a 4-1 record. The Mohawks of Macklin sit in second with a 3-2 record. The Edam 3 Stars, Kindersley Sr Klippers and Hafford Hawks all sit in a tie in third with a 2-1 record. With a 1-3-1 record, the Biggar Nationals sit in sixth and the Unity Miners bring up the rear with a 0-3-1 record.
On Friday night, the Unity Miners headed east for a contest against the Biggar Nationals, which the home team came away with a 5-4 overtime victory.
In the first period, it was all Miners as Daniel Hilsendager and David Dziurzynski scored to give the visitors the 2-0 lead. The Nats woke up in the middle frame though, with Keaton Haynes, Brett Novak and Taylor Bucsis all scoring, giving Biggar the 3-2 lead. Jared Risling’s first of the year would tie the game back up, but Tommy Ehry’s first as a National reinstated them with the lead after 40 minutes. David would add his second of the night to tie the game back up at 5, which meant free hockey at the Jube. With 1:36 left in the five-minute extra
them an extraordinary amount of ice time, which reduces the chances for lesser players to shine. Anther point in Edmonton’s favour is the status of the slumping Zach Hyman, coming off 36- and 54-goal seasons, but with only three in the team’s first 20 games. A Hyman breakout can be expected, easing the requirement for the Oilers’ big two to carry the heaviest load.
The season isn’t half over yet and there’s no reason to think the Oilers can’t get things going. They started slowly last year, then ran off a 16-game winning streak at one point, and were powerful through the playoffs, losing in Game 7 of the Cup final to Florida.
“It’s about bringing a level of urgency ... and doing your job and doing what you need to do and understanding that everybody else is going to go out and do their job,” Hyman told NHL. com. “We’re not playing up to our standard.”
• Canadian rapper Drake, quoted by Mike Bianchi on X: “When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Molly Schuyler once won the Wing Bowl
in Philadelphia by eating a whopping 501 chicken wings in 30 minutes. She was poultry in motion.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Tom Brady just can’t understand how all QBs aren’t just like him.”
• Michael Traikos of the Hockey News, on the controversy surrounding offer sheets: “It’s the NHL equivalent to asking out someone who is wearing a wedding ring.”
• NFL quarterback Jameis Winston, after throwing three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, amid a 497-yard passing game vs. Denver: “I’m praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-sixes.”
• Canadian parody website The Beaverton, on the most popular Christmas present in Ontario: “Raptors tickets (mostly as an excuse to get rid of them).”
• Another one from The Beaverton: “Report: Juan Soto in talks with Ohtani about best way to get Canadians’ hopes up before crushing their dreams.”
• Another fark.com headline: “New Toronto WNBA franchise chooses name ... seriously, the Tempo? Even ‘Hoserettes’ would have been better.”
• Anthony Lingus, on
Bluesky.social: “Kinda weird how the Lakers hired a Boy Genius to replace the worst coach the NBA has ever seen and yet the Lakers have the exact same problems as they did last year, only everyone is a year older.”
frame, Bucsis would score to send the home fans away happy. Brett Vanderveer took the tough luck overtime loss, stopping 47 of 52 shots, while Brett Matlock stopped 35 of 39 shots for the win.
On Saturday night, the Kindersley Sr Klippers welcomed the Macklin Mohawks into the West Central Events Centre, with the Klippers coming away with the 3-1 victory.
Jaxon Georget opened the scoring early in the first period, which held all the way into the early stages of the middle frame, with Shayne Neigum extending the lead to 2-0. Jared Hillis would cut the lead to 2-1, but Neigum would add his second of the night to seal the win. No scoring was reported in the third.
Trevor Martin took the loss, stopping 47 of 50 shots, while Logan Drackett stopped 42 of 43 shots for the win. A big slate of games is scheduled for the upcoming week. Hafford welcomes Edam in the Hawks home opener (pending weather) on Friday night. On Saturday, Wilkie hosts Unity, Biggar travels to Macklin, and Edam hosts Kindersley in the 3 Stars home opener (pending weather). On Sunday, Kindersley hosts Biggar.
