Richard Davison

Civic and business leaders are delighted two new supermarkets may lead to the creation of many new jobs in two Otago towns.

Overcast skies and occasional drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds at the West Otago A & P Show in Tapanui on Saturday.

Organisers are expecting increased entries - and visitors to match - at the West Otago A&P Show on Saturday.

Clutha District Council has stepped back from plans to reduce water pressure in Tapanui this summer.

Long live the queens.

A proposal to seek full i-Site status for the Catlins Information Centre will not be actioned in time for summer.

A Lawrence resident has called on the local community board to "maintain our house" by addressing a lack of civic maintenance and cohesive branding for the town.

Clutha Health First wants to keep improving staffing and facilities as it looks to the year ahead.

A South Otago farmer wants to see greater recognition of the role of waterfowl pollution in planned governmental water quality reforms.

A Southern community foundation has celebrated its inaugural year by employing its first permanent staff member.

God save the queens.

An unresolved stoush over a new commercial building on Lawrence's historic main street may have a "silver lining'', one of the parties concerned says.

"It's just a dream come true . . . ''

Construction could begin on a replacement Catlins bridge as early as March next year, as the result of a funding boost announced this week.

Gore driver Andrew Graves will be seeking a handful of wins this weekend, on a rally he describes as "the pick of the bunch".

The Clutha District Council has moved to reassure Catlins residents after news emerged of its responsible camping ranger stepping down at the end of this month.

Residents say they remain "angry" and "afraid" about possible consequences of a trial freedom camping site in Owaka, opened recently in the teeth of local opposition.

A dispute over a new building on Lawrence's main street has gone public.

Lawrence Heritage Day returns to the historic gold-rush town on Sunday, and this year weaves its vintage magic with a little something for those who appreciate the arts.

A blend of ceremony and humour marked the swearing-in of the Clutha District Council last night.