The Leader invited the five candidates in the Dakota-Arm River riding to introduce themselves to voters through a question-and-answer format, and to submit a photograph. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to 200 words or fewer. They are listed in alphabetical order.

The following four candidates replied. (Jordan Reynolds of the Green Party was unable to meet the Leader’s deadline.)

Please get out and mark your ballot during Voting Week — Oct. 22-28.

Raymond Carrick: Progressive Conservative Party of Sask.

Residence: I live on a farm at Eyebrow.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

From people in the constituency, I am hearing we need a change of government.
What are your priorities for this constituency?

I support a better health care system for rural Saskatchewan, responsible use of water (irrigation, using grey instead of putting the water back in river or streams, and investigations into foreign investment of farm land.

Why should people vote for you?

I believe in honesty and common sense in government.
As a political party, we need to balance the budget and pay the debt off.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I hope voters will come out to vote and I will be thankful for your support.

******

Darren Ebenal: Sask. United Party

Occupation and residence: Currently farming with my oldest son and reside in the Davidson area. Previous employment: municipal government, oil/gas and potash industries.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

Affordability, accountability and delivery of service in health and education.

What are your priorities for this constituency?

To conduct myself in a moral/ethical standard as I help our constituency/constituents navigate the bureaucratic system.  Which SUP believes is too large, with too many barriers.

Why should people vote for you?

The fact that I’m the only candidate that lives in the constituency. My work history and personality allow me to engage challenging conversation and situations confidently. I believe considering these aspects, makes me a responsible choice.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Vote! Do not let yourself be influenced by others, do your research and vote with your conscience.

******

Barret Kropf: Sask. Party

Occupation and residence: Professional Coach living in Caronport.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

Affordability is the main topic heard as we have knocked on over 4,000 doors in the riding and attended countless events. Dakota Arm River constituents appreciate the Sask. Party platform of growing the economy which creates opportunities in small-town Saskatchewan and gives us a bright future! 

What are your priorities for this constituency?

Our priorities are to help small communities flourish and stay safe! Giving the humble hard-working people of rural Saskatchewan the tools they need to continue growing and pursuing excellence! The grad retention tax credit, the doubling of the ice arena grant, rebate to train more Class 1 drivers … these are such great initiatives for communities in Dakota Arm River. Combined with a lowering of the provincial income tax and an increase in the seniors’ personal home care benefit makes this election all about affordability for all! 

Why should people vote for you?

I’ve logged tens of thousands of kilometres in the last 10 months to cover the riding from corner to corner, and meeting thousands of amazing people. My intention was for Dakota Arm River residents to meet me and see that I care! That I’m committed to protecting family values, being a great listener and then being a strong voice for our riding at the legislature.

*****

Jordan Wiens: NDP Candidate for Dakota-Arm River

Occupation and residence: Research agrologist. I reside in Saskatoon but I work throughout the constituency. Our shop is north of Dundurn and when I’m not there, you can find me at our plot sites in Outlook, Broderick, Davidson, Bethune, and Imperial.

As you campaign, what are you hearing from constituents?

I’ve been hearing about how hard it is for people to access health care as well as get quality education for their kids. In addition, the high cost of living and tax hikes are really hurting everyone. I’ve also heard from people who have lost some faith in Saskatchewan Party MLAs. After 17 years in power, they seem out of touch with the issues working people are facing. 

What are your priorities for this constituency?

I’ll be a tireless advocate for health care. Saskatchewan people deserve health care when and where they need it. 

In addition, the Saskatchewan NDP’s will put more money back into peoples’ pockets by suspending the gas tax and cutting the provincial sales tax off of groceries and children’s clothing. 

Why should people vote for you?

After 17 years, it’s time for a change.

I’m working hard to earn the trust of the people of this constituency and I’m ready to be a strong voice for them in the Legislature.

Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP have a fully costed plan to get us out of last place in education and health care and make life more affordable. 

November 21, 1940 – September 15, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband and father Tom on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at St Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with his family by his side. Tom will be missed by his wife Audrey, daughters Karen and Kim (JR – Jada and Chris), his sisters Jenny, Elaine (Mike) and Doreen. Also survived by Audrey’s siblings and spouses, numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Tom was predeceased by his parents Harry and Ellen, father and mother in-law Wes and Mary, brother in-law Alex, nephew Kevin and niece Nicole. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at the Sacred Heart Parish in Davidson, SK on Thursday October 24 at 1 p.m., immediately followed by lunch and refreshments in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Tom’s name to the Davidson Volunteer Fire Department and the St Paul’s Palliative Care Unit. Private family interment at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home Davidson.

Isobel Landin was born June 19, 1942, and passed away September 26, 2024, in Moose Jaw, SK.

Isobel was born to Anne (nee McNeil) and Angus Sinclair and became a little sister to John. The family lived in Girvin, SK where they ran the hardware store. They also farmed grain and raised livestock. Later, Davidson, SK became home.

Isobel decided she wanted to be a hairdresser so trained in Saskatoon and later ran her own shop in Davidson.

Isobel married and later became a mother to her daughter Stacey in 1968. After the marriage ended, Isobel and Stacey moved to Saskatoon. A few years later, a job offer to teach hairdressing in Moose Jaw came and off they went.  Moose Jaw was home from 1977 on.  After teaching, Isobel was a store clerk and then found Home Care. This work was her pride and joy; caring for and cheering on her clients was her specialty for 28 years until retirement.

While working at Home Care, Isobel saw a lack of fairness and decided to do something about it. She found strength she didn’t know she had and joined with coworkers to form a Union. As a result, working conditions saw a vast improvement that she was so proud of. Isobel was empowered by and immensely proud of her Unions SGEU and SEIU and the greater Labour Movement.

