Caution recommended as coyote sightings reported

Shannon Tomyn provided this photo of a coyote wandering up the driveway at Carla and Jared Shaw's home in Davidson on Feb. 18.
Shannon Tomyn provided this photo of a coyote wandering up the driveway at Carla and Jared Shaw’s home in Davidson on Feb. 18.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — A coyote in your yard or on the doorstep might not be a welcome sight, but it shouldn’t be a cause for panic, according to a provincial conservation officer.

“Coyotes are more scared of humans than we are of them,” said Kevin Harrison, an officer based in Prince Albert, adding that the animals “tend to keep their distance.”

That said, Harrison added that anyone who encounters a coyote should not try to approach it or feed it, but should back away slowly, without running or turning their back.

His advice was echoed by local pest control provider Lee Storey, who said that despite the animals’ timidity towards humans, they do present some risk.

“It is dangerous, there’s no doubt about it,” said Storey. “A wild animal isn’t a good thing to have around at any time.”

In recent weeks, several Davidson residents have reported seeing coyotes wandering down streets or sidewalks and even venturing into their yards.

Carla Shaw spotted one walking toward her house on Olds Place on Feb. 18, around 1 p.m.

“It just wandered up and was pacing our driveway,” she said, adding that the coyote didn’t react when her husband Jared walked outside. “It wasn’t scared of anyone.”

Shannon Tomyn, who was visiting the Shaws at the time, said the coyote was looking at them through the front window and at one point approached the front steps, but then backed down and wandered away after a few minutes.

Tomyn said the animal was acting strange and didn’t look altogether well. Shaw said it was roughly the size of a medium or large dog, adding that she had seen foxes a few times before, but never a coyote.

She said the experience left her somewhat concerned for the safety of her children, who often play in the yard.

“We have a fenced-in yard,” said Shaw, “but they get out, for sure, and play in the front.”

Earlier that same day, Carla’s mother-in-law, Margo Shaw, said she saw a coyote walking along the sidewalk in front of her house on Lincoln Street.

She said the “big guy” walked up the driveway of their neighbours to the east, then around in front of the Shaw house. After that it headed off through the Cool and Merkosky yards towards Second Street.

“If you’re like me, you don’t want to be walking around if they’re out there,” said Margo, who called the town office to report the sighting.

Administrator Gary Edom said he had previously received another call from a local resident who reported seeing three of the animals in a neighbour’s yard. Edom then put out a call to Lee Storey.

For the full story, please see the Feb. 29 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Craik council won’t pursue change in town’s status

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By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — Two weeks after receiving a proposal to restructure the Town of Craik as an organized hamlet, councillors have concluded that the decision isn’t theirs to make.

At the close of a special meeting on Thursday, members of town council did not make a formal resolution, but agreed to issue a statement, as worded by Coun. David Ashdown.

“It is not within the jurisdiction of this council to either approve or reject the proposal to change the status of the town to an organized hamlet,” reads the statement.

“We recognize the importance of finding a financially viable solution to providing potable water, and we are committed to pursuing and examining all possible options.”

A delegation from the Water Task Force, consisting of members Dermot McCaw and Mark Wegner, had visited council during its Feb. 11 meeting.

They brought with them a proposal that the town look into restructuring itself and effectively becoming part of the rural municipality, as a last-ditch effort to obtain the necessary resources to address its looming infrastructure costs.

Councillors had tabled the proposal and agreed to discuss it at a special meeting two weeks later. None of them appeared enthusiastic about the idea of losing town status and effectively ceding control to the RM.

“It doesn’t look very good,” said Mayor Rick Rogers. “We’d be really going backwards if we turned ourselves into a hamlet.”

Ashdown said he appreciated the idea being brought forward and that it had generated plenty of conversation, but challenged the idea that council could be the catalyst for that sort of change in the town’s status.

Having reviewed the relevant portions of The Municipalities Act, Ashdown said it was his understanding that a petition brought forward by a group of ratepayers would be necessary to begin the process.

Restructuring would also require approval from the Ministry of Government Relations, which Ashdown viewed as unlikely.

