Davidson Playschool held its biggest fundraiser of the year on Nov. 16 with its annual Variety Fair. Vendors and guests flocked to the Town Hall to ignite the Christmas season of decorating and gift buying.

The Variety Fair raises money to keep the playschool operational. The non-profit organization gets its funding from fundraising, donations and registration fees all help their playschool continue to run. There are 19 children enrolled in the three- and four-year-old class, which is held in the basement at the United Church.

The group raised money through vendor table rentals and lunch sales. Parents donated their time to work in the kitchen and at the door. Additionally, parents donated food and drink items to support their children’s early education.

“The Variety Fair attendance seemed great. There were some amazing vendors this year; a lot of them are repeat vendors,” said president Sarah Dezotell.

“We greatly appreciate their support year after year, as well as the support of the community members who attend, buy raffle and 50/50 tickets, have lunch, and shop. Already looking forward to another successful event next year.”

Davidson Playschool is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering a safe, fun, and educational space for three and four-year-olds in the community.

By Kevin Gilby

The Royal Canadian Legion Davidson Branch #51 held its Remembrance Service at the Davidson Community Hall. The service was well attended, with approximately 180 paying their respect.
Comrade Mary Jane Morrison emceed the program. Piper Nate Linsley, returned for the second year from the Saskatoon Police Pipes and Drums, accompanied the Parade of Colours with Green Hills of Tyrol. Parade Marshall was Captain (Rtd) Wayne Morrison, CD.

The service included recognition of 100 years of service of the Royal Canadian Air Force. An insert was included in the program, listing members that served in the RCAF from Davidson and area.
A special presentation was Your Loving Sun, a stage play produced by Comrade Clark Puckett based on real-life correspondence of brothers in service in Halifax and abroad, and the parents at home in small town Saskatchewan.

The play was adapted by Puckett from the collection of George King’s correspondence entitled Your Loving Son – Letters of an RCAF Navigator.
The characters read aloud their letters back and forth between family members detailing the yearning for a connection back home to the familiar farm life, the simple wants of essential items, and the growing reality of the fears of those in service.

“Those letters leading up to his death kind of present a close family, close brothers, a very loving relationship on a small family farm in a thriving little village at that time,” said Puckett. “It painted a picture of loss that was probably more evident even after the play, at the loss of George at only 21.”
The play may have been about one family, but it represented what could be anyone’s story whose name is imprinted on the cenotaph.

Lest we forget.

Stacey Siroski Belisle

Occupation: Education Assistant, Davidson School 

I commit to making decisions and facing tough issues that will serve Davidson now and into the future. Updating bylaws, policies, and infrastructure to suit the needs of our community are my priorities. I believe Davidson is the place that families and businesses can both thrive. I appreciate your support.

Justin Harris

Occupation: Farm worker

I would like to see the town’s infrastructure continue to get repaired as well as grow the town’s economy. I feel the skate park and the day care will be an excellent addition to our town.

Kirby Manz

Occupation: Small business owner 

Residents of Davidson, I have lived in Davidson my entire life and served on town council since 2020. I am fully committed to seeing Davidson move forward in many areas including recreation, developing and executing on a plan for the underground infrastructure and maintaining a balanced budget. I hope to have your support on November 13th. 

Adrian Schmiedge

Occupation: EMS Supervisor for Davidson Ambulance

I am asking for your vote because you need people who are Committed to your Community and want to see it thrive. You need someone who is open-minded and willing to work as a group. But more importantly, you need someone who is not afraid to take a stand and make the hard decisions when needed.

Terry Epp

Occupation: Teacher I have enjoyed living in Davidson for the last six years and am married to Rebecca who has lived here her whole life. My experience and problem-solving skills will be valuable in helping to make important decisions. Davidson is a wonderful community, and I want to see it prosper. 

Mason Kooy

Occupation: Nutrien Ag Solutions 

My main focus is to look at how to cost effectively restore our roads, repair the towns sewer lines, which are in poor condition, utilize unused building/areas, support the upcoming childcare centre, assist in future projects for our children and keep our taxes at a reasonable rate. 

Brad Morrison

Occupation: Caterer, and exterior contractor 

I am running for council to make a positive impact in our community and be a voice for the citizens of Davidson. As a longtime resident and homeowner here, I want to see continued growth and keep working towards making our community a desirable place to live.

Allison Schmit

Occupation: Semi-retired small business owner                                       

 I am passionate about the Davidson residents’ concerns and they deserve to have a voice!  If elected, I will be working for you, the people, in reassessing the budget and allocating funds in more of a priority selection. I feel more efficient use of our current facilities and equipment would be a great start to initiating change.      

Scott Gainer 

Occupation: Fast Toys for Boys trailer dealership.

My reason to be town council is too make a big difference I believe in that is about the people its what makes a town cumminity great. Gainer has a big heart getting it done. VOTE FOR GAINER 

Arlene Low

Occupation: Teacher/Principal As an experienced educator and active citizen, I’ve served two terms on Davidson’s council, advocating for engagement, infrastructure, economic development, and recreation. My commitment to transparency, informed decision-making, and community connections drives my passion for our town. Your voice matters! Vote on Nov. 13.

Dan Puckett

Occupation: Heavy Duty Journeyman Mechanic

As a young man with children in their early teens, I want to run for Council so that young families have a strong voice at the table. As a father with teenage children, I want industrial growth. I want my children to have the choice to work and live here.

Gene Stangland

Employer: Western Sales

I have been a Davidson town council member for the past eight years. I am committed to making our town an even better place to live, work, and raise families. I am running again because I believe in Davidson’s future potential and want to see our community grow, while preserving the small-town values and quality of life.

Chris Storey

Occupation: Electrician, Maintenance Manger at Panther Industries.

I think people should vote for me because I am willing to put the hard work into get things done. I want to see change, make things more affordable for people and try to draw more businesses into the community.  

Doug Torrie

Occupation: Retired – 20 years working for Public Works

I am running for council because I am concerned about:

• Aging infrastructure
• State of our streets
• Work being contracted
• Importance of fiscal responsibly
• Improved employee morale

My past experience will be an asset when dealing with council matters.

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.