The Biggar Independent Volume 114, Issue 47 by The Biggar Independent

Vol. 114 No. 47

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

16 pages

$1.50

With a tune in heart ... Area musicians, performers and dancers took to the Biggar Majestic Theatre stage, Tuesday for the annula Canada Music Week concert. Celebrating Canadian music, art and dance, the evening was a fund raiser for the Majestic Theatre, and featured everything from musical theatre, singing and dancing from area artists, playing to a full house. (Independent Photo by

Kevin Brautigam)

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2 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

It was a dogfight from start to finish but the Biggar Nationals came away with a 3-2 O/T win, Friday at the Jubilee. With the Unity Miners leading 2-1 with minutes remaining in the third, the Nats Brett Novak tied it up. In the O/T, D-man Ryan Novacosky potted the winner for the 3-2 win. Nats followed it up with a 5-1 drumming of the visiting Edam 3 Stars, Jonathan Redlick scoring four, and Novacosky the fifth and final of the night to complete a winning weekend. (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

Biggar RCMP report

by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment This past week members handled 34 occurrences. It was a generous week on the traffic education front with only one ticket and eight warnings being provided. If you are out hunting in the area, the animals all seem to be running toward the highway three deer collisions to report on Highway 14, and one moose that was hit twice before being removed from the highway. Only one call about trespassing while hunting for the start to the season. Another collision caused by avoiding the deer, found two family members meeting unexpectedly as the Chrysler 200 tried to park in the box of the Dodge Ram 1500. Thankfully no injuries to any of the parties involved, just someone’s pride. Two complaints of semi’s not maintaining their lane on Highway 14, while on the other

hand a wide-load hauler called to complain that someone was throwing flower pots out the passenger window at their truck, the vehicle was not located, so it is unknown what the hidden story is on that. Report of someone hijacking the Highway 51 Bar and Grill name for their handle on a social media platform, guess they just wanted to be part of the popular crowd. Report of a lost brown wallet and another of an envelope full of cash, both owners would be grateful to be reunited with their property. The Hospital called for members assistance in tracking down their on-call doctor that was M.I.A. Thirty-six-year-old Foster was arrested and charged for breaking windows at a business with his sling shot and ball bearings. Members also mediated a fight between a 52-year-old female assaulting a 23-year-old female. As well, a couple of calls to a residence on Fourth Avenue where the red solo cup was to blame. Take Care out there!

Highway 51 to see upgrades It has been a rough ride for a long time, but now Highway 51 will see major work. The Saskatchewan Highways Ministry has identified the opportunity to improve the first 25 kilometres, of Highway 51, west of Biggar and is currently completing

planning and design work to achieve this. The Saskatoon to Red Deer, Alberta Transportation Business Corridor has pushed for the work. No timelines have yet been released, but more will be announced.

Oak Tree donates to Poppy Fund ... The Oak Tree and Brett Dorosh raised $165 for the Legion Poppy Fund from sales of a special Poppy Donut, $1 from the sale of each donut was donated. (Submitted Photo)

Free counselling expands to children and youth in West-Central Saskatchewan The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $1.7 million in new annual funding to Family Service Saskatchewan to expand its free, rapid access counselling services to children, youth and their caregivers across the province. Biggar is the newest community to launch this service along

with Kindersley, Leader, Unity and Rosetown. Young people can access support for challenges ranging from stress and depression to family conflict, addictions and domestic violence. “Expanding free rapid access counselling services to children and youth is key to address-

ing the mental health issues that many youth are dealing with today,” Kindersley MLA Ken Francis said on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod. “Being able to connect young people to timely, accessible counselling services is crucial for improving their wellbeing.”

Children and youth will be connected to any ongoing supports they may need. West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre is delivering rapid access counselling in Biggar, Kindersley, Leader, Unity and Rosetown, on behalf of Family Service Saskatchewan. “Our agency is excited

to bring rapid access counselling for children and youth to west-central Saskatchewan communities,” West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre Executive Director Michelle Weber said. “Many of our children and youth are trying to navigate challenging needs and requesting supports. Our team is encouraged to offer this rapid, person-centred programming that helps our children, youth and their families to thrive and heal.” In total this year, the province is providing Family Service Saskatchewan with $3.2 million in annual funding: $1.7 million in new funding for expanding rapid access counselling services to children and youth, and $1.5 million to provide ongoing services to adults and families. Please check counsellingconnectsask.ca to find services near you, or book a virtual session

through the website. Since May, counselling services for children and youth have launched in Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle, Oxbow, North Battleford, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Humboldt. Additional communities will be announced in the coming weeks. Under the province’s new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, rapid access counselling for children and youth will expand to all 24 locations of Family Service Saskatchewan where these services are currently available for adults. The Ministry of Health is investing a recordhigh total of $518 million for mental health and addictions services in 2023-24. The new Action Plan is supported by funding that will total $49.4 million when fully implemented in the fifth year of the plan.

Bingo Numbers for

Nat Outlaws thump Wings ... U18 National Outlaw Heath Trayhorne looks over his shoulder, looking to contain the visiting Rosetown Red Wings, Saturday at the Jubilee. The Nat Outlaws rolled the Wings up with a 11-5 win. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

November 23 B-05 I-20 N-45 G-48 O-69

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Opinions

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

Why are conspiracy theories so popular? by Michel Jacques Gagné, author of Aristotle Foundation’s, “Conspiracies: When are they likely true - or false?” On November 22, 1963, an emotionally unstable young Marxist and ex-Marine with few friends or job prospects, little respect from organized leftists, and an estranged wife who finally lost patience with his violent outbursts and political fantasies, took his rifle to work at the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas. It was there, from a sixth-floor window, that Lee Harvey Oswald shot U.S. President John F. Kennedy as his opentop motorcade drove by in Dealey Plaza. The Dallas police, the FBI, and the Warren Commission (the presidential panel set up by Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon Johnson, to investigate the assassination) all concluded that 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Yet from the moment of Kennedy’s death and to this day and despite dozens of other investigations that arrived at the same conclusion as the Warren Commission, it was and

is widely believed by a majority of Americans that a broader conspiracy, i.e., that others in addition to Oswald, were involved in the JFK assassination. How should we understand this entrenched belief and the attraction to conspiracy theories more generally? As a start, conspiracy theories are always and everywhere part of human society. Stories about secret plots shock and fascinate us, confirm our deepest fears, nourish our moral outrage, and provide us with scapegoats to blame. One might hope that, in the age of the internet, the widespread availability of scientific and historical evidence would impede the spread of conspiracy theories. Alas, precisely the opposite appears to be happening. From the QAnoninspired allegation that the world is controlled by a conspiracy of powerful pedophiles to the claims that Catholic nuns murdered hundreds of Indigenous Canadian children in the middle of the night to the belief that COVID-19 is a bioweap-

on engineered by China (or the United States), the influence of facts and reason upon Western public discourse seems perilously low. Sensationalism sells, and fear and anger make it attractive. While there exists an ocean of scholarship debunking these and countless other conspiracy stories, few people have the time, will, or energy to conduct a thorough examination of all the claims competing for their attention. They have even less time to study the mounds of countervailing research about conspiracy thinking in psychology, sociology, political science, and philosophy texts. We cannot ignore the wealth of evidence proving that real conspiracies occur. From organized criminal rackets to politically motivated subterfuge (think of Watergate as an example) and even state-sponsored assassinations, conspiracies do exist. The useful question is how can we know if a conspiracy claim is likely to be true? A conspiracy is a secret arrangement between two or more

people with the intention of taking advantage of others. It can involve a plot to hide or distort information, gain or maintain power under false pretenses, or circumvent legal, financial, or political rules for personal gain. Given the number of criminal convictions every year for coordinated acts of fraud, theft, violence, criminal rackets, and murder, we can conclusively say that conspiracies are a fact of life. However, the ones we can prove rarely resemble the diabolical schemes perpetrated by the villains in crime thriller books and films. According to British philosopher Quassim Cassam, the sort of conspiracy theories that are most likely to be alluring and false usually serve as a type of political propaganda. They carelessly, if not malevolently, combine facts, unsubstantiated rumours, and discredited nonsense to stir up people’s moral indignation against a specific person, group, or institution. Unlike the work of responsible historians, scientists, and forensic investigators whose

institutions and traditions insist on a high level of evidence-based reasoning, conspiracy peddlers fabricate theories that are deliberately shaped to ignite our outrage and discourage us from practicing careful inquiry and reflection. Those conspiracy theories are “implausible by design,” Cassam argues, precisely because they resemble a Hollywood script, not the haphazard and incongruent chains of events that make up the real flow of history. The more we know about history, science, and logic, the better equipped we are to separate fact from fiction. If our political parties and leaders, the news

media, and educational organizations were more devoted to this ideal, conspiracy myths would gain less traction. Instead, when our leading institutions fail to prioritize thoughtful reflection over emotivist dogma and activism, it falls to the individual to strive for knowledge and understanding while maintaining humility, a healthy skepticism, a deep tolerance for uncertainty, and a rigorous commitment to reason over emotion. When these values are in ascendance, civilization’s foundations are strong. In their absence, they are vulnerable to erosion by divisive and self-serving myths.

