Vol. 111 No. 41
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
Shiny New . . . Crews ready a new bin at Prairie Malt, October 1. The bin replaces one that had wet grain heat and combust. The bin was in place by the end of the day, and the associated conveyors and catwalks will soon be ready. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
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22 -- THE BIGGAR,SK SK THE INDEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR,
Autumn colours are abundant at this time of year, and the countryside around Biggar is turning to the hues of yellow and red with some bits of green. It won’t be too long before we are immersed into the bland pale of winter, longing for the warmth of spring! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
Election about who is best to lead, says Weekes
Randy Weekes. (Submitted Photo)
Biggar-Sask Valley MLA Randy Weekes is pointing to the ruling Sask Party as the clear choice as the province heads to the polls. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe dropped the writ last Tuesday, September 29, setting the general election for October 26. Weekes mirrors the Saskatchewan Party stance that they are the only party that can lead the province out of the current COVID-19 pandemic. “Under the leadership
of Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party, our government has a plan for a strong recovery and [for] an even stronger Saskatchewan.” Under the Sask Party, the provincial population has been on a steady climb, Weekes adds, proof his party has pulled the province out of an economic crash the previously governing NDP allowed. “From 2007-2019, Saskatchewan had the thirdbest job creation record in Canada, with more than 75,000 new jobs being created,” Weekes explained. “We have improved our healthcare system by building new hospitals, and hiring more than 900 doctors, and 3,800 more nurses.” Weekes was first elected in 1999 to the Redberry Lake constituency, reelected in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2016. He is
currently a member of the Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice Committee, the Privileges Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Board of Internal Economy. He is chair of the caucus Management Committee. So far, Weekes’ only competition is from New Democrat, Twyla Harris, and the Buffalo Party’s Trevor Simpson. Weekes adds that the Sask Party has led the way
when it comes to education, having built 57 new or replacement schools, hiring 1,300 more teachers since 2007, and doubling education funding compared to the NDP. The Sask Party is committed to fighting the Trudeau carbon tax, to supporting pipelines and our energy and resource sector. “Under the former NDP government, Saskatchewan lost 26,000 people from 1996 to 2006, they
closed 52 hospitals, 176 schools, and had the worst job creation record in Canada,” Weekes says. “NDP leader Ryan Meili has even said he applauds the Trudeau carbon tax and spoke at an antipipeline rally.”
We can’t afford to go back, Weekes stressed. “The Saskatchewan Party is here to help build a stronger economy, grow our population, build better public services, and to leave things better off for our nex generation.”
B3 - B14 - N33 - N35 - O73
This Weekʼs Numbers September 24
Biggar RCMP report by Sgt Dean Kabaroff, Biggar Detachment Commander The Biggar RCMP responded to 59 calls for service in the detachment area over the last two weeks. During this time period 72 contacts were made with vehicle drivers. Biggar RCMP would like to advise the public the RCMP will be in participating in Operational Impact Week this weekend. It will be occur between October 9-12. Biggar members will be out targeting impaired drivers, speeding and seat belts. Biggar RCMP arrested a 42-year-old Biggar area man with Break and Enter to commit theft and breach of his Conditional Sentence Order. He is
scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial court on Wednesday October, 14. Over the last three weeks Biggar RCMP has seen a decrease in Break and Enters, thefts and stolen vehicles. Police would like to remind the public to report any suspicious activities or vehicles in their area. Anyone with information to any unsolved crime is asked to contact the Biggar RCMP at 306948-6600 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by e-mail. When using crime stoppers you will remain anonymous and you will not have to go to court. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction you will receive a cash reward.
Hittin’ the field . . . Biggar Central School 2000 Senior Blazers took to the field, taking reps, working on football skills. While the season is still in doubt as to games, the Green and Gold at least gets to suit up and practice. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Harvest moving to completion Conditions remained relatively dry throughout the province, allowing farmers to continue to make significant harvest progress, according to the weekly crop report for September 22-28. Farmers in the southern regions are wrapping up harvest, combining the later maturing crops, and
Buzzing the train . . . Geese come in for a landing east of Biggar as a train makes its way towards town last week. Fall time and the waters are full of migratory fowl, making a dash to warmer climates. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
have started to shift focus to other fall field work. More of the crop is coming off dry in the central and northern regions, but some is still coming off tough and being placed into aeration bins or grain dryers. Eighty-nine per cent of the crop has been combined, up from 77 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year (2015-2019) average of 67 per cent for this time of year. An additional nine per cent of the crop is swathed or ready to straight-cut. Harvest is most advanced in the southwest region, where 99 per cent of the crop is now combined. The southeast region has 96 per cent combined and the westcentral 90 per cent. The east-central region has 82 per cent combined, the northeast 81 per cent and the northwest 66 per cent. Ninety-nine per cent of durum, 98 per cent of chickpeas, 97 per cent
of barley, 88 per cent of spring wheat, 87 per cent of oats, 80 per cent of canola, 69 per cent of flax and 59 per cent of soybeans have now been combined. An additional 18 per cent of canola is swathed or ready to straight-cut. While some parts of the province received half an inch to an inch of rain, most of the province saw minimal amounts in the form of scattered rain showers. The Lipton area in the east-central region received the highest amount of rain this week with 21 millimetres. A few other areas in the eastern regions received half an inch of rain, with reports of less than 10 millimetres for the rest of the province. Moisture conditions remained at the same levels this past week, with wind drying some of the topsoil. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 35 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 25 per cent very short. Hay
and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 25 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and 41 per cent very short. While many areas of the province reported land as short or very short for topsoil moisture, the southeast region is estimating 84 per cent of the cropland and 96 per cent of the hay and pasture land as short or very short. Farmers need substantial rainfall prior to freeze up to ensure adequate moisture levels for next year. The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind, waterfowl and wildlife. Wind has continued to blow swaths around and cause shelling. There continues to be symptoms reported in the crops caused by lack of moisture and frost. Farmers are busy combining, hauling grain, hauling bales, moving cattle and starting other fall field work like postharvest weed control and harrowing.
Opinions HAVE A NICE DAY!
4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Give your thanks this Thanksgiving It has been some pretty trying times here at The Independent as of late. As you all know, our publishers, Dale and Trudy Buxton, were in a serious accident this past September 28, having hit a deer while astride there motorbike. Thankfully, they will recover. We, thankfully, will push on with the paper, due, thankfully, to some pretty fantastic readers who continually inquire as to Dale and Trudy’s well-being. Did I mention we are thankful? This is the time of season we all take time to count our blessings. Thanksgiving is that special time we all take to ring in the harvest and, hopefully, look upon the things that have made the past year rewarding and complete. But with COVID, Lives Matter, political unrest, violent protests, warring nations, and environmental disasters, well, these times . . . they are trying. But take the bad and the good. Chances are, the check marks in the good column far exceed those in the bad. At least, I’m hoping so. We live in a country that has a fantastic standard of living. We have our problems, there is no doubt, but on the whole, we can safely express our opinions, we can choose who to like and follow, and we can find the means to express ourselves and pursue the life we want. No so in other countries. For them, living under someone’s thumb is a sad reality. Crime in our country may be a problem, but in some areas, it is an overwhelming disease. So, while we look back on the things we can be thankful for from the past year and hopefully into the times to come, perhaps say a prayer for those less fortunate, and take time to say a prayer for yourselves . . . you deserve it. It may just set up the coming months in a manner that gives you joy and satisfaction. While we at The Independent await Dale and Trudy, we really thank you all for your well-wishes and comments of support - we live in a truly special community! We are sure that when Dale and Trudy get out of hospital, they too, will express their admiration for our readers, advertisers and supporters. Happy Thanksgiving to you all! K.B.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
Early DEADLINE Friday 12 P.M.
