All posts by Tara de Ryk

Davidson

Division seeks $1M to link schools

Sun West School Division is supporting a $1-million proposal to physically link the elementary and high school wings of Davidson School.
Sun West School Division is supporting a $1-million proposal to physically link the elementary and high school wings of Davidson School.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — With the support of Sun West School Division, Davidson School administrators are making another push for provincial support to join the two wings of the school.

The project, with an estimated cost of more than $1 million, would physically link the elementary and high school buildings, giving the school one common entrance, as well as connecting infrastructure such as phones, bells and fire alarms.

An application for major capital funding was approved by the board of Sun West School Division at its June 23 meeting and sent on to the province, which will consider the project for funding in next year’s budget.

Principal Jason Low said late last month that the board has identified the “Davidson School Link” as a priority project, selecting it as one of the three priority items they are allowed to submit to the province for approval this year.

The budget will be released in March 2016, said Low, and “at that point, we’ll get to see whether they are going to let us go ahead with the project or not.”

The link was first proposed in 2008, when the elementary and high schools were amalgamated into one following the restructuring of the province’s school divisions.

As the two schools ceased to exist independently, becoming the singular Davidson School, it was proposed that the two buildings be joined into one.

“That was part of the official plan,” said Low, noting that the proposal was rejected by the ministry. “We let it go for a little bit.”

However, in recent years the school has revived its efforts to have the link constructed, owing to a number of factors and concerns.

Because the school’s main entrance leads into the high school, Low said, the elementary school remains “its own island.”

“There’s no secretary over there, there’s no office,” he said. “There’s no way to regulate what’s happening over there.”

As a consequence, the doors to the elementary school are all locked from the outside throughout the day, meaning anyone wanting to get inside will either have to be let in or use a key to enter.

This helps to keep the elementary wing secure, but Low said the remedy may result in problems of its own — for instance, if a younger student couldn’t get inside quickly enough on a cold winter day.

“It just poses a big safety concern,” said the principal.

There are other factors as well. Even though the schools officially operate as one, remaining as separate buildings has hampered efforts to unite them in the minds of the staff and students.

“We’ve worked really hard at combining two staffs essentially into one,” said Low. “We’re still on that journey.”

Until the schools are linked physically, he said, “I don’t think we’ll ever be fully unified.”

For the complete story, please see the July 6 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Davidson

Forest fire smoke blankets province

Grain elevators along Davidson's Railway Avenue are obscured by smoke on June 29.
Grain elevators along Davidson’s Railway Avenue are obscured by smoke on June 29.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Like most of the province, Davidson and the surrounding area were coated with a thick haze on the morning of June 29, the result of numerous forest fires raging in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

While rain on Tuesday diminished the impact of the smoke somewhat locally, the hazy skies remained through the week, with visibility gradually improving.

Environment Canada issued alerts for most of the province on Monday morning, including the cities of Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, and the areas between them.

According to the alerts, visibility had been reduced to less than two kilometres in many areas, particularly in the northern and central regions of Saskatchewan.

The smoke also resulted in diminished air quality; alerts stated that smoke near the ground had the potential to cause health risks.

LeAnne Paproski, communications co-ordinator for Heartland Health Region, said Tuesday that the region was monitoring the smoke situation but had no plans to issue a release or advisory.

A Ministry of Health fact sheet from July 2013, made available by Heartland, indicates that smoke events can cause symptoms to worsen in patients with respiratory or heart conditions, while even healthy people may experience eye or throat irritation and shortness of breath.

The fact sheet advises members of the public, especially people with pre-existing conditions, to monitor their symptoms and seek medical care if their condition worsens. Children and the elderly may also be especially vulnerable during extreme smoke events.

Measures to protect against smoke irritation include reducing or avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, reducing or eliminating exposure to outside air, remaining indoors or going to air-conditioned public spaces, making use of a HEPA air cleaner and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke.

A news release issued by the White Butte RCMP detachment on Monday reminded drivers there and across the province to adjust their speed according to conditions.

The statement warned that posted speed limits are given for ideal conditions only, and that the diminished visibility might make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians, highway workers and emergency vehicles.

As of Friday morning, a total of 106 fires were burning, and many northern communities were under evacuation, according to the Ministry of Environment. The province recommended against non-essential travel to the affected areas, including the districts around La Ronge, La Loche and Pinehouse.

Loreburn

RV site will be ready in August

Les Scott, Brandy Losie, Steven South, Kyle Meena and Grant Abbott stand outside the building under construction at Loreburn's new RV campground on Tuesday.
Les Scott, Brandy Losie, Steven South, Kyle Meena and Grant Abbott stand outside the building under construction at Loreburn’s new RV campground on Tuesday.

By Joel van der Veen

LOREBURN — With construction well underway on Loreburn’s new RV campground, village officials say the facility should be ready for use sometime next month.

The 12-site campground, located on Main Street, is being built in hopes of drawing travellers — and, accordingly, some of their tourism dollars — into the village.

