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Year in Review – September 2018

Dec 25, 2018 | 11:30 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — September saw a national debate over the use of healing lodges, overdose numbers in Medicine Hat continue to rise, and discussion about compensation for fires in bindloss more than one year ago were among the stories that caught people’s attention in Medicine Hat in September.

Here are some of the biggest stories in the region in September.

September 4 – Ecole St. John Paul II School opens 

The city’s newest Catholic school welcomed students for the first time. Many of the students came from the now closed Ecole St. Thomas d’Aquin

September 7 – Pair charged after nearly $78,000 worth of drugs seized. 

Nicolas Belanger, a 29-year-old man, and Devan Koehle, a 19-year-old woman, were arrested by police following a brief investigation. The seizure netted the second-highest amount of methamphetamine ever seized in the city.

September 11 – Bindloss residents frustrated with lack of fire compensation 

One year after a devastating fire tore through the region, several ranchers say they’re upset with the claims process to receive compensation.

September 14 – Overdose numbers continue to rise 

Five drug overdose deaths in a 10-day span prompted concern from a local organization aimed at helping people affected by the opioid crisis. Police also reported responding to more overdoses this year. 

September 14 – Officer found not guilty following Police Act hearing.

Constable Darren Holeha was found not guilty of charges of unlawful arrest, use of force and misconduct in connection with a 2015 traffic stop.

September 18 – New training facility proposed in Dunmore.

Prairie Rose School Division is proposing a new multi-use facility in Dunmore, which would include a full ice surface, fitness centre, training space, classrooms, and seating for 500 spectators.

September 24 – Pride Crosswalk unveiled in Medicine Hat.

The first-ever rainbow crosswalk in the city was painted at Medicine Hat College. Five days after it was painted, the crosswalk was vandalized. Police later released a video of the act of vandalism, but no arrests have been made.

September 28 – Transfer of convicted killer to healing lodge prompts controversy.

News that  Terri-Lynn McClintic, convicted in the murder of Tori Stafford, was transferred to serve her sentence at a healing lodge in Maple Creek, caused controversy across Canada, and led to changes in prison transfers.