Main street packed as car clubs host meet in Midway Town

Moose Jaw resident Brennen Duncan gives a quick clean to his customized 2003 Acura RSX Type S.
Moose Jaw resident Brennen Duncan gives a quick clean to his customized 2003 Acura RSX Type S.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — There were hot rods, classic cruisers and custom jobs of every make, model and size.

And because the show was happening in Saskatchewan, there was one tractor, as required by custom.

Outskirts, a car show co-organized by two city clubs, drew upwards of 100 vehicles, along with hundreds of enthusiasts and spectators, to Davidson’s Washington Avenue on July 10.

Though the threat of stormy weather loomed overhead, the rain held off until late in the afternoon, providing a pleasant afternoon for the show.

Along with the vehicles on display, Riverbend Co-op set up a barbecue with proceeds going to the Davidson Playschool Association. A bouncy castle and free snowcones were also provided.

The show was a combined effort between Dodologic, a Regina-based club, and the Saskatoon-based Redline Society.

All involved said they were pleased with the turnout and response, and that ideally, the event would carry on next year.

“We have everything from classics to imports to muscle cars, old hot rods,” said co-organizer Josh Duchin. “It’s anyone and anything.”

Co-organizer Tyler Lakeman said the two clubs often hold meets in their respective cities, but decided to try meeting up in the Midway Town.

For the full story, please see the July 18 edition of The Davidson Leader, or phone 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

Obituary: Buchholz, Melanie

Melanie Buchholz
Melanie Buchholz

Melanie Edith Buchholz (Metz)

It is with great sadness that we the family announce the passing of Melanie Edith Buchholz (Metz) on June 22, 2016. Melanie was born June 20, 1946 in Regina, Sask., and continued to live there during her education and clerical work at the Catholic School Board. In 1974, she met and married Edward Buchholz, who became the love of her life. After marrying, Melanie moved to a grain farm outside Davidson, Sask., where they were blessed with twins, Lorena and Paul in 1975 and another son, Marc in 1982. Melanie and Edward farmed for the next 30 years until Edward’s death in 2005. Melanie continued to live in Davidson and then moved to Wakaw, Sask., for the last five years to be around her children more. Melanie adored her two grandchildren, Lily and Luke. She devoted her whole life to making a welcoming and loving home for her husband and children. She was greatly loved, adored and cherished and this profound loss will linger in our hearts.

Melanie was predeceased by her husband Edward; father John; mother Florence; sister Marilyn and brother Murray.

Melanie is survived by her children and grandchildren: Lorena (Darrell) Sosnowski and daughter Lily, Paul (Bonnie) Buchholz and son Luke and Marc Buchholz as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Melanie’s celebration of life was held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Davidson, on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Lutheran Church in Davidson, Sask., in Melanie’s name.

Arrangements in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home (306-567-2020).

Obituary: McNabb, Willard

Willard McNabb
Willard McNabb

McNabb, Willard Harvey
October 8, 1931 — July 14, 2016

Willard passed away peacefully at the age of 84 at the Davidson Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Norma Patricia (Holder) and their children Colleen Couldwell, Kim McNabb (Jeannine) and Lorna Bezaire (Gerry); grandchildren Catherine Stephens (Austin), Ryan Couldwell (Annie Marie), Colin Couldwell (Kerry), Ashley McNabb, Brayden McNabb, Cara McNabb, Dean McNabb, Shae Bezaire, Erin Bezaire and Jackson Bezaire; great-grandchildren Mason and Elliot Stephens and Sage Couldwell.

Willard was predeceased by father Victor, mother Viola, sister Evelyn, brother Carman and son-in-law John Couldwell.

Willard enjoyed family, being at the farm and music. He was independent and enjoyed life right up until he left us because of a sudden illness.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the Davidson United Church. Interment to follow at the Davidson Cemetery.

If people wish to make donations on Willard’s behalf, they can give to their local charity of choice.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Lang and all of the staff at Davidson Health Centre, including the EMS.

Arrangements in care of Todd Lockwood at Hanson’s Funeral Home 306-567-2020.

Mother Nature flexes her muscles

A grain bin rolled across Highway 11 and collided with the rest stop building near the Giant Coffee Pot.
A grain bin rolled across Highway 11 and collided with the rest stop building near the Giant Coffee Pot.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — A severe summer storm hit Davidson and area Sunday night, cutting power to thousands of customers, knocking down trees and damaging a number of homes and businesses.

The storm’s stay was brief — rolling through around midnight and clearing before long — but residents were coping with its effects for days afterward.

Public works foreman Doug Torrie said Thursday that he and his staff had been busy since Monday morning, clearing fallen trees and branches, cutting them up and carting them off in the garbage truck.

“We wanted to get the main streets open up first,” he said, explaining that a fallen tree blocking Grant Street near Second Street was their top priority.

The crew of six also had to clean up trees blocking roads at the Davidson campground, and by Thursday they were working at the cemetery.

Despite working continuously, Torrie said he and his staff were having a hard time keeping up with demand and still had plenty of work ahead of them.

“We’re working on it as fast as we can,” he said.

Heather Johnson, a spokesperson for SaskPower, said roughly 2,800 customers in Davidson and area were left without power when the storm struck just after midnight on Monday morning.

A fallen tree branch that severed a power line on Olds Place was to blame for the outage, said Johnson.

It was a busy night for SaskPower employees, dealing with similar situations across multiple regions.

“They got things back as quickly and safely as they could,” said Johnson.

She said power was restored around 2:45 a.m., although some customers reported having experienced continued outages for several hours afterward.

Much of the surrounding area saw similar outages due to the storm. Downed poles caused an extended outage for customers in Watrous and district, including Imperial, Simpson, Liberty, Penzance and Holdfast.

Customers in the Lake Diefenbaker district were also without power early Monday morning, including Loreburn, Elbow and the surrounding rural area.

For the full story and more photos, please see the July 11 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

Jam-packed long weekend in Craik

Craik's long weekend festivities included a fireworks show, delayed to Saturday night.
Craik’s long weekend festivities included a fireworks show, delayed to Saturday night.

By Kevin Gilby

CRAIK — Despite a strong effort by Mother Nature, families in Craik and district enjoyed a full Canada Day long weekend rich with activities for all ages.

The Craik Regional Park kicked off the weekend on Friday with lots of family-oriented activities, including a trade show, face painting and various games.

One of the organizers, gatekeeper Robbi Bagg, said, “It was just friendly overall. I think a lot of people enjoyed it.”

She also commented on how events like these help bring communities together, explaining, “It wasn’t even just people from Craik. There were people from Davidson, from Aylesbury, from everywhere.”

“There was even someone from the States passing through that stopped by,” Bagg added.

Inclement weather halted the activities early in the evening, including the planned fireworks show.

But as quickly as the storm came, organizers were able to convince the Craik and District Lions Club to host the show during their fair on Saturday.

The Lions event was one of the most ambitious in the club’s history. Club members graciously accepted help from beyond their ranks to pull off a day packed with attractions and activities.

For the full story and photos, please see the July 11 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

Davidson lad makes family proud at first rodeo

Kade McConnell of Davidson is pictured riding Cheyanne, an 18-year-old Paint mare.
Kade McConnell of Davidson is pictured riding Cheyanne, an 18-year-old Paint mare.

By Joel van der Veen

BIGGAR — A family tradition carried on to the next generation last weekend as Kade McConnell took part in his first rodeo.

The 12-year-old Davidson boy was among the contestants in the Biggar Rodeo, held July 1 and 2 and organized by the Kakeyow Cowboys Rodeo Association.

His mother Karen said Kade has been riding horseback for several years, joining his great-grandfather on the fair circuit and helping to drive and show his draft horses.

This past weekend was his first competitive event, as he took part in the junior team roping events on both Friday and Saturday.

“He was extremely excited,” said Karen, adding that several relatives, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, were also there for the occasion.

Kade was partnered with Virgil Kiefer, who was previously Karen’s rodeo partner and is now employed as a cowhand near Birch Hills.

He was riding Cheyanne, an 18-year-old Paint mare and a veteran of the rodeo circuit.

For the full story, please see the July 11 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan