Craik’s public compost bins were removed last week due to ongoing abuse of the program, officials said.
By Joel van der Veen
CRAIK — Unwelcome items dropped off at Craik’s community compost bins had included everything but the kitchen sink — until last weekend, that is.
An employee of Titan Clean Energy Projects discovered a kitchen sink inside one of the bins over the weekend, along with a pile of plastic sheets.
It was the last straw for the compost program, which has been made available free of charge to Craik and area residents for the past six years.
Titan office manager Michele Kiss confirmed that the company, the town and the Craik Sustainable Living Project (CSLP) had agreed to end the program last week.
Kiss said that abuse of the bins — including a high volume of non-compostable items, such as bicycles, weights and furniture — had been an ongoing problem.
“We don’t want it to become a dumping ground for everything under the sun,” she said.
Kiss also observed that some users were leaving their yard waste outside the bins, rather than depositing them inside, creating more work as well as a potential eyesore.
The project had begun around 2010 as an initiative between the CSLP and multiple partners, including Waste Management, which provided the bins and transported the material, and Titan, which processed it into compost.
The initial goal was to divert as much organic waste as possible from the Craik landfill. Titan had agreed to accept the material for processing, and composted material was made available for community spaces and personal use.
For most of the project’s history, there were two bins — one for yard waste and the other for kitchen scraps — situated on Crossford Avenue near Titan’s company site.
The project was successful in its early years, with almost 10,000 kg of material collected up to June 2011, according to the CSLP website. However, Kiss said the volume of acceptable compost, particularly kitchen waste, had declined over time.
With items like plastic bags winding up in the bins, Titan would need to use screening equipment to sort the material, adding more time and expense to the process.
Titan, the town and the CSLP had discussed the issue last year, and a note was included in a recent town newsletter reminding residents that the bins were for compost only.
Kiss said part of the decline may be due to more people starting to compost on their own, noting, “Backyard composting is becoming more popular.”
She called it “unfortunate” that the program couldn’t continue, adding that sustainability has been something of a raison d’etre for Craik over the last decade and a half.
Craik administrator Sarah Wells confirmed that the town had received an email from Titan on Monday about the situation. By Thursday, the bins had been removed.
Wells also said the program’s demise would be unwelcome news for the people who were still using it, but she understood why it was happening.
“It’s a shame,” she said. “People abuse stuff like that, and it’s gotta go.”
Paul Stinson (bottom right corner) is shown during a trapping trip with students during his first year as a teacher in La Loche.
By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — Jennifer Peach’s first teaching job took her more than 6,000 kilometres from her home near St. John’s, N.L., all the way to the northern village of La Loche.
Last week, she recalled her first trip up north — “a long drive on a long, lonely highway” — and some initial impressions, including her surprise at the great number of children and teens in the small community.
The village had all basic necessities, including schools, a grocery store, police detachment, the church and a modern health facility. Peach was also attracted by the natural beauty of the area, including the dense forests and vast lakes.
“It felt, actually, more like home the further north I drove,” she said. “It was kind of comforting, in a way.”
Peach arrived in August 2005 and would ultimately stay for five years. If she hadn’t decided to pursue her master’s degree, she said, she would likely still be teaching there.
“I expected to go there for one year,” said Peach. “I loved it so much, I stayed for five.”
Peach, who now teaches Grade 5 at Davidson School, said she made many friendships during her time in La Loche, and she thinks about the village often.
When she heard about the events of Jan. 22 — a shooting spree that ended at La Loche Community School, in which four people were killed and another seven injured — Peach didn’t know what to think.
“I was more overcome with emotion,” she said, adding that she immediately thought of her friends, colleagues and their families, the people she got to know. “My first reaction when I heard was, ‘I’ve got to get on the phone.'”
Upon her arrival, Peach recalled, village residents were curious about her. The school had a high turnover rate, and they’d seen lots of teachers come and go.
She also remembered that they were eager to make her feel welcome and share the experience of life up north, from setting traps and fishing nets to the history, language and culture of the Dene people.
“They treated me like I was a member of the community,” she said. “The more I put myself out there, the more the community embraced me.”
After she was first hired by Northern Lights School Division, Peach spent two years teaching physical education to elementary students. She then moved to the Grade 5 classroom for the remainder of her time there.
The oral language spoken by the Dene people isn’t easily learned by newcomers, and teaching assistants helped to bridge the language gap. The older students had a better grasp of English, but were still most comfortable speaking in their mother tongue.
“My time up there was so positive and such a learning experience for me,” said Peach. “I was lucky to have the experience that I did in La Loche . . . This affected me a lot more than I ever thought it would.”
Coincidentally, Peach’s predecessor at Davidson School, Paul Stinson, also began his teaching career in La Loche, working there as a Grade 6 teacher from 1996 to 1999.
Stinson said he had applied to work overseas but accepted the job there in the meantime, later realizing, “There was a different culture to explore without ever leaving the province.”
