Home Town Radio News







December 31, 2007 

New laws that take effect Jan. 1 

Even though you may not know it, hundreds of new laws go into effect every New Year in California. Here are some that might affect you: As of Jan. 1, 2008 California’s minimum wage rises to $8 an hour, up from $7.50 an hour in 2007. California is now the third state in the nation to ban smoking in the car with minors. The new law imposes a fine of up to $100 for smoking a pipe, cigar or cigarette in a motor vehicle with another person 17 or younger. Also as of the first, California stores have to give you cash back when you have less than $10 remaining on a gift card. Another new California law allows consumers to take their unused pills to a pharmacy, which will dispose of the medications safely as part of a drug take-back pilot program. And two new laws that won’t go in to effect until July, but you might want to remember include not being able to use your cell phone while driving unless you have a hands free device and teens will not be allowed to talk on their cell phones at all while driving, even if they use a hands-free device. 


New Year’s Day causes some local government meeting to be canceled 

With New Year’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, several county and city meetings have been affected. The Amador County and Calaveras County Supervisors will not meet this week, but start work for the New Year the following week. The Solid Waste Management Regional Agency will still meet on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the County Administration Building. The Plymouth City Council will also meet on Thursday for a regular meeting beginning at 7 p.m. at City Hall.    And the Tri County Technical Advisory Committee meeting will take place Friday at the KMPUD Community Services Building on Loop Road in Kirkwood.


Drunk driver, passenger sent to hospital with major injuries Saturday night 

Drunk driving sent two Copperopolis men to the hospital Saturday night with major injuries after their truck ran off the road. According to the report, 24-year-old Sergio Ybarra was driving north on Sawmill Road in Calaveras County when due to his level of intoxication, he made an unsafe turn and allowed his 2002 Dodge pickup to drive off a 25-foot tall embankment and overturn. Both Ybarra and his 17-year-old passenger managed to exit the vehicle and were transported to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital for treatment. Examination of the two at the hospital revealed that both men had sustained major injuries from the accident and were the air lifter to UC Davis Medical Center.    


Slushy roads caused a Jeep to run off the road, injuring a West Point woman 

Slush on the road caused a Jeep Wrangler to run off the road and into a tree Saturday afternoon. According to the CHP report, a West Point couple was traveling south on Winton Road south of Boy Scout Camp Road in Calaveras County at approximately 30 mph. Due to wet weather, slush had began to build up on the road, causing the Jeep to lose control in a curve in the road continuing off the road, down an embankment and into a tree. The male driver was uninjured, but his female passenger was taken to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto for treatment of moderate injuries. 

CHP MEP in full effect 

The CHP is in the middle of its Maximum Enforcement Period for the New Year’s holiday. Drivers are reminded not to drink and drive, slow down and always buckle up. And if you see a drunk driver, make sure to call 911 with a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel. The MEP will end Jan. 1 at midnight. 

Triple-A offers Tipsy Tow program to keep drunk drivers off the road this New Year’s Eve 

To help keep drunk drivers off the road, Triple-A will be the designated driver for anyone in need this New Year’s Eve. Triple-A of Northern California will be offering its Tipsy Tow program once again this year from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call (800) AAA-HELP (800-222-4357) for a free tow home of up to five miles. The service is provided as a one-way ride for the driver and their vehicle to their home. No reservations are allowed and you do not have to be a Triple-A member to take advantage of the service.    

New grading ordinance in Calaveras County becomes effective Jan. 3 

Contractors in Calaveras County will have to make sure that any new development projects follow the new local grading and drainage ordinance beginning Thursday of this week. The new ordinance requires any project involving earthmoving in excess of 50 cubic yards will need to get a grading permit from the County Department of Public Works. Failure to follow the new rules will subject property owners to work delays and penalties of up to $10,000 per day. 

Trash pickups a day behind due to holiday 

Anyone with a Tuesday trash pickup can expect to wait a day longer. ACES Waste Services will not be making usual rounds Tuesday due to the holiday, New Year’s Day. Tuesday routes will be picked up on Wednesday, making all the routes a day behind with regular Friday pick ups being picked up on Saturday. 

Sober Grad volunteers needed 

With a new location for the 2008 Sober Grad Night, volunteers are needed to help plan the event. Grad Night at the Amador County School District Transportation Yard and the Gold Country Lanes Friday, June 6. A planning committee meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 3 at 5:15 p.m. at the multi-purpose room at Sutter Amador Hospital. If you are interested in helping or have any questions, call Toni Fancher at 304-7169 for more information.


December 28, 2007 


CHP New Year’s MEP begins tonight at 6 p.m. 

The California Highway Patrol will begin the Maximum Enforcement Period tonight at 6 p.m. for the New Year’s holiday.    The San Andreas CHP office reports that 80 percent of available officers will be patrolling this weekend. The MEP will end at midnight on Jan. 1. 


A medical condition caused a Burson man to lose consciousness, control of his vehicle 

A Burson man lost consciousness Thursday afternoon, causing his vehicle to run off the road. According to the CHP report, the 66-year-old man was driving west on Highway 12 approaching Pettinger Road when due to a medical condition he lost consciousness, drove off the shoulder of the road into a ditch, colliding with a paddle marker. After the accident the man was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital for evaluation. 

  

 

Icy roads caused moderate injuries to a passenger Thursday night 

A single-vehicle accident caused moderate injuries to a passenger Thursday night. According to the CHP report, an Arnold woman was driving west on Cedar Drive in Calaveras County at approximately 10 mph, when due to the icy road conditions, her 2005 Jaguar began to slide. The Jaguar slid off the roadway, causing the front end to collide with a tree. The passenger, also an Arnold woman, was transported to Sonora Regional Hospital for treatment of a broken sternum. 

  

 

Kirkwood Ski Bus stays at the ARTS station for the second time this season 

For the second time this winter, the Kirkwood Ski Bus is remaining at the ARTS station. ARTS officials say there needs to be 12 people signed up by Friday at noon for the trip to be a go and not one person had signed up for the trip. Arts did say they have been getting a lot of calls about the bus on Friday but no sign-ups. To sign up for the Kirkwood Ski Bus, visit the ARTS office at 11400 Highway 49 near the airport. For more information, call ARTS at 223-2877. 

  

  

Looking for something to do this New Year’s Eve? 

Three local events are planned to help you ring in the New Year in style. Teresa’s will host a New Year’s Eve bash at the gate Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the banquet room. The night includes live music and dinner. Tickets are $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door. For reservations call 223-2884. In Volcano, the “Favoritz Band” will perform at the Saint George Hotel New Year’s Eve. For reservations, call 296-4458. And watch the ball drop at Belotti’s in Sutter Creek on their 12’ screen, and entertainment with DJ Rob.  For more information, call 267-5211. 

  

 

Winner of ninth annual Bill of Rights essay contest awarded Dec. 15 

The Amador County Democratic Club announced the winner of its ninth annual Bill of Rights essay contest. Home-school student Emilee Fragapane was awarded first place for her essay titled “In order to form more definitive protection.” The awards were handed out at the Jackson Library on Dec. 15, which also happens to be Bill of Rights day. 



December 27, 2007 

  

 

Large-scale power outage left most of the Mother Lode in the dark for a few hours 

A large-scale power outage left all of Amador County and parts of Calaveras County dark for two hours earlier today. The power went out around 12:10 p.m. and was not fully restored until shortly after 2 p.m. According to pg&e, more than 45,000 customers were originally effected by the outage that was caused by a bad breaker in a valley springs substation. The substation supplies power to all the amador county stations. 

 

 

Copperopolis man arrested after an altercation between neighbors 

A physical altercation between neighbors Sunday night lead to the arrest of a Copperopolis man. Around 10 p.m., Calaveras County Sheriff Deputies responded to an address on Little John Road in Copperopolis in regards to a problem between neighbors. According to the sheriff’s department, when contact was attempted with the suspect, multiple gunshots were heard coming from the area around the suspect's residence. After a perimeter was established, deputies located the suspect, dave odell, in a field behind his residence and was taken into custody. Odell was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on charges of public intoxication, resisting / obstructing / delaying an officer, negligent discharge of a firearm and vandalism. 

  

 

Dryer fire calls several units to Valley Springs home 

A dryer fire called several fire crews to a Valley Springs home earlier this morning. Around 11 a.m. a dryer fire was reported at a home on Baldwin Street in Valley Springs, calling in units from all over Calaveras County. The fire had spread to the wall, but was put out as crews arrived on scene, causing the majority of units to be called off. No further details were reported and the damage to the home is unknown at this time. 

  

 

Possibility of snow forecasted for lower elevations tonight 

Lower elevations may see some snow later today and over night due to extremely low temperatures and the possibility of light snow in the forecast. The National Weather Service is calling for single digit temperatures in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada with snow showers as low as 1,000 feet. 

  

 

Mother Lode Blood Drive held Jan. 4 at Jackson Civic Center 

To meet the community’s need for blood and related products, a Mother Lode Blood Drive will be held Thursday, Jan. 4 in Jackson. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. eligible donors are welcome to come to the Jackson Civic Center and donate blood that will help patients being treated for accidents, routine surgeries and diseases among other things. To give blood you must be in generally good health, free from cold symptoms for at least 48 hours; be at least 17-years-old, 16 with parental consent; and weight at least 110 pounds; you also must bring a photo ID. The blood drive, sponsored by finesse one carpet, is put on by BloodSource. For more information on the drive, call Jody Boetzer at 257-7614. 

  

 

Boy Scouts hold Christmas tree pick up in Jackson, Ione 

Boy Scout troops in both Jackson and Ione are offer Christmas tree pick ups for those that would like to recycle their trees but may not know how. Boy Scout Troop 477 will hold their Christmas tree pick-up in Ione Saturday, Jan. 5 starting at 9 a.m. Troop 477 ask that trees are left near the curb without ornaments.    Donations are appreciated. And Jackson Troop 78 will pick up and recycle Christmas trees Saturday, Jan. 12 starting at 8 a.m. To schedule a Christmas tree pick up in Jackson, call 223-1535 and leave your name, address and phone number where you can be reached. Suggested donation is $5 per tree.


December 26, 2007 


  

Quiet Christmas MEP for Amador and Calaveras CHP 

The roads were fairly quiet for the Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period, which began on Friday, Dec. 21 and ended Christmas at midnight. According to Craig Harmon, Amador CHP public information officer, Amador County experienced eight traffic collisions and arrested seven impaired drivers. In Calaveras County, Officer Castillo with the San Andreas CHP reported 74 total citations including five seatbelt violations and four dui arrests, with two resulting in crashes, with 9 total accidents over the five-day period. 

  

 

Two hit and run accidents caused by drunk drivers 

Two hit and run accidents over the holiday weekend resulted in DUI arrests, one in each county. Sunday evening a Sacramento man was driving north on Highway 49 in Amador County when due to his level of intoxication, he allowed his mini cooper to travel off the road onto the gravel shoulder. Early Monday morning a Valley Springs man was driving south on Berkesey Lane in Calaveras County at an unknown speed when he ran off the road striking a tree, power pole and a plastic fence. The driver fled the scene and was located three hours later and arrested for drunk driving and hit and run. 

  

 

Calaveras County not growing very fast at all lately 

At one time one of the fastest growing counties in California, Calaveras County has slipped in the rankings. According to recently released numbers by the state, the long rush of newcomers to the county in recent years has slowed dramatically. In recent years in terms of percentage of growth, Calaveras County had ranked among the fastest growing of the state’s 58 counties, often among the top four. Now it ranks among the top 42. 

  

 

Millions travel home today from holiday gatherings 

With Christmas now over, millions of Californians are heading home beginning Wednesday. According to Triple A, more than 8.9 million Californians will travel 50 miles or more to spend the holidays with their families. That’s only a slight increase from last year, with high fuel and airline ticket prices likely to blame. Motorists heading home today should be prepared for traffic delays and more cars on the road.

 

 

Now is the time to sign up for spring semester classes offered at the Amador Learning Center 

Cosumnes River College is offering a variety of classes at the Amador Learning Center to help meet the needs of county residents looking to further their education. New for the spring semester is an onsite instructional assistant who will be available Wednesdays from 1 to 9 p.m. beginning Jan. 23 through may 21, who will serve as a technical resource for students taking online courses. Classes are held at the new Amador Learning Center, located at Independence High School in Sutter Creek. To register, visit the CRC Web site at www.crc.losrios.edu or call the admissions office at (916) 691-7411. 

