Richard Hilton

Why am I running for Mayor?

I, like some folks in Davidson, felt our town was doing pretty well, certainly there were divergent ideas as how things ought to done, but most things worked out.

However, a single situation arose. In which the powers that be, decided to seriously annoy the ratepayers without consultation. After some more very interesting conversations, even more authoritarian conduct became apparent. Which seemed to be connected to a particular event.

As well, the Town administration evolved into thinking that the ratepayers are to be subservient to them, not that they were there to be of service the community. Serious change needed to occur. Talk is cheap, action needed to be taken. So here I am.

What are you hearing from the electorate as you campaign?

They are annoyed!

If elected, what are your priorities for the next four years?

To bring business back to the Town of Davidson and to make it simpler to start a business, to make home building and improvement an enjoyable undertaking as it should be, to make it easy and less fearful to bring concerns to the attention of the Town. To be available to our town’s people.

Keith A. LePoudre

Occupation: Retired Agrologist

Why are you running for mayor? 

Use my experience, leadership skills and knowledge to help lead our council. Build a Council Team focused on building a growing and thriving community. 

What are you hearing from the electorate as you campaign? 

Questions about infrastructure, staff and taxes.  

If elected, what are your priorities for the next four years?

• Train the council on the Governance model in the Saskatchewan Municipal Act.
• Update the Strategic Plan regarding:
  • Infrastructure: Use the data collected on sidewalks and sewer lines to implement repairing or replacing. Complete a plan for other needs like water, garbage dump, paving, buildings and equipment. Implement, when completed, the utilities reduction plan for the AGT Centre and the Town Hall.
  • Economic Development: Develop a committee to identify what residents’ needs are for goods or services, plus explore programs to address those needs. Complete the sign corridor policy, programs to clean up old buildings in town and promote the tax incentive program for businesses and new house investors. Join regional economic development groups.
  • Sports and Culture: Work with the sports community to improve sports programs. Build on partnerships with other municipalities and governments to continue to add to the programs and facilities.
  • Communications: Build awareness of what the Council is doing. I will commit to having a regular time for taxpayers to talk to the mayor about issues.

Do you have anything to add?

Davidson has many strengths that other towns don’t have, and we need to build on those strengths!

Clark Puckett

Occupation: Farmer and a Certified Funeral Celebrant

Why are you running for mayor?

I am running for Mayor to take action to grow Davidson’s economy in our rapidly changing era. Davidson is well positioned on the four-lane No. 11 Highway. Our community can thrive by electing a new Mayor to meet with expanding companies where they are; not waiting for them to show up. They are looking for opportunities outside expensive city limits. New industry equals an expanded tax base for infrastructure renewal. I strongly support our new daycare facility.

What are you hearing from the electorate as you campaign?

From our young families, I am hearing there is a need for better paying jobs here. Tired of long commutes, they want good jobs and jobs for their children in the future. Families are very concerned about inflation and the cost of groceries. They can’t afford tax increases. Town taxes will remain flat and level.

If elected, what are your priorities for the next four years?

• Establish an Industrial Development Committee to assist the Mayor in approaching business leaders in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
• Attract another grocery store to Davidson. Competition is needed.
• Bring city water from Hanley for water security and industrial needs.
• Tender for an existing larger building (long-term investment) to protect expensive machinery assets.”

2024 Citizen of the Year – Marie Nadeau

This award is presented annually to an individual who made a significant contribution to the community with their time, dedication, and talents for the betterment of the community.   Exceptional leadership, vision and service to others were all considered when selecting the Davidson Citizen of the Year. 

