Vol. 104 No. 37
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Box 40, 102 3rd Ave West, Biggar, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0
email: tip@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-948-3344
20 pages
$1.25
www.biggarindependent.ca
Pe r d u e A g S o c i e t y reopening R o d e o / Livestock Arena With help from the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF), the Perdue Agricultural Society will be hosting a grand reopening of their rodeo and livestock arena this Saturday. The CIF awarded the Perdue Ag Society $10,000 in support of their Livestock Arena Improvement project. In 2011, the Perdue Agricultural Society applied for the grant in order to upgrade the existing facilities. The existing facility was sadly, underutilized yet held great potential. It was decided that permanent cattle pens, a roping chute, and additional bleachers, including a wheelchair accessible platform would be built to improve the arena. These measures were intended to make the facility more attractive to outside users, improve the ability to host an increased number and more diverse livestock events, as well as improving access for spectators. The Perdue Agricultural Society invested over $20,000, including volunteer time and equipment, into the project, to go along with the $10,000 CIF grant. The CIF grant comes from a special purpose fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act, accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. The programs are structured as grants that help support Saskatchewan communities. The Perdue Ag Society hopes the new facility will attract local and non-local users who will appreciate the amount of volunteer work it took to build and maintain the project, and enjoy events the revitalized facility can now host. Since the beginning of the project, the number
On harvest’s golden light . . . Kicking up dust, a combine takes in the year’s bounty, north of Biggar on Monday evening. Here’s hoping for record crops and a safe harvest. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam) and types of events booked at the arena have proven the theory. Over a dozen gymkhanas and as many Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association jackpots have been held. Two multievent Ranchman’s Day events have been hosted, as well as a Saskatchewan Cowboy Mounted Shooters competition in August. Horsemanship clinics and roping competitions are planned for the fall of 2013 and this upcoming spring. The arena will be available for casual, recreational riding through the Ag Society executive once a schedule is established. The Ag Society reminds organizations that the facility provides and opportunity to fund raise, by offering a concession on site. This Saturday, the Perdue Agricultural Society will host the reopening of the improved facility, located on the south grounds of the property. A 9 a.m. ceremony will kick off the Second Annual Ranchman’s Day which will include a Ranch Horse Competition, a Canadian Ranch Roping Association (CRRA) sanctioned event. Admission is free to the public for the day with a full concession available.
Health registration transfers to eHealth R C M P Saskatchewan customer service, “ eHealth to provide support for the to family status or update i n v e s t i g a t i n g Saskatchewan CEO Susan electronic system that your address. animal cruelty eHealth Saskatchewan is Antosh said, September 4. “eHealth is well-suited to incorporate health registration because of our robust privacy and security safeguards for personal health information.” This move is a natural progression of housing similar services. eHealth currently works closely with Health Registration
runs the online application and renewal process for health cards. The function of health registration aligns well with the recent transfer of vital statistics to eHealth. The transfer takes effect in early November. Visit health.gov.sk.ca/ health-card to replace your card, report any changes
a Treasury Board Crown Corporation responsible for the implementation of the provincial electronic health record. eHealth coordinates, implements and maintains key electronic health information systems in many public health care organizations.
Four wheels and a passion . . . Car aficionados hit Biggar for the 35th edition of the Biggar Integra Tire Show and Shine. With the new condo project, the ‘all things motors and chrome’ used the adjacent streets and park spaces on Third Avenue. It didn’t take away from the show as many a car enthusiast came to Biggar to show off their ride, and many folks came to see the rolling works of art. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar RCMP have been investigating incidents of possible animal cruelty. In may and July, there were two separate incidents of a dog and a cat having portions of their tales chewed or possibly cut. Initially, these were believed to be non-suspicious. In August, there was an incident where it is believed a cat was intentionally injured by someone. Due to the severity of the injuries, the cat had to be put down. It is not clear what caused the injury. The matter is still under investigation, with the SPCA assisting. The police are asking the public for any information about these incidents or information about any individual intentionally hurting dogs or cats in the community. Police are also reminding animal owners to keep their pets safe by leashing them and not allowing them to run at large.