Gas, home heating tax bridges important questions

Provincial Viewpoint Murray Mandryk

The point of agreement among government, opposition and the public right now is that some sort of relief is required. It’s certainly a sentiment here in Saskatchewan where a year ago we were all cashing $500 cheques for that purpose. One might argue that, with inflation still running rampant, that money is needed more today than it was back then. The problem for government is that it can ill-afford to simply hand back money all the time. If government could afford to do responsibility do this without, it would be a pretty good sign that taxes are, indeed, too high. This takes us to the

the

other problem - the reality that taxes serve the purpose of providing revenue for things a society collectively needs like hospitals, schools and roads. The above is likely obvious to most of you, but it’s perhaps necessary to review in light of the controversy over the Saskatchewan Party government demanding the federal Liberal government remove the carbon tax on home heating, but balking at calls from the NDP Opposition hear at home to at least temporarily lift the provincial fuel tax while further demanding we also reduce the provincial sales tax either through an across-theboard reduction on specific items. At the legislature last week, the NDP moved a motion calling for a six-month pause on collecting the 15-cent-alitre provincial fuel tax to relieve people from the current inflationary pressures we are all now under. NDP leader Carla Beck noted that the 15 cents per litre on gasoline and diesel fuel is more costly to consumers than the 14 per cent imposed as part of the federal car-

bon tax. Speaking to reporters at the legislature last week, Premier Scott Moe said he has not done the math. Saskatchewan collects 15 cents per litre on gasoline and diesel fuel, which the NDP said is a higher rate than the 14 per cent imposed as part of the federal carbon tax. Regina Rosemont MLA Trent Wotherspoon introduced the motion in the legislature Tuesday, asking for support to allow it to pass to debate later this week. The Opposition was rebuffed last year when it made the same request of the Saskatchewan Party government, as was the Canadian Taxpayers Federation when it called for provincial fuel tax relief earlier this year. With Saskatchewan’s premier fighting against paying carbon tax levies on natural gas for heating, in an argument over affordability, Opposition leader Carla Beck called the suggestion a more “immediate” action the government could take if it is concerned about Saskatchewan families suffering under an affordability crisis. “Its a very considered

measure, I think,” Beck said, following Tuesday’s sitting. “It makes sense. It’s what we would do if we were in government, and it’s what we think the government could and should do to provide some relief to people in this province.” Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador have issued similar stops on fuel taxes already, noted the NDP. “This is something that could happen very quickly,” Beck said, pointing back to government’s recent use of an emergency sitting to pass legislation related to student pronoun use. The Opposition calculated a fuel tax pause would equate to $350 per year, per family, and a total of $150 million in savings for commercial and industrial consumers. The province would lose $225 million in revenue if the tax pause was put in place. Moe estimated there is $400 of carbon tax included on a household’s heating bill per year, which he called a “substantial” sum in contrast to the NDP plan. Speaking in Tuesday’s

session, finance minister Donna Harpauer also compared the NDP’s figures to the $500 cheques issued last year as an affordability measure. “We made a choice to invest $450 million,” she said, noting that sum totals more than the savings taxpayers would gain from the NDP’s suggestion. “I’m not sure the premier understands how desperate, and how many people are desperate, to just be paying their bills right now,” Beck countered. Affordability cheques are “long gone,” she continued, adding “I don’t think there were a lot of people who were putting it into savings, or taking trips with that money.” “It was needed and it was used immediately,” she said. Fuel tax funds highway infrastructure spending, with average contributions of $500 million annually, Moe said, adding those dollars are invested back in the province, while the carbon tax is “unnecessary.” Beck disputed Moe’s claim, saying fuel tax actually goes into the province’s general revenue fund.

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Asked if government would consider the proposal, the premier said it “can be a discussion, but ultimately that money would have to come from somewhere.” He again promised coming legislation to enable the province to stop remitting carbon taxes to the federal government, unless Ottawa issues a blanket carveout on home heating. “We’ve said that, time and time again, it’s the stance of this government that the consumption-based carbon tax should be removed on everything, for everyone,” said Moe. “That includes how we heat our homes, that includes filling our vehicles up.” Beck countered that the Saskatchewan NDP supports the call to expand carbon tax exemptions to include all Canadians, but that this is “not mutually exclusive” with pausing the provincial fuel tax “Both can happen and I think should happen,” she said. “This is something that the premier could do. It is solely within his jurisdiction, his ability to implement.”

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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.

Bob Mason

When we were kids in the 1920s and ‘30s - a few years after the First World War was over in 1918 - our folks used to get a magazine called Maclean’s which decided to run full-page centrefolds of war art. Of course a lot of the pictures were very dramatic, and being kids we were well introduced to this military angle not used too much before. In those days we did a lot of reading, especially Dad. But those pictures got through to us young fellows with quite an impact. After all, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words! The complete misery and sometimes accuracy of it all could hardly be expressed by an artist no matter how he mixed his paints. Heck, Harvey Banks, our old VLA (Veterans’ Land Act - a soldier settlement act that provide returned First World War veterans who wished to farm with loans to purchase land, stock and equipment) supervisor, said that the Vimy Ridge he experienced was nothing like the one painted by A.Y. Jackson! Jackson’s painting showed a burly artillery type, minus shirt, feeding one of the everhungry guns near Vimy Ridge. Whereas, according to Harvey, it was always miserable weather, and no one would have their shirt off! Of course it is true that

see but until they show up in someone’s archives somewhere, sometime, we’ll just have to pretend that a word is worth a thousand pictures and rely on little reports like these because the only brush that most vets can use much is the one that I have in my hand right now! I know darn well that I’ve mentioned this before but the war artists of our or any time have never been able to mix an ingredient in their oils that would get across to the viewer the staggering fear and senselessness of it all! Sure, they show the whole range of desolate ruin and really try to include in each brush stroke the frantic desperation of those times. But they always fall far, far short of showing what war is really like. Of course, he never will, but there is a long list in his old L and T (Life and Times) of the places Y.T. would like to see again. But after all these years of change and expansion, it’s not likely that most of them even exist anymore except in his quickly failing mind. Surely that battered road from Cleve to Goch is all cleaned up by now, with nice new houses where once a long pile of rubble was. New (even old) trees have probably sprung up in the Hochwald and the modern urban sprawl has made most of the places we often think about almost unrecognizable! I imagine that tourists probably stare at the old castle on the hill at Dieppe. I suppose - although I can’t find it on the map anymore that one could still photograph the quay at New Haven where we took off for Europe. Maybe a fellow can still watch small ships bobbing up and down in the usually rough channel. But some things, regardless of how much we’d like to see them again, are

War art

probably best forgotten! Most paintings have far deeper meaning than the author of this little piece can ever fathom, and reflect the feelings of the painter on to the watcher - so it is with war art when viewed by a veteran. And finally, an all-explanatory note, pointing out what this article was meant to say in the first place: Forgive the old vets if maybe they talk too much for your liking. After all, their minds are crowded with thousands of unpainted scenes that no one should ever have to see anyway. And be proud of war artists, because from their brushes have come records of times we hope future generations will never have to know. And certainly last

- but maybe not least try and be kind to old Bob. He’s getting on in

years now and thinks he needs all the attention he can get!

