Monthly Archives: June 2016

Bladworth, Craik, Davidson, featured

Tactile history tour: Students get up-close look at Wilkins sculptures

Don Wilkins poses for a photo with a group of students at the surveyor statue in Chamberlain.
Don Wilkins poses for a photo with a group of students at the surveyor statue in Chamberlain.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — History and design are important, sure, but how many sculptures were built with climbing in mind?

Students from Davidson School had a hands-on encounter with the statues built by local craftsman Don Wilkins last week, taking a tour from Chamberlain to Bladworth to see the displays along Highway 11.

At each stop they got off their bus to view the sculptures. Many students took the opportunity to get as close as possible — scaling the buffalo hunter’s gun, dangling from the ox’s horn or climbing into the Red River carts.

Wilkins, who joined them for the tour on June 17, was clearly delighted with the experience.

The sculptures were built big to make them visible to highway drivers, and to allow people to immerse themselves in history.

“I don’t mind people touching my work,” he said at one point, telling the students later, “I’m flattered by this whole event.”

Students from grades 4 and 7 took part in the bus tour, organized by staff members Correne Pedersen, Arlene Low and Garrett Bailey, with Darwin Taylor driving the bus.

They made five stops, viewing the surveyor at Chamberlain, the ox and cart at Aylesbury, the buffalo hunter at Craik, the buffalo at Girvin and the Louis Riel statue at Bladworth.

For the full story and photos, please see the June 27 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

Davidson, featured

Champions honoured as school presents end-of-year awards

Pictured are the award winners from Wednesday's ceremony at Davidson School.
Pictured are the award winners from Wednesday’s ceremony at Davidson School.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Two provincial sports titles made for a historic year for Davidson School.

As Sandra Baldwin said during the school’s annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, both the senior boys basketball team and the senior girls volleyball team made history in going all the way and winning provincial gold.

For the school to earn two titles in one year was itself a significant milestone, she added.

Baldwin called the teams up one by one, inviting the players to join hands with Kindergarten students and lead them to the front of the room.

“Kindergarteners,” she said, “you are holding the hands of champions.”

The students’ achievements in academics, athletics and drama were honoured during the ceremony, held in the gym on Wednesday. Tina Stone and Andrew Read served as masters of ceremonies.

Const. Kam Hay from the Craik RCMP detachment was on hand to present the Citizenship Award to Grade 11 student Miranda Farrell.

Senior basketball player Gabe Ebenal paid tribute to coach Kim Rettger, who received the West Central District’s Outstanding Coach award.

For the full story and photos, please see the June 27 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

featured, Hanley

Hanley ag fair draws crowd a thousand strong

web-hanley-fair
Brennen Bear (left) of Saskatoon takes the lead from Hanley’s Tyler Thall in the finals of the lawnmower races at the Hanley Ag Fair.

By Tara de Ryk

HANLEY — Good weather and good times helped ensure record attendance at Hanley’s Ag Fair Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18.

They had 1,100 people through the gate Saturday, said Patti Prosofsky, one of the organizers of the event.

“It went really well, we had great turnout and everyone had a good time,” she said.

This year’s Ag fair featured popular events such as the parade, lawnmower races and burnout competition Friday night and minor ball, slo-pitch tourney and horticultural competition on Saturday.

Entries were down in the horticultural competition, said Darla Holland of Holland Garden and Greenhouse, the event’s sponsor.

This year competitors were judged on who had the best fairy gardens and best succulent gardens. The winners for adults were Kim Bohrson, first, and Jodi Zdunich, second. In the children’s category Mason Wandler took first prize with Jesse Westman finishing second. Hailey Richmond and Madison and Adelita Carter won third place ribbons.

This year, the Hanley Agricultural Society brought back the baking, bread, knitting and crochet contests that were once a staple and a tradition of agricultural fairs.

The Hanley 4-H Club returned to the Ag Fair to hold its annual achievement day on Saturday. The achievement day gives 4-H club’s 27 members, from seniors to younger cloverbuds, a chance to show off their projects including demonstrating showmanship and grooming skills.