 

 

The petition in lieu of the filing fees period for the June 3 Primary Election begins Friday 

Amador County Register of Voters Sheldon Johnson told HomeTown Radio that the petition in lieu of the filing fees period for the June 3 Primary Election begins Friday and ends Feb. 21. Offices included are Supervisors for District One, Two and Four, United States Representative District 3, State Assembly Member District 10 and State Senate District 1. Declaration of candidacy and nomination papers may be obtained Feb. 11 through March 7. Individuals interested in filing for the office of Supervisor should contact the elections office at 223-6465 for additional information. 

  

 

Trash collection a day late through Jan.7 

With no trash collection on Christmas or New Years Day, routes will be one day later through Jan. 7. ACES Waste Service told HomeTown Radio that Tuesday routes will be picked up on Wednesday and so fourth. Friday routes will be picked up on Saturday. Also the ACES office will be closing early on New Year’s Eve and closed on New Year’s Day, as well as the Pine Grove Transfer Station. 

  

 

  

Monday, December 24, 2007 

  

 

Wanted sex offender arrested in Calaveras County last week 

Two men were arrested after a tip led Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputies to the location of a wanted person. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a home on Gamer Road Tuesday after receiving information that 39-year-old William Michael Williams was at the residence. Williams had been wanted for the past two years for failing to register as a sex offender and violation of probation. Deputies entered the residence in pursuit of Williams and found 45-year-old Steven David Hayner seated on a couch with a glass methamphetamine smoking pipe on his lap and a bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine on the ground nearby. Hayner was booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and is being held on $25,000 bail. Williams was charged with outstanding arrest warrants as well as possession for sale of marijuana, possession of more than one ounce of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine, and being held on $115,000 bail. 

  

 

Kirkwood Ski Bus has trip planned for this Saturday 

In its second year, the Kirkwood Ski Bus has still not made a trip to the snow. Last Saturday was the first time this season the bus trip was offered, but no one signed up in time so it was canceled. ARTS officials say there needs to be 12 people signed up by Friday at noon for this Saturday’s trip to be a go. The cost for the round trip ticket is $10. ARTS will continue offering the service through January but might reconsider any further months based on interest. To sign up for the Kirkwood Ski Bus, visit the ARTS office at 11400 Highway 49 near the airport. For more information, call ARTS at 223-2877. 

  

 

Christmas tree recycling available around the county 

To help you and the environment this holiday season, the Amador County Waste Management Department is offering free Christmas tree recycling. Sponsored by Amador Disposal Service, ACES Waste Services Inc. and Amador County Waste Management, free Christmas tree recycling will be available the day after Christmas through the entire month of January. Amador residents can recycle Christmas trees free of charge at the Jackson Airport, Dec. 26 through Jan. 7 and the Ione and Pine Grove transfer stations through the entire month of January. And if you can’t make it to any of those locations, the Jackson Boy Scout Troop is accepting reservations for Christmas tree pick-up on Jan. 12 for a suggested donation of $5. Call 223-1535 to make a reservation. 


December 21, 2007 

  

 

Three Ione residents sent to valley hospitals Thursday night after drunk driving accident 

An accident caused by a drunk driver sent three people to valley hospitals Thursday night. According to reports, 20-year-old Ione resident Angel Moria was driving drunk south on Jackson Valley Road when she plowed through a stop sign and hit another vehicle. Moria and her two passengers, Mary and Robert Moria, were life-flighted to three different valley hospitals with major injuries. The driver of the other vehicle only sustained minor injures and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital. 

  

 

Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period begins tonight at 6 p.m. 

The California Highway Patrol will begin the Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period tonight at 6 p.m. The Christmas MEP will end at midnight on Dec. 25. Drivers are reminded not to drink and drive, slow down and always buckle up. And if you see a drunk driver, make sure to call 911 with a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel. 

  

 

Will Amador County get an air ambulance service based at the airport was discussed at Friday mornings Airport Committee meeting 

Whether or not the Amador County Airport could get an air ambulance service was discussed at an Airport Committee meeting Friday morning. The Airport Committee, consisting of Supervisors Rich Escamilla and Ted Novelli and county staff, says there are two companies vying to bring this service to the county. One company has turned a proposal in and the other proposal is pending. The determination is currently in the business ad hoc committee who is reviewing the viability of the project. County staff says it is not able to disclose the names at this time due to potential negotiations with the two companies. 

  

 

Amador Fire Protection Authority gives fire chiefs one more change to come up with solution for the county 

The Amador Fire Protection Authority is giving local fire chiefs one more chance to come up with a specific plan of action that would benefit the county as a whole. At Thursday’s meeting the authority discussed the option of hiring a consultant to poll county and city fire departments to figure out the best way to deal with fire protection in the county. According to authority member Connie Gonsalves, several chiefs spoke against hiring a consultant saying it would be another layer of authority to deal with. The authority decided to allow the chiefs to meet with their districts to work on a plan that could help the county come up with another measure to help fire protection in the county. The authority will meet again at the end of January to hear the results of the meetings and figure out the next step. 

  

 

Calaveras announces new county administrative officer 

The search for a new county administrative officer for Calaveras County is finally over. The supervisors announced Friday that they unanimously selected Robert Lawton as the next Calaveras County CAO. Lawton has more than 23 years of experience at the state and local level in the states of Wisconsin and New York. Board Chair Bill Claudino says it was a tough choice as there were several quality candidates, but the board was impressed with Lawton’s background and enthusiasm. Lawton will begin work Jan. 22. 

  

 

Amador LAFCO municipal service review going well 

Amador LAFCO met Thursday night for a quick meeting. According to Roseanne Chamberlain, LAFCO executive officer, the commission approved all three minor items on the agenda. Chamberlain added that the municipal service review is going well and there should be an update given at the January meeting. Chamberlain says the detailed results should be available in the spring. 

  

 

Amador Sheriff’s Department encourages parents to get gifts this Saturday at St. Sava 

Anyone in need of a Christmas gift for their children is encouraged to come to St. Sava Mission this Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Amador County Sheriff’s Department encourages all those in need to stop by the mission on Broadway in Jackson to pick up toys for their children. 

