Rhino’s Ramblings - What Now?

By Robert Thomas Opinion/Commentary

With July just about wrapping up MJ Independent takes another step down in news coverage as we wind down this publication.

After six long years it’s time to say goodbye for those of you who are unaware.

We took a big step this past weekend as we published what is likely our last two stories on minor basketball and baseball.

We made promises to stick around and cover these two sports until their seasons ended.

We will be here to finish up our obligations to lacrosse, equine and hopefully to Moose Jaw Minor Football - all of which asked us to cover their respective sports before our June 30th deadline.

But we are also covering other stories started before the June 30th deadline.

We still have documents to sift through, examine and ask questions about.

We will continue to ask the questions others seem not inclined to ask.

Screenshot of a business lunch bill submitted by a Council member

We will do our best to look at how your hard earned tax dollars have been spent in these very tough economic times.

To fulfill that we are in the process of collecting our elected officials expenses and seeing what money they spent, and what for, on your behalf.

While many of you had to forego your traditional McDonald’s or other fast food restaurant stops after your child’s hockey game because you couldn’t afford it we will post what the expenses are.

Although it’s allowed under policy - but forbidden for provincial and federal elected officials - could people be having a drink on your hard earned property tax dollars?

We’ll find out.

And if they are we will try to find out the justification for it.

Look for a full report later in August.

With that though - despite two more or less solid offers - to sell this publication to larger players in the industry it won’t be happening.

At least not with my blessing.

I also say this as readership wise July 2024 was one of our best months ever.

I personally hold copyright on the majority of the work here and would have to scrub all of it - plus I wouldn’t be going - if MJ Independent was sold.

I’m not for sale - although extra money is always welcome.

Anyhow stick around as we continue the work until our final goodbye.