In this week's Westmeath Independent

Here's a brief look at a selection of what's inside this week's Westmeath Independent:

*AIT granted university status in major boost to midlands

*Council to take ownership of key Athlone site this week

*HSE responds in South Westmeath Hospice dispute

*600 people vaccinated daily in AIT hub’s first week

*Illegal dumping costs Westmeath County Council almost €500k a year

*PPD aims to create 180 jobs with major Athlone expansion

*New book documents the hidden gems of Lough Ree

*Local bishop says changing times could lead to church closures

*Glasson native writes about his lockdown experiences in the Philippines

*Westmeath duo break 3-hour mark in virtual Limerick marathon

*Athlone Town women battle back for draw against Cork City

*Westmeath hurlers prepare for televised league opener against Galway

*TV highlights, cooking, farming, puzzles and lots more in 12-page pull-out