If you’ve ever attended a local fundraising event, a flu clinic, library program or Cyclones hockey game, there is a good chance you’ve seen this person volunteering her time.  Any community project, large or small, there is a good chance that she’s there. Here are some of her volunteer accomplishments:    

• Swimming pool committee member
• Library board member
• Founding member of the Davidson Dance Club

Also volunteered at…

• Library summer reading club
• Library read and rhyme
• Meals on Wheels
• Health Care Centre
• Terry Fox Run
• Alzheimer’s fundraising tea
• Community Theatre
• Communities in Bloom
• Skatepark Committee  

Always smiling and cheerful – always willing to lend a hand – that’s how this community member has been described by her friends. In fact, three different people nominated her for Citizen of the Year, all telling the story of how she quietly, yet enthusiastically, gets behind so many projects in our community.     

“Marie has worked and volunteered in our community her whole adult life. She is such a friendly and outgoing person that makes people feel very included and happy, no matter what she is doing or how busy she is.”  

Please join me to congratulate Davidson’s Citizen of the Year, Marie Nadeau. 

2024 Youth Citizen of the Year – Anne-Mari Brits

This award is presented annually to an individual between the ages of five and 17 who has made a significant contribution to the community with their time, dedication, and talents for the betterment of the community.   Community and school involvement, volunteerism, positive attitude and setting a good example for their peers were all considerations in selecting this year’s recipient.

This Grade 12 student has been an active member of the Sun West School Division student leadership team for the last two years. In this role, she has been a part of the Youth Consultation team, where she worked with other students across the division to develop a website to share leadership ideas for students in our schools. 

Last year, she helped plan and host the Sun West student leadership conference in Davidson. During the conference, she shared her passion for music and the importance of cultural celebrations by playing her ukulele and singing her traditional Africans language music!

She also travelled to other schools in the division to share information about leadership opportunities and represented the Sun West School Division at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference in Ontario. 

This young person’s leadership skills are also very apparent on the court. Whether playing volleyball or basketball, she is seen always as a leader, doing her best for the team. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude serves her well as a Raider athlete at Davidson School.    

We are pleased to recognize this young person for the leadership and enthusiasm that she brings. Please join me to congratulate Anne-Mari Brits as Davidson’s Youth Citizen of the Year.    

2024 Volunteer Group of the Year – Handi-Van Driver’s

This award is presented annually to a volunteer group or service club who has demonstrated commitment to our community and has made significant contributions over the past year. Leadership, vision, community development and community investment were all considerations in selecting this year’s recipient.

This group of dedicated volunteers for the most part goes unseen and unnoticed in our community.  Our senior population relies on them for transportation, whether that is to a medical appointment, or a social outing. Some of these appointments and outings are in Davidson, but they have also been trips out of town or to the city when necessary.

Every Tuesday, our volunteer drivers pick up any seniors that need transportation and take them to the Senior Centre for their activities, and then return them back home. The last Tuesday of each month, the group is also driven to go out for lunch. Our volunteer drivers also provide the residents of the Health Centre with an opportunity to get out for different activities, from crop checking, to going on a twinkle tour at Christmas. For many years these volunteers have assisted in enriching the lives of our senior population, allowing them to stay in our community and close to their families.

We have had other volunteers over the years, but the current drivers we have are:

• Bob Bender
• Gary Edom
• Dave Spellicy
• Janet Stevens is also the coordinator for the Tuesday weekly senior outings. Calling around to see who needs a ride and making arrangements with the drivers.

Please join me in congratulating the Handi-Van Driver’s as the Volunteer Group of the Year. 

2024 Business of the Year award – Barnyard Fitness

The Business of the Year Award is presented each year to a local business which has demonstrated commitment to our community and has made significant contributions to the community over the past year.  Community investment, customer relations, service, and entrepreneurial spirit are things that were considered when deciding upon this year’s recipient. 

What started out in the owner’s basement has flourished into a successful business priding itself on the warm, inviting, and accepting atmosphere that has been created. Opening its doors in 2023, this privately owned business has made a difference in the physical and mental wellbeing of residents who take part in their programs. In addition to their primary business, this couple formed a partnership with the Davidson Physiotherapy clinic which created the perfect location for clients who need access to a modern fitness facility to continue their rehabilitation journey.   

This business has sponsored the Davidson Days Fun Run, offered Yoga in the Park, organized a fitness bingo challenge and the Turkey Burner.  From the beginning, these business owners have been huge advocates of the newly incorporated Davidson Childcare, getting behind a number of fundraisers and becoming an active member of the Board of Directors.

Chiara Traversa and Tory Allen are doing their part to help create a community that is strong, capable, adaptable and resilient!

Please join me in congratulating Barnyard Fitness as Davidson’s 2024 Business of the Year.    

November 1946 – September 2024

Barton “Bart” Ottoson, a man who could never be accused of blending into the background, sailed off into the great beyond on September 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as colourful and varied as his life.

Born in Minnesota and raised in California, Bart sought tranquility later in life by moving to the peaceful expanse of the Canadian prairies, where he and Meredith (his wife of 58 years) found their own slice of happiness and serenity. 

First in Vermilion, Alberta and later in Davidson, Saskatchewan, you could usually find Bart and Meredith enjoying long drives in the country, soaking in the scenery, and stopping along the way to meander through antique shops to find their next treasure.

Music was a big part of Bart’s life from an early age. He was a dynamo on the piano, with Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” a personal favourite. He also played the harpsichord, the spoons, and sometimes even the jug. But nothing made him happier than blowing into his harmonica, enjoying cowboy tunes like “Happy Trails to You.”

Family vacations were also not complete without music, with movie soundtracks among his favourites (Top Gun, anyone?) He could often be heard singing along to The Beach Boys, John Denver, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, and enjoying sea shanties like “Barnacle Bill the Sailor.” In fact, music was so important to Bart that he had a sound system going through the entire house, allowing him to blast anything from Crosby, Stills and Nash to the Annie soundtrack anytime the mood hit him.

Bart was known for his loud, boisterous presence and knack for charting his own course. He started his career in sales and marketing and later decided to trade the corporate grind for the world of academia. As a college professor, Bart enthusiastically imparted wisdom – sometimes loudly and always with great passion. Teaching turned out to be his true calling, and he retired from Lakeland College after more than 25 years.

Peace and serenity never meant boredom for Bart. He spent many summers sailing the open waters with his family – sometimes telling the wind where to go. (He even competed in the Alberta Summer Games with his wife, taking 1st place in sailing.) He also enjoyed restoring old wagons to their former glory, working magic with wood, and amassing a cowboy memorabilia collection that would make any Wild West enthusiast jealous. Just ask Fel Pennypacker.

Wagons and sailboats weren’t the only types of transportation that Bart loved. Trains, planes, and automobiles also ranked high on his list of favorites. Bart had his small plane pilot license and loved to fly the skies of Southern California. He even tried his hand at building a Long EZ airplane in the 1980s. 

Bart enjoyed watching cowboy movies with train heists, visiting train museums, and waving at train conductors in hopes that they would toot their horns. During his sports car phase, he bought his wife an RX-7 (aka “the seven”) and secretly taught his youngest daughter how to do burn outs with it. He and his wife also had a bicycle phase, but his love of bike shorts lasted exactly one day.

Bart had a deep faith in God that began in his early years. Along the way, he enjoyed many roles in the church, including choir member and Sunday School teacher. Bart shared his faith with his family, collecting tithes for those in need, opening his home to a great variety of people, hosting international students, and standing up for what was right.

Of course, no mention of Bart would be complete without acknowledging his legendary sense of humour. For instance, he once swapped out his Jeep Wagoneer horn with a fog horn, he often scratched his ears with a car key whiles saying “vroom-vroom”, and he never missed a chance to enjoy a well-timed fart joke, laughing heartily at every one – even in his final days.

Bart leaves behind a life well-lived, full of laughter, hard work, and joy in the simple things. As he sails into the sunset, we imagine him laughing once more at the sound of the wind, cracking one last joke in his own unmistakable style. May the prairie winds carry him swiftly to his next adventure, and may the jokes never stop.