The Majestic Theatre Biggar NOVEMBER Í Butterfly Tale

Genre: Animation / Family 2023--Time: 1 hr 22 min

Rated: G

Notable Notes

no artist could possibly portray on their canvas the terrible fears and anxieties of the people they painted. But art of any kind has an advantage over photography. Although a camera is far more accurate about every detail, an artist can look back and in his mind and drum up a scene that passed a long time ago. I don’t have any idea how many photographers went ashore in the Dieppe Raid but in the minds of the men who were there I’m sure there are scenes that could be described to war artists over and over! Actually, Y.T. (Yours Truly) was in the sights of a war artist one time himself. One evening in Shilo during a rain, a whole bunch of guys tramped into the Salley Ann wearing their army issue groundsheets. I don’t know how many readers have ever even heard of a groundsheet. I’m pretty sure the thing wasn’t designed by any fashion house anywhere, and I’m pretty sure they were never nominated for a beauty prize. They were made from a kind of rubberized material about six-feet by threefeet and had about the same appeal as some of the men who wore them! At that time seeing a soldier wasn’t much of a big deal, but those groundsheets, dripping all over the floor must have caught the eye of a fellow who sat in one corner, obviously sketching us. After a while some of us went over and looked at his drawing. There were no faces on any of the guys yet but the lines of our crude groundsheets sure looked familiar. I sometimes wonder if that drawing was ever was finished. Y.T. keeps on looking and looking, but so far... Personally there are quite a few war paintings that I would like to

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

Friday, Nov 24 • 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov 25 • 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov 26 • 2 p.m. Matinee Admission $5

Ratings from the Saskatchewan Film Classification Board

For bookings and information please NEW phone no. 306-951-8244

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF PERDUE NO. 346 PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under 7KH 7D[ (QIRUFHPHQW $FW that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 2 UG day of January, 2024, a tax lien will be registered against the land. Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of 7KH 7D[ Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Blk Parcel Part of Lot Lot Part of Section Section Twp

NE NE SE LSD 1 LSD 2 SW

SE NE NW SW LSD 16 NW SW

SE SW

7 18 19 20 20 20

34 34 34 34 34 34

Plan Range

Title No.

Total Arrears

Cost Advertising

Total Arrears and Costs

135137178 135137190 135137224 135137279 135137257 135137246 143756668 148703878 148703867 143756680 111797185 138300825 138300779 139703496 129716804 136115221 136115298 136115243 143756657 113782192 136115276 145487818 152132431

$498.69 $685.94 $548.77 $121.09 $121.09 $458.08 $517.19 $464.85 $504.33 $448.61 $1,446.10 $1,046.85 $2.60 $683.68 $816.67 $405.13 $292.36 $356.01 $523.96 $449.06 $347.90 $2,409.33 $168.42

$8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66 $8.66

$507.35 $694.60 $557.43 $129.75 $129.75 $466.74 $525.85 $473.51 $512.99 $457.27 $1,454.76 $1,055.51 $11.26 $692.34 $825.33 $413.79 $301.02 $364.67 $532.62 $457.72 $356.56 $2,417.99 $177.08

Meridian

12 Ext.0 12 Ext.0 12 Ext.0 12 Ext. 4 12 Ext. 5 12 Ext. 3 10 Ext. 0 10 Ext. 0 10 Ext. 0 10 Ext. 0 11 Ext. 14

32 35 33 35 33 35 33 35 24 35 Lot 1-Blk/Par 11-Plan G914 Ext.0 Lot 2-Blk/Par 11-Plan G914 Ext.0 8 35 12 Ext. 0 8 35 12 Ext. 0 Blk/Par B-Plan 101949532 Ext. 0 Blk/Par E-Plan 101949532 Ext. 0 Blk/Par C-Plan 101949532 Ext. 0 30 36 11 Ext. 0 30 36 11 Ext. 0 Blk/Par D-Plan 101949532 Ext. 0 Blk/Par A-Plan 102149243 Ext. 0 Blk/Par A-Plan 102084937 Ext. 0

W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3 W3

Dated at Perdue, this 23rd day of November, 2023 Kelsie Walkeden Administrator

LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER The following lands located near Perdue, SK are being offered by sale by tender: Parcel 1

Surface Parcel #149116709 & 149116686 SW 27-35-12 W3 RM of Perdue Lake 346 Approximately 121.9 and 27.6 acres

Parcel 2

Surface Parcel #164434259 SE 28-35-12 W3 RM of Perdue 346 Approximately 158.73 acres

Conditions: 1. Tenders may be submitted for one or both parcels and tenders must specify a price allocation per parcel. 2. Each tender must be accompanied by certified cheque, money order or bank draft, payable to “KMP Law, in trust” for 3% of the bid price. 3. Closing date of the sale will be December 15, 2023. Closing of the sale shall be contingent on completion of a mutually acceptable sale agreement between the successful bidder and the current owners. 4. Prospective purchasers are responsible for conducting their own research and inspection of the lands to confirm acreage, condition, and assessment. 5. Tenders conditional on financing approval will not be accepted. 6. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 7. Unsuccessful bidders will have deposits refunded without interest. 8. Tenders will close at 12:00 noon on November 30, 2023 and must be delivered to: KMP Law Attn: Kenneth J. Brodt 2600 Victoria Avenue Regina, SK S4T 1K2 Phone: 306-761-6235 Email: kbrodt@kmplaw.com Tender forms and further information regarding the land are available at the above address and telephone number.

6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Chef Dez on Cooking

Black Bean Soup

During my trips to the grocery store I always see people stocking up on canned soups. Although I do realize that making a soup from scratch requires more effort that a few turns of a can opener, the rewards are much

greater. Not only are you in control of your ingredients, but the flavour and texture can be so much better. This recipe is the perfect solution because the cut sizes doesn’t really matter too much since the whole soup is pureed anyway. Less cutting

means less effort on your part. There is an abundance of fresh vegetables in this soup and black beans are a great source of protein and dietary fibre among other nutritional aspects. Yes, I do realize that the first ingredient

A history of Cadets in Biggar by Delta Fay Cruickshank for Biggar Museum and Gallery The No. 300 Fisher

Squadron Air Cadets not only created mayors, but over the years, young Biggar men have

1984, Biggar Cadets. (Photo for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)

1970, Biggar Cadets.

become pilots! Biggar’s group was the 300th squadron to form out of all the groups, and it was created by David Scott Fisher. He formed the first Biggar group after he fought in the Second World War. The Biggar Air Cadets’ mission statement is “Develop Citizenship, Leadership, and Fitness.” Their motto is “To Learn - To Serve - To Advance.” Honourable virtues for sure! As with the picture last week of cadets from 1943 to now, these disciplines have woven the characters of hundreds of young men and women. Another fine tribute to the Town of Biggar. Captain David Dram is the leader now, and volunteers from the community assist him. Ms. Scott, the supply officer, was a cadet in Biggar. She was Ma’am Scott until retirement. Captain Han was the commanding officer before Captain Dram took over. Thank you to Haley Mantyka for providing me with all this information and photos.

is bacon, but this can easily be replaced with a bit of coconut oil or other healthy cooking oil. However, if you feel that your diet regimen can handle some bacon moderation, this is less than a third of a pound of bacon for 10 cups of soup. This recipe can also be found on page 55 of my latest cookbook “The Best In Your Kitch-

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

en” available from my website or worldwide through Amazon. Happy Cooking! Send your food/cooking questions to dez@ chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 6R4. Chef Dez is a Food Columnist, Culinary Travel Host and Cookbook Author. Visit him at chefdez.com.

