Life with a song in their hearts ... Castwell and Co. held a pretty successful and entertaining cabaret at the Majestic Theatre, Saturday evening. Wickedly fun and enthusiastic, the troupe will soon be offering “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are at the door or at castwell. ca. From main photo: Anara Hoppe. Inset pictures, counterclockwise: Kalaen
(Independent
Dhil-Stevenot; Reid Silvernagle; Tiffany McBee and Michaela Hoppe; Malia and Erin Hadden; Katelyn Fecht and Annika Hadden.
Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar took a big step, the first of many, during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing the history of indigenous people, the wisdom in their traditions, the suffering they endured, and the legacy of colonization in today’s society. Local Métis members were key on the day, setting up areas on Main Street to eat, play, listen to Elders, learn Native art and hear songs of the first members of this nation. Take time to understand the pain and the suffering ... they are our friends and neighbours. Often, they are people who offer a future for a nation to prosper, moving forward to a better tomorrow.
(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
RM of Biggar council minute highlights
The regular meeting of the RM of Biggar No. 347 was held August 20 at the municipal office at 9 a.m. Attending were Reeve Jeanne-Marie de Moissac, Councillors Brad Poletz, Melanie Peiffer, Dale Thomson, Greg Mundt, and Brian Watson. (Absent: Mark Sagon), Administrator Sandi Silvernagle, Assistant Administrator Maria Danychuk, and Foreman Darren Comstock.
The following are some highlights of the meeting.
Council agreed that the July 2024 Bank Reconciliation and Financial Statement be received and filed as presented.
Council agreed that payments for cheques, online payments, online utility payments, Mastercard, monthly remit-
by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department
Wow, what a difference. September came along and it was run, run, run.
There were a total of 17 calls during the month, two structure fires, two Motor Vehicle Collisions, two vehicle fires, five false alarms, two investigation requests, three STARS landings and only one grass fire. This brings the year to date total to 62 calls.
The other event to acknowledge was Deputy Chief Erroll Horst and firefighter Ken Markewich being presented with the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty. The award is given to members who have achieved 25 years of exemplary service on the fire department.
Practises during the month included fire extinguisher training, controlled burn techniques and we did some structure fire entry techniques in our burn room. Since we have now turned the page into October, Fire Prevention Week is the the October 6-12, and it would be a good time to test the smoke detectors located around your home. Also scheduled during the week is our annual meet
tances, and July payroll, in the amount of $388,876.78, be approved.
Council agreed that the Division 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 verbal reports were accepted as presented. The Reeve, Administrator and Foreman’s verbal reports were also accepted as presented.
Council agreed that the following correspondence be accepted and filed: Ministry of Environment - Springwater Landfill Report Response Letter. APASRail Strike Information.
Council agreed to approve the sale of the Duperow Dedicated Lands located at Blk/Par R1-Plan G486 Extension 0, purchase price to be increased to $1,000 per acre for a total of $2,000.
Council agreed to
approve the Development and Building Permit Application at NW 34-35-14 W3 from Fred Boisvert. Council conditionally approved the house and foundation drawings provided by Boisvert, provided that the Development and Building Permit, Discretionary Use Permit and all other permits and approvals are obtained prior to commencing work.
Council agreed to approve payment of a bill in the amount of $6,666.39 to Peszko Legal for legal fees.
• 11:31 a.m. Foreman Comstock left the meeting.
Council agreed to approve the per diems in the amount of $2,706.66.
• Meeting adjourned at 11:39 a.m.
Biggar Fire Report
and greet at the Firehall on Thursday, October 10 starting at 6 p.m. so bring the kids down for a ride in the fire trucks and enjoy a hotdog or hamburger on us.
The last thing I would like to bring up is a disturbing trend we have noticed in the Biggar area and others as well - vehicles driving down the highway and starting on fire. Although there is
no conclusive evidence, with many areas complaining about the large increase in the mouse population we can’t help but wonder if it is related and think it would be a good idea to check under the hood of your vehicle once in a while for evidence of nest building.
As always, you can find us at the Firehall, Monday nights at 7 p.m.
Saskatchewan’s 30th General Election officially underway
Wednesday, Dr. Michael Boda, Chief Electoral Officer of Saskatchewan, signed all 61 writs of election (one for each constituency) for the province’s 30th General Election.
An order from the Lieutenant Governor-inCouncil arrived October 1, instructing that a provincial election be held during a Voting Week of October 22 to 28, 2024.
“Fundamental to a free and fair election is that every voter has convenient and easy access to casting their ballot,” says Dr. Boda. “This election we are broadening access to the ballot for our 800,000-plus eligible voters. We are doing that by expanding the vote by mail option and formalizing Voting Week with 56 hours of voting spread over six days.”
The creation of Voting Week is a crucial step in acknowledging the need to place the voter at the centre of our system, explained Dr. Boda. This broadens a voter’s access to the secret ballot, introducing multiple
days, multiple places, and multiple ways of voting that offer greater convenience for eligible voters.
“Voting by mail is one of those ways of voting,” Dr. Boda continued. “It is a safe and secure alternative to voting in-person. Over the past two elections we’ve seen interest in this option rise from 4,400 absentee ballots in 2016 to 61,000-plus applications in 2020. Vote-by-mail ballots are not automatically mailed to every voter, as is the case in some jurisdictions outside Canada. Eligible voters must first apply in advance for one and provide a copy of ID with their application.”
Any Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old by October 28, 2024, and ordinarily a Saskatchewan resident is eligible to vote. You must show ID at voting locations to vote. The complete list of acceptable ID at elections. sk.ca/id.
A resource page for voters, workers, candidates, parties, and media for this general election can
be found at elections. sk.ca/2024GE
“All ballots are paper and are marked by the voter, by hand,” says Dr. Boda. “All ballots are counted by hand by election workers. Some will have more ballots to count than others, so voting results during the First Preliminary Count will not all report at the same time. There are no electronic ballots, voting machines, or counting machines used in a Saskatchewan general election.”
Elections Saskatchewan (ESK) is the province’s non-partisan election management body and an independent office of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. ESK directs and supervises the administration of provincial electoral events including Saskatchewan’s next general election, scheduled, by legislation, for October 28, 2024. Information for voters, workers, media, candidates, and parties at elections. sk.ca
Serving you this evening ... St. Gabriel School students get ready for the first Fall Supper of the season in Biggar. The Community Hall was buzzing as the food line was long but happy, eager for a tasty celebration of the fall bounty.
(Independent
Biggar Central supports Fox Run ... Biggar Central School 2000 hit the Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park trails, September 26, for their annual Fox Run. A beautiful day, students and staff hoofed it around the pathways, all in support of Terry Fox and his run to support cancer research.
(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Deputy Chief Erroll Horst, right, and His Honour the Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty.
Ken Markewich, right, and and His Honour the Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty. (Submitted Photos)
by Gwyn Morgan, retired business leader, former director of five global corporations
Last month, echoing a U.S. announcement three months earlier, the Trudeau government announced a 100 per cent tariff on the import of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). China wasted no time striking back where it would hurt most, launching an antidumping investigation into Canadian canola exports.
While there’s no evidence of dumping, there’s a very high likelihood the move is a procedural pretext to halting canola imports. China has long been the biggest canola buyer and was expected to purchase 70 per cent of this year’s bumper crop.
China’s move was predictable, given that it blocked canola imports following the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in 2019. Canola producers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba lost some $2 billion as a result of that boycott.
The Trudeau government’s press release
described Chinese EVs as an “extraordinary threat” to Canada’s auto workers. However, the reality is that Canada produces zero EVs, and there are no projects on the table to do so. What is on the table are subsidies - $ 50 billion worth - to Honda, Swedish automaker Northvolt, Ford, Stellantis, Volkswagen and General Motors to build EV battery plants in Ontario and Quebec.
