Monthly Archives: April 2016

featured, Hanley, Sports

Suttie makes her mark with qualifying throw

Hanley native Taryn Suttie is pictured in this file photo. (Photo by Dave Eagles/Courtesy of Kamloops This Week)
Hanley native Taryn Suttie is pictured in this file photo. (Photo by Dave Eagles/Courtesy of Kamloops This Week)

By Joel van der Veen

PHOENIX, Ariz. — For Taryn Suttie, 17.75 was the magic number that would bring her another step closer to the Olympics.

She hit the mark and then some on April 9 at the Sun Angel Classic in Tempe, Ariz., with a shot-put throw of 17.88 metres.

With that throw, Suttie surpassed the qualifying level for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

With that achievement behind her, she said she can focus on training and executing her throws properly between now and July, when Canada’s Olympic roster is officially announced.

“I’m happy to get it out of the way quickly,” Suttie said Tuesday in a phone interview from Phoenix, Ariz. “I don’t have to have the standard on my mind, because it’s done with.”

Taryn, 25, is a native of Hanley, a graduate of Hanley Composite School and the daughter of Don and Deb Suttie.

She had previously competed as a member of the University of Saskatchewan’s track and field team, and has since spent several years training in British Columbia.

In October, she relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where she trained with her coach Justin Rodhe.

Suttie then arrived in Phoenix in mid-March, competing in a couple of events and maintaining a regular training schedule.

Prior to last weekend, her personal best had been 17.66 metres, though she had surpassed that in practice and had achieved an 18-metre throw once.

“I knew I was capable of it,” she said. “I just had to do it at the right time and the right place.”

The Canadian national track and field championships and Olympic trials will be held the second weekend of July in Edmonton, at which point Suttie will learn whether or not she’ll be competing in Rio.

She said she will be working hard on improving the technical aspects of her throwing, as well as spending time in the weight room to improve her speed and power.

“I’ll do some meets to stay fresh,” said Suttie, who travelled to California on Thursday. She was scheduled to compete in two events there in April, before heading to Victoria, B.C., in May.

Suttie continues to feel the support and encouragement of her former neighbours, saying, “All of Hanley has been so supportive . . . I’m definitely proud to come from there.”

Much of her schedule between now and July is undetermined, she said, adding that she keeps her suitcase packed and is constantly booking flights as events come up.

“As long as I have a place to train,” she said, “then I’m good to go.”

Davidson, featured

Drama club takes audience to hell and back

Jacob Schilling and Jade Thomson are pictured in a scene from "SOuLD."
Jacob Schilling and Jade Thomson are pictured in a scene from “SOuLD.”

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — A tale of temptation, desires and consequences was the centrepiece of a dessert theatre night at Davidson School on Wednesday.

The school’s senior drama club presented SOuLD, a one-act play written by principal Jason Low, and co-directed by the playwright and his wife Arlene.

More than 200 people attended the dessert theatre night, which also included dance and musical performances and a silent auction with dozens of items available.

SOuLD mixed elements of comedy and drama, featuring a cast of colourful characters and an intriguing plot. It told the story of six young people who are offered the chance to enjoy their greatest desires, but at a terrible price.

The play was narrated by Jake (Jacob Schilling), who is invited along with five of his friends to an infernal party. Despite being warned by a mysterious hobo (Geena Heinrich), they go ahead to the ghastly gala, presided over by Lucifer (Morgan Manz), who deceives them each into bidding on the experiences they desire most.

Astrid (Sarah Allan) becomes an accomplished actress, while Patrick (Liam McJannet) tours the world as a rock-and-roll star.

Leah (Sarah Bublish) goes on a date with a handsome movie star, while Samantha (Emily Read) gets the opportunity to visit with her deceased mother one last time, and Matt (Justin Sandsbraaten) gets to fulfill his dream of becoming a ballet dancer.

Each one finds that the fulfillment of their wish is not quite what they’d expected, and only at the end does Lucifer reveal that they’ve been bidding not in dollars, but in years — and becoming his possessions in the process.

This was only the second time one of Low’s original plays has been performed in public — the first being Well, Here’s to Us, performed at last year’s swimming pool gala.

“Right up to this point, it’s pretty nerve-wracking,” Low said after the performance, adding that once the actors took their final bows, “It’s a pretty great feeling, actually.”

