helena de reus

A public farewell will be held for long-time Balclutha physiotherapist Dr Stephan Milosavljevic tomorrow night.

Dark clouds and the occasional rain shower did not put off crowds as thousands flocked to Tapanui on Saturday for the 99th annual West Otago A and P Show.

Community fundraising towards a new aquatic centre in Lawrence is on track to meet its $400,000 target.

If the laughter and splashes were anything to go by, Balclutha residents were happy to be back in heated water on Saturday, after 18 months with their swimming pool closed.

The momentum behind the new West Otago health centre is growing as contractors register their interest in designing and building the facility.

Lawyers fear it is only a matter of time before courthouses in Balclutha and Oamaru close permanently after a day of change for the country's district courts yesterday.

South Otago farmer Steve Wilson says there is no quick solution to reduce quad bike injuries.

The Government was yesterday in damage control as Oamaru and Balclutha community leaders rallied following the courts shake-up announced on Wednesday.

A little Christmas cheer has arrived early in Balclutha, with news the Christmas parade will return this December after years of hiatus.

Mataura is coming to terms with the closure of its sheep-processing plant, two weeks after the Alliance Group announced plans to shift it from the town.

Wind, rain and hail failed to dampen the enthusiasm of Operation Owen volunteers, who worked around the clock over Labour Weekend to build a home for a Kaitangata family.

A safe has been found in the Catlins bush, with almost $11,000 inside.

Work to strengthen the Clydevale Bridge is expected to begin next year, after the New Zealand Transport Agency agreed to help fund the project, reversing its decision last month to delay the work.

A Milton man is facing an unusual dilemma - what to do with 2700 litres of home-made wine.