Chef Dez on cooking Chef Dez

Black Bean Soup (Makes approximately 10 cups) “The cut sizes for the bacon and vegetables really doesn’t matter too much as the whole soup is pureed with a hand blender anyway” 125g bacon slices, cut into smaller pieces. 1 small onion, chopped. 1 green bell pepper, chopped. 1 large carrot, chopped. 1 celery stalk, chopped. 2 jalapenos, chopped – seeds and membrane removed for mild. 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped. 2 – 540 ml cans of black beans, drained and rinsed. 3 to 4 cups chicken stock. 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (reserve some for garnish). 1 medium tomato, chopped. 2 teaspoons ground cumin. 1/2 cup jarred salsa of your choice. Salt and Pepper to taste. 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish, optional. 1.) Add the bacon pieces to a large heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat and cook until fat has been rendered from the bacon. Cooked but not necessarily crisp, stirring occasionally. 2.) Turn the heat down to medium and add the diced onions, green peppers, carrots, celery, jalapenos, garlic, and some salt and pepper to the bacon and bacon fat. Cover and cook until the vegetables are mostly soft, approximately five to seven minutes. 3.) Add the black beans and three cups of the chicken stock. 4.) Add the cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, and salsa. Puree with a hand blender until smooth. Use the remaining one cup of chicken stock to thin the soup to your desired consistency while pureeing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 5.) Heat to desired temperature and serve each bowl garnished with an optional dollop of sour cream and/or a sprig of cilantro

23114GE0

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023 LIRA - which stands for a locked in retirement account. The reason for moving it to a LIRA would be so you could have full access to your pension amount to invest as you choose. A defined contribution pension is relatively easy to transfer the whole amount to a LIRA, however a defined benefit pension plan is different. Often times when Christine Ibbotson you want to convert a Dear Money Lady, defined benefit pension My investment advi- plan there will be a comsor wants me to convert muted value that is not my pension into a LIRA/ transferable and can only LIF and don’t know if be taken out as a taxable that’s a good idea. Will lump sum amount. Now I have to pay a lot of tax if you have RRSP room, if I do it? I know it will you could reduce the tax give me a bigger invest- burden by moving all or ment portfolio and my part of the lump sum advisor would love that, into your RRSP, but if but really why should I this lump sum amount is do it? too much you will have Thanks, Brian to pay taxes on it as Great question Brian. I income in the year you am so glad you asked it. do your conversion. The first question I want to work out I would ask you back an example for you so would be: Are you on that you can make an your own, married or educated decision when have dependants? deciding to convert your Your answer will help pension. make your decision. Let’s say you are 50 When you leave an years old, and you have employer a lot of peo- a commuted pension ple are not sure if they value of $350,000 and should leave their pen- your annual pension sion or move it to a benefit at age 65 will be

Ask The Money Lady

$27,000. Now, because this is a defined benefit pension plan you would only be allowed to transfer $253,000 to a LIRA. If you are wondering how I got that number it is based on a transfer factor assigned to your age and multiplied by the annual benefit amount. So now that we know you can only transfer $253,000 to the LIRA, that leaves $96,000 that will be paid out and taxed. So, if you didn’t have room in your RRSP you would most likely get about $53,000 after taxes based on a 45 per cent tax rate. Okay, let’s go a little deeper with this situation and work out whether it was worth cashing out. You’ve got $253,000 in your LIRA. If you still wanted to get the pension benefit of $27,000 per year at 65 off this smaller amount, you’re going to need to ensure a 5.132 per cent compound rate of return on the investment until the age of 65. Which, I have to say, is probably quite doable. Now if you added in the $53,000 that you cashed out of your investment portfolio and you didn’t spend

Govt subsidies influence ag markets

Agriculture Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels Have you ever noticed how business tends to want government to get out of the way and let them get things done when profits are good. But when margins tighten, or dip into the red, well then a government subsidy often tops the lobbying list. The issue of course is that both sides of that coin comes with its own problems. While it’s great that red tape be kept to a minimum without a lot of rules, regulations and laws from government the loss of many employees would be far starker, and the protection of consumers far less. Business is ultimately focused on profits first and foremost, and regulation keeps the sector with a broader approach to doing things than simply maximizing those profits.

But business is also rather good at not putting away a lot of money for those rainy days of market downturns whether we are talking the farm sector, or oil sector, or mining, forestry or any other you might think of. When things tighten government help is often sought. The problem is a government subsidy always skews markets. Ideally supply and demand should be the driving force in markets, which means as demand wanes prices decline, producers in turn reduce production until demand increases sending a message to again produce more by offering better prices. It’s a roller coaster ride by nature, but it is production responding to markets. A subsidy helps whoever gets the cheque, but it also trumps natural market singles. Take for example biofuels. The idea of bio-fuels is a good one environmentally in terms of questionable atmosphere harming emissions, but of course the oil patch isn’t enamoured with the competition. For the most part todate fossil fuels have been at least competitive, if not lower priced than bio options. So government has

tended to support biofuels with subsidies. For example there were bio-fuel incentives contained in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law in August 2022. The IRA, which will provide American manufacturers with a production tax credit of up to US $1 per gallon for renewable diesel and $1.75 for sustainable aviation fuel. That credit comes into force Jan. 1, 2025. An article at producer. com noted Canadian producers will not be eligible for the credit, so it eliminates the U.S. as a viable export market for Canadian clean fuel. Meanwhile, U.S. manufacturers will still be eligible for the credit even if they export the product, which would make Canadian clean fuel less competitive than U.S. fuel in the domestic market. The subsidy throws a significant wrench into the North American biofuel sector, and of course has Canadian producers wanting the federal government here to respond with financial help - which would further muddy the market. Ultimately, even when a sector wants federal help, its impact is probably ultimately not a good thing.

it, your rate of return would only need to be approximately 3.761 per cent compounded annually (and this is very doable). That would give you approximately $530,000 as a total investment by age 65 and would allow you to take out an indexed pension amount of $27,000 annually. With my example scenario it makes sense to do the conversion and I would recommend it if you were single without dependants or a spouse. The other reason you may want to consider it is if you question the long-term stability of your employer. If you have any doubts that your employer might not be able to sustain their pensions, then that would be another reason

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7 ematically determined if to cash out. Now before you do so, it’s worth it. You also want to disthere is one more thing to consider: your ben- cuss tax options with efits. You want to find your advisor - can you out if health and dental take advantage of income benefits are voided once splitting or are there limitations based on the you do the conversion. Often times companies plan being provincially will only include ben- or federally regulated. If efits in your retirement this is the case, you may if you are collecting a only be able to do a parcompany pension. So, if tial unlocking. You want to find out you take the commuted value of your pension, all the options and then just make sure you ask if make the decision that is this changes your benefit right for you. Good Luck and Best eligibility. And if it does, makes sure you are okay Wishes! Written by Chriswith it. There could be a num- tine Ibbotson, author, ber of reasons to stay in finance writer, national your pension plan or to radio host, and now on cash out and take the CTV Morning Live, and commuted value. Really, CTV News @6. Send a decision like this needs your money questions to be discussed with your (answered free) through financial advisor and it her website at askthereally should be math- moneylady.ca.

“Light up the Christmas Night” Lighting Contest Email us with your Christmas Display at your house and you could win some nice prizes at Ray’s Pizza, Ray’s Vinyl or The Independent. Email to tip@sasktel.net or text your pictures to 951-7700 Make sure to include your name and address. Contest ends December 17

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8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

November 24

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by Trudy and Dale Buxton What a fantastic day in the mountains with all the other bikes on the trip. Montana kind of reminds me of Saskatchewan with the flat prairie region and the weather is roughly the same. There are a bunch of towns that we have gone through that look like something from the Wild West of a bygone past. Some interesting facts I learned along the way was that the first capital of Montana was a community named Bannack. Bannack, which is on the west side of Montana in Yellowstone, was founded in 1862 and was named after area First Nations people. The site of a major gold rush discovery at the time and with the amount of people coming to the territory, Bannack served as capital until it was moved to Virginia City in 1864. At its peak Bannack had a population of around 10,000 people. The community was quite remote and was only connected by a simple trail, but the community had many amenities of town living. It was the face of a true Western town with buildings made of logs. One of the founders of this community was a doctor named Dr. Leavitt who came from New Hampshire looking for success in gold mining. PASSPORT PHOTO’S Dr. atLeavitt soon Available The Independent 948-3344 No Reservation Needed

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realized that there was Nations Peoples. more money to be made Another interesting in practising medicine fact is that that the then enduring the French were the first into blisters from swinging a the territory. The name pick into the unforgiving Montana, however, ground. comes from Spanish Bannack at the time origins. seemed to have it all that The State of Montana a town could have - there is large enough to fit six was prosperity and good other states into, but living for a lot of folks. has one of the lowest The community even populations in the had a crooked sheriff country. It has over 20 named Henry Plummer, slogans or nicknames, who was accused of like “Big Sky Country”, leading a ruthless band “The Mountain State”, of criminals throughout “The Bonanza State” or the territory. Plummer one of my favourites, and his gang were said “The Stubbed-Toe to have committed over State”. 100 murders, stealing After a great stay in all the gold from their Montana we head back victims. The good side of home and the confines the law finally caught up of Saskatchewan, all the with Henry Plummer. He while looking forward and two of his deputies to another trip. The were hung in 1864. weather was fantastic, Bannack continued as and shared with friends, a mining centre until the we are planning another last residents vacated the trip Montana to the Jim toReiter, MLA area leaving it a ghostRosetown-Elrose more western side Constituencyof town. the state with different 215 Main Street, Rosetown Another interesting Monday routes–and Friday,discoveries. 9:00 – 5:00 fact about Montana is Stay tuned for more Tel: 306-882-4105 that it is home to 24 adventures of The Fax: 306-882-4108 Native American First Saskatchewan Traveller. Toll free; 1-855-762-2233 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns

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Come check out new stuff for sale at THE INDEPENDENT keeping in touch with Biggar

SANTA CLAUS DAY - DECEMBER 9, 2023

Presented by:The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #138 3:00pm with a “FREE” matinee showing of

“ARTHUR CHRISTMAS”

at the Biggar Majectic Theatre 4:30pm at the Biggar Majestic Theatre (when the movie ends) we will have “FREE” Hot dogs & Hot Chocolate 4:45pm Visit from “SANTA”

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency 215 Main Street, Rosetown Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 Tel: 306-882-4105 Fax: 306-882-4108 Toll free; 1-855-762-2233 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns

6:00pm Town wide “CHRISTMAS PARADE”

Come and enjoy the fun.

Thanks to: The Biggar Majestic Theatre Shirley at Main Street Market

To pre register for the Parade Dale at 951-7700 or 948-3344

0$,1 675((7 81,7 526(72:1 6. 6 / 9 .(//< %/2&.Ÿ3$5/ *& &$ ì .(//<%/2&.03 &$ ì Ŧ Ŧ

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

1/2 & 1/2 Chas e the Ace

2- THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Come out and support our team

Next Home Game

Saturday December 2nd @8:00pm vs: Edam 3 Stars Friends donate to Perdue Curling Club ... The Perdue Curling Club truly appreciate the donation from the Friends of the Community of Perdue. This donation will go towards the upcoming season of curling. Left to right: Marilyn Miller and Jim Nicholls of Perdue Curling Club accept the donation from John Latta and Charlie Dryer of the Friends of the Community. (Submitted Photo)

History of the Cookie by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery Whatever you call them, biscuits or cookies, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a cookie once in awhile! Christmas is the time when the fancy decorated cookies come out. Does your family have a favourite cookie that only comes out at

only during this period? Did you know that the origin of the cookie dates to 7th Century Persia, now Iran. Bakers would take small portions of cake batter or dough to test the oven temperatures. Also, Persia (Iran) was one of the first countries to grow and harvest sugar cane. Eventually, sugar was introduced to the

Mediterranean area and then to Europe. Imagine a world where there was no sugar! Originally sugar did not come as granulated, but as hard cones. Cooks would have to use a variety of tools to hack off chunks from these cones, and then crush the chunks. These little handheld morsels of sweetness caught on quickly. By the age of Renaissance (1450-1650) cookie recipes were in every cookbook! The base of all cookies is the same, flour, sugar and fats like butter and oil! Why cookie? The name cookie is derived from the Dutch word “Koekje” meaning little cake! There are many varieties of cookies baked in many homes in Biggar. May your Christmas be filled with lovely, sweet 1/4 Page tasty cookies.

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Real Christmas Tree Sale

Available during “Light up the Night” November 24 5-8pm at the Dome Garden Trees will also be sold during regular business hours at East Breeze Liquidation

THUR

10 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK Asquith Town Council held its regular council meeting on November 8. Attending was Mayor Gail Erhart, DeputyMayor Jackie Stobbe, and Councillors Darcy

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

Asquith Council November news

Stack, Pete Heck, Cecilia Mryglod, Jodi Nehring and Wade MonksJanzen. Also attending was C.A.O. Kathy Picketts and Office Assistant Kaila Montgomerie. The meeting was called

to order by Mayor Ehart at 6:59 p.m. A resolution was made to accept the council minutes from the October regular council meeting. Council made a motion

to accept the October financials and bank reconciliation as presented to them at the meeting. Accounts Paid in the amount of $47,397.88 and Accounts Payable of $46,726.63 was accept-

ed as presented. The Asquith Town Office will be closed for Christmas holidays from December 26 to December 28, open on December 29, and closed on January 1, 2024.

A reminder letter has been sent out to all taxpayers that taxes must be paid by December 31, 2023. Any taxes not received by that date will be subject to a penalty of 15 per cent.

23114BS0

U9 action ... The Biggar U9 Nationals hosted the Perdue Pirates, Saturday, for a morning tilt. Nats shutout the Pirates 10-0, but the action was an exciting and entertaining back and forth affair. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Tomorrow’s Stars ... U11 Nationals hosted the Elrose Aces, Saturday, November 18 for an on-ice battle. Things didn’t quite go the Nats way as they fell 12-2. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

NOMINATE MLA RANDY WEEKES For the Saskatchewan Party in the new constituency of Kindersley-Biggar in the next provincial election

As your Candidate, my commitment to you is to bring people together • To consult widely with community leaders, healthcare professionals, and constituents. To develop an action plan for Saskatchewan communities to ensure their needs are understood clearly by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Health Ministry, and Ministers. • I will be an advocate for the oil and gas industry and stake holders to encourage exploration and job creation in the sector that is under assault by the Federal Trudeau Liberal’s Carbon Tax. • As a third-generation farmer, I will work on your behalf consulting with the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. • I will be an effective advocate consulting with communities to develop a unique revitalization plan for their communities with the goal of creating healthy, vibrant, and affordable communities.

The Nomination will take place on December 14th, 2023, at the Kindersley Inn.

I have chartered a bus to offer rides to the nomination meeting in Kindersley. The bus will be at 106 3rd Ave West at 5pm. You may also catch a ride with Gallardo Liner from Route 51, Springwater at 5pm. Please support me by purchasing a membership online at www.saskparty.com

Contact Information: Randy Weekes 306-951-8052 randyweekes56@gmail.com

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

Canucks shine in topsy-turvy NHL

Penton On Sports Bruce Penton

In the National Hockey League, ‘V’ stands for victory. ‘V’ also represents two of the best teams in the Western Conference, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights. The Canucks, a team that in recent years has been an also-ran and a playoff non-contender by mid-November, are a near-juggernaut in the early going of the 202324 season. Edmonton Oilers, predicted to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, were so bad to start the NHL season that they’re already on their second coach. Welcome to the upsidedown world that is the NHL.

