Helena de Reus

Clutha roads will suffer if the New Zealand Transport Agency reduces funding to the Clutha District Council, Mayor Bryan Cadogan says.

A chorus of whistles interrupted birdsong in what appeared to be a deserted valley near Berwick on Saturday.

The Balclutha War Memorial Hall will display a myriad living floral designs tonight as the Balclutha Floral Art Club celebrates 45 years of floral art in South Otago.

The Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha is facing some teething troubles, including alarm systems triggering and some problems with the flooring, but despite this the centre is proving popular with sports teams and community groups.

Work has begun on a $2.4 million upgrade of the community-owned hospital in Balclutha. ODT Balclutha reporter Helena de Reus checks progress on the Clutha Health First project.

There are 25 unemployed young people in Clutha, and Mayor Bryan Cadogan believes the number can be zero.

Search and rescue techniques will be tested and honed during a three-day event at Berwick next weekend.

The Clutha District Council yesterday formally decided to retain Balclutha's traffic flow along State Highway 1, Clyde St.

South Otago will be the site of another great bike escape this weekend, with the Milton Jailbreak on Sunday.

It has been a labour of love restoring a 41-year-old Mini with a big history.