The biggar Independent Volume 115 Issue 25

On target ... Team ropers hit the Rec Valley for the Biggar Ag Days this past weekend. The annual celebration of our way of rural life fought with the weather

(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Biggar Ag Days filled the Recreation Valley this past weekend with all the thrills and spills, hard work and camaraderie of the rural way of life. The weekend was cool and some wet moments put a stop to some events. Still, it was a weekend to celebrate the rural way of life, take a turn on the rodeo grounds and kick up some dust. A tip of the hat to all the volunteers who made this weekend one of the highlights of the year!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Biggar Guardian receives prestigious pharmacy award

Biggar Guardian Pharmacy is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded the Pharmacy Programs Ambassador award at the McKesson 2024 Momentum Conference on May 31 in Montreal!

Brooke McMahon and Carmen Fick were able to attend the conference to accept the award recognizing their outstanding contribution to independent pharmacy and the positive impact the store has made on our community. It was an excellent opportunity for them to network with other pharmacy owners from all across Canada.

The Pharmacy Programs Ambassador

Provincially, most producers have completed their seeding operations with 98 per cent of the 2024 crop seeded, according to the weekly crop report for June 4-10. Rain continued to hinder seeding operations in the northeast and east-central parts of the province. Some producers have indicated their acres may not be able to be seeded this year due to the excess moisture in some areas.

Rain fell throughout the province over the last week with the northeast region receiving the highest amounts. The Lake Lenore area reported the highest rainfall amount at 81 millimetres followed by the Arborfield area at 78

by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment

Last week 65 occurrences were received by the Biggar Detachment, in the mix, 10 tickets were issued and 20 warnings for traffic safety violations.

A driver received a few minor injuries after

Award showcases an owner that has differentiated themselves by supporting programs through demonstrated compliance, seizing opportunities to extract value across all segments in the dispensary, such as generics, brand, specialty, et cetera, and ultimately seeks to drive innovation in their pharmacy by leveraging the tools and resources available.

In the dispensary, they provide a full assortment of offerings. This includes services such as compliance packaging, minor ailment prescribing, medication reviews, immunizations, Point of Care testing, next day

compounding, diabetic counselling, smoking cessation counselling, compression stocking fittings and more.

Biggar Guardian Pharmacy was one of the first pharmacies in Western Canada to launch the “GotoDoctor program” to give their community improved access to a healthcare professional and they collaborate monthly with healthcare providers from the area.

The Momentum 2024 Conference serves as a platform for celebrating achievements and fostering collaboration among leaders in the pharmaceutical industry.

This award is not just a personal achievement

but a testament to the collective efforts of the team and their commitment to driving positive change in healthcare.

They truly believe they have the best employees at the Guardian Pharmacy who were able to help make this award

Seeding near complete

millimetres and the Duck Lake area at 76 millimetres. Regions that have received increased precipitation have noted that the heavy rainfall has caused water to collect in lower lying areas with crop flooding occurring. With the continued rainfall across the province, moisture conditions continue to increase with a few more regions indicating surplus moisture. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at five per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and six per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is five per cent surplus, 87

per cent adequate and eight per cent short.

Although many crops fall within the normal stages of development for this time of year, there has been a week over week increase to the percentage of crops reported as behind the normal stages of development due to the cooler temperatures experienced and delays to seeding from rainfall. Spring wheat and oilseed crops are the furthest behind the normal stages of development for this time of the year. Many producers indicate that pasture conditions have shown great improvement throughout the province given the moisture received. The majority of crops across the province are

reported in good to excellent condition given the moisture received. This has provided a great start for crops as compared to previous years.

Of the cereal crops grown across the province, winter wheat is reported at 69 per cent good and 18 per cent excellent. Fall rye is 73 per cent good and 14 per cent excellent. Spring wheat is 64 per cent good and 23 per cent excellent. Durum is 66 per cent good and 27 per cent excellent. Oats are rated as 68 per cent good and 19 per cent excellent. Barley is 66 per cent good and 21 per cent excellent. Triticale is 83 per cent good and 13 per cent excellent. Canary seed is rated at 65 per cent good and 24

per cent excellent.

Provincially, field peas are rated as 67 per cent good and 24 per cent excellent. Lentils are 69 per cent good and 21 per cent excellent. Soybeans are 73 per cent good and 10 per cent excellent. Chickpeas are 84 per cent good and 11 per cent excellent. Across the province, flax is rated as 68 per cent good and 23 per cent excellent. Mustard is 71 per cent good and 17 per cent excellent. Canola shows to have a wider range of reported crop condition with 16 per cent excellent, 62 per cent good and 19 per cent rated as fair.

Environmental conditions contributing to crop damage this week include exces-

Biggar RCMP Report

rolling their vehicle off Highway 14 near Perdue.

A 33-year-old driver operating a white 2002 GMC 3500 received a three-day driving suspension; a 17-year-old driver, operating an orange 2021 Dodge Charger, received a

60-day suspension; a 29-year-old driver operating 2019 white Toyota Corolla received a three-day suspension; a 49 year old driver of a 2019 grey mini Countryman received a threeday suspension; and a 20-year-old driver of a 2005 yellow Volkswagen

Jetta received a 60-day suspension, all for being under the influence of marihuana while driving.

A report of a gas n’ dash from the Esso. However, members were able to track down the owner and the tab was paid. Suspicious people

were reported in a yard in the RM of Eagle Creek attempting to take a vehicle. The Perdue post office was broken into by two female suspects in a white SUV at 4:40 a.m., damaging many mailboxes with a pry bar.

A couple of noise complaints received in the town of Perdue, due to ongoing issues between neighbours.

A red Big Dog Black Jack zero-turn mower was stolen from a rural property in the RM of Biggar, along with an old flat deck truck that suspects decided to joy ride through a freshly planted crop until the vehicle got stuck, causing a ton

sive moisture, frost and wind. Damage overall was reported as minor except for a few areas of the province reporting increased crop damage from wind and excessive moisture. In addition to damage caused by crop flooding in low lying areas from excessive moisture, producers also note that crops are showing signs of stress due to the excess moisture in some regions of the province. Flea beetles, grasshoppers and gophers continue to cause crop damage throughout many regions with some areas reporting minor to moderate crop damage.

of senseless damage to some hard work. Another black Dodge pickup pulling a flat deck trailer was also seen in the area around this time and was responsible for some of the rural property theft in the area. Unfortunately members lost track of this vehicle out near Harris. Take care out there!

Biggar RCMP, on occasion, deal with folks of questionable intelligence, and here, the end result of “genius” decision making has a farmer taking a hit on a freshly planted crop and an abandoned (and stolen) vehicle left stuck. Here’s hoping RCMP catchup to them to discuss “life-choices”. (Photo for The Independent by the Biggar RCMP)

Biggar Guardian Pharmacy’s Brooke McMahon (second from left) and Carmen Fick (third from left) were the recent winners of the Pharmacy Programs Ambassador award, handed out May 31 in Montreal. (Submitted Photo)

Europe’s agricultural uprising is a warning for Canada

by Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University

Food security in Europe is deteriorating under socialist policies targeting farmers - Is Canada listening?

