Hockey Action in Perdue…in Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League action of the leagues top teams, the Perdue Pirates played at home to the Battleford Beaver Blues on Friday January 3. The Pirates put up a spirited effort in a 6-3 loss, dropping Perdue to 2nd place in the East standings. On Saturday January 4 the Neilburg Monarchs were in town and came away with a 7-1 win over the hometown Pirates. The next home action for the Pirates will be on Sunday January 12, come on out and support the team. Photo’s for The Independent by Dale Buxton
Biggar Minor Hockey players hit the Jubilee Stadium this past holiday season, honing their skills, maybe one day representing Canada on the world stage. On every weekend (and some week days) you can catch them in action at the Jube, battling it out with other hockey stars of tomorrow from other communities. It really is the Greatest Game on Earth!
(Independent Photos by Daryl Hasein)
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
(Report for December 30, 2024)
This past week Biggar Detachment had 29 occurrences reported. In traffic, 14 drivers were spoken to.
A blue/grey Toyota Camry was reported swerving all over the road until it turned off into Perdue. A blue Ford Fiesta reported hitting the ditch on Highway 4 south during the winter driving conditions. A red Dodge Ram 3500 was reported in the ditch on Highway 51, however the driver fled the scene before members arrived due to the truck being stolen out of the Kyle area. A report
of trespassing on a rural property on Crozier Road, members attended and found a male sleeping in a black Dodge Ram 2500 parked on the property, the male was arrested for an outstanding warrant on other matters and released again. CN had a rough go this week when their transport van scheduled to pick up the crew at Oban Road ended up stuck near the track and was hit by the train as it approached. The driver was sharp enough to bail from the vehicle before it was struck. On a separate incident, CN report a derailment onto a field near Palo Road, no hazardous material involved, however the crossing was blocked until the area was cleaned up.
A Bigtex Transport trailer was stolen from a business on Eighth
Biggar RCMP report
Avenue East. A report of fraud for a dispute over snowmobile parts with a small engine repair shop. An ongoing, not so neighbourly, dispute of noisy neighbours on Avenue N in Perdue. A resident from the Wilkie area was found sleeping in the Hotel lobby and provided further assistance in making their way to Saskatoon. Assistance was provided by Biggar Detachment to a large police presence from multiple jurisdictions around the Struan area, when a stolen vehicle out of Red Pheasant tried to make its way back to the area upon fleeing from the Saskatoon Police Service after a robbery in the city. The suspects were stopped, arrested and brought back to the city to answer to their crimes. Hard to outrun radios and air support.
(Report for January 6, 2025)
Happy New Year to all! Twenty-five years after Y2K and we are still going strong. Hopefully there is a plethora of positivity on the outlook of what the new year has to bring.
Over the past week, there was 29 occurrences dealt with by the Biggar Detachment.
In traffic, 15 motorist had conversations about traffic safety. One hit and run to report, where a red jeep Grand Cherokee was backed into on Eighty Avenue West, having damage caused on its driver side.
A couple of vehicles off the beaten path, required tows out of the ditch for various reasons.
The most significant file that could have turned out deadly, brings us back to reminding motorists to slow down on the highway when you see flashing lights of any kind
by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department
Well, that’s a wrap - 2024 is gone and we are moving on to 2025. Seems like just yesterday when everyone was concerned about what their computer was going to do on January 1, 2000! Our practises in December included some SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)
and be prepared to react to what is happening on the road in front of you. Emergency lights on the highway require all motorists to slow down to 60 km/h when passing personnel working road side. Highway crews generally have signage accompanying a work zone but motorist tend to forget about the rule in the Traffic Safety Act that requires you to slow down to 60 km/h when passing tow trucks on the highway including when there is no police presence around.
On January 1 around 4:30 a.m., Lash-Berg Towing was working on Highway 4 north assisting a motorist that had struck a deer. When along came a 2008 grey Acura and slammed into the tow truck at full highway speed. If it was not for the keen awareness of the tow truck operator being aware of their
surroundings, they may not have been able to clear themselves and the other motorist out of the collision path of the Acura in time. The driver of the Acura was airlifted to Saskatoon by STARS. The investigation into the collision and the factors remains active with charges pending. Slowing down for collision scenes on the highway is also not for you to take better photos, or rubber neck on the scene itself. People tend to drive where they are looking, and if you are only half engaged with operating your vehicle then you are still a danger to the emergency personnel. Overall, slow down, stay focussed on the road ahead of you, follow directions and move past the scene safely.
Take care out there!
Biggar Fire Report
training, we introduced our new members to the extrication tools and the techniques we use with them. We spent a couple practises getting the outdoor rink ready for the holidays (special thanks to Ryan Metz, Russell Alasdair, Marv Evans, Elliott Cline and Kelly Dorosh for the extra work they put in). And our final practise was used to go through power tools and make sure they were running proper and the fluids or batteries where all topped up. Calls for the month included one STARS
Provincial Indexation and the Saskatchewan Affordability Act will make life more affordable in 2025
The Saskatchewan Affordability Act and ongoing annual indexation are two ways the Government of Saskatchewan is taking action to ensure the province remains the most affordable place in Canada.
“Every year our government adjusts the provincial income tax brackets and basic tax credits to protect Saskatchewan citizens from the rising cost of inflation, which is also
known as indexation,”
Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter said. “This provides safeguards against the inflationary pressures that would otherwise push taxpayers into higher tax brackets
and reduce the actual value of tax credits. Given the current affordability concerns, it is important we take these steps to help make life more affordable for the people of Saskatchewan.”
The level of indexation
Frosty ... The cool weather makes for its own taste of beauty. Frost and snow will be with us for a while longer, but it doesn’t mean would should ignore the outdoors. Dress warm and get out there! Warmer weather will hit us soon! (Independent
in 2025 will be 2.7 per cent, which matches the annual average national inflation rate from October 2023 to September 2024. In 2025, Saskatchewan residents will see $40.5 million in annual tax savings from indexation.
“A family of four will not pay any Saskatchewan income tax on the first $63,200 of their income, the highest tax-free threshold for a family of four in Canada,” Reiter said. “We have more than doubled this tax-free amount during our time in government, which continues to provide significant savings for people throughout the province and helps make life more affordable.”
Indexation was also incorporated into The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, which was recently passed in the Legislative
landing, one medical assist, and two false alarms. This will bring our year to date total to 77. Considering the crappy weather conditions we have had in December with the rain and storms, we didn’t respond to any MVC’s (Motor Vehicle Collisions). Just want to pass along a thank you to everyone for the careful driving.
As always, you can find us at the Firehall - 112 Turnbull Avenue - on Mondays at 7 p.m. If you’re interested in joining, come on down and check us out!
Assembly. The Act reduced personal income tax in Saskatchewan by increasing rates for the basic personal, spousal and child exemptions, as well as the seniors supplement, by $500 a year for the next four years on top of annual indexation adjustments.
The Act provides significant benefits to pensioners and others who are on fixed incomes by indexing and increasing the rate of the Saskatchewan LowIncome Tax Credit, while persons with disabilities, as well as their caregivers, will also benefit from increased tax credits.
The commitments in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act are in addition to the more than $2 billion in affordability measures already included in each and every provincial budget.
Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar RCMP are asking motorists to slow down to 60 km/h when passing workers and emergency personnel on the roads. (Submitted Photo)
Dear Editor,
Canada’s homeless problem can easily be compared in numbers to the refugee crisis in any war torn Third World country.
