Lynda van Kempen

A debate that divided Environment Court commissioners - whether damming should be banned on the Nevis River - will now be considered by Environment Minister Amy Adams.

A freezing location, combined with a ''mild'' outdoors temperature of 4degC, put smiles on the faces of about 70 people who danced on ice at Naseby on Saturday night.

Fickle weather has disrupted plans for today's Naseby Ice Festival, forcing a postponement to next Saturday.

The opening of a building in Old Cromwell last week was double cause for celebration.

The latest funding initiative from the Central Lakes Trust could be a life-saver.

Alexandra pensioner Ian Glover has exhausted nearly all his options after battling for five years to try to gain New Zealand residency for his wife and will now appeal to the Ombudsman.

It is ''game on'' for Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper, with former district councillor Lynley Claridge challenging him for the mayoralty.

Paddy-Ann Pemberton will go bell-to-bell and yell-to-yell against her elder sister for the title of the world's top town crier next month.

The ''slack attitude'' displayed by some gun owners who leave unattended firearms in vehicles has to change, says Cromwell's police head, Sergeant Simon Paget.

Guns and ammunition were stolen from a ute taken from Cromwell for a 120km joyride early on Saturday.

A fleet of karts designed and made by all 36 pupils at Poolburn School were tested on the track yesterday, providing plenty of thrills but few spills.

A three-way tiebreaker tussle added tension to the Central Otago final of the Otago Daily Times Extra! spelling quiz last night.

The difference between Central Otago's best young spellers last night was atrocious. That word - atrocious - decided the winners in the year 7 and 8 section of the Otago Daily Times Extra! Central Otago spelling quiz after the two top teams finished on equal points.

Road warnings have been in place and emergency officials are keeping a close eye on river levels in Central Otago as snowmelt continues to boost flows, especially in the Manuherikia, Clutha and Taieri rivers.

The Central Otago District Council is dipping a toe into the next stage of Manuherikia irrigation scheme options but does not have to come up with any money.

Nellie Marsh's involvement in netball has spanned seven decades, so it comes as no surprise to hear how much she loves the game.

Snow-raking is arduous work - ''you wouldn't wish it on anyone,'' Mt Ida Station owner Greg Becker says.