Category Archives: featured

Craik, featured

New task force would take on Craik nuisance bylaw violations

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By Joel van der Veen

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.

Craik, Davidson, featured, Sports

Local players making an impact with midget Mavericks

Charly Nolting of the Moose Jaw Mavericks attempts a shot during a Dec. 20 game against the Estevan Power Tech Panthers at Affinity Place.
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.

(With files from Jamie Harkins)

Davidson, featured

Cadets in crisis: Head office sets deadline for local squadron

Former cadet Jaclyn Edwards performs her duties as reviewing officer during the 553 Sherlock Squadron's annual review on June 1 at Davidson Town Hall.
Former cadet Jaclyn Edwards performs her duties as reviewing officer during the 553 Sherlock Squadron’s annual review on June 1 at Davidson Town Hall.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — The days of a local Air Cadets squadron may soon be numbered if enrolment doesn’t increase soon, parents heard at a special meeting last week in Davidson.

Area director Gordon McRae said a meeting was held Monday night to update parents on the future of 553 Sherlock Squadron.

Area officer Patricia Mitchell told those gathered that the squadron must increase its enrolment to 15 cadets by mid-February, or this season could be its last.

“She was honest with us,” said McRae. “They set us a deadline.”

The local squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets has been active in Davidson and district since 1985, but the number of cadets has gradually dropped over the last decade and a half.

A total of seven cadets are registered at present, up from four at the end of last year, but down considerably from previous years. (By contrast, 30 cadets were enrolled for the 1998-99 season.)

A further complication comes from the recent announcement that commanding officer Capt. Krystal Klenk-Potts is moving to Lanigan and will join the 797 Lanigan Knights of Columbus Squadron there.

McRae said the Air Cadets head office has been patient with Sherlock Squadron, owing to the enthusiasm and involvement of its cadets.

He added that the local group has been “on probation” for around five years, and that they have now reached a point where it is no longer feasible for the squadron to continue to operate.

“Small numbers hurt more than you realize,” he said. “They don’t get the full potential out of the squadron.”

While the cadets have used events like open houses and the annual ceremonial review to promote the program, McRae said word of mouth has proven to be the most effective means of spreading the word.

“We get the most results when the cadets talk about the program themselves,” he said.

The Air Cadets program is open to youth aged 12 through 19 and is aimed at promoting physical fitness, teaching leadership and citizenship, and stimulating interest in the Canadian Forces.

Outdoor activities include survival, marksmanship and aviation training. Cadets can also perform community service and develop skills like effective speaking.

The 553 Sherlock Squadron meets on Mondays at Davidson Town Hall.

Craik, featured

Lions host seniors at annual supper

Elva McDougall clearly made the good list this year. She is pictured receiving her gift at the Craik and District Lions Club seniors supper.
Elva McDougall clearly made the good list this year. She is pictured receiving her gift at the Craik and District Lions Club seniors supper.

By Kevin Gilby

CRAIK — The Craik and District Lions Club held its annual Seniors Supper on Dec. 6. With nearly 100 people in attendance, the service club was kept busy making sure everyone was treated to a filling meal.

The Lions have held an annual Seniors Supper for over 40 years. With dates fluctuating over the years, the group settled on an early turkey feast this year to ensure people wouldn’t have tired of the seasonal treat already.

According to Lions member Dan Exelby, the volunteers offered their ovens and cooking skills to prepare eight turkeys, plus all the desserts and fixings one could want.

Keeping with tradition, the group also donated a turkey to the Craik and District Health Centre and made deliveries to 18 people unable to attend on Sunday.

Following the meal, Lions president Nyree Swanson brought out her guitar and led everyone along with a variety of Christmas carols.

Santa made a special visit to reward guests on his “Good List.” In all, 24 people received a chocolate treat. Lions member Kati Ball had attempted to provide chocolate “coal” to everyone who wasn’t “nice,” but couldn’t find a supplier in time.

The Lions pride themselves on serving their communities throughout the year with a variety of fundraisers and social functions to help build a strong community spirit.

featured, Kenaston

Search continues for Kenaston woman

Sheree Fertuck is seen here with her children Lanna, Lauren and Lucas in this undated family photo.
Sheree Fertuck is seen here with her children Lanna, Lauren and Lucas in this undated family photo.

By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — Despite the efforts of friends, family and police, there remained no word late last week on the whereabouts of Kenaston resident Sheree Fertuck.

The 51-year-old mother of three was last seen leaving the family farmyard east of Kenaston near Highway 15 on Dec. 7, around 1:30 p.m.

A semi truck used by Fertuck to haul gravel was located around 8 a.m. the following day at a gravel pit further east off of Highway 15.

Police announced Friday afternoon that, following several days of investigation, they were treating Fertuck’s disappearance as suspicious.

Her mother, Juliann Sorotski, said she had become concerned about her daughter and had found the truck on Tuesday morning, prior to filing a missing persons report with the police. She later  told CBC that the keys and Fertuck’s phone were still inside the truck when she found it.

“I was just hoping that I would find her, or find some kind of clue of where she might have been,” Sorotski told the Leader.

She also contacted friends and family, asking if they’d heard from Fertuck or seen any trace of her since Monday night.

John M. McJannet, a long-time neighbour and friend of the Sorotskis, said a group of seven went back to the gravel pit to see if they could find any evidence there.

“We drove down and had a quick look around,” he said, adding that police arrived later and asked the searchers to leave so the area could be contained. “The RCMP showed up and that was pretty much the end of that.”

Members of the Saskatoon RCMP detachment conducted a ground search of the area on Tuesday evening with assistance from the detachment’s police dog service.

(Continued from Page 1)

Also lending a hand with the investigation were members from the RCMP Major Crime Unit South, the Saskatoon RCMP General Investigation Section and the RCMP Historical Case Unit North.

“At this point, investigators cannot say if Sheree’s disappearance is suspicious,” read the release issued Wednesday. “It is certainly out of character for her to be out of contact with her family.”

In a statement issued Friday, police declared that the case was being treated as suspicious, given that their investigation had so far revealed that “Sheree was a person of habit and predictable behaviours.”

Flyers were posted in and around Kenaston. Additional units joined the investigation over the course of the week, and police issued a request to local residents to check their property, outbuildings and surrounding areas for any signs of unusual activity, including shoe or vehicle tracks.

Police specifically requested any information on sightings of Fertuck, her truck or suspicious activity in the area between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

Anyone who was travelling in the area or near the GPS co-ordinates North 51 degrees 2951.3, West 105 degrees 5505.5, and who may have taken video or photo images during that timeframe, is asked to contact police immediately.

Given the circumstances, Sorotski said she suspects strongly that Fertuck was abducted, adding, “I’m just hoping she can be found by somebody.”

Fertuck is the daughter of Juliann and the late Michael Sorotski. She is the mother of three children: Lucas, 22; Lauren, 19; and Lanna, 17.

She was living and working from the farm at the time of her disappearance. She and her husband Greg have been separated for around five years, her mother said last week.

Fertuck is described as around 5’4” in height and weighing 250 lbs., with greying brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a grey sweater and white running shoes.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Saskatoon RCMP detachment at 306-975-5145 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Davidson, featured

Restored Model 21 is cream of crop

Gary Allan (right) and Willard McNabb combine wheat with a vintage Massey Harris Model 21 combine.
Gary Allan (right) and Willard McNabb combine wheat with a vintage Massey Harris Model 21 combine.

By Tara de Ryk

DAVIDSON — A demonstration of sorts has been going on this harvest in a field southwest of Davidson.

An antique self-propelled Massey Harris Model 21 combine from the late 1940s has been working its way through a small patch of wheat.

At its wheel is Gary Allan who restored the machine and got it ready for harvest.

It works like a charm and has brought great pleasure to not only Gary, but to many retired farmers who used similar machines back in their day. They’ve been dropping by Allan’s farm to see the combine in action.

Willard McNabb stopped by one beautiful Friday afternoon to take a turn on the combine. McNabb had used a Model 21 on his farm. Also there were Lee Walker, Lyle Wightman and Bob Palmer. They appreciated seeing the machine in action and taking a ride on it.

It brought back fond memories for the men.

“I used a pull-type combine. I couldn’t afford these fancy self-propelled machines,” Lee Walker said.

It’s quite a stretch in 2015 to think of the Model 21 as a “fancy” machine.

Without a cab, let alone GPS, auto-steering, variable speed drive or power steering, the 21 is as basic as it gets.

As Gary explains, “There’s only one control: up or down. You put it in gear open the throttle and go.”

But back in the early 1940s when Massey Harris started making them, the Model 21, and its forerunner the Model 20, were the cutting edge of technology.

Before self-propelled combines, farmers either cut grain with a binder, stooked it and then had it threshed; or used a pull-type combine that was pulled behind a horse or a tractor.

Lyle Wightman, who took a turn on Gary’s 21, farmed with a Cockshutt self-propelled combine. He had it for about 15 years.

“I started farming pretty young. I was 13 when I went out of school and went pitching bundles in the fall. I’d do our own and then go with the outfit.”

It was his favourite way to harvest grain.

“I loved pitching bundles. I threshed lots with a team of horses and a rack. I loved it,” Wightman said.

Besides the nostalgia the Model 21 has for farmers who recall using them back in the day, the story behind the 21 is significant.

The Model 20, Massey Harris’s self-propelled prototype combine was built in the late 1930s and early 1940s, designed for large-scale farms in the U.S. and Argentina. In the early 1940s Massey Harris produced the smaller Model 21 so that instead of producing a few machines for big farms, it could sell a large number of machines to small farms.

The combine did all the jobs of the binder and threshing machine. It cut the grain and separated the wheat from the chaff. The self-propelled combine did all this plus it had an engine and drive shaft and had just enough power to get the job done, freeing up more powerful, and fuel-loving, tractors for other work.

The Model 21 caught on with farmers, however, during the Second World War, a shortage of steel due to military rationing, limited production. Massey Harris created the “Harvest Brigade” after convincing the U.S. government to allow the company to build a fleet of 500 MH-21s that would start harvesting in the southern states of the Great Plains and move north, following the ripening crop.

To read the full story, along with other articles and photos featuring local farmers and the agricultural industry, please pick up a copy of the Oct. 5 Davidson Leader, or watch your mailbox for the Leader’s “Salute to Agriculture,” being sent to almost 3,000 households across the region.