And unless you live in the neighbourhood of the encampments or even care, you can embrace ignorance and support the authorities’ attempts to sweep the tragedy under the rug, demonize the victims and actively work against attempts for humane solutions, solutions that cannot be tolerated in the Capitalist dominated system that, over the past decades, has transformed this rich, prosperous and caring country into transitory and permanent homeless camps across the nation. Homelessness is a thing that causes great trouble and suffering. Many are affected, most notably veterans, mental health sufferers, the drug addicted and many of our Indigenous people, who can no longer afford shelter. The escalating rate of rent
and mortgages has found even double income families unable to meet housing costs.
Some of the most insidiously affected victims are the seniors that have worked all their lives, paid their taxes, supported their families and communities in a good way, yet find their meagre savings and pension inadequate to navigate the rapidly escalating cost of living in this land of (supposed) plenty. As far as who is responsible for this sad state of affairs, Pierre Poilievre simply points his accusing finger directly at Justin Trudeau with little justification and offers unleashing free enterprise as his common-sense solution. I would have to argue it was another Conservative, Brian Mulroney, as PM, who holds a lot of the responsibility. He got rid of the cooperative housing program in 1992 and scrapped funding
for construction of new affordable housing, then opened the Canadian real estate market to foreign investment. Mulroney unleashed the capitalist, free enterprise tornado that has expanded into the homeless disaster we are in today. Mr. Poilievre seems to be an intelligent man but perhaps in his studies to become a career politician he either skipped his political history classes or views human suffering as unworthy of human emotion and a simple by-product of his ultracapitalist agenda.
Peoples’ memories are so short and political approaches have become so viciously predatory. Successive Conservative parties since Steven Harper have strategically attacked every thing they chose to comment on, thus intentionally ignoring value in any policy the governing body wishes to provide. The strategy destroys the conciliatory values of Democracy.
Once again unleashing
free enterprise, as Poilievre proposes, encourages big money investment to further dominate private ownership of all Canadian real estate, driving up the price beyond
reasonable access for any common incomes.
Oh yes! international capitalism is already firmly established in Canada in its parasitic nature, creating growing homelessness as its by-product, not the
How Justin Trudeau failed Canada
by Troy Media Our View
After Trudeau: A decade of scandals, coercive progressivism, and lost opportunities leaves Canada divided As Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister finally comes to an end, it’s worth reflecting on his tarnished legacy. For many, the past decade will be remembered as “the lost years” - a time of missed opportunities, deepening divisions, and unresolved challenges that have left Canada worse off.
Under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada’s national debt has reached unprecedented levels. While pandemic spending was necessary, much of it was poorly directed, creating inefficiencies and leaving future generations saddled with the fallout. Meanwhile, Canadians are struggling with an affordability crisis. Skyrocketing housing prices, persistent inflation, and stagnant wages have left families stretched thin. Despite countless promises to make life more affordable, Trudeau’s government has largely offered short-
term fixes that failed to address systemic issues. National unity has also taken a significant hit during Trudeau’s time in office. His policies on carbon taxes and energy development have alienated Western Canada, particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan, where frustration has boiled over into talk of separation. This sense of alienation has been exacerbated by Trudeau’s perceived favouritism toward Quebec, with policies and funding decisions that often seem skewed to Quebec’s advantage, further deepening divisions across the country.
Trudeau’s time in office has also been plagued by scandal. From the SNCLavalin affair to the WE Charity controversy to the use of the Emergencies Act, Trudeau’s repeated breaches of ethics laws have eroded trust in his leadership. These scandals highlight a troubling pattern of prioritizing political connections over integrity, tarnishing Canada’s reputation for
good governance both at home and abroad. Even more concerning is Trudeau’s apparent inability to accept accountability for these missteps, often deflecting blame or offering vague explanations that fall short of genuine transparency.
Adding to this is his embrace of wokeism, which many Canadians see as performative and divisive. Trudeau’s focus on symbolic gestures - whether kneeling for cameras, wearing costumes during international visits, or issuing apologies that often feel hollowhas alienated a large population segment. These actions seem more about cultivating his image as a so-called “progressive” leader than enacting real change. His heavy-handed approach to social issues, often described as “coercive progressivism,” has polarized Canadians, alienating moderates and conservatives while failing to deliver meaningful results for those he claims to champion.
Trudeau’s lack of leadership qualities has been glaring in moments of national and international importance. Rather than uniting the country, his approach has often exacerbated divisions, creating an “us versus them” mentality. His tendency to favour style over substance - delivering carefully crafted soundbites instead of actionable plans - has left Canada ill-prepared to tackle the structural challenges it faces.
Energy policy has been another sore point. Trudeau’s government purchased the Trans Mountain pipeline in an attempt to placate Western Canada, but it also introduced Bill C-69 - the so-called “no more pipelines” lawwhich effectively stifled energy development. This balancing act has satisfied no one, leaving the energy sector in limbo while environmental goals remain unmet. The carbon tax, touted as a cornerstone of climate action, has disproportionately impacted rural and low-
INDEPENDENT
income Canadians while delivering minimal reductions in emissions. This mismanagement has left Canada without a coherent energy strategy, undermining both economic growth and climate commitments. On the international stage, Trudeau’s leadership has failed to inspire confidence. His government’s failure to secure a seat on the UN Security Council was not just a symbolic blow but a reflection of Canada’s diminished standing in global affairs. Relations with key countries like China and India have deteriorated, with Trudeau’s infamous trip to India - complete with costume mishaps - turning into a global embarrassment. While Canada’s rhetoric on climate change and human rights remains lofty, its actions often fall short, leaving the country sidelined on critical global issues. Despite opportunities to position Canada as a global leader in innovation, energy transition, and reconciliation, Trudeau’s
government has largely focused on superficial policies. Health care reform, meaningful action on Indigenous reconciliation, and economic diversification have been neglected in favour of photo ops and performative politics. Canada’s abundant natural resources could have been harnessed to drive a thoughtful, sustainable energy transition while bolstering its economy. Instead, those opportunities have been squandered.
As Trudeau’s time in office winds down, Canadians are left to consider the impact of the past lost decade. What could have been a period of growth, unity, and meaningful progress has instead been marked by division, stagnation, and lost potential. The next government faces a critical challenge: addressing the structural issues that have gone unresolved for far too long and steering Canada toward a future defined by real progress rather than empty promises.
deceptive pointing finger of Pierre Poilievre. Our Democracy is being starved for respect of the people it is supposed to protect.
Greg Chatterson Abernethy
Tonight, when the moon is gone, And a drizzle is coming on; Get up from the evening play And stride out into the night. Where a battle is at its height, Steal through a field accurst
With the threat of the Schmeisser burst; Crawl through a mile of mud; Crawl through a comrades blood; Then come back to the scene And tell us where you have been; The number of men that were In that hell that you saw out there
For you have been on patrol!
Y.T. (Yours Truly) was only attached to the scout platoon once. But boy that “once” sure scared the dickens out of him!
As their signaller, it was up to Y.T. to keep in touch with HQ. But
all Y.T. ever got to do was press the pressel switch now and then to let them know we were still around. [Pressing the switch made a static “pop” indicating - without words - that someone was still on the radio - Editor]
Of course, I don’t have any idea how many patrols the scouts made. Some were just that, “scouting” patrols and the odd “fighting” patrol, but every patrol scared most fellows silly ... until they got moving.
Of course all of the forward companies made patrols of their own, and an awful lot of guys met their end that way. So many in fact that Colonel Dave Stewart got fed up with patrols and losing men.
A Major of the SAR’s at that time (South Alberta Regiment), Bert Coffin, wrote in the Argylls’ history book, “Dave Stewart disagreed severely about the worth of patrols, which he hated ... and always lost somebody.”
According to an interview with Private Gerald Drysdale of HQ Company: “Colonel Stewart said to the General of the 4th Canadian Division, ‘You won’t have to write those letters home!’” If, of course, the patrols were stopped.