  

 

Candle light peace vigil held tonight in Jackson 

Join fellow Amador County residents for the fourth monthly peace vigil for the Iraq Moratorium and public resistance to the bombing of Iran tonight from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the corner of Highway 88 and 49, in front of the Civic Center in Jackson. For more information, contact Nora at 223-3322. 

  

 

Mule Creek State Prison employees make cookies for senior residents 

Mule Creek State Prison employees took time this year to make something special for the residents of Amador Residential, Kit Carson Convalescent Hospital and Jackson Gardens. The records department staff accepted donations to purchase supplies to bake homemade cookies for those residing in care facilities. Earlier this week MCSP staff delivered the cookies to more than 185 residents. 

 


December 20, 2007 

  

 

Amador County plans to let Governor Schwarzenegger know how taking away the special distribution funds hurts 

In an effort to balance the state budget, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to use the Indian gaming special distribution fund monies that usually go to counties effected by tribal gaming. The issue was addressed at Tuesday’s Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting when Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan read a letter addressed to Assembly Member Alan Nakanishi explaining the importance of those monies to Amador County from that fund. Since 2005 Amador County has received more than $2 million from the special distribution fund that helped Probation, Public Works, fire, Sutter Creek and Jackson Police Departments, and the Amador County Sheriff’s Office deal with the impacts of the casino. After hearing from Ryan, the board agreed to also send a letter outlining how the loss of the funds will directly affect the county. 

  

 

Millions of Californians plan to travel this holiday season 

Despite high costs, millions of Californians are expected to travel this holiday season. According to AAA, more than 8.9 million Californians will travel 50 miles or more to spend the holidays with their families. If you are traveling by car, AAA offers these tips: check your fluids and tires before you take off, keep a full gas tank, keep your windshield and windows clear, and carry an emergency kit including a tool kit, blanket and extra food and water. 

  

 

Moderate injuries sustained by a man leaving the casino in his Dodge Wednesday 

A single-vehicle accident near the casino Wednesday morning resulted in moderate injuries for the driver. According to the report, the North Highlands man was leaving the Jackson Rancheria Casino when he failed to observe a stop sign and curve in the road. The man slammed on his brakes, causing his 2008 Dodge to skid across the road and into a ditch east of New York Ranch Road. He was transported to the hospital for treatment and released. 

  

 

Inattentiveness, speeding caused minor injuries to a Correropolis woman 

Inattentive driving and speeding resulted in an accident Wednesday causing a 75-year-old woman to be treated for minor injuries. According to the report, the Correropolis woman was driving north on Pool Station Road when she lost control in a curve in the road. Her vehicle drove up on an embankment and over turned. The woman was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital for treatment. 

  

 

Valley Springs man arrested for drunk driving after side swiping a parked CHP patrol car 

A Valley Springs man was arrested for drunk driving after side swiping a parked CHP patrol car Wednesday evening. According to the report, the 52-year-old was driving east on Highway 12 when he sideswiped the patrol vehicle with the right side of his Dodge pick-up. The patrol car was stopped on the shoulder of the road with its lights on while an officer was assisting a disabled motorist waiting for a tow truck. The man was then arrested for dui charges. 

  

 

Calaveras County Public Works begins winter herbicide spraying 

Winter herbicide spraying will soon begin along roads in the western end of Calaveras County. The spraying is performed by the Calaveras County Public Works Department. Residents who do not want herbicides sprayed along roads bordering their property should contact public works and mark the area so that crews will know where to stop spraying. No-spray requests may be made in writing to the Calaveras County Public Works Department, 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, 95249 or by e-mail to pubworks@co.calaveras.ca.us. 



December 19, 2007 

  

  

Amador Supervisors lowered a speed limit that CHP can’t enforce 

The speed limit was on Ridge Road near Hamricks Grade was reduced again to 45 mph by the Amador County Supervisors after taking comments from the public at Tuesday’s meeting. The speed limit on that stretch of road was set at 55 and after the county completed a study, the supervisors lowered the speed limit a few weeks ago to 50 mph as justified by the study. According to District 2 Supervisor Richard Forester, at Tuesday’s meeting several people that live in the area said that 50 mph was not enough. According to Amador CHP officer Craig Harmon, any set speed limit under 55 mph needs to be justified by with a speed survey. Because the study only could justify a reduction to 50 mph, the 45 mph speed limit is not enforceable by the CHP. After hearing both sides and some discussion the supervisors voted four to one to lower the speed limit to another five miles per hour. Forester voted against lowering the speed limit again because the CHP will not be able to enforce the 45 mph without a speed survey. 

  

 

Wet roads caused three accidents in Amador County 

Wet roads seemed to be the cause of three accidents over the last two days. Two vehicles collided Monday evening on Shake Ridge Road when a Toyota crossed into the opposite lane into a Honda. Tuesday afternoon saw a collision in front of Jon’s Pit Stop on Highway 49. According to the report, an Ione woman was driving north on Highway 49 at a stated speed of 45 mph when she suddenly noticed a vehicle coming to a stop in front of her. She quickly applied her breaks, but because of her unsafe speed on the wet road, her Jeep Cherokee began to slide into the other lane and into the front of a pine grove man in a Toyota. And a single-vehicle accident on Latrobe Road Tuesday night resulted in a rollover.    

 


Amador County Elections Department unable to meet all new requirements by February election 

The Amador County Elections Department announced it would not be able to meet all the new election requirements as set by the secretary of the state by February at Tuesday’s Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting. According to George Allen with the elections department, it would be nearly impossible to meet all of the requirements for the February election, which is less than 60 days out. Allen says that there are probably 14 new conditions that the county will be able to meet by February and about 27 they will not be able to meet. The supervisors told the elections department to do the best they can. 

 

 

Ione City Council announces new police chief, selects Mayor and Vice Mayor 

The Ione City Council met Tuesday night for the last time this year. According to City Manager Kim Kerr, the council approved the employment agreement with Police Chief Michael Johnson, who will begin work Dec. 28. The council also approved the development agreement with Ryland and postponed the bond issue with JTS to a January meeting. Andrea Bonham was selected to serve the next year as Mayor and Lee Ard was selected to serve as Vice Mayor for 2008. Kerr added that the Jan. 1 meeting has been rescheduled to Jan. 7. 

  

 

Amador Supervisors name new Chairman, recognize retiring employees at Tuesday’s meeting 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors met with a full agenda Tuesday. The five-member board named District 2 Supervisor Richard Forester Board Chairman for 2008 and District 3 Supervisor Ted Novelli Vice Chair. The board presented county employees Mardell Anderson and Mark Giannini with resolutions for their retirement. The supervisors also heard an update on how Proposition 40 funds are being used from Tracy Towner-Yep. And the supervisors decided to hold off on the hazardous waste ordinances until Feb. 12 so that public hearings and workshops can be held before the board takes action. The board will not meet again until next year on Jan. 7. 
 



December 18, 2007 

  


Injured bear caused traffic hazard on Highway 4 Tuesday afternoon 

An injured bear caused a traffic hazard on Highway 4 Tuesday afternoon. According to the CHP Web site, it was reported around 3:30 p.m. that a bear was hit by a vehicle and in the eastbound lane. CHP contacted fish and game and the Calaveras County Ag Commission. It was not reported if the bear had been located or was still alive.

  

 

Amador County new courthouse has sprung a leak 

With the rain finally here, the new Amador County courthouse has sprung a leak. Tuesday around noon, county employees were seen on the roof of the courthouse using tarps to cover leaks. According to the county, the problem is under control and should be able to be repaired quickly. The roofing contractor was called to the scene to examine the leaky spots and discovered that some calking had not been completed during construction, causing the leaks. Because the leak was caught early, it does not appear that any serious damage will be encountered. 

  

 

Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies recovered a bell no one knew was missing 

Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies recovered a large ceremonial bell belonging to Calaveras High School at a Christmas tree farm in Glenco Friday. The high school was unaware the bell was even missing. According to reports, a former Calaveras High School student came across the original bell used by the school in the 1980s while looking for a Christmas tree at the farm and reported the incident to deputies. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department School Resource Deputy Rick Dibasillo followed up on the tip and recovered the approximately 300 pound bell from the location described by the former student. The case is still under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Dibasillio at 754-6500. 

 

 

Two San Andreas men arrested in connection with a Turner Park robbery 

Two suspects wanted in connection with a robbery reported back in September have been arrested. 22-year-old Garrett Eugene Bowman of San Andreas and 21-year-old Michael Scott Tyndall, also of San Andreas, were arrested and booked into the Calaveras County jail following a lengthy investigation by the sheriff’s department. On Sept. 28 deputies responded to a robbery that was occurring in Turner Park in San Andreas. Bowman was arrested on a parole hold and drug charges along with eight counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery while Tyndall was arrested for eight counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery. 

  

 

In response to winter weather forecast this week, PG&E offers tips in case of power outages 

With heavy rain and strong winds in the forecast throughout northern California for the rest of this week, PG&E is offering some tips for customers in case outages occur in the area. To be prepared for possible outages, PG&E says you should have battery-operated radios and flashlights with fresh batteries on hand and a cell phone or hard-wire, single-line telephone on hand. During an outage, PG&E says customers should follow these tips: if you see a downed power line, assume it is “live” or carrying electric current, do not touch or try to move it and call PG&E to report it. If customers experience a power outage, they should call PG&E’s outage information line at 1 (800) PGE-5002 to report the outage or to get updates on power restoration efforts in their area. 

  

 

Wet roads contribute to two accidents Monday morning 

The wet weather contributed to two accidents on Amador roadways Monday morning. A 72-year-old Paradise man drove off Tiger Creek Road and into a tree around 8 a.m. According to the CHP report, the 2007 Toyota drifted onto the right shoulder, causing the driver to lose control and collided with a tree. A little more than an hour later, two minors were injured in a single vehicle accident on Camanche Road at Reservation Road. According to the report, the female driver was traveling at a high rate of speed when she failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The 1987 Chevy traveled off the road into a power pole. Both driver and passenger had to be extracted from the vehicle and were flown to San Joaquin General for treatment of minor to moderate injuries. 

  

 

Jackson City Council looking for students to participate in meetings 

The Jackson City Council is offering local students a hands-on way to learn more about local government. The Mayor’s Honored Guest Student Recognition Program allows junior high and high school students to visit a city council meeting, sit with the council and help open the meeting by leading the flag salute. To become the mayor’s honored guest, students may submit an essay or letter to the council on any issue facing the council or explaining why they would like to be the mayor’s honored guest and attend the city council meeting. Letters are due Jan. 4. Selected students will be invited to the first council meeting of the month held on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. For more information, contact City Manager Mike Daly at 223-1646. 

 

 

Groundbreaking ceremony for new Calaveras County food bank will be held Thursday 

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Calaveras County food bank will be held this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. The Human Resource Council, which provides a variety of resources to needy families in Calaveras, is expanding its facility to be able to help more families in need. The ceremony will be held rain or shine at 232 George Reed Drive in San Andreas. 



December 17, 2007 

  

 

Garbage man injured by his own truck Friday morning 

A garbage man was injured Friday morning when his truck got away from him. According to the CHP report, an ACES employee was driving a small ACES waste garbage truck around 9 a.m. making pick-up on Ridge Road. When the Ione man exited the truck to pick-up a garbage can, the truck began to roll backwards. In an attempt to re-enter the truck and stop it from rolling back any further, the man was struck by the door and knocked to the ground causing minor injuries. The garbage truck continued down the hill and struck a tree.    The man was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment. 

  

 

Murphys man arrested for drunk driving after crashing into a fence Saturday night 

A Murphys man was arrested for driving under the influence Saturday night after crashing his vehicle into a fence. According to the report, the 28-year-old was driving impaired on Ospital Road near Southworth Road when he made an unsafe turn to the left and allowed his 1996 Mazda to enter into the westbound lane and onto the north shoulder of the road. The vehicle collided into a road sign, traveled down an embankment and into a fence. The man was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph’s hospital to treat minor cuts he had received on his hand, then booked into the county jail. 

