First Grad Down! ... St. Gabriel School Kindergarten graduate, Beau Danychuk, proudly shows off the results of his first year in school. Teacher Joanne Marchildon led her charges through a celebration (inset picture), Tuesday, singing their hearts out to proud parents, grandparents and sibling. Congratulations to all the area graduates! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar Central School students hit the playground, June 20, for two-wheeled instruction, making them safer and more aware bikers. The kids received the “Rules of the Road” from Leith Larson, parents, RCMP and teachers. Their is no better classroom than the one on two-wheels, and kids finished the day with a group ride putting new-found skills to good use.
(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
RCMP Report
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week 38 occurrences were dealt with by the Biggar Detachment, traffic related incidents included two tickets and two warnings, along with a report of a deer strike on Highway 14 east of town, and numerous calls of a person walking down the middle of Highway 14 hitch hiking on everyone’s morning commute.
The transient person was located and provided a courtesy ride back to Saskatoon to avoid further complaints.
A 2018 Nissan Rogue with a personalized plate of “Baye” was tracked down for stealing gas. After a stern warning and ultimatum they returned to pay for the gas.
Multiple complaints of bikes being used on sidewalks and the speed that that some are travelling on them. There is a genuine concern for
safety of pedestrians and riders if there was to be a collision at the elevated speeds. This is a reminder that Biggar does have a bylaw that does not allow bikes to be driven on sidewalks and a reminder to parents to teach their children that pedestrians do have the right of way. If your going to operate against the bylaw, than out of courtesy, bikers should move off the sidewalk when encountering pedestrian traffic.
Four calls of assault this week resulting in two people being charged: 30-year-old Josh Froehlich and 30-year-old Kim Paulson were both arrested, charged and placed on conditions of no contact with their victims. They will appear in Biggar Provincial court September 4.
A 17-year-old local youth was arrest and charged for Break Enter and Theft to a home on the 300 block of Sixth
Avenue East. The youth also stole a gun and vehicle from the property that have since been recovered. After a lengthy investigation into recent arsons the town has experienced over the last six months, the same 17-year-old and a 15-year-old have been charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and will both appear in Biggar Provincial court on the arson matters on September 4.
Police and EMS were called out to a residence after a person on the other end dialled out to a family member. Sounds of distress and not being able to breath or speak could be heard, prompting the emergency response and, Bazinga, coitus was interrupted and EMS was cancelled due to the return of regular breathing patterns.
Take care out there!
Cenotaph gets colourful boost ... Greenhouse whiz, Kelly Oesch, shows off some of the donated flowers and greenery at the Biggar Cenotaph. Oesch donated the potted plants to brighten up the monument which honours the men and women of our area who have served. (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)
Biggarite featured in Arizona magazine
... Former Biggarite, Jolene Goring, was featured in Soeleish Phoenix Magazine, for her contributions to health and wellness. The magazine, which caters to small business owners in the Arizona area, recognized Goring, an internationally recognized whole health expert, Quantum Neuroscientist, and Arizona’s firs Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist and her unique story, her dedication to her field, and constituently delivering value to her audience.
“The recognition came as my work gained visibility and credibility, leading to opportunities for media coverage,” Goring said. “It was an honour to be acknowledged for my contributions to health and wellness and to inspire others through my story.”
Goring is also a bestselling author, Mrs. Arizona Globe 2020, and a highly sought-after content creator with a monthly online reach of over 1.2 million viewers. Frequently featured for her hosting segments on USA Today, The Travel Channel, Fox, and ABC, Going focuses on healthy, indulgent living based on neuroscience and quantum health. With a passion for fitness, wellness, food, wine, and travel, Jolene identifies and reviews the best products and
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Biggar-Sask Valley MLA, Randy Weekes, made it official, Monday, resigning from the Saskatchewan Party Caucus.
Weekes will continue as an independent member for the constituency.
Having lost the party’s nomination due to substantial changes to the constituency boundaries, Weekes alleges harassment and bullying while serving as speaker, accusing Sask. Party Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison of inappropriate conduct - texts sent over a number of months that criticized Weekes’ role
as speaker, and bringing a long-gun to the legislature and asking permission to carry a handgun in the legislative building. The long-gun incident, first denied by Harrison, occurred in 2016. Harrison has since resigned as Government House Leader.
“I half expected the Premier to remove me from the Caucus,” Weekes said in an e-mail, “that does appear to be on the agenda so I decided that I would make it official today with the submission of my letter of resignation.”
Weekes was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1999, re-elected in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2020. He was elected by fellow MLAs to serve as the 27th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, also serving as the Chief Presiding Officer and Chair of the Board of Internal Economy.
Lorna Goring of Biggar. Congratulations! (Submitted Photo)
Trudeau’s policies a recipe for economic decline
by Roslyn Kunin, Troy Media columnist, public speaker and consulting economist
By examining the challenges Canada faces and the Trudeau government’s responses, it is obvious that not only are the problems unsolved, but the government’s actions are actually making things worse.
Housing
Take the shortage of affordable housing. Canadian cities are among the most expensive places to live in the world. The logical solution would be to streamline regulations and requirements to make building houses easier, faster, and cheaper.
