2017 Year In Review – April

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2017, battlefordsNOW is taking a look at some of the top news items that made headlines and newsmakers over the past 12 months.

April marked an important milestone for a local financial institution. Innovation Credit Union celebrated its 10th anniversary and at its annual general meeting made the announcement that it hopes to go national. CEO Daniel Johnson made a presentation to members and staff and said it was a good opportunity for the credit union to grow now. Johnson said members would have a chance to vote on the board’s proposal to change to become a federally-regulated credit union in the fall. 

A judge decided that Biggar-area farmer Gerald Stanley would face trial for his second-degree murder charge after a tense and emotional three-day preliminary inquiry. Stanley was charged after 22-year-old Colten Boushie died from a gunshot wound on his property during an incident on Aug. 9, 2016. Throughout the course of the preliminary hearing security was tight as protesters were on hand with placards in support of the Boushie family. Crown prosecutor William Burge said he expected the trial would likely take place in the fall, however it has since been moved to Jan. 2018.

Residents in the Town of Battleford learned that a new Sobeys liquor franchise outlet would be coming to the area. At its April meeting, council approved a discretionary use application for a site development at Battleford Crossing in the town of Battleford where the new Sobeys liquor store outlet would be opening. The store would be located in a new mini mall being developed for the area. Mayor Ames Leslie said there will be an opportunity for a variety of new businesses in the mall.

The $3.3 million settlement between the City of North Battleford, Province of Saskatchewan and the Infant Class relating to the cryptosporidium outbreak in North Battleford in March and April of 2001 was certified by the Court of Queen’s Bench. In 2001, the parasite was leaked into the North Battleford drinking water causing an estimated 5,800 to 7,100 residents to fall ill in the Battlefords area. Lawyer Brad Jamieson who represents the victims could only guess as to why the case has taken so long to clear up.

Real Estate

Buying or selling a house? Do your homework first

2h ago

NB council

City approves new land sale on Buhler Bay

2h ago

Sharing memories

North Stars reflect on one-year anniversary of 2023 championship

20h ago

And Finn the six-month-old Shih Tzu-Yorkie pup who touched the hearts of everyone in the province after being attacked by a German Sheppard while at the North Battleford’s dog park died of his injuries. The attack happened as owner Lyle Kennedy and his wife had taken the pup to the dog park for the first time. The incident which was captured on video and garnered province-wide attention. Following the attack Finn, who sustained a severed spine, was taken to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon in hopes that surgery would somehow save the animal’s life. However the puppy died the next day. The owner of the German Sheppard, who asked to remain anonymous to avoid social media backlash, said that her dog did not have a history of aggression and couldn’t begin to describe how bad she felt. She had also offered to help with some of the vet bills. 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW