Vol. 112 No. 05
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Happy Trails . . . A skier hits the cross country trails at the Regional Park north of Biggar, Saturday. Some eager and hard working folks have now set tracks for local skiers to hit the trails, and this past Saturday was a beautiful day for a quick, easily accessible blast around the park. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
16 pages
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22 -- THE BIGGAR,SK SK THE INDEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR,
For many Biggar Minor Hockey players, this has been a year to forget - no games, restrictive practices, masks and limited numbers . . . the season has required a serious rethink. Coaches and players have taken the year to work on skills, and that should, when the all-clear sounds, make for better hockey players. And coaches and parents have made the year as close to normal as possible, putting fun into the game, not only providing a break from the bleak pandemic world. All of us will be back to normal, and for Biggar Minor Hockey players, they will be stronger and better for it. These Mighty Mites, when they are in Senior or “The Show�, will look back and remember this season as the one that made them better athletes and human beings.
(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Support extended for small businesses in Saskatchewan
Health Services donates . . . Gene Motruk, left, President of the Biggar and District Health Services Foundation poses with Doug Beeson of Biggar EMS and the new training aid, an airway trainer. The pneumatical and high tech learning tool cost $3,000 and provides immediate training for all area medical personnel. In addition, Heath Services donated a $3,400 Broda chair (inset photo).
The Government of Saskatchewan announced January 29 a further extension to the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) program. The program was originally launched in April 2020, then renewed in December 2020. With this extension, businesses will be eligible for an additional payment for January 2021. “Small and mediumsized businesses in the province continue to face challenges due to the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said.
$7.5m investment to livestock and forage research in Saskatchewan Last week, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced $7.5 million in funding for livestock and foragerelated research through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). This includes more than $4.1 million in funding for 24 livestock and foragerelated research projects and nearly $3.5 million in operational funding for the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan. “Through the ADF, producers benefit from research into new forage varieties, improved
livestock feeding systems and management of animal diseases that drive industry growth,” Marit said. “This year’s projects will expand the growth potential of the industry by exploring topics such as water quality, cost of production, diagnostics supports, animal health, forage production, quality and breeding. Innovation helps our producers meet the Saskatchewan Growth Plan objectives of increasing livestock cash receipts to $3 billion and increasing value-added revenue to $10 billion by 2030.” Support from the ADF is awarded on a competitive basis to projects that create future growth opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of the industry.
This research will impact producers across commodities with studies that benefit bees, bison, beef cattle, swine, poultry, dairy cattle and sheep. For example, one project led by Kerri Finlay will look at how removing sulphates from agricultural ponds improves cattle health. Another project led by Dr. Murray Jelinski will use watering bowls to study antimicrobial resistance. Kathy Larson will lead a project that will examine how cow/ calf producers are using production and financial data to make management decisions on their operations. The Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission is a new ADF industry partner this year.
Prairie Marshmallows . . . Covered with a healthy frosting of snow, some round bales, from a distance, take on a tasty look of a cereal or sugary treat. (Inde-
pendent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
In addition to funds committed by the federal and provincial governments, livestock and forage research projects announced this year are also receiving nearly $324,000 from the following partners: Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission, Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission, SaskMilk and Alberta Milk. The ADF is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $388 million agreement between the federal and provincial governments to invest in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture.
“Our government believes support for businesses is vital, and the extension of this program for the month of January 2021, as well as the other programs available, will help as we continue to move through this challenging period and toward economic recovery.” Business restrictions in public health orders have been expanded since the SSBEP program was renewed in December and businesses are encouraged to re-evaluate their eligibility for both the December and January payments. The SSBEP program has provided $5.9 million in assistance to 1,521 applicants for the December period. With the public health order extended, more businesses in the province have been impacted. This phase of the program will accept applications for the December and/or January payment until March 2, 2021. Applicants will be eligible for up to $5,000 per month in funding, and those who qualified for the December intake of the SSBEP will not have to reapply for January. However, businesses will be contacted to attest that they remain eligible for the January payment. Saskatchewan businesses are also reminded about other support programs available. The Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate (SRAR) reimburses eligible small businesses
for investments made to adapt their business to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance includes a payment of up to $5,000 for 50 per cent of total eligible businessadaptation investments made by the applicant prior to February 28, 2021. Eligible expenditures include establishing physical barriers or reconfiguring space to operate safely, providing services through digital tools, providing different services or products, and shifting to delivery or curb-side services. The application deadline is March 31, 2021. The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) is currently accepting applications. This temporary training subsidy provides businesses with financial support to train employees as they adjust to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The RSTS reimburses eligible privatesector employers 100 per cent of employee training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per business, which will help employers adapt to the impacts of the pandemic and safely align business activities with the reopening of Saskatchewan’s economy. The application deadline has been extended to March 31, 2021. Businesses that have been fined for non-compliance with public health orders will not be eligible to receive support under these programs.
Spring Sitting to begin on April 6 Premier Scott Moe last week announced that the government has written to the Speaker asking that the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly commence on Tuesday, April 6, with the 2021-22 provincial budget to be tabled that day. “The new budget will be the main focus of the spring sitting,” Moe said. “It will be a budget designed to see Saskatchewan through the rest of the pandemic and then into a strong economic
recovery as we get more of our population vaccinated and life returns to normal. “The budget will make important investments in health, education, infrastructure and our economic recovery, while at the same time continuing to work toward our commitment to balance the budget by 2024.” The spring sitting is expected to last eight weeks, concluding in late May.
Numbers for FEBRUARY 4 B2 - I20 - I25 - G54 - O66
Opinions
4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Letter to the Editor: If you haven’t yet gotten to know David and Coco’s daughter at the little grocery/convenience store here in Landis, you should. They are the nicest people you could ever want in any community. But like so many small businesses these days, they are not going to make it. You say youre going to Frontier mall, or Biggar or Saskatoon. What’s that got to do with it? Just stop in and buy something and sit down and visit for a bit. If there is no coffee she’ll make a pot just for you. If everyone does this we won’t lose them (like we did before), and then they can put more on the shelves. And while you’re in town go for lunch at Karens Country Cafe. That girl makes awesome good food! So no matter where you live, it’s worth the drive . . . to LANDIS! Ross Hingston, Landis
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
COVID-19 vaccine rollout bungled by federal government by Michael Taube
If we’re all in this together, what on Earth are the feds doing when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccines?
“We are all in this together and we are there for you.” Does this ring a bell? It should. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it during a March 18, 2020, press conference – the week after the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 had become a global pandemic. In the days that followed, Canadian businesses and schools rapidly shut down during the coronavirus’s first wave. Many of us began to selfisolate and work from home, if possible. Phrases like social distancing became part of our daily vernacular. We were told to wash our hands, keep two metres apart and wear non-med-
the
ical masks. Emergency relief funds were announced by the federal government to help individuals and families in need. Provincial governments followed the same path. Schools and businesses reopened in the fall but we headed into a second wave of COVID-19, and so on. I don’t have to describe every minute detail of the past year. We all know them, for the most part. We’re all still living with them. But there are several important caveats, including one I’m about to highlight. If we’re all in this together and trying to get back to normal as soon as possible, what on Earth are the feds doing when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines? The Trudeau Liberals have struggled to get a proper grip on vaccine distribution. Canada has procured up to 398 mil-
lion doses from several companies. This sounds good on the surface but there’s a problem: more than 70 per cent of those doses are for vaccines that still haven’t been approved in the Great White North. Procuring these vaccines is one thing. Distributing them properly, effectively and swiftly is quite another. Pfizer has reduced its vaccine shipment to Canada by more than twothirds since mid-January. It will take several more weeks to sort things. Moderna also announced that only three-quarters of its vaccines will arrive in Canada this week. That’s a reduction of about 50,000 doses. Which brings us to … hang on … oh, that’s right, nothing! There are no other vaccine options in Canada. These delays are extremely serious. As more people test positive for COVID-
19 (which they undoubtedly will), more people will get sick – and, in some cases, die. It’s harsh to write something like this. Unfortunately, there’s no other way to describe the situation at hand. Ottawa hasn’t been helpful, either. During a Jan. 19 interview of CBC’s Power & Politics, Procurement Minister Anita Anand said she was speaking with Pfizer to resolve this situation. Good to hear. But when she was pressed by host Vassy Kapelos about the prime minister speaking with the drug company, she hemmed and hawed every time. The situation changed after Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Pfizer Canada president Cole Pinnow on Jan 20. Ford was well aware that his discussion wouldn’t change anything and the vaccine wouldn’t arrive any faster. But at the very
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least, he gave the appearance he was trying to do something for Ontario and Canada. Two days later, the PM announced he had spoken with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. Quelle surprise. A worse situation occurred on CTV’s Power Play. Greg Fergus, a Liberal backbencher, said more vaccine approvals were needed to meet the September target. The two vaccines he confidently mentioned, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, haven’t been approved in Canada. CTV was forced to speak with Anand, who confirmed the government’s position hadn’t changed. The bewildered looks on the faces of show host Evan Solomon and the other two panelists, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner and NDP MP Peter Julian, said it all. It’s no secret that I disagree with Trudeau and
the Liberals on virtually everything. This isn’t a partisan position, however. It’s an issue of health and safety. If it was a federal Conservative, NDP or Green government, I’d have written the very same thing. Please get a handle on the COVID-19 vaccine situation, prime minister – and fast. As well, please live by your own words. Unless we’re not all in this together. Just kinda, sorta, maybe. Michael Taube, a Troy Media syndicated columnist and Washington Times contributor, was a speechwriter for former prime minister Stephen Harper. He holds a master’s degree in comparative politics from the London School of Economics.
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COPYRIGHT The contents of The Independent are protected by copyright. Reproduction of any material herein may be made only with the written permission of the publisher. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Biggar Independent invites the public to participate in its letters to the Editor section. All letters must be signed. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Notable Notes Bob Mason
In a way Y.T. feels kind of bad about writing this, and mebbe shouldn’t write it at all! But dang it, these people of the past (or should I write “far past?”) have spent a lot of time thinking, and through their writing, shown us how they thought things should be done! We look out the window and think things like, “It is now the year 2020, and any formative ideas that people had a few thousand years ago, can’t mean very much today!” Sorry about that! Looking out the windows of today and thinking things like that, only shows how little society has learned about things in the last few thousand lifetimes or so! If we took some of the sentiments that these “old” writers used while trying to make a point doctored them up with
a little of our modern, “state of the art” jargon, who would know that some of their pertinent insights were penned yesterday! Among the many books and papers on the shelves above his desk, Your’s Truly rescued a faded page, written by his school teacher grandfather many years ago, telling about the writers of his past, and how some of them fared. Considering the award-winning, endowment-earning grants and scholarship-seeking aides available today, writing must have been an uphill road for many of these dedicated types. One wonders why any chose to write at all! Some pen-pushing types are kind of stubborn though but they kept at it until after a few thousand years of trying to steer society down the right road, here we are, okay? Mebbe it doesn’t seem like they have done very much to change things, but whether we like it or not, the documented thinking of these people has had a lot of influence on the outlooks we have today! Having scrawled quite a few pages of stuff him-
Grandfather’s List
self, Y.T. was a bit disappointed to find that though these quill-quoting types were sometimes treated badly in their lifetime, much of their writing was never read until long after they died! No wonder Y.T. felt kind of bad, eh? Boethius, 480-525 A.D.: I don’t imagine that many present-day people have ever even heard of this guy because he was raised in Rome so long ago! One of the worlds greatest philosophers was Aristotle, and Boethius’ translations of Aristotle’s treatise on logic were handed down to us because of him. He also wrote “The Consolation of Philosophy” while in jail awaiting execution! Terrence, 195-159 B.C.: Although Terrance was brought to Rome from North Africa as a slave, many of the fine comedies that he wrote were translated, and inspired writers through the centuries. Much of his writing has been forgotten and neglected, but his humour sure hasn’t! Cervantes, 1947-1616: Once a great man, was the Spanish author of “Don Quixote”, one of the worlds best written stories. At times he was
ŝŐŐĂƌ ĂŶĚ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ƌĞĚŝƚ hŶŝŽŶ EŽƟĐĞ ŽĨ ŶŶƵĂů 'ĞŶĞƌĂů DĞĞƟŶŐ͗ ĂƚĞ͗ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ͕ DĂƌĐŚ ϭϳ͕ ϮϬϮϭ dŝŵĞ͗ ϳ͗ϬϬWD Note: ĚƵĞ ƚŽ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŶƵĂů ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŚĞůĚ ĞŶƟƌĞůLJ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ă ǀŝƌƚƵĂů ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ƉůĂƞŽƌŵ͘ ĞƚĂŝůƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ƌĞŐƐŝƚƌĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ůŽŐŝŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƉŽƐƚĞĚ ŽŶ ŽƵƌ ƉƵďůŝĐ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ďŝŐŐĂƌĐƵ͘ĐĂ dŚĞ ĂŶŶƵĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ ĞĂĐŚ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ďƌĂŶĐŚĞƐ ďLJ DĂƌĐŚ ϭϱƚŚ͕ ϮϬϮϭ͘ ƉĚĨ ĐŽƉLJ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŶƵĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƉŽƐƚĞĚ ŽŶ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ŽŶ DĂƌĐŚ ϭϳƚŚ͕ ϮϬϮϭ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ Ăƚ ϯϬϲͲϵϰϴͲϯϯϱϮ ĨŽƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ĂŶĚ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ͘
a slave of the Moors, a wounded soldier and a prisoner of state. Cervantes died of hunger and exposure due to the pressure of his hard life! Dryden, 1963-1700: Isn’t even mentioned in my encyclopedia, he wasn’t an American either, and was almost unknown in his lifetime, despite his many fine poems. Balzac, 1799-1850: Who wrote “The Human Comedy”, and was a very successful writer, hoped for wealth all his life, but was always in debt! Passo, 1544-1595: Was very famous for part of his life, but finally ended up in an asylum - no comments please! Spencer, Byron and Goethe were all inspired by some of the stuff he wrote. One of Y.T’s grandfathers was a school teacher in Ontario in the 1800’s, and I’m pretty sure that the list written about here, is one that he made. Baccaccio, 1313-1375: Who wrote “Decameron” a hundred short tales about his time. He was often celebrated, but, according to my encyclopedia, lived in poverty for the last few years of his life! And farther down the
list on the page are names of some writers who didn’t fare so good! William Blake, 17571827: An English poet, painter and engraver, was well read, but lived in poverty most of his life! It sure doesn’t do my confidence any good as I read down that tattered page that my grandfather made! Bentivoglio: Was refused admittance to a hostpital that he helped to found! Henrik Ibsen: Was severely criticized for his taste during his lifetime, but now, even his chair is famous! Paul Borghese: Was a master of 14 trades and starved to death because he couldn’t make a living! Froissart: Wrote many fine books that were never read much in his lifetime! Robert Burns, 17591796 (Great name that “Robert”, eh?): Aha! There’s a name that we all know, who wrote many fine poems about country life. Yet, he never made any money from them. When he died (at 37), his friends saw to it that his family didn’t suffer. Burns even wrote a poem about my family onetime:
“The best laid schemes of Mason men, Often go awry.” John Donne, 1620 or so: Became a very famous preacher in England, but the things that he wrote were never read much in his lifetime. Many of his writings have been used over the years and perhaps the most famous was this quotation that American author Ernest Hemingway used “Seek not to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee!” And in 1936, Edward VIII, who had just become King of England, quoted Donne again, I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely in the unknown!’ And he replied, ‘Go forth into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God! This will be to you better than light!’” It’s kind of sad, but sadder yet is the fact that many of the ideals they spent their lifetime portraying will be forgotten in our modern, so-called, rat race!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Who had this lady as their teacher? by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery Continuing with another person who played a huge role in Biggar . . . Evelyn Norgord. She came to Biggar in 1927 to teach Grade 3 and Grade 4. And this she did until she retired in 1968. She donated many items to the Biggar Museum as well as her large collection of photographs. Miss Norgord also created another legacy. The Evelyn Norgord Scholarship in Education at the University of Saskatchewan; this scholarship is for anyone entering the first year in the College of Education Jim Reiter, MLAwho attended either Grade 4 Rosetown-Elrose or Grade 4 inConstituency elementary school in Biggar. 215 Main Street, Rosetown Not only did she teach, butMonday she was an active mem– Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 ber of the Stagettes. I do not know much about the Tel:too 306-882-4105 Stagettes, can anyone help me here? Fax: 306-882-4108 Miss Norgord died in 1989 inToll Saskatoon. free; 1-855-762-2233 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns
0$,1 675((7 81,7 526(72:1 6. 6 / 9 .(//< %/2&.Ÿ3$5/ *& &$ Ï .(//<%/2&.03 &$ Ï Ō Ō
Attention: Kathie I gave you a few variations to look at. Please let me know which you prefer by emailE.and we can- teacher get this ad started â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gr. IV -return 1965-1966 Norgord Back row,Thursday, left to right: November 24.
Marilyn Cowper,Moira Nimma, Susan Herity, Donna Rensby, Brenda Scharf, Barbara Back, Roberta Gray, Charlene Shakotko, Laura Angelopoulos, Gloria Redlich, Cindy Hoppe. Price: $35.28 plus gst per week Middle row: Wendell Ratke, Dale Anderson, Dwain Everett, Allen Barber, Dale Friesen, Bob Dyck, David Lang, Donald Kaplar, Wayne Tim Carter, Wayne Surik. Talk Robinson, to you later, Front: Urla Tyler,David Advertising David MacDonald, Smith, Consultant Larry Dearing, Ricky Lewis, Michael Coote. Missing: Juddy Kolberg. Teacher: E. Norgord.
Jim Reiter, MLA
Rosetown-Elrose Constituency 215 Main Street, Rosetown Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, 9:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 Tel: 306-882-4105 Fax: 306-882-4108 Toll free; 1-855-762-2233 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns
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Miss Norgord in front of house on Third Avenue East, that house is still there, can anyone recognize it. Circa 1930 (all photos courtesy of
Biggar Museum and Gallery)
Evelyn Norgord, picture in the Biggar encyclopedia, online.
Due to COVID-19 please call Jen at 306-948-4460 to make an appointment or leave your documents in our Office dropbox at the New Horizons Building
Biggar Stagettes, 1948, Miss Norgord was an active member of this community service club.
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Written in pencil on a piece of paper stored with the photograph: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biggar Central School Staff - 1940 Lovina Butt (Buchanan) Kae Ellis, Evelyn Norgord, John Friesen, Jean Bryce, Anne James (Beckman)â&#x20AC;?.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Agriculture
Ag may offer solution to pollution problem
Agriculture Calvin Daniels
by Calvin Daniels We live very much in a disposable society. We buy something, use it until it breaks, a newer model catches our eye, or we simply become tired or bored with and we toss it. There are of course those among us who are diligent recyclers, everything that can be reused, repurposed and recycled carefully segregated in the garbage bins with an eye to protecting the planet’s future, but they remain in the minority. Even in a small city such as Yorkton garbage is an issue. The rules and regulations for landfills become more and more stringent, so smaller communities often give up on trying to keep pace, instead loading trucks and hauling to larger centralized landfills such as Yorkton. Whether that is a positive for the environment in terms of
fossil fuel consumed in the hauling, or in the life expectancy of highway covered, is another question, but it makes a bigger pile of garbage in the centralized location, and that means ultimately more room will be needed. Now imagine the issue in Toronto, or New York or Los Angeles. The daily waste has to be staggering based on population alone. Of course not all garbage is created equal. Among our daily refuse plastics are particularly nasty in terms of the environment because it simply does not go away. It can take 400 to 500 years for a plastic bottle or plastic coffee pod to decompose in a landfill. It’s hard to fathom that the bottle you toss today because tap water doesn’t cut it to drink will be kicking around a landfill, or floating in the ocean in the year 2600. Of course the one bottle you toss is not the issue, until you realize it is one of millions of tons of plastic produced annually, the vast majority destined to be tossed at some point. A recent Western Producer article note, in 2019, the world produced 368 million tonnes of plastic, and estimates from
National Geographic suggest only nine percent of all plastic is recycled. While this is not good news, it may be an opportunity. Scientists, investors and companies are turning their attention to bioplastic as a possible replacement for traditional petroleum-based product that simply do not degrade. “Bioplastic is made from renewable feedstocks such as corn, sugar cane and other agricultural crops, and some degrade in months or years rather than hundreds of years,” noted the WP story. The market if it can be captured is massive. “Last fall, Fortune Business Insights said the global market for bioplastic could reach US$20 billion by 2027 - growing at a rate of 17 per cent annually,” states the WP story. Canola meal might be one ‘renewable feedstocks’. Currently, primarily used as a livestock feed, the meal, more or less a left over byproduct of oil extraction, could find a higher value home as the base for bioplastics. It’s an exciting opportunity that has an upside for both the canola sector and the planet.
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Our constituency office is here to assist with government services and programs. Please contact us by phone or email to maintain social distancing. Call the HealthLine - 811 if you are experiencing symptoms and require medical advice For the latest information on COVID-19 visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 Public inquiries may be emailed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca For general not health-specific inquires related to COVID-19 call 1-855-559-5502 The Business Response Team can be reached at 1-844-800-8688, emailing support for business@gov.sk.ca or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses Information on support for workers who have had their employment impacted by the current economic situation is found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-workers
Randy Weekes MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca / 306-948-4880 / 1-877-948-4880
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The Town of Biggar offers for sale by tender the following tax enforcement property: Civic Address: 216-5th Avenue West, Biggar, SK Legal Description: Lot 13, Block 20, Plan D4770, Extension 0 Lot Size: 50 x 140 Zoning: R1 - Residential District There are no warranties offered or implied on the condition of this property and is sold “as is”. 1. A tender must be submitted in a sealed envelop marked “Property Tender” to Marty Baroni, CAO Town of Biggar, Box 489, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 2. Tenders must be postmarked by 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2021 3. Successful tender must comply with all Town of Biggar Bylaws and Building Permit requirements. 4. Field sheets are available upon request. 5. Viewing of the property may be arranged through the Town Office at (306)948-3317, by appointment only. 6. A certified cheque to the municipality for 5% of the amount of the tender must accompany the tender. 7. Highest, or any tender not necessarily accepted. 8. All legal and transfer cost shall be the responsibility of the purchaser. 9. Successful bidder will have 30 days to provide the balance of funds to complete the purchase. Dated this 28th day of January, 2021
Marty Baroni Chief Administrative Officer Town of Biggar
21024pm0
Our adventure starts in Meadow Lake. Meadow Lake is a northern city of about 6,000 residents, established in 1799, by a fur trapper of the Hudson’s Bay Company called Peter Fidler, as Bolsover House and the name “Lac des Prairies”, the original name of Meadow Lake. Peter named the trading post after his home in England. Peter Fidler’s many accomplishments in Northern Saskatchewan include the trading posts of Bolsover and Greenwich in 1799, but also Chesterfield and Nottingham trading posts established a couple of years later. Peter Fidlers greatest contribution was that of a surveyor in which he surveyed over 5,000 miles of waterways in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in which his maps and journals are of historical value. The fur trade was a booming business in the early years and by the late 1800’s a reserve was established called the Meadow Lake Indian Reserve, later changed to the The Flying Dust First Nation. In the same years several Metis families arrived in Meadow Lake which primarily worked for The Hudson Bay Company. The first Catholic Church was built in 1924. 1931 saw the Village of Meadow Lake incorporated and with the arrival
of the railroad, the village quickly grew to a town only five years later. Robert English was hired as the first village constable at a yearly salary of $100 per year. Meadow Lake has established itself as a northern hub for the area offering all services. Tourism and forestry are the major industries of the city. The total exports of the city amount to millions of dollars for the economy of the city. We continue northward on Highway 4 and arrive in the Village of Dorintosh. The name of Dorintosh is a mixture of two Members of Parliament, Dorise Nielsen and Cameron Ross McIntosh. Dorintosh has a population of around 200 people and is the gateway to Meadow Lake Provincial Park, the slogan of the village is “Where the Prairies meet the Pine”
Dorintosh has many services to offer and year round recreational activities for both residents and travelers looking for some fantastic fishing or cross country skiing. If hunting is your thing there are many places around the area to stay while taking a guided tour for that special moose of elk. Looking for a complete relaxing holiday? The resorts at Waterhen Lake is a complete relaxing area where the fishing is fantastic for those looking for Northern Pike or Walleye. If you are looking for something more adventurous, “The Boreal Trail” in Meadow Lake Provincial Parks is Saskatchewan’s longest hiking trail at only a mere 120 kilometers long, the views are breathtaking. Stay tuned for more adventures.
Mount Carmel Knights of Columbus award scholarships
Mount Carmel Knights of Columbus Treasurer Kevin Schwebius, right, presents a $200 cheque to Wyatt Huber. Congratulations Wyatt.
Treasurer Kevin Schwebius, left, presents a $200 cheque to Payton Sittler. Congratulations Payton.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Sundog Cold
The cold weather can bring some pretty sights, and for Janice Mason who snapped these photos, our daytime star is flanked by the optical phenomenon and halo. The cold sunlight refracting through the icy atmosphere is a sign of good luck. We just know that it’s cold! (Photos for The Independent by Janice Mason)
Asquith Council January report Asquith Town Council did not hold its regular council meeting on January 13 due to inclement weather and there was no quorum. Asquith Town Council held a special meeting on January 20. Attending were Mayor Gail Erhart, Councillors, Jackie Stobbe, Cecilia Mryglod, Jeff Eide, Wade Monks-Janzen, and Darcy Stack. Also attending was CAO Kathy Picketts and Foreman Darren Kraft. The meeting was called to order at 6:52 p.m. A resolution was made to accept the council minutes from the December 9 regular council meeting and the council minutes from January 13 regular meeting. Council made a motion to accept the December 2020 financials and December 2020 bank reconciliations as presented to them at the meeting. Accounts Paid in the amount of $69,725.55 and Accounts Payable of
$98,935.56 were accepted as presented. Operation Santa would like to thank Lord Asquith School for their collection of items that were donated in the month of December 2020! The Town was successful with the following grants – Community Rink Affordability Grant for $2,500, Nutrien Grant for 2020 for the Fire Department in the amount of $11,850. The following appointments were made by Council for 2021: Wheatland Regional Library – Jackie Stobbe; LegalMacDermid Lamarsh; Auditor – Jensen Stromberg; Fire Chief- Colin Graham; EMO Co-ordinators – Patty Kraft and Lois Walker; Building Inspector – BuildTECH; Board of Revision – Krismer and Associates. If you have changed your phone number, please contact the Asquith Town Office to update. 2021 brings a new year,
and of course with a new year comes the necessity to renew licenses. Pet licenses are now due. All individuals who own a cat or dog in Asquith are required to have a license for their pet. Cost of licenses is $10 for a spayed or neutered cat or dog or $20 for a nonspayed/non-neutered cat or dog. Failure to purchase a license will result in a fine, and you will still be required to purchase a license. 2021 Business Licenses are also now due. Did you know ... that if you take out a building permit, the onus is on the property owner to contact the building inspector to make a final inspection and to close the permit. Failure to do so results in your permit being left open and as such could pose a real problem for you should you decide to sell your property. May 2021 will be a Census of Population.
Advertising doesn’t cost ... it pays!
10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Salt truck driver leads police on slow-speed pursuit
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A salt truck led police on a slow-speed chase in a City Cincinnati salt 1/4 ofPage truck. The truck dumped its salt all over the police cruisers that pursued it. The incident began around 11:45 p.m. last Thursday, January 28 in Reading, Ohio. According to an affidavit, the Reading police officer actually pulled a different vehicle over on Reading Road, near Sunnybrook Drive. The officers were out of their vehicles and taking someone into custody when they suddenly heard the sound of an engine accelerating. That’s when they saw the City of Cincinnati salt truck barrelling toward them. “The truck in question was only feet away from me and entering into our 1/4 lane Pageof travel. During this
time, the truck could still be heard accelerating. I had to jump back to avoid being struck by the truck in question,” reads the affidavit, signed by the officer. As the truck passed, it flung salt onto the officers and the man being taken into custody because the truck had its salt spreader on. The officials began to chase the salt truck. They activated their overhead lights and ordered the truck to pull over. The truck didn’t stop, but yet made a U-turn and continued to flee from the police. The truck driver even raised the bed of its truck to dump salt on the police cruisers that were pursuing him. After, the truck then got onto the northbound Interstate 75, then
onto eastbound 126. The truck exited going south onto Reading Road, then headed back to its original location. Officers again approached the salt truck, before it turned on its salt spreaders and again threw salt onto the cruisers and other passing cars. Eventually the pursuit, which lasted about 30 minutes, ended near the intersection of Winton Road and Oakfield Avenue. The truck driver has been identified as Omar Armstrong, 36. Armstrong is facing a series of charges, including reckless operation of a motor vehicle and failure to comply with officers. Armstrong is being held at the Hamilton County Jail.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Sports
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11
Laine, Dubois both get their wish Penton on sports Bruce Penton
Big trades involving star players are rare occurrences in the National Hockey League these days, so the deal sending Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine to Columbus for centre Pierre-Luc Dubois received bigger headlines than normal. Daily, fans hear of yawner transactions involving bench-sitters or minor leaguers going from one team to another in exchange for a fifthround draft pick two years from now, or some such blah, blah, blah, but the Jets-Columbus deal had some flair and razzmatazz to it. On one side you have Laine, the blond-haired Finnish speedster with the big shot who came to the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick in 2016, and proceeded to live up to his billing - scoring 36, 44, 30 and 28 goals in his first four seasons. On the other side you have Dubois, a 6-foot-2, 215pound centre who was selected No. 3 overall in the same year as Laine, and, after one more season in junior hockey, validated his credentials with seasons of 48, 61, and 49 points with the Blue Jackets. Other than their offensive skills, Laine and Dubois both had one other similarity: For different reasons, they both wanted a change of scenery. Reasons given for their unhappiness were never fully exposed. Laine, it’s believed, felt he deserved more time on the Jets’ No. 1 line with centre Mark Scheifele. Dubois reportedly had personality conflicts with coach John Tortorella (no surprise) and let the team know early he wanted a new mailing address. When the inevitable trade was announced Jan. 24, both players expressed relief, and happiness. Laine would certainly be given top-line minutes in Columbus, one of the lowest-scoring teams in the NHL, and he would be playing under a familiar general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, from his home country. Dubois, on the other hand, gives the Jets a strong one-two punch at centre (with Scheifele) and is one of those rare players who welcomed a move to ‘Winterpeg’
