In this week's Westmeath Independent

This week's Westmeath Independent is now on the shelves and features 88 pages of the best local news, sports, features and photography coverage.

Our stories include:

* Athlone cousins melt hearts on Toy Show

* Local emergency accommodation unit set to close

* Smiles all around as Peter Dolan switches on Moate festive lights

* Local girl shines on stage with pop star Jessie J

* Athlone's Aaron performing with 'Lord of the Dance' in Taiwan

* Irish Water branded 'disgraceful' by Athlone Mayor

* Army demonstrations held outside TDs' offices

* Moate woman's kind gesture for asylum seeker children

* Sinn Fein selects its candidates for Athlone and Moate areas

* PHOTO SPECIALS: Athlone Choral Society Christmas Concert and 'Walk While You Can' fundraiser in Lecarrow

* Profile: We interview Moate-based psychedelic artist Tamsin Argent

* Athlone GAA appoint club stalwart Dobsey Prendergast as new manager

* Buccaneers face Belvedere with Carty brothers in opposing corners

* Connellan blow for Westmeath as Heslin also opts out for now 

All this and more is in this week's paper, which is out now. A digital copy can be purchased through the 'ePaper' link towards the top of this page.