News blog, February 15: Man dies in Strathmerton crash; appeal for information on suspicious house fire
Hello and welcome back to the news blog on what’s set to be a scorcher of a Tuesday.
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We’re set for a top of 39°C today in Shepparton so look after yourself and stay hydrated!
Keep track of the latest news here as the day unfolds.
UPDATE, 5 pm: Signing off
That’s all folks. Escape the heat if you can, we’re in for a warm night. See you tomorrow.
UPDATE, 4.25 pm: Winding down
According to the Bureau of Meteorology it’s 37.3°C in Shepparton now and the only conversation I can make with anyone today is, “Gee, it’s hot out there”.
Having a squiz at news coming online this afternoon, you might remember Shepparton’s ACE Secondary College held a meeting yesterday in protest of the proposed social housing development above the Maude St carpark.
Caitlyn Grant was there to hear their concerns and you can read about them here.
Meanwhile, I love a big fish. And so does Nagambie’s Jono Moore, because his whopper catch reeled him the $80,000 top prize at the GoFish tournament.
No, not the card game Go Fish, but actual, hook, line and sinker, fishing; see the enormous Murray Cod and read about the catch here.
UPDATE, 2.05 pm: Man dies in Strathmerton crash
Victoria Police has confirmed a man has died following a two-vehicle accident in Strathmerton.
According to police, it’s understood a van and police vehicle collided on the Murray Valley Highway, at the Stokes Road intersection, about 12pm today.
The driver of the van sadly died at the scene.
Motorists are being advised diversions are in place and the scene will remain closed for some time while investigators examine the area.
UPDATE, 1.35 pm: Air ambulance heading to Strathmerton
Ambulance Victoria has confirmed the air ambulance has been dispatched to the Strathmerton crash below, just after midday.
Two men are being treated for serious injuries, a spokesperson said.
UPDATE, 1.10 pm: Police car involved in Strathmerton crash
In breaking news, we’ve just received word a police car has been involved in a collision in Strathmerton today.
Click here for what we know so far.
UPDATE, 11.45 am: Police appeal for information on suspicious house fire
Can you help?
About 1.30am on Tuesday, February 8, a house at 148 Sobraon St, Shepparton was significantly damaged in a fire.
Police are appealing for any witnesses in the area at the time to contact Detective Senior Constable Berryman at the Shepparton Police Station on (03) 5820 5777.
Or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
UPDATE, 11.30 am: One to watch — COVID can’t stop Chelsea’s travels
In the last six months of 2021, Mooroopna’s Chelsea Hall has been everywhere, man.
Everywhere in Australia, that is.
Inspired by #vanlife social media content, Chelsea bought a 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy with 345,000 km on the clock, and just started driving.
“I didn’t really plan much, I just hit the road before one of the lockdowns in June,” she said.
About 25,000km later, Chelsea would take the trip all over again and recommends you do it, too.
“I want other people to realise how cool Australia is,” she said.
“You don’t have to fly and book a hotel, you can go in your car, experience some of the coolest things and it barely costs you anything.”
Georgia Rossiter caught up with her a little while ago to hear about her adventures, stay tuned for this one on our website.
UPDATE, 10.55 am: So you think you can muster?
The ABC’s Muster Dogs program has been causing quite a stir in our newsroom recently and our resident reality TV correspondent (and Country News journo) Daneka Hill has gone to town on the final episode.
My favourite part of her latest take on the show was the new phrases viewers can walk away with; you’ll be impressing your local pastoralist in no time.
Have a read and expand your vocabulary here. (Spoiler alert if you’re not up-to-date).
UPDATE, 9.40 am: COVID-19 cases announced
It’s that time of the day; the numbers are out and sadly a further 20 people have died with COVID-19 in Victoria.
We thank everyone who got vaccinated and tested yesterday.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) February 14, 2022
Our thoughts are with those in hospital, and the families of people who have lost their lives.
More data soon: https://t.co/4nRYt6jpwC#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/qmrJKXNe7s
UPDATE, 8.55 am: In case you missed it
Extreme heat timetables are in place on the Seymour-Shepparton train lines today and tomorrow with back-to-back days of 39°C expected.
Yesterday, News journo Youssef Saudie was at the Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations Breakfast at the Queen’s Gardens in Shepparton.
His coverage highlighted Elders’ concerns of ongoing injustices to children at the event.
Meanwhile, some elective surgery is returning at GV Health as the Code Brown comes to an end.
And to get your day off to a great start, have a scroll through more of our ace photographer Megan Fisher’s snaps at a Shepparton sunflower crop on the weekend.