I knew Jimmy Doyle real well and even wrote about him in an article entitled, “Old soldiers aren’t serious!” And of course, Jim’s little
accounts of patrols are among the first I mention.
Jim was in the scout platoon, lived through the war and made quite a few patrols.
Jimmy: “We went into Tilly La Campagne against the Hitler SS’s number one group, and got whomped good and proper and had to move back.
“Ed Purchase was last seen moving toward the town firing a Bren gun from the hip as he walked. The story goes that Ed was recommended for a medal - by the German Army!
“We came back and told Lt. Dillon where the machine gun nest was, but apparently his patrol went out and walked right into them!” (Killed in Action: 25. Wounded: 17)
And again from Page 225 of “Black Yesterdays: The Argylls’ War”:
“I’ll always remember Billy Hones and Tommy Pages’ bodies lying side by side in that ditch with flies circling around. This kind of thing shakes me when I remember!”
And further on, Page 227, Colonel Dave Stewart writes in recollection.
“I took the Scout Platoon in with me and we reconnoitred the route - moving in we never lost a man!”
And about Hill 195: “... we all have our breaking points and I almost had mine at Hill 195!”
Also, “John Farmer took us on patrol - nothing but guts!”
Why you should consider having business insurance
Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, with 98 per cent of businesses being classified as such.
Despite this critical role, many are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. A recent survey uncovered that while nearly one in five small business owners say their biggest liability is having their business interrupted, almost 40 per cent of them do not have business insurance - a key tool in keeping their business operating and protected against financial loss should the unexpected happen.
“With over two million small businesses in Canada ranging in size, profits and industry, there is no one-size-fitsall approach to business insurance,” says Tang Trang, vice president of product and pricing, small business insurance for TD Insurance. “The unthinkable can happen and no business wants to close their doors to their
customers. It’s essential that business owners find the right insurance policy that meets their unique needs and gets them back to serving their customers as quickly as possible.”
With business costs continuing to rise, it’s not surprising that 36 per cent of small businesses surveyed mentioned cost as a reason for not having insurance.
“It can be tempting to forego insurance to cope with economic pressures, but for a small grocery store whose customer slips and falls on its property or a bakery who has to shut down due to significant fire damage, the financial loss could greatly outweigh the cost of protecting your business from the unexpected,” adds Trang.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve, so do business owners’ needs. Whether they are moving to a new retail location, buying new equipment or launching a new service
Patrol
And again 14 January, 1945, Scout Platoon: “We went in at night and got surrounded, had to stay very quiet for a couple of hours!” (Page 262)
Doyle: “I remember Bob Short. He joined up at 14 years of age. Got kicked out of the army at 15. Rejoined at 16 and got killed on patrol at 17... Some Argyll, eh!”
It would take pages and pages to report on all the patrols that even one regiment made during the war. Certainly some of them didn’t make a report at all - because they didn’t come back!
Below is one report taken from the history book. That patrol was made across the Maas River one night in January 1945.
“There were six volunteers: “Ginger” Anderson, Alan Land, Jim Doyle, Jerry Hill, Lloyd Martin and “Obie” O’Brien.
“0100 Hours: Patrol reached enemy shore. Too icy to land, went downstream.
“0105 Hours: Enemy flare went up and machine gun fired at our boat. We paddle frantically for our own shore.
“0120 Hours: Finally reach our shore, but Alan Land paralyzed.
“0125 Hours: Another flare, and MG [machine gun] fire on our empty drifting boat.
“0140 Hours: Leave two men with Alan, and soaking wet, bootless and freezing, move inland using password ‘Luxembourg’.
“0230 Hours: We were lucky to miss the Polish
offering, it is important for business owners to review their insurance policy regularly and speak with a licensed insurance advisor if they have questions.
In addition to proactively understanding the insurance needs of your business, there are many ways businesses can prevent having to temporarily close their doors:
• Establishing safety and emergency protocols and training employees on them regularly
• Conducting safety inspections and addressing any issues identified
• Installing anti-theft devices for their vehicle
When all else fails, whether you’re a solo accountant, own your own law firm, are a contractor or a professional photographer, having the right insurance in place could help safeguard your business and let you focus on what you do best.
outposts. Unknowingly walked through our own minefield and contacted an Argyll outpost.
“0350 Hours: Reunited at First Aid Station. Land had a smashed kneecap (eventually losing his leg). Clothes in shreds from MG fire.”
All but Lloyd Martin made it through the war okay (Lloyd was killed at Veen in March 1945).
Doyle got pneumonia, and seems to get it during every anniversary of that patrol!
P.S.: I think Y.T. was supposed to be on that patrol, too, but thank Heaven’s, he wasn’t ... the coward!
Again, on February 12, 1945, our company was told to patrol across the
Maas River and capture a POW (prisoner of war)! We did, but had quite a time convincing the captured guy that it wasn’t a joke by his “masquerading” comrades!
And on Page 214, Gordie Franks remembers, “The first two names called were Franks and Browning on our post and patrol ... we had no choice!”
Grim stories of war are getting kind of passé anyway, but when you meet an old soldier next time (let’s say in November) look a little past that cockeyed grin and fading eyes, and for a while wonder what it really feels like not to have to go out on patrol!
The Rural Municipality of Marriott No. 317 Invites applications for the position of Full-Time Equipment Operator
The RM of Marriott No. 317 is West Centrally located in Saskatchewan, half way between the communities of Biggar and Rosetown, and is accepting applications for a Municipal Equipment Operator & Laborer.
This is a full-time position.
Eligible applicants should possess the following qualifications:
Knowledge of road maintenance and construction equipment operation.
Ability to operate tractors and other heavy equipment
Experience in operating graders is considered an asset.
A basic mechanical aptitude.
Additional duties may include but is not limited to culvert installation, equipment repairs, signage, and shop work
A valid driver’s license is required and a clean drivers abstract may be requested.
Class 1A License is considered an asset.
Salary will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications
The RM offers an excellent health & dental plan as well a pension plan.
This position has an expected start date of April 1, 2025, however this date is flexible and an alternative start date may be negotiated.
Please forward resumes stating experience, qualifications and a minimum of three references by February 11, 2025 to:
RM of Marriott No. 317 Box 366
Rosetown, SK S0L 2V0
Phone: (306) 882-4030
Fax: (306) 882-4401
Email: office@rm288-317.ca
The RM wishes to thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Bob Mason Notable Notes
Canada and Saskatchewan increase accessibility funding to child care facilities
December 20, the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada have announced that regulated child care facilities across the province will now receive up to $3,200 per month for every child eligible under the Enhanced Accessibility (EA) Grant, an increase of $1,200.
The EA Grant assists regulated child care facilities in covering the additional costs
associated with offering services to children who have intensive needs across various areas of development.
“We are listening to the sector and hearing their challenges on being able to offer specialized care,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This increase in funding will allow Saskatchewan child care facilities to continue providing safe, inclusive child care for families of children with special needs.”
The grant is provided directly to a regulated child care facility and can be used to assist with the cost of additional staffing required to care for children with exceptionally high needs.
The number of children supported with the EA Grants can vary over time as more children enter regulated child care and require additional supports.
“This additional funding is a huge step to support our inclusive
environments for children of all abilities,” Natural Wonders Early Learning Centre Executive Director Sheila Paradis said. “The increased demand for early learning services in our community has also increased the demand for inclusive services. This is a much-needed change and this increase will help us hire suitably educated inclusion supports who help children overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, impact educational outcomes and significantly influence life long success.”
The ministry is committed to supporting child care facilities in building their capacity to meet the needs of children with intensive needs. Supports include access to a tuition-free Autism Certificate of Achievement, tuitionfree inclusion microcredentials, the Building Inclusive Practices initiative and numerous online resources and learning modules in the
ministry’s Early Learning Portal to support inclusive practices.
“A high-quality, affordable, and flexible child care system must also be inclusive, so every child in Saskatchewan, and across the country, can thrive,” Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Jenna Sudds said. “We are making it easier for families to access services that meet the diverse needs of every child.”
A one-time Accessibility Rating Grant is now available to child care centres to help identify barriers and create accessible spaces for all children using the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) assessment.
The RHFAC is a national rating system that measures and certifies the level of meaningful access to buildings. The $12,500 grant will be issued on a first-come, firstserved basis to child care centres with an accessible
entryway and experience supporting children with intensive needs.
The Accessibility Rating Grant is a commitment made under Saskatchewan’s Action Plan for the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund, which provides $19.1 million to Saskatchewan from 2023 to 2026, to help build more inclusive and accessible child care spaces across the province.
Funding for both the EA Grant and the Accessibility Rating Grant is available under the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The agreement, which was signed in August 2021, supports an early learning and child care system in Saskatchewan based on principles of affordability, accessibility, quality and inclusion.
25013GE0
Calvin
A hazy look into the crystal ball
Daniels Agriculture
by Calvin Daniels
With a new year upon us it’s rather natural we look ahead to see what the grain and oilseed market outlook for 2024-25 may be.
One recent article suggests it will come down to whether big world demand is matched by big supplieswhich really is to suggest markets will be back to the core mechanism of supply and demand to determine prices. That of course is almost the default setting of potential grain and oilseed market pricing. If supplies shrink for any reason it typically pressures prices higher as markets are shorted. Over production can create a market glut and
prices tumble. The question headed into 2025 is what sort of production pressures are likely, and then veering from traditional supply and demand influences what outside forces are going to kick the traditional market underpinnings out of whack?
Production pressures always start and end with Mother Nature and with global weather patterns clearly in a state of fluxread that as more volatile - guessing what crop conditions may be is at best an educated guess when looking six plus months down the road.
But what about forces such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, which impacts crop production in that war torn country, and has to have an influence on things in Russia too. That is a rather large wild card in terms of crop production in Eastern Europe for 2025.
Then there is the ‘joker’ effect that could be soon to be installed, U.S. president Donald Trump. He is already talking massive tariffs on imports - and that will mean at least some agriculture
products. Now some think his initial threats will end up tempered, but his party has almost carte blanche control in Washington for the next four years, and it’s just as likely he goes full bore, bull in the China shop, in terms of tariffs.
That will not be good news for trade within North America, and China is involved in his tariff vision too, meaning some major importers and exporters of agriculture products are going to face pressures not remotely related to supply and demand economics.
Trump has also been confrontational in terms of how the Panama Canal is operated and who controls the important waterway. It’s not too difficult to envision passage disrupted before he is through blustering.
Trump’s early stance on Greenland - an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark - he is suggesting the US could annex, which will not win him many fans among European countries either. When countries end up in political spats trade sanctions all too
Simple steps to improve your gut health
While we usually only think of our stomach when we’re hungry, a healthy gut is important to your overall health. Your stomach is filled with countless good bacteria that help with everything from digestion to bone health and your immune system. Here are some easy ways to keep your stomach in top shape. Eat more fibre
You’ve likely heard that it’s important to eat fibre to promote regularity. But fibre also feeds and promotes the diversity of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
SAVE
•
The
Some foods, including prunes, contain soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibres can be digested, while insoluble fibres help foods pass through your digestive system.
A serving of about five prunes has only 100 calories but provides a source of potassium, vitamin K, antioxidants and other essential nutrients. They don’t require refrigeration, so you can keep them in your desk drawer for a handy midday snack.
Look for nutritious alternatives
Looking for ways to
reduce the sugar, eggs or oil in your favourite recipes? A simple prune puree is a great option. Their natural sweetness means you can swap out one-third to one-half of the sugar in a recipe. You can replace up to three large eggs in any recipe by using quarter cup (60 ml) of puree for each egg. Reduce the amount of butter or oil a recipe calls for by using an equal amount of prune puree.
To make the puree, simply blend about eight pitted prunes with some hot water.
often follow.
The best hope for ag trade in 2025 is supply and demand setting markets, but is seems far more likely markets will be buffeted by other forces including the ‘Trump effect’.
Administrator
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF GRANDVIEW NO. 349
SEASONAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
The R.M. of Grandview No. 349 invites applications for the position of Seasonal Equipment Operator/Maintenance Person. The successful candidate should have previous, large equipment, tractor and mower experience as well as general equipment maintenance knowledge. Applicants must hold a current driver’s license.
Duties will include, but are not limited to, mowing, road maintenance, culvert and sign installation, and equipment maintenance and repairs.
The R.M. of Grandview offers an attractive benefit package with Health and Dental and Short-Term Disability coverage as well as Long Term Disability and Life Insurance. Salary will be negotiated commensurate with related qualifications and experience.
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume to the following until a suitable person is found to fill the position: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION
R.M. OF GRANDVIEW NO. 349
BOX 39
KELFIELD, SK S0K 2C0 (306) 932-4911 rm349@xplornet.com
For more information call (306) 932-4911 or (306) 948-9778 Only individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted.
The Saskatchewan Traveller ... Nova Scotia Edition by Trudy and Dale Buxton
We are travelling back on Highway 101, which is called the Harvest Highway, in recognition of the important contributions made by the farmers in Nova Scotia.
When you think Nova Scotia usually you think fishing, lobster, tourism, and oil and gas. However,
did you know that agriculture, along with fishing, are two of the top industries in Nova Scotia? The industry with the most revenue is in the oil and gas sector - mainly of the offshore type.
Agriculture contributes over $690 million into the economy. Many crops like apples, blueberries, grapes along with cheese and dairy are significant contributors in the ag market. The rich soil in the province also has many grain producing farms, although a bit smaller than the Western farms but just as resourceful.
Did you know that mink farming out of Nova Scotia is the largest in Canada, along with chicken?
We take a left on Purdy Road as we head for the community of Bear River.
The community is at the head of the tidewaters of the Bear River. The river borders the counties of Digby and Annapolis, and the community itself is also split with half of the village being on one side of the county.
This community was originally inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people who called it Eelsetkook, meaning flowing along the high rocks. The community was originally named St. Anthony after a Frenchman named Simon Imbert who had commanded a ship out of Port Royal in 1612, but over time the locals simply called the community Bear River.
In the early years, Bear River was an important shipbuilding location, the area being well protected from the elements, Newly built ships could sail up the river and into the Bay of Fundy.
Today the population is around 150 people including people of the Bear River First Nations which has its reserve adjacent to the main community.
Bear River was the home to the first solar aquatics wastewater facility in North America. However, after a few years it was no longer needed, and the community made it into a community greenhouse.
Today Bear River is mostly known for its wine making and artisan community.
The soil and climate make it perfect for growing grapes and there are several vineyards around the area. There are many art studios that display the many local crafts.
Interesting enough the community itself has no local government and is run by a board of volunteers. This board
ensures that the history and the community remain a low-tech community with no fast-food places or large stores, only local stores. Off the beaten path of the normal routes, this is truly a wonderful little place to visit.
After a nice visit we continue on the Clementsvale Road and head back to Annapolis Royal.
Driving on the back roads offers a picturesque sight of the landscape and the small farms along the way.
There is not a lot traffic so for most of the locals that live in this area it is a quiet place to live and it’s not that far away from other communities to get the necessities needed in living out in the country. Stay tuned next week as we discover more sights of Nova Scotia.
The Amphibious Affair: A Hoppy Fairy Tale
by Frank Cox
In the sultry city of New Orleans, where the air was thicker than gumbo and jazz notes hung in the air like Spanish moss, Marlin Finnegan found himself in a dive bar that reeked of cheap whiskey and lost dreams.
Marlin, a seasoned gumshoe, was nursing a glass of amber liquid that swirled like a hurricane in a glass. He was a man who had seen it all, or so he thought, until a vision straight out of a fairy tale came waltzing through the door.
Princess Delphina, her gown shimmering like a disco ball at a Mardi Gras parade, made a beeline for Marlin. Her eyes were wide with panic, and her golden curls cascaded like a waterfall in the moonlight.
“Detective Finnegan!” she cried, her voice as melodic as a jazz tune. “I need your help! My father the king has been turned into a frog!”
Marlin raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued like a fisherman who just felt a tug on his line.
“A frog, you say? Now that sounds like a real whopper.”
“It’s true!” she insisted, her hands flailing like a fish on a hook. “A wicked sorceress cast the spell. The only way to break it is with a kiss from someone who loves him. But I can’t do it alone! The sorceress has hidden my father away in the bayou, and I fear for his life!”
Marlin leaned back, contemplating the absurdity of it all.
“So, you want me to help you find your froggy father and break the curse?
Sounds like a leap of faith.”
“Yes!” she replied, her voice as unsteady as a riverboat in a thunderstorm. “I’ll do whatever it takes!”
With a nod, Marlin downed his drink like a sailor on shore leave and stood up.
“Alright, Princess. Let’s hop to it before this story gets any more ridiculous.”
The two of them ventured into the bayou, where the
air was thick with humidity and the sounds of croaking frogs filled the gloom like a bad night in a Canal Street karaoke bar. As they waded deeper into the swamp, the moonlight filtered through the trees, casting shadows that moved like they were auditioning for a zydeco dance.
Suddenly, they stumbled upon a clearing where a small, green frog sat on a mossy rock, its eyes wide and pleading.
“Help me!” it croaked, sounding more comprehensible than a drunken reveller at a latenight crawfish boil. “I am your father the king!”
Marlin exchanged a glance with Princess Delphina, who rushed forward like a fish escaping a net.
“Father!” she cried, kneeling beside the frog.
“I’m here to save you!”
“Delphina, my dear,” the frog said, his voice filled with sorrow. “The sorceress has placed a powerful enchantment on me. You must kiss me to break the curse, but beware. She will do anything to stop you!”
Just then, a chilling laugh echoed through the trees, sending shivers through Marlin like a water snake slithering up his backbone. The sorceress emerged, her dark cloak billowing like a storm cloud with a vendetta.
“You think you can break my spell? You’re swimming upstream, Princess!” she sneered, raising her hands to conjure dark magic.
Marlin stepped forward, his jaw set like a stone.
“Not so fast, lady. You’ve messed with the wrong princess.”
With a swift motion, he pulled his flask from his coat pocket and tossed it at the sorceress. The flask shattered, releasing a cloud of fiery liquid that enveloped her. She shrieked in fury, her magic dissipating like a bad dream at dawn.
“Now’s your chance, Princess!” Marlin shouted.
With determination, Delphina leaned down and pressed her lips to the frog’s forehead. A brilliant light flashed with the sound of a loud RIBBIT, and in an instant, the frog transformed into a dignified king.
“Delphina!” the king exclaimed, pulling her into a warm embrace. “You’ve saved me!”
Marlin watched the reunion with a satisfied grin, feeling like a fisherman who reeled in a mess of catfish.
“Looks like the curse is broken. Let’s go before we get in any deeper.”
over the bayou, the trio made their way back to the kingdom. The king promised Marlin a reward for his bravery, but the detective waved it off like another pesky mosquito.
“Just doing my job, Your Majesty. Besides, I’ve got enough stories to fill a tackle box.”
“Well, you certainly made a splash on this one, Finnegan,” he said, his voice booming like a foghorn in the night. “If there’s anything I can ever do for you, just say the word.”
Marlin tipped his fedora, a crooked grin spreading across his face.
“I’ll keep that in mind, Your Highness. But for now, I think I’ll just wade back to my office and see what other fishy affairs are waiting for me.”
As he made his way through the winding streets of New Orleans, Marlin couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. Who would’ve thought a hardboiled detective like him would end up playing the hero in a fairy tale? But then again, in a city like this, where the line between reality and fantasy was as blurred as the line between the river and the sea, anything was possible.
He stepped into his office, the familiar scent of stale coffee and cigarette smoke hitting him like a warm breeze. Tossing his fedora onto the desk, he plopped down in his chair and propped his feet up, letting out a long, weary sigh.
“Another day, another case,” he muttered, reaching for a fresh pack of smokes.
As he contemplated the world outside of his window, his mind drifted back to the events in the bayou. A frog king, a wicked sorceress, and a princess in distress - it was the stuff of storybooks, not the gritty world of a hardboiled detective. Marlin chuckled to
himself, taking a long drag on his cigarette.
“Guess I better start keeping an eye out for any more amphibious royalty in need of rescuing. After all, a detective’s work is never done.”
With that, he stubbed out his cigarette and got back to work, ready to tackle whatever the next case might bring.
In the Big Easy, the only thing you could count on was the unexpected. And it was never easy.
As the sun began to rise
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
Please call with questions or concerns
E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0
Frank Cox Humble Opinion
What Is the Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions in Saskatchewan?
Christmas is a tough time.
It’s not just about getting tons of presents and spending time with your loved ones. It’s also about eating and drinking too much, rotting in front of your favourite Netflix show, and generally neglecting your health. Sounds fun, right?
Luckily, the New Year is the perfect time to better yourself.
We’re a good few days into 2025 now, and we’ve been wondering what types of New Year’s Resolutions people have been setting this year. About 43 per cent of Canadians are planning to set a resolution this year, so our research and analytics decided to measure search interest so
When we were growing up in the country in the 1970’s, we had to figure out things to do to keep ourselves occupied and to bring everybody together as a family, especially in the evenings in the winter. One of the things we liked to do as a family on a winter night was to play different games. And one of the favourite family fun games we liked to play back then was ... Crokinole!
A Canadian invented game, the word ‘crokinole’ can trace its roots back to the French word “croquignole” which means “flick” or “small biscuit”.
The earliest known crokinole board is on record as being created in the 1870’s by Eckhardt Wettlaufer of the township of Sebastopol, Ontario, Canada. In his honour, Tavistock, Ontario (the closest town to Sebastopol) has been designated as the host of the World Crokinole Championships (worldcrokinole.com) on the first Saturday in June since 1999. It regularly draws contestants from all across Canada, the USA, Germany, Australia, Spain and the UK. Once it was decided
that we could determine the most popular New Year’s Resolutions for Canadians going into 2025.
For Saskatchewan, the most popular New Year’s Resolutions were “stop drinking”, “stop vaping” and “meet new people”. By province, the number one, two and three resolutions are: Alberta - Increase productivity; New hobbies; Win money. British Columbia - Better sleep; Stop drinking; Improve fitness. Manitoba - Weight training; Save money; Meet new people. New Brunswick - Mindfulness; Get a raise; Lose weight. Newfoundland and Labrador - Lose weight; Stop smoking;
Cooking tips. Northwest Territories - Weight loss; Lose weight; Stop smoking. Nova ScotiaLose weight; Weight loss; Get a raise. NunavutWeight loss; N/A; N/A. Ontario - Win money; Read more; Improve fitness. Prince Edward Island - Weight loss; Lose weight; New job. Quebec - Mindfulness; Win money; Better sleep. Saskatchewan - Stop drinking; Stop vaping; Meet new people. Yukon Territory - New job; Weight loss; Lose weight.
