By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Got some thoughts to share on the future of Davidson’s giant coffee pot?

Then town council wants to hear from you.

For 21 years, the 24-foot steel sculpture has greeted visitors at the north end of town and drivers along Highway 11.

The coffee pot has been featured in books, a stamp issued by Canada Post in 2010, and more recently, in an adult colouring book, Colour Saskatchewan by Jason Sylvestre.

But weather and age have taken their toll on the venerated vessel.

The once-vibrant murals have faded, and rust is now visible in multiple places, particularly on the handle.

Davidson’s town council has discussed the coffee pot’s future multiple times in recent years, and the topic returned to the table at their regular meeting on Tuesday.

Coun. Jessica Foster reported from a Communities in Bloom (CIB) meeting the previous day, where members had discussed a new proposal.

As Foster explained, the idea is to have a local artist or artists guide a team of volunteers to repaint the mural.

“It’s almost gone the way it is,” she told her colleagues, expressing her support for the proposal. “I think we have enough local talent.”

Council gave its approval to begin soliciting volunteers for a committee to lead the project, with two additional councillors, Arlene Low and Jared Shaw, agreeing to take part.

Foster told the Leader that she’s interested in public input, with plans to issue an official call for committee members.

“It really depends on what the community wants,” she said. “At this point I’m just looking for a committee to guide the process.”

The town would cover the cost for materials for a restoration project. There is roughly $8,800 sitting in a fund established for that purpose several years ago.

Foster said they have sought professional advice on how to treat the rust, as well as what paint to use.

“If we don’t do anything it’s just going to rust,” she said.

Lorraine Gust, who also serves on the Davidson CIB committee, said they have discussed a couple of options for resurfacing the coffee pot.

Some are strongly in favour of recreating the mural, but if it is to last, it will need to be continually and carefully maintained.

“It is going to be an ongoing issue to get it repainted,” said Gust. “People have been mulling over this forever.”

Another popular suggestion was to repair and then repaint the structure using a speckled paint finish, giving it the look of an antique enamelware coffee pot.

The murals would disappear, though the original paintings, from which the artwork was created, are still held.

Gust said a public meeting might be ideal, adding, “It would be nice to hear different opinions from lots of people.”

For the full story, please see the Aug. 21 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Premier Brad Wall’s retirement likely won’t mean a major change in vision or direction for Saskatchewan’s government, according to MLA Greg Brkich.

Brkich, the MLA for Arm River, shared his reaction to the premier’s announcement in an interview with the Leader on Thursday.

He said he was disappointed by the news, as he has had a good relationship with the premier and appreciated Wall’s leadership and advice.

“You always hope he’s gonna stay on forever, because he’s a great leader,” said Brkich, expressing his appreciation for Wall’s work ethic. “It’s a lot harder being the premier than it is just as a standard MLA.”

“I believe our vision isn’t going to change much,” he continued. “Saskatchewan First, keep growing the province and keep making it a better place to live and raise a family . . . Them goals aren’t going to change much with him leaving.”

Last week, Wall, who is partway into his third term as Premier of Saskatchewan, announced his plan to retire from politics.

In a video released on Facebook on Thursday morning, Wall said he has asked the Saskatchewan Party to begin the process of selecting a new leader, adding that he plans to remain in office until the leader is chosen.

Noting that he’d long considered the 10-year mark a good time for re-evaluation, Wall said he and his wife had reached a consensus.

“Together with Tami, I have decided that now is the time for renewal — for my party, for the government, for the province,” he said.

Brkich said the caucus had been informed of Wall’s plans roughly a day in advance of the announcement.

The MLA said he was in Saskatoon early on Thursday and had stopped in a few towns on his way down to Davidson.

During his travels, he said he was approached by multiple people, some of whom said Wall was the best premier the province has had.

Some expressed sadness, and most asked him to convey their warm wishes and thanks to the premier for his service.

For the full story, please see the Aug. 14 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Not everyone may like Don Wilkins’s latest creation.

The Girvin-area farmer and sculptor told Davidson town council, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that his new metal sculpture, depicting two ravens poking at a nest, may not sit well with those who regard the birds as pests.

“I know the subject matter is a bit controversial,” he said, adding later, “I think everybody respects a raven.”

Wilkins visited as a delegate during town council’s regular meeting on Tuesday to discuss the raven sculpture, which he offered as a gift to the town.

Gratitude was evident on the faces of the mayor and councillors as they accepted the gift.

“We appreciate what you’ve done for us, it’s just fantastic,” said Mayor Tyler Alexander.

Wilkins’s metal sculptures, depicting scenes from the region’s history, are a fixture along Highway 11.

Among his works are a total of 16 reproductions of Red River carts, designed after the two-wheeled carts used by 19th-century Métis settlers.

Wilkins said he envisions the raven sculpture being placed on a pole between 15 and 18 feet high, along with an interpretive plaque.

“I need a substantial pole underneath it,” he said, adding that suspending the sculpture would protect it from vandalism or theft.

Wilkins said he sought input from the council as to where the sculpture should be placed, in hopes that it could be installed by this fall.

He and the councillors discussed some potential locations, including the business district, the rest stop and the walking trail, with a decision to be made in the near future.

Council also agreed that Communities in Bloom should be consulted if the sculpture is to be located on property maintained by that committee.

Alexander offered the use of town equipment to aid in the sculpture’s installation.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — An organic waste pickup program for Davidson could be up and running as early as this fall.

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, town councillors welcomed a representative from Loraas Disposal Services to talk about his company’s offerings.

The company has recently begun offering an organics collection program, with several municipalities, including Warman and Rosetown, already on board.

Continue reading Council keen on Loraas compost proposal →