The Biggar Independent Volume 115 Issue 11

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The Biggar Skating Club held their year-ending carnival at the Jubilee Stadium, Friday, celebrating the hard work skaters put in over the past season. “Broadway” was the theme for the entertaining show, with every performance a mini musical treat! Everything from Annie to the Lion King, Momma Mia! to Cats, it was a wonderful Friday evening of local talent and guest skaters, Synchro STAR 4 from Rosetown.

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Keyboard wizards, Piano Heist, hit Community Hall,

The penultimate concert of the Biggar and District Arts Council will feature the tickled ivory of Piano Heist, at the Community Hall, March 20.

Lifelong friends, and colleagues, Nico Rhodes, and Patrick Courtin, shocked and appalled by the realization that piano just isn’t cool anymore, set off on a divine quest to redeem the keyboard and reinstate its reputation as the greatest instrument of ALL TIME!

Armed with the music of the greatest composers, songwriters and performers of the past 400 years, and the technology of the 21st century - their virtual orchestra (Bob), Nico and Patrick deliver everything from classical piano raptures

to bombastic boogie woogie, from romantic piano ballads to 80’s keyboard synth battles in their show Piano Heist! What ensues is a mishmash of theatrical wonder, comedy, audience participation, heartfelt stories, a pinch of history, and a world of musical madness.

Their repertoire spans from J.S. Bach’s Fur Elise to Van Halen’s Jump and Queen’s We Are the Champions, touching on Liszt and Debussy to Billy Joel and Willie Nelson.

Project Creator, Nico Rhodes is a genre jumping, multilingual musician who collaborates with other artists and artforms to experience and explore music in as many styles as possible.

Growing up touring around the globe surrounded by artists and the world of theatrehe is equally comfortable playing jazz, classical, funk or roots music, orchestrating a symphony, writing musicals, and conducting choirs. He begins his day with an expresso and practicing his Japanese, the language he is currently embracing.

Co-conspirator, Patrick Courtin is a multiinstrumentalist, accompanist, arranger/composer, music director, transcriber and music teacher working on multiple projects and genres that include jazz, classical, musical theatre, funk, rock, folk. He has toured extensively in North America and Asia

and currently resides in Parksville, B.C.

Patrick and Nico have been performing togeth-

er for over 20 years.

Piano Heist hits the Biggar Community Hall, Wednesday, March 20

March 20

at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale from Ross Holt at de Moissac Jewellers or from ticketpro.ca

RCMP Report

by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment

This past week we had 39 occurrences reported. Included in the mix, traffic related incidents had 12 tickets issued and 15 warnings.

There was a report of a grain hauler being overweight and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol will be following up with the farm. A 21-year-old female was issued a driving suspension under SGI and had her vehicle towed after being found operating under the influence of marihuana. Report of a half-ton driving around Perdue at 1:30 a.m. with a snowmobile and people in the back of the

box.

A resident of Arelee reported they experience a racist and discriminatory act towards them after the snowplow clearing the streets pasted by their driveway and deliberately built up the snow bank preventing them from leaving their driveway.

A victim also reported online fraud after they sent money to Indonesia.

A senseless act of vandalism and destruction at the regional campground was reported after hooligans destroyed the new hard plastic picnic benches in the picnic shack near the toboggan hill area. If anyone has

any information on this or you want to report those responsible you may have been hanging out with. Please give

crime stoppers a call to remain anonymous or contact us directly.

Take care out there!

RM of Biggar council minute highlights

The regular meeting of Biggar Town Council was held February 20 at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Rickwood, Councillors Alan Boyle, Dakota Ekman, Nicole Hoppe, Kevin McNicholls, Edward Young, and Ivan Young. A delegation from the Biggar and District Daycare attended this portion of the meeting to provide Council with an update.

Council resolved that the minutes of the February 13, 2024 Committee Meeting of The Whole be accepted as presented.

Council resolved that the minutes of the February 8, 2024 Biggar Rural District Fire Association Meeting be accepted as presented.

Council resolved that the Community Development Officer’s Report to February 20, 2024 be accepted as presented by the Community Development Officer, Cassidy Burton. Also, the Town Foreman’s report to February 20, 2024 be accepted as presented by the Town Foreman, Mark Haynes.

Council resolved that the following financial reports for January 2024 be accepted as presented: Bank Reconciliation; Statement of Financial Activities.

Council resolved that the General Accounts Paid in the amount of $70,816.78 and the General Accounts Payable in the amount of $96,583.63 be approved.

Council resolved that Council instruct Administration to enter into an agreement with Connect Energy for a three year term.

Council resolved that the request from Duperow Co-op to tie together Lots 10-18 of Block 1 Plan 102135754 be approved.

Council resolved that the offer from Sask Water for the services of an Operator of Record for the Town of Biggar’s utility permits be approved.

Council resolved that the proposal from P. Machibroda Engineering regarding a Phase II ESA and Corrective Action Plan for the CN park in Biggar be received.

Council resolved that the following demolition permit be approved upon payment of the prescribed fee: Christopher Hooper - Hotel;

Lots 13-16 Block 5 Plan D4770; Conditional to the removal of all concrete, filling in the basement and levelling land to surrounding elevation.

• Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Season winds up for Minor Hockey ... Biggar U11 d-man, Wyatt Redlich watches his C, Drew Fick work against the visiting Outlook Winterhawk, Saturday at the Jubilee. For most Biggar Minor Hockey teams, the season is at an end while some of the blended teams continue their post-season runs on the road and at their home barns in Wilkie, Dinsmore or Kerrobert. The U11 ‘A’ Nats came up short on Saturday versus Outlook ... win and they were off to the league championship final. Unfortunately, they fell 9-3.

(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Vandals destroyed a table at the Regional Park north of Biggar. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment)

Piano Heist hits the Biggar Community Hall, March 20. (Submitted Photo)

Truckers get jail time while real criminals get bail and parole

by Gwyn Morgan, retired business leader and former director of five global corporations

On January 29, 2022, a trucker convoy headed down to the Coutts, Alberta border crossing with the U.S. to protest the COVID-19 vaccine mandates the Trudeau government had put in place. The protest turned into a full-scale blockade that lasted 17 days.

Two of the protest leaders, Chris Lysak and Jerry Morin, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder and mischief, accusations that were hard to credit given the context of the event. They remained in custody for 723 days, with Morin spending 74 of those in solitary confinement. Finally, after their lawyer filed a Charter of Rights application to examine the case, the Crown suddenly accepted a plea deal on minor firearms charges.

They were released early last month.

Contrast this with the recent case of a mother and her child fatally stabbed in a horrific random attack outside an Edmonton school. Despite a long history of violence, the accused killer had been released on bail 18 days before their murders.

In addition to the two Coutts truckers, the federal government has been persecuting Tamara Lich, who had journeyed from across the country to serve as an organizer and spokesperson for the trucker convoy protest in Ottawa that began on Jan. 29, 2022, and ended with the Trudeau government’s implementation of the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14.

Lich, an Indigenous grandmother from Alberta, was arrested and charged with “obstructing police, counselling others to commit mischief, and intimidation.” It’s hard to imagine how this petite, soft-spoken woman could “obstruct police or intimidate” anyone.

Handcuffed between two towering federal police officers, Lich was put in solitary confinement in a dungeon-like cell with a tiny window five metres above her head.

She spent two weeks in jail and was then released on bail with orders not to communicate with anyone associated with the convoy.

Later that summer, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms selected her as the recipient of its annual “George Jonas Freedom Award for advancing

post-storm cold.

If you were in Regina, they were hard to ignore.

But most Saskatchewan people aren’t in Regina - something that sometimes gets lost among those who live or worth within the shadow of the legislative and those who work in that building.

and preserving freedom in our country.” At the awards ceremony in Toronto, she was photographed with another person associated with the convoy and, as a result, was re-arrested. After serving another 30 days in prison, she was again released on bail after a different judge ruled there had been “no significant interaction” with the other convoy member.

Meanwhile, in Ontario, Randal McKenzie, a habitual offender charged with weapons violations and assaulting a police officer, was set free on bail with no conditions other than periodically reporting to his parole officer. He was subsequently charged in the shooting death of Ontario Provincial Police Constable Greg Pierzchala.

The Canadian Criminal Code states: “Persons who are charged with an offence are constitutionally entitled to be released from custody unless Crown Counsel is able to justify their continued detention ... including consideration of the background of the accused and risk to the public.” It’s inconceivable that Lich could be considered a risk to anyone.

The trials of Tamara Lich and convoy coorganizer Chris Barber

ments and the trappings of the place.

However, it’s perhaps an even bigger problem for the NDP Opposition for both similar and different reasons.

finally began in September of last year. The federal Crown Prosecutor, presumably aware the government wanted to teach the trucker convoy protesters a lesson, had already stated he would seek a prison sentence of 10 years - a sentence given only for very serious violent assaults by habitual criminals.

The trial was originally expected to finish Oct. 15 but is taking much longer. After adjourning in December, it restarted in January, though for only one day. A shortage of available court time makes

its completion date uncertain.

Tamara Lich, Chris Lysak and Jerry Morin spent a combined total of 767 days in jaildespite not having been convicted of anything. Meanwhile, Canada’s bail laws continue to allow habitually violent offenders loose after just a few days in custody.

One of the fundamental cornerstones separating a democracy from a dictatorship is the prohibition of government interference in the judicial process. But what else can explain the stark discrepancy

between the Crown’s treatment of the nonviolent convoy leaders and its pervasive and persistent empathy for habitual criminals and even murderers?

Even Canadians who didn’t agree with the trucker convoy’s message or methods should be concerned by the obvious disparity in their treatment at the hands of the legal system. It’s something to ponder as we await the news of yet another murder or egregious assault by a violent offender released on bail that we all know will come only too soon.

What’s been intriguing about the first few days of the Saskatchewan spring sitting is that it hasn’t all been about teachers.

Sure, a lot of it was about teachers. They came to the legislature in the hundreds on the opening day. Wave after wave of them encircling the entire building in the

It has been a problem for all governments. One might not think this wouldn’t be as big a problem for the current Saskatchewan Party 16-year-plus administration where a majority of its members are from rural areas.

That said, its members spend a lot of time in Regina and at the legislature - especially its longest-serving members with cabinet portfolios. Many such influential members have moved to Regina and have got far too used to the entitle-

Except for Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette, all NDP MLAs are from either Regina or Saskatoon, so they already suffer from what it’s commonly known as “Marble Palace Syndrome”, where they see any issue brought or frequently discussed at the legislature to be of inflated importance.

This is not to say that the teachers’ contract issues isn’t of huge province-wide importance. But the very fact that the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation had to define its foremost issue as classroom “composition and complexity” is a bit telling.

The STF prefers to frame it this way because

“classroom size” (a term you’ll hear a lot, but mostly from city teachers) tends to be a city issue where a growing population means overcrowding in schools and the “complexity” of English as a second-language students.

In rural areas where stuffing two and sometimes three grade into a single classroom in small school, “complexity” can mean something quite different.

This is why we saw those teachers who came from all over the province and brave the -30 C wind-chill to demand language in their contract that would ensure the government sets aside budget money each year to address these specific issues.

About the same time teachers were trudging past their windows at the legislature, Sask. Party MLAs were tweeting out

a prepared tweet saying the union has been requested to return to the bargaining table 14 times - highly misleading given that the union is not there because the government has refused to give its negotiators a mandate to discuss classroom size and complexity at that bargaining table.

But as important as these issues, they aren’t the only ones in the province.

In fact, classroom issues only directly affect voters for a short period of their lives while their kids are in school, so they are seldom top of mind.

For that reason, it was politically wise for NDP leader Carla Beck and other issues.

There were the socalled “scandal” issues including Regina Northwest MLA Gary Grewal profiting off inflated

room rates his hotels have been charging social services clients. And there is new issue of Crown Investment Corp. Minister Dustin Duncan charging taxpayers $3,500 for a chauffeur service he used on a Paris business trip to at least partial go sightseeing.

But Beck and her NDP MLAs seem as focused on meat and potato issues like demanding Premier Scott Moe suspend the province’s 15-cents-a-litre fuel tax and the 21 per cent reduction in rural nurses and the need for more rural nurse practitioners advocated by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

As important as the teachers issues are, it’s smart for the NDP to acknowledge there are other issues as important.

Notable Notes

Bob Mason

There seems to be a lot of attention being paid these days to making fun of an old-timers recollections.

Maybe some of it is justified, I dunno. It sure is easy for an old guy to make observations that nobody is around to prove!

The subject that this old guy is giving out with - namely cold weather - doesn’t have to be proven anymore, for if there are some doubters around, all they have to do to find out if I’m right or not is wait a bit and

Mayor

Jim Rickwood

by Jim Rickwood

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to join others in this week’s edition of The Independent in saluting those involved in the agriculture industry. The dedication and commitment of the agriculture sector is often overlooked in our land of plenty.

We live in the heartland of food production and we often take the availability of safe food and ag products for granted.

From the supply of seed, fertilizer and associated inputs, the many stages of production, right through to harvest and distribution and processing the products that grace our tables, we greatly underestimate the local, national and global need for food that exists. Whether it is grain, meat products, condiments, milk products, or even to the leather goods that hold up our pants or become our shoes, the list is seemingly endless.

As we prepare for and approach the 2024 seeding and production season, I offer a huge thank you to everyone involved in the agriculture and its supporting industries and a prayer for a bumper crop, with the cooperation of Mother Nature of course. Please pass on a thank you to

one of our winters will eventually show them. Of course, like most people in Saskatchewan, Y.T. (Yours Truly) was raised in the belief that “winters were cold”. When he was young (and that sure wasn’t yesterday!) there was very little of this Mexico/Southern United States bit that seems to popular now. We just stayed here and took it and never considered anything else.

One of my earliest recollections of how we were expected to accept cold as part of life was when my Mother’s uncle, who had gone over the Chilkoot Pass in 1898 during the Yukon Gold Rush, explained to us how many a man had burrowed into the snow banks in order to keep warm! Uncle Dave claimed that the insulation value of that cold looking snow was far more than anyone gave it credit for!

And it seems to me, regardless of what the health people say, that

Baby, it’s cold outside!

a lot of those guys who ran around the old bunkhouse most mornings before they even got dressed, are still out there alive and kicking. I remember a minus-40 morning in 1939 when we didn’t make it around though ... brrrr!

It wouldn’t surprise anyone I guess to claim that the pot under the bed froze every night regardless of the old tin heater, but boy was it ever cosy under those big, thick blankets!

Most people, let alone “old” guys, have some very uncomfortable memories of the cold, and it isn’t the writer’s intention to belittle the experiences of any reader who happens to have got this far down the page. But shiver along with me as I recall a few cold moments of my own! There’s not going to be enough room to mention them all by a darn sight, but here goes!

neighbours took him to a Christmas concert at one of the local schools. Because the cloakrooms were often piled high with clothes, I left my outer garments in his old car. He got sick or something and took off for home early with all my clothes, leaving me to walk five miles home without them!

Did I ever freeze my ears that night - ask Margaret Coben!

I’m sure that I’ve mentioned this before but one of my most awful memories of being cold was in the early months of 1945 when we got into a ‘to-do’ in Holland. Everyone was issued with balaclavas, thank Heavens, but not too many had dry socks and a lot of fellows had frozen legs and feet!

watered and froze shut. Although I took my mitts off and thawed them out with my bare fingers, right away, there were a few anxious moments when I couldn’t see! I was sure glad that Joe was there!

I forget exactly where it was that my old truck stalled on a snowy road and I had to take a kernel of wheat out of the fuel tank connection underneath. I got a twig from a nearby source and undid the fuel tank line. Cold gasoline ran down my arm as I plugged the twig into the hole. I removed the wheat kernel and repeated the process ... and cold gasoline ran down my arm.

est day that many of us will recall was in Biggar Cemetery at Bob Blaikie’s funeral! How that young bare-kneed piper could stand it while he played the “Lament” as the wind whistled by, I don’t know. And if I remember right, Jim Loukota’s lips turned white as he bugled “The Last Post”!

Maybe I write all this trying to remind the younger types that sometimes it is really cold out there. But I suppose they can find it on the Internet if they have to! I can see it all now:

“By cracky, young feller ... but it shore did git mighty cold in them thar dayz!” says the Oldtimer.

When Y.T. was about 17 or so, one of the

A Word or Two from The Mayor of Biggar

those that supply products essential to our food chain when you see them. We are grateful for having them as part of our communities. As a blast from the past, play the 1972 Murray McLauchlan song, The Farmer’s Song, it’s a great song that spells it out!

Once again we would like to salute the Agriculture Industry of Saskatchewan and Canada for their contributions to our community. This special supplement to The Independent will be published Thursday, March 19, 2020.

After the war and when Phyllis and I lived on the farm, one night Joe and I snowshoe over to our neighbour to play a few hands of Bridge. When we started home and got out in the wind, my eyes

Shivering all over, I finally got the old truck going and rushed home to where my nice, warm wife was. But what nice warm wife wants to cuddle up to an ice cold guy who smells of gas?

I think that cold stretch in January of 1936 was the coldest that I remember. But the cold-

“But Grandpa, it sez here on the Internet, there was a thaw at that time!” replies the SmartAlec Kid. You won’t even be able to tell a decent lie anymore!

theINDEPENDENT

Above you will find your salute/ag ad for this year. Please proof and let me know of any changes by return email.

Speaking of agriculture and food production, I had the opportunity to stop in and observe Food for Thought and the work a dedicated group of individuals do as a local food bank.

The Price for this ad would be 110.25 plus gst, I can make it smaller if you would like, please let me know your wishes.

Thanks

As economies and life’s challenges become more demanding, food is often in limited supply for an increasing number of individuals and families worldwide. Locally, hampers are assembled monthly and distributed to those in need in a very discreet and dignified manner.

ing of March, we can still experience the ravages of winter, like the weather the month blew in. The disruptions that severe weather causes can be disastrous, but in usual style the dedication of our town staff and crews promptly provided the ability to navigate through the congested streets in a timely manner. We absolutely have the best snow removal in Saskatchewan and I offer a collective thank you to everyone for their patience and to the staff and crews for their commitment to community, they are the best...

Dale Biggar Independent

Although food is produced and available locally, our support is still necessary to ensure people don’t go hungry. Whether it be through donations of non-perishable food items to the drop off points in stores and churches, to the donations of financial assistance which ensure items like bread, produce, milk and so much more, can be bought and supplied to those that are in need. Generosity is the gift of helping others, and it feels great!

For further information on our local food bank or opportunities to assist with Food for Thought through donations or volunteering please contact Barb deHaan at (306) 9517510.

As we witness the wan-

It is hard to believe, but Kristine Brown, Biggar’s new Chief Administrative Officer, has been hard at work for the past two months already. Time flies quickly and as stated in the last Word or Two submission, change happens quickly, and I referenced our former CAO’s departure to Kindersley. At the time, the information was correct but change happened and the destination of relocation is now Warman, Saskatchewan where Marty Baroni will be the City Manager with a starting date of 20 March. We wish Marty well in his new position with a huge thanks for his dedication to Biggar.

It is my pleasure to welcome Camille Box to the Town of Biggar team as Deputy Administrative Officer. Camille’s first day was 11 March and comes to us from the RM of McKillop where she was Acting CAO.

Please join me in welcoming Camille into our community!

Ask The Money Lady

Christine Ibbotson

Dear Money Lady,

I don’t have a question but rather a comment. I know you write about millennials a lot and I just wanted to add to that. We recently hired 12 new staff to our growing business and all of them were under 35. Maybe we just got lucky, but they are all great. We didn’t aim to hire all younger workers, but it just worked

out that way and I must say it has given us new and wonderful work karma.

Melinda P.

Dear Melinda, I picked your e-mail comment because I loved your slogan “work karma”! Thank you.

No matter what your age, being a good coworker is so important, especially now when working from home. It is so easy to send out inappropriate e-mails or comment in a nonprofessional manner, because we don’t have to be in the office as often.

According to a 2023 Marketplace Study, office etiquette is slipping. It is important to remember that most people tend to have long, elephant-like memories when it comes to work, whether it be

good or bad.

Taking the high road should always be your goal even if it means a short-term sacrifice.

Canadians will work one-third of their life or the equivalent to 90,000 hours.

That’s a lot of time if you’re not happy. Creating a great “work karma” makes life better, makes businesses more successful, and makes workers more productive. It should be the goal of every business, large or small, to foster a good environment.

Here are some tips to do so.

1.) Never bad-mouth people, even when they are deserving. Try not to lower yourself into a “bash-fest.” If others look to you for rein-

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our farmers and remind everyone how important it is to practice safety as we head into another busy growing season”

Jim Reiter, M.L.A.

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency

215 Main St., Rosetown

Monday-Friday,

9 - 5 p.m.

Phone: 306-882-4105

Toll Free:

1-855-762-2233

Email: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

forcement of their cattiness, simply shrug your shoulders, roll your eyes, or shake your head in bewilderment rather than contributing to the conversations.

2.) Never break a confidence. It seems nowadays, no one can keep a secret anymore, but we should definitely try to.

3.) Thank a person who has done you a good turn and not just with an e-mail; put some feeling into it. Certain favours are worth a phone call, a hand-written thank you note, flowers or a lunch out. Always be gracious and don’t let being too busy be the reason for you not thanking someone.

4.) Compliment your co-

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We believe that farming is at the heart of our community and we are committed to working side by side with you to help grow your business.

workers to other people, especially management. This not only helps the co-worker, but it makes you look good too.

5.) When you leave an employer, never badmouth people in your former company (no matter how much you believe they deserve it). You never want to be known as the complainer of your prior “evilboss.” New interested co-workers love to listen to stories, but remember, this will most likely reflect badly on you. As a last tip for a good “work karma,” try to always be transparent. Remember that people don’t know what you know unless you tell them and keep them

up-to-date. It is so difficult to be collaborative when you are missing key facts. Pooling resources and creating a diverse work environment allows businesses to lean on the different backgrounds, skills, and experiences of their staff to create new ideas and innovative approaches for future growth.

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

Steps farmers can take to combat climate change

Climate change is a challenge the world must confront together.

Though people from all walks of life and in all corners of the world will be affected by rising global temperatures and the ripple effects of such increases, the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector figures to be especially significant.

Farmers have been on the front lines in the fight against climate change for decades. When storms strike and climate patterns shift, farmers must find ways to adapt or potentially lose their livelihoods. Experts warn that the planet is warming at a pace that could prove devastating. For example, one assessment conducted under the World Climate Research Programme and published in 2020 in the Reviews of Geophysics concluded that the warming range of the planet will be between 2.6°C and 3.9°C.

Everyone must do their part in an effort to avoid the more drastic outcomes associated with climate change. Farmers can explore these ways to combat climate change as they look to

protect their personal and financial futures.

• Curtail methane emissions. The European Environment Agency notes that capturing methane from manure is one way for farmers to reduce agriculturerelated greenhouse gas emissions. The California Climate and Agriculture Networks notes that more than half of the state’s agricultural emissions come from livestock in the form of methane. The non-profit organization Foodwise reports that holistic, pasture-based livestock management utilizing practices like rotational grazing can help mitigate methane emissions from livestock.

• Emphasize efficient use of fertilizers. The EEA recommends efficient use of fertilizers as another means to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that the greatest efficiency typically comes from the

first increment of added fertilizer/nutrients, with each additional increment thereafter resulting in lower efficiency. Making every effort to make the most of initial applications can save farmers money and reduce the impact on the environment.

• Participate in and help promote local farmers markets. Foodwise notes that food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles before it ends up on consumers’ plates. Transporting foods that far contributes to more greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers who can sell to local farmers markets can help reduce such emissions. Promoting those efforts via social media pages or other public platforms can increase consumer awareness of the availability of fresh, locally grown foods.

The challenges posed by climate change are not going away. Farmers can take various steps to overcome those challenges.

Agriculture

Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels

Certainly, international tensions are nothing new, but at present we do seem to be inching ever closer to crossing a line we may not be able to edge away from that could tumble the world back into a widespread war.

We are of course aware of the desire by Russian leader Vladimir Putin to reclaim control over huge chunks of Eastern Europe.

The invasion of Ukraine of course was a strategic thrust, with Ukraine not part of NATO. The invasion has been a rather obvious poke to see how NATO will react, and of course that reaction has been one where NATO is obviously satisfied to let Ukraine go it alone rather than risking a broader conflict.

Of course it seems unlikely Putin will stop

War makes ag markets even more volatile

with Ukraine, and he has rather continually rattled his nuclear sabre threatening the West. Meanwhile there is the issue of Israel and the Palestinians which has galvanized feelings on both sides. The Middle East has long been something of a tinderbox, one more highly valued than most because it generally sits over an ocean of oil critical to world business.

Anything that might escalate things there would have almost immediate economic issues.

Then there the increasing friction between China and the United States.

On one hand some see a Chinese invasion of Taiwan as imminent, which would be troublesome of course.

In the US the potential that they might actually re-elect the ridiculous, yet ultimately scary, Donald Trump as president would only further stain relations with China.

And, we can’t discount that any upheaval in that region might be the door opening for North Korea

to get involved and that too is scary as their leader Kim Jong Un is perhaps the only wilder card on the planet than Trump and Putin.

In terms of agriculture the potential volatility of even the regional tensions is obvious.

There are suggestions Russia will become more active in grain exports - no doubt to help fund their armed incursion.

China may be more active in imports if readying for the aforementioned possible invasion of Taiwan.

And would tensions between the US and China open sales for Canada, or as an American ally would we either be frozen out, or chose not to make such sales?

Should things escalate, and the leaders at present are such wild cards, it is impossible to tell what might happen, but then of course markets and trades go out the door in terms of access to markets, and supply and demand.

We’ve avoided the large-scale escalations for decades, but...

Perdue Pirates Windup

Career opportunities in the agricultural sector

Individuals approach their careers in various ways.

