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Year in Review – August 2017

Dec 25, 2017 | 7:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — August was another busy month in Medicine Hat, with fires, motor vehicle collisions, a political scandal involving a well-known politician, and other local news.

Here are some of the stories which caught the attention of readers in August.

Aug 8 – Girl killed in crash near Dunmore 

A 12-year-old girl was killed following a motor vehicle collision involving a Pontiac Sunfire and a semi pulling a flatbed trailer  at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 41 South.

Aug 11- Derek Fildebrandt under fire 

Fildebrandt, who represents the riding of Strathmore-Brooks, caused controversy when it was found he was renting out his government-subsidized apartment through AirBnb when he wasn’t using it. Fildebrandt eventually resigned from the United Conservative Party caucus after it was found he was double dipping on meal expense claims. He currently sits as an independent. 

Aug 15- Man dies on South Saskatchewan River 

A 40-year-old man swimming near Echo Dale Regional Park died following a medical emergency in the South Saskatchewan River.

Aug 16- Montana’s restaurant closes 

Without warning, Montana’s restaurant on Dunmore Road closed in August .A reason for the closure was not given.

Aug. 17 – Local doctor charged with sexual assault 

Dr. Ian Gebhardt was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability in connection with an alleged incident in June 2017. Gebhardt withdrew his practice, and his case is still before the courts. 

Aug. 23 – Kelowna man has truck, dog stolen in Medicine Hat 

Brad Kuich was travelling in Medicine Hat with his nine-month-old dog Belle and had his truck stolen with the dog inside while he was shopping briefly at Medicine Hat Mall. A happy ending to the story though, as his truck and dog were found safe two days later. 

Aug 29 – City walks back on promise to fix tax error 

Julie Tracey, who was the victim of an incorrect assessment of her home in July, was told that Mayor Ted Clugston would  look into it, and if an error was made it would be fixed. However, in a private meeting, the city decided it would not be doing anything to fix her taxes or assessment.

Aug 30 – South Railway Street fire 

Firefighters were called to a shop near Moritz Masonry where a fire ignited late in the afternoon. There were no injuries, but the shop was destroyed. Fire investigators determined the fire was considered suspicious and incendiary in nature.

Aug 31. Teenager drowns in Lake Newell 

A 16-year-old boy drowned at  Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. RCMP say the teen was floating on the lake when he appeared to jump off of his flotation device. According to the release, the male appeared to be in distress prior to going under water.