 

 

Full agenda for Amador County Supervisors’ last meeting for 2007 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors will meet with a full agenda for their last meeting of 2007. At Tuesday’s meeting the board will hear an update of Prop 40 projects and hold six public hearings, including the postponed hazardous waste ordinances. The supervisors will also name a Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2008 and discuss resolutions for the retirement of two county employees. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Supervisors’ Chambers in the County Administration Center in Jackson. 

  

 

Sutter Creek City Council meeting scheduled for tonight has been canceled 

Tonight’s regularly scheduled Sutter Creek City Council meeting has been canceled. The meeting that was set to begin at 7 p.m. was canceled due to not enough on the agenda according to city officials. The next city council meeting will take place next year on Monday, Jan. 7 in the community building at 7 p.m. 

 

 

Get your Christmas gifts in the mail soon 

If you are shipping holiday packages this season, you might need to hurry. According to the Jackson Post Office, the final dates to get your packages there by Christmas are quickly approaching. Tuesday, Dec. 18 is the last day for express military packages to make it to their destination by Christmas. For priority domestic the final days is Thursday, Dec. 20 and the last chance to get your gifts there by Christmas is Dec. 22 by domestic express mail. As for UPS and FedEx shipping, officials say bring your packages in as soon as possible, especially if you are shipping items to the east coast. 

 

 

Ways to have a green Christmas this year 

An estimated 6 million tons of waste will be generated across the nation over this holiday season. To help you be more green this holiday season, the Amador County Waste Management Department offers the following tips. Try making your own gifts, gift bags and wrapping paper by using recycled materials; stock up on rechargeable batteries if your presents included electronics; look for books and CDs in used stores; and instead of buying another gadget, give an experience such as horseback riding lessons, a massage or tickets to a concert or event. For more ideas on how to have a green Christmas this year, contact the Waste Management Department at 223-6429 or call the Recycling Hotline at 223-6884. 

  

 

Santa Patrol 2007 begins tomorrow 

The Jackson Fire Department will be doing its annual Santa Patrol through the city of Jackson starting on Tuesday. Santa has agreed to accompany the firefighters for all four nights. Beginning at 6 p.m. listen for the fire engines with the holiday music and greet Santa outside your home. On Tuesday, Dec. 18, Santa will be in the Hoffman, West View and Argonaut Heights area; on Wednesday, Dec. 19, Santa will be in the Jackson Gate, Placer Drive, Rollingwood and Kennedy Meadows area; on Thursday, Dec. 20, he will be in the Broadway, Pit Street, Center Street, and Jackson Highlands area; and on Friday, Dec. 21 he will be in the Peek Hill, Terrace View and Raley’s area. 


December 14, 2007 

  

 

Reported fire in Costless Market turns out to be a leaky refrigerator compressor 

Jackson firefighters rushed to Costless Market early Friday morning after a fire was reported in the store. Around 5:30 a.m. units responded to the Jackson location to evaluate the situation. According to Jackson Fire Chief Mark Morton, what store employees thought was smoke in the building turned out to be a cloud caused by a leaky compressor connected to a refrigerator. Firefighters quickly evacuated the building, secured the area and set up a ventilation system to clear the building of the cloud. Fire crews were on scene until almost 8 a.m. when the refrigeration company began making repairs. 

  

 

Monday’s Jackson Planning Commission meeting canceled 

The regularly scheduled Jackson Planning Commission has been canceled. The Monday night meeting will not be held Dec. 17 because there is nothing on the agenda according to City Manager Mike Daly. Daly says the commission is waiting on the final comments to be complete on the land use element of the general plan, which should be complete for the next meeting. The next planning commission meeting will be held Jan. 22 at the Civic Center. 

 

 

Plymouth City Council decides to stay with AFPD, but still look for funds for its own fire station 

The Plymouth City Council was busy last night with a special meeting before the regularly scheduled meeting. During last night’s special meeting, the council decided to stay with the Amador Fire Protection District, but directed staff to further research ways to get funding for their own fire station. In the regular agenda, the council adopted an addendum to the Plymouth Pipeline Project and approved both items presented by the Amador County Transportation Commission regarding regional traffic mitigation fees. And the council named a new mayor and vice mayor, appointing Councilmembers Jon Colburn to mayor and Pat Fordyce to the vice mayor.    

 

 

Hospice of Amador is giving the gift of warmth this weekend 

Starting this weekend through Dec. 20, Hospice will be giving away free coats at multiple locations. Children and adults in need of a warm coat or jacket can stop by the Upcountry Community Center in Pine Grove on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.; the Jackson Elks Lodge on highways 49 and 88 on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.; or the Lake Camanche Community Center on Camanche Parkway, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Hospice of Amador at 223-5500. 

  

 

First ever Sutter Creek Christmas Parade of Lights held Saturday night 

The first ever Sutter Creek Christmas Parade of Lights will be held this Saturday night. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., more than 40 entries will light up Main Street as they walk the parade route. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, contact Toni Linde at 256-1750. 

  

 

Donate to the food bank, visit with Santa at the Amador Flower Farm Sunday 

Stop by the Amador Flower Farm this Sunday and donate to a good cause. This Sunday and the next, the Amador Flower Farm will be offering rides in the candy cane tram with Santa. Santa will be at the farm from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no charge but donations of non-perishable food items for the interfaith food bank will be accepted. Donations are not required to ride the tram or visit with Santa. 

  

 

Christmas Pageant this Sunday at the Jackson Rancheria 

If you are looking for a way to get in the Christmas spirit, head to the Jackson Rancheria this Sunday. The Jackson Rancheria Casino will host a Christmas Pageant from noon to 2 p.m. in the Grand Oak Ballroom at the hotel. The pageant will feature a variety of local youth performers and an opportunity for children to visit with Santa. The event is free and refreshments will be served.    For more information, call (800) 822-WINN or visit www.jacksoncasino.com. 


December 13, 2007


Amador County’s challenge to Ione band of Mi-Wuk Indians dismissed as premature 

Amador County was dealt a blow Thursday in its legal battle against the Ione Band of Mi-Wuk Indians. According to County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, the federal district court in Sacramento dismissed on procedural grounds the county’s complaint challenging the department of interior’s determination that 228 acres of land in and around the city of Plymouth are Indian lands and thus eligible for gaming. The court ruled that the county’s lawsuit was premature, but could be re-filed when and if the department of interior grants the Ione band’s application to take the land into trust. 

  

 

School board discussed transportation fees, Sober Grad at Wednesday’s meeting 

The Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees met Wednesday night to continue the discussion on transportation fees. With no one in the crowd to speak on the matter, the board had a chance to talk among themselves and ask the transportation director questions about the proposed fees. According to Amador County Superintendent Mike Carey, the board asked about questions about the length of the rides and if adding one more bus route to one of the longer routes would help show that the district is willing to provide a better service. The other main discussion of the night was where to hold Sober Graduation. Carey said the option of holding the event at the bowling ally and the transportation yard was mentioned and is currently the best solution to the problem of not being able to hold it at the Italian Picnic Grounds. And Carey added that a draft of a school calendar that everyone seems to be happy with would be available on the district’s Web site shortly. The board will formally act on the calendar Jan. 9. 

 

 

Cell phone causes single-vehicle rollover accident 

A cell phone was the cause of a single-vehicle rollover accident on Ridge Road Wednesday afternoon. According to the CHP report, a 49-year-old Sutter Creek resident Bobby McManis was driving east on Ridge Road just after New York Ranch Road when he felt his cell phone vibrate on his belt and looked down at it. When he redirected his attention to the roadway, McManis observed his vehicle going off the south side of the road. The 2003 Ford F250 struck several small trees and traveled down an embankment rolling over on its roof. McManis was uninjured. 

 

 

Excessive speed caused an accident on Old Sacramento Road Wednesday morning 

Excessive speed caused an accident on Old Sacramento Road close to Highway 16 Wednesday morning. According to the CHP report, a Sacramento man was driving south on Old Sacramento Road at a stated speed of 85 mph around 11:20 a.m. While entering into a curve in the road, the 24-year-old lost control of the vehicle and ran into a fence. 

 

 

Plymouth City Council, Redevelopment Agency holds special meeting tonight 

The Plymouth City Council and Redevelopment Agency will hold a special meeting Thursday night before its regularly scheduled city council meeting. At the special meeting the council will discuss the possibility of withdrawing from the Amador Fire Protection District contract, a review of the Lodge Hill plans and hear an update on the restrooms in the park. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in council chambers at city hall followed by the city council meeting. 

  

 

Tonight’s General Plan Advisory Committee meeting canceled 

The General Plan Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday has been canceled to allow more time for preparation of certain topics. County staff will be scheduling the first 2008 GPAC meeting dates in the near future. For those dates and more information, check the county’s general plan Web site at www.co.amador.ca.us/depts./planning. 

 



December 12, 2007 

  

 

Rocha sentenced to 75 years to life Wednesday in Calaveras County Superior Court 

Daniel Rocha was sentenced Wednesday morning in a Calaveras County Superior courtroom. According to reports, Rocha received a sentence of 75 years to life for his involvement in the March 2005 murder of 19-year-old Mokelumne Mill resident David Jessop. Rocha was found guilty back in august for first-degree murder, committing the crime for the benefit of a criminal gang and of using a gun. The judge sentenced Rocha to 25 years to life but because of his prior strike, an assault with a deadly weapon, under the state’s three-strikes law the sentence was doubled to 50 years to life. The sentence was further enhanced by another 25 years because of the involvement of a gun in the murder. Rocha's alleged partner in the murder, 23-year-old Donald Pinon, has also been charged with murder and is set to begin trial in late January 2008. 

  

 

Icy roads cause big rig to overturn on Highway 88 early Wednesday morning 

A big rig accident early Wednesday morning shut down Highway 88 for an hour. According to reports, the loaded hay truck was driving west on Highway 88 east of Mormon Emigrant Trail around 5 a.m. at approximately 40 mph. The driver began to slow the truck when he saw an “icy” advisory sign, causing the truck to slide out of control, overturning the trailer. The driver attempted to maintain control of the front of truck, but he was unable to and the truck struck an embankment and overturned. The truck came to a rest blocking both lanes of traffic until around 9 a.m. The driver reported no injuries and no other vehicles were involved. 

  

 

Amador / El Dorado CAL FIRE unit begins Amador Plan Monday 

Even though fire season in the CAL FIRE Amador / El Dorado unit ended a little while ago, the unit is still staffing more stations than normal for this time of year. According to CAL FIRE Amador / El Dorado Battalion Chief Chris Anthony, as of this coming Monday CAL FIRE in the area will begin what they call the Amador Plan, keeping three cal fire engines in the county staffed year round. 

 

 

Quick meeting for Amador County Board of Supervisors Tuesday 

It was a short meeting for the Amador County Board of Supervisors Tuesday. According to Supervisor Ted Novelli, the board voted unanimously to allow the Airport Advisory Committee and the Airport Committee to utilize the vacant office in the airport office building for a pilot’s briefing room. They also advised staff to looking into also using the space for an office for the Civil Air Patrol. The supervisors also recognized both the 2007 Peace Officer of the Year, Lt. Charles Ray, and the Citizen of the Year, Al Lennox. And the public hearing dealing with the proposal from the Amador County Transportation Commission of an 8 percent increase to the countywide regional traffic mitigation fees was continued to the Feb. 5 meeting. 

  

 

School administrators, coaches look into drug testing student athletes 

School administrators and coaches met Tuesday to discuss a concern of a perceived increase in drug use among student athletes. The Amador County Unified School District has been looking into the feasibility of drug testing students for a few months now. With little response from a parent survey, a survey of certified coaches showed definite concern. Staff from both high schools agreed to work together to develop questions that student athletes could address in their own words. This information could effect the application of a drug testing policy for the school district.    

  

 

Drunk driving, speeding caused two single vehicle accidents in the past two days 

Drunk driving and speeding caused two single vehicle accidents in the past two days. A River Pines woman was arrested for driving under the influence Tuesday afternoon. According to the CHP report, the woman was driving eastbound on Shenandoah Road east of Shenandoah School Road at 45 mph when the Ford Windstar traveled off the road and collided with an embankment. Just after midnight Wednesday morning, a Placerville man sustained minor injuries after colliding with an embankment. According to the report, the man was driving north on Highway 49 south of Bell Road when he entered a curve in the road too fast, running off the road and into an embankment. The man was taken to Mercy San Juan for treatment. 

