Richard Davison

The organiser of an unusual fundraising auction in West Otago says he was ''flabbergasted'' by the level of interest.

A Balclutha couple are counting their blessings after a "suspicious'' garage fire destroyed their cars and other property early yesterday morning.

Losses of up to 45% from the Clutha district's 24 water supply systems are "par for the course", a consultant says.

Sentencing of Clutha District Council for a sewer overflow last year has been adjourned until August 8.

Kaka Point Surf Life Saving Club committee member Lisa Lee braves the deep-south waters in advance of the club's fundraising Midwinter Swim next weekend.

A group of high school pupils from across the southern region carry out a ''gate to plate'' cheeseburger design task during a Get Ahead careers day at Telford, near Balclutha, yesterday.

A South Otago water care group will not be resting on its laurels, despite celebrating a ``successful'' first three years of activity later this month.

Pounawea couple John and Ida Burgess prepare for their weekly walk with the Kaka Point Ramblers group, which marked its 25th anniversary last month.

The Clutha District Council expects to write off an outstanding loan of nearly $35,000 for rural fire equipment.

A Balclutha pensioner is claiming victory in a long-standing rates battle with Clutha District Council.

A "bucket list" opportunity has motivated a Dunedin amateur performer to commute for four frosty hours to rehearsals this winter.

Balclutha Parents Centre is  perusing its past as it prepares to mark 30 years in South Otago.

Plans for a replacement war memorial in West Otago have been described by officials as an "affordable compromise''.

Organisers declared themselves "delighted" with a successful Gold Guitar Awards last night, which concluded a week-long festival of country music in the town.

Despite frustrations at delays, the people behind the much-publicised Kaitangata House and Land Package project are still quietly optimistic about progress in the town.