Like Peach, he was surprised by the high percentage of youth living in the village, which contrasted sharply with the aging populations in similarly-sized towns further south.
Stinson, who lives in Craik and works from the Distance Learning Centre in Kenaston, wrote a piece about his experience, which he posted to social media last week.
“I thought I knew Saskatchewan,” he wrote. “I didn’t even know what I didn’t know about northern Saskatchewan.”
Stinson said his time in La Loche was a time of extremes. While he witnessed a strong sense of community, a close connection to the land and a distinct language and culture, he also said he saw problems “at a level I didn’t think existed in Canada.”
He said the village gave him both his fondest and most frustrating teaching experiences. He recalled activities with students, watching the northern lights during power failures, learning to trap and fish.
“You have suffered great pain,” he wrote in his “love letter” to the village. “I wish for others to get to know you. You are complex, complicated, beautiful.”
Stinson said the attention surrounding La Loche over the past weeks may have some positive results, especially if it leads to a greater understanding of the root causes of the problems the community faces.
He said he believes the historic treatment of aboriginal people, including the residential school system, still reverberates in the lives of their descendants.
“This is what I understand to be part of what is happening,” he told the Leader, “not the cause of a single individual’s violent actions, but connected, and bringing issues to light, critical issues that we need to face and address.”
Stinson said he is hopeful that real progress can take place, that leaders will look to the calls to action that resulted from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and that aboriginal people will be given a voice in the discussions that take place.
This past weekend, Peach had plans to travel up to La Loche to visit with former colleagues and students, to attend the funeral for teaching assistant Marie Janvier, and reconnect with other people she hasn’t seen in years.
Her current colleagues in Davidson helped put together a break-time basket for the staff in La Loche, including snacks, coffee and tea.
Over the past week she’s also talked with her students about the tragedy. Some had heard the news and were curious about it; some had decided that La Loche must be a terrible place.
“It’s OK to think that, and it’s natural,” said Peach, adding, “I wouldn’t want them to go their whole lives thinking that that’s what La Loche is all about.”
“I had students that wanted to learn about things just as badly as they did,” she continued. “I don’t want them to judge a whole community of people based on the actions of one person.”
CRAIK — Town council has indicated its support for a proposal to form a new task force to take on the role of enforcing Craik’s nuisance bylaw.
The proposed task force would develop a list of violations and then attempt to work with the property owners to rectify the problems.
Coun. David Ashdown brought his proposed nuisance abatement bylaw to council’s regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, where it was well received by his colleagues.
“It’s good and it’s thorough, and it’s what we need,” said Coun. Charla Edwards, while Mayor Rick Rogers said, “That’s a really good job.”
Ashdown said he doesn’t think there’s any flaw with the current nuisance bylaw, adding, “The question is really, how do you enforce it?”
A survey of Craik’s ratepayers conducted late last year revealed a growing level of concern with the state of many properties in town, including untended trees and yards and dilapidated buildings.
“As the survey has indicated, we really do need to take some action,” said Ashdown, adding that he believed it would be unfair to place the task of enforcement on the shoulders of town staff.
The proposed bylaw would allow for the formation of what Ashdown called the Nuisance Bylaw Task Force, a committee comprised of town councillors and other residents.
Once established, the task force would complete a survey of the town, recording any properties deemed to be in violation of the nuisance bylaw.
Ashdown said the task force would seek to address cases in order of urgency, so more serious violations would be confronted first.
After receiving approval from council, the committee would send out letters to the property owners involved, inviting them to meet with task force members within 60 days to address the concerns.
If no response was received within that timeframe, property owners would be sent a notice of compliance with a 30-day deadline.
After that point, the town would then take action to remedy the situation. The property owner would be responsible for any costs incurred; the town might also have grounds to pursue legal action.
Ashdown’s proposal called for the appointment of the task force in February, followed by a report back to council in March. Meetings with property owners would take place between March 15 and May 15.
He cautioned that while the task force would work to resolve concerns quickly, the solutions would not be immediate in all cases, as the timeline would vary in each case.
“It might be a year from now,” he said. “At least, (they’ll be) showing a willingness to work and co-operate, which is the main thing.”
Both Ashdown and Coun. Cheryl Klein agreed to serve as members on the task force. Under the current proposal, they would be joined by three appointees from the general public.
Edwards moved to approve Ashdown’s draft proposal, which was carried by council. A formal proposal will be presented in February.
For additional details from last week’s Craik town council meeting, please see the Jan. 18 edition of The Davidson Leader.
Charly Nolting of the Moose Jaw Mavericks attempts a shot during a Dec. 20 game against the Estevan Power Tech Panthers at Affinity Place.
By Joel van der Veen
MOOSE JAW — It’s been a growing year for the Moose Jaw Mavericks, but coach Cam King says his players are learning plenty as the season moves on.
With only four players returning from last season, the girls have taken some time to bond and develop team dynamics, King said last month.
“I used to say it was two steps forward, one step back,” said the head coach. “Now it’s about three steps forward, one step back. So we’re making progress.”
The midget AA team, part of the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League, has three players from this area on its roster.
Forward Charly Nolting of Craik returns for her third season, while forward Breanna Shaw of Davidson and defenceman Jewel Bakken of Craik are in their first full season with the Mavericks.
The coach described Nolting as a “fast skater, very strong (and) very physical.” She has four goals and four assists so far, giving her the fourth highest point total on the team’s roster.
Shaw, described as a “playmaker,” has three goals and one assist so far. King also referred to Bakken, who has recorded three assists, as a “solid, hard-working, gritty defenceman.”
“They all know their role,” said King. “They all play their role well, and for me, the most important part is they’re great kids.”
As of last week, the Mavericks stood at sixth place out of eight teams in the league, with six wins, 14 losses and one tie.
The team began January with back-to-back losses to the Parkland Lions, followed by a 3-1 win over the Weyburn NOV Drillers.
King, who was interviewed following consecutive losses in Estevan on Dec. 19 and 20, said the team is focusing on puck handling.
“When you get the puck, you should really have a plan of what you’re going to do with it,” he said, adding, “I can see continuous improvement every night.”
He also noted he has benefitted from the contributions of Shaw’s father Jason, who has joined as an assistant coach this year. King called him a “tremendous hockey guy.”
“I’ve coached a long time and I’ve learned a lot of stuff just from having him on the bench this year,” said King. “So he’s been a great help as well.”
The Mavericks will visit Davidson on Jan. 22, when they will challenge the Regina Ravens at the Communiplex starting at 7:15 p.m.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doris Nixon, aged 94 of Craik, Sask. Doris was born on July 6, 1921 and died on Jan. 12, 2016 at the Craik Health Centre. Her son Gary and close friends were by her side at the time of her passing.
Doris was predeceased by her parents Alice (Funston) Cook and Lawrence Cook; her brother Stanley and her beloved daughter Sharon (Nixon) LePoudre; husband Floyd Nixon on Dec. 31, 2001 and her son-in-law Jules LePoudre.
Doris leaves to mourn her passing her son Gary; her grandsons Jeff Schindler (Cindy Nordmarken) and family; Paul LePoudre and family; granddaughter Angela (Kevin) Berglund and family, as well as friends at the Craik Health Centre and in the Craik community.
A service of remembrance will be held at the Craik United Church on Jan. 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Worship leader Hilda Dale will preside. A time of fellowship will be held at the Craik Community Hall immediately following the burial at the Craik Cemetery.
Gary would like to thank the staff at the Craik Health Centre for the excellent care they gave Doris. Special thanks also to Cathy Sperling for her thoughtfulness and for the care she gave Doris in ways too numerous to mention. Thanks also to the Lee family for their visits and the many acts of kindness shown to Doris. Thank you as well to Dorothy and Pete Livingstone for the help they gave Doris over the years.
Doris grew up in the Rose Hill district east of Craik where her parents farmed. She attended Rose Hill School. Doris’s grandmother Alice (Barber) Cook lived with Doris and her parents for many years and was a great influence in her life. Doris helped her parents on the farm and worked for a time as a hired girl.
Doris met Floyd Nixon at a community dance when he came to Craik as part of a threshing crew in 1934.
Floyd joined the army in 1940 and was posted overseas for 4 and a half years. He returned to Canada on New Year’s Eve in 1945. Doris and Floyd were married on March 27, 1946, shortly after Floyd’s return.
Their daughter Sharon was born July 1, 1947 and their son Gary was born on March 4, 1953. Floyd and Doris purchased 13-23-28 W2nd through the Veterans Land Act. They also farmed the land of Daisy and Ben Arnold for 25 years. When Sharon was old enough to start school, the family moved to 11-23-28 W2nd where Gary now lives.
Doris was a member of the Foxbury United Church and later joined the Craik United Church when she and Floyd moved into Craik. She was also a member of the Hospital Aid and the Craik UCW. Doris enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbours and was especially overjoyed when her grandchildren and their children came to visit.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Craik Health Centre Foundation and the Craik United Church or the charity of your choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.
Wood, Shirley Belle March 31, 1935 — November 29, 2015
Every so often tragedy strikes. Heaven has decided to take our mom/nana in a tragic accident on Sunday, November 29, 2015. Just goes to show you that the Angels on the other side needed a new angel to shake things up and make things more interesting (and that she will do). Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Jean Thurber and brother, Don Thurber. She leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Lorraine (Neil) Songer, Ev (Glen) Fiske; brother, Dave (Yvonne) Thurber; sisters-in-law, Jeanie and Donna Thurber; daughters, Kathy (Garnet) Hjelsing, Connie (Chuck) Brazel, Diane Songer and Brenda Baskerville. She also leaves to mourn seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A celebration of Shirley’s life was held at 2 p.m., Friday, December 4, 2015 at the Craik Community Legion Hall. For friends so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Shirley may be directed to a charity of choice.
Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.
