Inside this week's Westmeath Independent

Here's a look at some of the stories you'll find in this week's Westmeath Independent, which is out now:

* Election 2024: Meet the candidates

* Councillors' legal case due in court in days

* Design of Monksland Community Hub project begins to take shape

* Athlone Mayor 'grateful' as tens of thousands raised for legal fund

* Local councillors opt to leave commercial rates unchanged

* Call for civic honour for Ballinahown

* Athlone STEM building due to open 'in September 2025'

* Excitement at launch of new Croilar festival in Athlone

* Tommy Tiernan launches uncles 'Tell Tale Townie' book

* Jailed for eight years over €83k drug seizure after traffic stop

* Mullooly to Minister O'Gorman: "Stop before the courts stop you"

AND IN SPORT:

* Pearses seek Connacht Senior Football title

* Fortune to take charge of Athlone Town women's team

* Moate CS ladies secure Leinster final place