Isobel’s life’s work though was raising and caring for Stacey.  This is where she truly excelled and surely spent much time frustrated and exasperated as Stacey grew into an independent and motivated woman with a loud voice often spattered with curse words. Isobel’s pride in Stacey’s accomplishments large and small was immeasurable. Isobel loved Stacey’s friends as her own. Once Yogi came into Stacey’s life, she cared for and loved him in the same way. Her friends were innumerable and she loved them dearly, with Joan and Jim Cross and family and Phyllis Heath topping the list.

Stacey’s political activism drew Isobel in, and she became a dedicated New Democrat. She involved herself wherever she could. Just days before she passed, she asked Stacey to arrange for a mail-in ballot for the upcoming Provincial Election.  That order was made and approved and it’s certain she will be upset it couldn’t be cast but she certainly will be cheering from the sidelines.

Isobel will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul. She was a Superwoman for her family and close friends. She loved to sew, quilt, crochet and bake. She had a love for game shows, scratch tickets, word searches, kids and dogs.

Isobel was predeceased by her mother Anne (1987), father Angus (2008) and brother John (2018) along with dear Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many dear friends.

Left to mourn are her daughter Stacey (Yogi Weber), bonus grandchildren Whitney Meacher (Rick) and Kevin (Lauren) Meacher; beloved great-grandchildren Cecelia, Spencer and Georgia; and her treasured granddogs Lily and Louie along with dear friends and family. Mom we will miss and love you forever.  Thank you for being everything we needed.

We wish to thank Dr. Brabant, F.H. Wigmore Hospital ER and Medical Ward staff for their kind and gentle care of Isobel and our family.

The Funeral Service for Isobel was held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral home.  Pastor Doug Shepherd officiated. Flowers are gratefully declined.  Those so wishing may direct donations to The Moose Jaw Humane Society Box 1658 Station Main Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7 or Hunger in Moose Jaw Inc. 269 Stadacona St. West Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1Z4.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

July 23, 1946 – September 30, 2024

Ronald passed away peacefully at his residence, Cozy Nest Care Home. He is predeceased by his parents, Bernard (Wilma) Jess, his parents-in-law Paul (Helen) Kerpan, his sister and brother-in-law Irene (Roger) Christensen and his brother-in-law Darryl Kerpan.

He leaves behind his loving wife Karen, his four children, Kevin (Pam), Bradley, Coralee (Kevin) Vollmer and Loretta (Mark) Anderson, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Ron was an avid farmer, and he loved gardening and planting flowers. They moved to Saskatoon to be closer to Karen’s dialysis until his passing. A special thank you to the staff at Cozy Nest Care Home who made his last few days peaceful.

No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

M.L. Whittles of Kenaston received the Coronation Medal at a ceremony on Sept. 10. The medal was  presented to her by the Government of Saskatchewan at the King Charles III Coronation Medal ceremony in Saskatoon. The medal was awarded to recognize M.L.’s service and contributions to Saskatchewan and Canada. 

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. This medal is a tangible way to acknowledge significant contributions and achievements of citizens across the country while also honouring His Majesty’s service to Canada.

Kenaston residents, along with the surrounding communities, celebrate the accomplishments of M.L. Whittles. “Congratulations M.L.! We are so proud of you and look forward to your continued work with the Government and the SHA.”

(This information was submitted to the Leader.)

National Hockey League icon Lanny McDonald owes his life to three quick-thinking bystanders after going into cardiac arrest at Calgary International Airport in February 2024.

One of those honoured for saving McDonald was Davidson nurse Sheri Warkentin. Warkentin, Rajdeep Cheemaand Denise Geck, were in the right place at the right time for the former Calgary Flame and Toronto Maple Leaf winger. The three were honoured by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) on Sept. 13 in Calgary.

When recalling the incident, Warkentin told the Calgary Herald she was with her husband when they came around a corner in the airport and “things just looked weird.” They kept walking before noticing a man on the ground who appeared to be receiving CPR. She remembers handing her bag to her husband and rushing to help. “My brain was going so fast,” she said when recalling the events of the day. Warkentin didn’t know who the man she helped was until a police officer approached her later in the airport and let her know it was McDonald.

“I would have helped anyone,” she said. Warkentin and the officer exchanged information, and he later nominated her, along with the two other civilians, for the award. On the CPS Facebook page, the department shared the story of their actions on that night.

On Feb. 4, 2024, Rajdeep Cheema noticed a man experiencing a medical emergency at the Calgary International Airport, and immediately began performing CPR. Two off-duty nurses, Sheri Warkentin and Denise Geck, had just gotten off an incoming flight and were walking to their connecting flight, when they recognized the medical event in progress. Sheri and Denise quickly took over performing CPR, allowing Rajdeep to find a nearby AED. A CPS member (Jose Cives) quickly rushed over, and together, the four of them tirelessly worked to re-establish the man’s heart rhythm, alternating between CPR and using the AED, ultimately saving his life. (McDonald) was stabilized and transported to hospital where he recovered.

We are honouring Rajdeep Cheema, Sheri Warkentin and Denise Geck with the Award of Exceptional Recognition for Lifesaving,” the post said without mentioning McDonald or Cives by name. McDonald was happy to be at the ceremony with those who saved his life.

“It was an honour for Ardell and I to attend the event last night, and with pride watched my life savers Jose, Denise, Sheri, and Rajdeep receive their awards,” McDonald said. “As the recipient of not only their excellent training, but of their selflessness and care, I cannot explain my gratitude for their brave actions. 

“We were humbled to sit in a room full of heroes, surrounded by first responders and citizens alike who have made a difference in so many lives.“ I have four new lifelong friends,” he added, “and I could not be prouder to know these amazing individuals.”

(Information from the Calgary Herald and CTV Calgary.)