Instead, the government decided to cut the number of foreign students allowed into Canada by half. This measure will not have an appreciable effect on the housing supply, as most foreign students live in student housing or share basement apartments.
Curtailing the number of foreign students coming to Canada will,
however, hurt our balance of trade. Selling educational services to foreign students is an export, just as is selling wood products abroad, and foreign students have brought more money into Canada in a given year than softwood lumber.
The cuts will also hurt educational institutions that rely on fees from foreign students to make up budget shortfalls that governments cannot fill. Foreign students also help solve Canada’s severe labour shortages by providing entry-level labour while they are students and valuable skills if they decide to stay here after graduation.
Labour shortages Labour shortages, mainly due to an aging population, are a serious problem for Canada. Paying pensions to a growing number of seniors is costly. With Canadians living longer and healthier lives, the obvious solution would be to raise the retirement age. Instead, the federal government is making it easier and more
lucrative for some of the nearly 300,000 federal employees to retire early. This approach not only reduces the workforce and increases pension liabilities but also sets a precedent that may lead other civil servants and private sector workers to seek similar benefits.
Indigenous people
An often-stated government goal is to raise the standard of living for the Indigenous population to match that of other Canadians. A prime example of progress is the net pen fishery on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
This initiative provides consistent employment for First Nations with limited alternatives and generates British Columbia’s largest food export. While net pens have presented challenges, such as sea lice potentially harming wild stocks, these issues are being dealt with. Moreover, the farmed output surpasses that of the wild catch.
What is the Trudeau government’s response to this success?
It has announced
that it will shut down the net pen fish farms.
The suggested alternative, closed pens in land-based fish farms, requires significant capital and relies on technologies that have not been tested on a large scale.
Standard of living
The goal of every democratic government is to improve, or at the very least maintain, the standard of living of its citizens.
In Canada, however, per capita output is declining. We need to boost production to increase wealth, which
requires investing in better and more capital. Investment is inherently risky, but businesspeople take these risks hoping to generate compensating gains.
The Trudeau government has done nothing to lower investment risks, but it has significantly reduced the rewards by increasing the taxable portion of capital gains. With some exceptions, twothirds of capital gains will now be considered taxable income.
In the United States, the tax on capital gains is 20 per cent. Studies
there have shown that raising the rate to 25 per cent would do more harm than good.
Is it any wonder that investors are choosing to build up capital in the U.S. rather than Canada?
It is clear that the Trudeau government’s current policies are not aligned with the best interests of Canadians. Will it ever start implementing solutions that truly benefit the nation?
Big Sask. governments eventual divide the province
Provincial Viewpoint
Murray Mandryk
Maybe there is at least one good thing about occasionally having a big majority government in Saskatchewan.
At least for a while, the people - both rural and urban - seem to agree on something.
Some would argue, that beats the alternative.
The obvious downside with big majorities is what we now see in the controversies swirling
around this 16-year Saskatchewan Party government.
Everything from Global Transportation Hub land scandal to the $2-billion white elephant Regina bypass to budget deficits and debt to the growing number of missteps can all be attributed to the same thing.
Like all large governments that feed off the notion that a large majority means most people love what it is doing, this is a government that’s grown complacent, self-satisfied and entitled. Unfortunately, it’s something we’ve seen before.
The last 16-year-old NDP government from 1991 to 2007 similarly lost its focus on the problems at hand (high taxes, lack of growth and jobs).
It, too, simply focused on things that conveniently helped it get
re-elected, like the past admittedly dismal record of the Progressive Conservative government. It, too, became focused appeased supporters.
Of course, some of the problems the Sask. Party has faced are unique to both the times we live in and the politics of the day.
However, it’s the same old problems of politicians who become entitled, self-satisfied or more focused on winning than solving the problems.
Consider the recent controversy Speaker Randy Weekes’ accusations that former Government House leader Jeremy Harrison made the horribly bad choice of bringing a gun inside the legislature - clearly, a problem with entitlement.
Consider Premier Scott Moe’s decision to attend the meeting in Speers he billed as a constitu-
ency meeting, but one he would have or should have known was filled with right-wing conspiracists that hosted similar gatherings for the Buffalo Party and the Saskatchewan United Party. This was about the politics of maintaining support on the right.
And like the unnecessary Bill 137, the pronoun bill, it is a clear case of a government distracted by political matters when it should have been focused on more pressing matters like overcrowded classrooms overflowing with kids with special needs.
This is what happens when an older, big government majority begins to feel that its only purpose in life is to maintain that big majority.
Coupled with a small, ineffective oppositions and a weakened media and we also see a government that, over time, comes to believe it can
get away with these things.
Given all this, you’re probably wondering what benefits accompany a big majority government over a small majority or even a minority coalition government like the brutal NDP/Liberal coalition Saskatchewan had from 1999 to 2003.
Well, one noted advantage in a province like this is that big majorities do bring us together, at least temporarily mending the ever-present rural-urban divide.
This is what happened in 1991 when the entire province agreed on the need to vote out the 1980s PC government. It lasted until the late 1990s when Saskatchewan became split between rural and urban.
And it can be argued that big Sask. Party majorities brought unity to the province ...
although it now looks like we are returning to that split.
Polls show the NDP with massive poll leads in Regina and Saskatoon, equivalent to the lead the Sask. Party holds in rural Saskatchewan.
Ridings in Prince Albert and Moose Jaw now seem more likely to vote NDP.
Other smaller cities like Yorkton, North Battleford and Swift Current now have large components of rural votes, as do some of the bedroom communities around Regina and Saskatoon. All this makes for a rural-urban after the Oct. 28 vote.
Admittedly, smaller majorities do tend to be more accountable. However, they present other problems in a place like Saskatchewan.
Notable Notes
When we were young up across the river, we had a neighbour whose last name was Gardiner.
Of course as little fellows we were just beginning to find out what words meant (and we still are!) and thought that surely anyone with a name like “Gardiner” must have a fine row of peas!
Were we ever mistaken! Fred didn’t seem to know any more about gardening than we small uneducated types knew about the life and times of Sun Yat-sen! [18661925, Chinese revolutionary, statesman, political philosopher, recognized as the father of modern China. Honoured in Vancouver with a classical Chinese garden, a top tourist attraction - Editor]
Incidentally, while mentioning the name “Gardiner”, Phyllis and Y.T. (Yours Truly) attended the opening ceremonies at the South Saskatchewan Dam.
The “Green Thumb” Caper
John Diefenbaker was there and in his speech said that although he wanted the authorities to name the dam after him they chose to name it after J.G. Gardiner instead.
They did, however, name the dammed-up body of water, “Lake Diefenbaker”, and he invited any of his political opponents who happened to call, to “Drop in!”
Hey ... am I ever getting way off track again! The original intention of this little “revelation” was to point out any prowess that Y.T. thinks he has, garden-wise!
Ahem!
Not wanting, by a long shot, to put the garden columnist out of business, Y.T. has gathered up a few notes from his oh, so suspect agricultural past, and documented his (also suspect) findings here in an effort to make it look like he knows what he’s talking about!
One explanation that I have for any offside observations that Y.T. has a “Green Thumb” is that years ago he bought a cheap ring which over time nearly made his whole hand look like somebody’s lawn! Well ... I thought it was some kind of gold but there must have been some copper added!
I think we’ve mentioned this before that after we retired, I gathered up some stuff from the farm and built a
greenhouse.
One of our first - and most important jobs after having set out halfgrown plants out in it - was to repair the glass where a very uneducated and much misdirected golf ball had somehow found its way through one of the windows. Note: Peter Gzowski and Y.T., as ball hitters, had a lot in common. We were both “scratch” golfers - when the ball (naturally on its own!) flew way off to the side, we “scratched” out heads and said, “How come it went way over there?”
Of course, as summer progresses a fellow corrects his swing a bit and instead of cutting off some of the plants with a grounder, he hits them far out into the railroad ditch where some antique collector will find them in 3003!
I sure didn’t realize it at the time but after those - usually far too manyplants started growing and growing, they really cut into any ping-pong ambitions we may have had as that big table in the basement became covered with them from end to end!
A fellow feels a little sad sometimes when he remembers how his ambitions of the past have become such a commercial thing now. Every time that I drive by the old farm and see a level field where once our so modern dugout and garden used to be, it makes me wonder if
maybe it is worth it all.
Dollars- and centswise, perhaps it isn’t, but to the older generation, the gratification that comes from urging something to grow is worth every bit of time they spend!
Enough philosophy!
Right from the very start of the garden season a person has to plan (at least I do!) and a large part of that plan has been devised by some fellow named Murphy. Apparently one of his laws has something to say about things going wrong. Such as:
“I wonder how come the far end of that bean row froze so bad, while here - 10-feet away - it wasn’t touched by frost at all!”
Or:
“That’s the fourth time I’ve tried to grow mushrooms and nuthin’ ever comes! Our compost must be no good!”
Even stuff like:
“Dang it all anyway. I thought that if I left that sprinkler on the apple trees all night it would keep them from freezing and all it did was coat them an inch thick with ice till they broke off!”
Darn that Murphy, anyway!
Despite the canola bugs on the turnips, the family of skunks under the compost bin, and a whole bunch of other problems, we do eat well.
With lots of vegetables and fruit around, who cares about dough?!
Heck, as the flowers freeze off in the fall, we’ll haul out a few of the tin ones and set them out just as though we had the control of things. As far as that goes, even a person who bangs their head against a wall, thinks they’re in control!
As it is, come fall, all the above-mentioned problems are over! Don’t be too surprised some morning to find an oversized zucchini on your doorstep!
MONDAY 5 P.M.
Bob Mason
Ask The Money Lady
Christine Ibbotson
Dear Money Lady Readers, I want to share with you an investing magic trick: The Rule of 72.
The Rule of 72 is a way for you to easily and quickly determine how long it would take for your money to double in value.
Of course, this method is based on a fixed annual interest rate and therefore can’t really be trusted when you apply it to a fluctuating return that you get from a stock market portfolio; however, it does come in handy to estimate the number of years needed to double your investment.
Here’s how it works.
Take the number 72 and divide it by the interest rate you have or hope to receive on your investments. Let’s work out a few examples together.
If you were to invest
let’s say $5,000 at two per cent, it would take 36 years for it to double to $10,000 (72 divided by the interest rate of two per cent equals 36 years).
Pretty pitiful, right?
This is why when the GIC rates were so low last year, many advisors considered them to be the “fastest way to go broke.” They certainly didn’t keep up with inflation.
If you were to invest the same $5,000 at seven per cent, it would take 10 years and three months for it to double to $10,000.
That’s better ... 72 divided by seven equals 10.285.
If you think that’s fun, here’s the other two investment tricks that also predict future returns.
The Rule of 114 and the Rule of 144.
Rule of 114 tells an investor how long it will take for their money to triple in value, and the Rule of 144 tells you how long it will take for your investment to quadruple. Here’s an example using the same $5,000 investment.
Rule of 114: Take the number 114 and divide it by the interest rate you hope to receive on
your investments. You have $5,000 invested at nine per cent, so it will take 12 years and seven months for your money to triple, earning $15,000 (114 divided by nine equals 12.666).
Rule of 144: Take the number 144 and divide it by the interest rate you plan to receive on your investment. You have $5,000 invested at nine per cent, so it will take 16 years for your money to quadruple, earning $20,000 (144 divided by nine equals 16).
I know no one really likes to do math, but this is so easy, and it’s a great incentive to begin saving. Try it yourself with your projected return on your investments and see how long it will take you to reach your retirement goals and possibly give up working sooner than you think.
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
24065GE0
Where and what was this Summer Camp?
On the back of the photo (above) was written, “Ranger Camp Lizard Lake, 36 boys, one toddler and one man.” Circa summer of 1928. (Photos for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)
On the back of the photo (right) was written Ranger Camp at Lizard Lake, a clue to my confusion. Circa summer of 1928.
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
For many, summertime has always meant camp! Time away from the parents, time to play, time to make new friends... And time alone for Mom and Dad.
I went into our photo inventory and found several photographs of Ranger Camp Lizard Lake. I called a reliable source, and he informed
Did You Know ...
In Scotland, a boy is heard screaming for help, a poor Scottish farmer heard him and found a boy right up to his waist in black mud.
He helped the boy to safety. The boy’s father, a well dressed rich man came to the farmer and offered him money for saving his son. The farmer refused the money. The boy’s father offered to keep the farmers son so he could go to college or university and did. The boy was Winston Churchill.
“The Roaring Lion”(left) by Yousuf Karsh. Shot December 30, 1941 in the Centre Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Independent reader, Karen Brodzki had a furry visitor on their farm north of Biggar recently. Having noted bent grain bin doors, Brodzki found the culprit, a thin, young bear, happily gorging on a free wheat meal. Having straightened the door, the bear simply regained access, often making more damage. “He did not like that we were there and he made several charging motions at our truck and then realized the truck was much bigger than him and took off running into the bush,” says Brodzki. A Conservation Officer has been notified of the freeloader. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Karen Brodzki)
me that Ranger Lake and Lizard Lake are two different lakes. Going into Google to find out more about these lakes, I discovered Ranger Lake Bible Camp. And it is not on Lizard Lake, it is on its very own lake, Ranger Lake.
So, I have concluded that Ranger Camp was on Lizard Lake back in the day and it invited Rangers. Or am I really confused now? If anyone can shed some light on this, I would be very appreciative.
Below are the pictures I found from 1928. Maybe your grandparents heard about this from their parents? Or you have heard others talking of the Ranger Camp at Lizard Lake? And what are Rangers ... a division of Boy Scouts?
Weathering the storm: Get your home ready for the summer
As the warm weather rolls in, so does the potential for extreme weather events. These can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall and even hail, posing significant risks to homes and properties.
Don’t let the wet weather put a damper on your spirit this summer. Consider trying out these tips so you can navigate storm season like a pro this year.
Taking the time to secure or bring any outdoor furniture, decorations or objects inside can prevent them from becoming damage-causing projectiles in high winds. Items such as patio umbrellas, lawn chairs, garden decorations and small potted plants are just some of the items that you should bring in.
Overhanging branches and untrimmed trees can be hazardous during extreme weather, potentially causing damage to your home or neigh-
bouring properties if they fall. Trimming back branches that are close to your home or power lines can reduce the risk.
Check with your municipality before cutting any tree significantly as that may require a permit.
Regular tree-maintenance can help prevent damage year-round.
During storms, windows and doors are vulnerable points of entry for wind and rain. Sealing gaps around them can prevent water intrusion and minimize potential water damage. You may also consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows to protect against flying debris and high winds. By reinforcing garage doors, you can help prevent them from collapsing under high wind pressure.
It is also important to have an emergency kit on hand in case the storm lasts longer than expected or does more damage than anticipat-
ed. It is suggested that you fill a storage bin or duffel bag with supplies and store it in an area of your home that’s easy to get to, like a hall closet. You can include things like non-perishable food, a can opener, water, solar-powered chargers and or power banks, battery-powered or hand-cranked radios and flashlights, a firstaid kit, medications, extra glasses or contact lenses, copies of your emergency plan, important documents such as insurance papers and identification, cash in small bills as well as seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blankets.
If you are impacted by storm damage this summer and you believe that filing a claim with your insurance is necessary, you can start a claim almost instantly either online or via your insurance provider’s app.
Yogi looking for a meal ...
by Trudy and Dale Buxton
We continue our Alberta trip into the City of Wetaskiwin.
Wetaskiwin has a current population of around 12,500 people.
the first newspaper was established in 1897, Wetaskiwin was incorporated as a town in 1902 and later a city in 1906.
There is also the Wetaskiwin and District Museum which features a lot of the rich history from the area.
Edmonton and Calgary. The stopping place became known as Telford’s Place.
Incorporated as a village in 1899, Leduc later became a town in 1906.
“The place where peace was made” is the meaning of Wetaskiwin’s name.
Wetaskiwin is one of the oldest cities in Alberta, with Scandinavian immigrants the original settlers. The first school was built in 1894 and
Originally known as “Siding 16” when the Calgary to Edmonton Railway was built in 1892, the land was surveyed and the siding was named Wetaskiwin to commemorate the battle of the Cree and Blackfoot First Nations which took place years before.
One of the oldest courthouses was built in 1907, and still stands today, serving as the city hall after an extensive renovation.
If you like museums, this is the place to be. Wetaskiwin is the home of the ReynoldsAlberta Museum which is dedicated to machine power. The Reynolds Museum has everything from planes to the oldest of vehicles including a old fire truck originally used in the Biggar Fire Department.
If you thought that was enough, then there is also the Alberta Central Railway Museum which shows the history and impact the railway has had on Central Alberta.
Wetaskiwin has an oldstyle downtown that goes along with its rich past, and one of the oldest water towers in Alberta, constructed in 1909.
Wetaskiwin has lots to offer in the way of recreation along with a 17-acre manmade lake and picnic area. It also has its share of NHL hockey players to come out of the minor system.
Here is an interesting fact: Did you know that the first car trip in Alberta took place in 1906 between Calgary and Edmonton? The trip took two days to complete, with a whopping 30 miles per hour the fastest recorded speed.
After a nice visit in Wetaskiwin, we headed north on Highway 2 towards Edmonton, coming to the community of Leduc. A city of around 34,000 people, Leduc is part of the greater Edmonton Metropolitan Region.
Established in 1891 by Robert Telford, who had bought land near the lake, the community was established as stopping place for the stagecoach that connected
The name Leduc came from a priest, Father Hippolyte Leduc, who had served the area as a priest since 1867. The name was needed on the first telegraph station, later when the railway came through, they used the name Leduc as it was already in use by the telegraph.
Steadily growing as a community with the oil boom that started in 1947 with the strike at Leduc No. 1, the first oil well, Leduc quickly grew into a large city, and the fortunes of Alberta followed suit.
Stay tuned next week for more as we continue our Alberta trip.
Leduc Oilrig #1
Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin, Ab
Alara Trotchie Alexzender Smith-Gerard
Aliesha Sneddon Althea San Pascual Annica Evanisky
Annika Hadden Ava Barber Avery Anderson
Claire Mantyka Cody Doering
Colton Neufeld Elizabeth Dhil-Stevenot
Emily Molberg
Harmony Downton Hayden Hoogeveen
GRADUATING CLASS OF 202
The Town of Biggar Mayor Jim Rickwood,
extend congratulations to the Graduating Class of 202 . Education is the key to unlock your potential. We are proud of you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors
Hayden Meszaros Isabella Baroni James Domes Jayden Silbernagel
Jeremy Tebb
Jordan Painchaud Kayler Gidluck
Kenzie Harrabek Mellissa Kaponyas
Michael Domes
Michael Falcon Minjun Kim Sara Williams Sherame Gallardo Shiloh Swindler
Tyler Keller Wilks Aman
CONGRATULATIONS BCS 2000 GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024
The Class of ‘71 had a 53rd reunion on the weekend of June 7,8,9. Having missed out on their 50th due to COVID, the classmates eventually got together to revive old friendships, and remember those who are no longer with them. Back row, left to right: Fred Baum, Byron Redlick, Ray Serack, Les Messmer, Jim Besse, Ernie Dehr, Gary Bentham, Wayne Brownlee, Larry Foster, Wayne Yaroshko. Second row: Bob Heather, Allan Shakotko, Deb Beckett, Sue Woodsworth, Ed Robb, Gerard Hoppe, Marj Gallop, Faye Angelopoulos, Kirk Sherbino, Kathy Wright, Gerald Malazdrewich, Karen Potter, Laura Evanisky, Lou Hammond. Seated: Kathy Foster, Jo Bulani, Lorraine Gregory, Candy Barr, Linda Church, Rhonda Poletz, Diane Mills, Peggy Hogan Doris Itterman. (Submitted Photo)
Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss Personal Training Fitness Classes …owned and operated by Brett Barber
102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar 306-948-9750 www.newufitness.ca
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
It will be difficult to ignore an urge to snoop in someone else’s business, Aries. If that person wanted to confide in you, he or she would have already, so it’s best to stay out of things.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, aspire to grow more comfortable with the important people in your life, as you are going to be seeing them more often. Perhaps start planning outings you all can enjoy.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, put in as much effort as you can muster this week so that you can stay on top of all of your chores. This will free up time later in the week for some R&R.
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, this could be a rather lucrative week for you if you act quickly. When someone gives you a tip on how to earn a few extra bucks, it is something you have to get done right away.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
This is the perfect week to pamper yourself, Scorpio. Everyone may have a different idea of what that involves, but it could be a picnic for one or an afternoon getting a massage.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, you may not realize it, but right now you are part of something big that involves a number of people working together toward a common goal. You’ll just need to figure out your part.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, it is your turn to prove to others that you have what it takes to take on more responsibility. It may be a while before a few more jobs come your way.
PISCES –
Feb 19/Mar 20
Your desire to do something new is becoming an obsession, Pisces. That means it could be prime time to finally take action. Then you’ll be able to move on to other thoughts.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
Brett…
Cancer, you deserve to enjoy yourself at a function without any guilt. However, a nagging worry about your workplace will not leave your mind. Try to ignore it.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Please
BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY
Housing for families and seniors
Rent based on income Call: 306•303•7246
Leo, rest is just what the doctor would advise for you this week, particularly if you have been under the weather. Curl up on the couch and binge on some television shows.
Thanks Urla
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
Keep your eye on the ball, Virgo; otherwise, you may lose track of things that need to get done. If it helps, use a notetaking app or set reminders so you can check things off the list.
Sagittarius, you can take it easy for a few days and slow down in your daily activities. You’re quite ahead of the game and can use the down time for something fun.
Schoolhouse implements
Mathematical term
Man who behaves dishonorably
Expression of regret
OBITUARIES
ELWOOD LORRIE COWLEY
August 2, 1944 - June 21, 2024
Elwood passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, SK surrounded by family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 27th at the Kinley Hall in Kinley, SK at 2:00.
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories.
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
REFLECTIONS
Riches and Happiness
By Fr. Edward Gibney
Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I have always considered this a great Scripture Passage because as an artist, I was always struggling for funds, and this passage seemed to support my financial position. However, it is good for us to recognize that Jesus did not necessarily mention that the rich man was rich in money.
There are many riches in this world that can lead us away from God and his promise of eternal life. One can become very comfortable in this world with the riches of good fortune, good health, business success, power, and even personal popularity. When such “riches of happiness” lead us to believe that we can be independent of God, we are in fact at risk of losing the eternal happiness of heaven. How we look on this world affects our relationship with God. If we see this world as a place where we can try to attain a life of carefree happiness, we can begin to place all the focus of our lives on this world and thereby fall away from God. However, if we look on this world as a place to learn, to correct the flaws in our lives and to praise and honour God, then this world will still be a happy place; perhaps a place of even greater happiness, but that happiness will come from the expectation of eternal happiness with God.
This understanding that there are many and varied types of riches, reminded me of another Bible character who used the riches God gave him, to serve God and His people. Gideon was a man who recognized his dependence on God. Even in his prayers of dismay, bemoaning the apparent abandonment of his people by God, he recognized that without God the people suffer. Perhaps that is why God, when He needed a warrior to save the people, chose a man who described his lowliness by expressing, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family,” and why in choosing him to be His warrior, God was, in fact choosing the least to be the greatest, choosing the last to be first. Gideon was the least by society’s standards, but he was rich in his dependence on God.
May God Bless you and protect you
Grilling turns the breakfast tables on a beloved staple
Grillmasters insist that just about everything tastes a little better when cooked over a flame. Even though grilling often is reserved for lunch or dinner, there’s something to be said about preparing breakfast on those hot grates as well.
According to Andrew Schloss and David Joachim, authors of the cookbook “Mastering the Grill: The Owner’s Manual for Outdoor Cooking” (Chronicle Books), there’s reckless abandon involved in standing by an open fire in a robe preparing breakfast. It can turn a mundane morning into one right out of a camping expedition. For their “Grilled French Toast,” the extra crunch and slight char grilling provides catapults this breakfast staple to another level of flavor.
Grilled Stuffed French Toast
Makes 4 servings
1 loaf Italian bread
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
3⁄4 cup blueberries
5 eggs
11⁄2 cups half-and-half or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt
Oil for coating grill grate
1⁄4 cup Orange Honey-Butter Glaze (see below)
1. Cut off and discard a small diagonal slice from each end of the bread. Cut the bread on the diagonal into about eight 11⁄2-inch-thick slices. Cut a slit through the
top crust of each slice to form a deep pocket.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of the confectioners’ sugar, and the almond extract. Stir in the blueberries and spoon the filling equally into the bread pockets. Lay the stuffed slices of bread in a shallow 4-quart baking dish, such as a 15-by10-inch dish.
3. Clean and dry the bowl, then use it to whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. Carefully tilt the pan and swirl the egg mixture to completely coat the bread. Let sit for 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
4. Heat the grill to 350 F for a gas grill, medium ash for charcoal, and medium ash for wood.
5. Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil. Put the French toast on the grill and cook until nicely browned and crisp on the outside, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and, using a pastry or basting brush, brush both sides with the Orange Honey-Butter Glaze.
Orange Honey-Butter Glaze
Makes 1⁄4 cup
2 tablespoons butter, well softened
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Pinch of grated nutmeg
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until creamy and spreadable like icing. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Soften to a spreadable consistency before using.
