The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Major surgery - Health minister merges region

Story: Simon Thomsen

Former NRAHS CEO Chris Crawford, now administrator for a larger region.

The Northern Rivers Health Service is no more. In an echo of the 1980s, NSW Health Minister Morris Iemma abolished the local health service on Tuesday, merging the region with the mid-north coast to create a new super-region stretching 470km from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads, 6.5 hours drive north, to look after almost 500,000 people in the state's fastest growing region.

The merger is part of a major shake-up of the embattled health system, with the NSW government hoping to save $100 million state-wide - one per cent of the health budget - by shedding 650 administration jobs in the next two years. Mr Iemma said the savings will go towards frontline services, including clinicians and operations.

The Minister said the two areas had a number of common issues that would benefit from the merger.

More detailed planning for the redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital will occur in 2005.

NRAHS board chairwoman Elizabeth Rummery, who has been involved in local health services for more than two decades, has been sacked, along with the rest of the board, which will be replaced by an 'advisory council' that includes clinical staff and consumers.

Former NRAHS CEO Chris Crawford has been retained as 'administrator' for the next five months until January 1 while the search for a new CEO for the bigger region gets underway. Mr Crawford will apply for the job. The area's head office remains in Lismore.

Mr Crawford said one of his key goals was to ensure it was "business as usual", as well as helping develop new structures for the expanded region and finding savings.

He said 41 administrative staff would lose their jobs under the restructure, saving $3 million per annum, although he expected those jobs to be replaced by additional frontline clinicians.

"It's a big challenge and an awful lot of work, but it's clear the community wants money to go into doctors and nurses rather than administration," he said

Mr Crawford paid tribute to Mrs Rummery and the former board.

"This region had an excellent board and chair in Elizabeth Rummery, who has done a magnificent job over the last eight years. I'd like to thank them for their support and advice," he said.

Meanwhile, the restructure has received cautious support from health professionals concerned by the loss of local decision-making.

Northern Rivers Division of General Practice chairman Dr Tony Lembke said the challenge for the new regional executive is ensuring that the community voice is heard.

"It may be more difficult to retain a focus on issues of concern to local communities, rather than following an agenda set in Sydney. We are hopeful that local issues will continue to be fairly addressed," he said.

NSW Nurses Association general secretary Brett Holmes was still studying the "devil in the detail", but issued similar worries about local control.

"It is important that local communities, especially in regional areas, have some control over and input into their health services. Local knowledge is a good thing and we must not lose that," he said.

The Health Minister has appointed former Nationals leader Ian Sinclair and Health Participation Council chair Wendy McCarthy to lead a community consultation team that will visit Lismore later this year.

"I am determined that throughout this process local communities will retain their voice in their local health services and their input will be listened to," Mr Iemma said.

A ton of fun

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Bob Trevan from Lismore and Nick Fintzelberg from San Diego with Bob's 1904 Model A Ford.

While Bob Trevan sells new cars for a living, it's old cars that are his real passion.

After a 20-year search for the car of his dreams, Bob finally managed to get his hands on a 1904 Model A Ford last year, which he lovingly restored to its former glory.

Proving that Fords are indeed reliable, Bob's 100 year-old beauty recently became the oldest car to finish the Golden Jubilee National Rally - a 350 mile journey that many later model cars failed to complete.

"The only thing that failed with the car was the work that was done in 2004," Bob said. "The Model A was also the only car in the rally that had no windscreen. It was a chilly ride but a lifetime experience!"

Bob's century old Ford will be one of the highlights of the Summerland Sports and Classic Car Club annual car show this Sunday, August 1, in Lismore. The event, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, will be held in the Clyde Campbell Car Park (next to Lismore Police Station) from 8am. Breakfast will be available from 7am.

The popular event attracts more than 200 classic cars and motorcycles, with some truly spectacular vehicles.

Judging in a variety of categories will start at 11am, with the presentation of trophies from 2pm.

Classic car and motorcycle owners are invited to bring along their treasured vehicles to enter in the competition or simply share with other enthusiasts. People also have the opportunity to win a personally signed story book by racing legend Jack Brabham and other great prizes on the day.

Entry is by gold coin donation or free for entrants.