In the preseason, Canadian teams in the NHL seemed to be be pegged into three groups: The Oilers and Leafs were believed to be contenders; Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames would be middle-ofthe-road teams; and Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver the usual doormats. Ha! How has that changed? The Canucks are one of the league powers, with superstar defenceman Quinn Hughes leading the way and coach Rick Tocchet getting the most out of a fast-paced, talented offensive unit that has by far the best goals for-against differential in the league. And the Oilers? Well, you should probably say a little prayer for Connor McDavid and Co. up there in the City of (gulp!) Champions. As a harbinger of things to come, Edmonton opened the season with back-to-back losses to Vancouver, including an 8-1 thrashing in the opener. Things didn’t get much better and while the best player

Biggar Bowling League

Biggar Bowl weekly scores

Monday Adult Mixed: Ladies High Single - Melissa Raschke 203. Ladies High Triple - Melissa Raschke 547. Mens High Single - Jonathan Redlick 264. Mens High Triple Jonathan Redlick 727. Tuesday Night Mixed: Ladies High Single - Jennifer Heimbecker 241. Ladies High Triple - Jennifer Heimbecker 583. Mens High Single - Cliff Greenslade 182. Mens High Triple - Cliff Greenslade 481. Thursday Afternoon Seniors: Ladies High Single - Marcia Besse 174. Ladies High Triple - Karen Meszaros 468. Mens High Single Greg Love 194. Mens High Triple - Greg Love 555. YBC: Bowlasaurus - Benjamin Olson 90. Pee Wee Single - Ashton Kramer 108; Double - Ashton Kramer 208. Bantam Single - Peter Olson 136; Triple - Peter Olson 368. Junior Single - Dominic Raschke 223; Triple - Dominic Raschke 484. Senior High Single - Kiersten Raschke 225; High Triple Noah 593.

in the game, McDavid, was nursing some sort of nagging injury, he went an unheard-of eight games without a goal. The team hit rock bottom with a 3-2 loss to San Jose Sharks, who, to that point in the season, had only one victory. That loss set in motion the firing of coach Jay Woodcroft, even though the actual termination of employment came one day after the visiting Oilers beat Seattle 4-1. Unfortunately for Woodcroft, who served for 133 games and compiled a 79-4113 record, that win did not represent a stay of execution. The Oilers replaced him with Kris Knoblauch, who had been coaching in the American Hockey League and who had been McDavid’s coach in the junior ranks with Erie. The Knoblauch era started with a 2-1 record, and Oilers’ fans were hopeful that the coaching change would continue to turn around the team’s fortunes. Vancouver, meanwhile, was neck-and-neck with

defending Cup champion Vegas for Western Conference supremacy. Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller and Hughes were among the league’s top 10 scorers and the Canucks’ powerplay, at better than 30 per cent efficiency, was best in the West. It’s a long grind, this 82-game NHL season, but the upside-down developments in the first month have made fans wonder how the rest of the season will unfold. Will the Oilers bounce back? Will the Canucks continue to roll? We’ll check back in February or March. • Headline at fark.com: “Lakers crushed 12894 by youth movement Rockets. To be fair, LeBron James said he couldn’t practise all week due to MeTV’s Matlock marathon.” • From the Canadian parody website The Beaverton: “Oilers struggles blamed on carbon tax.” • Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, who wrote a column about the “obscene Buyout Bowl. If schools can pay middle-

aged multimillionaires NOT to coach, why can’t they pay athletes who do all the work and take all the risks?” • Bianchi again: “Question: If Tom Brady is the GOAT with seven Super Bowl rings, is Philip Rivers, who recently welcomed his 10th child into the world, the rabbit?” • Brandon Kravitz, on X: “The Texas A&M job is essentially the LIV Golf of college football. Big time pay day with nothing to show for it in the end.” • RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Last week I had cardiac failure, was in ICU, had 2.5 litres of fluid and blood drained from a lung, was intubated and close to death. Even I looked better than the Argos did in their playoff game. • Headline at theonion. com: “LIV Golf Announces Fans Concerned Over IsraeliPalestinian War Can Make Donations To Saudi Royal Family.” • Fark.com, after the Oakland A’s officially cemented plans to move the franchise to Las

Saskatchewan celebrates Manufacturing Week November 20, Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison proclaimed November 19 to 25 as Manufacturing Week in Saskatchewan. This week offers an opportunity to recognize the nearly 2,000 manufacturers for their significant contributions to Saskatchewan’s economy. “I am excited to proclaim manufacturing week in the province and recognize the role manufacturers play in building a strong

economy,” Harrison said. “We are proud to have innovative, worldclass manufacturers that choose to do business in Saskatchewan. Their hard work and dedication help to create opportunities and protect all people that call this province home.” Saskatchewan is well known for wood, chemical, machinery and food product manufacturing. These businesses create sustainable products that are exported around

the world. “During Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week, we celebrate the ingenuity and prowess that fuel our province’s growth,” Crestline President Steve Hoffrogge said. Total manufacturing shipments were valued at $25.6 billion in 2022, with food manufacturing accounting for over 28 per cent. The sector contributed $4.7 billion to the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing over six per cent of Saskatchewan’s total GDP in 2022.

Did you know we offer Social Media Advertising? Would you like to advertise on Social Media but are unsure where to start? We can design full color Social Media friendly Ad’s for you to share on any Social Media platform. Along with your ad being shared on our Social Media pages. All Social Media Ad’s will also be printed in our weekly newspaper! Contact Dale at The Independent for pricing or inquiries! 1IPOF t &NBJM UJQ!TBTLUFM OFU

Vegas: “VegA’s” • From a guy who goes by @Bazecraze: “The one thing I’ve learned from the World Cup is that Europe still hasn’t mastered the haircut.” • Steve Simmons of Sun Media in Toronto: “Can Johnny Gaudreau have a do-over in free agency? In 97 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has 22 goals and 58 assists for a respectable 80 points. In his final 97 games as a Calgary Flame, he had 45 goals, 90 assists for a spectacular 135 points.” • Simmons again, with a pro and con about Regina: “My favourite Grey Cups have been in Regina, which might be the least interesting city in Canada and the greatest place to have a football celebration.” • Haven’t had a chess anecdote for a while, so here’s Matt Kirshen: “I was playing chess with my friend, and he said, ‘Let’s make this more interesting.’ So we stopped playing chess.” Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.

A l o n g s i d e manufacturing week, the Government of Saskatchewan also released the Overview of the Manufacturing Sector in Saskatchewan 2023 report. This outlines a complete picture of the province’s manufacturing sector. The report includes data on the businesses, e m p l o y m e n t , shipments and capital investment across different manufacturing subsectors.

12-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Business & Professional … ACCOUNTING

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ÿ Auto & Home Insurance ÿ Farm & Commercial Insurance ÿ Health & Travel Insurance ÿ Life Insurance & Investments ÿ Farm Succession & Estate Planning ÿ Notary Publics

Biggar Ofﬁce Hours…

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

“We’ll getcha covered”

Landis Ofﬁce Hours:

Mon.-Tue, & Fri., 9:00am - 4:30pm Wednesday, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Office: 306-948-3558

Phone: 306-658-2044 Toll Free: 1-855-658-2044

Email: info@biggaraccounting.ca

Thursday CLOSED

Mon,Tue,Thurs,Fri, 9am - 4:30 Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30 Closed at noon 12 - 12:30

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Services Provided Include: Compilation Engagements Personal & Corporate Taxes Bookkeeping AgriStability & AgriInvest

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Acres of Expertise.

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REAlTOR

Cell: 306-948-7995

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Office: 306-867-8380 carip@remax.net

Farm & Acreage Salesperson (306) 948-4478 dave.molberg@hammondrealty.ca HammondRealty.ca

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Métis Owned 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

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Service Truck Full Mechanical Service Mon - Fri • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. phone: Chris

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Website: www.biggarlandisinsurance.ca Email: biggar@biggarinsurance.ca

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

seeds Canada authorized Pedigree seeds & Custom Cleaning fuLL line of Cleaning equipment and Colour sorter

This is what I worked up for the Business & Professional section Granite excellent Quality at a reasonable Price! paper,Monuments for all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning 6 monthfor commitment for $161.20 plus gst Less Bill: 948-7457 with Dale: 948-6045

Laser Engraving

Call: 306-831-8987

Plant located 8 miles south of Biggar on Hwy #4, ¼ mile west on triumph rd.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

HEALTH/WELLNESS

Business & Professional … THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK-13

Natural Solutions for Healthy Living Want to increase your “Health Span”? Healthy Lifestyle Weight Management Pain Management & Supplements Toning Table Exercise Machines

“Love the way you feel!”

Call Anne

1.306.948.7274 https://linktr.ee/AnneLivingston Biggar. Sask

ROSETOWN NATURAL HEALTH

311 Main Street, Rosetown Massage Therapy - Supplements Ideal Protein Clinic Mail orders welcome. Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 6:00 306-882-2220 rosetownnatural@sasktel.net www.rosetownnaturalhealth.com

CLEANING SERVICE

- together with -

Co-Ed Fitness Centre Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss Personal Training Fitness Classes

…owned and operated by Brett Barber

102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar

ARIES – Mar 21/ Apr 20

It’s important to pay attention to your physical health this week, Aries. It’s key to give your body plenty of rest and healthy foods to strengthen your immune system.

