Andrew Ashton

An Oamaru teenager who ended up with serious burns while playing with petrol after using the legal-high product K2 is calling for synthetic cannabis to be banned, and says he will be on the street, holding a protest placard himself, as soon as he can walk.

North Otago Search and Rescue teams will soon be able to use new high-tech equipment that will improve the way rescue efforts are co-ordinated, after the organisation was given a $14,000 grant.

An Oamaru schoolboy who was given the thumbs-up by X Factor judges last weekend, says singing is in the family genes.

Police in Oamaru are urging both sides of a dispute over the sale of legal highs in the town to act responsibly, after a dairy owner yesterday allegedly turned a water blaster on a group of protesters campaigning against the sale of K2.

Business owners in Oamaru will this week get an opportunity to hear Construction Minister Maurice Williamson's thoughts on how building owners should deal with myriad challenges posed by strengthening regulations.

A Palmerston level crossing has been upgraded just a month after being placed on KiwiRail's national priority list of crossings.

An Oamaru family left distraught by the theft of their beloved pet dog are willing to pay a reward to anyone who could help return their Staffordshire bull terrier back home to his puppies.

A buoyant job market and community spirit are being hailed as the main reasons for a fall in unemployment in Oamaru, despite the loss of 192 jobs at the Summit Wool Spinners plant just two months ago.

After successfully negotiating the switch to digital television, Oamaru's 45 South Television is hoping that with a bit of technical ''tinkering'' its broadcasting range can be increased.

A ''missing'' Canadian tramper was yesterday found safe and well - although the man had no idea he had been reported as missing.