European politics are notoriously intricate, and the recent EU elections have highlighted a growing fatigue in the West towards socialist and urban-centric policies that impact agriculture and the agri-food sectors.

Following months of farmer protests across Europe, the Green Party, previously the fourth most significant party, lost 19 seats and has now slipped to the sixth position in the EU Parliament in Brussels.

Pro-farming parties now hold more seats than the Greens. This shift suggests that Europeans are increasingly eager for Europe to compete against China and the United States to bolster its economy.

The political upheaval was particularly pronounced in France, Europe’s largest country after Germany. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for

snap elections for the National Assembly, and Belgium’s President has resigned. Germany is experiencing similar turbulence, with the Social Democrats being relegated to a lower ranking.

The farmers’ revolt, which peaked in January and February of 2024 and has affected most EU member states, is fuelled by escalating production costs, foreign competition, declining incomes, environmental restrictions, and onerous administrative procedures. In essence, Europe is undergoing significant turmoil, and it seems farmers’ voices are finally being heard. From a food security standpoint, the situation in Europe is deteriorating. Extreme agricultural policies that empower the state to control farming have rendered Europe less food secure. The results of the EU election will have a profound impact on the continent’s future food security. Farmers have been burdened by bureaucratic policies and restrictive

regulations dictating what and how they can produce. Government oversight has reached extremes, with satellite images used to monitor compliance with allowed crops and field activities, triggering automatic notifications if discrepancies are detected.

This level of state control is unprecedented. Even before the election, the EU Parliament was under pressure. Facing mounting tension, several environmental regulations, including pesticide rules, were either diluted or repealed. This relaxation of green objectives may indicate a broader trend with the new parliament, which could be seen as a positive development.

We have witnessed a significant shift in European regulatory approaches, causing the continent to retreat from exports and focus on self-sufficiency. For instance, Europe’s pork production, one of the world’s most popular animal proteins, is down by three million metric tons from 2021,

representing 25 per cent of the U.S.’ entire pork production. Grain production is also languishing, making it increasingly challenging to feed livestock.

The EU projects that overall cereal production this season will be 4.3 per cent below the five-year average, not only due to adverse weather conditions but also because farmers feel unsupported and lack incentives. Europe’s struggles have created opportunities for American producers, who are now targeting markets like Korea,

previously served by Europe. Brazil has also capitalized on Europe’s challenges, and Canada should follow suit.

While the U.S. views Europe’s self-inflicted food insecurity as a chance to expand its market reach, Canada is enamoured with European-style, urban-centric agri-food policies.

The EU’s experience is a critical case study for Canada on what not to do.

Undermining farmers and disregarding their expertise is reckless and perilous for citizens and the economy. Restoring

dignity to farming in Canada is imperative. For effective environmental stewardship, governments must prioritize farmers’ insights. Their expertise is invaluable, surpassing that of vocal NGOs and federally funded entities like the Canadian Climate Institute or the Smart Prosperity Institute. These organizations have received over $51 million to promote the federal government’s environmental policies, often to the detriment of farming communities.

No benefit in placating extremists

Provincial Viewpoint

Murray Mandryk

Unlike most things in life, politics is perhaps the one area where people don’t get better as you grow older and more experienced. Maybe you get more skilled at the craft.

But if the skill is only about finding new ways to keep getting re-elected, it doesn’t seem the kind if thing that ben-

efits us.

When the job evolves into doing what’s best for the politicians rather than what’s best for all the people, it doesn’t seem as we’re seeing improvement.

Consider Premier Scott Moe, whose troubles of late are not necessarily because of any unfortunate downturn in the economy or because of emerging opponents better at their jobs or proposing better ideas.

The problem of late for Scott Moe - who, it can be argued, has grown his political skills since first being selected as premier in 2018 - is that it seems he has become increasingly concerned with the politics revolving around getting reelected instead of providing the kind of leadership we sometimes need.

Of course, this would

hardly be unprecedented.

By the end of its tenure, the 16-year NDP Saskatchewan government had long abandoned its brand of fiscal prudence. It, too, had lost most of its brightest people and became consumed with hanging on to power.

The NDP lost, because it lost sight of key issues to Saskatchewan people like growth, stagnant population, health care access and high taxes adding to cost.

While this is not to suggest that the same fate awaits Moe and his Saskatchewan Party, this all likely sounds familiar.

It also begs the question: Are politicians doing a better job of serving us if they see their job as placating everyone just to win votes?

It can surely be argued that argued that Scott

Moe was a much better leader in the first year and half of the COVID19 that began in March 2020 when he demonstrated strong leadership in imposing restrictions to stop the spread and then encouraging Saskatchewan people to get vaccinated.

Well, fast forward to today where COVID-19 conspiracy theorist now freely intermingle with anti-Trudeau Freedom Convoy types.

And the problem for Moe - or at least where he seems to have become slightly worse at his job as leader than he was four years ago - revolves around his eagerness to placate those peddling bizarre, conspiracy-driven drivel out of fear that they will move to an even further right option.

Consider Moe’s two and a half hour meeting in April in Speers.

What might have otherwise been a town hall in his Rosthern-Shellbrook constituency quickly morphed into a forum for those eager to spew conspiracy theories.

“It is extremely important we are not dictated to by the unelected, unaccountable. What is your position on the WHO (World Health Organization) pandemic treaty and will you denounce the WHO pandemic treaty?” asked one man.

“I should look at it a little closer,” replied Moe.

“Whether it’s the United Nations or WHO or what’s the other onethe World Economic Forum - they put forward these thoughts and treaties ... and you’re right, they’re unelected bodies and I can tell you don’t have people in this room’s best interests (at

heart),” Moe added.

Asked by another conspiracy theorist: “Why is the Saskatchewan Health Authority instituting the COVID pandemic with a delivery system for biological weapons that’s designed to look like a random outbreak that came from the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) who are subject to high treason complaints?”

To the notions about the CDC or SHA spreading disease, Moe responded: “I’ll read your document.”

One gets that politicians need to be polite or that they sometimes get trapped with irrational people.

But placating conspiracy theorists doesn’t help anyone.

And if Moe now thinks that is the job, he isn’t doing his job as well as he once did.

Sod Hen House (The Egg and Us!)

Notable Notes

It seems to me that a long time ago The Independent printed a piece I put together about the plight of the old soldier.

I’m sure not the right guy to criticize anyone or anything - even old servicemen - but when Walt and I got back from our tour of Europe, the local farm economy had already been adjusting to the problems of the times without us and, of course, well wishes aside, we didn’t fit in very good.

