News blog, May 24: Power restored to GSSC, Hawdon St power pole snapped by driver

Welcome back to the news blog for your Tuesday.

We’re heading for a sunny top of 19°C in Shepparton. Lets see how the day unfolds.

UPDATE, 4.05pm: Honour board mystery

I’ll leave the blog here for today with this story that’s just come online from Gianni Francis.

He reports a mysterious honour board has been dropped off at the Shepparton RSL.

The board was found during a shed clean out and was barely saved from being sent to the tip, RSL member Arnold Warburton said.

Find out more about the mysterious item and read more here.

UPDATE, 1.45pm: Crews hoping to have Hawdon St open

A Powercor spokesperson has provided an update on the situation at Hawdon St, Shepparton.

They said all but 58 customers have had their power restored.

“Our crews have replaced the pole and made other repairs and will look to have the road open in time for the afternoon peak,” they said.

“The final customers are being progressively restored throughout the remainder of the afternoon.”

UPDATE, 12.40pm: Power restored to Greater Shepparton Secondary College

GSSC principal Barbara O’Brien has confirmed on the school’s Facebook page that electricity has been restored after a car took out a power pole on Hawdon St last night.

“We are pleased to report that power has been restored to GSSC and our heating, lights and toilets are operational once again. Our students have returned to the classroom to resume their normal school day,” the post said.

“We encourage students back on campus. Please note that our canteen preparation has been affected by the power outage and returning students should bring their lunch. GSSC will have its afternoon “breakfast program” operating at lunchtime with free food available to any student in need.

“Students on site were fully supervised and the weather was amenable to outside activities.

“May I thank our parents, carers and students for their understanding. This power outage was the result of a car accident completely out of GSSC’s control and we appreciate our school community’s efforts during this unexpected power loss.“

UPDATE, 12.20: Police seeking information

The Shepparton police eyewatch page has been busy this morning.

Police are seeking witnesses after a vehicle left the Terminus Hotel carpark and did a burnout in North Street and a couple of donuts in the intersection of North St and High St, on Saturday, May 7 in the afternoon.

Anybody who saw anything or can help investigators is asked to call Shepparton police on 5820 5777 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are also trying to identify this man in relation to a burglary at a Wyndham Street eatery.

If you can assist investigators, call Shepparton detectives on 5820 5800 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 to remain anonymous.

UPDATE, 11.50am: Sirius College celebrates Eid in style

Sirius College Shepparton didn’t hold back on its Eid celebration on Friday, May 20.

The school hosted its second Eid festival, complete with an obstacle course, jumping castle, mechanical bull, face painting and more.

Principal Muhammed Aksu said the event brought together the whole school and the wider community, with around 250 people attending.

Check out some great snaps from Rechelle Zammit on the day.

UPDATE, 10.10am: Man’s best friend — a dog with two names

Today is Country News day and this story from Daneka Hill about a dog with two names caught my eye this morning.

Jax, or Spike, depending on who you talk to, is a border collie-cross puppy living in Ruffy, south of Euroa.

If that’s not enough to get you interested, this puppy’s start to life is a great tale.

UPDATE, 9.40 am: GSSC without power

Greater Shepparton Secondary College currently has no power.

Students who live near the school have been asked to stay home (if not already at school) until the power has been reconnected.

Parents and students are advised to continue checking the school’s Compass system for updates.

UPDATE, 9am: Morning headlines

Back to our regular scheduled programming... here’s some news you might have missed.

Darren Linton reports the newly elected Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell is set to get a swift introduction to party politics.

The Nationals will hold a party room meeting in Canberra to elect a leader and deputy leader.

Also from Darren comes the news SPC and Vegemite have joined forces to create baked beans with a distinctly Australian flavour.

The partnership comes as SPC looks to inject some fun back into the baked beans aisle.

And lastly, Greater Shepparton Secondary College students become recording artists during Triple J’s recent visit to the area.

Check out the songs students wrote, produced and recorded here.

UPDATE, 8.25am: Powercor to remain at Hawdon St throughout the morning

We’ve just received an update on the situation at Hawdon St, Shepparton from a Powercor spokesperson.

They said the collision left 960 customers without electricity and crews responded to the fault just before 11pm on Monday.

“Network controllers and ground crews were able to switch power back on for about 590 customers using other parts of the network,” the spokesperson said.

“Another 360 customers are currently without power as field crews complete repairs.

“It’s expected crews will be on scene throughout the morning, with the road set to initially open to buses only, before opening to all traffic later in the day.

“Customers affected are being updated via SMS and via the website.”

UPDATE, 8am: Hawdon St closed after car accident on Monday night

A driver has allegedly collided with a power pole on Hawdon St in Shepparton last night, snapping it at the base.

According to police, a probationary driver was heading south on the street when it veered up and straddled the footpath taking out a parking sign and the power pole.

The driver was taken to hospital for assessment with no injuries.

Police are still investigating the incident.

This morning crews are on the scene and a section of the street is closed directly outside Greater Shepparton Secondary College.

We’re following up with Powercor to find out how long the closure will be in place.