For the full story, please see the April 18 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Hanley, Obituary

Obituary: Loe, June

June Loe
June Loe

In Loving Memory of June Carol Patricia Loe
June 1933 — April 2016

June Carol Patricia Loe, of St. Albert, Alta., passed away peacefully on April 5, 2016, 11 years after her late husband Raymond Douglas Loe. She was 82 years old.

June was born June 20, 1933 to Clara (Haaland) Vick and Peter Vick. That marriage was short-lived and, along with her mother, the Bethlehem community outside Hanley, Sask., served as an integral role during June’s formative years. June’s mother married John Peterson, of Alticane, Sask., in 1953 and that union included four step-sisters for June — Laura, Helen, Jeannine and Elaine.

June married Ray Loe in 1953 in Hanley and together they raised three children: Marilyn, Sandy and Wayne. They left the family farm in 1960 and moved to Yorkton. After their kids were finished school, they transferred to Kindersley and then a few years later, to Regina. Upon retirement, they returned to their Hanley roots, and there they thoroughly enjoyed travelling, spending time with family, attending community events, making daily coffee treks to the local café, and visiting with friends and relatives. As time moved on and their medical needs became an issue, it was decided they should move to St. Albert, Alta., to be closer to family.

Predeceased by her husband, parents, parents-in-law, grandson, and brother-in-law, June is survived by her children: Marilyn (Larry) Okotinsky of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Sandy (Arnie) Grocholski of Qualicum Beach, B.C.; Wayne (Laurie) Loe of St. Albert, Alta.; grandchildren: Derek (Juliana), John (Laurelle), James, Kynan (Angie), Brennan; step-grandchildren: Alex, Owen; eight great-grandchildren; four step-sisters and their families; sister-in-law Sylvia; nephew Doug; niece Jan; and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

Gathering and interment of ashes in the Hanley cemetery to take place at a later date.

Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Markus, Lucille

Lucille Markus
Lucille Markus

Lucille Markus (McDonell) was born on October 7, 1928. She passed away with her daughter, Sharon and her Health Centre family by her side on March 10, 2016.

She was predeceased by her husband, Al; her daughter, Terry; parents and two brothers.

Lucille is survived by her loving family: daughters, Sharon (Lorne Riecken) and Connie (Eugene Rudy); son, Paul (Debbie); son-in-law, George Bessey; and grandchildren, Tracey (Cory) Uhrich, Dana Bergerman, Greg Bessey, Lori (Gary) O’Brien, Beverly (Wayne) Lamb, Rochelle Riecken (Kevin), Ericson Markus (Farin), and Jenna Markus.

She also leaves to mourn: 15 great-grandchildren, of whom she was so proud; sisters, Jean (Gord) Permaine, Mardy Hopper; sisters-in-law, Sheila and Shirley McDonell; special cousins, Phoebe Fombeur and Keith and Sheila Hawkins; along with many friends old and new.

Lucille was born on her family farm near Grenfell, Saskatchewan, moving north to Aylsham, Sask. in 1940 where she completed her Grade 12 and where she met and married Al Markus.

In 1952, the family moved to Davidson where Al became partsman for Fred Gatzske. In 1955, Al partnered in building and operating the Massey Ferguson and Chrysler dealerships, and Lucille worked in the ‘Dry Goods’ department of the local Co-op. She was an avid curler, golfer and volunteered for these as well as C.G.I.T. and United Church Sunday School. Lucille and Al raised four children, Teresa, Sharon, Constance and Paul.

In 1965, the family moved to Carrot River, Sask. where Lucille helped on the farm and worked as a nurse’s aid at the hospital. Later, she purchased Jo’s Jeans in Nipawin and worked there until her retirement.

Lucille and Al spent their summers in Nipawin and their winters in Utah and B.C., until 2008 when health issues brought them full circle, back to Davidson.

Burial will be at the Aylsham Cemetery on Saturday, May 21st, at 2 p.m.