Coun. Charla Edwards, who serves on the Water Task Force, said she wasn’t prepared to take the restructuring option off the table entirely.

“I can’t say yes or no,” she said. “Until there’s something else on the board, I’m not saying no to that.”

Edwards said she would still need more information before she could decide one way or the other, adding that the town’s situation seems somewhat hopeless.

“I’ve never had a meeting where we didn’t discuss how we were going to afford something,” she said. “I’m getting to the point where I don’t even get a glimpse of hope anymore.”

Administrator Sarah Wells challenged the notion that the town was headed for bankruptcy, noting that its only significant debt, the debenture on the water plant, would be paid off in two years.

“We’re not broke yet,” she said, adding that restructuring is “not our only option.”

While the town may eventually face fines or other punitive measures from the Water Security Agency, Wells said the agency is unlikely to pursue that route as long as the town continues to work towards restoring potable water.

She painted a grim picture of how restructuring would affect the town’s future. Council would be dissolved and a hamlet board would represent community concerns to the RM, which would collect taxes and control spending.

Wells said the RM would not be obligated to keep the water service running. Others predicted that this could lead to the closure of the school and the health centre.

“We’ll turn into Girvin,” said Wells. “People will move, the businesses will move.”

“Don’t you think Cheryl would just be laughing all the way to the departure lounge?” said Ashdown, referring to Five Hills Health Region CEO Cheryl Craig.

Councillors agreed that if restructuring was not the way to move forward, they would need to keep looking at other options.

Ashdown suggested raising water rates, which he said are substantially lower than in other municipalities. He said the average user in Craik pays $18 per month.

Council again discussed the possibility of seeking another source for municipal water, and whether or not the existing plant could be adapted to treat well water.

Ashdown said he had reached out to the office of Wascana MP Ralph Goodale, the province’s only Liberal MP, whose staff had promised to provide more information on infrastructure funding.

Wells said she had been advised to reach out to municipal consultant Lorri Matthewson. Councillors responded positively, directing her to inquire about the consultant’s services and possibly inviting her to meet with council.

The town is also waiting on a final engineering report from KGS Group, outlining specific options and costs regarding the water plant.

CRAIK — Two weeks after receiving a proposal to restructure the Town of Craik as an organized hamlet, councillors have concluded that the decision isn’t theirs to make.

At the close of a special meeting on Thursday, members of town council did not make a formal resolution, but agreed to issue a statement, as worded by Coun. David Ashdown.

“It is not within the jurisdiction of this council to either approve or reject the proposal to change the status of the town to an organized hamlet,” reads the statement.

“We recognize the importance of finding a financially viable solution to providing potable water, and we are committed to pursuing and examining all possible options.”

A delegation from the Water Task Force, consisting of members Dermot McCaw and Mark Wegner, had visited council during its Feb. 11 meeting.

They brought with them a proposal that the town look into restructuring itself and effectively becoming part of the rural municipality, as a last-ditch effort to obtain the necessary resources to address its looming infrastructure costs.

Councillors had tabled the proposal and agreed to discuss it at a special meeting two weeks later. None of them appeared enthusiastic about the idea of losing town status and effectively ceding control to the RM.

“It doesn’t look very good,” said Mayor Rick Rogers. “We’d be really going backwards if we turned ourselves into a hamlet.”

Ashdown said he appreciated the idea being brought forward and that it had generated plenty of conversation, but challenged the idea that council could be the catalyst for that sort of change in the town’s status.

Having reviewed the relevant portions of The Municipalities Act, Ashdown said it was his understanding that a petition brought forward by a group of ratepayers would be necessary to begin the process.

Restructuring would also require approval from the Ministry of Government Relations, which Ashdown viewed as unlikely.

Coun. Charla Edwards, who serves on the Water Task Force, said she wasn’t prepared to take the restructuring option off the table entirely.

“I can’t say yes or no,” she said. “Until there’s something else on the board, I’m not saying no to that.”

Edwards said she would still need more information before she could decide one way or the other, adding that the town’s situation seems somewhat hopeless.

“I’ve never had a meeting where we didn’t discuss how we were going to afford something,” she said. “I’m getting to the point where I don’t even get a glimpse of hope anymore.”

Administrator Sarah Wells challenged the notion that the town was headed for bankruptcy, noting that its only significant debt, the debenture on the water plant, would be paid off in two years.

“We’re not broke yet,” she said, adding that restructuring is “not our only option.”

While the town may eventually face fines or other punitive measures from the Water Security Agency, Wells said the agency is unlikely to pursue that route as long as the town continues to work towards restoring potable water.

She painted a grim picture of how restructuring would affect the town’s future. Council would be dissolved and a hamlet board would represent community concerns to the RM, which would collect taxes and control spending.

Wells said the RM would not be obligated to keep the water service running. Others predicted that this could lead to the closure of the school and the health centre.

“We’ll turn into Girvin,” said Wells. “People will move, the businesses will move.”

“Don’t you think Cheryl would just be laughing all the way to the departure lounge?” said Ashdown, referring to Five Hills Health Region CEO Cheryl Craig.

Councillors agreed that if restructuring was not the way to move forward, they would need to keep looking at other options.

Ashdown suggested raising water rates, which he said are substantially lower than in other municipalities. He said the average user in Craik pays $18 per month.

Council again discussed the possibility of seeking another source for municipal water, and whether or not the existing plant could be adapted to treat well water.

Ashdown said he had reached out to the office of Wascana MP Ralph Goodale, the province’s only Liberal MP, whose staff had promised to provide more information on infrastructure funding.

Wells said she had been advised to reach out to municipal consultant Lorri Matthewson. Councillors responded positively, directing her to inquire about the consultant’s services and possibly inviting her to meet with council.

The town is also waiting on a final engineering report from KGS Group, outlining specific options and costs regarding the water plant.

Viva la recreation!

Players from Davidson's senior boys basketball team pose with the coaches and players they trained with during a weeklong cultural exchange program in Havana, Cuba this month.
Players from Davidson’s senior boys basketball team pose with the coaches and players they trained with during a weeklong cultural exchange program in Havana, Cuba this month.

 

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — They left expecting to learn about basketball, and came back having learned about a whole lot more.

Seven players from Davidson’s senior boys basketball team spent their February break in Cuba, attending a week-long cultural exchange, training and competition camp at the country’s national sports training centre in Havana.

Back at school last week, they reported that the camp had been helpful in building up their skills, as they trained with and competed against Cuban players, going through drills and developing new offensive strategies.

“They were a lot bigger than us,” reported Huck Rettger, adding that the Cubans put up a tough challenge, but were also friendly hosts.

Along the way, the boys had the opportunity to learn about Cuban life and culture. Activities included salsa dancing lessons, a historical trip through Old Havana, and a visit to an inner city youth centre.

The Davidson players said they also came away with a greater appreciation of their own lives back home, particularly the material wealth they often take for granted.

“It was eye-opening how privileged we are here,” said Andrew Read, noting for example that the gym the boys trained in had toilets without proper seats.

Players taking part in the camp included Nick Chomyshen, Gabe Ebenal, James Morrison, Ben Nykiforuk, Andrew Read, and Huck and Mark Rettger.

The group, which also included 12 parents, flew out from Regina on Feb. 13 and returned eight days later.

The trip was organized through Canada-Cuba Sports and Cultural Festivals, and included airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation and most anticipated expenses.

Coach Kim Rettger, who had first proposed the trip to a young group of basketball players nearly a decade ago, was overwhelmingly positive about the program upon their return.

“This was the greatest experience I’ve ever had with a group of kids,” he said, adding that the trip combined sports, culture and humanitarian work, and calling it rewarding for both the players and himself.

DAVIDSON — They left expecting to learn about basketball, and came back having learned about a whole lot more.

Seven players from Davidson’s senior boys basketball team spent their February break in Cuba, attending a week-long cultural exchange, training and competition camp at the country’s national sports training centre in Havana.