Barton is survived by his wife Meredith, sons Brent (Jill) and Eric (Selena), daughters Amie (Leonard) and Jill (Scott), his grandchildren Brittany, Tyler, Katie, Beau, Meaghan, Ester (Mitch), Gloria, Rebeka, and Abiela, and his great-grandson, Khai.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, or the Davidson & Area Food Bank.

The Leader invited the five candidates in the Dakota-Arm River riding to introduce themselves to voters through a question-and-answer format, and to submit a photograph. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to 200 words or fewer. They are listed in alphabetical order.

The following four candidates replied. (Jordan Reynolds of the Green Party was unable to meet the Leader’s deadline.)

Please get out and mark your ballot during Voting Week — Oct. 22-28.

Raymond Carrick: Progressive Conservative Party of Sask.

Residence: I live on a farm at Eyebrow.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

From people in the constituency, I am hearing we need a change of government.
What are your priorities for this constituency?

I support a better health care system for rural Saskatchewan, responsible use of water (irrigation, using grey instead of putting the water back in river or streams, and investigations into foreign investment of farm land.

Why should people vote for you?

I believe in honesty and common sense in government.
As a political party, we need to balance the budget and pay the debt off.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I hope voters will come out to vote and I will be thankful for your support.

******

Darren Ebenal: Sask. United Party

Occupation and residence: Currently farming with my oldest son and reside in the Davidson area. Previous employment: municipal government, oil/gas and potash industries.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

Affordability, accountability and delivery of service in health and education.

What are your priorities for this constituency?

To conduct myself in a moral/ethical standard as I help our constituency/constituents navigate the bureaucratic system.  Which SUP believes is too large, with too many barriers.

Why should people vote for you?

The fact that I’m the only candidate that lives in the constituency. My work history and personality allow me to engage challenging conversation and situations confidently. I believe considering these aspects, makes me a responsible choice.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Vote! Do not let yourself be influenced by others, do your research and vote with your conscience.

******

Barret Kropf: Sask. Party

Occupation and residence: Professional Coach living in Caronport.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

Affordability is the main topic heard as we have knocked on over 4,000 doors in the riding and attended countless events. Dakota Arm River constituents appreciate the Sask. Party platform of growing the economy which creates opportunities in small-town Saskatchewan and gives us a bright future! 

What are your priorities for this constituency?

Our priorities are to help small communities flourish and stay safe! Giving the humble hard-working people of rural Saskatchewan the tools they need to continue growing and pursuing excellence! The grad retention tax credit, the doubling of the ice arena grant, rebate to train more Class 1 drivers … these are such great initiatives for communities in Dakota Arm River. Combined with a lowering of the provincial income tax and an increase in the seniors’ personal home care benefit makes this election all about affordability for all! 

Why should people vote for you?

I’ve logged tens of thousands of kilometres in the last 10 months to cover the riding from corner to corner, and meeting thousands of amazing people. My intention was for Dakota Arm River residents to meet me and see that I care! That I’m committed to protecting family values, being a great listener and then being a strong voice for our riding at the legislature.

*****

Jordan Wiens: NDP Candidate for Dakota-Arm River

Occupation and residence: Research agrologist. I reside in Saskatoon but I work throughout the constituency. Our shop is north of Dundurn and when I’m not there, you can find me at our plot sites in Outlook, Broderick, Davidson, Bethune, and Imperial.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

I’ve been hearing about how hard it is for people to access health care as well as get quality education for their kids. In addition, the high cost of living and tax hikes are really hurting everyone. I’ve also heard from people who have lost some faith in Saskatchewan Party MLAs. After 17 years in power, they seem out of touch with the issues working people are facing. 

What are your priorities for this constituency?

I’ll be a tireless advocate for health care. Saskatchewan people deserve health care when and where they need it. 

In addition, the Saskatchewan NDP’s will put more money back into peoples’ pockets by suspending the gas tax and cutting the provincial sales tax off of groceries and children’s clothing. 

Why should people vote for you?

After 17 years, it’s time for a change.

