Year in Review – December 2018

Little Owl Learning Centre received a Minister’s Awards of Excellence in Child Development award in the team category.

December 5- Community rallies around boy fighting rare disease.

Max Seidel, 8, was diagnosed with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which affects less than 100 people across Canada. The disease sees the body’s immune system attacking both unhealthy and healthy cells, which can lead to a wide variety of issues affecting the body’s organs.

Since the story aired, Max’s school has helped raise money for his family.

December 6- Charges stayed in sexual assault case

Charges were stayed against Dr. Ian Gebhardt, who was accused of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability. The stay of charges was granted during the trial after the complainant, who cannot be named due to a publication ban, was determined to have made contradictory testimony on the stand.

December 7 – More paramedics coming to Medicine Hat

The province announced eight new paramedics and a new ambulance for the city.

December 10 – Pattison inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

The businessman, and owner of the Jim Pattison Group, was inducted in the business/entrepreneur category.

December 11 – Groups considering removing midget as age designation in sports.

Several sports organizations across Canada argue the term is demeaning to those with dwarfism. We spoke with a local family for their perspective.

December 12 – Cancarb announces expansion.

A $40.1 million expansion, expected to be finished by 2020, will allow the Medicine Hat facility to produce more carbon black.

December 14 – Homicide in Medicine Hat.

Donald Goodwill was charged with second degree murder after a man’s body was found in a downtown apartment. He remains in custody, and returns to court on January 10.

December 15 – Yellow vest protests arrive in Medicine Hat

The Yellow Vest protest, which began in France, made their way to Medicine Hat several times in December.

December 17 – Wanner announces future plans.

Wanner, elected under the NDP in 2015, announced he will not be seeking a second term as MLA.

December 19 – Casino sold to new owners.

The casino at the Medicine Hat Lodge is now under new ownership, who plan to rebrand and eventually move to the Box Springs Business Park six years from now.

December 21 – New wind energy project announced.

The Cypress Wind Project will be constructed by EDF Renewables, and is expected to be online in June 2021.

by Charles Lefebvre

Year in Review – December 2018

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