CBC has outlived its usefulness by Joseph Quesnel, research associate with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy The policy rationale for the existence of the CBC no longer meets the reality of the modern age The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) should go the way of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corp. (FFMC). In 1969, the federal government passed the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act (FFMA). It created a federal Crown corporation that acted as the sole buyer of freshwater fish caught in Western Canada, Northern Canada and parts of northern Ontario. The FFMC also acted as a single-desk seller of that catch in international markets. Over time, almost every province or region that was a signatory to the act withdrew from its provisions and the control
the
of the corporation it created, which had become centred in Winnipeg. First northwestern Ontario withdrew in 2011. That was followed by Saskatchewan’s withdrawal in 2012. Alberta withdrew in 2014. Finally, Manitoba – which was one of the most significant parts of FFMC’s reach – withdrew in 2017. The Northwest Territories is the only remaining jurisdiction active in the corporation, but there are significant complaints about the monopoly – from Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishers, as well as territorial politicians. You might wonder what a single-desk fish marketing board has to do with a massive broadcasting corporation with reach all over Canada. There’s much that’s similar in terms of original policy rationale com-
pared to today’s reality. Both the CBC and FFMC were founded in periods of Canadian history very different than today. The FFMA came out of the 1966 Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Freshwater Marketing (the co-called McIvor Report). Looking at the economic environment at the time, the report concluded fishermen received low prices for their fish largely due to a lack of bargaining power. The report concluded Canadian fishermen were effectively “indentured servants” to large fishing companies, many based outside Canada. Also, fish processing was spread out across several independent plants. Fast forward to now and fishers are more sophisticated and Internet-savvy. They could find better deals and prices for their fish at the click of
a mouse. Fishers are no longer overpowered by foreign fish companies. They were itching to make deals on international markets, especially in a growing Asian market. Fishers had become an independent and entrepreneurial group constrained by an FFMC they deemed too slow. The CBC was also created out of a government commission of inquiry. In 1929, the Aird Commission recommended the creation of a nationally-owned broadcasting corporation. CBC/RadioCanada was founded to counter the growing influence of American radio on Canadian airwaves. There was also a pressing national imperative to ensure all Canadians had access to vital information. The service provided rural and urban audiences with information on an equal basis.
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Finally, the government created an international service bringing Canadian programming to domestic and foreign audiences. But today we have a multitude of Canadian programming options for citizens, including online. The Internet has given rural and urban Canadians similar access to media sources from Canada and elsewhere. The policy rationale for the existence of the CBC no longer meets the reality of the modern age. As with the FFMC, the market and the demographics have all changed. With the CBC, there’s a case for ensuring that underserved communities receive vital information. But does the CBC have to be that provider? Why can’t the federal government use the legislative and policy tools at its disposal to meet these national interests?
For example, there are not-for-profit actors that can be provided with incentives to meet these needs. There’s a case for non-profit media content. But there are ways for the government to engage those media entrepreneurs with its other policy levers. On a cultural level, one could make a legitimate claim that there’s a compelling state interest in ensuring Canadian voices tell our stories on our broadcasting system to counter the massive information juggernaut south of the border. But why do so many assume only a Crown corporation can deliver that? It’s time the CBC went the way of the FFMC.
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COPYRIGHT The contents of The Independent are protected by copyright. Reproduction of any material herein may be made only with the written permission of the publisher. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Biggar Independent invites the public to participate in its letters to the Editor section. All letters must be signed. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
Notable Notes Bob Mason
On account of most people know what a lot of abbreviations mean - like PFRA, FSIN, WJHC, and SARM, et cetera (even LADIES), Y.T. expects the readers to know that the title to this article means “More Stuff From That Big Book”, referring to the thousand page “Saskatchewan Encyclopedia” that is lying on my tired desk! I’m not sure whether the publishers made a vest pocket size version or not, but the book I have is the ton-truck edition! I imagine because of some paper shortage or other, the compilers of that book never got around to including an article on “Sir Robert Mason, Esquire” (well, nobody else will blow my horn, eh?) A lively, (if you should have been there that time. I hit my thumb with the hammer!), Stirring, (someone must have mentioned that Y.T. makes a lot of zuchini-onion meals!) Biography of one of “Saskatchewans,” Perdue’s” . . . Okay, “Masonvilles” leading citizens! By reading the last few
lines, one can tell right away that just by looking through that book, it is kind of humbling especially when one comes to a familiar name or place! Seriously though (and mebbe a little disappointed not to find his own history on those pages) Yours Truly is going to mark down here some of the people and things that are! Violet McNaughton (1879-1968): Much of Violet McNaughton’s influence on the ways of the West had been made long before Yours Truly ever appeared on the scene. In fact, it was about 1936 or so when one of our cousins was house keeping for her husband. It was the first time I ever seen her! I had often read her articles in the Western Producer but had no idea how well known right across Canada she had been until I read that Big Book. Mrs. McNaughton was one of Canada’s greatest people and we were sure proud even to have met her! Everyone seemed to know her! Y.T. was at one of the first Writers Guild meetings (in 1968) and everyone there seemed to know her well but it is far too easy to forget all the things she had done! We all should have known Violet McNaughton better! Radisson’s Flour Mill: When we were young fellows growing up on “Springwell Farm” south
of Raddison, our Dad often told me about his time as a manager of the Raddison Milling Company during the early years. That mill had been built in 1908 and for many years did a roaring business until it finally burned down in 1942. Dad had come back to his farm in the early 1920’s and as we grew up there we made many trips to get a grist from that mill! Dad seemed to know and remember everybody because people came from all over to get flour. But when the railroad was built from Battleford to Prince Albert, and later one from Saskatoon to Baljennie, the business slowed down quite a bit! Many of the people who remember that old flour mill and the sound of the whistle at noon every day, are fast disappearing, and it won’t be very long ‘till they don’t hear our whistle either! Flax Plant Saskatchewan: Y.T.’s only association with the Saskatoon flax plant was in the fall of 1948 when our small field of flax tested over 16 per cent moisture! We could hardly harvest it, but one of the neighbours finally put it through his combine and we ended up with two truck loads that were really wet. We telephoned all over the place and were told that none of the elevators could dry it. We even tried the government elevator in Saskatoon, but no one
MSFTBB wanted to even try it. We were lucky! One of the neighbours had a relation in the city who had a dryer he wanted to demonstrate, and after slowly and carefully drying it we had two truckloads of fine looking flax. But nobody wanted it! Everyone seemed to know about our predicament. So we hauled it to the Pool flax plant in Saskatoon. We waited until we were given our cheque before I asked the man if they ever bought dried flax. He told me that they always knew if it was dried . . . and we never told him! The Hanley Opera House: According to that Big Book, the Hanley Opera House was built way back before 1920. Yet Y.T. never even saw it until he went to visit his brother in Kenaston in 1975. At one time places like this were sure needed our here on the lone prairie, but television has sure taken over a lot of our entertainment, and only the odd ghost of an odd trouper struts on those empty stages anymore. I know about that ghost bit because sometimes as I lug my golf bag down to the Hanley Golf Course and right past that old building, I hear a voice singing! Tim Jones: I think the first time Y.T. ever met Tim Jones was when Tom Phenix introduced him at a thing in Saskatoon! Unlike Y.T. (who is a
very fly-by-night archaeologist) Tim has devoted most of his life to solving Saskatchewan prehistory. Being a university type and having travelled our province quite a bit, he has seen and done a lot of meticulous recording. In contrast to the sometimes lethargic (some word, eh?) tales of our ancient past, Tim’s description of things always fascinated me! Many years ago, along with Zenon Porohesky and a bunch of others, we went to Regina where the S.A.S. (Saskatchewan Archaeological Society) was formed. Ernie Hedge showed us a fairly flat carved quartzite stone call “The Sleeping Buffalo”. Many Years later Tim showed up at Biggar with the same stone, and it hadn’t changed for fifty some years! Whereas (according to my mirror!) Y.T. had changed quite a bit! (There’s a bit of reality and mebbe a bit of moral in there somewhere but I’m not exactly sure what it is!) When I saw Tim’s name in that Big Book I felt young again.