The editor, the book, the fake and her cover

Story: Julian Ryan

Writers' festival committee chair Chris Hanley and festival director Jill Eddington prepare for a huge festival this weekend. Photo: Jeff Dawson/Byron Shire Echo.

Last year, Norma Khouri was one of the big hits of the Byron Bay Writers' Festival. Her 'true' story about escaping Jordan after her best friend was murdered in an honour killing was moving and compelling. It was a tale she recounted with conviction and high emotion. Her book became a publishing sensation.

Except she made it up.

Sydney Morning Herald literary editor Malcolm Knox spent 18 months researching the author's past and discovered that far from escaping Jordan, her family moved to America 30 years ago, where she married, had children and led a comfortable life before mysteriously disappearing. She now lives in Queensland, supposedly in fear for her life.

Since Knox, a fiction author and former sports journalist, exposed to great lie on the weekend, the shockwaves have echoed around the world. The book has been withdrawn from sale and comparisons are being drawn with Australia's other great literary hoaxes - the Ern Malley affair and Brisbane writer Helen Darville pretending to be a Ukranian Helen Demidenko.

Norma Khouri has denied the allegation, saying she will produce evidence to the contrary.

Malcolm Knox will no doubt have a few stories of his own to tell as part of this weekend's Byron Bay Writers Festival. His second novel, A Private Man, is ironically, an unsettling tale of family secrets and dishonesty.

Festival director Jill Eddington said that the response to this year's festival has been "enormous" with Friday and Saturday tickets and 3-day passes almost sold out. Phone 6685 6262 to book. Only Sunday passes will be available at the on-site box office.

"Sunday will be a fantastic day, with six amazing writers, including Nikki Gemmell, Robert Drewe, Gabrielle Lord and Mary Moody, coming together to discuss their work and what makes a book popular," Jill said.

"There are panels on food, how government policy is determined, and writing biography and the discussion with Helen Garner should be fascinating and controversial because she is such a thoughtful and provocative writer."

The climax is a discussion between Echo political commentator Mungo MacCallum and acclaimed cartoonist Michael Leunig. They might even make a few things up.

These boots are made for lifesaving

Richmond Valley Mayor Charlie Cox with help from Miss Tender Loin, the Daffodil Gnome, Sir Loin Suet, Casino Public School pupils, and helpers launched Casino's second Cancer Council Relay for Life this week. The relay will be held on the weekend of October 30-31. An information night for interested participants will be held at Casino RSM Club on Wednesday, August 11, at 6pm. Photo: Therese Schier

All write for kids

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Popular author Philip Gwynne (seated) autographs his book Jetty Rats for Anna Main (far left) pictured with manager of the Lismore Book Warehouse Angela Axford and Richmond Tweed Regional Library representative Nicole Eldridge.

Goonellabah resident Anna Main described herself as Phillip Gwynne's biggest fan during a book singing at the Lismore Book Warehouse on Wednesday.

Phillip was in town to host a series of workshops for local students as part of the Nestle Write Around Australia competition, and to promote his latest book Jetty Rats.

Phillip said it is very encouraging to come in contact with so many budding young writers during his visit to Lismore.

"It has been so much fun to workshop with the kids because they are all keen to learn and very enthusiastic about literature in general," he said.

Phillip Gwynne lives in Sydney and has written four books and one film.

Retirement's a fair cop

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Richmond Local Area Command Superintendent Barry Audsley, who hangs up his badge and his handcuffs tomorrow after 36 years on the force.

Learning to fish, playing golf and not having a mobile phone are just some of things Superintendent Barry Audsley is looking forward to when he retires tomorrow after 36 years with the force.

Barry joined the police in Sydney when he just 19, after being inspired by a neighbourhood cop who gave the local kids rides in his sidecar after school. He hasn't looked back, working at five country police stations, before being appointed the Superintendent of Richmond Local Area Command in Lismore seven years ago.

"I'm looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life, although it will be a big change," Supt Audsley said. "Being a policeman becomes a way of life, for yourself and your family. It's going to be an entire change of lifestyle... although I don't think I'll start smoking dope or anything!"

Travelling with his wife Jenny is something Barry is particularly looking forward to and he is already planning trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Margaret River in Western Australian. For the first time in his life, he can leave the mobile behind.

