richard.davison@odt.co.nz

A departing Clutha District councillor has fired a shot across the bowels.

Clutha officials will meet again with Owaka residents next week, as controversial plans for a freedom camping trial in the town take clearer shape.

Concerns some bus operators in the South could be disadvantaged by the latest school route tender process are being examined by the Ministry of Education.

An historic church in Milton is to be given a new lease of life, following a community survey supporting its restoration.

The warmth of fellow-feeling could be a life-saver next winter, thanks to the efforts of the Tapanui Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Following a five-year hiatus, creative juices are once again flowing in Lawrence.

The West Otago Community Board is to consider providing sustained funding for the area's health facility in Tapanui.

A ''stopgap'' measure to improve road safety at Tapanui's southern entrance has been welcomed cautiously by affected residents.

The Clutha District Council has not applied for a global wastewater discharge consent as suggested recently, although it may do so in future.

Balclutha Primary School has alerted police after two pencils were stolen on Friday.

Eyes moved from past to future as a Catlins nature reserve celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday.

Kaitangata could have as many as 40 new homes built during the next five years, thanks to a boost in council support.

Following decades of underinvestment and population decline, Clutha seems to be on the up.

Joining sixth-term Mayor Tracy Hicks at the Gore District Council table this October will be at least three new faces, and as many as five.

A wetlands project five years in the planning is about to enter its next phase.

Lawrence residents remain polarised as to whether remedial flood works in the town will prove effective.

Lawrence Area School's Olive Howard (6) watches new entrant Sadie Bradfield (5) glue her lantern for the town's Lantern Festival tonight.