By Joel van der Veen

MOOSE JAW — The lawyer representing Craik’s former administrator has requested another month’s delay as they continue to review the dozens of fraud charges laid against him earlier this year.

Jeffrey Todd Murray, who worked for the Town of Craik between 2010 and 2014, faces a total of 33 fraud charges, representing more than $41,000 in misspent funds.

His lawyer, Gail Wartman, made the request during an appearance at the provincial courthouse in Moose Jaw on Aug. 3.

“We’re still getting some more disclosure,” she told Justice Margaret Gordon.

Crown prosecutor Rob Parker said he did not object to the adjournment, noting that other parties had agreed it could not be counted in any future claim of unreasonable delay. The judge granted the request.

No plea has been entered and the charges have yet to be read in court.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Wartman said they were waiting on disclosure from the Town of Craik itself, including minutes from past council meetings. She said she anticipated full co-operation from the town.

“It’s all public material,” she said. “I don’t expect there to be a problem.”

Wartman had previously appeared on Murray’s behalf on June 1, requesting matters to be adjourned until August. The accused himself was not present for either of the two appearances.

Murray, 41, has been accused by police of defrauding the town “by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means” to the tune of $41,079.81, according to court documents.

Thirty-one charges of fraud were laid against him in March, each of them related to personal purchases allegedly made using a Royal Bank Visa card issued in the town’s name.

Two additional charges followed in May, in which Murray was accused of overpaying himself for hours worked at the Craik Water Treatment Plant, and for his own salary as the town’s administrator.

Murray is scheduled to return to provincial court on Sept. 7.

By Kevin Gilby

CRAIK — Despite a strong effort by Mother Nature, families in Craik and district enjoyed a full Canada Day long weekend rich with activities for all ages.

The Craik Regional Park kicked off the weekend on Friday with lots of family-oriented activities, including a trade show, face painting and various games.

One of the organizers, gatekeeper Robbi Bagg, said, “It was just friendly overall. I think a lot of people enjoyed it.”

She also commented on how events like these help bring communities together, explaining, “It wasn’t even just people from Craik. There were people from Davidson, from Aylesbury, from everywhere.”

“There was even someone from the States passing through that stopped by,” Bagg added.

Inclement weather halted the activities early in the evening, including the planned fireworks show.

But as quickly as the storm came, organizers were able to convince the Craik and District Lions Club to host the show during their fair on Saturday.

The Lions event was one of the most ambitious in the club’s history. Club members graciously accepted help from beyond their ranks to pull off a day packed with attractions and activities.

For the full story and photos, please see the July 11 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — Feelings play a key role in the creative process for young songwriter Aurora ter Heide.

The 15-year-old pianist from Craik said composing a tune comes much more naturally to her at times of strong emotions, whether she’s happy or unhappy.

“A lot of it is driven by how I’m feeling at the time,” she said Wednesday. “I just sit down and play until something comes.”

Learning that she had won an award from the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association (SRMTA) also generated a strong response.

“My first instinct was to break down,” said ter Heide. “My second one was to jump around and scream.”

A piece written by ter Heide, entitled “The Ferret and the Fox,” was the top entry in the SRMTA Student Composer Competition in the 15-and-under age group, under Class 1. She also won the Adjudicator’s Choice award in the provincial competition.

As a first-place winner, her song will be entered into the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associations (CFMTA) Student Composer Competition.

Aurora is the oldest of two children of Wade and Lia ter Heide. She is entering Grade 11 at Craik School this fall.

She began taking piano lessons at the age of seven. Previously taught by Brenda Bowman, she now studies with Sandra Read of Saskatoon.

Aurora said she has been putting together her own songs more or less since she started playing, but began entering them in competitions about four years ago.

For the full story, please see the July 4 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — Speakers had plenty of encouraging words for Craik School’s class of 2016 at last weekend’s grad ceremony.

Guest speaker Debbie Wildfong spoke of the obstacles ahead as the graduates move forward to adult life, but encouraged them to have a positive outlook and nurture their gifts and talents.

“One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to commit to the journey and see the outcome,” she said, also advising them to reach out in times of challenge and struggle.

Craik bid farewell to seven Grade 12 graduates with a two-hour ceremony on June 24, recognizing their achievements and celebrating the years they spent learning and growing as a class.

Charla Edwards served as the master of ceremonies for the program, which opened with the singing of “O Canada,” led by Emily Ehman.

The graduates were introduced one by one, walking down the centre aisle with their parents and then taking the stage.

Following Wildfong’s speech, Walker Boyd and Riley Bagg gave predictions of where each of the classmates will find themselves 10 years from now.

Two graduates shared the valedictory address. First, Charly Nolting shared her memories of starting school at age 5, and the fear she felt at entering the building for the first time — a feeling that has re-emerged with adulthood on the horizon.

“It’s a whole lot scarier, but equally exciting,” she said. “I know that it’s gonna be one heck of a ride.”

She expressed her appreciation to those who shared the journey with the class of 2016, including teachers, parents and the rest of the community.

Hanna Sanden also spoke about the emotions that are surfacing for the Grade 12s, including fear and excitement. She offered words of encouragement for her classmates.

“You must always have faith in people, but most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself,” she said, adding as she closed, “Here’s to the night.”

For the full story, please see the July 4 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.