"I can't recall being on leave in the last 36 years without being interrupted by work," Supt Audsley said. "My girlfriend when I started in the police force is still my wife and my kids haven't known me as anything other than a policeman. I'm really going to enjoy the freedom of being able to do anything I want."

Yet Barry remains a devoted officer who loves his job, and has mixed emotions about retiring.

"I'm leaving the police family and that's sad for me - I've had lots and lots of mates and we've shared every emotion you could possibly think of," Supt Audsley said. "They have been closer to me than my brothers have over the years and I know I'll miss their company. I've had difficult times in the police force, and seen some things I wish I hadn't, but at the end of the day I can say I've enjoyed my job and had fun."

A special retirement dinner in his honour will be held in Ballina tomorrow night.

Ballina Council backs new supermarket

Story: Julian Ryan

The battle for new retail stores in Ballina continued last week when Ballina Council voted unanimously to approve plans for a new store by discount supermarket chain, Aldi.

The approval went against the staff recommendation that it be refused on the grounds that I went against council's competition and supermarket floor space policies and the city's retail strategy. Among the staff reasons for refusal was that the Aldi store would leave the region "oversupplied with supermarket floorspace" and that it would have an "adverse impact" on Pacific Highway shops, and the Ballina fair retail precinct, where developer Chris Condon hopes to build a new shopping complex on the former Tinkerbell caravan park site featuring a Big W store. Ibecon, the consulting group that wrote the Ballina Retail Strategy, found that if the Tinkerbell development was approved, Aldi would "add excessively" to Ballina's supermarket floorspace.

But the project is not without its supporters. In a packed Council chamber, some observers held placards saying 'We support Aldi'.

Councillor Keith Johnson said the competition created by the Aldi store would have a positive effect on the local economy.

"As much as 82 percent of the packaged food dollar in this town goes to either Coles or Woolworths, which means there is no competition amongst supermarkets in Ballina," he said.

"Aldi operate differently and aim to deliver goods cheaper, this will create competition and benefit the community by forcing the cost of living down."

The 1344m2 supermarket is set to go ahead at the wrecking yard site on the corner of the Pacific Highway and North Creek Road, North Ballina, once other planning restrictions are finalised.

Latham takes on supermarkets

Labor leader Mark Latham speaks to diary farmer Tom Cooper at his Bonalbo farm last week. Photo: Therese Schier.

A Labor government would curb the powers of supermarket giants Coles and Woolworth, opposition leader Mark Latham said during a visit to the Northern Rivers last Thursday.

Calling them "too big for too long", Mr Latham said he wanted to pressure the retailers who he accused of pocketing the financial gains from deregulation.

"The farm price for a litre of milk has dropped by 20 cents, but consumers have only enjoyed five cents a litre gain. So there's 15 cents a litre that's basically gone missing," he said.

During a visit to the Bonalbo dairy farm of Norco director Tom Cooper, who stood as an independent at the last federal election in a protest against the Coalition's dairy deregulation reforms, Mr Latham announced his party's dairy industry policy.

Although previously a strong supporter of dairy deregulation, he said it had caused some "anomalies", blaming lack of competition because Coles and Woolworths had 76 per cent of the market.

"It is time to change the balance of market power, get fairer arrangements in place and produce a fairer price for produce and the dairy farmer," he said.

Under the Labor plan, farmers would be allowed to use collective bargaining, the Trade Practices Act would be strengthened to stop abuses of market power, the Retail Grocery Code of Conduct would be made compulsory and tougher merger provisions would be introduced.

Mr Latham said Labor "would give [competition watchdog] the ACCC stronger power against the creeping acquisitions where Coles and Woolies take over the independent retailers one by one."

Mr Cooper said the policy was "a step in the right direction".

"The average age of our dairy farmers in NSW is 57. We are not seeing any young farmers coming into the industry. One of the worst things of this dairy deregulation is that we've lost a whole generation of young farmers. That's the cruellest part," he said.

Kids forget Mark's their dad

Like father like son... Labor leader Mark Latham signs a poster from his mentor Gough Whitlam's 1972 election campaign for Dianne Gregory of Lillian Rock.

Opposition leader Mark Latham is away from home so much that his two young sons are struggling to remember they have a dad, he told a town hall gathering in Lismore last Thursday.

A largely supportive crowd of more than 500 people turned up for the 15th of Mr Latham's regional community forums to hear his broad vision of life under a Labor Government, before spending an hour quizzing him on a range of issues, from forestry to ATSIC, veterans affairs, complementary medicine, drug laws, prostate cancer, the environment and the loss of the region's train service. Many wanted him to tackle NSW Premier Bob Carr over state issues, but Mr Latham sidestepped the issue saying there was a limit to the things federal Labor could do.

His fiercest critics were women angry about his comments over the appearance of a lesbian couple on Playschool last month. The opposition leader said he wanted his boys to learn about tolerance and diversity, but at the time of his choosing.

"How we teach that through our home, quite frankly, is our business," he said.

Many in the crowd applauded, others jeered.

Mr Latham went on say his children are 'grappling' with their father's regular absences.

"We're trying to build their understanding that in fact they've got a mum and a dad rather than just a mum. So having to deal with that hurdle is our first task as parents and we don't want to complicate it at this stage... having to explain to them the families where there are two mums," he said.

Pushed by representatives from the Nimbin Hemp Embassy to consider legalising cannabis, Mr Latham said it was important to maintain a hard line against illegal drugs. The following day, it emerged that Mr Latham had smoked marijuana.

Hurfords advice

Local businesswoman Lexie Hurford has been appointed to the NSW Government's Small Business Development Corporation, which advises on emerging trends in the small business sector. Mrs Hurford is assistant general manager of the Hurfords timber group of companies and a member of the Northern Rivers Regional Development Board.

Councils grow old gracefully

Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, and Page MP Ian Causley launched the Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan this week, watched by Australian Local Government Association president Mike Montgomery, local mayors Jan Barham, Phil Silver, Ernie Bennett and Merv King.

Almost one-third of the people living in the Northern Rivers region are aged 55 and over and that figure is expected to climb to 42 over the next 17 years. The Richmond-Tweed is currently fifth on a list of Australia's 64 regions when it comes to older people, but will climb to fourth place by 2011. The mid-north coast tops the list.

How to deal with that ageing population has led to Australian Local Government Association prepare an action plan to look at the issues affecting councils and local communities.

Federal Ageing Minister, Julie Bishop, launched the ALGA's 'Population Ageing Action Plan' in Ballina this week, committing $475,000 towards the project over the next over five years.

ALGA president, Mike Montgomery, said the Northern Rivers was an understandably popular place for people who want to retire.

"This plan will enable our councils to deal effectively with aged-related issues," he said. "Our ageing population will have a substantial impact on planning and service delivery. The challenges will be particularly profound in coastal areas and lifestyle regions like this."

The plan is available online at www.alga.asn.au

Ballina's five aged care providers will receive one-off funding of $1,121,283 to help them meet new safety and building standards.

They are St Andrew's Village ($322,816), the Ex-Services Nursing Home ($167,650), the Ex-Services Hostel ($243,483) and the two Crowley Retirement Villages ($387,333).

Thief nabbed

A citizen's arrest of a 16-year-old Alstonville youth seems to have solved a spate of thefts from cars in the Alstonville area in recent weeks.

Police were called to the house on Friday after members of public detained the youth following an assault. Police searched the youth's home and recovered a large amount of stolen property. The youth was charged with 20 offences, including stealing from motor vehicles, assault, possession of house-breaking implements, four counts of assault which allegedly occurred on the day he was arrested and other property and drug-related offences.

The crime spree lasted between July 16 and 23. He was held in custody until appearing in Lismore Children's Court on Tuesday. He entered no plea and did not apply for bail. The case has been adjourned until August 11.

A generous workhorse

Professor Paul Thom, Executive Dean of the Division of Arts thanks philanthropist George Lewin for the $20,000 in scholarships he donated for arts students.

George Lewin made a lot of money from a clever invention, the Triton workbench, but the last two years have given him the greatest pleasure as he's given away more than $900,000 to help local organizations through the George Lewin Foundation.

The latest to benefit from his philanthropy is Southern Cross University, which will offer four new scholarships to Arts Honours students next year.

