In this week's Westmeath Independent

This week's Westmeath Independent is now on the shelves and features the best local news, sports, features and photography coverage. 

Stories include: 

* Athlone to be designated as 'regional capital' for the Midlands

* Gardai looking into circumstances behind 'Child Protection Awareness' online video 

* New local medical device firm has plans to recruit 70 staff

* One-way traffic to be introduced in Athlone tomorrow

* End of an era as last Lough Ree island resident John Connell dies aged 83

* Ministers Naughten and Moran outline views on Eighth Amendment

* Special feature on local childcare services

* PHOTOS: Confirmations for Tubberclair, Rosemount and Tubber pupils; Minister Richard Bruton visits An Grianan NS and Coosan NS; Moate All Whites GAA Club social.

* Big injury blow for Robbie Henshaw as Ireland squad prepares for Athlone visit

* Wasteful Westmeath do enough to overcome Wexford

* Athletics ace Thomas Barr is interviewed ahead of next week's AIT Grand Prix

All this and much more is included in this week's edition, which is in shops now and can also be accessed online, through the ePaper link at the top of this page.