Ron Courtois from the Department of Juvenile Justice claimed that at least 400 young people in the city do not live at home and a lack of facilities is forcing them to turn to crime in order to survive.

Wagga’s average March rainfall of 44 millimetres was eclipsed in less than 14 hours by a torrential overnight downpour of 46 millimetres.

The Riverina Aquathon Series is being held at Lake Albert in conjunction with the Rheem Australian Veterans Games.

Premier John Fahey presented plaques of honour to more than 40 local fire fighters and emergency service officers who fought during the state’s devastating bushfire crisis in January.

More than 120 workers at Moore Paragon are celebrating the news that their jobs have been saved in a major company shakeup.

Local CSU student Tammy Lakeland was awarded the Wollundry Rotary Club scholarship valued at $6000.

Wagga’s Australian Guarantee Corporation office closed after 30 years of operation in the city.

Turvey Park Bulldogs president, Mark Meek, has sealed a sponsorship deal with Tolland Hotel manager, Russ Lowe.

Popular Wendy’s Ice Creamery is opening soon in the Sturt Mall.

50 YEARS AGO

Asian gourmet chef Mr Tiger Ady is holding cooking demonstrations at David Jones.

A 24-year-old labourer was fined $50 in Wagga Court of Petty Sessions after being charged with stealing $8 from his mother.

Over 40 skiers competed in the second heat of the slalom event at Wagga Boat Club with a similar field expected next week for the third and final heat.

Knights Meats in the Australian Arcade, Gurwood and Baylis streets have thick beef sausages for 22 cents a pound and crumbed lamb schnitzel for 55 cents a pound.

Wagga Artist Margaret Read was commissioned to paint a portrait of former Agricultural College lecturer, Mr R J Butts.

Miss Kerry Wright won the Golden Slipper Princess Quest held at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club in Wagga.

Mr and Mrs Lawrence Roy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Wagga Rescue Club.

BFC Finance in Baylis Street has personal loans from $50 with or without security.

The Workers Education Association has arranged evening courses in German, science, art and religion at Wagga Teachers College and Wagga High School.

A bus load of mainly young people is travelling from Wagga to Melbourne for the first weekend of the Billy Graham Crusade.

Wagga’s Mayor, Ald R J Harris criticised the Prime Minister, Mr Gorton for his refusal to visit Wagga to hear representations on decentralisation when he was able to find time to attend prize fights and social weddings.

Bishop Carroll has set a target of $500,000 in a new drive for investment in the Diocesan Provident Fund.

State Governor, Sir Roden Cutler and Lady Cutler flew into Wagga for a three-day visit.