Monthly Archives: December 2015

Davidson, Kenaston

Volunteers continue search for Fertuck

Staff. Sgt. Greg Abbot of the Saskatoon RCMP detachment speaks to the crowd at Kenaston Place Dec. 15 as more than 80 local residents gathered to organize a search effort for missing Kenaston woman Sheree Fertuck.
Staff. Sgt. Greg Abbot of the Saskatoon RCMP detachment speaks to the crowd at Kenaston Place Dec. 15 as more than 80 local residents gathered to organize a search effort for missing Kenaston woman Sheree Fertuck.

By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — With no sign of Sheree Fertuck more than a week after she was last seen, her brother said he and his family are still keeping up hope that she’ll be found soon.

“I gotta keep my head above the water,” Darren Sorotski said Tuesday at Kenaston Place, where more than 80 people gathered to discuss an organized search for Fertuck.

The Kenaston woman and mother of three has been missing since Dec. 7, when she was last seen around 1:30 p.m., leaving the family farmyard east of the village.

A semi truck used by Fertuck to haul gravel was found around 8 a.m. the following day at a gravel pit located off of Highway 15.

Searches undertaken by police, family and local residents since then have failed to turn up any trace of the 51-year-old woman.

Dozens of residents took part in the search effort last week, organizing into parties and combing the rural area east of the village.

Kenaston Place was serving as a registration and co-ordination centre for the search, with meals, water and coffee being provided for volunteers.

EMO co-ordinator Gene Whitehead said Tuesday that the volunteers would cover the area gradually, aiming to complete a thorough search.

“We don’t want to tire everybody out,” he told the group gathered at Kenaston Place. “We have a lot of areas we are covering.”

Staff Sgt. Greg Abbott of the Saskatoon RCMP detachment was present at Tuesday’s meeting, addressing the crowd several times.

He said the police are in full support of the community search efforts and offered guidance and suggestions to those involved.

“You’re looking for anything that can help us understand what happened,” said Abbott, “anything that looks suspicious.”

He advised anyone who finds anything suspicious to contact the search co-ordinators without compromising the scene, adding, “The intent is not to disturb anything that may be evidence to what happened.”

Abbott also said that safety is a priority, noting that the recently-fallen snow may mask the uneven terrain, leaving searchers vulnerable to stumbling over wells, pits or cisterns.

“I know you are all anxious to do whatever you can for the family, and for Sheree,” he said.

He told the crowd on Tuesday that he could not provide any information about the investigation into Fertuck’s disappearance, beyond what has already been made public.

Fertuck is the daughter of Juliann and the late Michael Sorotski of Kenaston, and was living and working from the family farm at the time of her disappearance.

After she was reported missing, the Saskatoon RCMP undertook a ground search of the area with assistance from the police dog unit and other RCMP units.

On Dec. 11, police released an update stating that the case was now being treated as suspicious, given that Sheree was “a person of habit and predictable behaviours.”

Local residents said Tuesday that Fertuck was a familiar face in the district and was regularly seen operating her truck on Highway 15.

“We all wish that this was different,” Whitehead said Tuesday night. “We have enough people to do a good job (of the search).”

Darren Sorotski said that the community has reached out in support in multiple ways since Fertuck’s disappearance, including delivery of hot meals to the family home.

He also spoke positively of the RCMP’s efforts.

Whitehead reminded the searchers to take their time, dress appropriately, take care when operating machinery and to be accountable so that organizers can keep track of who is taking part.

Anyone volunteering is required to check in at Kenaston Place at the start and end of each shift. Updates on the search effort are being provided online at kenaston.ca and through social media.

Search co-ordinators also issued a request to anyone who has not yet checked the wells, ditches, outbuildings and treed areas on their property, asking them to do so and then report same to Whitehead.

“As you work around the area, are loading or hauling grain, etc., please keep your eyes open for anything that looks out of place or suspect,” stated the request.

Fertuck is described as around 5’4″ in height and weighing around 250 lbs., with greying brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a grey sweater and white running shoes.

Anyone with information on her disappearance is asked to contact the Saskatoon RCMP detachment at 306-975-5145 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Hanley

Photos released of suspect in Hanley bar robbery

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Police issued these photos of a suspect in the recent armed robbery of the Twenty Ten Bar and Grill in Hanley.
Police issued these photos of a suspect in the recent armed robbery of the Twenty Ten Bar and Grill in Hanley.

HANLEY — Police have issued photos of a suspect in the recent armed robbery of the Twenty Ten Bar and Grill in Hanley.

The establishment was the target of a holdup on the morning of Nov. 6, when a lone male entered the business around 11:15 a.m., carrying a firearm and demanding cash.

The suspect obtained an unknown quantity of cash and fled the premises on foot. Police say they are unsure if a vehicle was parked or waiting nearby.

An employee, working alone at the time, was the sole other person in the restaurant at the time. No one was injured in the incident.

According to a news release issued by police, the suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately six feet (183 centimetres) tall.

He was wearing a baseball cap under a dark-coloured hood, a scarf wrapped around his neck and face, a dark jacket, grey jogging pants, black shoes and a pair of red gloves.

Members of the Saskatoon RCMP detachment responded to the incident, including the branch’s Police Dog Service, along with members from Warman and Vonda.

The investigation continues, and police are seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect or suspects responsible.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Saskatoon RCMP detachment at 306-975-5145 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Davidson, featured

Cadets in crisis: Head office sets deadline for local squadron

Former cadet Jaclyn Edwards performs her duties as reviewing officer during the 553 Sherlock Squadron's annual review on June 1 at Davidson Town Hall.
Former cadet Jaclyn Edwards performs her duties as reviewing officer during the 553 Sherlock Squadron’s annual review on June 1 at Davidson Town Hall.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — The days of a local Air Cadets squadron may soon be numbered if enrolment doesn’t increase soon, parents heard at a special meeting last week in Davidson.

Area director Gordon McRae said a meeting was held Monday night to update parents on the future of 553 Sherlock Squadron.

Area officer Patricia Mitchell told those gathered that the squadron must increase its enrolment to 15 cadets by mid-February, or this season could be its last.

“She was honest with us,” said McRae. “They set us a deadline.”

The local squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets has been active in Davidson and district since 1985, but the number of cadets has gradually dropped over the last decade and a half.

A total of seven cadets are registered at present, up from four at the end of last year, but down considerably from previous years. (By contrast, 30 cadets were enrolled for the 1998-99 season.)

A further complication comes from the recent announcement that commanding officer Capt. Krystal Klenk-Potts is moving to Lanigan and will join the 797 Lanigan Knights of Columbus Squadron there.

McRae said the Air Cadets head office has been patient with Sherlock Squadron, owing to the enthusiasm and involvement of its cadets.

He added that the local group has been “on probation” for around five years, and that they have now reached a point where it is no longer feasible for the squadron to continue to operate.

“Small numbers hurt more than you realize,” he said. “They don’t get the full potential out of the squadron.”

While the cadets have used events like open houses and the annual ceremonial review to promote the program, McRae said word of mouth has proven to be the most effective means of spreading the word.

“We get the most results when the cadets talk about the program themselves,” he said.

The Air Cadets program is open to youth aged 12 through 19 and is aimed at promoting physical fitness, teaching leadership and citizenship, and stimulating interest in the Canadian Forces.

Outdoor activities include survival, marksmanship and aviation training. Cadets can also perform community service and develop skills like effective speaking.

The 553 Sherlock Squadron meets on Mondays at Davidson Town Hall.

Craik, featured

Lions host seniors at annual supper

Elva McDougall clearly made the good list this year. She is pictured receiving her gift at the Craik and District Lions Club seniors supper.
Elva McDougall clearly made the good list this year. She is pictured receiving her gift at the Craik and District Lions Club seniors supper.

By Kevin Gilby

CRAIK — The Craik and District Lions Club held its annual Seniors Supper on Dec. 6. With nearly 100 people in attendance, the service club was kept busy making sure everyone was treated to a filling meal.

The Lions have held an annual Seniors Supper for over 40 years. With dates fluctuating over the years, the group settled on an early turkey feast this year to ensure people wouldn’t have tired of the seasonal treat already.

According to Lions member Dan Exelby, the volunteers offered their ovens and cooking skills to prepare eight turkeys, plus all the desserts and fixings one could want.

Keeping with tradition, the group also donated a turkey to the Craik and District Health Centre and made deliveries to 18 people unable to attend on Sunday.

Following the meal, Lions president Nyree Swanson brought out her guitar and led everyone along with a variety of Christmas carols.

Santa made a special visit to reward guests on his “Good List.” In all, 24 people received a chocolate treat. Lions member Kati Ball had attempted to provide chocolate “coal” to everyone who wasn’t “nice,” but couldn’t find a supplier in time.

The Lions pride themselves on serving their communities throughout the year with a variety of fundraisers and social functions to help build a strong community spirit.

Hanley, Obituary

Chasmar, Dale

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1943 — 2015

Born on May 27, 1943, Dennis Dale Chasmar was the second son born to Gordon and Ida Chasmar. Dale passed away on Monday, December 7, 2015.

He is survived by his wife Toni, son Chris (partner Lianna Lillies, children Julie and Ryley), son Cam (wife Melanie, daughter Addison), brothers-in-law Kolja de Regt (Audrey) and family, John de Regt (Laurie) and family, Uncle Leslie Chasmar (Pat) and family.

Predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Ida, brother Barry, in-laws John and Sonja deRegt, sister-in-law Linda de Regt, nephew Bob de Regt.

Dale grew up in Hanley, engaging for most of his life in the love of ball, pitching as often as possible. His second love was golf. He spent many years on the Hanley golf course, as well as the course at Dundurn Camp. He graduated from Hanley School in 1961, working after school at his parents’ BA Service station, pumping gas and fixing tires. He then worked for L. C. Duddridge selling farm equipment and vehicles. He continued being a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays during his life.

