Lynda van Kempen

The journey is all but over and the celebration is about to begin for more than 500 riders, wagoners and walkers on the 20th Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust cavalcade.

Work should begin within a month on a new Roxburgh water treatment plant and pipeline, finally turning off the tap on the stream of "boil water" notices residents have long endured.

Contact Energy has signalled delays in its plans for further hydro development on the Clutha River, saying the project is on the "back burner" and other developments have greater priority.

Ranfurly is bringing the art back into Art Deco. Large artworks appeared on bare walls on the exterior of town businesses yesterday, just in time for this weekend's Ranfurly Art Deco Festival.

Freestyle motocross rider Luke Smith has had a setback in his recovery from a motorcycle crash at Alexandra.

Ex-crusty Demon daredevil Luke Smith concedes he might have rushed his return to freestyle motocross "just a little" by attempting back flips shortly after getting back on a motorcycle.

Ex-crusty Demon Luke Smith, who crashed while attempting a back flip on his motorbike near Alexandra yesterday, had been celebrating his return to freestyle motocross after a horrific injury three years ago.

Rock-climbing, gold-panning and equestrian high-jumping were among the range of activities that kept patrons entertained at the Mt Benger A and P Show on Saturday.

Molyneux Park got an endorsement yesterday from a swag of former Black Caps.

Gold fever has struck Central Otago again.

Molyneux Park's cricket grounds will be tested tomorrow with a twenty/20 match and those organising the day are hoping good support for the game will send a message to the "powers-that-be".

There's always "gold in them thar hills" for the participants in the annual Otago Goldfields Cavalcade.

The landscape and heritage values of the Nevis Valley remain an issue for parties appealing decisions on Central Otago district plan changes.

School pupils and the wider community should benefit from a new pedestrian crossing on State Highway 85 near St Gerard's School and Ranui Rest Home, school leaders say.

Farmers have enjoyed such a "cracker" 12 months, they are struggling to find something to complain about, Maniototo A and P Association president Chris Steele told the crowd at yesterday's 113th show at Ranfurly.

Three years after plans for redeveloping Molyneux Park, in Alexandra, were aired, the first stage is about to start.

BMX competitor Daniel McElhinney is "gutted" his best bike has been stolen from his Cromwell home.

A restaurant and accommodation outlet will open next month in an Ophir building which housed a general store and butchery more than 140 years ago.

Lesley and Warren Johnston were a good, community-minded couple and Mrs Johnston's murder by her husband sent shock-waves through the district, a friend of the couple said yesterday.