Dave and Krista Erixon of Clavet served as judges.

For the full story and more photos, please see the June 27 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

Bladworth, Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Bessey, Amy

Amy Bessey
Amy Bessey

Amy Bessey

The family of Amy Bessey (nee Stakiw) is saddened to announce her passing on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

Amy was born January 6, 1920 in Saltcoats, Sask. She was raised in Foam Lake, Sask. where her father was a section foreman for the CPR. She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters: Valerie (Ken Krpan), Lorna (Orest Marusiak) and Darlene (Ken Pontikes); grandchildren: Brian Krpan (Karen), Marcia Kimmerly (Jim), Mark Krpan (Charlene), Michael Krpan (Diana) and Zoe Pontikes; great-grandchildren: Rachel (Jack), Johnny (Bobbi), Luke, Jarred, Raylene, Ryan (Carlyne), Tyson, Quinn, Kendale and Sarah; great-great-grandchild, Makenna Amy; and sister-in-law Evelyn Mills, as well as a very large extended Bessey/Stakiw family.

She was predeceased by her husband Fred Bessey. Amy trained as a nurse at the St. Paul’s School of Nursing in Saskatoon (1943) and Vancouver (1944). Amy married Fred Bessey in 1945 and they operated the Commercial Hotel in Bladworth for 20 years. She returned to nursing at the Davidson Union Hospital during this time. In 1965 they moved to Montgomery Place in Saskatoon and she returned to St. Paul’s Hospital. She spent the next 20 years working in the Nursery with newborn babies and their mothers, retiring in 1985. Amy was an avid sports fan. She loved fishing and camping and her family have many fond memories of these times with her and Fred. For many years they never missed the Bladworth Sports Day. She enjoyed dancing, gardening, baking, playing cards, bingo and the slots at the casino. The lived in Mesa, Arizona during the winter for 18 years spending the rest of the year at Brantwood Estates in Saskatoon. For nearly the last decade she resided at Cedar Gardens.

A celebration of her life was held on May 25, 2016 at McClure United Church.

Memorial donations can be made to Bladworth Cemetery Fund or St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Hembroff, Walter

Walter Hembroff
Walter Hembroff

Walter Clarence Hembroff
April 14, 1923 — June 15, 2016

Walter passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at the Luther Special Care Home in Saskatoon where he had received excellent care for the past three years. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Gertrude (nee Klimack) and their children Brian (Margaret) Hembroff, Jeff (Lisa), Ronda (Devin), Joni (Avan), Krista (Derek),  Markie (Cody),  Adele (Jason), Colette (Jeremy), Corinne (Kelly);  Betty (Jim) Steinhauer, Jeff (Cerissa), Julie (Rick);  Barry (Marilyn) Hembroff, Jamie (Christina), Randy, Amanda;  Barb Dolan (Brad), Jon (Stephanie), Jenna (Andrew); as well as numerous great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Mary Jane Hembroff, his eight siblings and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. Walter was always a very hard worker. He built their first home in Russell, Man. (he dug the basement using a shovel and a wheelbarrow). In early years, he hauled wood and grain with his own truck. He then hauled bulk fuel (in barrels back then) for British American Oil. He was the first general manager for the Co-op in Russell, Man. The family moved west to Davidson, Sask., in 1965 where Walter worked as the Co-op farm supply manager until his retirement in 1983. Walter and Gert then moved to Saskatoon where he enjoyed a long, healthy retirement. He enjoyed a good joke and watching almost any sport on TV and of course, the news. Walter had a very strong faith. He loved his Lord and Saviour and was actively involved in his church, always helping out wherever he could. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. The Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church (2801 Preston Ave, Saskatoon, Sask.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Luther Special Care Home (1212 Osler St., Saskatoon, Sask., S7N OT9.) Arrangements in care of Lisa Ruf — MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES, SASKATOON, SK. (306-978-5200) www.mourningglory.ca.