In 1966, Dale and Ivar Remmen bought the Melfort Motor Hotel. During his seven years in Melfort, he made many friends and was involved with the Melfort Board of Trade and the Melfort Elks Club.

In 1968 Dale married Toni de Regt. They lived in Melfort until 1973, when Dale and Ivar sold the hotel and moved back to Saskatoon.

Son Christopher was born in 1973. Dale started farming with his parents at Hanley in the summer of 1974. Cameron Gordon was born in 1977. Dale’s two sons were his pride and joy.

They lived in Saskatoon for 12 years, all the while he commuted to the farm at Hanley. During the winters, Dale worked at various jobs. In time, he was at the Army and Navy Store, The Bay, The Executive Hotel, the Elks club in Saskatoon, and finally getting into Saskatoon Real Estate market, working for Montreal Trust.

In 1985, they sold the house in Saskatoon and moved to Hanley.

In 1990, Dale traveled to Iowa to attend the auctioneering school there. “The Big Brown Bug Bit the Big Brown Bear” line was heard many times during that time. He thoroughly enjoyed auctioneering, working for several auctioneers over this time.

In 2000, Dale was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He continued to farm and auctioneer for several more years until Parkinson’s forced him to retire. During his final years, Addison Sonja Chasmar was born to Cam and Mel. She provided a spark to his life that was outstanding.

Dale and Toni continued to live in Hanley until his passing. We are so thankful for the outstanding care that was given to Dale by the Saskatoon rural home care workers. We will be forever grateful to them. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hanley Fire Hall. Funeral services were held in Hanley Centennial Hall on Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

featured, Kenaston

Search continues for Kenaston woman

Sheree Fertuck is seen here with her children Lanna, Lauren and Lucas in this undated family photo.
Sheree Fertuck is seen here with her children Lanna, Lauren and Lucas in this undated family photo.

By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — Despite the efforts of friends, family and police, there remained no word late last week on the whereabouts of Kenaston resident Sheree Fertuck.

The 51-year-old mother of three was last seen leaving the family farmyard east of Kenaston near Highway 15 on Dec. 7, around 1:30 p.m.

A semi truck used by Fertuck to haul gravel was located around 8 a.m. the following day at a gravel pit further east off of Highway 15.

Police announced Friday afternoon that, following several days of investigation, they were treating Fertuck’s disappearance as suspicious.

Her mother, Juliann Sorotski, said she had become concerned about her daughter and had found the truck on Tuesday morning, prior to filing a missing persons report with the police. She later  told CBC that the keys and Fertuck’s phone were still inside the truck when she found it.

“I was just hoping that I would find her, or find some kind of clue of where she might have been,” Sorotski told the Leader.

She also contacted friends and family, asking if they’d heard from Fertuck or seen any trace of her since Monday night.

John M. McJannet, a long-time neighbour and friend of the Sorotskis, said a group of seven went back to the gravel pit to see if they could find any evidence there.

“We drove down and had a quick look around,” he said, adding that police arrived later and asked the searchers to leave so the area could be contained. “The RCMP showed up and that was pretty much the end of that.”

Members of the Saskatoon RCMP detachment conducted a ground search of the area on Tuesday evening with assistance from the detachment’s police dog service.

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Also lending a hand with the investigation were members from the RCMP Major Crime Unit South, the Saskatoon RCMP General Investigation Section and the RCMP Historical Case Unit North.

“At this point, investigators cannot say if Sheree’s disappearance is suspicious,” read the release issued Wednesday. “It is certainly out of character for her to be out of contact with her family.”

In a statement issued Friday, police declared that the case was being treated as suspicious, given that their investigation had so far revealed that “Sheree was a person of habit and predictable behaviours.”

Flyers were posted in and around Kenaston. Additional units joined the investigation over the course of the week, and police issued a request to local residents to check their property, outbuildings and surrounding areas for any signs of unusual activity, including shoe or vehicle tracks.

Police specifically requested any information on sightings of Fertuck, her truck or suspicious activity in the area between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

Anyone who was travelling in the area or near the GPS co-ordinates North 51 degrees 2951.3, West 105 degrees 5505.5, and who may have taken video or photo images during that timeframe, is asked to contact police immediately.

Given the circumstances, Sorotski said she suspects strongly that Fertuck was abducted, adding, “I’m just hoping she can be found by somebody.”

Fertuck is the daughter of Juliann and the late Michael Sorotski. She is the mother of three children: Lucas, 22; Lauren, 19; and Lanna, 17.

She was living and working from the farm at the time of her disappearance. She and her husband Greg have been separated for around five years, her mother said last week.

Fertuck is described as around 5’4” in height and weighing 250 lbs., with greying brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a grey sweater and white running shoes.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Saskatoon RCMP detachment at 306-975-5145 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).