The P.A. to Forks Trail: When we were kids, Dad often told us about a Mr. McClaren and he going from Rosthern to Battleford on the Carlton Trail, and that likely crossed another old trail from P.A. to the Forks. And in the name of that trail the S.A.S. had a “dig” just where it came around the Bear Hills just west of Feudal. That trail had begun over 200 years ago, but Y.T. who had been born in 1919 sure felt old when some of the members asked if I had ever travelled it! Not much is left of those old trails. Years ago, settlement railroads and highways have taken their place! Often I wonder what people thought as they travelled those old trails, I dunno! But I do know that our history has been neglected too long! Mebbe Y.T. is some kind of a dreamer, eh? Are there trails for society to travel? Or do we need to travel anymore? Or is the history we seek right here among us?
Come Join the Fun!!! BIGGAR CURLING CLUB REGISTRATION NIGHT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 7:oo p.m. at the Curling Rink Join as a team, as a single, or as a group to rotate.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Where there’s Smoke… Smoking materials are still a major cause of fires A new study showing that smoking materials continue to be a major cause of fires in Canada has also highlighted the need for more up-to-date data reporting by the fire service. While fewer people smoke now than in years past, a March 2019 study from the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia indicates that fires caused by smoking materials such as cigarettes, pipes, cigars, matches and lighters still cause dozens of casualties and millions of dollars in economic losses each year across the country. Fires in Canada Originating from Smoking Materials: Analysis of Canadian Fire Incidents, by Len Garis and Chris Biantoro, was based on a review of 439,256 fire incident records from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick collected over 10 years and reported to Canada’s new National Fire Information Database (NFID) and in provincial annual reports. Of those fires, 205,332 were classified as struc-
ture fires. There was also data on 15,326 casualties (injuries and deaths). The review was limited by the lack of consistent reporting across the country on fires caused by smoking materials. The NFID data on these types of fires came from only five jurisdictions making up about 70 per cent of Canada’s population (Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), with only British Columbia and Alberta providing consistent data on cigarettes alone as a cause. Further, there was no data available for 2016. “By analyzing and extrapolating the data we created a reasonable picture of smoking materials fires in Canada, but the process also revealed significant gaps in both consistency and types of data being reported by the fire service,” said Chris Biantoro, the study’s co-author and the strategic planning analyst for Surrey Fire Service in B.C. “E-cigarettes are one example. Although there has been a clear increasing trend in their use and
related fire incidents for more than five years, departments by and large are still not reliably tracking and reporting them.” Despite these limitations, there is much to be learned from the available data. Overall, the actual number of structure fires caused by smoking materials declined from 2012 to 2015, although the proportion of smoking materials as a cause remained generally consistent. In terms of outdoor fires caused by smoking fires, these numbers are also declining across the country, with British Columbia being the notable exception, particularly in 2015. The decreases could be explained at least in part by the downward trend in smoking, as shown in a study by the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo as well as several other studies by Statistics Canada. However, this does not negate the fact that smoking materials continue to be a major cause of fires in Canada, causing significant – and preventable – casualties and economic losses.
Fireplace Safety A Fireplace becomes dangerous when accumulated tar or creosote catches fire or from uncontrolled burning or over-fuelling. Other causes of fireplace-related fires are substandard design or installation and lack of safety precautions. Here are a few tips to make your fireplace a safe, warm place! • Open the damper before lighting the fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool enough to touch. • Ensure the fire is com-
pletely out before going to bed or leaving the house. • Do not store combustible materials such as paper or wood too close to the fireplace. • Use a screen in front of the fireplace opening to protect children and to prevent embers from escaping and igniting carpets, et cetera. • Never leave children alone near a fireplace. • Use dry, well-seasoned wood in small amounts. • Have chimneys cleaned and serviced at regular
intervals by a professional. • Never overload your fireplace. • Never use charcoal starter fluids, gasoline or any flammable substance to start fires. • When using artificial logs, burn only one at a time and follow instructions on the wrapping. • Always place the ashes in a metal container and take them outside the house.
How to avoid dryer fires Lack of maintenance is the number one cause of dryer fires. That is why it is critical to clean the lint filter before and after each use, and wipe away any lint that has accumu-
lated around the drum. Perform periodic checks to ensure that the air exhaust vent pipe is unobstructed (lint accumulation) and the outdoor vent flap opens
readily. Do not run the dryer without a lint filter. You are encouraged to not leave the dryer running if you go out, in case it malfunctions.
The Winter Season and Carbon Monoxide
It is important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. However, carbon monoxide detectors do not replace the need for prevention through yearly maintenance and inspection of heating systems and appliances. Smoke inhalation from fires is the most common form of carbon monoxide poisoning. Cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust are the most common sources of regular carbon monoxide exposure. There must be an adequate supply of air for complete burning or combustion, or an excessive amount of carbon monoxide will accumulate indoors. Ensure that your wood stove or fireplace is not competing – for long
periods of time – with your clothes dryer, kitchen, bathroom and attic vent fans, central vacuum cleaners and kitchen barbecues, which exhaust air from the home and so starve the furnace or the fireplace of oxygen. Proper venting of fuelburning appliances to the outside is also essential to prevent collection of carbon monoxide gas inside buildings. Never insulate or try to seal up a drafty hood, wind cap or exhaust vent on any natural gas appliance (furnace, water heater, range, dryer, space heater or fireplace). Keep all fuel-burning equipment free of lint, dust and trash. Don’t store anything close to the equipment that could restrict air circulation.
Do a visual inspection of the equipment to look for signs of equipment problems, such as soot on a fireplace face, water collecting near a burner or rusted venting. If even a small doubt exists, have the equipment inspected by a qualified technician. Periodically check vent pipes between gas appliances and the chimney for corrosion or rust. Equipment that uses natural gas should show a clear blue flame - a yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem. If a problem appears, call a qualified technician. Ensure a source of fresh air is available, for an example an open window or flue, when operating a wood-burning fireplace.
Co-Creating with the Creator Exhibition at the Biggar Museum and Gallery by Cindy Hoppe An exhibition of Spirituality inspired Artwork is showing at the Biggar Museum and Gallery from now until November 10. The show was conceived last year before the realities of COVID hit, so programming has been adjusted accordingly. Several local artists including Father Ed Gibney, sculptor; Diane LaRouche-Ellard, painter and Cindy Hoppe, fabric artist, are showing work as well as Les Potter, sculptor; James Korpan, sculptor; and Jacynthe de Margerie, painter, from Saskatoon and area.
The work is wide ranging in form and media from highly representational to abstract. The Gallery is filled with colour and even sound art with one of Father Ed’s pieces. Some artists have included short statements about their art practice but prefer the viewer to bring their own experiences to the work rather than telling you what you should see or feel. The aim of this exhibition is to help reinvigorate the collaboration between the Creator and the world of art inspired by Creation. Artists have long aspired to describe the indescribable; to
understand the unknowable, and this exhibition offers the opportunity for the artist to investigate these thoughts. Due to the realities of COVID, there will be no formal opening of the show or panel discussions that were originally conceived. Visitors are encouraged to attend this exhibit and please leave questions or comments for the artists that we will endeavour to engage with. The space is perfectly suited to the pieces on display and we hope they will provoke you to engage in your own expressions of creation.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
Agriculture
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7
Farmers become “Collateral Damage” in trade wars?