The American situation is entirely different from Canada’s. The U.S. does manufacture EVs, but the U.S./China trading relationship involves multiple industries with no obvious target for China to strike back at. This makes Trudeau’s mimicking of the American move profoundly irresponsible.
That the Liberal government would put canola farmers at risk in order to protect jobs in Ontario and Quebec is despicable but hardly out of character. The Trudeau Liberals have a long record of making decisions that harm the West - and Western farmers, in particular.
Data from the Agricul-
tural Carbon Alliance show that during just one month in 2023, livestock farmers paid an average of $726 in carbon taxes, field crop farmers $2,024 and greenhouse operators $17,173. A sampling of 50 farms showed total payments of $329,644 in just that one month. And there are 190,000 farms in Canada.
This harmful policy comes at a time when the future of the entire Canadian farming sector is at risk. A study sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada predicts that by 2033, 40 per cent of Canadian farm operators will retire. Over that same period, a shortfall of 24,000 general farm, nursery and greenhouse workers is expected. The study states: “These gaps loom at a time when Canada’s agricultural workforce needs to evolve to include skills like data analytics. To meet our long-term goals, we’ll need to build a new pipeline of domestic operators and workers.”
Even worse, the future of those battery plants the Trudeau govern-
ment handed $50 billion in subsidies to is in serious jeopardy. As Forbes reports, “Fullyelectric passenger vehicle demand is softening. Unsold inventories have been clogging dealer’s lots. Manufacturersfrom the biggest brands to the smallest start-ups - are cutting back production and investment plans.”
How does the future of Canadian EV manufacturing relate to the future of farming? The answer is that the first cannot exist without
gigantic taxpayer subsidies, while what farmers need is to be relieved of debilitating carbon taxes. We should not be robbing farmers to pay subsidies to batterymakers.
What we should be doing is encouraging young people to enter farming and provide them with the skills needed to “build that new pipeline” of agricultural workers. A country that can’t fuel and feed itself is a vulnerable country.
We Canadians are
fortunate to have the resources to do both and also to create wealth by exporting those resources. But we have every reason to be outraged by a government that spends billions of dollars subsidizing an industry where our country has no economic advantage while imposing heavy taxes on an industry that is absolutely vital to thousands of rural communities and to the food security of all of us.
Our obsession with convenience is harming us and our planet
by Nick Kossovan
The stickiness of the Internet and social media is mainly due to our obsession with convenience.
The digital world offers an unimaginably massive and convoluted buffet of conveniences. 24/7/365 access to news and information, instant messaging, unlimited entertainment, and online shopping is accessible through your hand-held device, which is not much bigger than a credit card.
In all its forms, the Internet capitalizes on the relationship between convenience and increased consumption.
Advertisers and marketers lost no time capitalizing on the golden opportunity to exploit the convenience of the Internet, further fuelling our wasteful firstworld consumerism. As a result, tech companies and apps now dominate our lives, making it easier than ever to order takeout, have products delivered to our doorsteps, and swipe left in
search of a soul mate.
As we become more addicted to the convenience of online shopping from the comfort of our homes, we’re unintentionally causing harm to both our mental health and the environment. Interestingly, the Sears Catalogue, founded in 1887, was like the Amazon of its time. Over a century ago, our forefathers could get almost anything by mail, which made sense as cars weren’t around to make shopping and transporting purchases easy. So why wasn’t the convenience of shopping from a mail-order catalogue widely adopted?
I don’t know. Was it the six to eight weeks it took to receive your order?
There’s a lot of talk lately about loneliness and isolation. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report released in April 2023 titled Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation found that even before the COVID19 pandemic, about half of U.S. adults reported
experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Would it be a stretch to assume the rise in loneliness is a consequence of our taking advantage of the Internet’s many stay-at-home conveniences? Not so long ago, malls - marketplaces and shopping districts before them - were community-like hubs, akin to town squares, where you met your friends, ran into neighbours, and even made new acquaintances. You saw people, you connected.
Malls offer more than just a plethora of retail stores; they also provide social experiences that many of us are now abandoning in favour of online shopping, which is one of the most environmentally harmful ways to shop. Instead of visiting a store to try on a jacket and see how it fits, many people now order five jackets online and return four, adding to waste and environmental damage. Ordering online has a significant negative environmental impact. That ‘must-have’ avocado slic-
er you bought online will arrive in a box the size of a doghouse, packed with enough bubble wrap to protect a mini fridge. Those over 50 can remember when shopping wasn’t a daily, let alone a 24/7/365 activity. People used to write something called a shopping list. Then, they went to the store or mall and gathered all the items on their list at once. Then, they took their purchases home, put everything in its place, and felt the satisfaction of a job well done.
When you order online, robots and workers, who are often treated like robots, pack your Tim Hortons Original Coffee blend and Single Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods into an oversized box and deliver it to your home along with three other large boxes, each containing just one item that could have been purchased locally. We then appease our environmental guilt by tossing all the excessive packaging into blue bins as if they were a gateway to plastic heaven.
However, according to the Government of Canada website, only nine per cent of Canada’s plastic waste is actually recycled; the rest ends up in landfills, wasteto-energy plants, or polluting the environment, including the ocean. Shopping online for stuff you likely don’t need, knowing its negative impact on the environment, while crying about the environment is sheer hypocrisy. Every time you click ‘buy it now’, a tree gets its wings.
No one wants to think about the child labour in Bangladesh who made the Nike hoodie they ordered off Amazon, the ship, air, rail and truck that transported it, or the landfill the hotdog toaster they bought on impulse - prompted by an ad you saw on Facebook - will eventually end up. We just want that t-shirt that says “Mindful.” Online shopping is wreaking havoc on our planet’s environment. The kicker is we’ve sold ourselves the false nar-
rative that online shopping is eco-friendly. Making a list, getting off the couch, and getting it is much better for our environment and has the added benefit of meeting people and maybe even finding your soul mate. Thanks to the Internet, you can go days or weeks without speaking to anyone. Time spent online is time spent being sedentary and not having reallife interactions. Online shopping reduces our social and community interactions, leading to loneliness. I’m sure you’ve noticed, as I have, that social skills, especially amongst millennials, Generation Z, and the current Generation Alpha, are deteriorating. You can’t experience all life has to offer sitting on a couch - I know there are exceptions. Another reason to avoid shopping online is privacy. Going to a store is buying and leaving without creating a trail of cookies and tracking/ analyzing.
One of my first associations with telephones while in the army was early on. I may be wrong but I think it was in Woodstock, Ontario.
Another fellow and myself attended the service centre downtown, and one of our tickets (Y.T. (Yours Truly) bought them both) won the door prize: a phone call home!
The guy lived in Toronto and I came from Saskatchewan, but he volunteered right away
“I’ll phone home right now,” he said, “and let them know I’ve got a pass for next weekend.”
Meanwhile, Y.T. had been shipped out East from Camp Shilo where I was at ... grumble, grumble, grumble! It’s incidents like this that start a fellow drinking!
I’m sure Alexander Gra-
ham Bell would have done differently, but that guy sure didn’t.
Actually, Y.T. started out on his military “career” as a private, a gun-carrying infantry foot-slogger. But a sharpeyed, well-brained military type, through psychology and frustration, channelled him into a group of radio-carrying, telephone-lugging - also weapon-carrying - infantry lowest-of-the low.
Some promotion, eh?!
Of course, in order to become proficient in this “chosen” profession, we took courses, here and there, in army “communication”.
I don’t know who invented those early army phones. I doubt if it was Mr. Bell - but many of them did have a bell. It sure would be embarrassing, if not unhealthy, for some outpost way up front, trying not to be noticed by the enemy, to have their field phone suddenly go “RII-III-IING!”
A lot of the ones we used were actually left behind by the retreating enemy, and only had a kind of alerting low buzzer.
It wasn’t very darn long until he (the retreating enemy) wizened up to this, and we found a lot of these abandoned phones booby-trapped.
I’m not sure at all what the army’s communication set-up is today, but I do know that when our phone lines had been cut and our radio frequencies jammed, the odd messenger or D.R. (Dispatch Rider) was sometimes sent out to repair it ... and sometimes they never got there!
It was a darn good thing, I thought, that there were quite a few peasants in the infantry.
One of the foxy little tricks that “Mr. Fritz” used now and then was to cut our telephone line and wait for some signaller to come along and repair it. More than one fellow got hit that way until the standard manoeuvre was to crawl in, fix the line and crawl out.
We never really knew if anyone was waiting for us or not - if I’d have been them, I’d have gone home!
Everyone seemed to want a phone line strung out to everyone else, so it came to pass that in one of those Dutch towns, we had to string a bunch of lines across an alley where a bunch of other lines were. A big Sherman tank got lost or something, came charging down that alley with his aerial up as far as it would go, tore the lines all down and drove over
them.
Of course all signal types were immediately called out to repair them. In the rain, no less!
Sometimes there was complete confusion, which wasn’t that odd in the army. And as we tried to reconnect the lines, some of the conversations on our little “tele lines” went like this:
“Hullo! Is this B Company?”
“Yaw. This is B.”
“What’s your major’s name?”
“Major Worowicj.”
Uh, oh! We’d called on a line leading to B Company of the Polish Regiment which was on our left. The darn trouble was that some of those Polish guys spoke pretty good English, and names like Worowicj were often quite Canadian anyway. It took a lot of time, but rain or not, we finally got it all sorted out.
One night, a fellow came up and told me I was wanted on the phone back at HQ.
Y.T. stumbled back to headquarters.
“Hello!” says the voice. “Private Mason? The GSO2 (General Service Officer No. 2) needs a driver/operator in the worst way. Will you come back?”
I thought that over for a few seconds. A real
chance to go back to Brigade HQ.
“Sorry,” I said, “but C Company is just going to move up a little closer to the Rhine, and they’ve got to have a guy with them. Is there someone back there who’d like to come up and trade places with me?”
Maybe a mortar shell or something landed near our telephone line and cut it - I don’t know - but it sure went dead all of a sudden!
I see in the old L and T, an item marked, “It’s out” and it reminded me of the night one of our fellows shot the window out of a house that didn’t have its blackout curtain up. And the name of the
fellow during the Shilo riot, who was staggering around talking on a telephone that he had ripped off the wall of one of the messes.
There’s another bit about Mike Peruski who was one of the Polish types on our left - all kinds of stuff!
One of the neighbours showed up with a cellphone the other day, and wondered how come I didn’t have one.
Heck, for one thing the telephone we do have almost puts this ballpoint pen out of business every time it rings. “Hello? Hello? Wrong number!”
You’ve sure got that right.
What’s Happening in Biggar: A Busy Year So
As we move into the fall months, Biggar is bustling with activity. This month, the ice will be installed at the Jubilee Stadium which is sure to be exciting news for everyone eager to put on their skates!
The summer has flown by, and we’ve been busy with various initiatives.
The new “Shop Local” Passport is now available at several locations around town, encouraging residents to support local businesses. We’re proud of our strong business community and encourage everyone to make use of the excellent resources we have right here in our beautiful town.
The town has undertaken some large infrastructure projects this summer, including the extension of a water line on First Avenue West and replacing water and sewer lines on Second Avenue West. The project on Second Avenue will be completed in phases, with sidewalk and street paving set for phase 2 and 3 in 2025 and 2026. We understand the inconvenience this construction may cause property owners, so we thank you for
your cooperation and patience.
The town is the recipient of several grants this year. SGI awarded $40,000 in matching funds, which will be used to extend the walking path from the back end of Little Apple Park and ending near the current location of the outdoor rink. Additionally, we received a $25,000 grant from New Horizons for seniors, which is being used at the site of the community gardens for installing pavement. We hope these gardens will be fully utilized and enjoyed by many. Furthermore, thanks to Tree Canada, we received $10,000 in funding to purchase and plant 115 additional trees around town, most of them along walking paths and some replacements in various parks. You may have noticed several advertisements for full time employment in our Public Works and Utilities departments. We are seeking dedicated and qualified individuals to fill these positions. If you are enthusiastic, dedicated, and enjoy a challenge, we encourage you to apply! Our team is made up of amaz-
ing individuals and we would love to welcome you aboard.
If you are requiring Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public Services, both services are now available at the Town Office. Please call ahead to book an appointment.
The past few months have been frequented with calls about various incidents involving dogs. We know pets are a big part of your family, however we strongly urge everyone to keep close track of them. They often love to socialize; however, your neighbours did not provide an open invitation for this type of guest. Council has recently adopted a new Animal Control bylaw which provides some new and stronger measures for dealing with dogs at large. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with this bylaw which can be found on our website or call our office if you have questions.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming election on November 13! We encourage everyone to get involved. A flyer was recently distributed with information about
the SUMA candidate school. Hopefully, you had a chance to attend or watch the recording. Keep an eye out for the Call for Nominationsforms are available on our website and at the Town Office.
As an elected official, you are just one member of council. You probably have a host of ideas, but you will need to work with your fellow council members to bring those ideas to life, most legal authority and responsibility rests with the entire council. While most powers rest with the entire council, Section 92 of The Municipalities Act outline many individual duties for council members:
• Represent the public and consider the wellbeing and interest of the municipality.
• Help develop and evaluate the policies, services, and programs of the municipality.
• Participate in council and committee meetings.
• Ensure that administrative practices and procedures are in place to put council decisions into practice.
• Keep in confidence matters discussed in pri-
vate at council or committee meetings until the matter is discussed at a public meeting.
• Maintain the financial integrity of the municipality.
What does this mean for you during your term on council?
1.) Your role is Governance. Governance in a municipal context refers to how decisions are made and implemented to manage the affairs of the community. The administration of the municipality is managed and implemented by the Chief Administrative Officer in accordance with the Council’s wishes.
2.) You represent everyone. As a council member it is your responsibility to act in the best interest of your entire community, not just a particular interest group.
3.) Be fully engaged. Being an effective council member takes a lot of work. Get engaged with committee work, learn new things, keep an open mind, and take the opportunity to get to know your community better. Your community and your voters will thank you.
Far
4.) Build and sustain relationships. As an individual council member your power is limited, but as a member of a properly functioning council, you can do great things. Get to know your colleagues; show them that they can trust you. Show your colleagues respect, even - especially - when you disagree and be supportive of the majority’s decision.
5.) Be a wise steward. As an order of government with the ability to levy taxes and set laws, local governments have plenty of responsibility. As a member of council, you are charged with serving the interests of your community. Consider the long-term implications of your decisions, and plan accordingly.
For more information on running for municipal council and the roles and responsibilities, please visit: https:// www.saskatchewan.ca/ government/municipaladministration/elections/running-for-municipal-council In service to our community, Town of Biggar!
Bob Mason Notable Notes
Christine Ibbotson
Ask
The Money Lady
Dear Money Lady, My adult daughter and her husband just moved back home to save money and pay off their debt. I was then blind-sided when they told me they were both quitting their jobs to go back to school. I don’t know what to do here - some of my friends also have their adult kids still living at home. Suggestions?
Grace C. I feel for you Grace - as do many other parents like you! Unfortunately, we have done this to ourselves. Parents of millennials are still not able to stop the “helicopter parent syndrome” even for their adult children. Canadian parents are struggling to save and stay on track to becoming financially comfortable, but then are side-tracked with worry about their adult children. Many believe their adult kids are not going to attain the same level of comfort just on their own resources and will need continuous assistance. Obviously, the demands now on parents are dramatically different than they were in the 60’s and 70s. Our parents would never have dreamed of doing what todays parents do
for their children.
Many are willing to sacrifice all to financially support their adult children in what is believed to be an economic environment where young adults face higher unemployment rates, high housing costs and large student debt. Millennials today are now the smartest and most technically advanced generation of all time, yet feel they have more uncertainty, more stress and have more anxiety and depression than their parents ever did.
This may indeed be true and could account for some of the reasons why so many parents are putting their retirement plans on hold to keep working.
While helping our children is something we expect to do as parents, at least until they are
financially independent, it is important to realize the long-term cost this can have on our own futures. Many parents still have their adult children still living at home with no costs, free rent and the fridge full. Be careful parents! At some point you will need to tighten up the spending and this should not be at the end when the day-today finances becomes unsustainable. Adult children must realize that they can no longer rely on the financial support of their parents due to the inevitable limited resources and amount of time left for parents in their working years.
Sometimes whether it is forced, planned or necessary, young adults need to experience things that allow them to handle challenges. This
will help them build life skills and become more resilient in ways that financial support alone cannot provide. Although you may feel you are providing financial support out of love, most adult children don’t see it the same way, but rather expect it now as something you’re obligated to do as their parent. Tell me something ... were you financially supported when you were their age?
Why not create a longterm strategy, or at least have a frank discussion about financial circumstances on both sides? To your children, they may believe that you should support them financially forever, and that you as their parents, are well set for the future. Remind them of your goals and also get them to create
some of their own goals. Create realistic timelines, budgets and let your children know you want them to get a good foothold on lifebut that doesn’t mean subsidizing their current adult lifestyle. As parents, we need to be independent and retire with dignity, and that means we need money to do so. Do not give what you cannot afford to be without later, when you retire. Remember, love is not something you buy. Good luck and best wishes!
Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and BNN, syndicated across Canada. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at askthemoneylady.ca
Why you should check your credit report - and how to
do it
Keeping an eye on your credit report is crucial for maintaining your financial health. Credit bureaus in Canada, such as Equifax and TransUnion, collect different information about your credit history. Checking your own credit report does not affect your credit score, so it’s a good habit to get into.
of how you’ve used credit in the past. Regularly reviewing it helps you:
• Detect and correct errors that could affect your credit score.
Your credit report provides a detailed history
• Spot signs of identity theft early.
Chef Dez on Cooking Kale Cranberry Salad
Now that Autumn is officially here, I have a perfect salad recipe that captures the season deliciously. If you find kale too coarse and bitter - you need to massage it. See step 2.
This recipe is also featured in my new book From My Kitchen to Yours. Enjoy!
Kale Cranberry Salad
• 1/2 cup whole raw cranberries, thawed from frozen.
• 2 tablespoons orange brandy.
• 1 large bunch of kale.
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided.
• Fresh cracked pepper.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar.
• 2 tablespoons orange juice.
• 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard.
• 1.5 tablespoons dark brown sugar.
• 1 large garlic clove, crushed to a paste.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
• 284 ml can of Mandarin orange segments in light syrup, drained.
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted, divided.
1.) Cut the raw cranberries into quarters lengthwise and combine with the orange brandy. Let sit aside for at least 30 minutes (Note: thawed from frozen cranberries are more palatable than fresh cranberries).
2.) Prepare the kale by first rinsing and drying. Then remove the ribs/ stems and cut or tear the leaves into small bite size pieces. You should end up with approximately 16 cups loosely measured. Place this prepared kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with a half teaspoon of the salt and lots of fresh cracked pepper. Massage this kale mixture with your hands for approximately three minutes (this will make the kale more palatable and less bitter). After massaging, transfer this kale mixture to a salad serving bowl, while fluffing it up a bit with your hands.
3.) Drain the cranberries from the brandy and set the cranberries aside while reserving this residual brandy liquid for the dressing.
4.) Make the dressing by thoroughly combining the following ingredients together: reserved brandy, red wine vinegar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, garlic, and the remaining quarter teaspoon salt. Drizzle this dressing over the kale.
5.) Complete the salad by topping with the reserved raw cranberries, dried cranberries, reserved Mandarin segments, red onion, feta cheese, and a quarter cup of the toasted almonds. Reserve the remaining quarter cup toasted almonds for serving at the table. Makes approximately six to eight side dish portions. 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
• Understand your credit standing before applying for new credit. How to get your credit report
Online: You can access your credit report online for free from both credit bureaus. This method allows you to see your report immediately and is updated monthly.
By mail: Request your credit report by mail using forms provided by the respective companies. You’ll need to include copies of two pieces of acceptable
identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
By phone: Call Equifax at 1-800-465-7166 or TransUnion at 1-800663-9980 to request your free credit report. Be prepared to confirm your identity by answering personal and financial questions.
In person: Visit either credit bureau’s physical locations with at least two pieces of identification to request your credit report in person. Protect yourself from
fraud
Always ensure the website you use to access your credit report is secure (look for “https” in the URL and a padlock symbol next to it). Be cautious of fraudsters offering free credit reports or scores to steal your information.
By regularly checking your credit report, you can stay on top of your financial health and address any issues promptly.
How to be a tech-savvy consumer
We spend much of our lives in a digital world. Many of us use a computer for our jobs, we use a variety of streaming services for entertainment and we rely on the mini-computers in our pockets - better known as our cellphones - to do everything from communicating with friends and family to checking the weather forecast, finding directions or paying for purchases. Each device we use requires a service provider.
Here are three things you should know about your rights as a telecom customer in Canada. Get full disclosure
Whenever you sign up with an Internet, cellular or television service provider, they must give you a copy of a detailed contract that spells out what’s included in your monthly fees, and any additional charges or fees you may face, such as early cancellation penalties. Keep copies of all related e-mails, and take screenshots or save a transcription of any webchats discussing the details. Read
the contract thoroughly, and check the first bill when it arrives to ensure there are no unexpected charges.
Once you’ve signed a contract, know that most wireless and Internet services offer a 15-day trial period, so consider using the trial period to make sure the service works for you. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, cancel without penalty before the trial expires to avoid getting locked into a fixed-term contract.
Be travel alert
If you’re travelling out of the country, your packing list will likely include your cellphone, charger and any electrical adaptors you’ll need for the places you visit. But before you head out, you should understand how your cellular data provider handles roaming charges. For one, Canadian providers cannot charge you more than $100 in roaming charges per billing cycle unless you agree to them. They must also notify you when your phone is in a location where roaming charges can apply.
Ask your provider about their travel plans. Many offer out-of-country talk, text and data plans for a daily flat rate. Another option is to turn your data roaming off until you get to your destination and purchase a local SIM card.
Either way, carefully review your bill when you return to make sure there are no unexpected charges or fees.
Know how to resolve a complaint
If you’re not happy with the telecom service or feel like you’ve been overcharged, the first step is to contact your provider. If they don’t resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services. This independent Canadian organization offers free complaint-resolution services for issues like roaming, contract disputes or incorrect charges on your phone, Internet or TV accounts, and has the authority to make providers to fix the problem.
Chef Dez On Cooking
Geopolitics damaging agriculture
by Calvin Daniels
When you live in Canada it’s difficult to envision grocery store shelves being empty.
Even at the height of the COVID crisis food was always there - albeit some brands and specific items missing or in limited supply.
Realistically, when you live in a country which has long been a major agricultural produce producer which has had to export massive amount of foodstuffs because we out produce domestic consumption, food supplies are not a
concern.
Certainly we’ve embraced that reality as consumers.
Drive around your local community and notice how few backyard vegetable gardens exist today.
While no hard data on this one - I am quite confident that if you polled households most would not have a deep freeze filled with food.
Even on the farm food security has largely been left to the grocery store and the distribution system supplying the store.
Few farms bother with a few chickens for eggs, or a milk cow, or a few pigs. They may not have an apple tree or Saskatoon bushes, or even a vegetable garden.
It’s a time thing with ever larger acres of land to cover, and often offfarm careers as well. It just seems easier to head the store for eggs and milk and lettuce.
But, then you hear
from Brian Conn, LDC’s Country Manager speaking at a Brick Mill Dinner in Yorkton on how Brazil accounts for about 85 per cent of the world’s orange juice.
Now no one is going to suggest orange juice is essential to our diets, so if suddenly that supply chain from South America was broken it would not be exactly a disaster, but it is a situation which reminds of the old adage of putting all ones eggs in a single basket being generally a bad idea.
When it comes to world trade a lot of things can have impacts that could disrupt things.
We see that currently as the Chinese are throwing up politicallymotivated roadblocks to imports of Canadian canola oil.
There are always concerns in terms of politics. A change in who is in power, either by the ballot box or often
7 things to know about “loud budgeting”
When we get together with family and friends, not everyone feels comfortable talking about money.
But a new trend is trying to change that.
“Loud budgeting” is about breaking that taboo and encouraging people to talk about their financial situations. If this makes you feel a bit uneasy, you are not alone.
Here are seven things to know about loud budgeting:
It’s all about transparency. This means being honest about your financial situation with yourself and with others. You can openly share your budget, spending limits, and financial goals with friends and family.
It can provide community support and hold you accountable. By discussing your budget openly, you can gain support from others who understand your goals and can help you stay on track. It can also help reduce the pressure of trying to keep up with other people’s spending habits. For example,
people might be more understanding if you refuse an invitation to go out to eat or go shopping if they know you’re trying to save or pay your debt.
Find an accountability partner. Partner with someone who has similar financial goals to keep each other motivated. This is the same as finding a gym partner. Some people may find it easier to stick to a plan when they’re doing it with someone else.
It can be empowering. It shifts the narrative from “I can’t afford this” to “I choose not to spend on this because it’s not a priority for me.” This empowers you to make financial decisions based on your values. Before getting started, set clear goals. Define what you want to achieve with your budget before you communicate these goals openly. Financial goals can include paying off debt, saving for a home or saving for a trip of a lifetime. Start small. Discuss your budget with close friends or family mem-
at gunpoint, can change the parametres of trade. Then there are weather disasters, crop issues such as disease and insects, employee strikes (we see that with port workers in Canada right now), and wars (Ukraine as an example at present).
So it’s not overly difficult to envision a disruption to something like orange juice when it largely comes from a singular source. And, just maybe that is an indication we might all be better served to secure our own food when possible - because one never knows what tomorrow might bring.
The new Dual Rotary Rake by Farm King is a semi-mounted rake designed for larger field structures and high
and is intended for use with 70-80 hp tractors.
bers. This approach may be less intimidating. After that, you may want to use social media. Some people share their budgeting journey on platforms like TikTok or Instagram to connect with others that practice loud budgeting. If this interests you, remember to never share any personal and banking information that could put you at risk of fraud. Whether loud budgeting is for you or not, setting a budget is key to achieving your financial goals and managing your money responsibly. You can also take advantage of online financial tools such as the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s budget planner. The tool lets you create and save a budget online and shows how your spending and saving habits compare with the average Canadian. Get next steps with suggestions and useful links, earn badges and share your success story. Try it out at canada.ca/ money
Models 500-840, Through the years the design has been refined to create an excellent snowblower that is easy to use and maintain. PTO-driven Farm King compact snowblowers attach to 3-point hitch and are available in widths ranging from 50" to 84".
The Farm King snowblower spout rotator on models 500, 600 and 660 give the operator the option of either a Manual (Hand Crank), Electric Spout Rotator or Hydraulic Orbital Motor.
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
The Saskatchewan Traveller ... Nova Scotia Edition by
Trudy and Dale Buxton
After a little visit at the Swiss Air Memorial, we continue on towards Highway 3.
The fog has started to lift and it’s going to be a fantastic day on the Atlantic coastline. Travelling around St.
Margarets Bay is a picturesque drive and you drive through many small communities that all seem to be attached to one another.
It is believed that St. Margarets Bay was named after the mother of Samuel de Champlain, who came across this little bay off the Atlantic when discovering this new found land.
We travel through the community called the Hubbards, which in the summertime you can visit The Hubbards Barn which offers up a large farmers market every Saturday until the end of October. You will find local fruit and vegetables along with many of the residents favourite baking items. You’ll also find some local treasures that were either found along the beaches or made in the workshops.
Continuing on Highway 3, we travel by the small community of Squid’s Cove.
It has been said that around this picturesque area, there is some deep caverns in the water that house many giant squid. Over the years there have been many a spooky story told about the giant squids hiding in the frigid water.
Next up is the burg of Chester.
In the early 1600’s, Acadians settled the area, but the communities were small and few. But along come the British looking to repopulate lands on what is now called the South Shore
regions. The community of Chester was founded in 1759. During the 1800’s Chester would become a very important coastal community with many industries including shipbuilding and fishing.
Chester played a part in early American politics, and the War of 1812, which was the famous conflict with American soldiers fighting against the United Kingdom. An American ship, trapped along the coast near Chester, was sunk, all aboard killed by British soldiers.
During the First World War, the area sent many overseas to fight. Fiftyfour brave souls never returned, and a statue was created in their memory.
Today the population is around 2,400 people and the main industries being tourism and fishing.
Chester also has a large performing arts following with the Chester Playhouse performing in a converted cinema, holding different plays and events throughout the year.
A great little place to visit with lots to see, especially during the summer where there are many festivals around the whole area.
In the wintertime you’ll find a large gathering at the curling rink as they compete in various bonspiels.
Stay tuned until next week when we cover some more fantastic areas in Nova Scotia.
The British expelled whatever Acadians living in the area, offering up land grants to people living in the New England
How to help your children become cyber-safe
As a parent, one of your most important roles is to keep your children safe.
Some of the ways you do that are by feeding them nutritious meals, staying on top of their regular check-ups and teaching them basic street smarts. Increasingly, it’s also important to teach your kids how to be cyber safe. Here are four things every parent and child should know. Communicate and monitor
The most important step every parent should take is to have an open line of communication with their children about online safety, no matter how young or old they are.
At a fairly young age, teach them that they should never share personal information online, like their home address or school name, and to ensure that those details are never visible in the background of
images that they post. You can also set up parental controls to block inappropriate content and regularly monitor their chat threads for suspicious conversations or activity. If you set up their computer in a communal area of the home - and prohibit going online behind a closed door - it will be easier for you to monitor activity.
Teach password safety
Explain to your kids the importance of using unique, hardto-guess passwords for every game, app or website they use that requires one. Explain that if they use the same password across multiple platforms, all of their accounts could be exposed if one is hacked.
Passwords should have at least 12 characters and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Another option
is to use passphrases. These are at least 15 characters long and are a mix of four or more words strung together that you can remember but would be nearly impossible for someone - or an algorithm - to guess.
Use tech wisely
If you’re in charge of your children’s devices, be sure to regularly install updates and patches whenever available. You can make this chore easier by setting up automated updates. You should also turn off any application features your children don’t need - and that could expose their personal information - such as cameras, microphones and location trackers. Show older kids how to automate their updates and turn off those potentially privacyinvading features when they’re not needed.
Chester Train Station, Nova Scotia
St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia. (Photos by Dale Buxton)
Co-op Cardlock on hold
With the upcoming winter months quickly approaching along with unexpected delays, the Duperow Co-op regretfully announces our Cardlock project has been put on hold until the spring of 2025. We understand the anticipation surrounding this project, but we want to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken for the success of our Co-op. Our current
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week 50 occurrences were responded to by the Biggar Detachment. Traffic related incidents involved seven tickets and 16 warnings being issued. A 2015 Ford Escape from Alberta met a Saskatchewan Moose on Highway 14. A semi and train collided at a crossing on Woods road, and a hit and run in front of St. Gabriel School was reported when a black Denali was sideswiped by a Honda HR-V. An 18-year-old from Kyle, operating a white Dodge Ram 1500, was removed from Highway 4 for being impaired with the excuse that it was a long, boring drive to Lloydminster.
A blue Chev 2500 Silverado was liberated from its owner in the RM of Glenside, and the fence on the pasture land in the area was cut again. Reports of
Cardlock remains fully operational, and we will continue to deliver all your fuel needs. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.
Biggar RCMP report
hunters trespassing and damaging crop in the RM of Biggar - the investigation remains on going into the hunting activity with the assistance of SERM. A combine caught fire in the RM of Biggar and was extinguished with the help of the Biggar Fire Department. But our volunteer’s endurance was tested with a busy week, taking on a structure fire that seen the loss of a longstanding business in town. This fire continues to be investigated under suspicion of arson. Members were called to a bar fight at the Westwinds. However, the participants dispersed prior to arrival. A school yard fight reported. Three young teenagers from one school against one student from the other school. A couple of 30-year-old adults playing games with each other ended with the inside of one’s truck being covered in peanut butter by the other in
Soup Time . . .
The Biggar Museum & Gallery held their annual Soup Sale fundraiser on September 27. They had 4 different kinds of soups served with a bun, bag of chips and a coffee or water. Was a good turnout.
an attempt to cause an allergic reaction. Take care out there.
Gold
never in doubt as the
44-22 win. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Our local grades 1-4 children of Biggar SK will be performing a musical production of: Cinderella - an adaptation of the original classic story. However, there is one main twist to this fun-filled musical... a fairy God Father and a few mobsters! Cinderella is struggling getting to the ball with her evil stepsisters and step-mother blocking her way. She’s got friends who try to help her, but it takes the magic of the Fairy God Father to make it happen. Directed by Janelle Carr of Biggar SK. Written by Deborah Solberg with original music scored by Yurgen Illander, Stephen Buiat and Peter Abando. All of who reside in beautiful Britsh Columbia. We are celebrating opening night during our Canada Music Week celebration on November 20th, 2024 at the Majestic Theatre at 6:30pm. Ticket sales will be at the door - and will be by donation only. There will also be an option to view the live-streamed event - keep an eye out for more details on that. All profits will be split between our local Majestic Theatre and the Theatrix Youtheare Society in British Columbia where Deborah and her team keep youth heavily involved in the arts. There are 24 children working hard on preparing this show for you! The atttached image was colored by Ibadat Thandi who is in Grade 3 at BCS. She will be playing “Vinnie” - one of the mobsters. We are all proud Canadians, excited to show off Canadian art, music and acting. Enjoy the show!
Don’t be Alarmed:
Test Your Smoke Alarm Day
According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, nearly three out of five (59 per cent) fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that failed to operate.
That is one of the reasons why the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA)
proclaimed September 28, 2024, as Test Your Smoke Alarm Day in the province.
Although you can test any day, Test Your Smoke Alarm Day encourages residents to properly install and maintain smoke alarms in their homes. This is fundamental to ensure that occupants are warned of a fire and
have the time needed to escape.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. “September 28 is the perfect time to test your smoke alarms and change their batteries. Protect yourself and your loved ones by properly installing and maintaining your smoke
4 fire safety tips to keep your family safe
Did you know most home fire deaths occur in homes without properly working smoke alarms, or no alarms at all?
Fire safety is a critical aspect of home maintenance, and these simple yet effective tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Test and maintain alarms. Maintaining your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is an important part of helping keep your home and family safe. However, according to Statistics Canada, of the Canadians who experienced a residential fire between 2015-2021, just onein-three had a working smoke alarm in their home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that alarms be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom. Remember to test your alarms regularly, and if you’re using batterypowered alarms, change the batteries at least every six months.
Consider upgrading to 10-year sealedbattery alarms. To make maintaining your smoke and CO alarms easier, upgrade to a combination model with a 10-year sealed battery. Alarms with two-inone technology protect against both types of dangers. The sealed
Biggar Bowl
battery eliminates latenight battery chirps as well as the need for battery replacements. Equip yourself with fire extinguishers. In addition to working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers are another important safety tool to have in your home. Fire extinguishers should be stored in easy-to-reach places and in key rooms where there is a higher risk of fires starting, such as the kitchen and garage. An easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is with the acronym PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
Create a fire escape plan. To make a fire escape plan, start by identifying two ways out of each room, then assign an outdoor meeting spot a safe distance from your home. Dedicate someone in the family to assist with any pets, elderly family members or infants. Once you’ve established a plan, practice it with the entire household at least twice a year.
Find more fire safety advice at firstalert.ca
weekly scores
Monday Adult Mixed
alarms.”
As of July 2022, all Saskatchewan residential buildings are required to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
To learn more about smoke alarms, home fire escape planning and fire safety, visit: saskpublicsafety.ca
Tuesday Night Mixed
Thursday Afternoon Seniors
YBC
Ladies High Single - Marilyn Miller 196. Ladies High Triple - Marilyn Miller 485. Mens High Single - Mat Harrabek 175. Mens High TripleBrandon Markewich 460.
Ladies High Single - Jeannie Stewart 144. Ladies High Triple - Jeannie Stewart 415. Mens High Single - Mat Harrabek 180. Mens High TripleMichael Hebert 491.
Ladies High Single - Carol Lemon 145. Ladies High Triple - Carol Lemon 419. Mens High Single - Walter Fernets 228. Mens High Triple - Walter Fernets 530.
Pee Wee Single - Blake Foster 105; DoubleBlake Foster 198. Bantam Single - Dawson Hislop 107; Triple - Dawson Hislop 242. Junior Single - Bentley McNaughton 202; Triple - Bentley McNaughton 564 Senior High Single - Jake Keefe 230; High Triple - Jake Keefe 571.
Jr Green and
post win ... The Biggar Junior Blazers hosted the Kerrobert Rebels, September 25, putting a tick in the win column. The game was
Blazers rolled over the Rebels with a
The happiest guy on the eve of the 2024-25 National Hockey League season might just be Jeff Skinner.
Ten times a 20-plus goal scorer (and 30-plus in six of those seasons) while playing for poor teams in Carolina and Buffalo, the Torontoborn left-winger could hardly be blamed for dreaming about an inaugural playoff run next spring.
Incredibly, in 14 seasons and 1,006 games, Skinner has never skated in an NHL playoff game. But that’s about to change now that he is a member of the Edmonton Oilers, Stanley Cup finalists last year and a relative slam-dunk playoff team thanks to the talents of Connor McDavid-led
Skinner finally bound for NHL playoffs
roster of stars. Skinner was one of two big-name free agents signed by the Oilers on July 1 (Viktor Arvidsson was the other one) and come next April, Skinner is just about guaranteed to skate in his first playoff game. Pre-season talk had him playing on a line with either McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. He might fill the net all season.
Meanwhile, there’s plenty of interesting tidbits for fans to watch for as the new season gets under way.
The Leafs, whose defence has been their kryptonite the past few years, are suddenly strong in that position with the addition of veterans Oliver EkmanLarsen and Chris Tanev. Nashville Predators made perhaps the biggest offensive splash in free agency, signing both Steven Stamkos (555 career goals) and 2023 Conn Smythe trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault, coming off a 42-goal season with Vegas. They will join forwards Ryan O’Reilly
and Filip Forsberg and defenceman Roman Josi to form one of the most powerful offensive lineups in the league.
The NHL season takes a break from Feb. 12-20, 2025, for the 4 Nations Cup tournament, featuring the best players from Canada, the U.S., Sweden and Finland. The tournament will be played in two unnamed North American cities, one in the U.S. and one in Canada. Who skates for Canada will be a favourite debate subject for the next couple of months.
Wayne Gretzky’s 894 career goals was thought to be untouchable, but Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is bound to surpass that figure and wind up on the north side of 900 goals. The Russian sniper has 853 career goals and needs only 41 to tie Gretzky. If not this season, then 2025-26 for sure.
Did Sidney Crosby sign his final contract a couple of weeks back?
The two-year deal, a $17.6-million extension,
takes him through the 2026-27 NHL season, when he’ll be 39. He’s in his 20th season in the league and is a certain Hall-of-Famer. Most fans couldn’t get enough of rookie sensation Connor Bedard and now that he’s got one full season under his belt, how great will Season 2 be? The North Vancouver native scored 22 goals and assisted on 39 others in 68 games with a Chicago team that will be much improved in 2024-25. Fifty goals is not out of reach for Bedard.
