Davidson, featured

Davidson town councillor resigns

The Town of Davidson has put out a call for nominations for a town councillor position a mere five months after the last municipal election.

Doug Gilchrist, who won a seat around the council table in the Oct. 24 election with a total of 218 votes, resigned as a Davidson councillor last Tuesday in a letter to council citing “unforeseen circumstances.” His resignation is effective immediately.

“When I first put my name forward there was more time in my day,” said Gilchrist. “It was something I could have handled and something I was interested in. I still am interested in the way the town runs. Its just sometimes life happens and you just all of a sudden don’t have time anymore.”

Starting today, nomination papers can be picked up at Town Hall for the vacant councillor position. Nomination forms can then be handed in to the town until 4 p.m. March 13. If more than one person vies for the spot, a byelection will be held April 17.

To run for council, a candidate would have to live in Davidson for at least three months previous to the Election Day in April and in Saskatchewan for six months. Candidates must also be 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen. Five electors, who have the same qualifications as the candidate, but only have to own land in town instead of actually live here, must sign the nomination form.

Donna Bessey, Davidson community development coordinator, said “it was unfortunate to see him resign” as the town needs business people and younger people around the council table to help move the town forward. She said a resignation does affect council business, as now a person will come in with no previous knowledge of what the town has been working on over the past few months.

“Its nice to have a full slate there,” said Bessey. “When you run for council, whoever elected you basically expect you to be there. When you’ve got projects that are started and you’re moving on, then with somebody new coming on, there is always that downtime trying to bring them up to speed. It makes it a little harder.”

To read more please see the Feb. 25 print edition of The Davidson Leader.

Sports

Cyclones fall to Elks in first game of second-round at provincials

The Davidson Cyclones senior men’s hockey team needed a four-goal victory in Saturday night’s game against the Kyle Elks to stay alive in provincial “C” hockey action and keep their three-year provincial championship dynasty intact.

The Cyclones lost 4-1 to the Elks at the Kyle Arena Feb. 15 in the first game of their two-game total goals wins series not for a lack of effort, but more to the fact the team was short skaters compared to the full lineup iced by the Elks.

“We’re not happy losing 4-1, but we lost (leading scorer) Steve DaSilva in the middle of the second period,” said Cyclones head coach Jason Shaw. “He took a puck to the face and ended up with seven stitches, so starting with 12 (skaters) and ending up with 11, 4-1 isn’t that bad.”

Shaw said DaSilva, who scored the Cyclones lone goal on the night at the five-minute mark of the first period, headed to Swift Current for medical attention as soon as he was knocked out of the game and is expected back in the lineup for the next game. The team was also without forwards Pat Cey and Kevin Johnson, who are serving suspensions, and captain Derek Allan, who is out long-term with a knee injury and is not expected back.

The DaSilva goal gave Davidson their only lead of the night and it was short-lived. Four minutes after the Cyclones goal, Kyle tied it up courtesy of Elks captain Danny Williams. Six minutes later the Elks would go up for good off a shot from Jeff Marshall. Two more goals in the second period by the Elks wound up being the game.

“They’re a good team, probably as good as last year,” said Shaw, referring to the Cyclones championship winning match-up with the Elks last March that saw Davidson take home its third provincial championship. “We knew we were going to have to play well to beat them and it just worked out that we could only get 12 guys there. Even with the 12 we had, there were guys that had to take off work or change stuff around. The guys that were there played hard and I thought (Cyclones goaltender) Mark Zoerb played really good.”

The next home game for the Cyclones is this Wednesday. Davidson is playing their second game of a five-game second round series against the LeRoy Braves in the Long Lake Hockey League playoffs.

“It should be a good series,” said Shaw. “We won two, lost two in league (against the Braves). We have a decent chance of beating them, but we’ll have to play well. With them having home ice, we’re going to have to win at least one in their rink and that’s always tough. They also haven’t played for a while, so they’ll be rested.”

Results of Saturday night’s game against the Elks were unavailable at press time.

Davidson

Farmers donate 2013 crop to new Davidson Swimming Pool

The new Davidson Swimming Pool committee surfaced at town council last Tuesday with an update on the progress of their fund-raising efforts, the flowing design and costs of a new pool and a few requests the committee has of the town.

Swimming pool committee members Erin Gust and Crystal Johnson told town council the fund-raising effort to date has been going swimmingly, with a new development coined “Farming for the Pool” about to add many more drops over the next eight months.

When contacted a day after the council meeting, Gust said the “Farming for the Pool” initiative came about courtesy of an offer by two farmers, who wish to remain anonymous, looking to donate their land, labour, machinery, fuel and eventual crop this year to the new pool fund. She said the men, who farm a quarter of land next to Davidson, will be donating all profits made on their fall yield to the pool with the exact money raised not known until the crop comes off the combine.

“What we’re looking to do is work with Viterra right now in trying to find them their input,” said Gust, noting the committee is very grateful for the farmers’ donation and hopes more come on board with similar initiatives. “We’re trying to find seed and chemical and a little bit of fertilizer for them. Hopefully we can get those donated by the chemical companies, so he is not out that part of his donation too.”

At town council, the committee members said they have raised $140,000 so far for a new pool since it began seriously trying to bring together funds in September, but that is still only a little over 10 per cent towards their total goal of $1.3 million that they hope to raise by 2015 in order to build the proposed new 84 feet long and 35 feet wide six-lane pool to be located adjacent to the current pool.

Gust said this initial design and the funds proposed to build it could be changed over the next few months after the town and various swimming pool building companies meet in consultation, but a few elements in the initial design are not up for discussion. She said a beach entry for kids and seniors as well as a deep end and diving board will always remain part of the final structural plans.

“We are working towards more of a concrete design of the pool and more of a concrete cost structure,” she said.

To read more please see the Feb. 25 print edition of The Davidson Leader.

Obituary

obitManz

Hilda Ann Manz
October 11, 1957 to February 4, 2013

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hilda. Suddenly, but peacefully, she passed away in her Davidson home.

Hilda started her schooling in Girvin and graduated from Davidson High School. She attended STI at Moose Jaw for one year, then commenced employment with the Royal Bank at Craik. From there she worked in various communities, ending up in Regina.

She retired from the Royal Bank, moving to Saskatoon with family. She kept busy with volunteer work at the Heart and Stroke foundation and Canadian Mental Health Association.

Davidson was her next move, where she enjoyed being involved in the community, church, volunteer work and caring for her mother.

Hilda was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Shirley Manz.

Left to mourn are Owen, Justin and Jessica Manz, and her aunts and uncles, John and Nola Manz, Joan Manz, Joe Arend, Annie Bearss and Audrey Byrd, as well as many cousins and friends.

Hilda touched the hearts of many and would greet everyone with a smile, wave and always a chat.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A service of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Davidson, with Pastor Ron Bestvater (Lutheran) presiding.

Hanson’s funeral home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Obituary

obitSchmit

Joan Marie Schmit July 15, 1928 to February 12, 2013

The family of Joan are saddened to announce her passing Tuesday, February 12, 2013 in Nanaimo, B.C. Joan was born in Winnipeg, MB and grew up in Vancouver, BC. She married William E Schmit in June of 1950 and began her life on the farm in Saskatchewan. She was kept busy with the farm, raising six children and volunteering with the school board and swimming pool. Upon Bill’s passing in 1991, Joan moved back to the coast residing at Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Here she was able to renew and strengthen friendships with school girl chums. Joan was predeceased by her mother and father Harold and Alice Craig; brother Bill Craig; and husband Bill Schmit. She and Bill leave a legacy in their children Craig Schmit, Morinville, AB; Michael Schmit (Margaret), Regina, SK; Tracy Schmit Schnurr (Doug), Victoria, BC; Doris Colson (Barry) Emerald Lake, SK; Lisa Schmit (Grant) Shaunavon, SK; Mark Schmit (Monica), Chilliwack, BC; grandchildren Stacey, Shannon, Stephanie, Darrell, Ashley, Brittany and Dylan and great grandchildren Brett, Tre, Deegan and Leah. Interment to take place in Davidson Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in memo designate Palliative Care or Davidson Swimming Pool – Town of Davidson Box 340 Davidson, SK S0G 1A0

Obituary

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Stephens
Brian Charles
Brian Stephens, aged 86 years, passed away peacefully at Regina General Hospital on Monday, February 11, 2013.
Brian was born January 10, 1927 to Reginald and Blanche Stephens on the family farm in Norbury, Sask. He was the fourth of five children: Roy, Ed, Mary, Brian and Miles. He met the love of his life, Doris, and after two years of courtship they were married (1954) followed by the birth of their three sons Don, Dan and Rob. Brian farmed until entering the business world as a grain buyer (1965) beginning in Bapaume, Sask. Brian and Doris then transferred to Imperial in 1969 with three energetic boys and a big, white dog. He and Doris raised their children in Imperial until his death, where Doris still resides. He pursued his profession with passion and gusto until retirement in 1991. Through Brian’s life he was known as the local farmers’ “veterinarian service” and nurtured back to health many a horse and livestock. This became his natural calling. After retirement Brian became involved in raising registered American Quarter Horses; the herd grew to as many as 30. He became the supervisor of the Davidson Beef producers from 1992 to 2009. His passion was “Dori”, his family, horses, livestock sales and rodeos. Brian was known for his quiet strength and sharp wit; he always loved a good laugh and he was wise and a man of great integrity. Dori has always said, “Brian was always a farmer and a country boy”. His final hours were spent surrounded by his family, his unwavering wit ever present for story telling and laughs, until he slipped away.
Brian is survived by his wife of 58 years, Doris and three sons Don (Christine), Dan (Rosanne), Rob (Catherine); eight grandchildren Chad (Jenn), Rachelle (Connor), Chris (Erin), Jennifer (Chad), Chelce (Pat), Landon (Saila), Joel (Araby), Tanner (Carly); four great-grandchildren Morgan, Dalton, Anna, Emma; sister Mary and brother Miles (Jean) and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Reginald and Blanche and brothers Roy and Ed.
A memorial tea was held at Imperial Community Centre on February 15 conducted by Rev. Jack Robson.
Honourary pallbearers were all his family and friends. John and Deanna Hignett were register attendants. Ushers we David Hill and Vivian Hill. Jenn McCrae and Wendy Remoue gave the eulogy.
Brian’s ashes were laid to rest in the Imperial Cemetery during a private family graveside service held earlier in the day.
To leave on-line condolences, tributes or to make a donation, please visit www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan