February 9th, 2026

Local News

Barnes sorry for testing comments as NDP urges his removal

By COLLIN GALLANT on January 30th, 2021

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Local MLA Drew Barnes has apologized on social media for his comments that the COVID testing process in Alberta was unreliable, but opposition critics say he still needs to be removed from government caucus. Barnes appeared in a video interview on Thursday night with the Western Standard online publication and stated he had heard ... Read More »

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Still no flu despite ample testing being done

By Medicine Hat News on January 30th, 2021

There are so few cases of influenza across Canada that it has still not been declared a flu season, and according to numbers released this week Alberta remains free of flu. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, says there are no cases even though the number of lab tests done for flu ... Read More »

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Power sale could mean stable endowment fund

By COLLIN GALLANT on January 30th, 2021

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Local administrators and elected officials say proceeds from any potential sale of the power plant could lead to an endowment fund providing more stable income and less risk to the city. That’s led to questions about what such a fund would look like, how it would operate and how it could be safeguarded to ... Read More »

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Barely a month in, new bakery already looks to grow

By Medicine Hat News on January 30th, 2021

A local bakery that opened downtown in December is already expanding. The owners of Country Crumb bakery and cafe, located across the road from CORE Association on Third Street SE, say what sets them apart from others is they’re a home-style bakery rather than a commercial one. It is about home baked flavour. “People appreciate ... Read More »

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Government support eased bankruptcies: trustee

By Medicine Hat News on January 30th, 2021

The number of bankruptcies expected as a result of the pandemic has not materialized, and could be due to government social programs, says a bankruptcy trustee. Randy Kobbert, licensed insolvency trustee with MNP, says there have been few inquiries from businesses about insolvency and larger companies are restructuring. “We’re seeing amazing resilience in southern Alberta, ... Read More »

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Local economy will need a decade to recover: Groom

By Medicine Hat News on January 29th, 2021

A local political scientist says it will take a decade for the local economy to recover from the pandemic and it will be different. Jim Groom, political science instructor at Medicine Hat College, first suggested the 10-year time frame in July after the lockdown had ended and businesses were just starting to reopen. He says ... Read More »

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Vaccine distribution based on previously signed deals by Ottawa: Alberta Health

By Medicine Hat News on January 29th, 2021

With supply of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine reduced, getting additional doses from Moderna to fill in the gap is not a simple matter. The supply of vaccine and where it was coming from was predetermined by the federal government, says Alberta Health. “We receive doses of the vaccine based on the agreement that the federal government ... Read More »

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Alberta commits $17M in relief for performing arts, sports and rodeo groups

By Medicine Hat News on January 29th, 2021

Alberta’s performing arts, sports and rodeo sectors got a boost Thursday with the announcement of a $17-million investment to ensure their stability in the face of the pandemic. The provincial government announced the funding in a Thursday release, highlighting that these organizations have lost a full season of programming and revenue, yet still face ongoing ... Read More »

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Power debate heats up as well known citizens speak out

By COLLIN GALLANT on January 29th, 2021

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Former politicians and well known Hatters are weighing in on the future of the city’s power plant, with high-profile Hatters calling for more information and a pause while another says the possibility of a sale should be explored. Bob Wanner, former NDP MLA and former public services commissioner at the city, issued an open ... Read More »

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Former Hatter faces several charges, including assaulting police officer in Strathcona County

By Medicine Hat News on January 29th, 2021

A former Hatter arrested here on charges of assaulting a police officer in Strathcona County has been identified as Craig Perini, according to authorities there in media reports. The 30-year-old man who is well known to Medicine Hat police was taken into custody Wednesday night after the local service employed its tactical team to bring ... Read More »

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Video series looks to help people champion mental health

By Medicine Hat News on January 28th, 2021

A new series of videos is being launched at Medicine Hat College to ignite conversations about mental health. Videos featuring community professionals such as physicians, service agencies and coaches will be released every two weeks. The Beej Project has been made possible through a donation made to MHC by the Niwa family. “This initiative was ... Read More »

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