Some may aspire to climb the corporate ladder, while others may pursue a career that affords them ample personal time to spend how they see fit. Many individuals look for careers that afford them ample opportunities to work in the great outdoors, which could make the agricultural sector an appealing industry.

Talented individuals with an array of diverse skills dot the agricultural sector landscape, and

the following are just a few of the many careers to consider within this vital industry.

• Equipment technician: Data from the career experts at Indeed indicates agricultural equipment technicians earn an average salary around $65,000 per year. Agricultural equipment technicians maintain and repair existing machines and install new ones, among their many responsibilities.

• Purchasing agent: An agricultural purchasing agent buys products and raw materials at wholesale. Indeed notes

that purchasing agents often must meet specific purchasing quotas for processors and work with various clients who supply an array of agricultural products. The national average salary for agricultural purchasing agents is around $51,000 annually.

• Warehouse manager: The receiving, shipping and storage of agricultural materials is overseen by a warehouse manager. Indeed notes that these professionals now routinely utilize artificial intelligence products to manage inventory. Warehouse

managers must know and adhere to safety procedures and guidelines that dictate how materials and products are stored. The average salary of a warehouse manager is around $52,000 per year.

• Sales: Like every industry, the agricultural sector requires talented sales personnel. Agricultural sales reps sell materials and products and identify the needs of potential customers. Agricultural sales reps may spend ample time on the road at trade shows. Doing so allows them

to identify customers as well as their needs and wants, and promote their own products and services. An ability to foster strong and trusting interpersonal relationships is invaluable for agricultural sales reps, who Indeed reports earn an average of about $60,000 per year.

• Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers play pivotal roles within the industry, and could become even more vital in the decades ahead as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Environmental

engineers design and implement solutions that occur on agricultural sites, helping to address issues such as unhealthy soil, insufficient drainage and inefficiencies, among other concerns. A career as an environmental engineer within the agricultural industry can be rewarding and lucrative, with Indeed noting that the average annual salary for this position is a little more than $77,000.

These are just some of the career paths individuals can consider as they explore the agricultural sector.

Weekes official portrait unveiled ... BiggarSask Valley MLA and current Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, Randy Weekes, poses with his official portrait. The 27th Speaker had the unveiling taking place this past February 3. (Submitted Photo)

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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Rural Municipality of Reford No. 379 is now accepting applications for a seasonal maintenance employee

Duties include but are not limited to:

Blading, snow removal, mowing, road maintenance, installing culverts and signs, equipment maintenance and repairs.

Successful applicants will be required to:

equipment, operate heavy equipment, operate two-way radios and other communication equipment, perform minor repairs to equipment, secure special attachments to equipment and must have a valid driver’s license.

experience.

a suitable candidate has been retained so please submit your resumes early.

interview will be contacted.

How rising food demand is affecting farming

The population is growing and so is its demand for food to fuel those extra bodies.

Harvard Business Review reports the global population has quadrupled over the last century. It’s predicted that, by 2050, the population will exceed nine billion people.

The world is not able to feed all of its inhabitants, according to Penn State. There are more than one billion people who are estimated to lack sufficient food, and two billion who do not receive adequate nutrition.

Researchers from the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota concluded that, to feed the world by 2030, yields on maize, rice, wheat, and soybeans will have to rise by 60 to 110 per cent. At the start of 2023, projections show them only increasing by 45 to 60 per cent.

There are a few reasons why food supply may not meet up with demand.

• Climate change: Climate change is predicted to cause issues to crop yields, especially in portions of the world where the population is

growing the fastest. For example, a recent NASA study published in the journal Nature predicts that high greenhouse gas emissions may cause corn output to decline as early as 2030, but wheat output would increase. Farmers may need to roll with the punches and shift operations to cope with the environmental changes.

• Decreased commercial farming interest: Fewer people are working in farming. Land prices for expansion, new government mandates and regulations, and the impact of immigration and trade policies have made farming less attractive than it once was. Fewer commercial operations result in a diminished food commodity output.

• Consumer waste: Food loss and waste (FLW) is a widespread issue, posing a challenge to food security. The World Bank estimates 30 per cent of all food across the globe is wasted, amounting to 1.3 billion tons of food per year. The average global household wastes 74 kilograms of food each year, according to the United

Nations Environment Programme’s 2021 Food Waste Index. Food waste is an issue that needs a solution as the world looks for ways to feed an expanding population in the decades to come.

In order to improve output, farmers have to make some changes. These can include investment in tools and technologies that enable farmers to apply nutrients more precisely and at lower cost, advises the Environmental Defense Fund. Seeds that need less water and fewer nutrients, as well as new fertilizers that are less likely to be lost to air and water, are some additional ideas.

Farmers also may want to employ green practices, such as hydroponics and drip irrigation, if they haven’t already, to improve efficiency and cut costs. The public also may need to petition their lawmakers to make it easier for farm workers arriving on working visas to man the fields.

Food demand continues to rise, and it has become challenging for agricultural operations to keep up.

Penton

On Sports

Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh Penguins is the only current NHLer with an opportunity to play in his third Olympic Games when the NHL returns to the global competition in 2026 for the first time since 2014.

Crosby, of course, scored the ‘Golden Goal’ for Canada in 2010 at the Vancouver Olympics, and then was part of the Canadian entry in 2014 at Sochi, where Canada defeated Sweden in the final for another gold medal. Politics and NHL team ownership greed prevented the NHL players from competing in 2018 and 2022, but NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced in early February that details had been ironed out, and the NHL would send its best players to the 2026 Olympics in Milan, Italy.

So how will the Canadian roster look?

Will Crosby, who is having an outstanding season with the Penguins this year - but who will be 39 years old in 2026 - be given a chance for a three-peat? Canadian fans almost unanimously say yes, for reasons based on both skill and sentimentality.

Rosters will include 25 skaters - 14 forwards and 11 defencemen - and three goalies. Canada’s weak spot is expected to be in goal, where there

Biggar Bowl weekly scores

Monday Adult Mixed

Will Sid the Kid play in his third Olympics?

is no Carey Price, no Roberto Luongo or no Mike Smith. Instead, the leading candidates are Adin Hill of Vegas Golden Knights, Tristan Jarry of Pittsburgh, Connor Ingram of Arizona and Stu Skinner of the Oilers, none of whom conjure up memories of Jacques Plante or Patrick Roy.

Of course, things could drastically change in two years. Will projected No. 1 draft pick Macklin Celebrini be one of Canada’s top 14 forwards? There are a few slam-dunk choices: Connor Bedard, Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon up front; Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey on defence.

Here’s how my roster of 14 forwards, 11 defencemen and three goaltenders would shape up:

Forwards - McDavid, MacKinnon, Bedard, Sam Reinhart, Brayden Point, Celebrini, Brad Marchand, Zach Hyman, Robert Thomas, Travis Konecny, Mitch Marner, Jonathan Marchessault, Mark Stone and Quinton Byfield.

Defence - Makar, Morrissey, Evan Bouchard, Morgan Rielly, Thomas Chabot, Dougie Hamilton, Drew Doughty, Shea Theodore, Alex Pietrangelo, Jacob Chychrun, MacKenzie Weegar.

Goaltenders - Hill, Jarry, Skinner.

This will be a floating roster for the next 18 months. Players will come and go. Perhaps Crosby will continue to not show his age, and we’ll have to add him to the team. Perhaps some young phenom will come out of nowhere.

Just missing the cut were the likes of Vince Dunn and Noah Dobson on defence, Steven Stamkos, Dylan Cozens,

Matt Barzal, Brandon Hagel, Carter Verhaeghe and Jeff Skinner up front, and Jordan Bennington, Logan Thompson and Ingram in goal.

So much can change in two years, but let the arguments start today.

• Headline from fark. com: “After having the worst season in the NFL, Carolina Panthers plan to A.) rebuild through the draft; B.) bring back some favourite former players; or C.) raise ticket prices? (The answer, of course, is C).”

• Joseph LaMagna of TheFriedEgg.com, discussing golfers in the running for ‘Most Money Won Without Winning a Tournament’: “Off the top of my head, it at the very least beats the hell out of Least

Money Earned Without Actually Winning A Tournament.”

• Sportswriter Herb Gould, on the controversy over the Players being golf’s fifth major: “No fifth major until baseball adds a fifth base. As in Grand Slam.”

• Super 70s Sports: “How to have a great high school basketball team in one step: Step 1: Larry Bird enrols at your school. The End.”

• Another one from Super 70s Sports: “Former Cowboys’ coach Tom Landry used to blow out the candles on his birthday cake each year simply by looking at them.”

• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “The Montreal Canadiens will play in Paris in

October 2025. It’s not 100 per cent set yet; so far, Youppi! refuses to take off his Expos cap for a passport photo.”