TAURUS – Apr 21/ May 21

OPTOMETRISTS

Something out of the ordinary may happen to you this week, Taurus. You don’t know what to expect, but be aware of your surroundings and the people you meet.

Dr. Kirk Ewen Dr. Michelle Skoretz

GEMINI – May 22/ Jun 21

306-948-9750

www.newufitness.ca

Doctors of Optometry

In BIGGAR

Every Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. New Location

315b Main Street, Biggar, SK

For appointments…

1-833-948-3331 DENTAL

Rosetown Dental

115 - 1st Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.

OFFICE HOURS

This is a perfect time to review your goals or to-do list, Gemini. If you don’t have things jotted down, brainstorm with friends on what you may want to accomplish, then make plans.

CANCER – Jun 22/ Jul 22

Cancer, do not turn anyone away if they come to you looking for assistance. Someone in need is likely to seek you out in the days to come and you should be ready.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There is no shame in taking a day off or slowing down for a breather, Leo. Spend the day in bed or lounging on the couch if you desire. Give yourself a break if you’ve been running around.

VIRGO – Aug 24/ Sept 22

If emotions are high, Virgo, you might need to figure out a way to relieve some stress. Turn on the music loudly and dance around in your home while singing along.

LIBRA – Sept 23/ Oct 23

Libra, you could feel sluggish a few days this week. Once some friends urge you to get out and do something, you’ll quickly feel reenergized and ready to have a good time.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/ Nov 22

Scorpio, failure can be a tough pill to swallow, but if you don’t succeed at something you have to get back up and simply try again. Don’t let one setback eat at you for long.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21

Don’t let your pride get in the way of rekindling a friendship Sagittarius. Rather than drum up old news, talk about the things you look forward to doing together.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, things may work out if you give them another chance. Don’t throw in the towel on your ideas just yet. Figure out a new angle and then get started on a new course.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Take the blinders or rosecolored glasses off, Aquarius. You can’t adequately handle a situation unless you know all of the facts and have a clear grasp of reality.

PISCES – Feb 19/ Mar 20

If things are starting to feel boring, it might be time for a change of pace, Pisces. Simple things like changing around the furniture or taking a new route home can help.

Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Phone:306.882.2123 New Patients Welcome!

Dr. Krista Maedel & Associates

HAULING

PLUMBING & HEATING

306.237.7671

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Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca

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Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Alberta and Saskatchewan

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Biggar, Sask. 306-948-3389 Owners/Operators • Dallas Young • Claude Young

Journeymen Plumber, Gas Fitter, & Electrician on staff

STUCCO

306-716-4021

DEMOLITION & RESTORATION STUCCO , DRYWALL CONCRETE FINISHING

Rockin D Trucking & Cattle • Cattle Hauling with 21 ft. gooseneck trailer • Grain Hauling • round and large square bale hauling with step-deck or highboy semi-trailers • also buying and selling straw and forage • also Machinery Hauling

Dan • 306-948-7843 Biggar, Sask.

–

DEADLINE for ads, classisifeds and news MONDAY - 5 P.M.

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

14-THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

email us at tip@sasktel.net THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

For rent Central Park Place

has apartments for seniors available in Biggar Call 948-3901 0r 948-7824

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For Your Loved Ones Phone:306-831-2016 You will not be disappointed! 63. Small Eurasian deer 64. Denoting passerine birds 65. Separate by category

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34. Impact 38. Military member 39. A French river 40. Member of prehistoric people in Mexico 43. Messenger ribonucleic acid 44. Musician Clapton 45. Greek sophist 49. Largest English dictionary (abbr.) 50. Narrow valley 51. A way to disentangle 53. Indicates not an issue (abbr.) 54. Recommending 56. Genus of legumes 58. Friend to Larry and Curly 59. Off-Broadway theater award 60. Fencers

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1. Colorless fluid part of blood 2. Of a main artery 3. Photographic equipment 4. Confirms a point 5. Developed over time 6. Not the leader 7. __ Lang (country singer) 8. Adults need one 9. Nests of pheasants 10. Antelopes 13. One quintillion bytes (abbr.) 14. Japanese three-stringed lute 15. Type of cat 20. Cools your home 21. The ancient Egyptian sun god 22. Pouches 23. Trigraph 27. Form of Persian spoken in Afghanistan 29. __ route 30. Body part 31. Bridge building degree 32. Indicates position 33. Political action committee 34. Tasty snack 35. Part of a quadruped 36. Locate 37. Pitching statistic 38. Of I

40. City in Utah 41. Football players in the trenches 42. Hammer is one 44. A “nightmarish” street 45. Performers 46. Slang for cut or scrape 47. More breathable 48. Most slick 50. Provokes 51. Home to college’s Flyers 52. Sodium 54. Large fish of mackerel family 55. Zero 57. __ and behold 61. The Palmetto State 62. Popular Tom Cruise movie franchise (abbr.)

LEGAL NOTICES TAKE NOTICE THAT: any One with a prior, equal, or superior right, interest, CONDUCT, treaty or Convention in/to/for/of the NAME and property of: KURT HOWARD HUCKABAY and/or KURT HUCKABAY and/or HUCKABAY, KURT and/or HUCKABAY, KURT H and/or HUCKABAY, KURT HOWARD Estate, in any style or variation thereof capable to confuse, suspend or clog said NAME, Title and/or Estate is hereby WARRANTED to present their said claim to Witness: Narine Nahapetyan, c/o: 411 Evergreen Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7W 0L9, Canada before expiration of twenty-eight (28) days RI WKLV ÀUVW SXEOLVKLQJ RI WKLV 1RWLFH

DJ SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS CALL 948-3344 21042AL0

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

E-MAIL us at tip@sasktel.net

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK-15

OBITUARIES RITA LYNNE CHAMBERLAIN AUGUST 11, 1949 - November 14, 2023 Rita Lynne Chamberlain passed away peacefully in the early afternoon of November 14, 2023 at the Biggar & District Health Centre Long Term Care Facility. She leaves to mourn her passing is her twin brother Rae. She was predeceased by her mother Lynne in 1998 and her father Rodney in 2000. Rita came into this world on August 11, 1949 in Dodsland Hospital. She spent the first six years of life growing up at Downe, a rail siding with two grain elevators, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Federal, and two agent houses. She began school attending Glengary School a one room school with all the grades in one room. In 1957, her Dad got the elevator agents position at Ruthilda so the family moved to Ruthilda with a two room school taking grades two to seven. Come grade eight she went by school bus to school in Springwater. This was a four-room school. She finished her high school grades 10 to 12 at North West Central High School in Plenty. Upon finishing school Rita applied for a tellers job at the Biggar & District Credit Union and began working in Biggar in the fall. After working for a few months, she purchased her first car. After a few years she moved to North Battleford and worked for an accounting firm. An accounting job came open at a local General Motors auto dealership, Rita applied for it and got the job. Over time in addition to the accounting Rita also took on the role of office manager for the Ulmer group. Over the years Rita was recognized by GM in the Dealers Account Club. She received as a reward, various pieces of sculpture, art works and a couple of gold rings with the GM insignia.

Growing up Rita took piano lessons, attended Sunday School, sang in the children’s church choir, joined the United Church and joined the CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training) As an adult she developed an interest in photography and joined the North Battleford Photography Club. She won several ribbons in the photography club exhibitions. She was a member of the United Church and in North Battleford severed in various capacities on the Board of Directors. She was also on the Board of the Battleford and area Assault Centre. Rita supported the performing arts by attending many of the dinner theaters that were in the community and area and attended many performances at the Centennial Auditorium in Saskatoon. Rita enjoyed the outdoors and each year grew flowers and a vegetable garden. She enjoyed going for a drive around the country side. In 2010, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Unfortunately, the disease got the best of her in 2020 and she had to go into long term care. Luckily, she was able to get into the Biggar Health Centre Long Care Facility. She keeps in contact with her friends in North Battleford and has renewed friendships with her Biggar friends. A Graveside Service for Rita will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 2:00PM in Biggar Cemetery. Donations may be made payable to the Biggar & District Health Centre Residents Activity Department, PO Box 130, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 in Rita’s honour. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service 306-948-2669.