“British Columbia was the only province where the data suggested they are looking to ‘better sleep’ as their top New Year’s Resolution,” said a spokesperson for Casinos.com. “The Pacific
Province was extremely health conscious overall, with less drinking and improving fitness also on the agenda.”
What Does the Rest of The Data Say?
• For BC, people here were a lot more interested in wellness. Ranked right at the top was “better sleep”, followed by “stop drinking” and “improve fitness”. We’d love to know how many of those British Columbians are persevering with those resolutions so far (a week) into the new year.
• Those in Ontario have what we’d consider to be a pretty good split of resolutions. Ranking at number one was “win money” (maybe unsurprising given Ontario casinos have now
been legal for some time), number two was “read more”, and in third place was “improve fitness”.
• We managed to locate all of those highly productive people in Alberta. For some inexplicable reason, “increase productivity” had the highest amount of searches in the province. Second up was “new hobbies”, and in third place was “win money”.
• Yukon was the only area where a certain resolution ranked number one: get a new job. Does that suggest that Yukoners are the least happy in their current jobs? Perhaps.
But with almost 70 per cent of Americans expected to set a financial goal this New Year, we’re surprised to see that more Canadians aren’t
focused on career and finance goals too.
• In fact, there were only two other mentions of financial goals that didn’t involve winning money. “Get a raise” came up once, in Nova Scotia, and “save money” only ranked in the top three once, and that was in Manitoba.
• Newfoundland and Labrador had some very interesting results. While weight loss topped the list, just like in a few other provinces, second place was “stop smoking” and in third was “cooking tips”. Cooking tips didn’t rank in the top three in any other province, so there must be something going on in Newfoundland and Labrador - perhaps it’s the chilly weather.
A uniquely Canadian family fun game
that we were all going to play crokinole, someone went in the bedroom, dug out our crokinole board, and brought it out to the kitchen. Somebody else rummaged around our junk drawer and found the box of red and black multipurpose wooden checkers. We would then set the board up on the kitchen table and divide into two teams.
Our crokinole board was old and well-worn, even back then! It was dark brown and the outside border of the board was octagonal, kind of like a big brown stop sign. And there was always a little screw in our board that replaced one of the pegs that had gone missing from the inner circle.
We knew the basic rules and abided by them with one exception: Because crokinole was designed for two to four players and there were five of us, Mom would usually sit our youngest brother on her lap and let him have her turn. But when she wanted to play herself we made sure that everyone got an equal number of checkers and everyone got an equal number of turns. Always a fun time playing, sometimes we kept score in those games and sometimes we didn’t. In a way, crokinole was kind of like a circular version of shuffleboard or curling. The crokinole board was divided into four rings: the outside ring was worth five points, the middle ring was worth 10 points, the inner ring was worth 15 points, and the centre hole was worth 20 points.
The closer your checkers were to the centre of the board at the end of the round the more points you got. An equal number of checkers of different colours in the same ring would cancel each other out, and whatever was left over would result in your points totals. At the end of the round, if your checker was on a line dividing two different rings on the board, whichever ring contained most of your checker was the ring your checker was ruled to be in when counting up points.
Dad was the best crokinole player in the house. He could hit your checker and knock it into the ditch every time! So he would team up with my middle brother and I would team up with Mom and my youngest brother to try to make things as even as possible.
Much to the consternation of myself who was the oldest child and was always trying to beat Dad, Mom usually gave my little brothers a do-over if they didn’t flick their checker very far! And if they didn’t flick it very far again they always got to pull it back and have another do-over! Their turn usually ended when their shot finally went far enough to make contact with any other checker anyplace on the board.
When a player started a new round, they always got a free first shot at trying to flick their checker into the centre hole. Dad was a pretty good shot and could flick the checker right into the
centre hole on a pretty consistent basis.
When it was Dad’s turn to go first, sometimes his free shot wouldn’t quite go in the centre hole and the checker would hang on the outside lip, half in and half out of the hole.
When that happened, with a mischievous little grin on his face and looking at all of us to see what we would do, Dad would say “Dammit!” and take his fist and pound the table so the vibration would make his checker fall completely into the hole! All us kids would get mad and say, “Hey, you can’t do that! That’s cheatin’!” And chuckling over the rise he got out of his kids, he would then take his checker and move
it back on the lip of the hole where it originally was and the game would resume.
Of course, after seeing what Dad did, every time a shooter got a checker almost in the centre hole the shooter would start pounding on the table to use the vibrations to make the checker fall completely into the hole.
The poor old kitchen table took quite a beating on some nights! As the self-appointed referee, Mom would always tell us to stop doing that so we usually did. She was probably afraid her kitchen table might collapse one night under all that pounding!
Our games were fast, furious and always
fun. Sometimes my fingernails would hurt because I flicked my shot so hard! Sometimes your shot would knock one checker off the board and into the ditch, sometimes you would knock two checkers off the board and into the ditch, and other times you would accidentally knock your own checker into the ditch or miss all the other checkers altogether! At the end of the round we would usually add up our totals. It never really mattered who won. Crokinole was just a fun way to spend a winter night together as a family and I smile at the memories.
Hope you had fun playing crokinole as well!
Philanthropy for all: A surprising way to give back
When you hear a word like philanthropy, you might think it only applies to the extremely wealthy. But the term simply means a desire to promote the welfare of others.
That can be achieved by donating your time, expertise or money.
There are countless ways people can donate their time, from volunteering at their children’s school and shovelling the sidewalk of an elderly neighbour to helping out at a food bank or soup kitchen.
Similarly, we each have different skills we’ve developed over our careers that we can use for good. Options range from mentoring young people looking to get into your field to doing pro bono
legal or medical work.
But there’s one unique way to gift a significant amount of money, even if you don’t have any to spare at the moment: make a donation in your will. While it may be a new idea to you, it’s something that more than three million Canadians have already done, and that number increases every year.
And the benefits are multifold. By donating through your will, you’re able to give more money than you might be financially able to today. Even giving a small percentage of your estate to charity could help create a conservation area, fund lifesaving research or keep your local foodbank going through tough times.
Your family will also be protected from a potentially large tax bill that would have to be paid on your estate.
How?
When you pass, a secondary home, leftover savings in your RRSP, and other assets will turn into taxable income - often a very big number. But a donation to charity in your will can help offset the taxes. It’s a win-win: you support the causes you care about while helping your family at the same time.
Plus, you get to know that you’re leaving a legacy. Learn more about the benefits of donating through a will at willpower. ca
Keith Schell Remember When
Bruce Penton
Penton on Sports Bookmakers in Las Vegas say the Kansas City Chiefs are the betting favourites to win the 2025 Super Bowl, but coach Andy Reid’s team had the most underwhelming regular season of the top five or six playoff contenders.
Even though the Chiefs went 15-2, losing the unimportant last game of the season where quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a number of other regulars did not play, their regular season was coloured with mediocrity. They outscored their opponents by a grand total of 59 points in 17 games, fewer than four points per game. In fact, they won only five games by double figures, but eked out one-, two- or three-point victories on
by Phil Heilman
An average week back from the holiday break for the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) resulted in a lot of movement in the standings.
The Kindersley Sr Klippers lead the league with a 7-1-1 record, followed by the Wilkie Outlaws at 7-2. The Hafford Hawks sit in third place with a 6-2 record. followed by the Macklin Mohawks with a 4-4 record. Sitting in fifth place is the Edam 3 Stars with a 3-4 record, followed by the Biggar Nationals at 1-6-1, and the Unity Miners at 0-6-1 record.
On Sunday night, the Hafford Hawks hosted the Kindersley Sr Klippers, with the Hawks coming away with a 6-5 overtime victory.