Loreburn Mayor Steven South said Tuesday that the project, with a total cost of around $91,000, has been well received by residents in the village and beyond.

“I think, for the most part, people have been pretty positive toward it,” he said. “We’re hoping to have it going here for the August long weekend.”

The growing volume of tourists in the area means campsites are in high demand, he explained, and many of the towns in the district have opened their own campgrounds.

“Just about everybody’s got ‘em,” he said, adding that Loreburn needs to take advantage of its location. “We are only 10 minutes from the lake.”

The campsite is being constructed on a plot on Main Street east of Saskatchewan Avenue, just steps away from village businesses, and around the corner from the playground.

Councillors had been talking about the project since last summer. South said the village chose the location over another proposed site, near the ball diamonds.

“We do still use the ball diamonds, and didn’t really want to give up any of them yet,” he explained, adding that the village owned most of the land and purchased one lot from a ratepayer to create the site.

Of the 12 sites planned, nine will be constructed with 50-amp electrical service while the remaining three will have 30-amp service.

A small building measuring 20 feet by 22 feet will house bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Water and sewer connections have already been installed.

South was on hand, along with Coun. Grant Abbott and administrator Brandy Losie, to accept a $30,000 donation from Enbridge Pipelines, Inc., on Tuesday.

The cheque was presented by central region director Lyle Meena, who was accompanied by senior public relations adviser Les Scott.

The rest of the funding for the project has come from the village. Because of the costs involved, South said council was hesitant to take on the project, but Enbridge’s contribution helped make it viable.

“Once we did get wind of that, we were a little more comfortable, anyways,” he said.

Abbott also expressed his appreciation for Enbridge’s donation, telling the representatives, “We couldn’t have done it without you.”

The village applied for the grant through Enbridge’s Community Investment program. Other contributions came from local residents, who donated their time and labour while the village paid for materials and supplies.

South said the village hopes to expand the campground in future years by adding another three or four sites on adjacent land.

Kenaston

Oh, the places they’ll go! Kenaston honours its grads

Pictured are the Kenaston School graduates of 2015. From left are Shelby Evans, Samantha Guy, Bethany Finnie, Andrew Taylor, Kaitlynne Roberts, Kaitlyn Taylor and Eve Ulmer.
Pictured are the Kenaston School graduates of 2015. From left are Shelby Evans, Samantha Guy, Bethany Finnie, Andrew Taylor, Kaitlynne Roberts, Kaitlyn Taylor and Eve Ulmer.

By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — For their graduation ceremony, Kenaston School’s class of 2015 took a page from the book of Dr. Seuss.

Kenaston Place was decorated for the occasion on June 26 with blue, red and grey balloons, signs pointing here and there, and truffula trees from The Lorax.

The theme from the event was inspired by a quote often attributed to the man born Theodor Geisel: “Why blend in when you were born to stand out?”

The hall was filled Friday night as family, friends, classmates and other guests gathered to celebrate and bid farewell to the seven graduates leaving Kenaston School this summer.

Principal Ryan Johnson and vice-principal Aaron Biberdorf welcomed those in attendance before the processional. The graduates entered, most of them with their escorts, and accepted their diplomas.

Retired teacher Linda Purves, who taught most of the graduating class in Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2, was the guest speaker, giving a colourful address that borrowed from Dr. Seuss and Robert Fulghum.

“Of course, I never really blended in,” said Purves, “because I often wore runners with dresses, tank tops in the winter and usually most school days, I either went koo-koo-ka-choo, or told you I was off to Jamaica.”

Purves said her speech was designed to remind the students that the lessons they learned in their early years can all be applied to the situations they face as they embark on their careers or higher education.

She expanded upon the list given in Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, with such as axioms as “Share everything,” “Play fair” and “Don’t hit people.”

Before she began, Purves offered the graduates paper and markers in case they wanted to take notes, adding that she’d considered buying each of them a copy, “but my pension cheque only stretches so far.”

The class also heard from two of last year’s graduates, Maria Matovich and Samantha Chomyshen, who offered words of wisdom, while Grade 11 students Austin Evans and Tessa Tomlenovich gave their predictions for each grad’s future, along with their actual plans for next year.

Shelby Evans and Eve Ulmer gave the valedictory address. Evans said the school community had been “like a family,” while Ulmer reflected on their reluctance to leave, even as they had anticipated this day for many years.

“They’re always there to lend a hand when you need it,” she said of the school’s staff. “This atmosphere will never leave us.”

They also shared some of the lessons acquired over the years, one of which was the value of a “stretch break” — which they then offered to their classmates, who happily accepted.

The class began Kindergarten with 10 girls and one boy, later dwindling to just five girls, and ends its academic career in Kenaston with six girls and one boy — a different one, Andrew Taylor, who joined the class three years ago.

“It’s going to be weird not coming back after summer and seeing you all again,” observed Evans. “We love you all and we’re really going to miss you . . . but don’t worry, we’ll be back.”

For the complete story, including the list of awards presented, please pick up a copy of the July 6 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Loreburn, Obituary

Walter Herbert Jess

Walter Jess
Walter Jess

Walter Herbert Jess
1921-2015

It is with sadness and fond memories that the family of Walter Jess announce his passing on June 12, 2015 at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, at the age of 94 years. Walter was born in Herbert, Sask., on February 19, 1921 to Max and Adelheid Jess when the family farmed near Chaplin, Sask. While he was young the family moved to a farm near Shaunavon, Sask. It was here where Walter took all his schooling at Avon Heights School. In 1937 the family moved to the Strongfield, Sask., area to farm. In 1948 Walter met Stella Olson, who had moved to that area to teach school. They were married July 7, 1949. They were blessed with three sons, Garry, Glen and Doug, and a daughter, Sharon. Walter loved farming — growing grain and raising livestock, mostly Simmental cattle. He always had a faithful dog by his side. Walter was active in the community. He was a member of the Harrowby and Hawarden school boards for many years, served as a trustee of the Skudesnes Lutheran Church board and also the Rosedale Municipal Agricultural Committee. But his family was his greatest joy. He travelled many miles taking his children to their Scouting and Girl Guide meetings, to hockey or ball games, figure skating lessons, Confirmation classes, piano lessons and he enjoyed fishing and doing other activities with them. It pleased him to farm together with his “boys” for several years, and to watch his “little girl” mature into a fine lady. In 1997 Walter and Stella retired to Saskatoon where he enjoyed looking after the yard, the buildings, growing a garden, and going to McDonald’s for coffee early every morning. Walter and Stella enjoyed several holiday trips over the years – to Ontario, Los Angeles, and to several other states in the U.S.A., to the World Fair in Vancouver and several other trips. He especially enjoyed going to Germany where the highlight of the trip was visiting his father’s home place. In 2014 they sold their house and moved into Luther Riverside Terrace where they anticipated good times to be had. However, failing health plagued him since moving. He will be remembered for his flashing smile, jovial laughter and quick-witted remarks.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Stella Jess of Saskatoon; sons Glen Jess (Debbie) of Kenaston, children Mike (Aura) Jess and Lacey (Fielding) Simpkins; Doug Jess (Marlene) of Elbow, children Travis Jess and Dallas Jess; daughter Sharon Evans (Brock) of Saskatoon, children Jonathan Evans and Nicole Evans; daughter-in-law Gladys Ringdal (Bill) of Outlook, children Jeff Jess, Charity Jess and Brandi (Brad) Berquist;  five great-grandchildren, Garry, Reid, Rhett, Madison and Lincoln; and many relatives and a host of friends.

Walter was predeceased by his parents Max and Adelheid Jess, son Garry (2003), brothers Bernard and Henry, sisters Ann Lovell, Heidi Sippola and Pearl Buchholz, as well as many of his in-laws.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Skudesnes Lutheran Church near Loreburn, Sask., with Pastor Randy Meisner officiating. The eulogy and tribute were given by Lacey and Nicole, the Bible readings by Charity and Brandi. Music consisted of a piano and violin duet by Sharon and Nicole, a solo by Floyd Childerhose, duet by Eleanor Charman and Pat Olson along with congregational hymns. The guest book was attended by Walter and Muriel Tastad. The pianist was Joan Libke. The ushers were Dick Tastad and Ross Vollmer. The pallbearers were the seven grandsons. Interment was in the Skudesnes Cemetery. Lunch was served in the lower church hall following interment. Arrangements were in care of Outlook Funeral Chapel.

Obituary

James Johnston

James Arthur Johnston, 77, of Chamberlain, Sask., passed away May 11, 2015 at the Regina General Hospital. He was born in 1938 in Prince Albert, Sask., to John and May Johnston. He married Olga Wiszniak on August 6, 1958.

Surviving Jim are his wife Olga; two daughters, Cindy Jackson (Peter) of Regina, Sask., and Brenda Johnston, Alberta; four grandchildren, Sean, Katherine, Melissa and Allan; two brothers George (Marion) Johnston and Dan Johnston; nephews, Michael, Melvin, Rick, David, Calvin, Jason, Vincent, Dean, Brent, Stanley, Harry and Tom; nieces Margaret, Susan, Laurie, and Jody.

Jim was a big part of the drilling and exploration community in western Canada. He started as a rig hand working for Regent Drilling in 1956 and eventually became a drilling supervisor. Over the course of a long career he worked in places as diverse as the Northwest Territories and the outback of Australia. He had several careers over the course of his life: drilling operations manager, elk rancher, mechanic, gas station manager, log house construction but always found his way back to the oil patch. His passions included Arabian horses, hunting and fishing, and horseback riding in the B.C. high country.

He loved to socialize with family and friends, especially over a game of cards. And there was no such thing as a bad western on TV.