THANK YOU

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It’s all happening at the

Biggar Museum & Gallery!

Thursday November 23, Cookie Sale in the lobby of the museum. Friday November 24, 5:00 – 7:00 Hayride, hot chocolate and Hot Dog all that for $5! Christmas Magic Facebook Online Auction bidding has started and will continue until December 2. Thank you Biggar for your continued support!

A big Thank You to everyone who reached out to our families before and after Jim’s passing. Your words of kindness, your giving of food, all the cards, beautiful bouquets of flowers and your donations in his memoryare all greatly appreciated. Our Sincerest Thanks The Mason Family

REFLECTIONS by Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church I am currently basking in the sunshine of Arizona, just enjoying the warm weather, listening to the birds. Mostly, though, I am enjoying my grandchildren. I have many reasons to praise the Lord. It is during these times one would like to just enjoy the blessings of life and forget about the sobering reality that is all around us. The world is in turmoil, nothing new. But Canada and United States, the two countries that brought some stability to the global political landscape, are currently teetering on the edge of the socialism/communism cliff. It seems to me this is the time for God’s people to arise and share the good news of the gospel.

Let’s forget our denominational name for a second and work together to share Jesus and the hope of salvation. There are truths in God’s word that need to be taught, and we should all be willing to study God’s word, but we can all agree to share the love of Jesus with everyone. Christmas is coming! Let’s make it about Jesus. Let’s let the people know He is coming again and He is going to fix this mess. Sing the old carols, visit your neighbours, and bring joy and peace to your corner of the world. I am almost ready to come home to Biggar and lead the charge ... “almost,” I said, as I am so looking forward to spending this Christmas with my loved ones, which we haven’t done for four years.

Everyone Welcome! St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m. Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m.

our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m.

Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans

St.Pauls Anglican 205 4th Ave. E

Worship - 10:30 a.m.Redeemer Lutheran

319 7th Ave. E

NOVEMBER 26 - ST.PAULS Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559 Office Phone: 306-948-3731 (Messages are forwarded to Pastor’s phone immediately)

Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to come and join us

Biggar United ChUrCh REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES EVERY SUNDAY AT 11:00am

Minister Dale Worrall EVERYONE WELCOME!! INQUIRIES CALL CHURCH OFFICE 306-948-2280

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SATURDAY SERVICES BIBLE STUDY 10:00a.m. CHURCH SERVICE 11:00a.m. 320 - 6th ave.east contact: 306-951-8445 3 abn

www.amazingfacts.org

NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH ...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope...1Pe 1:3

You are Invited

Sunday Tea and Coffee -10:15am Worship - 10:30am NEW HORIZONS 117 3rd Ave. W, Biggar 3 col/6 For more info - Philip Watson - 250-487-8476

Chase The Ace

Tickets available at Westwinds and The Independent Tickets only $5.00 Next Draw Date November 23, 2023 (THURSDAY) Live on Facebook

51 CARD REMAINS

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY !!!

If we could just get a glimpse of this wonderful God; if we could just understand how much He loves us and wants to help us, we, together could change the world. The disciples turned the world upside down.

We can do the same. Read what Jesus did for the people while He was here on this earth. He wants to do the same for us today Blessing to you all! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

How to freeze out winter fires

Randy Weekes, MLA

Biggar - Sask Valley Constituency Ofﬁce 106- 3rd Ave. West, Box 1413 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 Open Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 1-4pm

Toll Free: 1-877-948-4880 Phone: 1-306-948-4880 Fax: 1-306-948-4882

Attention: Janet Please proof and get back to me by return email. Thanks, Urla

Open Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 1-4pm

North American Concrete Included in the Sale: • Property • Redi Mix Concrete Plant • Redi Mix Trucks • CAT Loader For More Information Contact Clint at 948-6557 Established in 1929

124-1st Ave.W

FEATURE OF THE WEEK!

• • • •

2023 Ford F-150 XL Regal Price $65,505 Rebate $4,500 Final Price $61,005 +licensing and taxes Automatic / 4x4 / Trailer Tow Pkg Antimatter Blue Metallic / STX Pkg 325hp 2.7L V6 Cylinder Engine Sync 4 / 20” Aluminum Wheels

• • • •

2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Regal Price $48,779 Rebate $4,250 Final Price $44,529 +licensing and taxes Automatic / AWD / 4G WiFi Alto Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat 181hp 1.5L 3 Cylinder Engine Heated Seats / Sunroof

Enjoy buying your next vehicle at Regal Motors! 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum Regal Price $58,995 +licensing and taxes • Automatic / 4x4 • 71,513km • Ingot Silver Metallic • 375hp 3.5L V6 Cylinder Engine • Navigation / Premium Audio • Apple Car Play / Android Auto • Heated / Cooled Leather Seats • Aluminum Wheels

SALES, SERVICE & PARTS 306-882-2623 Toll Free 877-882-2610 Regalmotorsltd.com

It’s the season for colder days, unpredictable weather and much more time spent indoors. Unfortunately, deaths related to unintentional home fires peak in the winter months, according to Statistics Canada. To help prepare your home, fire safety brand First Alert shares five important safety tips. Clean kitchen appliances Although it may appear clean on the surface, grease and food debris can build up in your oven and on your stovetop, presenting a fire hazard. Make sure to keep them clean before use. Also keep a fire extinguisher, like a multipurpose rechargeable home fire extinguisher, in your kitchen in the event a small fire breaks out. Look for devices designed to combat common household fires caused by wood products, grease and electricity. Light bulb lessons When selecting a light bulb, be sure the wattage matches the rating of the light fixture - a bulb

with a higher wattage is a fire hazard. For decorative lights, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands that can be connected so as not to overheat circuits and start a fire. Check strands of lights for loose connections, broken or cracked sockets or frayed or bare wires, and dispose of any damaged sets. Generator basics In the case of a power outage, never use a generator inside the home or the garage carbon monoxide can collect in the confined space. To safely use a generator, keep the device outside and at least 4.5 metres away from the perimeter of your home. When plugging in appliances, be sure to plug them directly into the generator or use an extension cord rated for outdoor use. Inspect the cords for damage before use and turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting it down. For added protection, ensure your carbon monoxide alarms are up to date

and have fresh batteries. Space heater safety If you use a space heater to warm up, remember to plug it directly into the electrical outlet, and only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. Be sure to keep anything flammable at least one metre away from the heater, or any other heat sources such as fireplaces, wood stoves or radiators. Don’t leave space heaters unattended, keep them out of reach of curious children or pets and always turn them off before you go to sleep. Extension cords expertise While extension cords are handy to have around the house, remember to use them with care. Do not run extension cords under rugs or furniture and avoid plugging multiple cords together. Ensure you are using the properly rated extension cord for your intended use and do not overload an outlet. For outdoor extension cords, keep them clear of snow and standing water.

Building construction surges forward in Saskatchewan New numbers released by Statistics Canada show continued growth for Saskatchewan’s investment in building construction for September 2023. “Investment in building construction is a clear indicator of growth for Saskatchewan’s economy,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “They show that investors, businesses and families are choosing this province as the place to build their futures. This means stronger communities that help Saskatchewan thrive.”

Investment in building construction was up 18.5 per cent monthover-month from September 2023 over August 2023. Numbers were also up 7.6 per cent in September 2023 compared to September 2022. These were the third and second highest percentage changes among the provinces. In total, there was $447 million invested in building construction in September 2023. This announcement comes on the heels of several other strong economic indicators. Last week’s Labour Force Survey showed

Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, with 19,300 new jobs yearover-year compared to October 2022. In September, the province saw a 14.8 per cent increase in year-overyear housing starts, record population growth, and huge investments including BHP’s $6.4 billion phase two expansion at its Jansen potash project. Investment in building construction represents the value of spending on buildings in the province.