| FIREARMS THIEVES TARGETING RURAL PROPERTIES 15 firearms were stolen recently from various farms in rural areas, including the Barossa and Yorke Peninsula, prompting Police to warn rural property owners. It appears that criminals are targeting properties where firearms are stored in sheds, businesses, shipping containers and in houses. Over half the number of firearms stolen in the last three years, were stolen from rural areas. Recent thefts have been well planned, with thieves destroying alarm systems and using axes, jemmy bars and bolt cutters to gain entry. Police are urging rural property owners to ensure their firearms and ammunition are stored securely and according to legal requirements. Any suspicious activity you notice around rural properties should be reported to police on 131 444. SMOKING BAN FOR ALFRESCO AREAS Outside, or ‘alfresco’ dining areas will be smoke-free from tomorrow across South Australia. This includes pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets. Heart Foundation SA and other anti-smoking groups are very pleased with the legislation, adding that exposure to second-hand smoke even in outdoor areas is a serious health risk. Research shows that passive smoking accounts for 10 per cent of all deaths caused by smoking. RAA NOT IMPRESSED WITH LACK OF GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT With the Federal Election just days away, the RAA is disappointed that there’s not more commitment from politicians to tackle road safety and infrastructure in South Australia. The RAA’s Senior Manager for Road Safety, Charles Mountain, said that the eastern states have received up to seven times more in funding for road works than SA, despite the Liberals pledging yesterday $40m to upgrade Oaklands Crossing in Adelaide. Locally, there has been some funding already committed to road projects that will go ahead despite who wins on Saturday, however across the board in regional South Australia, there’s a significant need for upgrades in many areas. The RAA has teamed up with the Australian Automobile Association and other motoring clubs with a campaign to drive stronger investment in safer roads, reduce congestion and improve infrastructure, and you can get all the details at keepaustraliamoving.com ROBE’S MAYOR SEEKS WORKING PARTY ON COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS Community engagement is on the agenda for the Mayor of Robe, Peter Riseley. He is seeking expressions of interest for a Mayor’s Working Party that will promote public consultations in a more inclusive way. Mayor Riseley wants to make public consultation processes easier and more user friendly. Ideas such as trying on-line methods to give opinions is one option, as opposed to just a few die-hard extroverts turning up to a town hall on a cold night. He’s hoping representation may come from many different sectors of the community, like sporting and youth groups and retirees, and anyone interested in joining a Working Party to get the concept off the ground is encouraged to contact him direct. NHILL ROTARIANS TOUR HOSPTAL OPERATING SUITE Members of the Rotary Club in Nhill were given a tour of the Nhill Hospital’s operating suite recently. All who attended, who of course had to don surgical gowns and sterile gear for the behind the scene look, enjoyed the visit. Nhill Hospital undertakes a range of procedures including eye surgery, ear nose and throat procedures, hip and knee replacements, and gynaecological surgery. West Wimmera Health service says that at present waiting lists are low and people can ask their GP for a referral. KANIVA FARMER INVENTS FIREWOOD ALTERNATIVE WITH AG WASTE Steven Hobbs from Kaniva is a farmer turned inventor, creating alternative resources to firewood. He has been compressing agricultural biowaste and meel, turning it into fire logs that are slow burning. Mr Hobbs has built a machine to manufacture the logs, and said it took a lot of trial and error to get the process just right. While he’s still a long way off commercial production, he’d like to produce about 15 to 20 tonnes of the product, which would then be stored in shipping containers, ready for winter. Because of the log’s density, they can burn for over 8 hours, producing less ash than firewood, plus the logs burn hot and bright, producing more energy. He currently sells bags for $13 each to neighbours and has them to buy at the Kaniva Community Shop, and while more expensive than firewood, the benefit is they last longer. Mr Hobbs said people like the environmental concept because they’re made from agricultural waste, however the only down-side he added, is that they need to be kept dry and stored where mice can’t get at them. KEITH KIDS GIVE COUNCIL THEIR SKATE PARK WISH LIST The Keith Skate Park is in for a revamp and fresh ideas are coming from local kids. The kids got the opportunity to put forward their ideas about what they liked and didn’t like, and those ideas were forwarded to council to consider. Tatiara District Council’s Arts & Cultural Development Officer Naomi Fallon said they’ve asked special ‘Skate Park Designers’ to quote on a design, to add more skating options and excitement to the existing skate park. YEAR 2 & 3 KEITH STUDENTS BECOME ENTREPRENEURS AND OPEN POP UP SHOP Keith Area School’s Year 2 & 3 students have been learning how to set up a business. After a term of hard work, they’ll open their Pop Up Shop on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th July from 9.30am till 1.30pm. They’re selling crafts, biscuits, eggs, dvd’s, books, candles, plants and more. See them next to the Keith Bakery on Makin Street. Get along and check out their efforts – you won’t be disappointed. Go along and support the amazing students from Keith Area School. |
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