Bladworth, Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Scarfe, Hazel

Hazel Scarfe
Hazel Scarfe

SCARFE, Hazel Marie (née Prpick)
January 8, 1928 — April 4, 2016

Hazel passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Ann’s Care Home in Saskatoon, where she received gentle care over the last year following a stroke. She is lovingly remembered by her children John Scarfe, Mary (Greg) McLellan, and Anna Sanders; daughter-in-law Brenda Scarfe; her grandchildren Carson (Tristin Enden) McLellan, Kate and Ben Houston, Erin and Kali Sanders, Montana Manion, and Jamie Scarfe; her brothers Bud (Bea) Prpick and Ray (Pauline) Perpick; her sisters/brother-in-law Sharon Prpick, Jim (Donna) Scarfe and Janet Prpick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hazel was predeceased by her husband of 51 years Albert; her son Joe; her daughters-in-law Christine Scarfe and Laurie Brower; her brothers Joe and Jim Prpick; her brother-in-law Jack (Shirley) Scarfe; and a niece and nephew, Lauree and Bob Scarfe.

Hazel was a kind, vibrant and loyal friend and family member who would generously offer her time and talents to others. She was born in Bladworth, Sask., and raised on a nearby farm by her parents Anna and Emil Prpick. The farm is where she developed her strong work ethic. She also had her hands full as big sister to four brothers. After Hazel graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Regina she became a school teacher and taught for nine years at many country schools including Briggs School District, Davidson, Steelman, Courval, Disley, and Regina Rural. She also worked with Social Services and managed Dale’s House in Regina. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she was an amazing seamstress and worked for Singer Sewing Machines. Hazel married in 1959 and enjoyed six years in the far north of Saskatchewan in Uranium City, where she had four children before moving the family south to La Ronge. She operated a business, Hazel’s Launderette, and was an active and involved member of the community, including as an ardent supporter of the arts, the NDP, and one year ran for the job of Mayor (to the dismay of her husband!). She was actively involved in the Catholic Church in La Ronge for almost 30 years before retiring to Saskatoon where she was a member of St Paul’s Cathedral for 20 years.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral (720 Spadina Cres East, Saskatoon). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St Ann’s Senior Citizens Village Corp., 2910 Louise St, Saskatoon SK, S7J 3L8. Arrangements in care of David Schurr — Mourning Glory Funeral Services, Saskatoon, 306-978-5200, www.mourningglory.ca.

Davidson, featured

Brkich headed back to Regina for fifth term as MLA

Greg Brkich, the Saskatchewan Party candidate for Arm River, eagerly watches election night coverage on the TV set in his campaign office on April 4.
Greg Brkich, the Saskatchewan Party candidate for Arm River, eagerly watches election night coverage on the TV set in his campaign office on April 4.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Campaign workers, supporters and family members crowded into Greg Brkich’s campaign office on Washington Avenue on Monday night as the election results began pouring in.

Amidst the hubbub and chatter, Brkich’s eyes were fixed on the TV set for much of the evening, watching the coverage on CTV.

With close to two decades in provincial politics under his belt, Brkich said he’s always curious about the final results on election night.

“You know everybody that’s running,” he explained, noting that he felt the suspense, waiting for the totals to come in from some of the tighter races.

However, there was little doubt as to how things would play out in Arm River.

Brkich, 57, was elected to a fifth term as the Saskatchewan Party MLA for this area, winning the constituency with 73.3 per cent support.

He received a total of 6,128 votes, according to preliminary results, defeating his nearest competitor by more than 4,700 votes.

“To me, that shows people still have confidence in myself and the government,” he said Monday night.

Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party were returned to office for a third consecutive term, winning 51 out of 61 seats and receiving 62.6 per cent of the popular vote.

The Opposition New Democrats increased their seat count by just one, winning a total of 10 seats, but saw their share of the popular vote drop to 30.4 per cent.

The results were highly reminiscent of the last election — even down to the loss suffered by NDP leader Cam Broten, who came in second place in Saskatoon Westview, just as his predecessor Dwain Lingenfelter had done in Regina Douglas Park in 2011.

Despite both having a full slate, the Green Party and the Liberal Party were again shut out, as were the Progressive Conservatives, the Western Independence Party and all independent candidates.

Brkich, who farms near Bladworth, was first elected in Arm River in 1999, and was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011. He gave much of the credit for his success to his local team, including business manager Ron Bessey and campaign manager Allen Patkau.

Donna Petit and Lavonne Lyke ran the campaign office in Davidson, while dozens of others contributed by knocking on doors, putting up signs or making phone calls on his behalf.

“I wouldn’t have won it without the team, plain and simple,” said Brkich. “I couldn’t imagine being out there by myself.”

For the full story, including detailed results and an interview with NDP candidate Denise Leduc, please see the April 11 edition of The Davidson Leader.