Zane Florence and Jaxon Georget exchanged goals in the first for a 1-1 tie. It took half of the second period before Connor Neave would give the Hawks a 2-1 lead on the power play. Tyler Traptow would tie it back up at 2 just a minute later. Jared Erickson and Shayne Neigum would score just 20 seconds apart to give the Klippers the 4-2 lead, but Kyle Litchenwald would cut that lead down to 4-3, which held at 40 minutes. In the early third,
Chiefs chasing third straight Super Bowl
five other occasions.
Supporters say winning is the only thing that matters, and the Chiefs have been good at it the last three years. Two consecutive Super Bowl victories and being favoured for a third is all the proof KC fans need that the end result, not the route taken, is what matters.
So what might transpire between now and Feb. 9 when the AFC and NFC champions meet in New Orleans?
For most of the regular season, Detroit Lions were the Super Bowl favourites, slightly ahead of the Chiefs, before injuries began to pile up. The Lions’ defence became more porous, but a season-ending 31-9 win over Minnesota in a battle of 14-2 teams, was indicative of a correction. As some of the injured players recover, Detroit might again be the league’s No. 1 team.
Can Philadelphia Eagles be discounted? Philly has the game’s top running back, Saquan Barkley, who approached Eric Dickerson’s single-season
Ryan Schaefer would tie the game back up at 4. With just 1:30 left, Neave would score to give the hometown team the 5-4 edge, but Damon McKenzie would instantly reply to tie the game again and send it into overtime.
In the extra frame, the hero would wear Hawks colours as Kobe Kindrachuk sent the crowd home happy.
Cody Beswitherick took the overtime loss, stopping 39 of 45 shots, while Joel Gryzbowski stopped 34 of 39 shots for the win,
On Saturday night, the Edam 3 Stars and the Hafford Hawks battled at the Edam Arena, and it was the visiting Hawks taking away the 5-1 win.
Connor Neave and Kyle Ireland (on the power play) hoisted the Hawks a nice 2-0 lead after the first, with Ireland scoring his second of the game at the 8:32 mark of the second period. Damon Schaefer answered back a minute later to cut the lead to 3-1, which held after 40 minutes. Jeremy Boyer and Ireland would extend the lead to secure the victory in the third period.
Joel Gryzbowski took the win, stopping 46 of 47 shots, while Taryn Kotchorek stopped 40 of 45 shots in the loss.
On Friday night, the
record for most yards gained before sitting out the final game of the season, and quarterback Jalen Hurts finds wideouts A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith often enough for the team to pile up major point totals. Their defence is also stalwart.
There are three other legitimate contenders: Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, The Ravens and Bills could both handle KC on a good day. The Ravens’ Lamar Jackson is the likely Most Valuable Player, with his arm talent and running ability too much for many defences. The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, also a strong MVP contender, finished the season 13-4 and will have homefield advantage during the first two rounds of playoffs. Minnesota is the surprise team of the top contenders. The Vikings lost their wouldbe starting quarterback, rookie J.J. McCarthy, to a pre-season injury, and then watched as journeyman Sam Arnold
turned in a spectacular season. The off-season will be interesting in Minneapolis as the Vikings’ brass decides on their quarterback situation. Do they pay Darnold big bucks, and let McCarthy sit and learn for a couple of years? Or do they save some money by letting Darnold go free and go all-in on McCarthy?
A blown call, a dropped pass, a critical fumble or a 99-yard punt return could throw all the playoff predictions out the window. That’s why the next month is going to be great theatre for fans of the NFL.
• A NY Jets executive, in a story in the Athletic, on the NFL team’s dysfunction: “The football people are not the issue. It’s, ‘Hey, I have brain cancer.’ And, ‘Well, just cut off your foot.’”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “I’ve watched maybe one minute of figure skating in years, and I happened to see a replay of French skater Gabriella Papadakis’ infamous wardrobe malfunction. Is that peeking at the right time?”
Sask West This Week
Wilkie Outlaws travelled north for a game against the Edam 3 Stars, with Edam coming away with the 4-1 win
No scoring was reported in the first, and it took at the way until the 3:09 mark of the second before the deadlock would be broken, with Rick Cey scoring on the power play. The scoreboard read 1-0 after 40 minutes. The flood gates opened for the 3 Stars in the final frame as Keegan Tiringer,
Damon Schaefer and Jordan Fransoo would score within a fiveminute span to grab the 3-1 lead. Tiringer would add an empty netter to tie a bow on the victory.
Jared Herle stopped 37 of 40 shots in the loss, while Taryn Kotchorek secured the win, stopping 33 of 34 shots.
Also on Friday, the Kindersley Sr Klippers hosted the Unity Miners, with the Klippers taking the 6-2 victory.
• Headline at theonion. com: “More Parents Say Allowing Child To Play Football Not Worth Risk Of Being Drafted By Jets.”
• Lizzie F. in a Chicago Bears’ mailbag: “What legal action can I take against my parents for raising me as a Bears fan?
When does this become cruel and unusual punishment?”
• Headline at theonion.
com: “Jets Fans Required To Sign NDA Before Leaving Stadium.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “Wonder how many owners in sports are paying attention to what the Suns are doing in Phoenix, charging $2 at concessions stands for water, soda, hotdogs, and popcorn? A small popcorn at Cineplex is $9 now. And you wonder why people don’t go to movies anymore.”
• Headline at fark.com: “The Bears have ruined a lot of quarterbacks. But have they ever ruined a coach? Pete Carroll may find out.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Joe Polo, fifth on the U.S. gold-medal curling team, named his daughter Ailsa after a Scottish island that produces the stone for curling rocks. The kid already feels taken for granite.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Sixty-five-year-old Mike Wallace to attempt to qualify for the Daytotna 500 after years away from the sport. Observers say it’s no big deal, he’s just a little Rusty.”
• Sharon Kuruvilla, on Bluesky: “In approximately five years, a megachurch will have ads for sports betting apps during the intermission.”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
• Columnist Dave Barry of the Miami Herald in his 2024 review: “As the Olympic Games get underway in Paris, tens of millions of viewers tune in to NBC to watch three action-packed weeks of Snoop Dogg reacting to French things.”
The only goal of the first period came off the stick of Aiden Bangs, giving Kindersley the 1-0 lead. Shayne Neigum would extend the lead in the second before Daniel Hilsendager would cut it back to a one-goal deficit. In the third, the dam burst as Neigum, Jaxon Georget, Jessey Pocock and Damon McKenzie all scored to open up a 6-1 lead. Ethan Scherr scored late for the visitors to round out scoring.
Brett Vanderveer took the loss, stopping 33 of 39 shots, while Cody Beswitherick stopped 10 of 12 shots in the win. Five games are on the docket for the January 10 to 12 weekend, with playoff positioning on the line. Wilkie hosts Kindersley and Unity travels to Hafford on Friday. On Saturday, Unity hosts Hafford, Kindersley travels to Biggar and Edam hosts Macklin.
Business & Professional …
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
Focus on collaboration this week, Aries. Teamwork leads to unexpected rewards if you are open to others’ ideas, so remain receptive to the input of teammates.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, when a project presents itself to you, stay grounded and run through all the components carefully. Employ the same strategy when going over financial opportunities.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, clear up any misunderstandings and express your thoughts openly with others this week. Communication is certainly key at this juncture in time.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
It is important that you take time for some self-care this week, Cancer. Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical fitness. Reflect on some personal goals in this area.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, you often excel in group settings, and social gatherings this week are a place where you can shine. Use all opportunities to network and connect with others.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
It is important to focus on your work-life balance right now, Virgo. Prioritize important tasks, but also make time for relaxation. Small changes to your routine can be ideal.