Mr Lewin donated $20,000 for the four $5000 scholarships, hoping it will ease the burden on some students during their honours year.

"I have a friend who just finished at SCU - winning the University Medal - and she told me how difficult it was for her to cope financially during her honours year. I thought I might be able help others in similar situations by setting up these scholarships," he said this week

"We are encouraging women, and particularly indigenous women, to apply for these scholarships, provided they can show some evidence of financial need," he said.

Professor Paul Thom, Executive Dean of the Division of Arts, said the George Lewin Alumni Honours scholarships would encourage the best and brightest to study with SCU during their honours year.

Mayne game is helping others

Mayne Investments director Barry Wappett holds $100,000 worth of cheques for local community organisations, surrounded by representatives from the 10 groups that benefited.

The philosophy behind giving away $100,000 every year to local charities was simple according to Mayne Investments.

"We've done well from community support, so it's good to give something back," director Barry Wappett told the 10 charity groups receiving the funds when they gathered in Lismore last week. "We've done it for the last five years and will continue to do it."

The money comes from a charitable trust established by Mayne Investments, a local management investment fund, and funded by management fees.

General manager Greg Anderson said the hardest part was deciding which worthy groups they donated to.

"There are so many worthwhile causes in the community, and this is Mayne Investments' way of acknowledging the wonderful work done by so many people, often with minimal resources," he said.

The charities benefiting from the trust are: Camp Quality, Ballina Early Intervention, Our Kids, Summerland Early Intervention, Wilson Park Special School, Biala Special School, Summerland House, Lismore Challenge, Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and the Northern Rivers Autism Association.

No rain on this parade

Despite the (perhaps welcome) threat of rain on Sunday, Opera at the Channon was a huge success, going off without a hitch.

Almost 500 people attended the annual fundraising event, enjoying a silver service luncheon and opera performances by young stars from the Queensland Opera Company.

"There has been so much wonderful positive feedback already - while we don't know the amount of funds we have raised we're pretty sure it's going to be very impressive," Life Saver Rescue Helicopter fundraising officer, Rod Harvey, said. "We'd like to thank the Rotary Club of Lismore and Lismore Central Inc for organising such as wonderful event in support of local charities."

All funds raised from the event are shared between the helicopter service and various Rotary charities.

Made in Japan

The visiting group of Japanese students with Student Exchange Coordinator Colleen Virtue (far right).

A group of visiting Japanese students arrived in Lismore last week as part of Lismore City Council's Cultural Exchange Program.

Student Exchange Coordinator Colleen Virtue said the students are billeted locally and are all very keen to be introduced to Australian culture during their week long visit to the Northern Rivers.

"We plan to take these people to some of our National Parks and beautiful beaches while they are here," she said.

Colleen said the Program is positive step in developing close cultural links between Australia and Japan.

"In September I am taking seven local students to Japan where we are hoping to catch up with some of these people and also visit Lismore's sister city Yamato Takada."

Grant helps Alstonville volunteers

Alstonville Plateau Historical Society volunteers (front, l-r) Desiree Marshall, Brian Worthington, Elsie Johnston, (rear) John Fuller, Marguerite Fuller, Kevin Olivieri and Artie Dee received a grant from local MP Larry Anthony.

The Alstonville Plateau Historical Society received a big boost this week thanks to a $3545 Australian Government grant.

Richmond MP, Larry Anthony presented a cheque to the group at a morning tea, saying it would help make their community work easier, safer and more enjoyable.

"The Alstonville Historical Society do a wonderful job and this funding will make a big difference to their everyday work through providing such items as a kettle and urn, refrigerator, photocopier, computer and printer and fans," Mr Anthony said.

A helping hand

McHappy munchers and 'helping hands' buyers, Phoebe Byrnes, Connor Byrnes, Scott Eastwood and Angela Byrnes, with McDonalds Lismore owner Jim Moffitt and Ballina owner, Scott Campbell.

The annual 'Helping Hands' charity promotion at local McDonalds stores raised more than $7,500 to help the targeted charity, 'Our Kids', purchase medical equipment for the children's ward and special care nursery at Lismore Base Hospital.

The promotion, where customers spent $1 on cutout hands they signed and displayed on restaurant windows, was so popular that three local store ran out of hands before the fortnight-long promotion ended.

