LOCAL residents, critical of authorities response to the bushfires which raged across Mansfield Shire in December 2006, have welcomed the findings of a parliamentary inquiry. --->

MANSFIELD uniform police and traffic management unit, along with the regional traffic tasking unit and dog squad, joined forces on Mt Buller Road, Mansfield on Sunday to conduct a multi-faceted roadblock and booze bus operation. --->

THE most significant probationary driver changes ever come into effect today. --->

A SOLAR panel installer based in Merrijig has condemned the Federal Government’s plans to introduce means testing on an $8000 rebate, saying it will turn people away from converting to solar energy. --->

CERAMIC murals which will artistically portray numerous high council huts, destroyed in the 2006/07 bushfires, will become permanent public artworks in Mansfield. --->

MANSFIELD Shire Council’s 2008/09 budget has been officially adopted, with minor adjustments improving its financial position by $60,000. --->

A GROUNDSWELL of interest is building for Mansfield student Zach Green and his dream of helping homeless youth, with the Mansfield and District Community Bank now stepping up to offer support to the would-be youth worker. --->

AN old face around Mansfield is soon to have a new one, with the sale of Mansfield Express to Melbourne freight company, Auspro Logistics. --->

PALAEONTOLOGIST John Long captured an audience of about 60 people at the Mansfield Library last Friday night, but it wasn’t as good as his catch on Mt Howitt in 2006. --->

FORGET about renovating or building your place the traditional way - welcome to the 21st century, where on Mt Buller the Geebung Ski Lodge is open to the idea of some friendly bartering. --->

THE long-awaited report on the health of the Murray Darling Basin (MDB) released late last month has provided a detailed snapshot of the health of rivers in the MDB, and the news is not good. --->

MERTON farmer Ailsa Fox has been re-elected as the Victorian Farmers Federation Livestock Group president for her fourth consecutive term. --->

WHAT can you possibly say to someone when they are retiring after almost 39 years at the one job? --->

ARE we ready yet? --->

THE annual Rotary Club of Mansfield handover dinner was held at Hotel Delatite in Mansfield last Wednesday night and Graham Irvin will take the position of president for a second consecutive term. --->

MAX Fricke has taken out the Victorian Motocross B grade state title after winning 18 races out of 18 starts during a three round series which finished at Tooleen near Bendigo on the weekend. --->

THE Eagles take on top of the ladder Mooroopna on the Cats’ home turf this Saturday, a match that would be a tall order for any side to win in the GVFL. --->

FORMER Mansfield student, Victoria Mitchell, is off to Beijing Olympics competing in the 3000m steeplechase event. --->