Land was a little hard to get and if it hadn’t been for a Boer War vet - who would sell his “script” land to anyone but a veteran! - we would have probably left the area.

But Frank did sell us his half-section, and we did stay. As it turned

out, we married a couple of local girls and started our families.

Maybe buying that land was a blessing in a way because the farm lifestyle - regardless of $$$ - fit into what we all wanted out of life, and we were eager to forget the rush and roar of the previous few years, and really wanted to settle down a bit.

Although you can’t eat them or wear them when times are tough, there is still quite a bit that can be said about dollars, that’s true! But that subject can fill a whole shelf of books, and if I ever want to tell about our old sod hen house, we’d better get at it!

About 1948 or so, it became obvious that we had to apply ourselves to something more than just straight farming. Sure, the garden kept some food on the table, a couple of cows kept us in butter and milk, and we kept a few chickens.

A lot of local people supplemented their farm incomes by shipping eggs to hatcheries and even our folks had done it, so ...

There were a few old bins around the place and an old beat up stable, but no hen house. We fixed up a couple of the bins to brood a bunch of chicks - some-

how we were going to raise chickens! But we had to build a hen house!

That summer of ‘48 was quite a long sweaty one for me. First of all I got the bumble bug from the local municipality and levelled a spot where we could build. Dad had an old sulky plow and a couple of horses. We had a small pasture of “Prairie Wool” nearby, and day after day, we plowed and hauled sod. With an old axe we cut them 30-some inches long and laid them side by side.

It took quite a while but eventually we had sod walls 50-feet by 20-feet, seven-feet high and 30-some inches thick. Of course, we left much of the south wall for windows!

Up until that time, all that was needed was brute work. Now the figuring began.

One of the fellows at Kinley had bought an old wooden bridge for one lousy buck (of course he had to tear it down and haul it away!) and Harry told me I could have all the old planks and beams I needed for a few dollars. It took a bit of sawing and fitting but at last we had a good solid place to put our windows.

Phyllis and I had scout-

ed around the country and got a bunch of old storm windows that we set in, and it looked darn good but there was no roof!

Another friend of ours had a lot of bush on his land and said I could cut all the poles I could pile on Dad’s old truck for 10 dollars.

I piled so many on that old truck that when I put the truck in gear, it was so back-heavy that the front-end just rose up in the air! It took a little while to move a lot of the poles ahead so that I could drive down the road. Even at that, every time the front wheels went over a bump, they floated up for a second or two. I went mighty slow!

We chipped, hacked, sawed and finally got the whole roof covered with poles held up with two rows of beams. Howard Hewitt pulled into our yard beside it with his threshing outfit and crew (uninvited) and said, “Let’s thresh!”

We blew three feet of straw on to the poles and covered it with 10 rolls of Permax paper (there was no plastic available at the time). Then we blew about eight or 10 feet of straw on top of that, and ... Viola! A sod hen house! Mind you, this was some time ago,

Greeting from the Reeve

Just when we thought it would never rain again on the Prairies, that our colours would forever be done and dead, the Prairie shows her Meadow Face. The world turned green again. Most of the crop is planted, calves are on the ground and fat with the lusciousness of enough rain, and gardeners are patient, waiting for a show. “Summer time ... and the living is easy”, words of a famous song that doesn’t apply to the Prairies. Here the light goes on forever and

there’s a job every where you look.

With all the extra moisture, the RM crew is working hard between showers to get the gravel out and our major roads graded. As soon as the main roads are in order we will start on the back roads. To help with gravel the RM has contracted Trent Silvernagle and Dean Remeshylo to haul for us. The mowing program will start the end of June ... already the grass has gone to seed, and most roads will be done twice. Chandra Archdekin, our Pest Control Officer has, with the cooperation of the Town and the Department of Highways, developed a plan to control the Baby’s Breath within a five-mile radius of the town. This will involve a spraying and mowing program.

The RM traded off the 2013 John Deere 8706P and the 2019 Cat 140 M3 Graders and purchased a new Cat 160JOY Grader.

With up-to-date warranties and machines, hopefully the graders stay out of the shop and on the road.

The RM hired AllOut Drilling to dig a new well at the Monarch Well site. Land was purchased to increase the size and convenience of the site. The well has been dug (tapping into the mighty Judith), holding tanks were purchased and now the crew will landscape the sight.

There have been inquiries about a ratepayers’ meeting. After consultations with ratepayers, Council felt the best time would be in March. The date has been set for “Coffee with Council” for March 17, 2025 from 9 till 11 a.m. Our regular council meetings are public and you are more than welcome and encouraged to bring any concerns you may have to a meeting. Alternatively, please feel free to call the office or any of your Councillors.

and that sod hen house cost us far less than a hundred dollars!

That sod hen house was cool in the summer and fairly warm in the winter, and we used it for years. Little did I feel that someday we’d be sending this in to The Independent.

Of course, it is all gone now, and so are all the rest of the buildings. A flat field stretches north from the road where Frank homesteaded so long ago, and where Phyllis and I started our

lives together. The fellow who farms the place now told me a few years ago that there is always a thick stand of crop where that old sod hen house used to be.

I’m not a soil scientists by a long shot, and I have no doubt that all that extra loam could help produce quite a lot of vegetation where that old sod hen house used to be. But sometimes I wonder if all that sweat contributed a little bit too!

Oh well!

MONDAY

5 P.M.

Unfortunately, the RM is in litigation with a former, disgruntled employee. I hate to spend your money on these kinds of issues but in all transparency, you need to know where your money is going.

Our foreman, Derek Custer, has given his notice. We are sorry to see him go and wish the best for him. Troy McCarty, our Assistant Foreman, is ably acting, at the present time, as Foreman.

This spring we hired Mathew Kappel from Landis and recently added Chris Kinzel to our team. Welcome!

The RM has sold Springwater Hall to Springwater’s community organization. There has been much activity in Springwater, and the hall will be well-used and definitely well taken care of.

I will close by wishing all of you a safe and wonderful summer.

Asquith Council news for June

Asquith Town Council held its regular council meeting on June 12.

Attending was Mayor Gail Erhart, and Councillors Jackie Stobbe, Darcy Stack, Pete Heck, Cecilia Mryglod, and Wade Monks-Janzen. Councillor Jodi Nehring attended by calling in on her personal cell phone. Also attending was C.A.O. Kathy Picketts and Office Assistant Kaila Montgomerie.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Erhart at 6:55 p.m.

A resolution was made to accept the council minutes from the May 8 regular council meeting.

Council made a motion to accept the May 2024 financials and May 2024 bank reconciliations as presented to them at the meeting.

Accounts Paid in the amount of $33,964.16 and Accounts Payable of $79,835.40 was accept-

ed as presented.

Attendance was down this year (likely due to weather) for the Asquith Fire Department Annual Pig Roast/Show and Shine and Dance on June 8.

The 2023 Audited Financials were presented to Council.

A reminder goes out to all individuals that the Town of Asquith has a Burning Bylaw which dictates that one can have a fire in town for recreational use only. Only clean wood/firewood can be burned in your fire pits - no painted/treated wood, refuse, leaves, et cetera should be burned. Be kind to your neighbour and to the environment and burn only clean wood materials. Also, no bonfires are allowed - please keep the size of your backyard fires moderate.

Bob Mason

Ask The Money Lady

Christine Ibbotson

Dear Money Lady, I am a single mom and wondering how to get started investing. I have my savings in a high interest bank account and not sure how to get started.

Jan

Dear Jan, I am pleased to get your question. More women need to be looking at investing for the future but unfortunately

CHEF DEZ ON COOKING

Chef Dez

When was the last time you unleashed your culinary talents? I don’t mean cooking from your favourite cookbook; I am talking about making something in the kitchen completely from the ideas in your head and following your taste buds along the way. If your first inclination when reading this makes

the Canadian stats on women investing today are quite dismal. Because we are still experiencing a gender wage gap, it makes it all the more necessary for women to invest today.

Here’s the stats: women on average earn 20 per cent less than men. When broken down by demographic compared to a white man, Asian women earn 13 per cent less, white women earn 18 per cent less, black women earn 35 per cent less and all other women (visible minorities) earn 42 per cent less. Over an average women’s working career, it’s estimated she will earn $450,000 less than the average white man will earn over his lifetime.

This reality makes it imperative, especially

for single women, to invest sooner so they can use the benefit of time to grow their investments, (through dividends and compounding). Women tend to be much more conservative with their investment decisions than men and typically feel intimidated by a financial advisory community of mostly men. Ladies, you are smart and good with money; you just need to ensure you invest enough of your money to provide for the future you want.

Often times people pursue complicated investment strategies, believing the complexity will give them a better return. Some advisors will take it a step further, talking about the amount of time they must spend evaluating

different companies for things like pricing, dividends and growth potential, to convince clients that their investment strategy is the best. Personally, after 35 years in the industry, I have found that there is no need for complexitysimple is still the best. Ladies, here is how you should get started. I want you to choose three or four ETF Index Funds (exchange traded funds). Index funds are a great way to get into the market because they’re professionally managed funds that follow a benchmark index. They provide superior diversification, lower risk and lower costs. You want to choose different asset types: 1.) US/CDN Stock; 2.) CDN Bonds; 3.) International Stock.

Stay away from emerging markets for now and stick to funds that follow the NASDAQ and the S&P.

Here are some funds you could check out.

Fidelity ZERO Large Cap Index (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF). BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF). TD Active Global Dividend ETF (Vanguard Conservative ETF). TD Active US Dividend ETF (Vanguard Global Momentum ETF). RBC Canadian Index ETF.

History has shown that over the long-term, index funds outperform actively managed funds, and they are considered to be the low-cost building blocks for a typical retirement portfolio. Saving money in a high

interest savings account is good for emergencies or short term commitments, but to keep up with inflation, you will need to invest and get your money working for you.

Women live longer than men and will most likely need more money to support their retirement. Don’t wait ladies - get started now. 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

Chef Dez on Cooking Start With a Blank Canvas

you cringe with stress, I am here to help. Let’s face it, we all have kitchens, and we need food to stay alive, so why not try to bring your cooking ability to new heights every now and then? These are life skills that will influence your dinner table for years to come. Honing these skills will not only bring some excitement to your regular meal planning, but also increase your confidence in the kitchen.

The easiest way to approach this is by beginning with meal ideas that use a blank canvas as a starting point. Being a Chef, people always ask me what my favourite things to cook are, and I usually answer with

“pizza and pasta”. These bases are perfect lacklustre starting points that can be influenced in so many ways with unlimited ingredient and idea combinations.

The first thing is to keep it simple. If it is beyond your desire, capabilities, or timeframe, I am not expecting you to make the pizza or pasta dough from scratch. Simple pre-made pizza crusts and dried pasta is a good enough start. In a pinch I have even created individual pizzas from pita or naan breads. Again, this is not about producing the canvas, it is about your creativity on the canvas. Making the canvas is something that you can pursue later down the road if

Saskatchewan leads the nation in building construction investment

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan ranks first in the nation in building construction investment with a 9.7 per cent increase in April 2024 compared to March 2024 (seasonallyadjusted).

These figures highlight the province’s thriving economic landscape and its commitment to fostering growth and development.

In April 2024, building construction has also seen a 21.8 per cent year-over-year increase in this category over April 2023 (seasonallyadjusted), placing the province third in terms of percentage change among the provinces. Non-residential building construction (seasonally-adjusted) also increased by 3.5 per cent

in April 2024, compared to March 2024, and residential construction increased by 13.3 per cent in this period.

Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province.

The provincial economy continues to see substantial growth recently. Exports are experiencing significant growth, totalling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous two-year period of 2020-2021, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports.

Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers also indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increas-

ing by $1.2 billion, or 1.6 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

The province recently released “Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy,” in conjunction with the launch of the investSK.ca website. These initiatives are positioned to amplify growth in Saskatchewan, serving as pivotal instruments in driving further development.

desired.

The next step is to investigate what you have in your refrigerator and pantry and start choosing some base ingredients to work with. Maybe something you have an abundance of, or something you have forgotten about. Have a look in your freezer too while you’re at it. You’ll be amazed at what you find to work with.

Although it would be very traditional, with either pizza or pasta, to start with a base tomato sauce and add your selected ingredients to it, I want you to try something different and out of the ordinary.

For example, I have made pizzas with a sauce that consisted of cream cheese, dates, raw garlic and salt; and just last night I made a lamb rigatoni that used no tomatoes at all. If your mind draws a blank, then it is fine to peruse the internet for some ideas to get you started but try not to follow recipes specifically. This is about improving

your personal culinary imagination. A wise man once told me “how can you cut any wood, if you don’t sharpen the saw every now and then?”

Trial and error is the best way to learn. Yes, I did say “error”. You are going to make some mistakes along the way. The important aspect of this is to be okay with making these blunders. This is all about personal growth in the kitchen. These errors will hopefully help you figure what works, and what doesn’t ... which in turn will assist you with future escapades in the kitchen.

If you are still at a loss as to where to begin, then go ahead and find a recipe that represents something completely different than what you would normally cook, and make it. What I want you to do then is make notes on the recipe on how you would recreate it to make it your own. What ingredients could you add, take out, or replace? What do you

think will work? Again, there will still be a learning curve to this, but it is a starting point nonetheless. Most importantly: make notes. It may seem tedious to do, but you will want to recreate dishes that work, and try not to make the same mistakes with the ones that don’t. We keep a book of blank pages in our kitchen, called our kitchen journal, that we fill with ideas and culinary pathways we have tried.

