The Gobba Bridge project is progressing to its third stage, with the Roads and Traffic Authority announcing a $13.2 million contract for construction of four kilometres of road through to the Coolamon Road.

Former mayor Ron Harris became the third councillor in Wagga's history to be presented with the Freedom of the City Award.

Ray Dethridge, long-time editorial writer for the Daily Advertiser who retired last year after 42 years of journalism, died of a heart attack while playing golf.

Dr Kath Bowmer has been appointed as Charles Sturt University's new principal and deputy vice-chancellor.

Space for moving vehicles in Baylis Street would be restricted by up to 50 per cent under a $5 million upgrade proposed to make the street more pedestrian friendly.

Gavin Grant from the Turvey Tavern Hotel is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the conviction of louts responsible for vandalism at the hotel.

Principal Joe Allan said that stage one of the Wagga Technology High School $4.9 million upgrade is expected to be complete by the end of February.

Kit Gooley, president of the Wagga sub-branch of the Australian Hotels Association, said that hoteliers were one of the most tightly regulated business groups and expressed concerns that plans to shut pubs at midnight would not cut crime as suggested by pressure groups.

The Tolland Hotel owned by Arthur Summons and managed by Russell Lowe has won the major sponsorship draw for this year's Wagga Gold Cup.

About 4000 people attended the Wagga Rodeo with Wagga Rodeo Club member Bert Bray saying that gate takings were up about 40 per cent on last year.

Returning officer Sid Peadon said that 146 officials would man state election polling booths on the weekend from 8am until 8pm with 20,000 people expected to cast their votes.

Gold medallist Belinda Paul received a mayoral welcome back home in Wagga after winning the medal in the under 12 girls' breaststroke at the NSW Country Swimming Championships.

World-rated chess player Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia disposed of 32 opponents in less than five hours during exhibition matches played at Edmondson's store in Gurwood Street.

The new Centenary Wing of Wagga and District Historical Society museum was opened by Justice Mitchell, president of the Royal Australian Historical Society.

Mrs June Dunn has been elected president of the Wagga School of Arts, succeeding Mr W Hurd who did not seek re-election after 10 years as president.

Kyeamba Shire were the winners of the annual South Wagga Apex Business Houses Swimming Carnival.

School chaplain Rev Fr Flanagan conducted a special Mass in St Michael's Cathedral to mark the inauguration of the Mt Erin Girls High School new year.

Edmondson's Food Market is selling Heinz baked beans or spaghetti, 16oz cans for 9 cents, Lux or Lifebuoy soap, twin packs for 19 cents and Golden Circle beetroot, 16oz can for 8 cents.

Wagga City librarian Margot Paech announced that the library would now remain open on weekdays between 5 and 7pm, extending the library weekday open hours from 10.30am to 9pm.