News blog, April 19: Nicholls Labor candidate announced, Jackknifed truck blocks River Rd

We’re heading for a top of 19°C with 15-25mm of rain forecast for Shepparton.

UPDATE, 4.30pm: Exploring Ramadan in the GV

Closing off the blog today is the first of a great series from Youssef Saudie, exploring the mosques of the Goulburn Valley.

It is currently Ramadan for Muslims across the world and the region’s vibrant multicultural community are practising it together.

Starting with the Turkish Muslim community, we get an insight into how Turkey is being brought to the GV and what it's like practising Ramadan as a working mother.

“In Turkey you would have all these drummers in the streets walking in Suhur to wake everyone, it’s like the community alarm clock," said community member Betul Tuna.

UPDATE, 4.10pm: Nicholls has a Labor candidate

Just in from chief correspondent Darren Linton — Bill Lodwick will again stand as a Labor Party candidate for the federal seat of Nicholls.

With the announcement of the May 21 election a bit over a week ago, we’d been wondering for a while who, if anyone, would join the election campaign for Labor.

Lodwick ran in 2019, securing 20 per cent of the primary vote but lost out to the Nationals’ Damian Drum, who won the seat with 70.3 per cent of the two-party preferred vote to Labor’s 29.7 per cent.

UPDATE, 2.50pm: Today in Shepparton yesterday

Today host Karl Stefanovic has partnered with Gotcha4Life for a road trip to promote mental fitness.

His first stop was at Monash Park in Shepparton yesterday.

"Hosting the Today show while hanging out with the locals is always top of my list,’’ he said.

“That, and taking part in the Mateship Miles with my mate Gus means I can play a small part for an incredibly important cause.’’

UPDATE, 12.45pm: Truck blocking River Rd, GV Highway turn-off

A truck has jackknifed while turning onto River Road from the Goulburn Valley Highway in Kialla about 12.30pm today.

The truck is blocking the lane for traffic trying to enter River Road.

UPDATE, 11.50am: Have you seen Joshua?

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing man Joshua.

The 23-year-old was last seen in Mooroopna yesterday afternoon.

Anyone who sees Josh or might know of his location is urged to call Shepparton Police Station on 58 205 777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE, 11.30am: Weekend sport

There was a bit happening in the world of local sport during the long weekend.

History was made at the Shepparton Easter Tennis Tournament with 26-year-old Eliza Bingham winning her fifth open women’s title in a row.

Speaking after the trophy presentation, Bingham said it felt good to get over the line, with the 6-0, 6-1 result impacted by the weather.

Meanwhile, there was controversy in the Goulburn Valley League with Echuca’s football sides stripped of its round one premiership points over a self-reported breach.

It came after two unregistered players took the field in its senior and reserve side victories over Rochester.

On top of the reversal of points, the club has been fined up to $1000 suspended until the end of 2023.

Echuca won the senior game by 53 points while the reserves had a resounding 117-point victory.

The misdeed has been blamed on a new administration system.

UPDATE, 10.55am: Latest from Shepparton Magistrates’ Court

Four teenagers have been bailed after allegedly stealing from multiple cars in Mooroopna.

Two boys aged 15, a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, all from Mooroopna, are charged with aggravated burglary, three counts of theft, and four counts of committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Meanwhile, a court heard a police helicopter tracked a P-plater as he did three burnouts in Shepparton.

A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to careless driving and driving while suspended.

Those aboard the Police Airwing saw the man lose traction in his vehicle on Benalla Rd, Shepparton, about 12.50am on September 12, 2020.

When he was intercepted by police, he told them his “driving was a bit silly but there was no-one around”.

UPDATE, 9.50am: Easter celebrations at KidsTown

Families flocked to KidsTown during the Easter long weekend for four days of fun.

Our talented snapper Megan Fisher went along to see what all the fuss was about and took some lovely photos, like this one, you can find here.

KidsTown co-ordinator Emily Lange said Saturday was the busiest day and, while official numbers would not be known until after the school holidays, she estimated about 1000 people turned out to take part in the activities for the day.

UPDATE, 9.10am: Morning headlines

There was a bit of news out of the Easter long weekend; here’s what you might have missed.

Darren Linton has a story out of Greater Shepparton City Council, which is considering a a draft budget with a one per cent rate raise when it meets today.

The document forecasts revenue from rates and charges of $86.9 million, and will be available for public submissions from April 22 to May 26.

Shepparton’s highway patrol had a busy weekend with more traffic than usual on the roads.

A Melbourne man was allegedly seen driving at 140km/h in a 100km/h zone on Mooroopna-Murchison Rd on Saturday.

He also allegedly had a suspended driver’s licence.

His car wasn’t the only one impounded on the weekend; the full report by Monique Preston can be read here.