• F.P. Santangelo, Sr., on Twitter, after a United Airlines plane dropped a wheel shortly after takeoff: “Always remember if you catch a foul tire give it to a kid.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Reuters reports a Chinese firm is selling bottles of forest fresh air to customers tired of foul smells. Don’t laugh; you get a free one if you buy a Washington Wizards ticket.”

• RJ Currie again: “Five reasons why TV ratings for the Brier rose 13 per cent and why TSN says it’s one of their most popular sporting events: 5.) Curling is a good

draw; 4.) The Brier does well in the sweeps; 3.) It’s great with takeout; 2.) The game has a peel; 1.) The action is end to end.”

• Fark.com headline after a questionable call on a buzzer-beater in a New Jersey high school basketball game cost one team a trip to the state championship: “Bad buzzer-beater semi-final to be settled in court, not on the court.”

• Fark.com again, after the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing match was announced: “Jake Paul announces his suicide will be televised on Netflix and carried out by Mike Tyson.”

• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton200@ yahoo.ca

Sask West Hockey League This Week

by Phil Heilman

The Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) playoffs continued Friday night as Game 3 between the Hafford Hawks and the Kindersley Sr Klippers.

The Klippers came out on top in a 4-3 overtime victory and taking the 2-1 series lead in the Best of 5 series.

The teams traded goals all night, with Jordan Braid opening the scoring. Kyle Donaldson tied the game up to send them into the locker rooms in a 1-1 draw.

In the second, Carson Grolla would score on the power-play, but a minute later, Kobe Kindrachuk would convert on a PPG of his own and tying the game up at 2 after 40 minutes.

4-1, but Lane Gilliss, Jerrett Reichert and Damon McKenzie would all score in a span of a minute to tie the game up at 4 after one period.

Troy Boisjoli scored early in the second to give the Klippers their first lead of the game, and Dylan Georget would extend that lead to 6-4 just past the halfway point.

Jordan Braid scored his fourth of the postseason to cut that lead down to 6-5 after 40 minutes. Boisjoli on the power play would add to the lead, with Reichert making it 8-5. Jeremy Boyer would score to bring the deficit down to 8-6, but it was as close as they would get.

victory.

The Outlaws welcomed the Dynamos into the SaskCan Community Centre Sunday night for Game 2, and it was the Outlaws coming out on top 2-1. Brett Boehm potted the winner in the early half of the third period. Wilkie wins the Best of 3 series 2-0.

The Outlaws now await the winner of the Kyle Elks (Sask Valley Hockey League) and the Carnduff Red Devils (Big

Six Hockey League). Carnduff holds the 1-0 series lead. In the Senior ‘D’ Bracket, The Macklin Mohawks hosted the Delisle Bruins in Game 1 of their North Final, and it was the Mohawks coming away with the 5-1 win. Game 2 of the series happens in Delisle on Saturday, March 16. Game 3 if needed would be in Macklin on Sunday, March 17.

Logan Drackett earned the win, stopping 38 of 44 shots, while Joel Gryzbowski took the loss stopping 22 of 30 shots.

The SWHL Finals are now set as the first-seed Wilkie Outlaws play the second-seed Kindersley Sr Klippers.

Provincials

24033CC2

Tuesday Night Mixed

Thursday Afternoon Seniors

YBC

Kyle Litchenwald would give the Hawks the big 3-2 late at the 6:20 mark, but with the net empty, Brody Ryberg would score to send the game into overtime. In the first overtime, Lane Gilliss would prove to be the hero, sending the home crowd away happy.

Ladies High Single - Marilyn Miller 217. Ladies

High Triple - Marilyn Miller 569. Mens High

Single - Jason Raschke 248. Mens High TripleJason Raschke 653.

Ladies High Single - Kiersten Raschke 188. Ladies

High Triple - Kiersten Raschke 489. Mens High

Single - Jason Raschke - 290. Mens High TripleJason Raschke - 688.

Ladies High Single - Ann De Bussac 249. Ladies

High Triple - Ann De Bussac 529. Mens High

Single - Gerry Besse 192. Mens High Triple - Gerry Besse 518.

Bowlasaurus - Benjamin Olson - 73. Pee Wee

Single - Owen Smith 112; Double - Owen Smith

223. Bantam Single - Peter Olson - 192; TriplePeter Olson - 426. Junior Single - Xander Hebert - 193; Triple - Bentley McNaughton - 503. Senior

High Single - Jake Keefe - 206; High TripleKiersten Raschke 515.

Joel Gryzbowski stopped 35 of 39 shots in the overtime loss, while Logan Drackett stopped 35 of 38 shots in the win.

The Hawks and Klippers convened at the Hafford and District Communiplex on Saturday night for Game 4 of the series. It was the Klippers coming away with the 8-6 win and winning the Best of 5 series 3-1.

It was a scoring parade in the first period as Scott Linnel and Kyle Litchenwald (on the power-play) propelled Hafford to an early 2-0 lead. Kyle Donaldson would counter just 30 seconds later to cut the lead to 2-1. Kyle Ireland and Litchenwald would extend the lead up to

In the Senior ‘A’ Division, the Kindersley Sr Klippers faced the Kenaston Blizzard on Tuesday night at the Kenaston Arena, which the Blizzard won 5-4 in double overtime and tying the series up at 1. Game 3 happened Wednesday night at the West Central Events Centre, which Kenaston came away with a 5-3 victory and ended the Klippers quest for a provincial title.

In Senior ‘C’, The Wilkie Outlaws trekked south to Dinsmore for a Game 1 North Final date with the Dynamos. A slow start and even play meant Dinsmore had a 2-1 lead in the early stages of the second, but the Outlaws popped the cork out of the bottle as they potted 5 goals in 5 minutes to cruised on that momentum to a 7-3

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”

Bruce Penton

Rose Bowl Winners… The Rose Bowl Winners, awarding the top top youths in their discipline, were awarded at the annual Biggar & District Music Festival grand performance on Saturday March 9th at the Biggar Majestic Theatre. Pictured from left to right are Kara Savostianik, for the Karen East Memorial Scholarship in open piano, Valeria Sanchez for the Tom Meszaros Memorial Scholarship in instrumental and Larissa Raddysh for the Biggar & District award in vocal. Independent Photos by Dale Buxton

306-237-7671

Recognizing the hard work of the Ag Industry and wishing everyone a safe and successful 2024.

Troy, Kerry and everyone at T-Roy’s

Troy May & Kerry Donahue

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024 THE INDEPENDENT,

2024 Biggar Music Festival Performace Scholarships & Awards

Instrumental

Tom Meszaros

Memorial- Valeria

Sanchez

Band Musicianship & Enthusiasm in PerformanceBCS 2000 Grade 10-12

Band Excellence In Performance- Valeria

Sanchez

Best Brass - Mikayla

Mark

Best Woodwind - Taylor

Singer

Best Strings - Valeria

Sanchez

Excellence in GuitarReid Silvernagle Band Member Positive Attitude - Claire

Mantyka

Vocal Biggar & District Credit Union - Larissa Raddysh

Large Ensemble - The Piano People

Choral Speech - Saint Gabriels Kindergarten

Large Vocal Ensemble - Saint Gabriels Grade 5/6

Most PromisingAnnika Hadden

Best Duet - Quinn

Beadle

Best Duet - Blake

Dearing

Best Sacred 12 & Under - Anara Hoppe

Best Sacred 13 & OverMaddie McBee

Most Promising 12 & Under - Skye Moore

Spirit of BroadwayClaire Mantyka

Most Promising Student

Accompanist - Reid

Silvernagle

Best School GroupSaint Gabriels Grade 5/6

Musical Theater - Reid Silvernagle Individual Verse - Drew Drapak

Individual VerseSophie Gurel

Merit in Contemporary/ Pop - Blake Dearing

Open - Malia Hadden

Junior Piano

9 years & under - Quinn

Beadle

Best Duet 10 years & under - Brooks

Leschinski

Best Duet 10 years & under - Jaxon

Leschinski

Excellence in Bach or Baroque 10 years & under - Abby Donahue

Canadian Music - Quinn

Beadle

Open - Brieann Singer

Intermediate Piano

Wallace Memorial -

Korina Medancic

Christina Paul Memorial - Taylor Singer

Linda Belak - Kyra Sitler

Best Duet - Korina

Medancic

Best Duet - Kera

Savostianik

Open Piano

Karen East Memorial

Scholarship - Kera

Savostianik

Excellence - Dausha

Ilyasov

Most PromisingDausha Ilyasov

Open - Taylor Singer

Saskatchewan Music 10 years & under - Quinn

Beadle

Saskatchewan Music

11 years & older - Kera

Savostianik

General

Own CompositionJaxon Leschinski

Own CompositionJaxon Leschinski

My annual salute to the Irish always includes a pint of Guinness Beer, a delicious black stout from Dublin, Ireland. This full-bodied beer has a considerably smooth finish despite its bold characteristics and is delightful to drink anytime of the year.

Although there are many fans of this traditional ale, there are just as many cynics due to its dominant taste. I have determined however that even people who don’t drink beer or

alcohol, can appreciate the unique taste of Guinness when used in cooking and baking.

If I have you intrigued, then my Guinness Brownies recipe is the perfect remedy to satisfy your curiosity. These brownies are moist, chocolatey and oh so flavourful. This recipe is also featured in my cookbook “The Best in Your Kitchen”.

In modern day Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has traditionally been celebrated as a

Guinness Brownies

religious holiday. It was up until the 1970’s that Irish law banned the opening of pubs on the 17th of March. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, one may find it more fitting to raise a brownie (instead of a glass) in a toast to St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. However, let’s also make a point of remembering Arthur Guinness, who set up his brewery in Dublin, Ireland in 1759, by signing a ninethousand-year lease.

Thank you Arthur!

Recipe created by Chef Dez, chefdez.com

“These are dark, rich, beautiful brownies with just a slight aftertaste of sweet bitterness from the Guinness. You will love these even if you don’t like drinking Guinness.”

• Butter for the pan.

• 1 - 440 ml can Guinness beer, room temperature.

• 4 large eggs.

• 1 cup berry (superfine) sugar.

• 3 cups pure semisweet chocolate chips (500g bag).

• 1/2 cup butter.

• 1 cup flour.

• 1 cup cocoa.

• Ice cream, whipped cream, or icing sugar for serving, optional.

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13-inch pan.

2.) Slowly pour the Guinness into a measuring cup or bowl to let the foam subside.

3.) In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4.) In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with the butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and add gradually while beating into the egg mixture.

5.) Sift the flour and cocoa together.

6.) To the chocolate/egg mixture, add the flour/cocoa mixture in three parts alternating with the Guinness in two parts, until well combined. The batter will seem very liquid.

7.) Pour into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick in the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

8.) Cut into a maximum of 24 squares. Serve with ice cream, whip cream, or dust with icing sugar.

Send your food/cooking questions to dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 6R4. Chef Dez is a Food Columnist, Culinary Travel Host and Cookbook Author. Visit him at chefdez.com

I would like to salute the farmers and cattlemen of Saskatchewan during Agriculture Farm Safety Week, and wish you continued growth and prosperity in the future.

Randy Weekes, M.L.A.

Biggar -Sask Valley Constituency

Phone: 306-948-4880

Toll Free: 1-877-948-4880

Find Randy on www.randyweekes.ca email: randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca

Swan River, Manitoba by Trudy and Dale Buxton

We continue our Manitoba trip, this time to the community of Swan River.

It was said that Swan River came about its name from the number of Trumpeter Swans that inhabited the area in the nearby Swan Lake. The swan, back in the early days, were hunted to extinction. Since then there has been a moderate comeback of the Trumpeter Swan.

Swan River has a current population of just over 4,000 people.

The first known European explorer to this area was as far back as 1690, and the name Swan River was first noted in the early 1700’s.

Trading posts were first established in the late 1700’s by the Hudson Bay Company and North West Company. They established a trading system with the local First Nations people using the areas abundant waterways.

Did you know that the musical band of the North West Mounted Police, which eventually became the orchestra for the Royal Canadian

“Welcome to” Swan River, Manitoba

Mounted Police, made its debut in Swan River in 1876. All the instruments used were shipped by dog sled from Winnipeg.

The main industries of Swan River, which was incorporated in 1908, are agriculture, forestry and tourism. There are plenty of outdoor recreation activities with fishing, boating, camping and lots of hiking trails plus snowmobiling in the winter. You can take a trip up the Swan River in a canoe like the fur traders used to do.

One interesting little place if you are hungry is a restaurant called “Y Not Johnny’s”, they serve mostly Canadian dishes and pizza, but the name was interesting.

After a brief stop we continued north on Highway 10. We travelled through the community of Birch River, a small but vibrate community of around 150 people.

Named after all the birch trees that lined the banks of the river, early 1800’s Birch River was an important stopping ground for travellers heading east and west.

A perfect rest stop, Birch River also had a stable for weary horses. Just outside the community there is a flat rock, which is the landmark where you would cross the river, and it was appropriately named “Little Rock”.

The community had a slogan for the the town, “where the forest meets the plains”.

Next up we come to the community of Mafeking, named after a South African town of same name.

Mafeking is close to the intersection of highways 10 and 77. If you take Highway 77 West you can travel into Saskatchewan by Hudson Bay. We hang a right and continue heading north on Highway 10 to our next community of Dawson Bay, a small community of around 25 people.

First settled as a site for commercial fisherman, the community continues as a harbour located on the western shores of Lake Winnipegosis.

Stay tuned for more of our travels in Manitoba.

We Salute The Barley Producers of Saskatchewan!

We Salute The Barley Producers of Saskatchewan!

Prairie Malt, as a value-added agricultural processor, would like to

Prairie Malt, as a value-added agricultural processor, would like to thank the barley producers of this area for putting in the extra effort that is vital to growing world-class malting barley!

the barley producers of this area for putting in the extra effort that is vital to growing world-class malting barley!

“Spring is in the Air”

Bee’s are buzzing, days are getting longer, and the smell of spring air. We would like to wish all the farmers a safe spring seeding.

Designs by Ann

thank

Bird House’s by Main Cedar Works

Let’s hear a cheer ... The Biggar U12 Cheerleading U12 squad competed at the Warman Cheer Classic this past weekend, in which this young group achieved an “Outstanding” which is a team that displays the NCA standard of cheering with good timing and precision. They will now compete in Provincials on March 16. (Submitted Photo)

Health Centre receives new beds ... Biggar Hospital has taken delivery of seven new state of the art beds for Long Term Care residents. This was made possible by the generous donations of residents of Biggar and area to the Health Services Foundation, completing their $50,000 pledge toward an upgrade of beds in Biggar Health Centre LTC. Pictures are Biggar and District Health Services

Crop Inputs

Seed / Fertilizer / Crop Protection

Exclusive Crop Protection Products:

Fuel Agronomy

Foundation members Cheryl Desrosiers, Jo Angelopoulos, Louise Singer, Dale Martin, with Care Team Manager, Julianna Tenkorang.

(Submitted Photo)

Things everyone can do to support rural economies

Efforts to revive small business sectors have helped countless communities regain their prosperity and sense of community pride.

Those efforts have been wildly effective in many urban areas, and they also can help rural economies recover from the many challenges they’ve been confronting since the Great Recession, which occurred between 2007 and 2009.

Rural communities have faced many unique challenges since 2007.

For example, a 2019 study published in the journal Rural Sociology found that 46 per cent of remote rural counties were depopulating, while just six per cent of metropolitan counties were facing population losses.

Reviving rural communities does more than help the people who call those communities home. Thriving rural communities can ensure access to fresh foods for people in both rural and urban areas, thus keeping costs down.

Thriving rural communities also can reduce reliance on government assistance

programs. With access to well-paying jobs, more people in rural communities can live above the poverty line.

That’s a significant benefit, as in the U.S., roughly 85 per cent of counties combating persistent poverty are rural.

Attempts to revive rural economies will require a collective effort on the part of people from all walks of life, and there’s much everyone can do to pitch in.

• Buy products from local farms. When buying foods, looking for products from local farms and/or domestic farms can benefit consumers in various ways. Many individuals find locally grown foods more flavourful than products imported from foreign countries. And buying local, whether the farm is on the outskirts of the metropolitan area you call home or elsewhere in your own country, provides some much-needed economic stimulation to rural communities.

• Look beyond foods. Rural communities produce more than food. Soaps, lotions, candles, decorative items, and

other products people use everyday are produced on farms and within rural communities. Choosing these products over mass-produced alternatives made in other countries or in places where profits are less likely to be funnelled back into local communities is a great way to support rural economies.

• Support legislation that benefits rural economies. One of the most effective ways to lend a hand to rural economies is to support legislation that can help them. There are many reasons why rural economies have fallen on hard times, and a lack of digital infrastructure has undoubtedly contributed to those struggles. All businesses benefit from

a strong online presence, and communities can attract more remote workers if their digital infrastructure is improved. Those improvements are often the subject of local, state and even federal legislation. Individuals who want to help rural economies can urge their representatives to support legislation

that can help rural communities build their digital infrastructure so it’s on par with that which has already been established in more populous areas. Rural economies are struggling. However, there’s much everyone can do to pitch in and support efforts to revive rural communities.

e Town of Biggar wishes everyone in our local Agriculture Community e very best and have a safe farming season in 2024

The Biggar Nationals year end awards…

The Biggar Nationals finished league play with 16 points in the Saskatchewan West Hockey League. In the league playoffs the Nationals bowed out to the Hafford Hawks, while in Provincials the Nationals lost to Wilkie in the North semi-final. All in all the Nationals provided some great entertainment on the

ice and taking home some Sask West trophy hardware. Jonathon Redlick led the Nationals with 31 points in 17 games while Brett Matlock, who started all 18 games, provided great net minding.

On Friday March 8, the Biggar Nationals held their annual year end supper and awards, lots of stories were passed

around from this years play and a great supper was provided. This year’s major winners, Most Dedicated Player Award goes to Josh Hawkins. The UnSung Hero Award goes to Hayden McMahon. The Top Defenseman award goes to Wyatt Versilus. The Top Forward award goes to Jonathon Redlick. Last but not

least the Most Valuable Player award goes to Brett Matlock. The Biggar Nationals wish to say thanks to all the fans and volunteers to came to the games to cheer them on and are looking for another great season next year. Other awards pictured were the fun team awards.(Pictures for The Independent by Dale Buxton)

Most Dedicated Player Award, Josh Hawkins, pictured with coach Kyle Laturnus. Independent Photos by Dale Buxton

Top Defenseman award, Wyatt Versilus.

Top Forward award, Jonathon Redlick. Most Valuable Player award, Brett Matlock.

What consumers can do to support local farmers

Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be.

All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods. Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there are many things consumers can do to show their

appreciation for local farmers.

• Buy fresh foods at your local farmers market. Farmers markets are many foodies’ favourite places, but they aren’t exclusive to individuals with a passion for food. Everyone needs to eat, so why not eat foods grown locally, which are generally more fresh and appetizing than imported fruits and vegetables sold at chain grocery stores? Even individuals who don’t typically eat fresh fruit

103 - 2nd

E., Biggar • 306-948-2266 209 Main St., Unity • 306-228-3390

We would like to salute our farmer friends in this Saskatchewan Agriculture and Canadian Agricultural Week We wish you continued growth and prospereity in future years.

Stay Safe

Thank you for your patronage

and vegetables can find something delectable at a local farmers market, where anything from homemade tomato sauces to locally raised fresh beef and pork might be on sale.

• Order directly from local farms. Some farmers have embraced the e-commerce revolution and begun selling the foods they grow to consumers via their own websites. Research local farms and determine if it’s possible to buy directly

from them. Farms may offer delivery or pickup, and consumers can enjoy fresh foods even more knowing that they helped farmers earn higher profits by buying directly from them.

• Check labels before buying in local grocery stores. Packaging labels will indicate where fruits and vegetables came from. When possible, choose items produced by local farmers. This may include fruits, vegetables, meat, pork, or even desserts like

pies. Locally produced foods often taste more fresh than items sent from overseas or distant farms, and consumers will feel better knowing they helped to support local farmers.

• Spread the word. Get the word out after a satisfying experience with local farms and farmers. Whether it’s buying food from farms or taking advantage of family days that let kids enjoy a day on the farm, sharing positive experiences via social

media or word-of-mouth can be a great way to inspire your neighbours to support local farmers as well.

Consumers can do much to support hardworking local farmers. In addition to feeling good about supporting their rural neighbours, consumers also might feel good when they sit down and enjoy a meal featuring locally grown, fresh foods.

Saskatchewan

We're proud and thankful for

Agriculture

3 challenges facing the agricultural sector

Since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic in early 2020, businesses big and small have faced significant challenges.

Though the pandemic has ended, many sectors, including the agricultural industry, are facing familiar and unfamiliar challenges.

The agricultural sector is crucial to the survival and health of billions of people across the globe. Though it’s obvious that modern agriculture is vital to feeding a global population that was greater than eight billion people at the dawn of 2024, the United Nations notes that agriculture also boosts prosperity

and economies by providing jobs.

That reality only underscores the notion that the challenges facing the agricultural sector are facing everyone, even those whose livelihoods are not directly linked to the industry.

According to Earth. org, an organization that offers environmental news, data analysis, research, and policy solutions, the following are three sizeable challenges facing modern agriculture.

1.) Climate change: Perhaps no challenge is greater for humanity in the twenty-first century than climate change, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Climate change has caused shifting weather patterns marked by unpredictability and potentially disastrous developments like prolonged drought. Estimates from NASA indicate corn yields may decrease by 24 per cent by the end of this century, a potentially dangerous development linked to a host of factors, including a shifting climate and elevated surface carbon dioxide concentrations that can be traced to humancaused greenhouse gas emissions.

2.) Population growth: The booming global population is attributable to numerous factors, including longer life expectancies in developed nations due to medical advancements.

How to keep the global population fed at a time when the climate is

adversely affecting crop yields is a significant challenge facing both humanity and the agricultural sector. As the population grows, so, too, does the demand for water, which also must be used to grow crops. Navigating this challenge will be significant, and how it’s managed could affect the economic stability of the agricultural industry in the decades to come.

3.) Investment: Perhaps no industry is more vital to human survival than agriculture. Earth. org notes that countries with strong agricultural sectors often boast higher standards of living and health than nations with a less productive agricultural industry. Despite that, Earth.org notes that investment in the agricultural sector is not commensurate with the growing population. Supporting measures to invest more heavily in the agricultural sector could reduce food shortages in the decades to come and ensure the agricultural sector is better positioned to address the many challenges it is already confronting in the twenty-first century. The challenges facing the agricultural sector affect those who work in the industry but also the global population as a whole. Recognition of that reality may compel more people to support measures designed to ensure the agricultural sector can thrive and help the world to overcome potentially devastating challenges in the decades ahead.

Monday

ARIES –Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, if you notice you have been running into obstacles as you work to achieve your goaAls, you may want to step back and try to figure out another course of action.

LIBRA –Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you will need to pick a course and stick with it, especially over the next few days. There is a lot of temptation out there but if you don’t commit you’ll never get things done.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, now might be a time to figure out how to reduce some stress, especially if you find that people are avoiding you as of late. A change in attitude is all it takes.

TAURUS –Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, an offer that notes your efforts and achievements comes your way. Do not let this immediately go to your head, but enjoy the fruits of your labors.

GEMINI –May 22/Jun 21

Lately your willpower has been week, Gemini. If diet plans are getting sidelined by your inability to stay on track, you may want to enlist a buddy to keep you motivated.

CANCER –Jun 22/Jul 22

SCORPIO –Oct 24/Nov 22

Arguments that have been slowly building up may come to a head this week, Scorpio. Your best bet is to stay out of the fray by keeping your distance and avoiding commentary.

SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, it is possible that someone new you will meet this week can become a close friend who sticks with you through thick and thin. Look for this person in the days to come.

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

You might be ready to delve into the next chapter of a relationship, Aquarius. Figure out what means the most to you and move those priorities to the forefront.

PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20

Inspiration comes your way this week, Pisces. You will have plenty of time to do anything you want to put your mind to. Start making that running list of ideas.

Housing

Rent

Cancer, take a break when you can because there is soon to be a whirlwind of activity coming in your direction. Enjoy down time while it is still available to you.

LEO –Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, exercise caution so that your actions are not misinterpreted. You do not want others thinking you are doing things for the wrong reasons. Try to lighten up and be positive this week.

VIRGO –Aug 24/Sept 22

This week you could find yourself being the center of attention at a gathering with friends or family, Virgo. Use the opportunity to get your thoughts out there and heard.

45. Mayhem

46. Drenched

51. River in northeastern Asia

54. Drug to treat anxiety (abbr.)

55. Part-time employee

56. A very large body of water

57. Aboriginal people of Japan

58. Millisecond

59. Forearm bone

60. Subway dweller

62. Royal Mail

By Pastor Bev Dyck Ephesians 2: 6-9 “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that noone can boast.”

The Bible teaches that being ‘saved’ is a gift that is given to us by God Himself. That no one is righteous, but’ all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.’(Romans 3:23) And that God sent Jesus Christ to die for our sin, be buried

and rise again and if we believe on Jesus Christ that He has done this for us, we are saved. Then the Holy Spirit comes into our life, connecting us with God and other believers. Just like when we receive a gift from someone else, we have to receive it – open it, say thank you and use it. If we do not do these simple things of receiving, the gift is actually wasted and the giver is left wounded. And by our act of receiving, opening the gift and using it, we have not now earned the gift. It was given and we are blessed. When we receive this wonderful gift of salvation from God, we have nothing to brag about – we ought only to be deeply grateful. Because this gift from God actually

connects us with God, we are ‘in Christ’ and that means that our sins are paid for when Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again. Jesus’ rising again shows that our sin is paid for. And now Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. That means, according to God’s logic, we are already there – it is so guaranteed, that it is a spiritual truth fact that we are also seated with Christ in heavenly places. What a difference this makes in our everyday lives! We are connected with Almighty God, and seated with Him! What gratefulness we ought to experience!

OBITUARIES

EDWARD (TED) SAGON

November

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.

1951 - March 1, 2024

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 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 was 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.

DEANNA MARILYN MAE ELLIS

June 20, 1937 - February 28, 2024

Deanna Marilyn Mae was born on June 20, 1937 in Luseland, Saskatchewan to Blake and Joyce Campbell.

Being a very outgoing child she was involved in as many activities as she could be. Girl guides, figure skating and being a majorette in the marching band kept her very busy. The other side of her childhood was complicated by an ill mother. She had to take on an adult role at a very young age.

This taught her to be very resilient and always look for the bright side of things.

She caught the eye of the love of her life while in the marching band in a parade in grade nine. Wes Ellis fell in love at first sight with the girl with the long dark pony tail. Being a shy farm boy it took Deanna asking him to drive her home from the rink to start a 70 year love affair. They got married on October 15, 1958 and she was immersed immediately into farming as the crop was not off. This was their way of life as they worked as a great team and farmed until she was 70. They briefly lived on the farm welcoming first born Rhonda then came Loral then Mitch once they had moved into town.

Apart from farming she loved to try new things. She sewed, cut hair, decorated cakes, upholstered furniture and had a vegetable gar-

den. Her real passion was her yard the beautiful flowers and immaculate landscaping she created.

Deanna was a very active volunteer. She taught kids to skate, spent the entire length of the Kayette Club as an active member, delivered Meals on Wheels, and more. She was a member at the United Church and sang in the choir for decades. She took a very active role in her grandchildren’s lives. They were the light of her life.

When great-grandchildren came along they were just a pure joy to her.

She and Wes did a lot of traveling later in life with Hawaii being a favorite.

Leaving behind to mourn Deanna is husband Wes, Rhonda (Brad) Robinson, (kids Jayda (Brent) Goldie, Harlow and Ember. Brayden (Kristin), Cal). Loral (Lyle) Antonenko, (kids Mallory (Neil) Mckinley, Rylee, Mila and Myles. Jacey (Blake, Miscavish). Mitchell Ellis, (kids Kace and Makenna (Owen, Ellis). Also survived by brother in laws Butch Ellis (Marilyn) and Tommy Ellis.

Deanna had a special place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews.

Deanna will be greatly missed by many.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR,

Everyone Welcome!

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 24, ST. PAULS ANGLICAN APRIL 14, REDEEMER LUTHERAN

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

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

EAGLE CREEK WILDLIFE FEDERATION

Annual Awards Banquet & Fundraiser

March 23rd, 2024

Perdue Complex

For Tickets contact Shelly Sarvas 668-4959

Biggar Taekwondo takes in Camrose medal haul ... The Biggar Taekwondo club went to Camrose, Alberta to compete in a tournament. Fourteen competitors from the club competed taking home 15 medals. Congratulations to Biggar Taekwondo. (Submitted Photo)

Former Biggar resident wins tourism award

... Craig Sutherland along with Rena Sutherland (L’Hoir) formally of Biggar, now based in Nipawin, is the head superintendent of the Nipawin Regional Park. Craig and Rena also are the owners and operators of a year round vacation lodge called Brian’s Place.

On Thursday March 7, the Nipawin Chamber of Commerce held their excellence in business awards banquet. Nipawin Regional Park was nominated with Rexal Drugs and Nipawin Vision Center. Craig and Rena were very excited to win this award. There was a lot of deserving business. Craig and Rena are honoured to accept this award and thank their team and board of directors for their support. (Submitted Photo)

The link between agriculture and food security

The world faces many unique challenges in the decades to come, including a rapidly expanding global population.

The United Nations estimates that the global population will reach 9.71 billion in 2050. That’s an increase of more than 1.7 billion people between 2023 and 2050.

Food security is among the more significant challenges the world will face as the population increases. The United States Agency for International Development notes that food security means all individuals, regardless of their physical or economic circumstances, have access to sufficient food to meet the dietary needs for a productive, healthy life.

Food security is a more significant issue than people may recognize, even in first world, fully developed countries.

For example, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service indicates that slightly more than 10 per cent of U.S. households were food insecure at some point during 2021. In fact, estimates suggest

more than 800 million people across the globe go to bed hungry every night, which underscores the seriousness of the issue.

Agriculture and food security

Food security and the agricultural industry are inextricably linked. The USAID indicates that most of the people who go to bed hungry at night are smallholder farmers who depend on agriculture to make a living and feed themselves and their families.

Supporting efforts to strengthen the agricultural industry can help to combat food security, as the USAID reports that growth within that sector has been found to be at least twice as effective at reducing poverty as growth in other sectors. Much of that can be traced to the disproportionate percentage of poor people who live in rural rather than urban areas. For example, the USAID reports that 75 per cent of poor people in developing nations live in rural areas. But the poverty rate is higher in rural areas than urban areas in the

United States as well. Data from the 2019 American Community Survey indicates the poverty rate in rural areas was 15.4 per cent in 2019 compared to 11.9 per cent in urban areas.

Though recent data regarding rural poverty rates in Canada is unavailable, a 2013 discussion paper on the topic from the Government of Canada noted that the country’s rural residents earned less and had lower levels of education than residents in urban areas, suggesting that poverty is likely more prevalent in the Canadian countryside than in the country’s cities.

What can be done

Though food security poses a significant global challenge, lack of access to healthy foods is preventable. Individuals in rural and urban communities can voice their support for efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector.

A thriving agricultural sector can ensure fewer people go to bed hungry each night and bolster the economies of rural communities that are disproportionately affected by poverty.

It’s Irish Month ... Check out the flag at the entry to town

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery

March is the month to honour those who have Irish in their background or have recently arrived from Ireland.

It’s a time of green beer and green shamrocks everywhere. Did you know that in fact the whole green beer thing and parades, et cetera, originated in the States!

The first parade was in Boston in 1737. The first colour associated with St. Patrick’s Day was originally blue.

How things get changed over the centuries!

Men and women came from Ireland for all kinds of reasons - religious persecution, starvation, and no opportunity for advantages for their children.

The first active trading store in town was built adjacent to the Biggar Hotel. Now the people who built the hotel were French, but the Biggar Trading Company, another General Store, was run by Mr. Fitzgerald, from Ireland! He was an ambitious man, a chef, and even at one time had a restaurant in North Battleford.

The manager of the first general store in Biggar, Bethel, Traviss and Black, was Mr. Black was from Ireland. He was also a chemist, the first in town. He was also the first postmaster in our town!

C.E.B. Rea was an electrical engineer and he came to work on the railway. Like many countries in the world, the Irish came to Biggar to build a better future for themselves and their

family. St. Patrick is often honoured as the man who chased away the snakes in Ireland. Well, that’s how the legend goes. We are not even sure there were snakes in Ireland! He was in fact not even Irish, but he did bring Christianity to the Emerald Isle. And the colour of his robes were blue...

Like many people from countries all over the world, the Irish came to Biggar to build a better future for themselves and their family.

There are many things in our everyday that Irish people have brought with them, one is Irish soda bread. The history of this is going to rock your world! It originates with the Indigenous in North America! They

were the first to use pearl ash to leaven their bread. This is natural form of soda from the ashes of wood. By the 1830’s bicarbonate of soda was more readily available, and it then was used to raise bread without yeast. Irish Soda bread uses baking soda to rise this delicious bread!

The potato, brought from the new world by Sir Walter Raleigh, became a main stay of the Irish diet. Unfortunately, their reliance on this crop was one of the reasons for the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852). The crops were infected by potato

blight, and rotted in the fields, causing mass starvation throughout the country. I barely know how to start a meal without peeling a potato - must be the Irish in

me! Isn’t life funny? Both of these things we equate with Irish culture, and yet the leavening agent for the bread and the potato, both came from

the New World. Here’s to the men and women who came and built their lives and became a part of the backbone of the history of Biggar.

March Madness in the Saskatchewan farmland real estate market is a period of intense activity, driven by the urgency to close transactions before the seeding season begins. Both buyers and sellers need to act decisively, leveraging the advice of their trusted advisors and the bene ts of technology to navigate this critical time e ectively. Remember, in March, time truly is of the essence. Contact our team of farmland professionals if you’re looking to sell your farmland or seeking to purchase. Preparing in advance and moving swiftly will be key to your success during this hectic month. For more information or to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter, visit

Dallas

A Happy St. Patrick’s Day sent to someone in Biggar in 1914 ( pictured right)

The Irish flag symbolizes the inclusion of and the aspiration for unity between people of different traditions on this island. Orange represents the Protestants, Green for Catholics and white for peace amongst them. (Photos for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)

Barn Quilt Workshop ... Ruthilda Métis Local brought artistic flair to