The year of our Lord 2018 was an interesting one for sure.
There were January thaws, the legalization of marijuana across the country, plane crashes and even the construction of a new bridge in Corner Brook.
To call 2018 a dull year would certainly be a stretch. It never seemed like there was a time when there wasn’t at least something on the go that drew people’s attention.
In 2018, more than 7.5 million people visit the Western Star’s website.
Of course, it wasn’t all great. There were deaths, job losses and the like. Those are just items you expect in any one year.
There really were just too many items to count.
So, how do you pare down the last 12 months in the stories that matter? The answer to that is as best we can.
With that in mind, we present our most popular web stories of 2018:
The body of a Deer Lake woman found in the Humber River
Tragedy starts off our top story list for this year. In late July, the body of Geraldine Wiseman was found floating in the area of the Humber River near the Nicholsville Bridge. Police investigated and her death was not ruled suspicious, but the exact reason is still not known.
Corner Brook judge denies request to extend publication ban to accused in sexual assault case
The lawyer for Mark Thompson tried to get a publication ban for his client in his sexual assault case in early July. The victim’s name was already banned, but the lawyer was hoping to get Thompson’s name stricken as well. It failed, and the judge denied the request.
Family of Corner Brook man shot by police say they have not been told a thing by the authorities
The shooting death of Jorden McKay by a member of the RNC sent shockwaves across Corner Brook and the province. In the wake of the incident, the family of McKay was still looking for answers from authorities as the investigation into what happened got underway.
Corner Brook couple getting set to open Little Caesars restaurant
Corner Brook is a big fan of pizza it seems and this story from last January about the impending arrival of pizza chain Little Caesars resonated with readers. The ability to pick up a quick pizza at basement prices was a popular move in 2018.
Person dies in a vehicle fire near Deer Lake
The story of a person who died in a vehicle fire in a wooded area near Deer Lake is another example of tragedy dotting the early part of our list. RCMP were alerted to the blaze in July.
Corner Brook doctor disheartened by Health minister’s comments
Dr. Mark Smallwood took offence to the health minister’s public comments about the need for more nurse practitioners in place of family doctors in January.
Corner Brook judge calls reports completed on young offender 'disturbing reading'
When Judge Wayne Gorman read the psychiatric report for a young offender in his courtroom in November it disturbed him. The boy had assaulted and threatened a girl of similar age and was arrested because of it.
Corner Brook woman's plan to open a diner is about doing what makes her happy
A Corner Brook woman followed one of her dreams and opened a diner earlier this year.
RCMP officer injured in altercation with man near Deer Lake
In January, an RCMP officer made a traffic stop and was attacked by the Stephenville man the officer had pulled over. The officer was injured in the altercation.
Six properties in Corner Brook to be auctioned
A number of properties were put up for auction by Corner Brook in February. Spread out across the city, the article attracted plenty of attention online.
Fatal shooting in Corner Brook
The original story about the fatal shooting of Jorden McKay in Corner Brook.
Corner Brook’s Craig Borden took Jason Momoa’s film crew all over the west coast
The west coast of Newfoundland attracted a couple of film crews this past year. One of them involved Jason Momoa and one of Corner Brook’s own made sure Momoa and his film crew got around during the filming of the TV show “Frontier”.
Black garbage bags will be phased out in parts of western Newfoundland in July
In preparation for a shift in how residents on the west coast sorted their garbage and recyclables, it was noted that the use of black garbage bags would be phased out over the summer.
Corner Brook’s Jessica Duffney frustrated at lack of help accessing care for her perplexing condition
It has been almost a decade for Jessica Duffney dealing with supraventricular tachycardia. This year, she came forward with the frustrations she’s had when trying access care for her illness.
Stan Lafitte, 87, glad to have survived two cold nights stranded in his car
In April, Port au Port East resident Stan Lafitte went off the road in his car and was stuck there for two days before he was rescued.
Corner Brook declares state of emergency because of flooding
A warmer than usual January coupled with heavy rains led to a thaw that caused plenty of damage to much of the west coast. In Corner Brook, the city declared a state of emergency because of flooding.
Assault victim felt betrayed by Corner Brook man who attacked her
A woman who was assaulted by a Corner Brook man spoke out in court, saying she didn’t think the sentence he received was enough.
Corner Brook man pleads guilty to luring, sexually assaulting child
A Corner Brook who was charged with multiple counts of luring and sexual assault pleaded guilty to his charges in July. It was one of several cases in the west coast region for similar charges.
New owners have former O’Connell Centre in Corner Brook pegged as a senior citizen residence
After lying dormant for several years, the building formerly known as the O’Connell Centre was purchased by a new owner. That owner has plans for the old place that include a senior citizens residence. Work is ongoing.
Benoit’s Cove resident killed in all-terrain vehicle accident on Logger School Road
Tragedy struck the small Humber Arm South community of Benoit’s Cove when a local was killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident in June.
