The Biggar Independent Volume 115 Issue 10

(Independent

The “Mandolinian” ... All apologies to Star Wars and Andrew Collins as he and his trio, Mike Mezzatesta on guitar and James McEleney on bass, hit the Majestic Theatre, Friday for the sixth concert of the Biggar and District Arts Council season. Witty and wildly talented, the Andrew Collins Trio brought their unique bluegrass and folk artistry for a wonderful evening of roots music.

Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Students at Biggar Central School 2000 and area businesses and organizations came together for a Job Fair, Tuesday. Town of Biggar Community Development Officer, Cassidy Burton (above right) helped facilitate the face-to-face between employers and employees. In the words of the great entertainer Milton Berle, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” applied as many work relationships were forged on the day.

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Ruthilda Métis donate over $2,000 to Biggar food bank

In a heart-warming display of community spirit, Ruthilda Métis Local along with the community recently contributed $2067.33 to the Biggar and District Food for Thought organization.

This substantial donation, equivalent to 70 per cent of the proceeds from the Winter Fest held on February 10 at the Biggar Community Hall. The donation exemplifies a commitment to supporting the local community.

Barbara-Ann DeHaan, the dedicated Chairperson of Biggar and District Food for Thought for the past six years, shared insights into the impact of this donation.

“In February, 27 hampers were distributed, marking a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. With the rising demand for groceries,

by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment

This past week 24 occurrences were reported to the Biggar Detachment.

Traffic related events showed four tickets and six warnings were issued.

A collision on Highway 4 south had two vehicles clipping mirrors during poor highway conditions. A Chev Traverse tangled with a deer on Highway 14, and a Jeep Patriot found the bottom of a ditch on Highway 784.

A hit and run was reported on a 2015 Subaru Legacy. As a couple had lunch at Hannigan’s Restaurant their vehicle was run into causing damage to the rear of it. The suspect vehicle left behind pieces of clear light lens. If anyone observed this happening or has any information on what happened,

we prioritize purchasing locally, rotating between grocery stores to ensure community support.

Each month, specific items like toilet paper and dish soap are highlighted, adapting to the changing needs of the recipients throughout the year.”

Highlighting the organization’s reach, DeHaan emphasized that they serve communities including Landis, Perdue, Biggar, and Ruthilda, ensuring that essential items are accessible to those in need.

“On Hamper Day, a dedicated team, including two individuals from the group home and a support worker, gathers the donation boxes from Red Apple, Guardian, Mainstreet Market, and Freshmart for distribution,” DeHaan explained, grateful for

the ongoing support.

“Additionally, contributors receive appreciation gifts during the festive season to show our deep appreciation for their continuous help.”

Looking towards the future, DeHaan shared the organization’s aspirations, stating that they are actively working towards accreditation with the National Association for Food Banks Canada, and maintaining a high standard of service and ensuring donations are used effectively are integral aspects of our mission.

This remarkable act of generosity and the tireless efforts of the Biggar and District Food for Thought team exemplify the strength of community bonds and a shared commitment to supporting those in need.

RCMP Report

please contact us.

Report of a private car sale that did not go as planned between the buyer and seller. Report of a theft of blue roan cattle in Sonningdaleinvestigation is ongoing.

Our unique cluster of common acquaintances were at it again, complaining about each other as one decided a more public display of engine revving and shouting from the street in front of a house would solve the issues of the evening.

Causing a Disturbance report of a 49-yearold male throwing a tantrum at the Perdue Co-op, which included a harmonious display of yelling at people, engine revving and spinning tires before returning to Biggar.

A search warrant for public safety was execut-

ed at a residence in the town of Kinley. Seized were five long guns, one hand gun and ammunition. Neighbours will

Biggar Fire Report

by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department

After coming in with a bang, STARS call on the 2nd and a vehicle fire on the 3rd, the balance of February quieted down quite nicely.

Our total calls for the year sits at six.

On the 5th we decided to have a little fun at practice and played SCBA dodge ball. This requires the members to put on their turnout gear as well as wear an SCBA (breathing apparatus) while playing the game. It’s a great team building tool as well as reminds the members

rest a little easier knowing these weapons have been secured. Take care out there!

of the difficulty moving with all the gear on and gives them a chance to practice breathing techniques to conserve the air to keep them in the game longer.

Other items we worked on during the month included training on the ladder truck, practice with the airbags and struts and then some time with ropes and knots.

That about covers the month, seeing as I’m writing this on the 3rd of March I guess it’s time to head back out to finish shovelling.

RM of Biggar council minute highlights

The regular meeting of the RM of Biggar No. 347 was held January 16 at the municipal office at 9 a.m. Attending were Reeve Jeanne-Marie de Moissac, Councillors Melanie Peiffer, Dale Thomson, Mark Sagon, Greg Mundt, Brad Poletz, and via conference call, Brian Watson, Administrator Sandi Silvernagle, Assistant Administrator Maria Danychuk, and Foreman Derek Custer. The following are some highlights of the meeting.

Cameron Kosolofski from Finning attended the meeting at 9:53 a.m. to discuss the grade quotes with Council. Kosolofski left the meeting at 10:10 a.m. Janice Carruthers and Vince Dirksen of JV Ranch Ltd attended the meeting at 11:29 a.m. to discuss fencing concerns with Council. Carruthers and Dirksen left at 11 :57 a.m.

Council agreed that the December 2023 Bank Reconciliation and December 2023 Financial Statement be received and filed as presented.

Council agreed payments for cheques 26552699, online payments, online utility payments, Mastercard, monthly remittances and November payroll in the amount of$ 290,517.25 be approved.

Reports for January 2024 for Division 1 (Councillor Poletz), Division 2 (Councillor Peiffer), Division 3 (Councillor Thomson), Division 4 (Councillor Sagon), Division 5 (Councillor Mundt), Division 6 (Councillor Watson), all be accepted as presented. That Reeve’s Report for January 2024 by Reeve Jeanne-Marie de Moissac, and the Foreman’s Report for January 2024 by Foreman Derek Custer, were also accepted as presented.

Council agreed to survey the road allowance on roads 849R and 850R.

Council agreed to approve the approach applications from Boman Keith for an approach to be built at NE 30-37-13 W3, and for the approaches to be widened at NE 25-37-14 W3.

Council agreed to sponsor the Biggar School of Dance in the amount of$150. Council also agreed to sponsor the Biggar Recreation Valley in the amount of $700.

Council agreed to allocate the RM of Biggar No . 347’s portion, in the amount of $6,400, from the Sask Lotteries Community Grant Program for 2025, to the Town of Biggar.

• Meeting adjourned at 3:27 p.m.

Ruthilda Métis Local President Chance Parenteau hands a cheque to Biggar and District Food for Thought Chairperson, Barbara-Ann DeHaan. (Submitted Photo)

Biggar Fire Department members work with airbags and struts in a training session. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Erroll Horst)

Oil

prices fall as markets react to high interest rates

by Rashid Husain Syed, Energy Analyst, Tensions

in the Middle East also weigh on crude oil markets As concerns over an escalating conflict grew, markets softened last week instead of stabilizing. Oil prices dropped on February 23, leading to a weekly decline.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell by $2.12, or 2.7 per cent, closing at $76.49.

For the week, Brent crude dropped approximately two per cent, and WTI fell more than three per cent.

According to Bloomberg, markets experienced this downturn as worries over extended high-interest rates dampened the overall mood, offsetting evidence of a tightening oil market. U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller suggested that Federal Reserve officials should postpone any cuts to interest rates for at least a few more months. Analysts emphasized that this could decelerate economic growth and reduce oil demand.

Markets might soften further if the ongoing ceasefire talks in the

The problem for the Saskatchewan Party today goes back to the unanswered questions from 27 years ago when it was initially formed:

What happens when the NDP is no longer a threat? What, then, are we really about as a party?

It wasn’t the question anyone in the Sask. Party was talking about back in 1997 when four Liberal MLAs (half its caucus in the legislature at the time) and four

Middle East reach a positive outcome.

“A successful ceasefire could lead the market to expect a reduction in geopolitical tensions,” said Tim Evans, an independent oil market analyst, in a statement reported by Reuters. Many believe this could help reduce the war premium. Given the escalating tensions in the Middle East conflict zone, it’s evident that the crude markets are set to remain subdued.

While rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and OPEC+’s attempts to reduce production are influencing the markets, negative factors, particularly weak demand, especially from China, the top importer, continue to adversely affect the sentiment in the crude market.

For now, eyes remain focused on the ongoing war in the Middle East. The prolonged Palestine-Israel conflict continues to take its toll in many ways. It’s starting to affect the movement of oil and goods through the Red Sea, putting strain on international trade and causing transportation costs

Progressive Conservative MLAs (its entire caucus except for one MLA facing criminal charges) much thought about at the time when they merged to form the official Opposition.

At the time, MLAs from the Liberals and PCs were thinking more about their own political opportunities and very survival ... although the merger was always pitched as the grander ideal of having a single right-wing alternative to the NDP that frequently won because of the right-wing party splitting votes.