Back at school last week, they reported that the camp had been helpful in building up their skills, as they trained with and competed against Cuban players, going through drills and developing new offensive strategies.

“They were a lot bigger than us,” reported Huck Rettger, adding that the Cubans put up a tough challenge, but were also friendly hosts.

Along the way, the boys had the opportunity to learn about Cuban life and culture. Activities included salsa dancing lessons, a historical trip through Old Havana, and a visit to an inner city youth centre.

The Davidson players said they also came away with a greater appreciation of their own lives back home, particularly the material wealth they often take for granted.

“It was eye-opening how privileged we are here,” said Andrew Read, noting for example that the gym the boys trained in had toilets without proper seats.

Players taking part in the camp included Nick Chomyshen, Gabe Ebenal, James Morrison, Ben Nykiforuk, Andrew Read, and Huck and Mark Rettger.

The group, which also included 12 parents, flew out from Regina on Feb. 13 and returned eight days later.

The trip was organized through Canada-Cuba Sports and Cultural Festivals, and included airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation and most anticipated expenses.

Coach Kim Rettger, who had first proposed the trip to a young group of basketball players nearly a decade ago, was overwhelmingly positive about the program upon their return.

“This was the greatest experience I’ve ever had with a group of kids,” he said, adding that the trip combined sports, culture and humanitarian work, and calling it rewarding for both the players and himself.

For the full story, please see the Feb. 29 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Obituary: Baxter, Walter

Dr. Walter Nisbet Baxter
Nov. 29, 1929 — Feb. 18, 2016

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of our father and grandfather at Central Haven Special Care Home.

Walter is survived by his children Ronald (Arlene), Roderick (Janet), Gavin (Louise); grandchildren Alexandra, Sarah, Nicholas, Luke (Brooke) and Zachary.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Rhona; parents William and Anne (Nisbet) Baxter; his sister and brother.

Dad was born in Glasgow, Scotland and was a graduate of the University of Glasgow Medical School. He was a General Practitioner in England, B.C. and Saskatchewan, practising medicine for nearly 50 years. He enjoyed watercolour painting and spending time with his family.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Central Haven. Their care and compassion over the last 14 months greatly enhanced his quality of life.

A memorial service to celebrate Walter’s Life was held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 436 Spadina Crescent East, on Tues., Feb. 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Amanda Currie officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to either the Salvation Army or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan.

To share your condolences, visit www.parkfuneral.ca “Obituaries.” Arrangements in care of Derryl Hildebrandt, Park Funeral Chapel, 306-244-2103.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
— Dr. Seuss

Craik care crisis: looking back one year later

The Craik and District Health Centre is pictured above in this file photo.
The Craik and District Health Centre is pictured above in this file photo.

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — “Do The Right Thing.” “Let Doctors Be Doctors.” “Dollars and Common Sense.”

The signs were loud and clear. So were the people holding them.

March 2 marks one year since a busload of residents from Craik and district went down to the Leg to raise a little hell.

They came armed with bullhorns, plastic signs and just a hint of piss and vinegar, determined to draw attention to what they saw as the erosion of their health care, and one more service being snatched away from a small town.

The rally drew the attention of media from across the province, as well as both Premier Brad Wall and Opposition Leader Cam Broten, who debated rural health care that day during Question Period.

Just shy of 12 months later, Craik has a new doctor working out of its health centre nine days out of 10, along with a part-time nurse practitioner.

Health services in Craik are at the same level — roughly, if not exactly — as they have been for the past four years. Dialogue between the town, the rural municipality and health regions is ongoing.

Has the situation improved since this time last year? All parties seem to agree that it has.

How much room for improvement remains? It depends on who you ask.
But while the situation in Craik is no longer at a boiling point, clearly there’s still some simmering going on.

Local voices

Hilton Spencer, who has served as reeve of the Rural Municipality of Craik since 1989, said the district has fought hard to preserve its existing services.

“We’re not going to give up,” he said, accusing health region administrators of working to centralize health care. “They are still pushing that mandate.”

Spencer gave much of the credit to the community itself for standing firm: “Had we done nothing, we wouldn’t even have a doctor.”

That seemed like a distinct possibility a year ago, as Dr. Elie Karam’s contract with Five Hills Health Region expired in January 2015.

Craik was then being served by locum doctors. Residents were concerned that the town would soon find itself without a doctor permanently.

Community leaders and volunteers formed a task force to protest this and other changes. A rally at the health centre on Feb. 27 was followed by the visit to Regina in March.

The task force has since been replaced by a formal, six-member committee, chaired by town councillor David Ashdown and with representation from both the town and RM.

Dr. Arowolo began practising in Craik last fall, and Ashdown said he and others are pleased with the care she’s providing.

However, Ashdown added, there remain some concerns about Craik’s other health services, as well as a fundamental lack of trust on the part of local residents.

“There is still, in the community, a high level of suspicion and mistrust for the health region,” he said, “and particularly the upper-level bureaucrats and administrators.”

Spencer expressed similar concerns, saying on behalf of local residents, “We’re still quite nervous.”

Signs of progress

Rural and remote health minister Greg Ottenbreit said he has had regular updates from the health regions on efforts to stabilize Craik’s services.

Compared to this time last year, he said, phone calls, emails and letters to his office regarding Craik have dropped substantially.

He acknowledged that not all residents are satisfied with the current state of affairs, saying, “For some members of the community, it may take some time to rebuild that trust, from their point of view.”

However, he said the level of service in the Craik-Davidson corridor has been stabilized and improved with the three-doctor team now in place.

Data provided by the ministry indicates that the area is now seeing “more consistent and stable emergency services.”

According to a year-over-year comparison, the district has seen only one service disruption in a three-month period, compared with more than 40 in the same timeframe previously.

“We believe that the service is a lot more stable,” said Ottenbreit. “I’m very happy with where things are right now.”

Terry Hutchinson, vice-president of community health services for Five Hills Health Region, said he is “very pleased” with the progress that has been made.

The latest meetings were held between the region and the community in October and December. Hutchinson said the region wants to keep talking about sustainable health services.

However, he added, mutual respect will be a necessity going forward: “Building trust is a two-way street.”

For the full story — including discussion of emergency services, and the part rural health care will play in the upcoming provincial election — please see the Feb. 22 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Town to look at new trash option

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By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Changes to Davidson’s waste removal service may be in the cards as the town looks for potential cost savings.

Mayor Clayton Schneider said more research is needed before councillors can make an informed decision on the future of Davidson’s garbage collection.

“We’re going to do some information gathering,” he said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “Our focus for this next month’s going to be waste disposal.”

With costs rising and the town’s main garbage truck still sidelined with repair issues, some council members advised taking action sooner rather than later.

“We’re really got to admit that our back is up against the wall,” said Coun. Gerald Kenny. “We have to do something here pretty quick.”

Davidson’s public works staff has lately been using a backup truck to collect the town’s waste, as the main truck is suffering from what has been diagnosed as a transmission issue.

Kenny said he had made some phone calls to look at prices for used vehicles and had concluded that rear-pickup garbage trucks, similar to what Davidson currently uses, have become “a thing of the past.”

He had contacted Loraas Disposal Services, Ltd., who later got in touch with the town office to discuss service options available to the town.

In an email to administrator Gary Edom, sales agent Carey Chomyn provided quotes for waste removal services for Davidson, utilizing the town’s existing landfill.

“I am certainly not here to take away any local jobs or make any waves within Davidson,” wrote Chomyn. “Just thought I would present the pricing that could be had, and let the chips fall where they may with regard to what the town and residents desire.”

Currently, garbage is collected from residences every Thursday, with commercial garbage pickup offered twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays.

Loraas provides the town’s curbside recycling pickup every other Monday, while commercial recycling collection is done every other Tuesday.

According to Chomyn’s email, Loraas could provide garbage and recycling collection on alternating weeks for $11.15 per residence per month. Rates for commercial pickup were also provided.

For the full story, please see the Feb. 22 edition of The Davidson Leader.