I’m working hard to earn the trust of the people of this constituency and I’m ready to be a strong voice for them in the Legislature.

Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP have a fully costed plan to get us out of last place in education and health care and make life more affordable. 

November 21, 1940 – September 15, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband and father Tom on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at St Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with his family by his side. Tom will be missed by his wife Audrey, daughters Karen and Kim (JR – Jada and Chris), his sisters Jenny, Elaine (Mike) and Doreen. Also survived by Audrey’s siblings and spouses, numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Tom was predeceased by his parents Harry and Ellen, father and mother in-law Wes and Mary, brother in-law Alex, nephew Kevin and niece Nicole. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at the Sacred Heart Parish in Davidson, SK on Thursday October 24 at 1 p.m., immediately followed by lunch and refreshments in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Tom’s name to the Davidson Volunteer Fire Department and the St Paul’s Palliative Care Unit. Private family interment at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home Davidson.

Isobel Landin was born June 19, 1942, and passed away September 26, 2024, in Moose Jaw, SK.

Isobel was born to Anne (nee McNeil) and Angus Sinclair and became a little sister to John. The family lived in Girvin, SK where they ran the hardware store. They also farmed grain and raised livestock. Later, Davidson, SK became home.

Isobel decided she wanted to be a hairdresser so trained in Saskatoon and later ran her own shop in Davidson.

Isobel married and later became a mother to her daughter Stacey in 1968. After the marriage ended, Isobel and Stacey moved to Saskatoon. A few years later, a job offer to teach hairdressing in Moose Jaw came and off they went.  Moose Jaw was home from 1977 on.  After teaching, Isobel was a store clerk and then found Home Care. This work was her pride and joy; caring for and cheering on her clients was her specialty for 28 years until retirement.

While working at Home Care, Isobel saw a lack of fairness and decided to do something about it. She found strength she didn’t know she had and joined with coworkers to form a Union. As a result, working conditions saw a vast improvement that she was so proud of. Isobel was empowered by and immensely proud of her Unions SGEU and SEIU and the greater Labour Movement.

Isobel’s life’s work though was raising and caring for Stacey.  This is where she truly excelled and surely spent much time frustrated and exasperated as Stacey grew into an independent and motivated woman with a loud voice often spattered with curse words. Isobel’s pride in Stacey’s accomplishments large and small was immeasurable. Isobel loved Stacey’s friends as her own. Once Yogi came into Stacey’s life, she cared for and loved him in the same way. Her friends were innumerable and she loved them dearly, with Joan and Jim Cross and family and Phyllis Heath topping the list.

Stacey’s political activism drew Isobel in, and she became a dedicated New Democrat. She involved herself wherever she could. Just days before she passed, she asked Stacey to arrange for a mail-in ballot for the upcoming Provincial Election.  That order was made and approved and it’s certain she will be upset it couldn’t be cast but she certainly will be cheering from the sidelines.

Isobel will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul. She was a Superwoman for her family and close friends. She loved to sew, quilt, crochet and bake. She had a love for game shows, scratch tickets, word searches, kids and dogs.

Isobel was predeceased by her mother Anne (1987), father Angus (2008) and brother John (2018) along with dear Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many dear friends.

Left to mourn are her daughter Stacey (Yogi Weber), bonus grandchildren Whitney Meacher (Rick) and Kevin (Lauren) Meacher; beloved great-grandchildren Cecelia, Spencer and Georgia; and her treasured granddogs Lily and Louie along with dear friends and family. Mom we will miss and love you forever.  Thank you for being everything we needed.

We wish to thank Dr. Brabant, F.H. Wigmore Hospital ER and Medical Ward staff for their kind and gentle care of Isobel and our family.

The Funeral Service for Isobel was held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral home.  Pastor Doug Shepherd officiated. Flowers are gratefully declined.  Those so wishing may direct donations to The Moose Jaw Humane Society Box 1658 Station Main Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7 or Hunger in Moose Jaw Inc. 269 Stadacona St. West Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1Z4.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com