For its first two elections in 1999 and 2003, there still might have been creeping doubt within Sask. Party ranks as to whether they could beat the NDP even without as much vote splitting on the right.

It’s why then organizers of the party worked

to increase.

Since Nov. 19, at least 40 vessels have been attacked by Houthis, Aljazeera reported, quoting an analysis of data from Ambrey Analytics. With oil being the world’s largest traded commodity and the Middle East a significant supplier of crude to the world, markets cannot stay oblivious to this.

Houthis have been hitting commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea since November, saying that the attacks would continue until Israel ends its war on Gaza.

In an effort to prevent the Houthis from disrupting Red Sea traffic, the U.S. and the United Kingdom, supported by various Western allies, have conducted bombings across Yemen’s governorates. This military action has now turned into a daily occurrence. Yet, the efforts have so far failed to produce the desired results.

The militia hit the United Kingdom-owned, Belize-flagged bulk carrier Rubymar on Feb. 18 with multiple missiles. It was sailing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait,

diligently to ensure the Sask. Party wasn’t branded by the more right-wing, social conservative element who were diligently attempting to take over the new party.

Flash back nearly 27 years ago to the Sask. Party’s inaugural convention in November 1997 in Saskatoon and there were serious questions as to whether this fledgeling organization was going to survive its first new months.

That initial gathering of free-enterprises convention was littered with antiabortionists eager to take over this party and saw it as an opportunity to enshrine social conservative policies that clearly weren’t palatable to a majority of Saskatchewan.

The Sask. Party hierarchy managed to avoid seeing their inaugural convention turn into an

which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates. Early last week, the Houthis, who control Yemen’s most populous regions, struck what they said was an Israeli cargo ship, the MSC Silver, in the Gulf of Aden near the entrance to the Red Sea.

According to Aljazeera, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group had also used drones to target several U.S. warships in the Red Sea and

Arabian Sea, as well as sites in the southern Israeli resort town of Eilat.

A Houthi spokesperson recently claimed that the group has recruited and trained more than 200,000 new fighters since the start of the Gaza war. This is a significant number. The war has all the possibil-

ity of flaring up.

But despite all this, markets are not red hot. This is significant, which means the market trajectory may not be rosy unless something unforeseen rocks the fundamentals.

Nothing of that sort is in sight - at least for now.

problems never went away

ugly abortion debate. Nevertheless, social conservatives still managed to pass resolutions calling for chain gangs for prisoners, boot camps for young offenders and an end to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

That first Sask. Party convention saw former Liberal candidate Robin Bellamy (who was never elected as a Sask. Party candidate but like former Liberal MLAs Rod Gantefoer, Ken Krawetz, June Draude and Bob Bjornerud ran for both parties) patiently explain why boot camps don’t really work.

Former Progressive Conservative social services minister Grant Schmidt - who once advised welfare mothers to grow gardens like he his wife did - also offered his voice as one of reason.

Interestingly, you

won’t find any of those resolutions on the record because - just prior to the 2007 election and three years after Brad Wall took over the party’s leadership from Elwin Herrmanson - the resolutions were expunged from the Sask. Party record.

However, the social conservative element in the party didn’t go away. In 2016, the Wall government seriously considered a law that would have required girls under 18 years of age to receive parental consent before getting an abortion. Provincial government documents at the time concluded there would be multiple constitutional issues and “insurmountable” problems.

These festering issues are even evident today, as evident in the controversy over Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre reap-

pointing a totally new slate of Human Rights Commissioners - some, with direct political ties as Sask. Party candidates or to Eyre’s own Sask. Party constituency executive.

The SHRC - the longstanding, non-partisan quasi-judicial body that some in the Sask. Party wanted eliminated - is now being seeing partisan appointments.

Not everyone is going to agree with everything the human rights commission says, but this is clearly a wrong direction for the Sask. Party.

It is a party that needs to take a step back and take at look where it is going.

The problem, however, is that this is a party that’s never put much thought into who it truly is and what it stands for.

Notable

Notes

Bob Mason

This is not a thesis! Actually, it is only an account of what crazy things some people do in the name of alcohol!

This piece is not intended to start a discussion on what a person should do with their lives. Rather, it is a report on what - in my memory - some people did do!

Many of us would like to point out the way that we think some people should live. I think that I’m kind of a coward in that regard and can’t bring myself to make a stand. So, herein is only a description of the way that some people did

To drink or not to drink? (That is the question!)

live!

Blame me if you will for any failings it may seem that I have. YT (Yours Truly) has pled his case!

Many years ago, Dad and I were driving uptown after a big rain. This was before grid roads and maintenance became popular. On one of the roads the ruts from the cars ahead of us were fairly deep. Dad shunted our car back and forth a few times but didn’t notice that another car had pulled up behind us in the ruts.

Dad decided to back up.

“Bang!” right on to the bumper of the car behind.

We could hardly get the doors open because the ruts were so deep but we climbed out. Although we had banged into the car behind us fairly hard, the only damage that we could see was a broken trunk handle on our car.

The other driv -

er climbed out too. Whoops! It was the local drunk!

He looked at Dad.

“You get the handle fixed and I’ll pay for it,” he said. “We might as well do it that way. Nobody will ever believe that you backed into me!”

He was sober as a judge, mind you, but he had a terrible reputation.

Some years later, I think it was 1937, I was working for five dollars a month way up north. The house where we often stayed was on a knoll, and one evening a couple of the neighbours drove their sleigh into the yard. Because they didn’t come in we went out to see why ... and we sure found out!

Apparently one of the guys had experimented with a brew he had made last summer. He and his friend had sampled it quite a few times during the day until upon finally making it to our place

in the evening, neither of them could make it up the knoll to the house.

Every time they started up the slope I guess it didn’t look right and they kept falling over backwards! They just couldn’t make it, and we practically had to carry them up!

I suppose a fellow could keep on telling about the drunks he knew in the past but eventually it would get kind of dull.

Whenever I get thinking about things, of course I’m always reminded of something that happened during the war. Honestly, I have no idea how much - if anything - those two German soldiers had to drink that night in 1945. But from our outpost along the Maas River, we heard singing away off to our left. We couldn’t see anything for a while but eventually two fellows appeared staggering along on top of the dike.

They had their arms

How to protect yourself from the growing risk of floods

Fuelled by climate change, population growth and urban development, flooding is a growing issue in Canada.

Severe weather events can lead to floods, which, according to the overwhelming scientific evidence, are likely to become more frequent or more intense with climate change.

According to Statistics Canada, about one in six Canadians live along coastlines. And many cities - the fastest growing areas in the country - are built on or close to floodplains. As our population and urban centres grow, so do the number of people exposed to the risk of floods.

Actuaries are risk assessment professionals who are knowledge-

able about events and trends that may pose a threat to people and property. Actuaries who studied flooding calculated the average losses at $1.4 billion per year, but it can be higher. There is about a one per cent chance of losses reaching $13 billion in any given year. To protect yourself and your property from the risk of flooding, you can:

• Be aware. The vast majority of people living in flood-prone areas are not aware of their risk. Try to find information on the risks where you live.

• You can choose to avoid building or living in these areas.

• You can protect your property by checking your sump pump and drains, ensuring proper

grading and drainage, installing a backwater valve for plumbing and sewer connections, and elevating or installing flood barriers around furnaces and appliances.

• Purchase or add on flood insurance. Actuaries note that you shouldn’t assume your existing home insurance policy will cover you. Flood coverage may not be included or it may be inadequate for your

TOWN OF ASQUITH is accepting applications for:

TOWN FOREMAN

•This position involves maintenance and general public works around Town, including maintenance and operation of the water/wastewater works.

•Applicants must have experience with equipment such as graders, front-end loaders, and mowers.

•This individual is required to either have a Class I certificate in water and wastewater works or possess an Operator in Training certificate or be willing to work toward obtaining a Class I certificate. Grade 12 matriculation is required.

•Applicants should submit a detailed resume, including salary expected, by April 5, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. to: Town of Asquith, Box 160, Asquith, SK S0K 0J0 or email: town.asquith@sasktel.net

While all applicants are encouraged to apply for this position, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

around each others necks and were loudly, if off-key, singing a rousing German drinking song, obviously oblivious to the war that was going on around them.

I think maybe their plan was for us to halt and capture them, but we never got the chance. One of the younger guys on our outpost opened up on them with his Bren gun and mowed them down!

No sooner had the Bren stopped firingand given our position away - when a couple of Schmeisser machine guns blasted us from directly behind and a few grenades fell. We were lucky that some of the older guys were there.

So the war in Europe was over at last and a bunch of us were leaving Aldershot camp for

the Far East Force. We lined up by the station while the mayor of the town made his farewell speech. Just when he got to the part where he told everyone what a fine bunch of boys we were, out on to the cobblestones stumbled a couple of obviously inebriated Canadian soldiers. Bottles in hand and both singing off-key they staggered over to where he was standing and collapsed right at his feet. The mayor finished his speech and we took off for home.

I kind of wonder what happened to those two guys, though. Either they spent a little while on “Blueberry Hill” (detention) or maybe someone recommended them for a couple of Oscars!

With drunks you never know!

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M.

needs. For those in highrisk areas, flood insurance may be unavailable or expensive. Check your policy or speak with an insurance agent to be sure. You can learn more about Canada’s actuaries and how they address risk at cia-ica.ca

MONDAY MARCH 25...

e Annual Meeting of the Biggar & District Community Foundation, 5:30 p.m. at the Biggar Town O ce. e report of the auditor will be presented and remarks from the Board of Directors

“All interested persons are invited to attend”

24032KK0

24032KK1

Ask The Money Lady

Christine Ibbotson

Dear Money Lady Readers, Most Canadians would define independence as being debt free, but how is that possible in a rising interest rate market?

If the cost of living and buying the basics becomes more expensive but your income stays the same, you will find it hard to keep up with the cost of living.

This is a struggle many Canadians are facing now. According to a 2024 RBC Independence Poll, 81 per cent of Canadi-

ans are worried about their cash flow and have “money concerns about today vs. tomorrow.”

So, what can we do about it?

Perhaps we could help each other with this question. To all my readers, let’s band together to help one another. Please e-mail me your ways of saving and coping now that the cost of living have increased. I will share your ideas with all Canadians next month.

To get you started, here are my suggestions.

1.) Planning for me would be my number one inflation buster. When we plan our future tasks, even our daily events, we take control and are better at ensuring the overall outcome. Try tracking your spending in a paper journal or on your phone for the next 30 days. I know this is a chore, but you will be guaranteed to find some

things you can change to trim down your spending. You should also never go to the grocery store without a list. Can you meal-prep and plan your meals for the week so you know exactly what to buy without adding in the extras that stretch your wallet and your waistline? Budgeting your spending won’t make the cost of essentials go down, but it can make the higher prices easier to manage.

2.) Do you have a mortgage that is up for renewal this year? Normally I would not want you to increase your amortization on a mortgage renewal, but if it increases your monthly cash-flow and makes it easier to cope monetarily for a few years, it could be worth it. Please remember to adjust your amortization back to the year you plan to retire once you are more finan-

cially stable. For those that are not renewing this year and have their mortgage in good standing, most financial institutions will allow you to skip one monthly payment per year without penalty.

3.) Everyone should be taking advantage of the many cash-back credit cards and rewards point cards now available. I use these cards continuously and love it when I can pay for groceries with my rewards and cash-back offers.

4.) If you need dental care this year, why not take advantage of the CDCP - Canadian Dental Care Plan that is now available to all Canadians that do not have access to dental insurance and have a net household income of less than $90,000. This program has a graduated application schedule which started in

December 2023. If you are over 70 years of age you can apply in March, and those aged 65-69 will need to wait till May 2024. All remaining Canadian residents aged 18-65 will need to wait till Spring 2025. For children under 12, they are eligible now until June 2024, at which time it will open up to all children under the age of 18.

5.) The Canada Carbon Rebate, formerly known as the climate action incentive payment, is another good benefit available to residents of Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, and Saskatchewan. Benefit payout dates for 2024 include: January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15.

6.) Lastly, remember the fastest way to improve your situation is in your

potential to earn an income. Why not consider getting a part-time job or even a new job all together? Did you know that the Canadian government will help with tuition fees for those Canadians wanting to retrain for a new career. To be eligible you must be between the ages of 26-66 and can claim the tuition fees to an eligible educational institution for courses taken to change your occupation, trade or to obtain professional licensing and certifications.

Good Luck and Best Wishes!

Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and CTV News @6, syndicated across Canada. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at askthemoneylady.ca.

Are Canadians saving enough for retirement?

It’s a question on a lot of people’s minds:

“How much do I need to retire?”

The answer is, of course, “it depends.”

How long will you live?

How comfortable do you expect to be? And what kind of care will you require?

The Canadian Institute of Actuaries conducted a survey in partnership with Ipsos to get a clearer picture of how we answer these questions.

Here is some of what they discovered.

How much do you need to retire?

The amount is different for everyone, but as a starting point for discussion, actuaries calculated that someone

retiring at age 65 would need approximately $900,000 in savings to earn $50,000 in annual retirement income. That’s assuming two per cent inflation and a 3.5 per cent post-retirement rate of return for 20 years.

So, how much are we actually saving?

The survey found that more than one in four Canadian retirees have $50,000 or less in savings and investments.

About the same number report having saved between $250,000 and $1 million, with only a small fraction having saved more than that.

How long will your savings need to last? Canadians are living

longer than ever. Most Canadians are taking steps to manage their health. This, along with advances in modern medicine, is likely contributing to even longer life expectancy. While this is generally a good thing, it also makes it more likely you will outlive your income in retirement, so you may need to adjust your savings. What kind of care will you require?

Only a small fraction of us feel like we are likely to need access to a long-term care facility or nursing home in our lifetime. In reality, three-quarters of those who live beyond age 85 will need access to these

facilities.

Having a plan is important. For a variety of reasons, the majority of Canadians do not have

a financial plan for their retirement. If you are in this group, consider giving it some thought and speaking to a financial

planner. Your future self may thank you.

Is your food safe? What you need to know

Many of us enjoy a variety of foods and have come to expect our go-to choices to be available in stores whenever we want.

For grocers to keep shelves stocked with our favourite items, they source a variety of imported products, from fruits and vegetables to spices and cereals.

It’s thanks to food importers that Canadians enjoy such a wide variety of foods yearround. Every day, thousands of metric tonnes of food and beverage arrive in Canada by sea, land and air.

But how do we know these products are safe?

What is the process for importing food into Canada? Here’s a quick look at the Canadian import

process.

All food sold in Canada, whether it is domestic or imported, must meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations and be safe to eat. The regulations cover everything from production and processing to labelling and packaging and they’re designed to ensure that imported foods meet Canada’s safety standards before they even hit the shelves.

At each step of the import process, food importers are required to have measures and procedures in place to minimize potential health risks. While it’s not possible to eliminate every possible risk, these measures help minimize food-related illness.

Importers require a food safety licence to import food into Canada. Without a valid licence, shipments will be denied entry. They are also required to have written preventive control plans and a recall and complaint process in place as well as maintain detailed records so that unsafe food can be traced through the supply chain and quickly removed from the market.

These rules keep our food supply safe. But what can you do as a savvy shopper to make sure the foods you’re buying are safe to eat?

Look for a few key things:

• Food labels: You can use labels to make more informed choices about

the food you purchase. Don’t rely on general product and health claims. Learn how to understand and read food labels by looking for key elements such as the Nutrition Facts Table, list of ingredients and allergen statements.

• Packaging: Just like with any food, ensure

the packaging is in good condition and intact. If something looks off or seems tampered with, don’t hesitate to skip it and opt for another.

• Proper storage and handling: Ensure food you buy is stored and handled properly. For instance, perishable items should be refrig-

erated or stored at the recommended temperature.

• Buy from reputable sources: Purchase food from reputable retailers or vendors. Stores and brands must adhere to strict safety standards. Find out more at inspection.canada.ca

Did the legalization of cannabis lead to more car accidents?

It has been more than five years since the Government of Canada legalized cannabis. What impact has it had on our streets?

Driving after using cannabis is illegal. Public Safety Canada reminds us that drugs increase the chance of a crash. This is because cannabis use makes it harder to concentrate, reduces your attention span, causes your reaction time to slow down and alters your perception of time and distance.

But has legalization resulted in more crashes overall?

As risk assessment professionals, actuaries

dove into this question. A report from the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society looked at car accident reports and insurance claim data. They compared how frequent, how bad and how costly accidents have been after cannabis decriminalization or legalization in Canada and the United States. Their data modelling and analysis found no statistically significant changes in the average cost and frequency of insurance claims or in the number of fatalities. In other words, the act of decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis has

not been shown to result in more accidents.

Other factors were found to be far more likely to predict an increase in accidents than the legal status of cannabis. These include cycles in human behaviour and changes in weather - things like Monday morning or Friday afternoon commutes, the first snowfall of winter and changing the clocks for Daylight Saving Time.

Cannabis use certainly affects how people drive, but the research is showing that legalization itself has not led to an increase in accidents or fatalities.

Does the new Underused Housing Tax apply to you?

Taxes are a fact of life, but it’s understandable to have questions about any new tax you hear about.

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is an annual federal one per cent tax which took effect in January 2022. The key question on most minds when you hear of a new tax is - will I have to pay it?

Well, it depends.

Unlike some municipal or provincial vacancy taxes, the UHT usually applies to foreign nationals, meaning non-Canadian citizens or non-permanent residents, who own vacant or underused residen-

tial property in Canada. The majority of Canadians who own residential property are excluded owners, which means they do not have to file a UHT return or pay the tax.

But overall, it’s usually a good idea to double check.

While Canadian owners are typically excluded, there are situations in which you could still be an affected owner, such as if you own residential property as a partner of a partnership or trustee of a trust.

It’s up to an individual to confirm if they are an affected or excluded owner. If you are exclud-

ed, you do not have to file a return.

If you are an affected owner, you may not have to actually pay the tax if you are eligible for an exemption, but you still have to file a UHT return by April 30, 2024 to avoid penalties and interest. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to check.

Note, even though the familiar annual income tax and benefit return is due on April 30 for most people, the UHT return is a separate return. Find more information about this new tax and whether you’re affected at canada.ca/cra-uht

Remember When

Keith Schell

Like most dogs, our dog was a smart dog. In her own way she was a very good communicator and could make her needs and concerns clearly known to the family when she felt it was necessary.

If she wanted outside, she would go to the door and look at you. If she wanted a treat, she would go over and sit by the box of treats and look at you. If she wanted to play ball, she would

Always pay attention to the dog

bring a ball over to you and look at you. If she wanted to play tug-ofwar she would bring her tug toy over to you and look at you. And most of the time you couldn’t help but smile at her antics and give her what she wanted.

Our late Father often said he wished our dog could talk. Especially when they were outside together and the dog stopped dead with her nose in the air, catching the scent of something on the wind. Dad would always look around, and seeing nothing, would wonder what the dog’s nose had detected. Being out in the country as we were, it could have been anything from bears to deer to racoons to you name it. Watching the dog with her nose in the air you always wondered what was out there and

how far away it was.

More than once over the years Dad said to us, “Always pay attention to the dog. You never know what she might be trying to tell you.”

And as it turned out one night, that was a very true and prophetic thing to say.

One night at home, about three in the morning, Mom and Dad were asleep and the dog was sleeping in her doggie bed on the floor at the foot of their bed.

Suddenly, something woke the dog. With the bedroom door wide open, the dog went out into the hallway to investigate. Eventually she came back into the bedroom, went around to Dad’s side of the bed, and began licking Dad’s face in an attempt to wake him up. When Dad finally awoke, the dog

started to walk out of the bedroom, stopped, and turned to look back at Dad. When she did that it usually meant that she wanted you to follow her.

Puzzled, Dad followed her out into the hallway. And the dog just stopped and stood there.

At a cursory glance, there was nothing out of the ordinary around the house as far as Dad could see. Everything appeared to be in order. So he began asking the dog, “What’s wrong?”

“What’s the problem?”

But the dog just continued to stand there and wouldn’t move. And then, all of a sudden: BEEP!

The dog looked up. And so Dad looked up.

And then suddenly, Dad understood.

The ‘low battery’ indicator on the ceiling

smoke alarm had just started beeping! And because the noise was new and something out of the ordinary in the middle of the night, the dog wanted to bring it to Dad’s attention.

Dad changed the smoke alarm batteries, everything returned to normal, and everyone went back to bed.

Animals, if they are loved and treated as a part of the family, will repay your love and kindness many times over in their own way. You are always seeing stories on the news about dogs and cats that have saved families from burning homes by waking them up in the middle of the night so they can escape from the fire.

Obviously our little incident was nothing on that scale, but pets

generally are very much attuned to their surroundings and if they think something is out of the ordinary, they will find a way to make you aware of it if you know how to properly read the signs.

So, people, always pay attention to your pets. They may not be able to talk, but they certainly know how to communicate. And like our Father always said, you never know what they might be trying to tell you.

And in addition to that, always change your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries twice a year at or around daylight savings time. Better safe than sorry.

After all, you may not have a dog around to warn you!

4 tips to spring clean your closet

A new season finds many of us hunting through our closets, feeling at a loss about what to wear.

But few of us have the funds to reset our wardrobe every year. So, here are some tips to refresh your options and clean up your closet this season.

Get sorted

You might be tempted to start your closet clear-out by trying on everything to see what fits. But before you fall down that rabbit hole, do a quick cull. Don’t waste time squeezing into things you’ll never keep. Haven’t worn it years? It doesn’t spark any interest in you? Put it in one big pile to get out of your home. Do not offer it to friends and

family unless they are in need - most of us have too much in our closets to begin with. Shop your closet

Whether you plan tomorrow’s outfit before you go to bed or scramble to choose an option right before you have to leave, you can speed up the process of getting dressed by stocking concrete outfit ideas in your back pocket. Try carving out some time for a try-on session of the clothes, shoes and accessories you plan to keep. Experiment and get creative with how you combine every piece. Keep an open mind and you might be excited by the great go-to looks you uncover. Make note of your favourite

combinations with photos on your phone.

Embrace pre-loved

Even when you’re trying to save money, something new is nice to have sometimes, and it can breathe new life into a tired ensemble. But be sure to fill any glaring gaps in your wardrobe, such as a good belt or all-purpose jacket, before buying something surplus. Look for quality that will last if you can. For a cost-effective solution to buying fullprice things, take the time to scour vintage shops, thrift stores and buy-nothing or buy-andsell groups online - these last are often your best bet for a good deal. Put unwanted items to work

After sorting, it’s time to get anything you’re not keeping out of your home. Donate items that are in good shape or sell them through an online marketplace to make

a few extra bucks. You might also be able to consign or sell high-end items at a local vintage shop or thrift store.

Anything that’s not in great shape should be

recycled. While curbside pickup won’t typically take fabric, a few chain stores have textile recycling programs instore.

Are Canadians saving enough for retirement?

It’s a question on a lot of people’s minds:

“How much do I need to retire?”

The answer is, of course, “it depends.”

How long will you live?

How comfortable do you expect to be? And what kind of care will you require?

The Canadian Institute of Actuaries conducted a survey in partnership with Ipsos to get a clearer picture of how we answer these questions. Here is some of what they discovered.

How much do you need to retire?

The amount is different for everyone, but as a starting point for discussion, actuaries

calculated that someone retiring at age 65 would need approximately $900,000 in savings to earn $50,000 in annual retirement income. That’s assuming two per cent inflation and a 3.5 per cent post-retirement rate of return for 20 years.

So, how much are we actually saving?

The survey found that more than one in four Canadian retirees have $50,000 or less in savings and investments. About the same number report having saved between $250,000 and $1 million, with only a small fraction having saved more than that.

How long will your

savings need to last?

Canadians are living longer than ever. Most Canadians are taking steps to manage their health. This, along with advances in modern medicine, is likely contributing to even longer life expectancy. While this is generally a good thing, it also makes it more likely you will outlive your income in retirement, so you may need to adjust your savings.

What kind of care will you require?

Only a small fraction of us feel like we are likely to need access to a long-term care facility or nursing home in our lifetime. In reality,

three-quarters of those who live beyond age 85 will need access to these facilities.

Having a plan is important. For a variety

of reasons, the majority of Canadians do not have a financial plan for their retirement. If you are in this group, consider giving it some

thought and speaking to a financial planner. Your future self may thank you.

Agriculture

Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels Farmland

is an interesting commodity to be sure.

On one hand the farm community sees land as almost a sacred resource for the production of crops and livestock.

But is that the best use of all farmland?

Good question.

Over the years a significant amount of farmland has been lost to urban sprawl for example. As cities grow farmland gets taken over for housing developments, airports, factory sites.

Farmers may not always want to hand over the land, there are processes for municipalities to annex land when required.

And, of course farmland gets strips for the increasingly hard

to find gravel pits, and all kinds of right away for power lines, and roadways.

It’s all part of a system whereby progress, or at least what is determined by many to be progress, can move forward. A farmer can’t hold up the expansion of a city by simply saying no.

But, there is also the broader question of who will own farmland.

Should non-Canadians be able to buy up tracts of land? Or, big business conglomerates?

Many would say no, although a farmer seeking out might argue that limiting potential markets impacts their ability to realize the best price - which of course is what they will retire on.

And what about land being sold for nonagricultural production purposes.

There is at present a move toward alternate energy sources, a move which includes large scale windmill and solar panel ‘farms’, and they require land.

So should wheat automatically trump alternate energy uses?

The current Alberta policy states it will no longer allow such projects on Class 1 and 2 land unless they can demonstrate crops and/ or livestock can coexist with them.

So, land growing grain which might be utilized for ethanol production is therefore good, windmills and solar panels is less good, which of course seems a little counterintuitive.

And, if you follow that thinking, should hemp to make paper, be banned because it isn’t food production?

Certainly we already see where farmers often face barriers to draining wetlands because they are deemed more important than the land would be to produce grain, so agriculture production is hardly paramount.

So perhaps, before limiting energy production options on land, turning it into a shopping mall or airport would be a better line to draw in the sand?

Of course in Alberta where the economy has been highly reliant on the oil and gas sector to drive its economy, it’s hard not to see that connection looming in the shadows of a decision which might make wind and solar panel farmers more difficult to create.

Ultimately though this would seem only the start of a very important debate, what is an acceptable use of farmland in a world which is constantly changing?

by Trudy and Dale Buxton

After a great night’s stay in Dauphin it was time to move on to the next stage of the journey.

It was a beautiful sunny day as we headed north on Highway 10. The first community we travel by is Ashville, which sits along the

Canadian Nation Railway, and is named after an originally settler named Issac Ash who was of Irish decent.

Ashville was once a small vibrant community consisting of a wooden elevator owned and operated by the British Elevator Company which eventually became part of the United Grain Growers system until the elevator was removed in the late ‘90s. It was made a historic site of Manitoba.

Another historic site

Duties & Responsibilities:

CLUBHOUSE STAFF

e Clubhouse Sta shall be responsible for ful lling the following duties as assigned by the Clubhouse Manager:

•Booking tee times

•Processing greens fees, memberships, food and beverage sales

•Daily cash out and till reconciliations

•Ensure adequate change available in till

•Ensuring adequate supplies are available (ex. Food, beverages, score cards, etc.)

•Prompt communication regarding unforeseen issues at the Clubhouse/Course – Ex. Equipment breakdown, complaints, equipment requests, etc.

•Ensure Clubhouse is clean

•All other assigned duties.

Quali cations:

•Must have Food Safe Certificate, or willingness to obtain

•Must have Serve it Right (SIRS) Certificate, or willingness to obtain

•Be 19 years Åof age or older

•Ability to work days, evenings and weekends

•Experience operating food equipment is an asset

•Experience with cash out procedures is an asset

•Be willing to learn and accept direction

•Be able to work independently

•Great communication and customer service skills

Term of Contract:

This contract will be for the 2024 Operating Season of the Biggar Golf Club (roughly May to the end of September). These dates are tentative and weather dependent.

Clubhouse Staff will work up to 40 hours per week, with the understanding that shifts may be during the daytime, evening or weekend.

Pay & Compensation:

The wage will be $14-$16 per hour dependent upon experience and qualifications.

Pay will be biweekly.

APPLICATIONS DUE: March 18, 2024

Email to: biggargolfclub@outlook.com

Send Resume to: Box 1431 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

Duties & Responsibilities:

e Course Superintendent shall be responsible for ful lling the following duties:

• Setting the work schedule for outdoor staff, including daily/weekly tasks.

• Orientating new staff on equipment and tasks.

• Weekly communication to Board Representative of planned tasks.

• Prompt communication regarding unforeseen issues at the course – Ex. Equipment breakdown, water line breaks, etc.

• Course maintenance, including: tee boxes, fairways, greens, rough, vegetation, weed control, ball washers, sand buckets, water lines and water system, etc.

• Equipment maintenance and repairs, including: golf carts, mowers, verti-cut, gators, etc.

• Ensuring adequate supplies are available (ex. Sand, grass seed, tools, etc.)

• General maintenance and repair duties in Clubhouse.

• All other assigned duties.

Quali cations:

•Must have a valid Saskatchewan Driver’s License

• Be 18 years of age or older

•Ability to work weekends

• Experience operating outdoor equipment is an asset

• Experience working with turf maintenance is an asset

• Experience managing staff is an asset

• Be willing to learn and accept direction

• Be able to work independently

• Mechanical skills an asset

Term of Contract:

This contract will be for the 2024 Operating Season of the Biggar Golf Club. The tentative start date will be Monday, April 15, 2024 until the tentative close date of Sunday, October 27, 2024. These dates are tentative and weather dependent; any modifications will be discussed between the Course Superintendent and the Biggar Golf Club Board. The Course Superintendent will work up to 40 hours per week, and shifts may be required on the weekend.

Pay & Compensation:

The wage will be $20-$25 per hour dependent upon experience and qualifications, with the potential to earn a performance bonus at the end of the 2024 season. Pay will be biweekly.

APPLICATIONS DUE: March 18, 2024

Email to: biggargolfclub@outlook.com

Send Resume to: Box 1431 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

is just up the road - the Ukrainian community of Zoria.

Zoria was amongst the communities settled by a large wave of Ukrainian settlers into the county in the early part of the century. The Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church, which is still standing today, commemorates those Ukrainian settlers from the early part of the century.

Next up is the tiny community of Ethelbert, which was originally incorporated as a village in 1950, but since reclassified, joining with the RM of Ethelbert.

Ethelbert received its name from a railway contractor who wanted to name a community after his two daughters named Ethel and Bertha.

Known as the Eastern Gateway to the Duck Mountain Provincial Park, Ethelbert has a population of around 325 people and is surrounded by hundreds of lakes.

The main industries in the area consist of mainly agriculture and tourism, with some logging from the nearby forest regions. Hunting, fishing and most summertime activities bring in many people from all over Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Interesting to note is that Ethelbert has one of the largest cemeteries between Swan River and Dauphin.

Did you know that the Ukrainian Canadians make up nearly four per cent of the Canadian population with most of those living in Manitoba?

Continuing on we enter into the RM of Mountain which contains the Town of Cowan, named after the politician James Cowan who passed away in 1910.

Cowan has a population of around 400 people and is located on the

intersection of the Number 10 and 20 highways.

One of the main industries is tourism, both winter and summer, with all the recreational activities that take place around the area. Logging is another industry that does well in this area along with some agriculture.

In Cowan there is a monument that was erected to mark the spot where the Canadian Northern Railway ended and the Cowan Trail Trail started. It was at this point where settlers coming into the area where forced to get off the train

and walk across the Duck Mountains on foot in search of land and a place to call home.

The byway is now a nature trail. This site also was the location of a early trading post and the home of George Cowan who traded furs with the local Ojibwa trappers.

At the end of the Cowan Trail is the Spirits Rock which has a number of figures that are engraved on the rock signifying the early years of the First Nations people that roamed the land.

Stay tuned as we continue our trip into Manitoba.

OUTDOOR COURSE WORKER

Duties & Responsibilities:

Outdoor Sta shall be responsible for ful lling the following duties as assigned by the Course

Superintendent:

• Course maintenance, including: tee boxes, fairways, greens, rough, vegetation, weed control, ball washers, sand buckets, water lines and water system, etc.

• Equipment maintenance and repairs, including: golf carts, mowers, verti-cut, gators, etc.

• Prompt communication to the Maintenance Manager regarding unforeseen issues at the course – Ex. Equipment breakdown, water line breaks, etc.

• General maintenance and repair duties in Clubhouse

• All other assigned duties

Quali cations:

• Be 16 years of age or older

• Ability to work days and weekends

• Experience operating outdoor equipment is an asset

• Be willing to learn and accept direction

• Be able to work independently

• Mechanical skills an asset

Term of Contract:

This contract will be for the 2024 Operating Season of the Biggar Golf Club. This position will run from approximately May to September, with the potential to be extended to the end of October.

The Outdoor Staff will work up to 40 hours per week, understanding that some weekend shifts will be required.

Pay & Compensation:

The wage will be $13-$16 per hour dependent upon experience and qualifications. Pay will be biweekly.

APPLICATIONS DUE: March 18, 2024 Email to biggargolfclub@outlook.com

“Welcome to” Cowan, Manitoba

Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church

Lenten Season celebrated every Friday ... Lent is well upon us, and the second Lenten Lunch was held at the Biggar New Horizons this past Friday at noon. Three more services (with soup and sandwiches to follow) will be held at the New Horizons as we observe the 40 days Jesus Christ spent in the desert, enduring Satan’s temptations. The Friday noon hour services are open to all denominations and are hosted by the Biggar Ministerial Association. (Independent

Town of Biggar Staff Spotlight

Wayne Schmidtke began working with the Town of Biggar over 18 years ago in the Recreation Department. He lives in Biggar with his wife Glenda and their two dogs.

Wayne enjoys using the riding lawnmower during the summer months and the Zamboni during the winter months, especially when his nieces and nephews get to see.

After spending the last 32 years calling the community of Biggar his home, Wayne appreciates how kind people are, always willing to help when needed.

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency

He acknowledges the benefits of living in a centrally located community to many of our larger centres. Lastly, Wayne is grateful to have the best snow removal in the province when Old Man Winter arrives every year.

215 Main Street, Rosetown

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00

Tel: 306-882-4105

Fax: 306-882-4108

Toll free; 1-855-762-2233

E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0

Please call with questions or concerns

This 58-year-old enjoys riding his motorcycle during his off time, tinkering in his garage, and getting outside with his dogs. Wayne and his wife enjoy an A&W burger with an A&W Root Beer in a frosted chilled mug when going out for dinner.

This summer, when you are cooling off at the

Attention: Kathie

CLUBHOUSE MANAGER

Duties & Responsibilities:

e Clubhouse Manager shall be responsible for ful lling the following duties:

• Setting the work schedule for Clubhouse staff, including daily/weekly tasks.

• Orientating new staff on equipment and tasks.

• Booking tee times

• Processing greens fees, memberships, food and beverage sales

• Daily cash out and till reconciliations

• Ensure adequate change available in till

• Ensuring adequate supplies are available (ex. Food, beverages, score cards, etc.)

• Setting weekly meal plans, and meals for tournaments, men’s nights, ladies’ nights, seniors’ afternoons, etc. by coordinating with the organizers.

• Weekly communication to Board Representative of Clubhouse activities.

• Monthly inventory counts.

• Prompt communication regarding unforeseen issues at the Clubhouse/Course – Ex. Equipment breakdown, complaints, equipment requests, etc.

• Ensure Clubhouse is clean and all other assigned duties.

Quali cations:

• Must have Food Safe Certificate, or willingness to obtain

• Must have Serve it Right (SIRS) Certificate, or willingness to obtain

• Be 19 years of age or older and ability to work days, evenings and weekends

• Experience operating food equipment is an asset

• Experience with cash out procedures is an asset

• Be willing to learn and accept direction

• Be able to work independently and be able to manage staff

• Great communication and customer service skills

I gave you a few variations to look at.

Term of Contract:

Biggar Aquatic Centre or hitting balls at our local ball diamond, you will probably see Wayne Schmidtke working to keep the recreation facilities up to par for your enjoyment!

Please let me know which you prefer by return email and we can get this ad started Thursday, November 24.

This contract will be for the 2024 Operating Season of the Biggar Golf Club (roughly late April to early October). These dates are tentative and weather dependent; any modifications will be discussed between the Clubhouse Manager and the Biggar Golf Club Board.

The Clubhouse Manager will work up to 40 hours per week, with the understanding that shifts may be during the daytime, evening or weekend.

Price: $35.28 plus gst per week

Pay & Compensation:

Talk to you later, Urla Tyler, Advertising Consultant

The wage will be $20-$25 per hour dependent upon experience and qualifications, with the potential to earn a performance bonus at the end of the 2024 season. Pay will be biweekly.

APPLICATIONS DUE: March 18, 2024 Email to: biggargolfclub@outlook.com

Send Resume to: Box 1431 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency

215 Main Street, Rosetown

PASSPORT PHOTO’S

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00

Tel: 306-882-4105

Fax: 306-882-4108

Toll free; 1-855-762-2233

Available at The Independent 948-3344

E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0

No Reservation Needed

Please call with questions or concerns

No

BUXTON

Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for

the Biggar Museum and Gallery

We have just spent an afternoon hanging quilts! It was great fun, and together we have created a beautiful display in the Credit Union Gallery in the Biggar Museum.

The name of the show is “Same Pattern, Different Inspiration”. The members of the quilting group that meets in the Biggar Wheatland Library each made a quilt, using the same pattern.

The result is not a bunch of quilts all looking the same. But a beautiful, colourful exhibit of very individual works of art.

Quilting is an art form

that is centuries old. First used in China to protect soldiers, two layers of fabric sandwiched a layer of thick cotton. These layers were closely sewn together to provide protection and warmth.

The form of sewing we now know as quilting.

The Crusaders discovered quilting in Turkey, as the Turks used the same method of sewing together fabric, sandwiching a thick layer and wearing it under their armour to keep themselves warm and as extra protection.

Over the centuries, the quilted materials got more decorative. Embroideries and colourful patches were used to decorate the

Crossroads is this pattern, come in to see the three quilts, again, totally different.

quilted material used for warmth and protection.

Then from clothing, the form of protection moved to bedcovers. Then more patches were sewn together to create a more decorative top on the bed.

For a long time, women used leftover materials, used clothing or whatever was available to create the top, and then the filling and back layer were quilted together to keep the people under that quilt warm. From these humble beginnings, a very popular art form arose!

There are a couple quilting groups in Biggar. The persons, Tom, Joanne and Jane,

in this group met at the library and created all these quilts. If you are

interested in joining, please call the library. It’s a great way to meet

new friends, all sharing in own their creative pursuits.

Second in Intermediate. Our judges were Cheryl Cey and Verna Sittler. Then on February 25, Weston, Chloe and Katie attended Distrist speeches in Biggar where Katie Kolenosky placed Second in Intermediate. Incredibly proud of these kids. (Submitted Photos)

Same Pattern, different Inspirations. The pattern is called Smidge, and each one is so different than the others. (Photos for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)

United 4-H Beef club hosted their speeches at Joe and Deb Scotts Farm on February 6. Weston Scott placed First in Clover Bud, Jase Kolenosky placed First in Junior, and Evelyn Custer placed Second in Junior. Chloe Dehr placed First in Intermediate, and Katie Kolenosky placed

Penton On Sports

Rachel Homan was the deserved winner of the 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg deservedly won the hearts of Canadian curling fans.

Homan won her fourth Canadian women’s curling title by going undefeated through 11 games, edging Jones in the championship game by a 5-4 score.

Jones, vying for her record seventh national championship, announced prior to the start of the week-long event that this would be her final Scotties. Her future curling would be limited to two-person mixed doubles with her husband, Brent Laing.

Jones is near or at the top of the list of Canada’s best female curlers.

Sandra Schmirler is revered; Colleen Jones won six Scotties; Kerri Einarson of Gimli won four in a row and Homan is en route to perhaps eclipsing them all. But Jennifer Jones’s resume on the curling ice is spectacular: Six Scotties’ wins; two world championships; two Olympic appearances, one Olympic gold. And if it’s agreed that Jones is the greatest

Biggar Bowl weekly scores

Homan wins Hearts; Jennifer Jones wins fans’ hearts

Canadian women’s curler of all time, and Canada has won more world championships than any other country (Canada 17, Switzerland 10, Sweden eight are the top three), then a solid case could be made for suggesting Jones is the world’s greatest female curler - ever.

While the sentimental choice for winning this year’s Scotties was probably Jones’s Winnipeg-based rink (although Jones, now living in Ontario, was the team’s import), the best hope for Canada winning at the world level lies with Homan and her rink of Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew and Sarah Wilkes. They didn’t lose a game all week, going 8-0 in round-robin play, and then beating Einarson and Jones twice to take the title. It was the first Scotties’ title for Fleury, a top Canadian skip from Sudbury who joined the Homan rink two years ago, skipped it for one year and then moved back to third.

Homan is almost certain to contend at the 2024 world championships in Sydney, N.S., while Jones moves on to become a full-time mother to two girls and a mixed doubles threat - with another Olympic appearance in mindwith her husband.

Jones’ final appearance at the women’s curling championship was one of two major story lines at this year’s Scotties. The other was the 11thhour announcement that Briane Harris, the lead for Einarson’s rink, gunning for its fourth straight Canadian title, had been

ruled ‘ineligible’, with Kremlin-like silence about the reasons.

There was no such silence from Jones’s rivals after the final game.

“Jen, unbelievable, an absolute hero to the game and an unbelievable competitor,” Homan said in a TSN interview.

“I remember watching her a million times, cheering hard for Canada ... watching her win gold, forever in history as one of the greats. Unbelievable week for her team.”

When the world’s best gather in Sydney March 16-24, Homan’s rink will be among the favourites. And Jennifer Jones will likely be watching on TV, cheering on Canada’s best and relishing the memories of her own great career.

• Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “What are the ratings for the Borje

by Phil Heilman

Salming mini-series in the U.S. I’m guessing a 0.1 in Minnesota and a 0.0 everywhere else.”

• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “For the Steelers, the good news is that Mike Tomlin likes Bears quarterback Justin Fields; the bad news is that Tomlin likes Justin Fields.”

• Super 70s Sports: “When Boog Powell joined the Dodgers, he’d eat nachos all game and then pinch-hit in the helmet they came in.”

• An oldie but a goodie from RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Good news for Norwegian golfers: the European Challenge Tour is returning to Norway after a three-year absence. Have you driven a fjord lately?”

• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “The Blue Jays have added 270-pound possible DH

Daniel Vogelbach to a team that already has Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk and Alek Manoah. If the Jays need an offensive line, they’ve got one. Not sure about the ball team, though.”

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “I just saw where LIV defector Jon Rahm says Tiger Woods is ignoring him. Hey, maybe he should dress up as a Perkins waitress.”

• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Former NFL star, Cam Newton, had to be removed by security after being in a huge brawl at a youth football game. Apparently he and another parent were arguing over which team had the best sportsmanship.”

• Another one from RJ Currie: “In honour of Canada’s men’s curling championship, the top five Montana’s Brier curling rock acts:

5.) Kiss; 4.) Crowded House; 3.) Ice-T; 2.) Guardin’ Lightfoot; 1.) The Rolling Stones.

• RJ Currie again: “The crowd was so loud at the recent Canadian women’s curling championship, Ontario second Emma Miskew threw a draw when Rachel Homan asked for a takeout. Call it Miskewmunication.”

• Fark.com: “FedEx ends its 25-year deal with Washington’s NFL franchise for naming rights to their home field. Which makes sense since it’s been a couple of decades since the Commanders delivered anything.”

• fark.com again: “(New coach) Jerod Mayo creating Patriots way instead of ‘only works with Tom Brady way.’”

• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca

Sask West This Week

Only one league game on the docket as Game 3 of the best of five between the Macklin Mohawks and the Wilkie Outlaws took place Sunday night at the SaskCan Community Centre where the Outlaws came away with the 4-1 win and win the series 3-0.

Wilkie struck first off the stick of Rick Cey, giving them the 1-0 lead which held after one period. Cey and Ryne Keller would extend that lead to 3-0, and in the third, Cey made the hats rain to further add to the lead. An unassisted

marker by Brian Hillis would break up the shutout but it was as close as the Mohawks would get.

Trevor Martin stopped 41 of 45 shots in the loss, while Jared Herle stopped 34 of 35 shots in the win.

Wilkie awaits the winner of the Kindersley Klippers/Hafford Hawks series. That matchup is tied at one in the best of five.

In Provincial action, the Macklin Mohawks travelled south to Eston to play Game 2 of their Senior ‘D’ North sem-ifinal against the

Ramblers. It was the Mohawks coming away with the 7-3 victory and winning the best of three series 2-0. Macklin will now play the Shellbrook Elks of the Twin Rivers Hockey League or the Delisle Bruins of the Sask Valley Hockey League. Game 3 of the Bruins/Elks series is set for Tuesday, March 5 in Delisle.

The Wilkie Outlaws/ Dinsmore Dynamos scheduled for Saturday in Dinsmore was postponed due to the massive snowstorm that swept through central and southern

Saskatchewan. Game 1 of the series will now happen Friday, March 8 in Dinsmore, while Game 2 is set for Saturday, March 9 in Wilkie. Game 3, if needed, is TBA. The Kindersley Klippers/Kenaston Blizzards games meant for Saturday night was also postponed due to the massive snowstorm. Make-up dates have been set for Tuesday, March 5 in Kenaston, and Wednesday, March 6 (if needed) in Kindersley. The Klippers lead the series 1-0.

Firearms safety campaign extended to spring 2024

Monday Adult Mixed

our communities safe by properly storing all firearms and ammunition.

• using the correct ammunition for your firearm;

Tuesday Night Mixed

Thursday Afternoon Seniors

YBC

Biggar Bowling Weekly Scores

Ladies High Single - Amanda Flasch 244. Ladies

High Triple - Amanda Flasch 546. Mens High

Single - Jonathan Redlick 238. Mens High TripleJonathan Redlick 534.

Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 160. Ladies

High Triple - Melissa Raschke 425. Mens High

Single - Larry Gerrard 341. Mens High TripleJoseph Silbernagel 602.

Ladies High Single - Winnie Rolleston 181. Ladies

High Triple - Merei Boy 424. Mens High SingleGerry Besse 233. Mens High Triple - Greg Love 566.

Bowlasaurus - Alex Friesen 67. Pee Wee SingleAshton Kramer 120; Double - Ashton Kramer 211. Bantam Single - Nash Wheaton 141; Triple - Nash Wheaton 371. Junior Single - Carson Oesch 208; Triple - Carson Oesch 467. Senior High SingleNoah 235; High Triple - Noah 599.

The Government of Saskatchewan is extending its firearm safety campaign, “Secure Firearms. Safe Communities,” into the spring with updated materials to raise awareness about safety, education, proper firearms storage, and licensing.

“We want Saskatchewan firearms owners to know that safety starts with them,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “The extension of the firearms safety campaign will continue to protect Saskatchewan’s tradition of responsible firearms ownership, which is demonstrated by a commitment to ongoing learning, firearms licensing, proper handling and safe storage.”

The campaign features several wellknown Saskatchewan

residents who are acting as spokespeople for the campaign. The extended campaign features Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President, Ray Orb; and Elder and Senator with the Prince Albert Grand Council and Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations, Noland Henderson.

“SARM supports and encourages firearms safety,” Orb said.

“Responsible firearm owners should follow safety practices and ensure their firearms and ammunition are properly stored, get their PAL firearms license, and help educate family, friends and neighbours on firearm safety.” Firearms owners are encouraged to get and maintain their Possession and Acquisition License (PAL/RPAL) and keep their loved ones and

“Thank you to all our outstanding spokespeople for helping to promote firearms safety and our long-standing heritage of responsible firearms ownership in Saskatchewan,” Chief Firearms Officer Robert Freberg said. “The campaign allows the public to gain an understanding of the best safety practices related to firearms ownership, which will keep our communities safe.”

Other important safety tips include:

• learning how to safely load, handle and store every firearm you use;

• never pointing a firearm at anyone or anything you don’t want to shoot;

• storing ammunition separately from firearms or by locking it up;

• unloading all firearms before they are stored or when not in use;

• locking firearms in a cabinet or safe or attaching a secure locking device - such as a trigger or cable lock - to ensure the firearm cannot be fired or stolen;

• ensuring unauthorized individuals do not have access to the keys or combination locks that are used to secure your firearm unless they are licensed and have your permission to use them; and,

• storing firearms safely when they are being transported.

This year’s firearms safety campaign messages will be featured on radio, billboards, print materials, and digital media platforms. The campaign begins March 4, 2024, and ends mid-April 2024.

Bruce Penton

Many paths lead to longterm financial security.

A commitment to saving money, skilful investing and living within one’s means are just some of the ways people can set themselves on the path toward a comfortable and secure financial future. Avoiding debt, particularly consumer debt, is another pathway to long-term financial stability.

Unlike other forms of debt like a mortgage or an auto loan, consumer debt is typically accompanied by high interest rates. For example, the average credit card APR for individuals with good credit is just over 21 per cent, while those with poor credit can expect to get an APR closer

to 28 per cent. Those figures underscore the importance of using credit wisely, as poor use of credit can quickly land consumers in considerable debt. With that in mind, consumers can consider these tips to manage credit wisely.

• See credit as a tool to build your financial reputation. Credit cards have something of a bad reputation, as they’re often noted when discussing the dangers of debt. However, that narrative is different for millions of consumers who have figured out that wise credit usage is a highly effective way to build a strong financial reputation. In fact, using credit cards responsibly is one of the most

Celebrating

In Canada, our rich background of various cultures creates a vibrant culinary landscape that extends beyond borders.

From aromatic spices to exotic flavours, the love for ethnic and imported foods has woven its way into the heartsand stomachs - of many Canadians.

Canadians embrace diverse flavours not just for gastronomic delight, but as a way of sharing

How to manage credit wisely

effective ways to build a strong credit history. Paying credit card bills on time; paying balances in full each month, and thus avoiding costly interest charges; and spending only a small percentage of your credit limit are all hallmarks of wise credit usage. The longer consumers adhere to this strategy, the higher their credit score becomes and the stronger their financial reputation becomes as well.

• Avoid opening too many credit card accounts.

Two to three credit card accounts is enough to maintain a good credit score. Lenders want prospective borrowers to have a credit history that reflects their ability to successfully manage a wide variety of types of credit, so limiting consumer credit to two

to three cards will ensure you are not putting all of your eggs in one basket. Unfortunately, many consumers have not followed this line of thinking, as the average consumer has 3.84 credit cards.

• Maintain a low utilization ratio. Credit utilization ratio (CUR) refers to the percentage of credit currently in use. If your available credit is $2,000 and your balance is $1,000, your CUR is 50 per cent, which lenders would undoubtedly view as excessive. Conventional wisdom governing CUR is to keep it below 30 per cent, though that has shifted in recent years. Nowadays, a CUR closer to 10 per cent may paint consumers in an especially positive light. Recognition of CUR and what qualifies as a

consumer-friendly CUR can motivate consumers to stay out of debt and avoid overspending.

Using credit wisely can benefit consumers in the short- and long-term.

cultural traditions through food

cultures and traditions through food. This is especially true during holidays and events where communities gather to share customs and cuisines from Diwali to Lunar New Year, Ramadan to Hanukkah, and beyond. During festive seasons, specialty stores, bustling markets and online retailers witness a surge in demand for imported spices, unique ingre-

dients and traditional foods from around the globe. You, or someone you know, might even import your community’s favourite festive ingredients and dishes.

Regardless of whether your food products are coming from around the corner or across the world, all food sold in Canada has to meet all necessary Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations and be safe

Don’t leave your fishing shelter on ice, remove it soon!

Attention, winter anglers: all good things must end and the deadlines to get your fishing shelters off the ice are coming up quickly. But make sure your plan to remove your shelter is solid because, before you know it, the ice may not be!

In all areas of Saskatchewan south of Highway 16, ice fishing shelters must be removed from waterbodies by March 15, and by March 31 in the north. But whatever the deadline, know the conditions in your area and plan to remove your shelter while the ice is still safe.

Every year, ice fishing shelters are abandoned on Saskatchewan lakes with predictable results. The structures can break up and wash up on shore along with litter

that’s often left behind, creating environmental hazards and an ugly mess. Submerged debris is dangerous to boaters, water skiers and others who want to enjoy our lakes in the summer. There can be other costs too, negligent owners can face hefty fines, and the structures and contents can be confiscated.

Ice fishing shelters must be marked on the outside with the owner’s complete name, address and phone number in legible letters at least 2.5 centimetres high. Owners must remove all structures and litter from the ice and transport them away. Shelters may not be left on the shore.

Take care while travelling on ice. Slush, thermal cracks and pressure ridges are all signs of unsafe ice. Ice thickness and strength

can vary from area to area, so always check to make sure conditions are safe.

Ice fishing season closes on March 31 in southern and central Saskatchewan and on April 15 in the north. For more information, check the Anglers Guide, available online at saskatchewan.ca/ fishing.

If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report online at saskatchewan. ca/tipp. You don’t have to give your name and you may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTIP Reward Program.

to eat.

These requirements apply to all businesses that import or prepare food for export or interprovincial trade. They keep our food system safe by focusing on prevention and allowing for the fast removal of unsafe food from the marketplace.

As importers need to meet the same food safety standards required of domestic manufac-

turers, consumers can safely share cultural traditions and explore deli-

cious new cuisines.

Learn more at inspection.canada.ca

ARIES –

Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, think about collaborating on a fun project with someone close to you. Find out if anyone needs help on something they may be working on if you don’t have a project in mind.

TAURUS –Apr 21/May 21

An excitement concerning work goals or a business venture may compel you to take some action to get your ideas heard by higherups, Taurus. The

will be receptive.

GEMINI –May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, trying to resolve issues in a relationship this week may leave you feeling unsettled. It might be that you are trying to avoid sensitive topics that you will have to address eventually.

CANCER –

Jun 22/Jul 22

LEO –

Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, this week you may be feeling nostalgic or sentimental. Look over old photographs or watch family movies for a bit. If you want to take it further, reach out to childhood friends.

VIRGO –Aug 24/Sept 22

Find new activities that you can add to your daily routine, Virgo. This may be a sport, hobby or even a new club. Add a dose of creativity to each and every day for good effects.

LIBRA –Sept 23/Oct 23

Uncertainty regarding long-term plans may be driving emotions of shyness, Libra. If you are having trouble , plan excursions or events with friends you trust.

SCORPIO –Oct 24/Nov 22

SAGITTARIUS –

Nov 23/Dec 21

It’s always the right time to tell others how much they mean to you, Sagittarius. It will not take grand gestures to do so, merely your loving words.

CAPRICORN –

Dec 22/Jan 20

Your busy schedule this week has everything feeling more hectic even if it really isn’t, Capricorn. Carve out some time to sit quietly or enjoy some alone time to refresh.

AQUARIUS –

Jan 21/Feb 18

This week you may be feeling especially charitable, Aquarius. Open your heart up to others who may need some extra support. This may be a stranger or someone you know.

PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20

Cancer, if you are feeling content with yourself and life in general lately, that is excellent. Embrace this positive state of mind and take the necessary steps to continue the good feelings.

Scorpio, encouragement comes from people you may not feel are on your team. Take all of the support you can get as you start plowing through some long-term goals.

Some news from a family member may catch you offguard, Pisces. You’ll soon recover when you learn that it is extremely happy news. You may even get good news of your own.

EDWARD (TED)

November 21, 1943 - February 19, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Edward (Ted) Sagon. Ted passed away peacefully in Biggar on March 1, 2024 at the age of 72 years.

Edward (Ted) Victor Sagon was born on November 11, 1951 to Victor and Katie Sagon in Biggar, Sk. Ted married Jean Burton in 1977 and together, they were blessed with four children: John, Jennifer, Steven, and Mark. When his children were young, Ted’s house and yard was always full of extra kids with neighbours, friends and cousins often over. He had one rule: everyone had to come in and eat when the food was ready. During these years, the farm was home to cows, pigs, horses, and even the occasional orphan Bambi. Ted enjoyed spending time outdoors, checking cows, quadding, skidooing, fishing, and once all of the farm chores were done, he would take the kids to Mackenzie Lake where they would go tubing or waterskiing for hours on end.

Ted did exactly what he wanted to do, whenever he wanted to do it. He wasn’t scared of a little hard work, or to try new things, usually jumping in with both feet. This led him to many different careers throughout his life including; grain farming and raising livestock, working for CN, driving semi and eventually starting his own trucking company and hauling grain, fertilizer and anhydrous. His adventures took him all over western Canada and occasionally into the US. Ted was never one to pass up a good deal and would frequently bring treasures home. These “treasures” always required some tinkering and TLC. But eventually they proved their value. It

by Pastor Dale Worrell, Biggar United Church

Is it possible to be a rebel and be a Christian?

The answer is Yes, we should rebel against the unfair aspects of society and world affairs.

Just look at the prophets of old, speaking out (at great personal risk) against injustice in their lives and times.

In this week’s scripture

John 2:13-23, Jesus was angry when he saw the merchants selling high priced lambs and other wares and the money changers who were overcharging folks when they had to convert their currency into the local

If

currency.

The temple looked more like a shopping centre than a temple where people were supposed to go to pray. He was angry, people were making worship all about money.

Jesus knew his actions in the temple could bring him into conflict with the temple priests and leaders, but he did it anyway. Jesus was rebelling, acting, and speaking out against the unfair and unjust practices associated with his religion at his time - practices that prevented so many people from drawing close to God in worship and

was also not uncommon for him to bring home pallets filled with cases of fruit or seafood. We enjoyed many seafood feasts on the prairies over the years.

Ted’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He gave his biggest smiles whenever he saw one of them and always had his arms wide open for a huge hug. He was so proud of them. Regardless of where his adventures took him, he always came back to Biggar to help out for seeding and harvest. It was during these special times that he would often be found with a grandchild or two sitting shotgun in the tractor, combine or the truck.

Ted is predeceased by his parents; Victor and Katie Sagon; son, John; and grandson, Connor. He is survived by daughter: Jennifer (Jason) and children Jeslyn, Eric, Evan; Son: Steven (Lindsay) and children Katie, Kylie, Clayton, and Cole; and Son: Mark (Stacey) and children Georgia, Jayla, and Derek.

He is also survived by his siblings, Pat (Jerry) Kirilenko, Barry (Odette) Sagon and Bernadette (Greg) Blocha, their families, and many other loved ones.

A service for Ted will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Associated Gospel Church in Biggar, SK.

In lieu of flowers, tributes for Ted may be directed to Biggar Home Care or the Biggar Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service

observing their religious duty.

But Jesus was not rebelling against God. Jesus was not saying the whole religious system was wrong and had to be thrown out. Jesus was saying there were flaws and problems in how people were providing services associated with it.

Sometimes we as believers are called to rebel. We are called to rebel against injustice - against that which is wrong. Sometimes God calls us to rebel against the way everyone else is doing (or not doing!) things. Sometimes we as Christian people are called to rebel against what others believe to be right because its obedience to God’s will. It is Christlike. It is like John the Baptist; it is like Elijah and the other prophets of God. It is like all the disciples who

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.

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E MARCH 10, ST.PAULS ANGLICAN

MARCH 24, ST. PAULS ANGLICAN

Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559 Office Phone: 306-948-3731 (Messages are forwarded to Pastor’s phone immediately)

Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

All are welcome to come and join us

Biggar United ChUrCh

REGULAR SERVICES

SUNDAY 11:00 am Pastor Dale Worrall

Inquires Call Church Office 306-948-2280

Leave Message

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

SATURDAY SERVICES

BIBLE STUDY 10:00a.m.

CHURCH SERVICE 11:00a.m. 320 - 6th ave.east contact: 306-951-8445

would not ‘toe’ the party line. It is being a ‘rebel with a cause’ ... God’s holy cause!

As we approach Holy Week, we need Christ’s strength and integrity to call out those who oppress others. We need Christ’s passion to inspire us to resist the culture of the age. We need Christ’s grace as we live out our lives making our world a better place.

Amen.

3 abn www.amazingfacts.org

NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH

...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope...1Pe 1:3

You are Invited

Sunday Tea and Coffee -10:15am Worship - 10:30am NEW HORIZONS 117 3rd Ave. W, Biggar

For more info - Philip Watson - 250-487-8476

Annual Awards Banquet & Fundraiser

March 23rd, 2024

Perdue Complex

For Tickets contact Shelly Sarvas 668-4959

EAGLE CREEK WILDLIFE FEDERATION

Moms battle U9 Nats ... It was a tilt to end the season, Monday as the U9 Nationals hit the Jubilee Stadium for a battle versus their biggest supporters - their moms. A lot of hard-fought battles, but even more smiles as the U9’s and their moms wound up the season. Everyone was a winner. (Independent Photo

We have winners ... Congratulations to Janet Hunter, Wayne Major and Cheryl Sutherland for winning this go around of “The Independent Newspaper Bingo.” They will share the $400 prize to be spent at a Biggar Business. The next edition of “Newspaper Bingo” will start on March 14 with the first 15 numbers. You can’t win if you don’t play ... get your bingo cards at The Independent!