Sept 23/Oct 23
Embrace your artistic side this week, Libra. Consider a new hobby that will keep your mind busy. Social activities that involve creative pursuits also can bring inspiration and joy.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
Allow home and family to take center stage, Scorpio. Spend as much time as possible with loved ones and try to get to the root of any persistent, unresolved issues.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, this week focus on activities that afford a chance to learn and explore. You might want to take a class or try a new hobby. Curiosity can be exciting.
Dec 22/Jan 20
Financial matters may require some attention right now, Capricorn. Examine your budget and figure out if the new year requires some changes to how you’re managing money.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, new ideas may lead to some personal projects that inspire you. You might find that you’ll be quite busy on these selfimposed tasks for the next couple of weeks.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
This is a good time to focus attention inward, Pisces. Make time for reflection and even some meditation if that is something that interests you. The rewards will be worth it.
CLUES ACROSS
Hand (Spanish)
Siskel and __, critics
Americans’ “uncle”
Cassia tree
Surround
23. Crisp and Pebbles are two 25. A sudden very loud sound 26. Affirmative 27. Disadvantage 28. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
30. OJ trial judge
31. New York art district
33. Become more bleak
35. Upstate NY city
37. Clarified butters
38. One who witnesses
40. Condemn
41. __ juris
42. Natural
44. Prohibit
45. Swiss river
48. Greek war god
50. 5 iron
52. New Zealand mountain parrot
53. Scandinavian surname
55. Follows sigma
56. Doctor of Education
57. Spanish be
58. One that feeds on bugs
63. Tooth issue
65. Get into
66. Lumps of clay
67. Overly studious student
CLUES DOWN
1. Variety of Chinese
2. Boxing’s GOAT
3. Japanese classical theater
4. Prayer
5. Inspire with love
6. Ballplayers’ accessory
7. Retailer payment system
8. More raw
9. Atomic #81
10. Fencing sword
11. Hostilities
13. Sea dweller
15. Resinlike substance secreted by certain insects
17. Businessmen
18. Rest here please (abbr.)
21. Loud devices
23. Make a soft murmuring sound
24. One point west of due south
27. Trout
29. Type of grass
32. South American plant
34. Letter of the Greek alphabet
35. Not secure
36. Traveler
39. Sweet potato
40. Period after sunrise and before sunset
43. Some are choppy
44. Asian country
46. Genus of mosquitoes
47. Cool!
49. Shrill, wailing sound
51. A baglike structure in a plant or animal
54. Within
59. Unhappy
60. Decorate a cake with frosting
61. Videocassette recorder
62. Largest English dictionary (abbr.)
64. It cools a home
CHOICE
GENERAL MEETINGJanuary 16, 2025 at 7:00pm at the New Horizon’s. This meeting is open to
A representative from local organizations that are supported by Donor’s Choice need to attend.
LIBRA –
CAPRICORN –
OBITUARIES
WILFRID DESROSIERS
October 28, 1937 - December 29, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wilfrid Desrosiers on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87. He is survived by his loving Wife, Pat and brother Claude.
Wilfrid was born on October 28, 1937, in Biggar, SK. Born and raised on the farm where he farmed until 1978 and made the move to Saskatoon. Wilfrid continued to farm from 1942- 2015. He was an avid curler in his early years. From 1982- 1998 he was Owner/Operator of Recreation Underground Sprinklers.
Forming the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Tombu Council # 6169 at Biggar in 1968. 1st Third Degree Knight in Biggar in 1965. Installed as a Fourth Degree Knight in Saskatoon in 1970.
Loving husband to his wonderful wife Pat. Dear father of Daryl (Cindy) Dwayne (Connie). Beloved grandfather of Dylan (Bailey), Miquela, Hayden, Paige, Rebecca (Kyle) and Celine, Jason (Breanne), Ryan (Kristie), and Tyson. Great Grandfather of Lilia Roseanne, Boone Wilfred, Paul, Weston and Wrenley.
Predeceased by his father, Willy and Mother Eugenie, brothers Ralph, Ted, Phillippe, Roland, Elphege, Laurent, sisters Jacqueline and Raymonde. Brother-in-law Art. Sisters-in-law, Aurore, Rose, Doreen, Vera, Johanna and Mary. Wilfrid will be remembered as someone who was always willing to give a helping hand, both on and off the farm. His 2 sons were always a great source of pride, and his grandchildren were his biggest joy. He will always be dearly loved and forever missed.
Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 am on Saturday January 4, 2025 at St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church, Biggar, SK.
To leave words of condolences, visit Martens Warman Funeral Home at www.martenswarman.ca
MARGARET LUELLA (LESCHINSKI) IRVINE
January 24, 1936 - December 31, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret Irvine on December 31, 2024 at the Long-Term Care facility at the Biggar and District Health Centre. Margaret lived her entire life in the Biggar area. She was born on January 24, 1936 to John and Mary (Fick) Leschinski of the Vance area. She was the first of nine children and grew up knowing hard work and how to appreciate what you had, as little as that may be. At the age of 17, she moved into Biggar in order to work and help her mother afford things needed for her younger siblings. It was during her employment at Bill’s Diner where she met a scrawny, but good-looking 21 year old Lorne Irvine. She married her one and only love on February 20, 1957. After a few years they changed their lives and moved to Lorne’s parents’ farm. Not only was she a very busy farm wife and mother, but she was also the official unpaid hired hand until the boys were old enough to help. There were always chickens, turkeys, cattle and occasionally ducks, geese and pigs. For a number of years, twice a day, she milked upwards of 13 cows by hand. Every spring there was the large garden and the ‘never ending’ potato patch. She and Lorne were partners through thick and thin, hardships and trauma, to the end. The end of this partnership came much too early, when Lorne passed on February 17, 1996. This was a devastating event in her unusually difficult life. She did as she always did when faced with
adversity, she found the strength to carry on. Margaret remained on the farm until age and health concerns “forced” her into town. After a few moves, she became a resident at the Lodge on April 15, 2024.
Mom was lucky enough to have had caregivers from Home Care (the “pillpushers”), Sunshine, and the Lodge who not only cared for her physically but also brightened her day with their teasing and bantering. One thing they all learned about Margaret is that you didn’t have to ask her for her opinion, she’d give it to you whether you wanted it or not. She was unapologetically herself.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents, John and Mary; husband, Lorne; stillborn baby; toddler son, Jackie (victim of hit and run); and many family members.
She is survived by son Fred (Cheryl), their children Tanis (Reid) Munro, (Adria and Gideon); Jack (Anna); Paige (Lane), (Lorne and Rikki); son Bob (Lisa), their children Tegan (Jordan) Giesbrecht, Brett (Sydney); daughter Marilyn (Ron) Whiteford, their children Dalton, Jarrett, Preston, Cole; friends and family.
Mom’s death is a bittersweet circumstance; we will miss that crusty, uncensored little woman, but she believed she will be reunited with Lorne (and he better be there to meet her if he knows what’s good for him): Love you.
St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m. Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m. our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m. Biggar associated gospel
ALMA KOLBERG
April 10, 1928 - December 29, 2024
Alma was a very active and creative lady.
She also had a fondness for gardening that she maintained into her 90’s. She was very adept at sewing and knitting - even creating remarkable wool jackets for her children that had a Canada centennial theme.
She carded the wool herself and used a spinning wheel to create the yarn.
She enjoyed travelling when she was able, and enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren and many other relatives. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Richard and their daughter, Judy.
Alma suffered a debilitating stroke early in 2024.
She is fondly remembered by friends and family.
Raymond Silbernagel – 2024 Town of Biggar Safety Award
Darcy Irwin – 2024 Town of Biggar Safety Award.
Cory McMahon – 2024 Town of Biggar Safety Award
Ryan Keller – 10 year Service Award
Kathy Sarvas – 2024 Town of Biggar Safety Award Doug Hawes – 2023 Town of Biggar Safety Award
