In this week's Westmeath Independent

This week's 44-page edition of the Westmeath Independent is now on the shelves. 

Our featured stories include:

* Temperatures in the Midlands are expected to rival those in Lanzarote as a mini heatwave continues over the coming days.

* Traders in South Roscommon have voiced their frustration over a speed limit reduction to 80km per hour on the former N6 Athlone to Ballinasloe road.

* Two local Roses have booked their place at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in August.

* Pharmaceutical firm Alkermes has announced 'robust revenue growth' less than seven weeks after it emerged that it will be shedding 130 jobs in Athlone. 

* In our 'taking the plunge' series, reporter Dolores Martyn learns to sail on lovely Lough Ree. 

* The death has taken place of Fr Michael Walsh, the former parish priest in Tubber, Moate.

* A new six foot high fence at the lakeshore in Portlick has angered locals, who say they had no prior notice that the fence would be erected. 

* We have a report and photos from the official opening of an extension at Baylin NS, and we also feature photos from the Kilbeggan Races Family Day, a St Francis Terrace reunion, and First Holy Communions at Coosan NS and Summerhill NS. 

* Photos from the awards nights at Moate CS, St Joseph's College Summerhill and Athlone Community College are also published.

* The South Roscommon Seanachai, Willie Kenny, is profiled in our Independent People series.    

* And on a very disappointing weekend for local sport, we have reports and reaction from Westmeath's championship defeat against Dublin and Moate boxer Joe Ward's exit from the European championships as a result of a freak leg injury. 

All this and much more can be found in this week’s paper, which is available in local outlets and can also be accessed in the ePaper format (for more on this option, see: http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/epaper#undefined)