Part 1 of 3: Top Saskatchewan stories of 2010

There is no doubt it was a busy year in Saskatchewan.

Ranging from accusations of financial wrongdoing at the First Nations University of Canada to the groundbreaking potash decision, there was no shortage of top stories to emerge from the province.

Here are some of the biggest stories from Saskatchewan in 2010.

First Nations University of Canada financial scandal

The year started off with a stern warning from the provincial government in regards to a scandal at FNUC related to reports of misspending.

“It would be accurate to say that there is significant jeopardy regarding public funding for the First Nations University,” Minister of Education Rob Norris said.

Both the provincial and federal governments pulled funding from the school, but after students and staff fought to keep the school open, short term funding was restored.

RCMP admit dispatch mistake in death of Kerri Canepotato

A recording from April 8 shocked Saskatchewan residents when it was released to the public in September.

Melissa Rabbitskin called 9-1-1 to get help after the vehicle she was in got stuck in a slough on her way to Loon Lake with her two sons.

RABBITSKIN: All I need is a tow, like someone to find me here. I have two kids with me.

DISPATCHER: Alright, just hang on a minute.

RABBITSKIN: Hello?

DISPATCHER: Hey, I just said hang a minute, I’m trying to find a tow truck.

No one was dispatched to tow the vehicle. Rabbitskin’s friend Canepotato went looking for help, but died from exposure.

The RCMP later admitted their mistake.

Dustin Lafortune alleged torture case

Another story from April shocked the whole country. On April 16 Lafortune was dropped off at the Regina General Hospital after allegedly being beaten, starved and mutilated. His former roommate is currently on trial and faces charges of aggravated assault and forcible confinement.

Trial of Dr. Poon

Dr. Edward Poon was found guilty in June on two of six counts of sexual assault involving patients. He is currently appealing his conviction and is out on bail.

Saskatchewan-born pilot ejects from crashing CF-18 Fighter Jet

In July the quick thinking of Saskatchewan-born pilot Capt. Brian Bews allowed him to escape his fighter jet, which was quickly crashing to the ground during an air show in Lethbridge. He was able to eject seconds before impact. Capt. Bewes eventually returned to flying.

Triple homicide

It was a tragedy which doubled Regina’s homicide count instantly. On August 6, police located the bodies of a young Myanmar family – Gray Nay Htoo, 31, his wife Maw Maw, 28 and their three-year-old son Seven June – in their Uplands townhouse. Several weeks ago Regina police announced there are closely following two people in the case.

“We’re not identifying that we have actual suspects right now,” Chief Troy Hagen said, “But, certainly the investigation has progressed to a point that right now we certainly have a couple of people in mind.”

BHP Billiton’s takeover of PotashCorp turned down

It was a decision that had huge implications for the province and its resources. The proposed takeover of PotashCorp by Australian mining giant BHP Billiton captivated the country. Premier Brad Wall led the charge against the takeover and had reason to celebrate in November when Investment Canada turned down the hostile bid.

In a year end interview, Wall reflected on what the situation did for the province.

“We’re on the national and international stage for all the right reasons as a storehouse for all the resources the world wants, but also as a place with a reputation of being a good place to invest, and also a province where the people say we want to stand up for the future,” Wall said.

Six killed in collision near Moosomin

In late November, the communities of Rocanville and the Cowessess First Nation were in shock after six people were killed in a head on collision. Among them, a mother and son and four young men from Rocanville.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in my 20 years with the RCMP,” Sgt. Gord Stewart said.

Tune in to Global Regina on Thursday for a review of the weather in 2010 and on Friday for a look back at the year in sports.