Agriculture Calvin Daniels
by Calvin Daniels International trade seems like it should be the easiest thing in the world to make work smoothly. In the best possible scenario you would look to find which countries do things best, at the lowest cost, with an eye to worker safety and that is where you would want to buy product from. Yes, that is an over simplification of the process since there are numerous factors at play, in particular the exchange rates of international currencies, and the cost of international transportation, being two that come immediately to mind. However, where the real barriers to making trade flow in a more ‘natural’ way is because of poli-
is a level of common sense to wanting to, for example, buy Canadian. It makes sense that people should want to support industry jobs in their own country. However, the question that follows is at what cost that support is reasonable. If you can import shirts, cars or wheat from another country at a lower cost to consumers, is that reasonable to do? Of course the rules and regulations of trade are supposed be made clearer, and protected from the all the interferences of politicians when trade deals are inked. The most obvious one for Canadians is the North American Free Trade Agreement, although at present CETA (the Canada-EU deal born in 2017) is getting more press as EU countries appear to be meddling with regulations even with a deal in place. Therein lies the issue. Trade deals in principle are a good thing, but only if both sides wish to honour the details. Even with NAFTA the pork, beef, wheat and soft wood lumber sectors have had to
tics. The influence of politicians on trade is massive, and simply put hard to understand, and harder still for markets to predict. Typically such interferences manifest themselves as various tariffs and regulations imposed to limit market access to certain things, or from certain countries. It is typical of two countries arguing over even minor disputes to impose trade barriers to apply pressure for a resolution of the dispute in their favour. If the tariffs and regulation happen to be on an agriculture product farmers in some company are suddenly being squeezed as their government dukes it out with some other country. Politicians also get into the act of muddying trade waters when they seek to appease their own people by protectionist actions. We have seen an increase of this of late as countries, led by the United States, look inward in terms of trade. This one is more understandable, at least of a philosophical level. There
go through extensive and costly litigation to get the US access the deal outlined.
Moving forward how such deals stand up to increased protectionism will be interesting to
watch, especially for an export reliant Canadian farm sector.
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Saluting the Biggar Fire Department for a job well done
306-658-2044
We recognize the great contribution of our volunteer Fire Department to our community.
AGI Envirotank
401 Hwy #4 South, Biggar
306-948-5262
Firefighters, in appreciation for all that you do…
Proud to salute the Biggar Fire Service team for their dedication and commitment to our community
We are here for all of your communication needs
We are proud to salute our local Fire fighters on a job well done to keep our community safe
103 - 2nd Ave. E., Biggar • 306-948-2266 209 Main St., Unity • 306-228-3390
Westwinds Motor Hotel would like give thanks to the fearless men and women who are apart of the Biggar Fire Department
WestWinds Motor Hotel
“ExpEriEncE thE WEstWinds diffErEncE” Dayna, TrenT anD STaff • 306-948-3301
We recognize the great contribution of our Fire Department to our community Thank you for your service
Thank you Biggar Fire Depeartment for keeping our community
PHONE 948-5144
100-2nd Ave. W., Landis
233 - 1st Ave. West, Biggar 306-948-2700
It is once again Fire Prevention Week, here is a salute for your perusal
Thanks for your participation, Urla
……Chris and staff
We salute our fire fighters!
Thank you to our firefighters Main Street Biggar 948-3849
We would like to thank our dedicated firefighters of the Biggar Fire Department for always being there for us!
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT 122 MAIN STREET P. O. BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0
Salute to the Biggar Fire Department telephone: 306-948-3344 fax: 306-948-2133 on job well done in e-mail: tip@sasktel.net keeping our community safe.www.biggarindependent.ca
(306) 948-2183
BIGGAR We salute our local firefighters during Fire Prevention week Always have a ready fire extinguisher on hand. Stay Safe! • Biggar • Perdue • Unity • Rosetown • • Saskatoon • North Battleford • Luseland • • Wilkie • Outlook • Swift Current •
1-866-721-1800
www.the rackonline.com
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9
THURSDAY,OCTOBER 8, 2020
Facing Danger. Protecting Lives. Thanks, Fire Fighters.
Biggar Fire & Rescue Dept. Back row, left to right: Clark McNulty, Ryan Metz (Captain), Jordan Horst (Captain), Erroll Horst (Interim Fire Chief), Ken Markewich, Brandon Markewich, Matt Kowalchuk, Kelly Dorosh (Interim Fire Chief), Bill Roenspies, Cliff Forsyth. Front row: Chase McNulty, Mackenzie Edwards, Andon Hawkins, RJ Mathews, Stephanie Nichol, Marvin Evans, Alicia Besse. Missing: William Diehl, Garrett Yaroshko, Patricia Edwards, Jamie Olynyk, Cruze McNulty, Blaine Walter, Haydon Hoogeveen.
Be aware Fire can happen anywhere. Be a hero in your own Home and make a home fire escape plan In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy. Plan 2 Ways Out! It is so important. Everyone needs to have an escape
plan. and one during the day • Close doors behind • Draw a map of your with everyone in your you as you leave – this home by using a grid home, and practice using may slow the spread of with all members of yourdifferent ways out. smoke, heat, and fire. household, marking two • Teach children how • Once you get outside, exits from each room to escape on their own in stay outside. Never go and a path to the outside case you can’t help them. back inside a burning from each exit. • Make sure the numberbuilding. • Practice your home of your home is clearly fire drill twice a year. marked and easy for the Conduct one at night fire department to find.
We salute our local and area firefighters during Fire Prevention Week.
…manufacturers of quality farm equipment
201 Turnbull Ave., Biggar 306-948-2544 1-800-445-3529
Biggar Sausage & More
209 Main Street, Biggar 306-948-2284
We would like to salute our local firefighters on the dedication shown to perform the many duties related to their job. Be safe!
Biggar Fire Department report for September The Biggar Fire Department was busy this month, responding to two motor vehicle collisions, one grass fire, two STARS landings, two investigation requests, and one false alarm. Statistics for the year are as follows: • Motor Vehicle Collisions - 9. • Rescue - 1. • STARS Landing - 4. • Investigation Request - 15. • Structure Fire - 5. • Grass Fire - 15. • Vehicle Fire - 4. • False Alarm - 21. Totalling 74 calls to the Biggar Fire Department for 2020.
Salute to the Biggar Fire Department for keeping our community safe.
307 Main Street, Biggar
Call: 306-948-3712
We are very proud of our volunteer fire and rescue department for all their outstanding efforts.
Come on in and check out our huge supply of fall inventory.
Leslie’s Drugstore Ltd.
Main Street • Biggar • 306-948-3397
10-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M.
0$,1 675((7 81,7 526(72:1 6. 6 / 9 .(//< %/2&.Ÿ3$5/ *& &$ Ï .(//<%/2&.03 &$ Ï Ō Ō
Can you spot the person Surprise, who has hearing loss? They All Do!
Do you have hearing loss?
40% of adult canadians have hearing loss (CHMS 2012-2015)
1 2 3
Do you feel people are mumbling? Do you turn up the television? Do you have ringing in your ears?
4 5 6
Do you experience difficulty hearing in a crowd? Do you ask friends or family to repeat themselves? Is it hard to hear someone from a different room?
Risks associated with hearing loss: fatigue, tension, stress and depression avoidance or withdrawal from social situations Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks Diminished psychological and overall health
(306) 445-5700 #2 11204 Railway Ave. E North Battleford, SK
1/4 Page
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
Russians are beloved on ice, 48 years later
Penton on sports Bruce Penton
Precisely 48 years to the day - Sept. 28 - that Paul Henderson demoralized the world of Russian hockey fans with his Summit Series-winning goal that gave Canada its greatest sporting victory ever, the Tampa Bay Lightning needed the outstanding play of two sensational Russian players to win the 2020 Stanley Cup. Yes, times have changed. Forty-eight years ago, in 1972, it’s not an overstatement to say the Russians were hated by Canadians. The Russians claimed to be ‘amateurs’, we lamented, but spent 48 weeks of the year pretending to be members of the Red Army but did nothing militarily - simply perfecting their hockey skills. Our hockey guys, meanwhile, went boating, drank a lot of beer, played some golf … and then did two weeks of training in preparation
for the hockey season. Thankfully for Canada, Henderson rescued our country from what could have been a sporting humiliation. The best professionals in ‘our game’ losing to a bunch of Russian amateurs? Say it ain’t so. Thanks to Henderson, it wasn’t so. But hockey relations between the two superpowers has softened in the 48 years since that famous hockey Summit Series, and now Russians, Swedes, Slovaks, Germans, Americans and Finns are an integral part of the best hockey league in the world. We now applaud Russians and their skills on ice. Nikita Kucherov is the Lightning’s offensive leader and was last year’s NHL scoring champ. Andrei Vasilevskiy is regarded as the one of the NHL’s best goaltenders. Tampa Bay’s final opponents, Dallas Stars, were led by their Kazakhstanian goaltender, Anton Khudobin, and two Russian offensive stars up front, Alexander Radulov and Denis Gurianov. How dull would the NHL be without the flashy exploits of Alex Ovechkin? Artemi Panarin, who finished third behind German-born Leon Draisaitl and Nova Scotia’s Nathan MacKinnon, calls
Korkino, Russia, home. Evgeni Malkin is a longtime superstar with the Penguins. Yes, someone going to sleep in Saskatoon or Trois Rivieres in 1972 and waking up in 2020 wouldn’t believe how beloved the Russians have become to Canadian hockey fans. We marvelled at the skill of Pavel Datsyuk. Philly Flyer fans cheer mightily for the team’s No. 1 defenceman, the sturdy Russian Ivan Provorov. Quite a transition from the story about Flyers’ centre Bobby Clarke infamously slashing Russian star Valeri Kharlamov so hard on the ankle that he broke the Russian’s bone, forcing him to miss Game 7 and badly reducing his effectiveness in the decisive Game 8. It was a true cold war, fought on ice. Now the only thing ‘cold’ about the Russan-Canadian hockey world is the ice itself. • From the independent. co.uk: “AC Milan confirms Zlatan Ibrahimovic has tested positive for COVID, lack of vowels.” • At fark.com: “The PAC12 de¢ide$ to re$ume football for $ome rea$on.” • Steve Sabol of NFL Films, on the late Gale Sayers, as quoted by Peter King of FMIA.com, the NBC football web site:
“Trying to tackle Gale Sayers was like trying to catch a candy wrapper in a wind storm.” • Boxer Gerald Meerschaert, who lost his last fight in 17 seconds, on Twitter while watching the Trump-Biden debate: “I wish this debate lasted as long as my last fight.” • Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, after Cincinnati Reds were shut out twice by the Braves in the bestof-three wildcard series: “Admittedly, this wasn’t the Big Red Machine of yore they faced – more the Little Red Wagon of a lineup.” • Greg Cote of the Miami Herald on trying to pick a winner of the NFL game between 0-3 Jets and 0-3 Denver on a recent Thursday night:” Deciding who (will win) is a
bit like choosing between canned Spam and tofu as your entree.” • Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “Something is wrong when there are more brawls in the first presidential debate than in the entire Stanley Cup Finals.” • Headline at dark. com: “Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews are expecting their first child. Alabama has already offered a full-ride scholarship.” • Norman Chad of the Washington Post, on twitter: “I apologize to Ryan Fitzpatrick for disrespecting him last week and propose we doubledate at the next AARP singles dance.” • Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “The Yankees - for the first time
in their 120-year history - hit into five double plays and committed four errors in the same game in a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Marlins. Or as the 1962 Mets used to call such an occurrence, Friday.” • Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach, to CBS, on why his team had to open the season at No. 6 LSU: “Because New England, Green Bay and the Chiefs already had somebody scheduled.” • Retired baseball writer Jim Street, via Facebook, on the only thing more shocking than the Marlins making the NL playoffs: “They also tied for the MLB lead in home attendance.” Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.
WE WISH 2020 WAS FAKE NEWS, TOO. Happy National Newspaper Week to the readers who need it most. OCTOBER 4-10TH, 2020
12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
CoURIER
ELECTRICAL
BIGGAR ELECTRICAL & REFRIGERATION SERVICES Commercial and Industrial Electrical Wiring
Business & Professional â&#x20AC;Ś
Biggar Courier
â&#x20AC;˘ Biggar to Saskatoon â&#x20AC;˘ Same day Service â&#x20AC;˘ Monday-Wednesday-Friday â&#x20AC;˘ 24-hour Answering Service
~Brian and Cathy Fick~
Cell: 306-948-7524
Licensed Journeyman Adrian de Haan
306-948-5291
PLUMBING & HEATING
Sewing & Embroidery Custom Embroidery â&#x20AC;˘ Jackets â&#x20AC;˘ Windsuits â&#x20AC;˘ ShirtsCorporate â&#x20AC;˘ Hunting Gear Teams, and â&#x20AC;˘ Bunnyhugs â&#x20AC;˘ Caps Personal Attire â&#x20AC;˘ Toques â&#x20AC;˘ Bags
Judy Check outKahovecâ&#x20AC;Ś our new website:
classicmakings.ca 306-882-4313, cell 306-831-7935
PLUMBING HEATING ELECTRICAL
Judy Kahovec: 882-4313, Cell 831-7935 Carey Krchov: 882-3213
HEALTH/WELLNESS
For all your home, business and rural needs - together with -
Biggar, Sask.
Co-Ed Fitness Centre Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss Personal Training Fitness Classes
foR RENT Biggar Housing autHority
Housing for families and seniors rent based on income
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Setting a Higher Standardâ&#x20AC;? New Construction Re-roofing Torch-on Tile Metal All repairs Asphalt Inspections Shakes NOW dOING ď&#x192;&#x2020; Eavestroughing ď&#x192;&#x2020; Downspouts ď&#x192;&#x2020; Soffit & Facia We offer 10 Year Workmanship Warranty and Liability/Torch On Insurance Excellent Local References For a FREE estimate please callâ&#x20AC;Ś 306-948-5453
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www.madgesaskroofing.com Biggar, Sask.
AUToMoTIVE 701 - 4th Ave. E., Biggar
306-948-3996
Open Monday-Friday
Journeymen Plumber, Gas Fitter, & Electrician on staff
â&#x20AC;Śowned and operated by Brett Barber
Red Seal Mechanic
HEAvy TRuck & AuTO Repair TIREs BOATs & Rvs Fully Mobile MEcHANIc
www.newufitness.ca
sGI safety INsPEcTIONs
104 - 6th Ave. East, Biggar, Sask. Southeast entrance of Nova Wood Bldg. Hoursâ&#x20AC;Ś Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
306-948-3408
Rosetown Dental
115 - 1st Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Phone:306.882.2123 New Patients Welcome!
SERVICES
GALLARDO Liner
Passenger Services 122 Main St. - Biggar Depot Macklin to Saskatoon & towns in-between Kindersley to Saskatoon & towns in-between
Special Event, Airport Service or DoctorĘźs Appointments
PHONE......306-951-0078 or 306-951-0098
Call: 306-948-2101
A Sign of
INVESTMENTS
Qualilty!
For all your investment needs, Visitâ&#x20AC;Ś
Dean McCallum, CFP, CIM, FCSI Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.
Pamela Eaton
Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.
Lyndsey Poole
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist, Wealth Consultant Credential Asset Management Inc.
Cheri Steeg
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist Credential Asset Management Inc.
Located at the Biggar & District Credit Union 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK â&#x20AC;˘ 306-948-3352 Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc., and mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities Inc. ÂŽCredential is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under license.
INSURANCE
Service Truck Full Mechanical Service Mon - Fri â&#x20AC;˘ 8 a.m.-5 p.m. phone: Chris
306-948-3376
Biggar OfďŹ ce Hoursâ&#x20AC;Ś
Mon. - Tue, Thur - Fri 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday, 9:30am - 5pm
304 Main St., Biggar Phone: 306-948-2204 Toll Free: 1-855-948-2204
Landis OfďŹ ce Hours:
Mon.-Tue, & Fri., 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday, 10:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday CLOSED
100 - 2nd Ave. W., Landis Phone: 306-658-2044 Toll Free: 1-855-658-2044
Website: www.biggarlandisinsurance.ca Email: biggar@biggarinsurance.ca
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll getcha coveredâ&#x20AC;?