Have fun with it. Everything is perspective.

The added benefit is that every time you choose to cook at home, instead of eating out, you open the door to: saving money, eating healthier, and family team building.

Until next time... Happy Cooking! 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

Saskatchewan manufacturing sales lead the nation

Latest numbers from Statistics Canada show continued growth for Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sales, which had a 7.5 per cent increase for monthover-month growth for April 2024, compared to March 2024 (seasonallyadjusted).

This places Saskatchewan second among the provinces. Year-overyear growth in this category was also strong with an increase of 5.4 per cent for April 2024, compared to April 2023 (seasonally-adjusted),

ranking third among the provinces.

In April 2024, the value of manufacturing sales totalled $2.1 billion.

Saskatchewan’s overall exports have been strong, totalling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous two-year period of 2020-2021, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports.

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4

per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

The Government of Saskatchewan also recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth - Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.

Video may have killed the “Radio Star”, but will enhance agriculture

Agriculture

Daniels

by Calvin Daniels

Ever come upon a tidbit of information that apparently is new, but you would have expected to have been the norm for quite some time?

A recent visit to producer.com there was an article under the headline: “‘Telepathology’ unites vets and specialists”.

The idea of “telepathology” is basically using video to connect onsite practitioners with experts.

“Using video conferencing technology, researchers with the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine found that connecting specialized pathologists with in-the-

field large animal veterinarians in real time delivered a definitive diagnosis for dead cattle 98 per cent of the time,” explains the article.

So the concept seems so obvious I would have thought it was being used for years.

We’ve had remote education through radio in places such as Australia for decades, and while we think of video connect as a huge thing, it’s really just a step on the same pathway to connectivity.

I know as a humble journalist the use of things such as WhatsApp, and Zoom are things I am still getting used too, and honestly seeing someone on Zoom doesn’t exactly enhance interviews anymore than a humble phone call.

But when it comes to something where visuals are important videoconferencing is a great thing.

In this case an expert can get an actual look at the carcass of the animal being autopsied. That has to be huge in providing those involved with more accurate appraisals of what may have happened to the animal.

It’s really not so different from human doctors connecting via computer. In some cases a call might be sufficient, but getting a real-time visual has to be a bonus in many cases.

Now certainly the quality of picture in most video conference calls I have been involved was bad, so the software being used by veterinarians in this case have to be far better.

But such tech is never just about use today.

Tech is developing, improving, being refined quickly, so what we have today will soon be outof-date to something better.

The better the visuals are, the better diagnostics will be.

Ultimately, it’s just another example of how science and technology is rapidly evolving as tools for varied sectors - agriculture most definitely one of them.

It is both exhilarating and yes, a bit scary, to think what will emerge but it is a path we must continue to travel to ensure a better future for farming and humanity.

Calvin

by Trudy and Dale Buxton

Let’s take a break from our Alberta trip and go on a brand-new trip, this one dedicated to the “Motorcycle Ride for Dad”.

Of all the trips that we make throughout the year, Motorcycle Ride for Dad is still the one that is dear in our hearts and a given each year

around Father’s Day.

The motorcycle ride changes from year to year to keep it interesting and to get more communities involved with the cause which raises money for the research and fight against prostate cancer.

The Ride for Dad organization stretches across Canada and there are many chapters of the organization that raise

awareness of prostate cancer, and all organize rides to raise money.

In Saskatchewan there are two chapters for the Ride for Dad, Swift Current and Saskatoon, each with different ride dates and each with different executives to organize.

Saskatoon has always been on Father’s Day weekend. Some years have been tough with rainy conditions, but mostly it’s been a favourite ride for many to come out and help with the cause.

The ride always starts off at the Western Development Museum with a gathering of motorcycles, trikes

and other interesting vehicles.

Each person pays a registration fee. Some of the individuals bring with them pledge sheets that have many people giving donations towards the cause.

All of these donations and registrations add up to a pretty impressive total at the end of the day. All the money raised in this stays in the province and is given to the University of Saskatchewan for the research into prostate cancer.

This year, I am happy to report that this year the Ride for Dad, held on June 15, had 249 registered riders, raising over $100,000 dollars.

Another milestone that is worthy to note is that

this was the 15th year in Saskatoon to have the ride and with this year’s total brought the overall total to eclipse the $2-million mark. That is outstanding!

After well-organized police escorted parade - which is my favourite part - we were off on the ride which started in Saskatoon before heading up to Blaine Lake for lunch.

It’s always particular nice to see people along the way waving and cheering the bikers along the way. The communities that are designated pit stops - in this case Blaine Lakewere amazed by all the motorcycles that invade the community.

After lunch it was off to Shellbrook, then Prince

Albert, finishing off in Warman.

All in all, we rode 540 kilometres in total, had lots of sun and fun and many good times revisiting old friends from years past.

As I said earlier this is always a special trip and one that we will continue to ride in years to come.

The end of this this year’s ride doesn’t mean that donations should stop - you can always donate to this worthy cause and help the fight against prostate cancer. If there is a message that needs to be said to the men who haven’t yet “got checked”. Go on ... save your life!

Stay tuned next week for more of The Saskatchewan Traveller.

Rake comes available with 10, 12 and 14 rake wheel con gurations and working widths of 21, 24 and 27 respectively. Each rake wheel comes with a fully independent suspension spring and bounce adjustment chain. e adjustable chain prevents the rake wheels from gouging uneven eld terrain but allow the wheels to stay closely conformed to the eld surface.

Kick-off for the Motorcycle Ride For Dad, Fight Against Prostate Cancer, Fundraiser beginning at the Western Development in Saskatoon.

PRECISION

We’ve been working with Fred & Patsy at Spyder Autobody for the past 3 years, and will continue servicing the Biggar community with mobile SGI appraisals

I-Car Gold Class and OEM Certified Technicians Consumer Choice Award Winners 12 Years Running Certified Aluminum Repair / Hail Repair Experts

• Courtesy cars available

The residents of the Biggar and District Health Centre were treated to a Drive Up window sponsored by the Biggar United Church. The residents were treated with some tasty treats and ice cream. The event went over really well with the help of the Health Centre staff. Good Job! (Submitted Photos)

Showin’ Heart ... It will only be a short time before these Biggar Central School Kindergarten students take their Grade 12 formal ceremony. Here, the current BCS Kindergarten students hit their first milestone school achievement this past Friday with their first of what will be many more graduations, celebrations, and landmark achievements. Congratulations, Grads! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

• Free pickup and delivery 2326 Avenue C North Saskatoon 306-664-4156 customerservice@precisionautobody.ca Wednesdays

Just thought you would like to know

Tables are ready for the volunteer appreciation brunch, the museum board thanking all the volunteers who bake, or help in the museum with the artifacts and the art installations.

by

Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery

Have you ever wondered how a non-profit organization like the Biggar Museum and Gallery stays operational. Here’s what and who we rely on.

The Biggar Museum and Gallery appreciates all the supporters who attend our events and fundraisers. The net income raised during the food events, like the pancake breakfast and the barbecue are integral to the running of the museum.

Our museum is community based. We are here to preserve, protect and present the history of Biggar and area for the people of Biggar and visitors. Our archives and artifact

by

collections are made of donations by people. All the accessioning, storing and repairing is done by volunteers. There is a large collection in the building at 105 Third Avenue East, and the quonset at the end of Second Avenue East.

The Biggar Credit Union sponsors our gallery where we present art by Saskatchewan artists and other fundraising events like the Annual Used Book Sale in July and August and in the Christmas Magic Online Auction November to December. All proceeds go to maintaining the building and the running of the business.

As a charitable nonprofit, any donations by private individuals receive a tax receipt.

The museum also has a Legacy Fund, welcoming

donations in the name of loved ones who have passed on. Then their names will be engraved on a leaf and placed on our Tree of Giving seen at the front door.

Community members in town bake cookies and pies for our most popular fundraisers, the Christmas Cookie Sale and the Valentine’s Pie Sale. It would not happen without our best Biggar bakers!

We rely heavily on grants from SaskCulture, SaskLotteries, SCAA (Saskatchewan Council of Archives and Archivists), Young Canada Workers from the Federal Government and the Town of Biggar. These grants allow the Biggar Museum and Gallery to be open year long, to be open for school tours and open

The Biggar Museum’s Pancake Breakfast was very successful this year again. Over 100 people left here full and ready for the parade! (Photos for The Independent by the

for tourists and visiting family members.

Every year we show our appreciation to all who volunteer throughout the year. The board members of the museum create a lovely brunch for everyone. With a grant from SaskLotteries, gifts are passed out.

The work conducted in the office ensures that all records remain up to date, There is always someone here to tour the guests around and to answer the phones. Every year, dozens of people call or e-mail the museum looking for family histories. We use all our resources at hand to try to find lost family members or someone’s grandfather who homesteaded in

the Springwater area in 1913. There is a gift shop in the museum we keep stocked with souvenirs like caps and T-shirts. We also subscribe to RedBubble an online presence for ordering the Biggar slogan on many items and we receive a small percentage of each item sold. Milo and Olive Hanson, of

The children of Biggar have an open invitation to visit the museum. In here they will hear some stories, go scavenger hunting, and during Museum Day in the summer get to create crafts and maybe even pretend it is 1911!

Hanson Buck fame, just donated a large selection of posters and postcards to the museum. They are available in our gift shop now.

Public support and support by sponsors keep the Biggar Museum and Gallery an active place in our community. There is always something happening at the museum!

Biggar; home of the World Record holder

Delta Fay

Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery

The Hanson Buck has held the title as The World Record White Tail for 31 years now. We had a customer last week who came in, five hours out of his way home to Manitoba, just to have his photo taken with the mount we have in the museum! He also wanted to buy a poster of this famous deer. He took our last one in inventory! He was thrilled and even gave us a tip!

So, we have Hanson Buck posters for sale in the museum’s gift shop, which is now in the Royden Donahue Exhibit Gallery. We also have more postcards and photos.

I called the Hanson’s, and they came in with so many more posters!

I have come from a background of hunting and wildlife management, and I

Class of ‘74 celebrates

have understood the importance of record holders. When I arrived here 16 years ago I was impressed that there was a world record holder right here in town! But, over the years, I have grown complacent about the importance of this. I believe this will happen ... something you see

plans for the next celebration. (Submitted Photo)

everyday, could very well be something that others envy, and our customer from Manitoba reminded me, Biggar is fortunate to have this world record holder here!

If you want to know all the stats that makes the Hanson Buck so very important, all that information is on the back of the poster.

For over 30 years, the

the

Biggar hosted the Class of 1974, reliving glory days, and sharing a laugh (or two) with fellow classmates about the first formative years in their lives. The grads, sporting a bit more time behind them, had a great weekend, no doubt making

Biggar Museum and Gallery)

Hanson Buck continues to hold

world record, and Biggar has become the mecca for hunters to see the mount at the Biggar Museum and Gallery. (Photo for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)

Penton

On Sports

The ghost of Nail Yakupov annually hangs over the National Hockey League draft, which is being held at the Sphere in Las Vegas this Friday and Saturday.

Hockey scouts, you see, are not perfect. The general consensus in 2012 was that Yakupov, a Russian forward who played junior with the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League, was clearly the best player available. “Fail for Nail” was the refrain by many fans who wanted their favourite teams to play poorly to enhance their chances at getting the first pick.

Eventually, Yakupov went to Edmonton Oilers at No. 1, and the Russian subsequently turned into one of the biggest No. 1 duds in NHL draft history. He wound up playing 350 NHL games and scored a total of 62 goals.

Meanwhile, Filip

Sure things are rare at NHL draft

Forsberg went 11th to Nashville in that same draft and he’s since scored 287 goals in 698 games. Others in that first round were Morgan Rielly of Toronto, Jacob Trouba, now of the Rangers, and Vegas’s Tomas Hertl, who so far has 220 goals in his NHL career.

A single scout is usually not responsible for choosing players for his team. It’s a consensus among scouting staffs, coaches, general managers and the occasional psychologist.

In 2010, the L.A. Kings made an astute secondround pick at No. 47, grabbing Tyler Toffoli, who has had a nice NHL career with 260 goals in 812 games for four different teams. In that same draft, Boston Bruins took somebody named Jared Knight, who went at No. 32 and didn’t play a single game in the NHL.

This year’s consensus No. 1 is Vancouverite Macklin Celebrini of Boston College, expected to go to the San Jose Sharks.

Some No. 1s are obvious: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor Bedard were slam-dunks. But the Arizona Coyotes scouting staff may have had some explaining to do in 2014 after they

chose Alex Ruttu at No. 51 in the second round when probable Hall of Famer Nikita Kucherov was still on the board and eventually went at No. 58 to Tampa.

In 2014, Dallas took defenceman Julius Honka from Swift Current at No. 14 in the first round. He played 87 NHL games and tallied two goals. Chosen one spot later, at No. 15 in the first round, was Dylan Larkin of Detroit, who is a perennial all-star and probable Hall of Famer with 506 points in 652 games. Boston’s David Pastrnak and Tampa’s Brayden Point were also available when Honka’s name was called.

Besides some obvious misses over the years, there have also been some outstanding steals. Hats off to the Minnesota Wild scouting crew who grabbed superstar Kirill Kaprizov at No. 136 (fifth round) in 2015.

