7am: Morning everyone, though I would not say it was a particularly good morning after having a look at the weather.
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Central Western Daily journo Nicole Kuter here for your morning wrap up and if you are up this early you will need to rug up before heading outside as it is about seven degrees.
If you know something our readers might find useful - a news tip or traffic report- please email it to nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au or text it to 0477 308 571.
First off, today's weather ...
Cold.
That is really all you need to know as you head out today.
Orange is headed for a top of about 12 degrees at 12pm but it will drop to four degrees by 9pm.
There is not be much rain on the horizon but if you have plans at 3pm then Murphy's Law will shower us with "intermittent rain" in the afternoon.
Around the region, Bathurst is expected to reach 14 degrees and Dubbo, a temperature us Orange residents have already forgotten, 18 degrees.
7.15am: It would appear that nine months before June 6 not many celebrity couples were having time alone.
Out of the 48 "celebrities" I could find who were born on this day, I only recognised two of them.
Firstly the amazing American guitarist, songwriter and producer Steve Vai, who was born in 1960.
Vai is most famous for songs called For The Love of God, Tender Surrender and Whispering a Prayer.
The second, the delightful front-woman of Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil, Cristina Scabbia, who turned 41 today.
However my colleagues on the sports desk pointed out Swedish tennis player Bjorn Borg, who turned 57 today, is a big deal.
He was world number one at some point and considered "to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time" apparently.
7.30am: Running late to work? Here are some places to avoid on your trip.
Orange City Council will be undergoing the following roadwork this week:
-The Margaret and Hill Street intersection, with a temporary seal added to the roadway at the intersection.
-Burrendong Way south from the Orange Council boundary.
-Forest Road preparing underground cabling, a step towards construction of traffic lights for the intersection at the entrance to the Bloomfield Hospital Gates and the new aged care facility.
-Contractors will continue to pour concrete for a shared bicycle-pedestrian path from Spring Street to McLachlan Street.
-There will be brief delays for drivers in Bulgas Road, where more of the road will be sealed past the Suma Park Dam entryway.
The RMS advises that roadwork will be taking place on the region's major roads in the following areas this week:
Great Western Highway:
- near McDonald's at Lithgow
- between Bathurst and Mt Victoria
- intersection improvements near Kelso
- drainage contruction at Mt Victoria
- Patchwork on Henry Parkes Way near Manildra
- bridge maintenance near Larras Lee on the Mitchell Highway
Please expect lane closures or delays at these locations.
7.45am: Time to have a look at what's happening in Orange news this morning ...
Orange businessman Jeff Hort had grand plans to train people from Papua New Guinea to weld- plans too grand it would seem.
Mr Hort, who runs Jeff Hort Engineering and has worked in PNG in the past, has been trying for more than a year to bring trainees to Orange for a three-month stint, which would give them skills to take back home.
But attempts to secure visas from the Department of Immigration have so far proven unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, police prosecutor Sergeant Andy Bobin put on a colourful display in Orange Local Court yesterday.
The Sergeant described a move to allow a Responsible Service of Alcohol marshal back to the Metropolitan Hotel as akin to allowing "Dracula... back in charge of the blood bank”.
7.50am I'm reliably informed Cronulla Sharks winger and Footy Show comedian-at-large Beau Ryan last night announced his retirement from the NRL... and people care.
8am: There were some good-looking Catholics out and about on Wednesday night.
The Orange Function Centre hosted a dinner to commemorate 150 years of the Catholic Parish of Orange.
Nuns and priests who have served in the Orange parish over the years returned to catch up and celebrate the sesquicentenary.
8.05am: On a serious note, today marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy, which most believe marked the start of the allied forces charge to victory in World War II.
Here's how the Brits are marking the occasion.
8.20am: For those who are interested in the world outside of Orange- here are some national headlines.
Some of Australia's top clothing labels are employing migrant workers for up to 15 hours a day in sweatshops while paying them as little as $5 an hour, according to court documents lodged by the textile union.
The Textile Clothing and Footwear Union alleges that 23 fashion labels are running unregulated supply chains that exploit low-paid workers - predominantly female migrants - by paying wages well below the legal minimum and failing to provide basic employment entitlements, including superannuation, annual leave, workers' compensation and sick leave.
Click the story to find out which brands are the culprits. Will it affect how you shop?
And the budget horror is not over despite Prime Minister Tony Abbott's overseas sojourn.
More than half a million young people could need emergency assistance to pay for food and shelter because of a federal government change which welfare groups warn will lead to ''catastrophe''.
8.25am: I am definitely a grinch because this lamb who is doing the rounds on social media does not make me laugh.
But for those of you with a sense of humour check it out.
If Mary had a little lamb like this she would have been deaf ..
8.40am: I have been told I must inform you all about what is happening in Orange sport. I will do my best.
Everyone loves a good underdog.
Whether it be the Mighty Ducks, the Jamaican bobsled team or Susan Boyle, it is virtually impossible to not throw your support behind the ragtag bunch no one expects to do well.
That’s why when Central West runs out in this weekend’s NSW Under 14 State Championship at Endeavour Oval, the baby bulls are sure to have a huge following.
From the field to the ring- Up and coming Orange boxer Jack Littlefield has taken the first step towards a flourishing career in the ring, claiming the Riverina lightweight title via a points decision at Albury last Saturday night.
The main event on an 18-bout card, Littlefield defeated defending champion Toby Krebes in a four-round fight.
8.50am: Time to have your say in our latest poll.
He’s not everyone’s favourite politician through his antics portrayed in the media, but Orange businesswoman Ellie Brown’s perception of the brash Clive Palmer has been turned on its head this week.
“I just wanted to here it straight from the horse’s mouth and I’ve come to see him differently than my preconceived idea,” she said.
What do you think...
9am: Well that's it from me this morning.
I'm off to ingest copious amounts of coffee after the early start.
Check in with the website throughout the day for updates and breaking news.