In Biggar - Dale Buxton
306-951-7700
Jerry Muc Phone: 306-948-2958 fax:
306-948-5699
ACCoUNTING SEEKIN G NE CLIENT W CaMpbell S aCCounTing ServiCeS â&#x20AC;˘ Income Tax Returns â&#x20AC;˘ Bookkeeping â&#x20AC;˘ Payroll â&#x20AC;˘ Financial Statements
306.237.7671
Troy May, owner/operator
Ph: 306-948-4430 or 306-948-4460
rod.campbell@sasktel.net
117 - 3rd Ave. W.,
Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca
(New Horizons Bldg) Biggar
Rockin D Trucking & Cattle
210 - 616 Main Street Saskatoon, Sask. S7H 0J6
Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Alberta and Saskatchewan
â&#x20AC;˘ Cattle Hauling with 21 ft. gooseneck trailer â&#x20AC;˘ Grain Hauling â&#x20AC;˘ round and large square bale
Ph: 306-948-5133 306-657-8999
hauling with step-deck 2 col/6 or highboy semi-trailers â&#x20AC;˘ also buying and selling straw and forage â&#x20AC;˘ also Machinery Hauling
Dan â&#x20AC;˘ 306-948-7843 Naty/Michaelâ&#x20AC;Ś
223 Main Street This isoPToMETRISTS what I worked up for the BusinessBiggar & Professional section in Biggar, Sask.
paper, 6 month commitment for $161.20 Box plus580 gstBiggar, SK SOK OMO
Dr. Kirk Ewen Dr. Michelle Skoretz Doctors of Optometry
306-948-2183 Email: hrbbiggar@sasktelnet Website: www.hrblock.ca
LEGAL SERVICES In BIGGAR
Every Tuesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Attention: Deanna Steveno
Peszko &Watson
is a full service law office Please proof Business that practicesâ&#x20AC;Ś
&P the next 52 weeks (year) fo Biggar Professional Building, hours, as per phone Criminal Law been sent Bill has 223 Main St., Biggar Commercial Law Franchise Advertising Pay For appointmentsâ&#x20AC;Ś Real Estate Law #102 - 9622 Wills and Estate Law - 42 Avenue, 1-855-651-3311 and AB T6E 5Ya Edmonton, our lawyers, 3 col/6 Phone: 780-448-2166; Jason Peszko Attention: Karen Fax:Lisa 780-438-1233; Watson email: Logan CSC-Edmonton.acc Marchand BLANkET Here is a draft30ofminutes Businesscould & Professional change ad for y Bailee Massett tomorrow, February 23, then theto ad would your life!!! look forward assisting you start on CLASSIFIEd and can be contacted at:
YH Truck, Ag & Auto s (EAVY TRUCK PARTS s !GRICULTURE PARTS s !UTOMOTIVE PARTS ACCESSORIES WWW YHTRUCKAGAUTO COM
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wyLie seeD &
ProCessing inC. Canadian Seed Institute Accredited Pedigree, Commercial & Custom Cleaning fuLL line of Cleaning Equipment including Gravity Table
excellent Quality at a reasonable Price!
For all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning Call: Bill: Dale:
306- 948-2807 or 948-5609 948-5394
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SEED CLEANING Ăż Auto & Home Insurance Ăż Farm & Commercial Insurance Ăż Health & Travel Insurance Ăż Life Insurance & Investments Ăż Farm Succession & Estate Planning Ăż Notary Publics
HAULING
Biggar Dental CliniC
Mike Nahorney, Journeyman
102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar
306-948-9750
DENTAL
MAdGE ROOFING INC.
M & N REPAIR
Owners/Operators â&#x20AC;˘ Dallas Young â&#x20AC;˘ Claude Young
306-948-3389
RoofING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
in your business.
Biggar, Sask. Brody Ellis, Sever Ellis, Stetler Heather
306-948-3380 306-948-2234 alloutdrilling@gmail.com
Call today for a FREE estimate!
Biggar Sand & Gravel â&#x20AC;˘ trenching â&#x20AC;˘ trucking â&#x20AC;˘ water & sewer â&#x20AC;˘ sand & gravel â&#x20AC;˘ excavating Office â&#x20AC;Ś
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948-2879, evenings 948-7207, daytime Ed Kolenosky â&#x20AC;˘ Driveways â&#x20AC;˘ Sod â&#x20AC;˘ Concrete â&#x20AC;˘ Patio â&#x20AC;˘ Garage Pads Blocks â&#x20AC;˘ Pruning â&#x20AC;˘ Snow â&#x20AC;˘ Planting Removal â&#x20AC;˘ Topsoil â&#x20AC;˘ Fences â&#x20AC;˘ Lawn Care â&#x20AC;Śand â&#x20AC;˘ Leveling much more
AdS 948-5352 or 1 col Price: $225 plus gst for30626 weeks (6 months) Can reaCh More 306244-9865 (Regular price is $28.98 plus gst per week x Than We are able to offer this to you when we get
Busse Law 520,000 ProfessionaL Nice to have met you, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to poTenTial CuSToMerS.
CorPoration Barristers & Solicitors Consultant
Urla Tyler, One phone callAdvertising coversBiggar the entireIndependent Stuart A. Busse, QC The Larry A. Kirk, LL.B. province. phone: 948-334 Expand your market fax: 948-2133 and increase your 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK profits. email: tip@sasktel.net 306-948-3346
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Biggar Independent 122 Main Street, Biggar, Sask.
â&#x20AC;Śserving your community since 1972
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
ARIES CANCER Jun 22/Jul 22 Mar 21/Apr 20 Heavy emotional bagAries, whether your mind is buzzing out of gage doesn’t line up with control or not, you have your free spirit, Cancer. to find a way to get Try to avoid conflict at 2 col/6 everything under control. all costs over the week and you’ll find you are There is much you need to accomplish this week. much happier for having TAURUS done so. DB Brett… SAFETY LEO Apr 21/May 21 BRETT’S DECORATING & DESIGN SERVICE Taurus, mornings usuJul 23/Aug 23 Price… inches = $201.50 1ST AID2.5 Prepare for surprises ally aren’t your best time s FLOWERS plus gst per TRAINING s CUSTOM WEDDING of day. Put off6-month making prepaid this week, Leo. They commitment. DECORATING & EVENTS 1st Aid training on-line until tough decisions may come from you or s RENTALS… 4ENTS or classroom. $120 someone else. This is an afternoon or later when "OUNCY #ASTLE Re-Certs $85 Please get back to me with opportunity to play and you have given yourself Red Cross 306-948-9750 Canadian changes/corrections by return have fun. Enjoy it for as ample time to charge the For More Info: 102 - 3rd email this morning. brain. long as it lasts. dale@dtjssb.ca Ave. West, VIRGO or GEMINI Biggar, Sask. Thanks Urla Aug 24/Sept 22 May 22/Jun 21 951-7700 newufitness@sasktel.net Virgo, things seem to Difficulties will even948-3344 /WNED AND OPERATED BY "RETT "ARBER tally dissipate as your be going well for you in many different areas. week progresses, GemiDB SAFETY ni. You will find you get Clear thinking and conSERVICE tained emotions are the some relief from what ails you as the days pass keys to your success in 1ST AID by. all of this. Keep up the TRAINING good work. 1st Aid training on-line
Aboriginal Owned • Mobile Welding & Fabrication • 24/7 Emergncy Service • Repairs? Got a project in mind? • We cater to ALL give us a call industries… farming, for a quote. commercial, oil field, • NOW offering industrial Skidsteer, Transport, • CWB Hot Shot Service! Certified CAll Chance Parenteau @ 306-948-9465 or sarah nagy @ 306-290-9766
MUSIC
D.J. Music for all occasions, pop, rock, country, new, edm, light show included Marriage Commissioner For More Info:
dale@dtjssb.ca or
951-7700 948-3344
PHOTOGRAPHY
MUSIC
Music for all ns, pop, rock, y, new, edm, ow included Looking to buy good Portraits, Family, arriage quality retail Wedding, Sports, missioner fireworks? Passport & Firearm More Info: For More Info:
Photos by Jocelyn
FLOWER SHOP
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or classroom. $120 Re-Certs $85 Canadian Red Cross For More Info:
dale@dtjssb.ca
is an
951-7700 948-3344
investment
or
REAL ESTATE
Shoreline Realty
Cari Perih
to buy good lity retail eworks? More Info:
@dtjssb.ca or
1-7700 8-3344
Advertising
REAlTOR®
Cell: 306-948-7995 Office: 306-867-8380 carip@remax.net
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Acres of Expertise.
Dave Molberg
Farm & Acreage Salesperson (306) 948-4478 dave.molberg@hammondrealty.ca HammondRealty.ca
BIGGAR INDEPENDENT BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 306-948-3344 tip@sasktel.net SUBSCRIPTION RATES…per year ONLINE… $40.00 + $2.00 gst = $42.00 Inside 40-mile Radius… $45.00 + $2.25 gst = $47.25 Outside 40-mile Radius… $50.00 + $2.50 gst = $52.50
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THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13
LIBRA Sept 23/Oct 23 It may take you a little while to get started this week Libra. You may feel like you’re trying to turn over an engine on a cold morning. But eventually you will find your groove. SCORPIO Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you want to tackle all of your goals, but you simply take on too much — as is your nature. Step back and prioritize your tasks so you can more easily achieve your goals. SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21 Tempers may flare when someone criticizes someone you love, Sagittarius. You may want to be a hero, but step back and let things cool down.
CAPRICORN Dec 22/Jan 20 Let your dreams linger a bit longer before getting out of bed this week, Capricorn. It’s okay to indulge in some fantasies. They may inspire future endeavors. AQUARIUS Jan 21/Feb 18 Find a blend of rational and impulsive behavior, Aquarius. When the scales tip in one direction, you will find it is much easier to tackle what you need to do. PISCES Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, sometimes it is best to follow your emotions instead of your head as you make plans for the day. Figure out what works best for you.
14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Independent Classifieds
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
A Time of Thanksgiving
by Father Edward Gibney, St Gabriel Roman Catholic Church Although the American tradition of Thanksgiving is considered to have been initiated with the Puritan Pilgrim Thanksgiving of 1621, what is often overlooked is that the very first “Thanksgiving” celebration occurred in Florida in 1595 and a second was held in Texas in 1598. Both of these were organized by Catholics when Don Pedro Menendez (in Florida) and Don Juan de Onata (in Texas) organized a day of Thanksgiving, with a Feast and the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Even the word Thanksgiving itself is Catholic related for “Thanksgiving,” in Greek, is Eucharistia, which is what we in the Catholic Church call the Body and Blood of Christ which we share as Eucharist, in the greatest “Thanksgiving Meal,” the sharing of Communion. Of course, the precise origin of this time of Thanksgiving is less important than the full reason for the giving of thanks, and so much of what we are thankful for is expressed in what we do. We get together with family and friends. We take a moment to recognize the things for which we are thankful. And we thank God for all of the many gifts that he has given us. Then we share the gifts that God has given us, the food and the drink, the company of family and friends, and the happiness that goes with it, always in the knowledge that God is with us through it all. A Thanksgiving Prayer: Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks. Thank you for all the graces and blessings you have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage, our food and shelter, our family and friends, our health and the love we have for one another. Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessings throughout the coming year. Let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcoming table of the Lord. At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve one another and to walk together in God’s gracious world. With thankful hearts, we ask this in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen. May God Bless you and keep you safe.
Thanksgiving
by Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church Yum! Pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and gravy, and for most, we can’t forget the turkey. Friends and family laughing and talking, and just enjoying the moment of being together. For most of us this is a familiar experience on Thanksgiving Day. What wonderful blessings God bestows upon us with all the good food of the harvest and the fellowship we enjoy with those we love. Psalm 113: 1-3 states, Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised. KJV One of my favorite Christian authors wrote the following: The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be a peculiar treasure! What a s acrifice has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be called the children of God! We should praise God for the blessed hope held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for the heavenly inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to intercede for us. (White, E., Patriarchs and Prophets p. 289) Recently, it has been difficult to count our blessings. There has been much gloom and doom. But even amid the challenges, it was always such a blessing to see the blue sky and the sunshine. I loved to hear the children’s squeals of delight as they enjoyed the waterpark, and I prayed daily for a happy cheerful spirit. I wanted an attitude of gratitude. Laurie Beth Jones in her book, Jesus CEO Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership, tells of her friend’s only goal, to be a blessing. At first, she was somewhat annoyed by her friend’s lack of creativity, but as she grew older, she began to realize this was an all-encompassing goal for everyone. If we look at Jesus’s life on earth, everywhere He went, He was a blessing. Many were healed, the dead were raised, the hungry were fed, and the list goes on. This Thanksgiving, I hope that you will be a blessing to someone, and someone will be a blessing to you. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 118:1 KJV
Everyone Welcome! St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar
Father Edward Gibney
Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 SATURDAY MASS TIME • 7:00 p.m. SUNDAY MASS tiMe • 11:00 a.m. By Appointment, Phone the Parrish to Book Your Time
our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis SUNDAY MASS TIME • 9 a.m.
Presbyterians, anglicans and lutherans (Pals) OctOber ServiceS - St. Paul’S anglican church For more information/pastoral services, phone Cindy Hoppe 948-2947 or John Bennett 948-2852
Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar
Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Doug Motz, Church office phone, 306-948-3424
biggar united church 907 Quebec St./corner Turnbull Ave., Biggar
Re-Opening for Services October 4, 2020 Covid 19 Guidelines Apply Masks Required INQUIRIES CALL CHURCH OFFICE 306-948-2280 LEAVE MESSAGE
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Church Service…11 a.m. temporary Location at: 403 2nd ave. east in Biggar Contact: 306-948-2481 www.amazingfacts.org
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Biggar independent Online
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Looking for a part Agnes Jeanett Small of Biggar, Sk was the youngest in a familytime of five Job chil- ? Agnes Small
you likeShe meeting dren to Tony and LenaDoOchs. people? Wouldand you started school at Standard School likeinto1948. sell a product moved to Landis School She that helpsand families stayed with Hugh Woodworth protect worked for Mr. and Mrs. Cliffthemselves? Gerow Lo-Cost Entry as an operator at the Telephone Office. andfor her She then stayed with Ben Ochs Free Education last two years. She graduated in 1956 For More Info: in a BIG class of 1! Agnes and her sister Pauline moved todale@dtjssb.ca Regina where or operthey worked at the Grey Nuns Hospital as a telephone 951-7700 ator and ward clerk. Agnes and Allan Small we’re married July 11, 1957. They 948-3344 lived in Estevan and sons David and Greg were born. They moved to Edam and daughter, Leila and son Dwayne were born. After several moves, they settled in Landis to raise their family. Tragically, David passed away in 1972 and Allan passed away in 1976. Agnes persevered and worked at the Landis Coop and Village Office. Agnes moved to Biggar in 1996. She worked part time, volunteered at New Horizons and St. Gabriel Church. Agnes loved to dance. She enjoyed coffee with friends and family, grandchildren and great grandchildren, carpet bowling, scrabble and was our historian. Agnes passed away peacefully on September 25, 2020 at the age of 82 years. She is survived by three children: son, Greg (Donna) of Edson, AB and children Chelsea (Greg) and children Robyn and Jake, Chantelle (Dave) and children Tanner and Alyssa, Nathan (Nina) and children Molly and Kenny, Alanna (Tom),and Cassianna; daughter, Leila (Ian) of Regina, SK and children Angela, and Nicole and children Aliyah and Brooklyn; son, Dwayne (Connie) of Grandora, SK children Dylan and Tessa (Alec) child Kayden; sister, Pauline Leibel, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by parents, Tony and Lena; husbands Allan and Les, son, David, brothers Martin and Bernard, and sister Betty. Huge thank you to Home Care, Biggar Hospital staff and dear friends! Forever in our ❤!
Johnson, Geraldine 1938 – 2020
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Geraldine Johnson of Landis SK, which occurred at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on September 28, 2020. A private family gathering to take place at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.mourningglory.ca. Arrangements in care of Travis Minor – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.
Bernice Sutherland 1927 - 2020
Bernice (Neff) Sutherland passed away at the Biggar Health Centre on Friday September 25, 2020. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Larry (Rita) and their family Tana & Bryce (Corinna) great grandchildren, Jack; Desiree (Chris) their children Kailey, Joshua & Ben; Faith, Danielle & Grace; Lorne (Cheryl); Keane (Meagan); Brad (Penny); Christine, great granddaughter Ella; Craig (Rena); Stephen (Meagan). Bernice was born in Moose Jaw, SK on December 4, 1927. Bernice and Murray were married on Sept. 28, 1946 in Plentywood, Montana U.S.A. They lived in Moose Jaw & Radville (where their first son Larry was born), moved back to Moose Jaw & finally to Biggar in 1949 where Lorne & Brad were born and she spent the rest of her life. Bernice was active in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, sang in the choir & spent many hours baking & serving for activities of the church. She was also an active member of the Order of Royal Purple (Charter Member), bowled for many years, played bridge, cherished her grandchildren all her active life & more. In spite of having 3 boys she was asked to help out with the Girl Guides. She spent 10 years as a leader (three of those as a Division Commissioner), also spent many, many winters at the rink cheering on “her boys” including grandsons, as they started playing hockey, and of course Murray & the Oldtimers. After Murray retired, they travelled, driving to the U.S.A. in the winter & enjoying the sun, as well as travelling to Mexico to several resorts and cruised the Panama Canal. Later they bought a mobile home and rented a lot at Turtle Lake Lodge, enjoying visits from family and friends (especially grandchildren). Bernice moved to Norwest Apartments in May 2015 (close to Murray in Long Term Care). She was happy there and was glad she made the move. Murray passed away in March of 2017. At Bernice’s request there will be no service.
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The family of Bernice Sutherland would like to Thank the EMT’s, nurses and staff of Biggar Health Centre for Looking buy good the excellent care given momtowhile quality retail she was hospitalized. A special Thanks fireworks? to Dr. Muller for the many years he For More Info: looked after her. dale@dtjssb.ca
For Sale kids metal slide $10.00; Trampoline 10 ft x 16 ft frame; heavy pipre frame; very good springs and mat; mat 7ft x 14 ft; needs new pad over springs; new was $800 taking offers; Ron and Marj Crozier, 306-948-2089
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Central Park Place has apartments for seniors available in Biggar immediately. Call 948-5626 Charter/ Sherwood Apartments in BIGGAR
Biggar Museum and Gallery Cocreating with the Creator, an exhibit of sculpture, fabric and paintings by local artists, used to be local artists and artists from the city. Colour, texture and sound, a brand new type of exhibit in the museum! Monday to Friday 1:00 – 5:00 or call 306-948-3451 to arrange a private viewing for yourself and your bubble. October 1- November 10 The Biggar & District Health Sefrvices Foundation Inc. annual meeting will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the Westweinds Motor Hotel. Current COVID-19 protocol will be in place. Physical distancing and masks are mandatory.
Deadline for Classifieds is Monday at 5 p.m.
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Impressive 2940 square foot home with 4 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms, expansive master suite, unfinished basement, and double attached garage. Contact Amanda Carruthers for more information or a showing at 306-658-3500.
1 or 2 bedroom, heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite systems, laundry facilities, appliances, some suites with dishwahers, air conditioning, parking with plug-ins. For more information call: Risa Management at 306-665-2300 or Andre at 306831-4430
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16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
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Did you replace the batteries in your smoke alarm after changing the clocks back for Daylight Saving Time? With apologies to Saskatchewan residents, 3 col/6 who do not adjust their clocks, safety advocates have often repeated this handy mnemonic device as an easy way to remember that batteries in smoke alarms must be replaced twice a year. The Canada Safety Council is reminding Canadians to take preventative measures to keep their smoke alarms operational, unencumbered and capable of alerting members of their household in an emergency situation. As a tool used only in case of emergency, it’s easy to accidentally forget to perform regular maintenance on your smoke alarm. At the same time, unless you’re doing regular tests, the first time you find out it’s not working might also be your last. Smoke and fire are unforgiving, which makes it vitally important to ensure your smoke alarm is in working condition. The test button on most
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smoke alarms is effective to ensure function of the sound and that it’s receiving power. But what about its ability to sense and detect smoke? This is why it’s important to regularly test your smoke alarm using real smoke. The Canada Safety Council recommends testing once a month using the test button and once a year by lighting a match and holding it a few inches below the smoke alarm. Take care not to hold it too close or you risk damaging your alarm. If you hear the alarm, you know your alarm is functioning properly. If you don’t hear the sound ring out, replace the batteries and try again. If your alarm is connected electrically to household circuits, double-check to ensure the fuse is working correctly and try again. If neither of these steps help, replace the unit. You need a smoke alarm on every level of your home. It’s preferable to keep them near the kitchen and sleeping areas, as well as high fire hazard areas (e.g., near the fireplace.) A
smoke alarm near the kitchen may be triggered occasionally when you’re cooking at high heats, but don’t disable your alarm – that’s just an indicator that it’s in working condition. Waft the air around the alarm until the alarm stops, or look into purchasing one that has temporary decreased sensitivity settings. Alarms should be replaced at regular intervals, and should of course be replaced should your current ones become defective or broken. The Canada Safety Council recommends erring on the side of caution and replacing your alarm once every five years. When purchasing an alarm, consider the types of alarms. Ionization alarms are quicker to detect fast-spreading fires that produce more heat than smoke, while photoelectric alarms react more quickly to smoldering fires that may smoke for hours before bursting into flame. Consider one of each type per floor of your home.
Three ways Canadian Thanksgiving differs from American Thanksgiving Here are three basic differences. Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, not November – and it’s not about pilgrims That’s right: Canadian Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday in Octoberthe same day as American Columbus Day. American Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Why is that? Probably because Canada is farther north and the harvest comes earlier, so we celebrate it earlier. In Feasting and Fasting: Canada’s Heritage Celebrations (Dundurn), Dorothy Duncan writes that Canadians had many different Thanksgiving celebrations before the official date was chosen by Parliament in 1957. Before any newcomers came to the land, the First Nations celebrated their crops. After that, thanksgiving celebrations were held to mark everything from explorer Mar-
tin Frobisher’s successful crossing of the Northwest Passage in 1578 to war victories to the recovery of the Price of Wales (later King Edward VII) from illness in 1872. While the Canadian holiday officially falls on Monday, celebrations can take place at any time over the weekend. The big meal is just as likely to happen on Sunday as it is on Monday. Canadian Thanksgiving is not as strongly associated with shopping. In America, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is legendary: American news reports show how some shoppers go straight from their Thanksgiving celebrations to the mall the moment it opens. That doesn’t happen for Canadian Thanksgiving. The holiday Monday means it’s a long weekend for many people, but shopping isn’t an essential part of it. Many stores operate on more limited
hours on Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday. Canadian Thanksgiving is not as big a deal as American Thanksgiving. From what I can tell, Thanksgiving seems to be almost as significant a holiday as Christmas in the U.S. People fly across the country to visit family, and according to U.S. Bureau of Transport statistics, the number of long-distance trips increases by 54 per cent over the six-day Thanksgiving period, while that increase is just 23 per cent over the Christmas/ New Year period. In Canada, of course, people also travel to be with loved ones over the Thanksgiving weekend. However, my perception is that fewer Canadians take time off work for long-distance travel. We stick closer to home on Thanksgiving than we do at the end of December that’s when more people take extended time off for family visits.