What was Boston thinking in 2015? Trade manoeuvring gave them three consecutive picks in the first round - Nos. 13, 14 and 15. They whiffed at 13, picking Jake Zboril (one career goal), got a winner at No 14 (Jake DeBrusk) and struck out at 15 (Zach Senshyn, one career goal).

It’s called a draft, but it’s really a crapshoot.

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “I told my wife to buy Tom Brady’s selfhelp book: not because it’ll make me a gifted QB, exceptionally handsome or very rich, but because I live with a supermodel. She said: ‘We’re still not getting an 80-inch TV.’”

• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “For the next Lakers’ coach, the best part of the job will be working with LeBron James; the worst part will be working for him.”

• Molinaro again: “For those competing in the July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest, the banishment of multiple champion Joey Chestnut for endorsing plantbased dogs doesn’t change the nature of the gluttonous competition. It’s still wiener take all.”

• Grabbed from Jack Finarelli’s sportscurmudgeon. com, quoting former NFL coach Hank Stram: “When I have the urge to get back to coaching, I lie down and wait until it passes.”

• A groaner from RJ Currie: “A bit of a hiccup at the Oilers practice as it was rumoured they couldn’t open the locker room door. This according to their coach - Kris Knoblocked.”

• Headline at fark. com: “Scottish football

fans show Germans in Munich how it’s done, drink place dry in hours before Friday game.”

• Hall-of-Fame coach Don Shula: “Sure, luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarterback is bad luck.”

• Comedy writer Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “So far the only thing the Toronto Blue Jays are leading the league in is eating the most hot dogs on Tuesday nights.”

• PGA golfer Bryson DeChambeau, to fans around the 368-yard 13th tee Saturday at the

U.S. Open who were hoping he’d pull out a driver and try to reach the green. “Don’t boo me. I’m sorry,”as he chose an iron.

• Pro golfer Tyrell Hatton, on Pinehurst No. 2 being an advantage for him, due to its difficulty: “With it being harder and a lot of guys sort of losing their head, it sort of brings them to my level because I just lose my head every week.”

• Care to comment?

E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca

Saskatchewan filled all family medicine seats in the first round of CaRMS

The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) has released the match results of the process to fill medical residency seats across the country for 2024.

For a second consecutive year, Saskatchewan filled all family medicine seats in the first round of the CaRMS match.

Each year, Canadian medical students expecting to graduate have two opportunities to be matched to a postgraduate (residency) seat at a Canadian medical school through the CaRMS two-round match process.

All of the 135 seats posted in Saskatchewan this year by the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) for family medicine and specialty programs have been filled, a large majority in the first round of the match. Seats for specialty programs were all filled by the second round.

The Anesthesia program

was expanded to Regina and a new provincial Dermatology program located in Regina is offered as well. Both programs will begin to train residents on July 1, 2024.

“This was a record year for the number of Saskatchewan medical graduates matched through CaRMS to the University of Saskatchewan, demonstrating the strength and attractiveness of these medical programs in the province,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Our government is committed to ensuring Saskatchewan is an attractive place to study and work for students and graduates by offering ample training and employment opportunities.”

The 2024 match was a record year for U of S medical students matching into residency programs at the U of S. Saskatchewan

continues to make steady progress on multiple initiatives to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care professionals through the province’s Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has issued letters of offer to 17 psychiatrists from Canada and abroad. Of these, 10 have accepted the offer and are now moving through the hiring and credential assessment, and immigration process.

Nearly 300 internationallyeducated health professionals from the Philippines have arrived in Saskatchewan and 205 of these professionals are now working in communities across the province.

“As a physician in one of our northern hospitals I am now working alongside numerous new nurses who have come through

this most recent process from the Philippines,” SHA physician executive Dr. Stephanie Young said. “I am grateful they have chosen to come and work in Saskatchewan and will now be helping to provide stabilization to services in so many locations across the province. Our new nursing colleagues are an amazing addition to not only our health care teams but also the communities in which we live and serve.”

An additional 128 Filipino nurses are expected to arrive in Saskatchewan in the next few months as part of the province’s 14-week Transition to Registered Nursing in Canada (TRNC). Introduced in the summer of 2023, this made-in-Saskatchewan approach streamlines training, assessment and licensure for internationallyeducated nurses. Nurse recruits from abroad are supported through

the process, from recruitment through to their clinical and lab to settlement in a new community and health care facility.

Delivered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the TRNC program has been very successful and is now being replicated in Prince Edward Island (PEI).

Through an agreement between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Government of Prince Edward Island, PEI will model their program after Saskatchewan’s to see similar recruitment success.

Between October 2023 and May 2024, 70 youth volunteers contributed over 2,700 hours of volunteer service at Herb Bassett Home and Pineview Terrace Lodge in Prince Albert through the Youth-in-Action Volunteer Program. In addition, 18 youth from the communities of Big River, Birch Hills, Canwood, Cudworth,

Hafford, Kinistino, Leask, Leoville and Spiritwood volunteered over 150 hours in their local SHA facility. This volunteer activity provides youth with valuable exposure to potential careers in health care.

First Nations and Métis Health (FNMH) Recruitment and Retention specialists recently participated in a Career Education Week hosted by the Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority, attending events in the communities of Black Lake and Fond Du Lac. Students were offered information on future careers in health care and current opportunities with the SHA, and valuable connections were made with students, educators and community members.

Bruce Penton

Business & Professional …

Business & Professional …

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Mail orders welcome.

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Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss Personal Training Fitness Classes …owned and operated by Brett Barber

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ARIES –

Mar 21/Apr 20

It is important to have some deep conversations with a romantic partner to get to the root of issues that have come up, Aries. You may have an even deeper relationship after a discussion.

TAURUS –

Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, if a particularly large purchase is on the horizon, you may need to adapt your budget accordingly. Start making small changes now so you’ll have the extra cash.

GEMINI –

May 22/Jun 21

Suddenly you are more mysterious than in the past, Gemini. You may be able to use this allure to make some new friends or networking contacts.

CANCER –

LIBRA –

Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, this is a week to deal with any legal matters that you may have, including trusts and even real estate. Once these issues are settled, you can move on to some fun things.

SCORPIO –

Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you have an uncanny ability to blend both intellect and intuition when you make decisions. It helps form plans that have high chances of success in your career and life.

SAGITTARIUS –

Nov 23/Dec 21

Relationships will become more solid and enduring this week, Sagittarius. You even may be able to work through a long-standing bit of tension with someone close to you.

CAPRICORN

–

Dec 22/Jan 20

A newfound interest in nutrition and health inspires you to make changes to your diet and exercise routine, Capricorn. Alternative therapies also could be drawing your attention.

AQUARIUS –

Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, perhaps you are thinking about expanding your horizons by taking classes in a creative pursuit, such as writing or music. These activities can benefit your mind in many ways.

PISCES –

Feb 19/Mar 20

Now might be a good time to start thinking about financial investments, Pisces. Work with other people who may offer recommendations on which avenues to pursue.

Troy May, owner/operator Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Western Canada

SUDOKU

Jun 22/Jul 22

Practical visions run through your mind this week, Cancer. They include redecorating options or how to make the backyard more functional.

LEO –

Jul 23/Aug 23

BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Housing for families and seniors

Rent based on income Call: 306•303•7246

Please

You may have a desire to spend a lot of time with your family over the next few days, but at least one person is not enamored with interacting with you, Leo. You’ll get to the bottom of it.

Thanks Urla

VIRGO –

Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, recognition of your efforts at work could lead to some welcome news on the financial front. It can be tempting to spend that money in advance, but wait until you receive the news to start spending.

northeast

60. Born of 61. Arabic name

62. Traditional Hong Kong street food: __ pai dong

63. Termination point 64. Email function

CLUES DOWN

1. Sign language 2. In style

3. Helsinki neighborhood 4. Unable to hear

5. More rapid

6. An idea accepted as a demonstrable truth

7. In a cagy way

8. Kate and Rooney are two

9. Algerian port

10. Community in Ladakh

12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Town in Galilee 19. Satisfy

23. Italian impressionist painter

24. Brass instrument

25. Chest muscle (slang)

26. Transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm

27. Records electric currents generated by the brain

28. Woman (French)

59. One point north of

29. Aircraft designed to

carry lots of passengers

34. Baseball stat

35. Pointed end of a pen

36. Popular sports league

37. Body part

39. Unlikely to provoke dissent

40. Yellowish cotton cloth

41. Domesticated house pet

42. Untruths

44. Set out to attract

45. Spiritual leader

46. Abba __, Israeli politician

47. Repair

48. Genus of flowering plants

51. Swiss river

52. Prejudice

53. River in central Europe

54. Harness

58. Father

TAKE NOTICE that the R.M. of Eagle Creek No. 376 intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described as LOT 13-BLK/PAR 4-PLAN 101564209 EXT 11, Title No. 153363427.

e municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 197752168 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of e Tax Enforcement Act, a certi cate of title will be issued to the applicant and you will therea er be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

e amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the municipality. For any questions about the tax enforcement process please contact Taxervice at 1-877-734-3113.

this 13th day of

OBITUARIES

JAMES “JIM” ALEXANDER DAVIDSON

February 1, 1943 - June 8, 2024

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Jim Davidson announce his passing June 8, 2024 at Royal University Hospital.

Jim is survived by his partner Janet Abraham; children Lynn (Chuck) Strate, Les (Michele) Abraham; grandkids Mitchell (Leah) Strate, Jaymie (David) Goyette, Owen (EmilyAnne) Strate, Danielle (Kris) Scott, and Chalina (Matt) Falloon; greatgrandkids Charlotte and Jackson Strate, and Ian and Jack Scott. Also surviving are sisters Dorothy, Barb (John) Ramsay and Loretta (Lorne) Davies; sistersin-law Elvara and Ivadell Davidson; brother-in-law Larry McLillan and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents John and Vera; brothers Frank, Ed, and Doug; sister Shirley; sister-

in-law Mona; brother-in-law Beryle; and two great-nieces Amanda and Shayla.

Jim farmed all his life with his Dad, raising cattle and grain farming. He took over the farm when Dad and Mom retired to Perdue. Jim was hard working and loved to have a good time with family and friends. He was always joking around and could make everyone laugh. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

At Jim’s request, there will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Saskatoon Cancer Centre. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.

REFLECTIONS

St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330

Charlie Martin

August 8, 1935

June 21, 2023

His memory is as dear today, As in the hour he passed away.

Bernice, Charlene, Cheryl, Charlotte & Families

by Philip Watson, New Beginnings Church, Biggar

I was having a conversation with a good friend last week and I made the comment that, “I expected to get a bad report from my medical professional” that I will be seeing the next week. I was promptly told to expect a good report because we “get what we expect.”

Well a flood of teaching went through my brain. It was the equivalent of a two-by-four upside the head. It seems that I had stopped practicing that principle.

In my early days as a Christian, I was amazed at how many Motivational Speakers for the Positive Mental Attitude Philosophies used Biblical principles as their core teaching. Men like Dale Carnegie, Napoleon Hill and Robert Schuller promoted a Positive Mental Attitude with slogans like “we get what we expect” and “expect good things to happen to you.”

Many of their principles are based on principles in the Bible.

In today’s society I don’t hear these principles being talked about, instead the news media is publishing stories of the high level of crime in communities, the corruption in the governments, the rampant drug problem, and about national wars, civic wars, and religious wars. Local groups may try to focus on wholesome, uplifting reports but the majority of groups seem to dwell on the negative.

I have a card stuck to my fridge that says, “Expect great things from God; attempt Great things for God” by William Carey. And it seems that although we still confess “a God culture” in our lives, we don’t expect God to move in our lives.

The of the many attributes that I love about God is that He is always calling to us, when we have forgotten about Him [Psa 14:2 KJV] 2 “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.”

God always wants to

give us Hope that there is something better, Hope that our darkness will end soon, Hope that our pain will stop. Hope for better things to come. Hope strengthens us to expect the great things from God. I think about these verses that show the relationship that Faith, Hope and Love have that can inspire us to Expect Great things from God [1 Co 13:13 NLT]. Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love [Heb 11:1 NLT]. Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see [1 Pe 1:21 NLT]. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

If you have lost a loved one and would like to display a Memorium for that person we can help do that. The cost is only $25 for a display Contact us at The Independent for more information

To all who donated to this year’s Ride for Dad

We had around 250 Registered Riders and over $100,000 of Money Raised!

Your Donations are still needed throughout the year for the ght against PROSTATE CANCER Help us with that ght Call 948-3344, e Independent or E-Transfer

E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0

Please call with questions or concerns

I gave you a few variations to look at.

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

Price: $35.28 plus gst per week

Talk to you later, Urla Tyler, Advertising Consultant

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency

215 Main Street, Rosetown

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00

Tel: 306-882-4105

Fax: 306-882-4108

Toll free; 1-855-762-2233

E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0

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We Do Laminating

Ready for the trail - Argo Bush greening up for season ... Miles Buxton had a tough day of cleaning at the Argo Bush recreation area. On June 13, Buxton was out cleaning after a severe wind damaged a lot of the trails. He persevered, finishing up the Red and Orange trails, just in time for a tour by Biggar Central School Grades 5, 6 and 7 students. Here’s a tip of the hat to you, Miles! (Submitted Photos)

Recreation Complex hosted

Biggar Soccer holds massive tourney ... It was a busy Saturday as the

Biggar Minor Soccer’s annual tournament. The massive tournament had teams from the area hitting the pitch for football glory, and a chance to show sportsmanship in the most popular game on the planet. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)