Star of tomorrow ... The Jubilee Stadium, always a busy place in the winter, was even more hectic as it played host to a U7 Jamboree (above) - a fun way to learn the skills of the greatest game on earth. Kids played mini-games, worked on skating and puck handling skills. These kids are pretty entertaining and had many who came to watch, smiling at their antics. Soon, they’ll be thrilling as they make the home town crowd proud! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Head to Head match for U13’s ... Biggar Nationals hit the ice, Saturday, for a match between both U13 squads, Poletz and Ireland. A back and forth, entertaining battle, the game, suitably, ended in a 3-all tie. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
• Simmons, with more money talk: “When Scottie Barnes’ new deal kicks in next season, he’ll be getting $44 million U.S., which is about $60 million Canadian, which is $10 million more than the nine rosters in the entire Canadian Football League pay out to their players, give or take a dollar.”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “Who is currently the highest paid athlete in Canadian professional sports? Immanuel Quickley of the Raptors, who is being paid $32.5 million this season and has played in three games, all of them losses.”
Biggar Bowl weekly scores
Monday Adult Mixed
Tuesday Night Mixed
Thursday Afternoon Seniors
YBC
Ladies High Single - Marilyn Miller 200. Ladies High Triple - Marilyn Miller 508. Mens High Single - Jason Raschke 250. Mens High TripleJason Raschke 490.
Ladies High Single - Christina Olson 195. Ladies High Triple - Christina Olson 470. Mens High Single - Michael Hebert 248. Mens High TripleMichael Hebert 590.
Ladies High Single - Bonnie Roesch 187. Ladies High Triple - Bonnie Roesch 467. Mens High Single - Walter Fernets 190. Mens High TripleWalter Fernets 499.
Pee Wee Single - Blake Foster 111; Double - Blake Foster 210. Bantam Single - Kaysen Sauntry 168; Triple - Nash Wheaton 348. Junior Single - Tanner Polluck 181; Triple - Tanner Polluck 467. Senior High Single - Noah 222; High Triple - Noah 559.
Business & Professional …
Business & Professional …
Stay healthy, naturally! 311 Main Street, Rosetown Quality Supplements Mail
Your pioneering spirit is in full swing this week, Aries. Embrace new challenges and don’t hesitate to get out front and take the lead. You just might inspire others with your confidence.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Make finances a priority this week, Taurus. A bit of budgeting could ease some of the financial stress that has been affecting you lately. Indulge in a small luxury as a reward for hard work.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Conversations could be interesting this week, Gemini. You’re curious about what others do when they are home behind closed doors. Don’t pry too much.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, nurture your relationships this week, particularly if work has garnered most of your attention of late. Pay attention to your own needs, too, and enjoy some relaxation.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Employ your natural charisma to forge new connections and network at upcoming events, Leo. You are good at sharing ideas and expressing yourself with confidence.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
Tackle one job at a time and focus on what is important to get done this week, Virgo. It can be easy to get side-tracked by side projects. Or that might be your way to procrastinate.
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, surround yourself with positive influences this week. You want others supporting you at every turn while you take on an important project that comes up.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
Use your intense focus and attention to detail to delve into projects that require those specific skills, Scorpio. In fact, someone may ask you to work on a project for these traits alone.
People who live in the area of Albuquerque, New Mexico have a Christmas tradition of using luminaria on nights before December 25. Luminarias are a votive candle set inside a paper bag weighed down with sand. In 2022 Kate Nelson wrote in New Mexico Magazine, “The 2,000 luminarias, set and lit by hand, line the road up the mesa to Acoma Pueblo’s 370-foot-high Sky City. Inside the 1629 San Esteban del Rey Mission Church, tribal dancers pound their feet onto the dirt floor, commemorating the birth of the Savior. It’s a cherished Christmas Eve tradition in New Mexico, one that kicks off four days of celebrations at the pueblo.” Using luminarias is a ritual dating back to colonial Spain.
English publications about Christmas traditions in the southwest United States began using the term luminaria in the 1930s, which was appropriated from the American Spanish word luminaria, meaning a light placed in a window, balcony, or street, in recognition of a festival or holiday. The Spanish word was derived from the Latin luminare, an opening to let in light or a source of light. Luminaria was also used by Spanish speakers to indicate the light placed before the Communion Host in a church.
Today luminaria is used more broadly to refer to any candle lanterns lit for many occasions, such as memorials and weddings. Luminarias, purchased at many retailers, are used to light homes, sidewalks, stages, and pavements. Although luminarias are a lot more labour intensive than setting up solar lights, the effect is wonderous.
The use of luminarias and other types of candles has long been associated with Christmas celebrations.
In Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day, December 13, marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations. On that day the eldest daughter of the family traditionally dresses in a white robe and wears an evergreen wreath crown studded with candles. The festival is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year. Schools often close around noon on the day of the festival so that families can prepare for St. Lucia’s Day. Baked goods, such
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
Embrace the unknown this week. Let yourself get led off in different directions from those you normally travel, Sagittarius. Who knows what you may find along the way?
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Revisit your goals and make a plan for the future, Capricorn. Remember to take the people closest to you into consideration. Do not trample them in the process of getting ahead.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, collaborate with like-minded individuals who are ready to think outside the box. It is amazing what you can accomplish when you multiply your power.
PISCES –
Feb 19/Mar 20
You might need to warm up before the creative energy starts to flow, Pisces. Don’t worry, once you have the right inspiration, things will begin moving at a rapid pace.
Tired of running out of ink.? WE CAN HELP
JUST SEND US YOUR DOCUMENTS AND LET US PRINT THEM FOR YOU.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Thou __ do it
6. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)
9. Brainstem part
13. Town in New York state
14. Little (Spanish)
15. Continent
16. Retch
17. Short-billed rails
18. Small period of time (abbr.)
19. Confused
21. A team needs one 22. Woman in ancient times
23. Republican Party
24. Spanish be
25. “The Godfather” character Johnny
28. Not around 29. City in Zambia
31. A type of beginning
33. Numb
36. Gurus
38. Small, gray-headed crow
39. Vehicle type
41. Disorders
44. One point east of southeast
45. Indian soldier
46. Tree type
48. Midway between south and southeast
49. It cools your home
51. Corn comes on it
as lussekatter (saffron bread) and ginger biscuits are given out. Many Swedes would find it sacrilege to eat lussekatter at any other time than on the pre-Christmas days starting with December 13. To drink, you’ll sip little cups of glögg (mulled wine), served with almonds and raisins.
St. Lucia (died 304 AD) was a martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity. She fell victim to the wave of persecution of Christians that occurred late in the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian.
In Sweden there are “Luciatåg” processions telecast on national TV, in schools, care homes, churches, and offices across the country. The defining feature is a lit-up wreath on the top of the head of the one portraying St. Lucia. Traditionally, real candles were used, but for safety reasons they’ve been replaced by battery-powered ones. And the same goes for those carried by the handmaidens, who typically wear glitter or a wreath in their hair and a decorative red ribbon around the waist. Star boys wear white – just like Lucia and the handmaidens – with cone-like hats and star-adorned sticks. The lantern-carrying gingerbread men sport full gingerbread costumes, complete with white icing.
One of the many Lucia concerts this year will be broadcast online via SVT Play and you can follow the celebrations from abroad. The national Lucia concert will take place at Sala Silvergruva. You can stream the Lucia concert on 13 December 2024 (Sweden is 7 hours ahead of Saskatchewan time zone).
Another Lucia concert, held at the Unesco
52. Ship’s deck
54. A way to bake
56. Improvised
60. Butterfly genus
61. Baseball fields have them
62. Designated space
63. Discharge
64. Two of something
65. Once more
66. Part of your face
67. Tax collector
68. Cassia tree
CLUES DOWN
1. One-time Aaron Rodgers target
2. Wings
3. Overly studious person
4. They protect your valuables
5. The Volunteer State
6. Non-hydraulic cement
7. Horse mackerel
8. Jackson and Diddley are two
9. Splendid displays
10. Mountain in NE Greece
11. A daughter or your brother or sister
12. German surname
14. Having more than one husband at a time
17. Romanian city 20. Energy
21. Makes less hot
23. Gas diffusion electrode
25. Former CIA
26. Set an example for others
27. Support of a particular person
29. One from the Big Apple
30. Mountain range
32. Violate the sanctity of something
34. Supervises flying
35. Talks
37. Persian male given name
40. Born of
42. Forcibly take one’s possessions
43. Discounts
47. Knockouts
49. Posh Colorado destination
50. Form of therapy
52. British rock band
53. Type of virus (abbr.)
55. The U. of Miami mascot is one
56. Volcanic crater
57. Middle Eastern nation
58. Sinn __, Irish organization
59. Ethiopian lake
61. Bits per inch (abbr.) 65. Equally
World Heritage Site of Grimeton Radio Station, will be shown as a live event on Facebook on 13 December.
During this darkest time of the year, festivals of light and luminaria bring a sense of hope and joy. The celebrations of the coming of the Christ Child are illuminated with candles to inspire faith for the year ahead and joy in the eternal life He comes to bring.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 THE
St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh
109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330
Though fans
not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable.
Certain foods have become Saturday and Sunday afternoon staples once football season kicks off. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray of nachos during football season. But fans hosting game watch parties at home can go beyond the norm and offer additional fare that’s sure to please a crowd. For instance, the following recipe for “Baby Back Ribs” with homemade “Kansas CityStyle Barbecue Sauce” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) will make sure fans go home with full bellies this football season.
Baby Back Ribs Serves 4
4 2- to 21⁄2-lb. racks baby back ribs
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2⁄3 cup Kansas City-style Barbecue Sauce (see below)
1. Trim any hanging fat off the ribs. Season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the grill for smoking at 225 F to 275 F.
3. Place the ribs meat-side up on the grate over the drip pan. Close the lid. If desired, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil after 1 hour 30 minutes or once the bark (crust) is reddish brown.
4. Turn over the ribs, close the lid, and continue cooking for 1 hour 30 minutes more, or until the ribs pull apart with a gentle tug.
5. Remove the foil (if using), baste the ribs with the sauce, close the lid, and cook meat-side up for 10 more minutes or until the sauce is set. Serve immediately.
Cooking tip: The back of pork ribs is covered with a membrane that some pitmasters say prevents the meat from absorbing the smoke, but this is a myth. Many don’t bother removing it, and leaving it on helps keep the ribs from falling apart when you move them.
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce Makes about 11⁄2 cups
1 cup ketchup
1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons unsulfured blackstrap molasses
6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar Worcestershire sauce, molasses and sugar until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until golden.
4. Add the salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 10 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Stir in the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for about 1 minute or until the flavors meld.
6. Let cool and refrigerate overnight before using to let the flavors develop.
Cooking tip: When making barbecue sauce, it’s not necessary to boil the ingredients, only simmer them. Simmering them allows the flavors to meld; boiling them causes the ingredients to separate.
Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m.
Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m. our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m.
Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans
St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E DECEMBER 15 10:30am Lessons & Carols DECEMBER 22 10:30am Regular Worship
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,
Kim Gartner, MLA
Kindersley - Biggar Constituency Unit #5 1001 Main Street Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0
Parrish and Heimbecker donates to Food Bank ... It’s an annual event for the our local Parrish and Heimbecker as the strong community supporter once again donated food items and cash to the Biggar Food Bank. Here, Annette Gillespie poses with some of the items collected in their recent drive. Great job, Parrish and Heimbecker! (Submitted Photo)
37th annual Big Buck Night in Sonningdale
Winners pose with this season’s efforts (above picture). The iconic event also recognized Keith Barrington and his efforts that led to the muchloved Big Buck Night. (Submitted Photos)
Over 100 in attendance to witness and have their prize game trophies scored by David Pezderic and Bentley Coben, December 7.
Trophy winners as follows:
Typical White Tail Deer
Big Buck: 1st Richard Penn, Biggar scoring 150 7/8; 2nd Wyatt Tornberg, Sonningdale scoring 147 4/8. Youth (16 & Under): 1st Oliver Deal, Hepburn 155 4/8; 2nd Levi Tallis, Langham 135 3/8.
Good Old Boys (55 and over): 1st Dave Keyko, Hafford 157 1/8; 2nd Bently Coben, Tessier 156 3/8.
Ladies: 1st Kaybree Kramm, Duck Lake 156 7/8; 2nd Cheryl Stone, Mosquito 143 7/8. Non-Typical White Tail Deer
Big Buck: 1st Darren Dove, Biggar 180 0/8; 2nd Jon Behuniak, Asquith 179 7/8.
Youth: 1st Brooklynn Huard, North Battleford 173 3/8.
Ladies:
121 7/8.
Typical Mule Deer
Big Buck - Biggest: Taylor Stone, Mosquito 180 6/8. Non Typical Mule Deer
Big Buck - Biggest: Preston Haanen, Asquith 213 /2/8.
Big Buck Night remembered Keith Barrington who founded this event in 1984 with a moment of silence. Keith’s widow Diane donated one of Keith’s set of horns for a new trophy, and Keith’s son Jerry and Keith’s brothers Robert and Glenn presented the trophy to the winners. We were grateful to a professional MC of Classy Knights. The Sonningdale Hall Committee is very grateful for all the volunteers and the support of our community and especially donations to the annual event!
