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Work has begun on the Beaumont to Lawrence section of the Clutha Gold Trail.

Clutha ratepayers may have to fund a second by-election in less than a year, after councillor Chris Hargest resigned from the Clutha District Council on Friday, effective immediately.

Heavy frosts and ice continue to cause havoc on South Otago roads, there being more than 15 crashes in the area since Monday, although most drivers have escaped major injuries.

A last-ditch attempt to axe community boards in the Clutha district failed by a narrow margin yesterday after months of heated debate between Clutha district councillors and the community.

Work on the Clutha district leg of the Clutha Gold Trail will start next week, with the trust behind the cycle trail hopeful the whole trail will be completed by the end of the year.

Ten Lawrence teenagers have tackled a new challenge - restoring an assault course built by the army more than 20 years ago.

Upgrading of the Balclutha Centennial Pool is almost complete, although no opening date has been set.

Efforts towards the creation of a war memorial for the former West Otago township of Kelso are under way.

A popular North Island florist is being brought back to South Otago, after public demand for her return.

Balclutha police are investigating the third car theft in a week after another car was taken in Balclutha yesterday, and a second vehicle tampered with.

The danger of leaving hot ashes in wheelie bins was highlighted after a rubbish truck caught fire near Balclutha yesterday Balclutha Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Graeme Ferguson said the blaze was probably caused by hot ashes.

Interest in the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards continues to grow, with a record number of entries received for this year's event.

There are mixed feelings among five Central Otago men towards their specially grown beards for the Cromwell Gold 150 celebrations - some want it gone while others are considering keeping it a bit longer.

Big changes are in store for Clutha through the planned amalgamation of three development groups in to a new Clutha development trust.

Plans for West Otago's new integrated medical centre and rest-home are progressing well, and the trust behind the project is hopeful construction will begin by next year.

A new home specially designed for a South Otago family will soon take shape in Kaitangata. But this home will be no ordinary house.