• Super 70s Sports, along with a picture of a Nestle’s Quik container saying you could win a trip to Vince Lombardi’s football clinic: “This looked like a fun contest until you got there and he just yelled at your butt all day for not executing properly.”
• Canadian parody website The Beaverton, after Rogers acquired majority control of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment: “Rogers promises Leafs, Raptors fans that their teams will
be just as successful as current Blue Jays.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Rumour has it Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has two-dollar earrings that he wears during games. My first thought when hearing that was, ‘Not bad for a buck-anear!’”
• Headline at theonion. com: “Tom Brady Provides Detailed Analysis Of How Easy It Would Be For Him To Take Dak Prescott’s Job.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, on Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson: “So far his career is a Shakespearean play: Much Ado About Nothing.”
• Andrew Perloff of Athlon Sports, on Miami Dolphins’ QB situation with Tua Tagovailoa out with a concussion, suggesting a veteran quarterback is the answer: “Relying on Skylar Thompson and waiting for Tua to be healthy is franchise malpractice.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Honda and Alpine breach F1’s cost-cap rules and didn’t event have to consult with the Yankees or Cowboys on how to do it.”
• Sign held by a fan at the final home game of the Oakland A’s, who are moving to Las Vegas: “Today, there is crying in baseball.”
• RJ Currie again: “With the PointsBet Invitational (recently) in Calgary, the top five curling songs: 5.) Vary That Weight; 4.) In-Turn Me Loose; 3.) Bump It Up; 2.) You Ain’t Seen Button Yet; 1.) Bohemian Rocksody.
• From fark.com: “Inside the 2024 White Sox’s road to MLB’s all-time worst record. Many years from now, Kevin Costner will plough another baseball field to redeem them as well.”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
• Steve Simmons again: “The Leafs are paying four of the top 12 salaries in hockey. The other eight players come from eight different teams.”
5 tips for managing chronic pain
Chronic pain is one of the most common symptoms impacting daily life and quality of life for people with arthritis. An important part of arthritis pain control is self-management, including activities and supports you can use on your own to reduce joint pain.
Here are five strategies to help you take an active role in arthritis pain relief.
Physical activity and exercise
Arthritis may cause you to avoid physical activity for several reasons, including the fear of making your arthritis worse because movement is painful or because you are fatigued. Although it may be difficult to stay active when living with joint pain, maintaining regular physical activity can be an important part of pain control and retraining the brain to experience pain less intensely.
Eating well
There is no miracle diet for arthritis, but food can play a significant role in arthritis pain control. What we eat can impact inflammation, energy levels, mood and weight, which are all factors in how we experience pain. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and manage weight. Heat or cold therapy Heat and cold therapies can be helpful
for short-term pain relief. Cold therapy can be used to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling if your joints are hot and swollen. Heat therapy is helpful for relaxing muscles and improving circulation. Be sure to protect yourself by placing a cloth or towel between the heat/cold treatment and your skin.
Mindfulness meditation and other mind–body approaches
The brain is a powerful
tool that can help control our experience of pain. Science has shown that techniques such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, distraction and visualization may help reduce the intensity of the physical pain we experience. Assistive devices and joint protection
Taking action to protect your joints and minimize joint strain can help reduce arthritis pain and make daily
tasks easier. Assistive devices including tools and gadgets, mobility aids, medical equipment or other technologies can help you perform activities of daily living more easily, including cooking, walking, or getting dressed.
Find more tips on pain management from Arthritis Society Canada at arthritis.ca
Province providing new specialized cardiac procedure closer to home
Saskatchewan is preparing to implement a significant advancement in cardiac care in 2025 with the launch of the province’s first Interventional Tricuspid Valve Repair Program. This initiative is supported by an immediate investment from the province and will introduce a state-ofthe-art program capable of performing up to 10 specialized tricuspid procedures annually at the Royal University Hospital Catheterization Lab in Saskatoon. Annual funding would be $330,000 for the devices and program.
“Saskatchewan is the first province in Western Canada to provide this procedure as part of a dedicated program,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “We understand how beneficial this specialized cardiac procedure is for patient care utilizing existing infrastructure and skilled cardiologists demonstrating our ongoing commitment to enhancing health care access and outcomes for Saskatchewan residents.”
This program builds upon the successful implementation of the Mitral Clip Procedure piloted in 2023. While the
mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle, the tricuspid valve is situated between the right atrium and right ventricle. Treatments for both these procedures use a similar strategy and allow patients to receive treatment locally.
“Providing the right care to patients at the right time remains a top priority for the Saskatchewan Health Authority,” Integrated Saskatoon Health VP John Ash said. “Programs like the Interventional Tricuspid Treatment Program help to ensure patients continue to receive the
care they need, as close to home as possible.”
The Interventional Tricuspid Valve Repair Program will use an innovative Tricuspid Intervention Device, which is a minimally invasive technique to correct leaks in the tricuspid valve. This approach aims to enhance heart function and improve patient outcomes through a less invasive procedure compared to traditional methods. This not only improves recovery time but also eliminates the need for out-of-province travel, reducing financial and logistical burdens.
With this new initia-
tive, Saskatchewan joins a select group of Canadian provinces offering dedicated Interventional Tricuspid Valve Repair, significantly expanding access to cutting-edge cardiac treatments. The program will leverage the existing expertise of Saskatchewan cardiologists already trained in Mitral Valve repairs, who are well-equipped to perform tricuspid repairs using their current skills and infrastructure without requiring additional training.
“I am proud that people of Saskatchewan can now receive this lifesaving, non-invasive surgi-
cal procedure at home in Saskatchewan,” Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Janine Eckstein said. “It can be very stressful for patients, and their families, to travel for a procedure that can change their quality of life. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this happen.” This investment underscores the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing health care services and improving the quality of life for Saskatchewan residents.
Bruce Penton Penton on Sports
Business & Professional …
Business & Professional …
TIP - GAMES
CLUES ACROSS
49. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish
51. Extensive, treeless plains
55. Your consciousness of your own identity
56. Consumer advocate Ralph
60. Notable Spanish sports club
61. Body part
62. One’s responsiveness
64. Woman (French)
65. Ready and willing to be taught
66. Muslim ruler title
67. Unhappy
68. Gradually disappeared
69. Able to think clearly CLUES DOWN
1. Brushed
2. Water sprite
3. Ones to look up to
4. Monetary units
5. We all have one
6. Marine invertebrate
7. One who institutes a legal proceeding
8. Outer
9. Parallelograms
10. Uncomfortable feelings
11. Cross to form an X
12. Remove
13. Some pages are dog-__
18. Capital of Ukraine
24. A citizen of Denmark
26. Eighth month (abbr.)
28. Hindu queens
29. Acids structurally related to amino acids
30. Rider of Rohan in Tolkien
31. Wet dirt
32. Russian city
33. Observed
36. Irate
37. Travelers need them
39. Musical composition
40. Auction
43. Form of “to be”
45. Women
47. Inspire with love
48. Think Japanese ankle sock
49. Appears
50. Old World lizard
52. The lead dancer: __ ballerina
53. Protein involved in motion
54. Rosalind Franklin biographer
57. Popular 1920s style art __
58. __ Blyton, children’s author
59. Abnormal breathing
63. A place to rest
… need your First Aid Course certification?
… Need to Re-certify?
… Don’t have time to leave work or tie-up your weekend!
Do it from the comfort of your home... ONLINE!!
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
Even though you told yourself you’ll just suck it up and get through the week, you’re having a change of heart, Aries. Some modifications are necessary to navigate the waters.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, all bets are off this week, especially if you’ve been smoothing over your emotions to get along with someone close by. All true feelings are bound to come to the surface.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
This week you may not be feeling like yourself, Gemini. Low energy have you feeling out of sorts. Spend some time with a close friend to get things back on track.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, your friends always have your back, but this week there is a disruption in your crew. Someone isn’t playing nice, but a few words from you will smooth things over quickly.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
You are anxious to get started on an exciting project, Leo. Others on your team may need a dose of inspiration. It could be up to you to motivate the troops.
VIRGO –
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Normally you’re satisfied to let someone else take the lead and make all of the decisions, Libra. This week you might need to be the one taking a leadership role.
SCORPIO –Oct 24/Nov 22
A surprising bit of information may be brought to your attention, Scorpio. You might be up for a promotion or an exciting change could be coming in your personal life.
SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21
Don’t stop now when you are so close to the finish line, Sagittarius. It may be a busy week ahead, but you will reap the rewards of your labors. Remain patient.
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Take inventory of your romantic relationship, Capricorn. You might need to put in a little extra effort if things haven’t been as smooth as you would like. Don’t give up on this.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you are working at keeping everyone on the same page. Continue to emphasize the importance of teamwork. Others notice and appreciate your efforts.
$150
$130 for Certified Red Cross Course done on YOUR TIME!
Aug 24/Sept 22
Call Dale Buxton for more information
CALL: DALE BUXTON or 951-7700
CASSIDY BURTON 713-0021
306-951-7700 tip@sasktel.net
Virgo, you made a commitment to keep things toned down. Enjoy the slower pace and take note of how the lack of hustle and bustle suits you.
PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20
It is not possible to make it all the way through your to-do list this week, so plan on some carryover to the next, Pisces. Space out your work so you don’t get too overwhelmed.
SUDOKU
BIGGAR WALKING / EXERCISE GROUP
BIGGAR COMMUNITY HALL
Starting October 7, 2024 at Either 9:30, 11:00, or 1:00 Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Pick Your Time Everyone Welcome - Men & Women Exercise Therapist in attendance monthly
For more information: Contact Cheryl Amy at 306-948-5338
LANDIS FUN TYME
DANCE CLUB
Norm –
The Golden Aces
Friday October 11, 2024 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Landis Community Complex Admission $20.00 per person
PotLuck Lunch
Club Supplies Pickles and Cheese Cash Bar
Everyone Welcome
St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330
Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m. Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m. our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m.
St Gabriel Parish wishes to thank the Biggar and District community for supporting their Fall Supper. Thank you to the parishioners who donated food items and time, to the Guardian Pharmacy and staff for selling tickets and to Mrs Larochelle and the RAK club for serving supper. Good Bless all.
FLECTIONS
The Haunted Heart by Warren Charlton, Biggar Associated Gospel Church Fear haunts our heart.
A friend described anxiety as a force that squeezes the life out of you. We can all identify with her.
We experience fear whenever we feel threatened. Climate disasters, economic uncertainty and political unrest generate fear within young people whereas we who are older fear dementia and other agerelated incapacities.
All fear death.
How do we silence the fears that haunt our heart? Listen to God’s word of consolation. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you by my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
The Lord is aware of our fears and so speaks comfort into our heart. That is what he is doing to his ancient people Israel. Their stress point was his announcement that one was coming from the east to invade that region and conqueror all its kingdoms.
In contrast to the other nations who were riddled with fear and crafted idols to find some kind of “divine” protection, Israel was not to be afraid because the Lord was with them as their God to strengthen, to help and to uphold them with his powerful right-hand. In his promise they could overcome any fears that haunted their hearts.
One of the sturdiest devices is the tripod. When weight is placed upon its three legs, it effectively bears that load. In this promise, God gives us a tripod of truth upon which we can rest our hearts. First, God knows fear is a common problem. He feels our fears and is quick to comfort us so we can overcome by trusting him.
Second, God knows fear is a serious problem. He recognizes that if fear gets a toehold in our hearts, our joy and confidence in him erodes. Fear moves us to react in ways that dishonour him. We live as if there is no God on whom we can call in the day of trouble. Fear leads us to murmur and complain against our Lord.
Third, since the Lord wants us to be strong and courageous, he fights against our fears with the assurance he is with us at all times. Since he has delivered up Jesus to the cross for our salvation from sin, he promises to freely give us his strength, to provide us with his help, and to uphold us with his mighty hand.
Open your heart to the peace that God promises; refuse to permit your heart to be haunted by fear!
Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E OCTOBER 13 ST.PAULS ANGLICAN OCTOBER 27 ST.PAULS
Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.
All are welcome to come and join us Biggar United ChUrCh REGULAR SERVICES SUNDAY 11:00 am Minister Dale Worrall Inquires Call Church Office 306-948-2280 Leave Message
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SATURDAY SERVICES BIBLE STUDY 10:00a.m. CHURCH SERVICE 11:00a.m. 320 - 6th ave.east contact: 306-951-8445 3 abn www.amazingfacts.org
Now Available at The Independent
We also have individual k-cups for purchase. We have a large variety of brands with many avours and roasts to choose from.
NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS APAS REPRESENETIAVES
At the request of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan Inc. (APAS), the R.M. of Perdue No. 346 hereby gives public notice of a call for nominations of candidates for the position of APAS Representative.
Nominations will be received by the undersigned at the Rural Municipal Office during regular office hours until Wednesday, October 9 th, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. local time.
Nomination papers are available from the Rural Municipal Office.
Candidates must be agricultural ratepayers in the R.M APAS is general farm organization that was formed to provide farmers and ranchers with a democratically elected, grassroots, non -partisan producer organization based on rural municipal boundaries.
For further information, please contact the R.M. Office or APAS at: 3401A Pasqua Street Phone: 306-789-7774
Regina, SK. S4S 7K9 Fax: 306-789-7779
Email: info@apas.ca Web: www.apas.ca Dated this 3rd day of October, 2024.
Kelsie Walkeden, Returning Officer
Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading. That’s why 4 in 5 people in Canada come back each week for more. Thanks for keeping it real with us. Visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca to learn more.
Arthritis and heart disease: 6 tips to reduce your risk
Arthritis is often associated with joint pain, fatigue and reduced mobility. But there are some lesser-known side effects that can have a tremendous impact on your body.
For example, did you know that arthritis can increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and even death?
Chronic inflammation, a key component of arthritis, can damage the lining of blood vessels, leading to plaque buildup, clots and narrowing of the arteries. This can reduce blood flow to organs like the heart or brain and can lead to heart attacks or strokes, respectively.
Traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, high blood sugar and being overweight or obese are also more common in people living with arthritis, and all play a significant role in elevating cardiovascular risk.
Identifying and addressing these risk factors and limiting inflammation is crucial to managing one’s cardiovascular risk. Here are six ways to improve your condition and reduce your risk of heart disease:
Exercise regularly: Painful joints can make it hard to exercise, but even low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and bicycling are beneficial for your heart health.
Eat well: Eating nutritious foods and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Meal planning and incorporating antiinflammatory recipes can go a long way.
Limit stress: Feeling overwhelmed and under pressure can spark a negative physiological response. It’s important to apply stressmanaging strategies like mindfulness meditation or yoga to help alleviate cardiovascular strain.
Stop smoking:
Smoking has been linked to worsening arthritis symptoms and joint damage and can increase your risk of heart disease by as much as 50 per cent. Many pharmacies offer support programs and monitoring for smoking cessation. Ask your pharmacist how they can help.
Keep tabs: Speak to your healthcare provider about regular screening - ideally once a yearfor high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels. If elevated, there are many effective lifestyle interventions and medications to treat these and lower your risk of heart disease.
Manage symptoms: Taking control of your arthritis and inflammation through ongoing management and monitoring with your healthcare provider is paramount to keeping your heart healthy.
Find more information from Arthritis Society Canada at arthritis.ca
Bird Bath ... It is fall, and for water fowl, migration time. Taking a breather north of Biggar, these fowl are getting ready for a push south to warmer climate - wish we could go with them! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