Jim Moffitt, the Casino and Lismore McDonalds owner, threw his weight behind the cause after a visit to the hospital to talk with medical staff and see how Our Kids helps meet vital needs. His stores display a range of Our Kids materials, including the Our Kids calendar.

Kids expo this weekend!

The Summerland Early Intervention Program helps and trains children with disabilities and delayed development, whilst also providing support for the families of these children.

For the last three years the Summerland Early Intervention Program fundraising committee has organised a Children's Expo as their major fundraiser.

This year's Children's Expo will be held this Sunday, August 1, at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre from 9am to 3pm.

The day will feature around 40 exhibitors, who will showcase a wide variety of children's products, services and activities, making it a one-stop-shop for parents.

Admission is $4 with children under 12 accompanied by an adult free.

Entertainment will include a jumping castle, fashion parade, rock and roll dancing, martial arts and a special appearance by Big Dog, so there's plenty for the kids to see and do. There also will be yummy food and cold drinks for sale.

For more information about this year's Summerland Early Intervention Children's Expo phone Rob Virtue on 6625 0519.

Speed demons

Proprietor of Lismore Toy Kingdom Gavin Horner with some of the radio controlled cars he will have on display at the Children's Expo this Sunday at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre.

Gavin Horner reckons that radio controlled cars are appealing for the young as well as the young at heart.

This Sunday, August 1, Gavin will display and demonstrate a variety of these miniature vehicles at the Children's Expo at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre from 9am to 3pm.

"I will be taking a selection of cars, buggies and trucks that make fantastic presents for children and big kids as well," he said. "They are all easy to operate and extremely popular with children of all ages at the moment."

Say hi to Gavin and Scott at the Children's Expo this Sunday and check out their display from Lismore Toy Kingdom, which will include popular brand names including Duratrax, Traxxas, Pirate and Hobao.

The Lismore Toy Kingdom is located at 64 Woodlark Street, Lismore.

For more information phone 6621 3473.

Getting Nimbin off drugs

A community plan to help wean young people off drugs will be launched in Nimbin next week.

The $72,000 'Nimbin in our hands' project is a collaboration between Community Connections North Coast and the Nimbin Community Development Association (NCDA), funded through the National Illicit Drug Strategy.

The NCDA will help young drug users and their families to reduce drug use.

Community Connections general manager William McManemy said he was impressed by the NCDA's ability to build trust in the local community.

"It's a case of local people putting up their hands to help solve local drug problems," he said.

NCDA spokesperson Leane Draper said the funding will also help pay off the community centre bought seven years ago.

The project will be launched next Thursday, August 5, at 10am, at Nimbin Town Hall. It will followed by community planning day to develop strategies to deal with the drug issues in the village. For details phone Lean on 6689 0000.

Anyone for PMS?

A landmark study into treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) using multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplements could help reduce symptoms is seeking 200 women who experience the problem.

The Southern Cross University (SCU) study is looking for 220 healthy women who regularly experience PMS, are aged between 18 and 45 and not currently being treated for PMS or taking daily medications.

Potential volunteers for the study should contact Cathy Avila at the Southern Cross University's School of Natural and Complementary Medicine on 6626 9183.

Seeing the woods for the weeds

Daniel George plants rare peanut trees in Keen Street to replace the golden rain trees.

Golden rain trees may look pretty when in bloom, but they're regarded as a weed by Lismore Council and Landcare groups. So when an environmental restoration team was preparing the riverbank for Sunday's tree planting, they noticed some in Keen Street and approached Lismore City Council to remove them, replanting with a rare local rainforest tree, the peanut tree (Sterculia quadrifida).

The tree, also known as the red-fruited Kurrajong, is named after Sterculius, the Roman God of manure, because of the foetid odour of the leaves and flowers on some species. Thankfully, the flowers are lemon-scented and the dramatic red fruits contain satiny blue-black seeds that are edible raw or roasted and taste like peanuts.

The peanut tree is a highly regarded bush food with many other uses, explained Daniel George from Environmental Training and Employment (EnviTE) in Lismore.

"Aborigines used the bark for making fibre and fishing nets and the leaves to treat wounds and stings," he said.

This week's features: Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses