By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — Nine months after Sheree Fertuck went missing, her family is still waiting to learn her fate.

The 51-year-old mother and grandmother disappeared in December of last year and has not been seen or heard from since then.

Police announced in April that they believed Fertuck was the victim of homicide, but they have yet to lay charges in the case.

Her mother, Juliann Sorotski, said the family is holding on “as best as we can … (We) just hope and pray the police will come up with something soon.”

“Maybe somebody will talk soon, or some kind of evidence will be found,” she said Wednesday.

Sorotski asked the public to keep their eyes and ears open for any clues, adding, “However small, it’s very important to the police.”

The RCMP Major Crimes South unit issued an update on Sept. 7, asking the public to keep an eye out for anything suspicious as harvest continues and hunting season begins.

Residents are asked to check rural properties, outbuildings and other areas, as they are out working in farm fields or hunting game.

Police said in the update that they have received multiple tips from the public, and they encourage anyone with information, “however big or small,” to contact them as they continue the search.

Fertuck was last seen leaving the family farmyard east of Kenaston on Dec. 7, around 1:30 p.m.

A semi truck used by Fertuck to haul gravel was found the next morning at a gravel pit further east off of Highway 15, with her cellphone, keys and coat inside.

In the weeks following her disappearance, local residents gathered to organize search parties.

Multiple RCMP units, including local detachments, Search and Rescue, Police Dog Service, Civil Air Search and Rescue, and the Underwater Recovery Team, have also contributed to the investigation.

Police said in April that they were conducting targeted searches in the Kenaston area, but have not announced any findings since then.

At the time she was last seen, Fertuck was wearing a grey sweater, grey sweatpants, white running shoes and eyeglasses.

She has not made contact with her family since her disappearance. Nor has there been any banking activity recorded or any use of her cellphone or passport.

Sorotski said she is in regular contact with police, though they have had little information to share lately.

“I talk to the head investigator probably once every two weeks,” she said.

Gene Whitehead, who led local search efforts last winter, said no community searches are planned at present.

He asked local residents to “keep an eye out for anything that’s out of the normal,” but added that previous searches had been thorough and exhaustive.

Organizers had hoped that the onset of summer would assist search efforts by causing sloughs to dry up, but continued high levels of rain have dashed those hopes.

“Just about every vacant building in the area here was checked in December,” said Whitehead.

Fertuck was living and working from the Sorotski family farm at the time of her disappearance.

She and her husband Greg had been separated for around five years. He has since been identified in court documents as a suspect in her disappearance and presumed death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment or phone Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — Village residents rolled out the red carpet for recent arrivals to Kenaston at a welcome barbecue held in their honour on Wednesday.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and cake with ice cream were served at the annual event, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at Kenaston Place.

About 60 people attended the event in total, which was open to the general public as well as newcomers.

“We hope you don’t mind if we take this opportunity to shake hands and say hello,” Mayor ML Whittles said during a brief address.

She told the guests of honour she hoped they found the village peaceful, friendly and welcoming, and encouraged them to get involved with their new community.

Organizers had identified 14 households that had moved to town since last August — including families, couples and singles — and sent invitations to all of them. Of those, five attended the event.

Susan Anholt, the chamber’s secretary-treasurer, said they understand people are busy, adding that they appreciated the response and being able to attach names to faces.

“It was good to be able to do that,” she said. “Any time you get community together, it’s a good thing.”

For the full story, please see the Aug. 22 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe.

By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — They may be a small class from a small town, but that won’t stop Kenaston School’s class of 2016 from dreaming big dreams.

The class of three — Austin Evans, Ruby Powder and Tessa Tomlenovich — was celebrated during the graduation exercises, held Wednesday night at Kenaston Place.

“Small Town, Big Dreams” was the fitting theme for the trio, recognized as the smallest graduating class in school history.

A large crowd gathered for the program, with principal Greg McJannet and teacher Phil Guebert serving as the masters of ceremonies.

Throughout the evening, the graduates were encouraged to pursue those dreams and to make the most of the adventure that lies ahead of them.

“The opportunities for all of you are endless,” said Sun West School Division board trustee John Collins. “We wish you the best of luck as you go out to take on the world.”

Tessa Tomlenovich gave the tribute to the parents, with the mothers — Tammy Evans, Tammy Powder and Cindy Tomlenovich — providing the response.

Austin Evans made the tribute to the coaches, with the response provided by John Jamieson and Daniel Marsh.

Ruby Powder gave the tribute to the staff, while administrative assistant Carol Lewis offered the response.

The evening saw some repeated jokes at the students’ expense. Much was made of Austin Lewis’s penchant for shooting pen caps into the ceilings of Kenaston School.

Speakers made at least five references to Tessa Tomlenovich’s reputation for running late, while Ruby Powder was recognized as the “newbie,” having only joined the class in time for Grade 10.

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