By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — In their brief lives, Addison and Emma Surine shared a lot of love and touched many hearts.

Their story will continue to encourage and inspire people, thanks to a new book published by their grandmother.

Cheryl Black of Davidson is the author of “Two Little Fairies,” a picture book inspired by her twin granddaughters.

Addison and Emma were born Feb. 2, 2015, to Cheryl’s son Dan Surine and his wife Melissa.

Within a few months, both girls had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease that affects muscles throughout the body.

The girls were soon accepted to take part in a trial for a new drug. The family moved from Saskatoon to British Columbia temporarily, and family, friends and others raised thousands of dollars to help them.

But the girls’ health continued to decline over the following months.

Emma died in her sleep on Dec. 25, 2015. About a month later, Addison’s parents took her along on a walk on her birthday, and by the time they came home she had passed away.

Black said the idea for the story came to her almost instantly. She published the book, her first, late last year.

“That was just a huge calling once the girls left,” she said. “I didn’t have any choice but to do that.”

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Murad Al-Katib continues to bring home the hardware.

The Davidson native and entrepreneur founder of AGT Foods was among the recipients of the Senate Sesquicentennial Medal. Also receiving the honour at a Jan. 22 ceremony at the Legislative building in Regina were weekly newspaper publisher Alison Squires of Wadena and Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Pamela Wallin, a Wadena native, made the presentations.

This specially minted medal marks the Senate’s 150th anniversary and honours individuals who have improved their community with exceptional generosity, time and dedication.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — More than six years after he began working for the Town of Davidson, Ron Klassen said he’s happy to have solid working relationships with local officials and residents.

The bylaw enforcement officer visited town council during their regular meeting on Jan. 16 to provide updates on his recent work here.

He also sought feedback from council, and almost all of what he heard was positive.

“You’ve been doing a great job,” said Mayor Tyler Alexander, acknowledging that

Klassen has faced some backlash from certain residents while enforcing certain bylaws.

Nonetheless, the mayor said, those regulations need to be enforced.

Prior to Klassen’s hiring in August 2011, the enforcement of bylaws was handled by town office staff.

Alexander said hiring an officer to carry out that work has offloaded a significant volume of stress for those employees.

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