By CHAT News Today

Year in Review – April 2017

Dec 24, 2017 | 4:08 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB –  A court decision affecting local education, police dealing with drug problems at a home and a special truck all had Hatters flocking to CHAT News Today through April. Here are a few of the stories which captured the attention of our readers during April.

April 3 – 999,999 kilometres and counting 

Ross Murray’s truck, bought new in 2005, is still running strong, and has travelled more than 999,999 kilometres. The amount of total kilometres is not known, since the odometer doesn’t go past that number.

April 7 – Connie Oakes re-arrested

Oakes, who had her conviction for murder in connection with the death of Casey Armstrong thrown out and her charges stayed in 2016, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, forcible confinement and uttering threats after a man was stabbed near Maple Creek. Oakes later pleaded guilty to the charges.

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The arrest of Oakes came several weeks before the one-year anniversary of her charge in the Armstrong murder was stayed. The anniversary, which occurred April 28, came and went with the Crown not bringing any new charges against Oakes in connection with the case. 

April 13 –Parent group’s petition appeal dismissed by Court of Queen’s Bench 

A parent group who petitioned SD76 in response to LGBTQ policies being developed appealed the rejection to the Court of Queen’s Bench, where the judge upheld the board’s decision to not accept the petition.

April 19 – Two Irvine residents arrested on gun charges.

Brandalyn Brandham, 31, and Denver Ailsby, 37 were both charged with multiple firearms offences after police and RCMP executed a search warrant and found several prohibited weapons. The case is still before the courts.

April 19 – Invasive mussels found on boat near Dunmore 

The first invasive mussels of the season were discovered at the Dunmore inspection station on a boat travelling from Ontario. The mussels have invaded waterways in the Great Lakes and Montana, and can impact local ecosystems.

April 20 – Officers enlist SCAN for second house closure 

A home on Aberdeen Street that was previously closed by the Safe Communities and Neighbourhoods Unit was ordered to close again after drug activity resumed when the owner received possession again.

April 28 – School board reacts to controversial Netflix series 

13 Reasons Why, based on the best-selling novel, became a hit show on Netflix in the spring, but sparked controversy, with some critics saying the show glamourized suicide. The show prompted SD76 to reach out and provide resources to students and parents to discuss the topic of suicide.