because his folks live in the Manitoba capital. His father, Eric, is an assistant coach with the Manitoba Moose. Due to quarantine regulations, Dubois was expected to be on the sidelines for two full weeks before being allowed to join his new team-mates; Laine, however, had only a few days’ restrictions before joining the Blue Jackets. To settle the ‘who won the trade’ discussions, fans will be watching the two players’ stats with great scrutiny. But the winner in a trade like this can’t be measured in one season. Let’s look at it again five years from now and see who’s ahead. • Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade: “The Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament will have no pro-am component this year. Which makes it what? The Pebble Beach Bill Murray Has To Go Somewhere Else To Act Like A Complete Jackass This Year Open?” • @Mahoganyguy, on Twitter, after Tampa Bay beat Green Bay to advance to the Super Bowl: “You just saw ‘The Brady Bunch’ beat the Packers in ‘Mr Rodgers’ Neighbourhood.’” • Columnist Phil Mushnick, in the New York Post, quoting a former Yankee: “But remember the wisdom of former Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, who said, ‘At the end of the day, the sun comes up.’” • Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “O.J. Simpson just posted a video of him getting the COVID-19 vaccination. Apparently priority is given to double-murderers over the age of 72.” • Another one from Kaseberg: “The Super Bowl features the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams will have to change their offensive nicknames soon. Tampa Bay will be the Nautical Entrepreneurs and Kansas City will be the Native American Bureaucrats.” • Headline at @ NOTSportsCenter: “BREAKING: Deshaun Watson rushed to a Houston hospital for extensive concussion testing and brain exams after saying his No. 1 preference was to play for the New York Jets.” • Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Among the worst reported Valentine’s Day gifts, according to Dating.com, are wilted flowers, a pet hamster and an online workout subscription. Somehow not making the list: Jets season tickets.”
• Headline at TheOnion. com: “Home gym equipment is still sold out everywhere, man hopes.” • At Fark.com, on Amanda Gorman slated to recite an original poem at this year’s Super Bowl: “Inaugural poet astounds/Her work’s just as good as it sounds / She’s won a new role, at her first Super Bowl/And that puts her one up on the Browns.” • Chiefs coach Andy Reid, to reporters, on his 18 NFL seasons working alongside new Texans coach David Culley: “We had a few cheeseburgers together.’’ • Another one from Kaseberg, via Twitter, on a potential Packers-Chiefs matchup being a rematch of the first Super Bowl, in 1967: “So much has changed since then. The Rolling Stones were on tour, McDonalds was the most popular fast food and the country was bitterly divided politically.” Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Adoption of Bylaw 2-2021 to Amend the Town of Asquith Official Community Plan Adoption of Bylaw 1-2021 to Amend the Town of Asquith Zoning Bylaw Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Asquith intends to consider the adoption of a Bylaw to amend the Town of Asquith Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5-2015 and the adoption of a Bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 6-2015 under The Planning and Development Act, 2007. INTENT/REASON OF OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT: The proposed Bylaw will reflect changes to the Future Land Use Map to accommodate a residential use in the former museum located on Main St. INTENT/REASON OF ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT: The proposed Bylaw will re-zone six lots from CS – Community Service District to R1 – Low Density Residential District. AFFECTED LAND The following lots are affected by the bylaw amendments: • Lot 11, Block 7, Plan 119275162 • Lot 12, Block 7, Plan 119275151 • Lot 13, Block 7, Plan 119275140 • Lot 14, Block 7, Plan 119275139 • Lot 15, Block 7, Plan 119275128 • Lot 16, Block 7, Plan 119275117
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the proposed Bylaws to amend the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw during regular office hours at the Town of Asquith municipal office. Copies are available at cost. PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Mar 10, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Asquith municipal office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw(s). Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing (or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing). Issued at the Town of Asquith this 25th day of January, 2021. Kathy Picketts, Chief Administrative Officer
12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
COURIER
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M & N REPAIR Open Monday-Friday Mike Nahorney, Journeyman
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
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ARIES – Mar 21/ Apr 20
CANCER – Jun 22/ Jul 22
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Libra, facilitate conversations with new people to broaden your opportunities for social interaction. This may lead to friendships or even promising business opportunities.
Sometimes others do not even need to speak for you to infer what they are feeling, Capricorn. This is a good gift to have and can bring you closer to those around you.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
A supervisor may ask
Thoughts may pop in and out of your mind, Scorpio. The trick is to figure out how to weed out the pertinent ideas from the fluff. Ask others to weigh in if need be.
Aquarius, a recognition of your specific talents and skills is conveyed to you by others. It may inspire you to work on a new project or change departments.
Aries, your ideas may Cancer, sometimes seem a bit fantastical to routines can be a good the people who are closest thing — even if you feel as to you. It could be time to though change is needed. expand your reach a little Knowing what to expect 2 col/6 bit and pitch your thoughts when other things are offto others. kilter can be comforting.
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BIGGAR INDEPENDENT BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 306-948-3344 tip@sasktel.net SUBSCRIPTION RATES…per year ONLINE… $40.00 + $2.00 gst = $42.00 Inside 40-mile Radius… $45.00 + $2.25 gst = $47.25 Outside 40-mile Radius… $50.00 + $2.50 gst = $52.50
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Re-Certs $85 Please Jun 21 get back to me with VIRGO – Aug 24/ Canadian Red Cross changes/corrections Gemini, expressing by return Sept 22 For More Info:
email morning. how you this feel to someone dale@dtjssb.ca special is key to your peror sonal growth this week. Biggar, Sask. Thanks Urla 951-7700 Don’t hesitate to share your newufitness@sasktel.net 948-3344 /WNED AND OPERATED BY thoughts and open yourself "RETT "ARBER up.
in your business.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK-13
LIBRA – Sept 23/ Oct 23
SERVICE require extra attention early you to take the lead on inPrice… the week, Taurus. Take a a project that is right in FLOWER SHOP 1ST inches = $201.50 AID2.5 step back and look at things your wheelhouse, Leo. Put s FLOWERS plus gst per 6-month prepaid TRAINING s CUSTOM WEDDING from a new perspective as in the extra effort to help
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Your perception may be altered through a sudden modification in the way you think, Virgo. This can be a refreshing change for you and open up new possibilities.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Emotions run high between you and your partner this week, Sagittarius. Enjoy the ride as this outpouring of emotions will strengthen your bond.
PISCES – Feb 19/ Mar 20 Knowing and expressing just how you feel can help you to troubleshoot areas that need a bit of modification, Pisces. Be honest with yourself.
14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
REFLECTIONS injury, and keep So, we have to Encouragement I spent some time this week reviewing a worship service that took place in a church in Arizona in 2018. E v e r y o n e seemed happy. The church was full, and as a mother and grandmother, I was so pleased to hear the special music by our son’s family. Life was good. Fast forward to the current state of affairs and I say, “What happened?” How could everything become inside out and upside down so quickly? It is exhausting to say the least. There is such division, confusion, frustration, s u s p i c i o n , hopelessness, and more. People are giving up on life. Politicians seem to add insult to
repeating the same strange methods of attacking the problem, all the while with no sustainable results, and the insanity continues. Encouragement is in order for all of us. Who could encourage us more that the Great God of the Cosmos? Isaiah 40:31 states: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they will run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 41:10 reads: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
ask the question, “Why doesn’t God put a stop to all this?” The short answer is, “He will, eventually.” Part of the long answer goes like this; there is nothing like a crisis to expose true character. It becomes very obvious which side we are on, good, or evil. Some of our choices have been taken from us, but our heart’s choice can never be taken from us. Joshua poses the challenge to all; . . . choose ye this day whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 I’m with Joshua and I hope you are too. Courage, my friends. Eternity will be amazing! Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church
MEMORIAM In Memory of Paul Alois Kobelsky May 30, 1940 - February 8, 2019 Remembered with love and missed by - Karen - Brad & Rachel, Olivia, Eve & Esmé - Trisha & Chad, Jace & Jared - Shannon & Keira - Calvin & Erin, Kale, Ander & Jax - Edna Leedahl
Effie Kissick - July 4, 1924 - February 4, 2017
Mom I often speak your name, But all I have are memories And your picture in a frame. Your resting place I visit, And put flowers there with care, But no one knows the heartache, As I turn and leave you there. missed by Shirley & Ron
Independent Classifieds FARMLAND FOR SALE
LAND FOR SALE R.M. OF ROSEMOUNT No. 378 NE 25-36-16-3 Assessment 32,400 NW 25-36-16-3 Assessment 124,300 SW 25-36-16-3 Assessment 146,400 SE 26-36-16-3 Assessment 148,400 NE 26-36-16-3 Assessment 157,400 SW 36-36-16-3 Assessment 123,700 SW 14-37-16-3 Assessment 186,600 SE 14-37-16-3 Assessment 176,500 Highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted. Tenders will be considered for individual parcels or in combination. A non-certified cheque for 10% of the purchase amount must accompany the tender. Kindly contact Busse Law only if questions. Please submit tenders to BUSSE LAW 302 Main Street, Box 669, Biggar, Sask S0K0M0 Phone: 306-948-3346; Fax: 306-948-3366 Email: receptionbusselaw.net Closing date: February 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm
LAND SALE NOTICE The R.M. of Eagle Creek No. 376 is accepting bids on the following property acquired through tax enforcement: Lots 10 and 11, Block 1, Plan G558 (Struan) Anyone wishing to make an offer on the property must do so, in writing, before March 9th, 2021. Any offer will not necessarily be accepted. Offers must be sent to: R.M. of Eagle Creek No. 376 Box 278, Asquith, SK S0K 0J0 Or emailed to: rm376eaglecreek@xplornet.ca
Dated January 27, 2021. Trent Smith, Administrator
Farm Land For Sale
NE1/4 36-35-12-3 1 mile west of Perdue 125 cultivated acres 35 pasture with spring water, Contact Don Wilkinson 306-237-4226
CARD OF THANKS I sincerely would like to say thank you to all for the comforting messages, cards and condolences of the the passing of mom, Lilly Murch, thank you to all. ED MURCH
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church
109 - 7th Ave. W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 SATURDAY MASS TIME • 7:00 p.m. SUNDAY MASS TIME • 11:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Landis SUNDAY MASS TIME • 9 a.m.
Due to the pandemic, Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans worship services are online until further notice. For pastoral services, or to be included in online worship, please phone:
Cindy Hoppe at 948-2947 or John Bennett at 948-2852.
BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar
BIGGAR UNITED CHURCH 907 Quebec St./corner Turnbull Ave., Biggar
Services 11 a.m.
Covid 19 Guidelines Apply
Masks Required
INQUIRIES CALL CHURCH OFFICE 306-948-2280 LEAVE MESSAGE
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
SATURDAY SERVICES
Contact: 306-948-2481 www.amazingfacts.org
320-6th Avenue East Bible Study 10:00 a.mm. Church Service…11 a.m.
LAND FOR RENT
3 year cash lease. Payments due April 1st and November 1st
R.M. of Grandview #349 SE 14-36-18-W3rd - 143 Acres
(farm yard and pasture not included)
Deadline for Tenders:
February 22, 2021
+LJKHVW RU DQ\ OHDVH R̆HU QRW necessarily accepted. 6HQG 2̆HUV Jayleen Miller Box 147, Landis, SK. S0K 2K0
Deadline for &ODVVLÀHGV is Monday at 5 p.m.
For Rent Central Park Place
has apartments for seniors available in Biggar. Call 948-3901 or 948-7824
Charter/ Sherwood Apartments in BIGGAR
1 or 2 bedroom, heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite systems, laundry facilities, appliances, some suites with dishwahers, air conditioning, parking with plug-ins. For more information call: Risa Management at 306-665-2300 or Andre at 306831-4430
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 , 2021
BIGGAR INDEPENDENT ONLINE
www.biggarindependent.ca
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15
OBITUARIES
Lilly Ella Murch
As daylight broke January 22,2021 Lilly Ella Murch silently and peacefully passed from this earth. Lilly, the oldest of ten children born to Adolph and Emily (Meger) Kurbis was born September 22, 1934 in Biggar. She was raised on the farm 8 miles north of Biggar attending Monarch School until she finished Grade 8. Mom then went to work in Biggar at the Canada CafÊ. She WKHQ ZRUNHG DW +ROW¡V ² WKH JDV station at the Monarch corner north of Biggar. After that, she went to keep house for Uncles Bill and Fred Meger on the farm where OJ Singer now resides. By this time, a hand-
some young man from the Louvain School District caught her eye. Alfred and Lilly were married November 6, 1954 at Third Avenue United Church in Biggar. November 11, 1955 Ed, the first of a family of 3 sons and 1 daughter was born. Kenny followed in April 18, 1955, Bob on March 14, 1959 then Diane on June 14, 1962. 0RP ZRUNHG KDUG RQ WKH IDUP ² loving every minute of the time she spent with the cattle, cats, dogs, chickens (of many varieties). Spring was her favourite time of year when the baby everything DUULYHG ² FDOYHV FKLFNV NLWWHQV whatever. Spring was also the time to plant the garden which she lovingly tended. Always a huge garden so she could share with family and friends. Mom had many hobbies. She baked and decorated cakes for the ladies in
the neighbourhood for showers, baked many wedding cakes and birthday cakes as well. She could sew, embroider, knit, and crochet. She loved doing ceramics over the years at various places. Picking Saskatoon berries was where Mom would spend her summer vacation. Give her a bucket, a thermos of coffee and maybe a OXQFK ² VKH ZRXOG EH WKHUH LQ WKH patch for hours, only to get up and repeat the next morning. She had such pride in the flowers she grew. Hundreds of gladiolas, planters and planters of petunias and pansies. Perennials such as iris, peony and lilies also were favourites. Lilly is survived by her children Ed Murch (Kate Cederlund); Ken Murch; Bob Murch; and Diane (Craig) Akister. 3 grandchildren ² $VKWRQ $NLVWHU -HQQD %LHJHO
Nicole (Justin) Eaton; Matt (Kalynn) Akister. In October of 2020, Lilly was blessed with her first great JUDQGFKLOG ² $QDVWDVLD (DWRQ $OVR survived by sisters Ruth Pudrycki; Doreen Long, Janavie Kurbis, Margaret Shaeffer and brother Ed (Carol) Kurbis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Lilly is predeceased by her husband of 55 year, Alfred; parents Adolph and Emily Kurbis; in-laws Edward and Sarah Murch (Alfred 0XUFK ² nd marriage), brothers Bill, Art, Gordon, and Elmer; brothers in ODZ ² 5LFKDUG /RQJ $OIUHG 3XGU\FNL and Don Sheaffer; nephew Jason Long and many, many friends, and relatives too numerous to mention. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private family service
with a Service of Remembrance at a later date.
16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Chef Dez on Cooking
Chef Dez on cooking Chef Dez
Frozen Vegetables: The Powerhouse Convenience Food During every trip to the supermarket, we must make choices between the price, health, and convenience aspects of the foods we buy. Most people tend to believe that fresh is
always the best option, and in many cases it is, but what about frozen vegetables? Are they just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts? Studies have shown that most frozen vegetables are just as nourishing. Other than a quick blanching process to kill any bacteria, they are virtually unprocessed and flash frozen to preserve freshness. By staying frozen from shortly after harvesting until the time they reach your kitchen, they are by far a better product than most people think. Unless fresh goods are harvested locally, they must travel great distances in order to be available to you in the produce sec-
tion. This usually means that they are harvested before full ripeness occurs in hopes of them being at their peak by the time they arrive for one to purchase. This timely arrival is not always the case however, and you may be left with a more inferior product than if you were to get it direct from the farm. Full ripening on the tree/vine before harvesting also always produces a far more healthful product. This being said, if you live in a farming area where fresh local produce is available then by all means buy fresh, otherwise frozen is another viable option. For many households frozen is far more convenient for
their busy lifestyles: cutting, washing, and in some cases the peeling has already been done for them. The chance of food spoilage is also greatly reduced, unless it is forgotten about in the freezer for long periods of time. Most frozen vegetables are recommended to be stored in the freezer for up to six months. They are not immediately bad, or freezer burnt in the seventh month, but should be used up sooner rather than later for optimal results. I am not by any means suggesting that one should always buy frozen when it comes to imported fruits or vegetables, but merely that there are other healthy and con-
venient options to fresh when applicable. One last note is to always read the labels on all packaged foods to ensure that you are aware of any added ingredients that may be present. Dear Chef Dez: Whenever I buy a bag of either frozen peas or frozen corn, they are nicely individual but after say 1-1/2 weeks in my freezer they are turned into one big hard lump. Any suggestions? Barbara T. Maple Ridge, B.C. Dear Barbara: This usually happens because the frozen vegetables partially thaw, water collects on the vegetables, and then when they get put back in the freezer they clump together because the newly formed moisture freezes everything together. This can start happening even from the time you place them in your shopping cart, while you wait at the till, get them
in your car, travel home, and then finally make it into the freezer. Even in this time frame, the vegetables become partly thawed and will cause this clumping. The only thing I can suggest is to make sure you do the following: 1.) Shop for frozen foods last when making your grocery store trip. 2.) Keep frozen foods together in your cart/ bags to help keep them cold. 3.) Get them immediately into the freezer when you get home. It is hard to always keep this clumping from happening at all, but the only other thing to suggest is bring a cooler with ice packs with you in your car and as soon as you leave the grocery store place them in this cooler for the trip home. Chef Dez is a Chef, Writer, and Host. Visit him at chefdez.com. Write to him at dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 6R4.
Don’t forget to renew your subscription for 2021 5
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Biggar Homestead Restaurant 948-5656
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A 1 LITRE of POP ONLY $34.95 Working with the local communities, Mid-Sask helps address the needs of local business through: • A combination of localized long range strategic planning • Counseling and business development • Financial assistance up to $150,000 to small, medium sized business and entrepreneurs Mid-Sask Community Futures 500 Progress Avenue, Box 176 Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 P: 306-867-9566 Fax: 306-867-9559 https://cfsask.ca/mid-sask