CatholiC
Biggar and District Arts Council is hosting a Christmas supper and concert on Friday December 6, 2024 at Biggar Community Hall. We are inviting tenders to cater supper for approximately 175-200 people. If interested please submit your menu and pricing to:
Beth Hoppe
Email sales@salterindustries.ca
Mail Box 1598 Biggar SK, S0K0M0 Phone 1-306-280-0596 for more information. Deadline for proposals July 15.
The Biggar Independent will be closed from August 2 - August 9
JULY 6 - JULY 14
JULY 11
No Paper on August 5 GONE BIKING
McIlroy dealing with ‘major’ scar tissue
Professional golfers don’t like to use the word ‘choke’, but how else to explain what Rory McIlroy did to hand the 2024 U.S. Open championship to Bryson DeChambeau?
Putting superbly all day
and not only overcoming a three-stroke deficit but building a two-stroke lead with five holes to go at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, McIlroy missed a putt of two feet, 11 inches on No. 16 and another shorty, three feet, nine inches, on 18, to open the door for DeChambeau’s victory. It was the second U.S. Open title for DeChambeau, who plays on the LIV tour. He needed a spectacular shot of his own on 18 to win the tournament and he didn’t miss, manoeuvring a 55-yard bunker shot to within three feet and sinking the putt to earn a one-
stroke victory.
McIlroy has done this type of thing before. In 2011, while he was just a pup of 21, McIlroy seemingly had the Masters title in his grasp. He started the final round with a four-stroke lead and, incredibly, finished 10 strokes behind. His downfall was on the back nine, where he triplebogeyed No. 10, bogied 11 and doubled-bogied 12 en route to an 80.
Now that he’s 35, the ghosts of Choke City are evidently still in his head. He’s gone 10 years without winning a major and it’s not an overstatement to say he was the dominant player
of his era. Winning zero majors over a 40tournament span is hard to believe, especially when the likes of Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland, Patrick Reed, Danny Willet, Zach Johnson, Shane Lowry, Jimmy Walker and Jason Dufner - journeyman players mostly - all won a major during McIlroy’s dry period.
McIlroy isn’t the first professional golfer to mess up when the pressure rose. The most famous choke job was that of Jean van de Velde of France, a virtual noname who somehow stood on the 18th tee of the final round of the Open Championship in 1999 at Carnoustie with a three-shot lead and proceeded to make a triple-bogey seven to fall into a three-way playoff, which was won by Scotland’s Paul Lawrie.
Hall of Famer Sam Snead had a glorious career, but never won a U.S. Open. In 1937, he led the Open with one hole to go, but carded a triple-bogey on the last hole to lose. Doug Sanders at the 1970 Open Championship, Scott Hoch at the 1989 Masters and Bernhard Langer at the 1991 Ryder Cup all embarrassingly missed short, vital putts.
It’s hard to know whether McIlroy will ever be able to shed the scar tissue that has built up between his ears, and whether he’ll ever be
able to sink a relatively easy putt to win a major. But it seems the more he misses those significant putts, the less chance there is for him to generate the mental toughness needed to finally succeed.
• Super 70s Sports: “In 1971, Juan Marichal tossed his 50th career shutout. Fifty years later, scientists are baffled when they discover that if you throw even one complete game your entire arm will blow up.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “In early November, 1963, Ronald Howes marketed the first EasyBake Oven - three years before the start of the Maple Leafs last Stanley Cup-winning season. Since then both have run on the same principle: just replace one dim bulb with another hoping the final product won’t be half-baked.”
• Toronto Globe and Mail columnist Cathal Kelly, on hockey: “Other sports claim to be vicious. Hockey was the only one in which participants routinely lost half their teeth.”
• Headline in the New York Post: “Tall order: 7-foot-9 Florida recruit is about to make college basketball history. Oliver Rioux makes Zach Edey look like Muggsy Bogues.”
• Canadian parody website The Beaverton: “The Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record in 1968 when
their entire roster looked like dads who expected their daughters to be home by 9 p.m. and you didn’t want to find out what was gonna happen at 9:02.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe. com: “And if anyone who even casually followed the NHL and the Stanley Cup playoffs says they expected (a Game 7) after the Florida Panthers went up 3-0 on the Edmonton Oilers ... well, drug test them or give them a lie detector test.”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “Next week marks the 40th anniversary of the NBA draft, in which the Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon No. 1, the Portland Trail Blazers took Sam Bowie second and the Bulls reluctantly chose Michael Jordan third.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com, giving the No. 1 reason why more than 50 teams competed in England’s 12-hour, overnight lawn tractor race: “The mow, the merrier.”
• Another one from Currie: “American Andy Roddick went into the tennis Hall of Fame despite being a winner in only one major event. Two, if you include marriage to SI cover girl Brooklyn Decker.”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
Bruce Penton
Penton On Sports
Remember When
Keith Schell
With the end of spring approaching in 1969, it was almost time for our little country Church to let out for the summer.
Situated in the middle of cottage country, the leaders of our Church were realistic enough to know that no one wanted to be stuck in Church on a hot Sunday morning in the summer, especially with no air conditioning available back then and the fact that the summertime was usually the busy time for many of the local parishioners whose jobs tended to be dependent on the summer tourist trade.
But the last Sunday when Church let out for the summer was always notable for one particular event that occurred after our late morning services concluded.
And that event was: the church picnic.
After services ended at eleven o’clock that morning the congregation would begin to gather on the front lawn with folding tables and chairs and
The Church Picnic
start to get the summer farewell picnic into full swing.
We played all the usual games that you would play at a community Church picnic; the three legged race, using a spoon to race across the lawn to fill a cup with water, the potato sack race, and so forth. All staples of a good Church picnic and all good fun!
The laughter of the adults mixed in with the giggling of the children and always made for a very happy time!
After the games were concluded, out came the food. Platters of assorted sandwiches, tubs of homemade potato and other assorted salads, a variety of baked desserts, assorted soft drinks for the kids, coffee and tea for the grownups, and all the other assorted delectable fares that one would normally see at a lovely Church picnic. All were made or provided by the loving hands of the tireless volunteers who worked to make our Church a vibrant part of the local rural community.
God was truly good to us on that day.
I took a sandwich from a platter but I was still of the age where I stubbornly refused to eat the bread crusts on my sandwich. I ate the sandwich and put the crusts in the trash. My Mother saw what I was
doing and told me to eat my bread crusts. I refused. As this breadcrust battle of wills between my Mother and myself began, our Church leader saw me defying my Mother and came over to intervene. When he found out what was happening, a little smile came to his face. He turned to face me, and, wagging his finger at me, gave me this stern warning:
He told me if I didn’t eat my bread crusts I’d go bald like he was!
I looked at the top of his head. Hmm. I gave his warning some pretty serious thought back then because he was pretty bald at the time! (A good fellow and a devout Christian, I guess he never ate his bread crusts all his life because he is still pretty bald to this day!)
But after our Church leader walked away, I decided to risk my hair that day and had another sandwich without eating the bread crusts - but I will say this: today I am a good boy who eats his bread crusts all the time and while my forehead today is a bit higher than it used to be, to this day I still have a fairly decent head of hair!
After that I headed to the dessert table. My Mother usually baked one of her legendary chocolate cakes for the picnic, and of course, I
always had a piece of that as I surveyed the rest of the desserts to see what other delicacies I might want to sample that day. There was always something delectable and delicious to try on the dessert table!
After lunch we chose up sides for a friendly little baseball game and at the conclusion of that game, the picnic started to wind down for the afternoon. ‘Thank yous’ and ‘goodbyes’ were said to all present for the lovely time that was had on that last Sunday gathering before Church
finally let out for the summer.
A good time at the picnic was had by all and as we parted ways for the summer we always looked forward to congregating again in the fall to commence Sunday Church services yet again.
But times change, and sadly, not always for the better. As we children grew up and moved away from the home of our youth to begin our lives elsewhere, attendance began to dwindle over the years at our little country
Church. Eventually, it was forced to close its doors for good in the fall of 2016 due to a lack of attendance.
And even though the Church of my youth is now lost to the ages, the happy memories of the fun and fellowship of the childhood Church picnics spent amongst good friends and neighbours will always be with me and will always provide me with a pleasant source of lifelong joy and comfort.
Don’t mess with me!
LLOYDMINSTER PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSED BOUNDARY
Believing public library services in Lloydminster should develop naturally with the growth of the city and desiring the continuation of effective and efficient services within the city, on Monday, June 24, 2024, the Lloydminster City Council unanimously approved a motion to establish a municipal library in Lloydminster. The reason for the proposed boundary change is that the Library’s unique and complex governance requirements as a bi-provincial operation could be better managed under a municipal model. The City of Lloydminster proposes the boundaries of the new municipal library to be those of the existing city limits in accordance with subsection 12(1) of the Public Libraries Act, 1996 (c. P-39-2).
Pursuant with clause 4.1(3)(c) of the Public Libraries Act, 1996 (c. P-39.2), any person may, within four weeks after the last publication of the notice, file a written letter of support or objection to the proposed change with the City of Lloydminster. If you have any questions, or would like to submit a letter, please email cityclerk@lloydminster.ca by August 2, 2024.
Additionally, we will be holding a Public Meeting for anyone interested in speaking to representatives of the Lloydminster Public Library and the City of Lloydminster on this matter in person. This will be held on August 8, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Small Meeting Room at the Seruvs Sports Centre.
This owl isn’t impressed, posturing to make itself look bigger. The feathered raptor - in full threat display - was near Eagle Creek, photographed by “Owl Whisperer”, Marg Crozier. (Photo for The Independent courtesy of Marg Crozier)
U11 Nats perfect season ... Biggar’s U11 Nationals have had a season to remember - a perfect, winning season! The Lady Nats have been undefeated on the year, racking up the “ticks” in the win column. Congratulations! (Submitted Photo)
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Canada really does have talent
Rebecca Strong hit the court at the June 20 Saskatchewan Rattlers game. The Canada’s Got Talent winner sang two numbers at half-time, blowing the audience away with her amazing talent. She was also part of the Rattlers’ Indigenous Day celebration. (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)