  

 

One way traffic control on Stoney Creek Road begins today, lasts through March 

Travelers on Stoney Creek Road in Jackson will experience some delays over the next few months. According to Amador County Public Works Agency, beginning Wednesday one lane will be closed on Stoney Creek Road from Argonaut Lane to Buena Vista Road until early March. Public Works says the one lane closure Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. is to allow for shoulder work. Drivers can expect up to a 20-minute delay. 



December 11, 2007 

  

 

Jackson City Council looking for a few good citizens 

With the resignation of Drew Stidger from the Jackson City Council, the door has been opened for a Jackson resident to become more involved with their community. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, the Jackson City Council decided at last night’s meeting to appoint a resident to serve out the remainder of Stidger’s term, which expires November 2008. Daly says interested residents are requested to submit a letter of interest to the attention of the city clerk, 33 Broadway, Jackson, no later than Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at 5 p.m. Also during last night’s meeting the city council also decided to form two citizen committees for review of the water and sewer rates and for future planning of the 159-acre Oro De Amador property.  Citizens interested in serving on either of these two committees are encouraged to submit a letter of interest no later than Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, to the city clerk. Daly says the city council intends to make all three appointments at the Jan. 14 meeting. 

  

 

Fire season finally ends in Tuolumne-Calaveras CAL FIRE unit 

CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras unit ended fire season over the weekend. Effective Saturday at 8 a.m. fire season was called to an end in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, and eastern portions of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. The end of fire season now allows burning will be permitted 24 hours a day, but only on permissive burn days as established by the county air pollution control district.   Prior to any burning, check the burn day status by calling 223-6246 for Amador and 754-6600 for Calaveras. CAL FIRE burn permits will not be required until May 1, 2008; however, if you own five acres or more you may be required to obtain a permit from the air pollution control district in your county. 

 

  

Manteca man shot himself after hearing his wife had died 

A Manteca man took his own life after being told by medics his wife had passed away. According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, 53-year-old Edward Kummer and his wife, 56-year-old Pamela Kummer, were camping at the Sour Grass campgrounds over the weekend. Sunday morning, Edward awoke to find his wife unresponsive. After medics arrived on scene and examined Pamela, they discovered she was dead. According to reports, upon discovering his wife had passed away, Edward retrieved a handgun from the camper and shot himself to death in front of medics. 

 

 

CAL FIRE, Calaveras officials to meet tomorrow to discuss mitigations for driveway steepness 

Calaveras County officials, local contractors and CAL FIRE will meet Wednesday to discuss driveway steepness. The groups are meeting to make sure that several Calaveras County parcels are not determined to be useless due to legislation from 1991 that regulates the steepness of a driveway, which CAL FIRE or Calaveras officials have not enforced until now. Wednesday’s meeting will help to clearly lay out acceptable mitigations for those properties between the 16 and 21 percent grade.

 

 

Oiling causes some Amador County roads to be closed 

Roads in the surrey junction area will be closed Wednesday for oiling. According to Amador County Public Works, several roads outside off Ridge Road outside of Pine Grove will have one lane closed with traffic control from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow for the oiling of the roads. 

  

 

HRC Child Care Resources moves to new location 

The HRC Child Care Resources will relocate their office beginning next Monday. After outgrowing the space on Clinton Road, HRC will utilize office space in the new Amador County Health and Human Services building on Ridge Road. The new location is on Conductor Boulevard off of Ridge Road near the Highway 88 and Ridge Road intersection.        

 

 

Wards from the Pine Grove Camp help decorate the Governor's mansion for Christmas 

Continuing a tradition of service to the community, six ward firefighters from the Pine Grove Camp traveled to the Governor's mansion last week to assist the Historical Association Docents in decorating the mansion for the holiday season.    Working hand-in-hand with the docents, wards carried boxes, moved items and decorated numerous Christmas trees. 



December 10, 2007 

 

 

Icy roads caused major injuries for a woman involved in an accident on Highway 88 Saturday morning 

Icy roads sent a Palo Alto woman to Sutter Roseville Hospital Saturday morning for treatment of major injuries. According to the CHP report, a Palo Alto couple was driving east on Highway 88 east of Sierra Circle in a 2000 Chevy Tahoe when the man driving lost control of the truck due to his speed and icy roads. The truck traveled onto the shoulder with the passenger side colliding into a tree. The woman, who at first was unresponsive, had to be extracted out of the vehicle and was transported by air ambulance for treatment of internal and head injuries.    

 

  

Deer in the road causes an Arnold man to be arrested for drunk driving 

An Arnold man was arrested for driving under the influence after driving off the road while swerving for a deer. According to the CHP report, the man was driving south on Flanders Drive in Arnold Sunday night when a large deer appeared in the road. The man applied his breaks and swerved to the left, losing control of his vehicle ending up off the road, down an embankment and colliding with a tree. 

 

 

36 Sutter Creek homes left dark Saturday 

An outage in Sutter Creek over the weekend left 36 people in the dark for more than a few hours. According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Tam, the outage occurred Saturday in the area of Sutter Volcano Road just after 8 a.m. Crews responded to the area and were able to restore power to 17 customers by 10:30 a.m. Crews remained in the area patrolling the area trying to restore the rest of the people in the dark and search for a cause. The remaining 19 customers did not see the power restored until almost 5 p.m. By the end of the day, no cause was found. 

  

 

Pedestrian versus a car Saturday night resulted in minor injuries 

A Roseville man sustained minor injuries after being hit on the side of the road by an Angels Camp man Saturday night. According to the CHP report, 80-year-old Charles Sutter was driving south on Highway 49 outside of San Andreas north of San Domingo Creek when he failed to see 42-year-old Scott Ehlman walking his bicycle on the side of the road. Due to Sutter’s unsafe speed and the light fog, his 2006 Audi collided with Ehlman sending him to Mark Twain St. Joseph’s hospital for treatment. 

 

 

Firefighters responded to two incidents in Amador County over the weekend 

Even with the wet weather, fire crews responded to two incidents this weekend. A report of a fire at the top of a tree Saturday afternoon called fire crews to Pioneer Volcano Road between Highway 88 and Old Road. According to reports, crews on scene had to cut down the burning tree to prevent it from starting any other trees on fire. And reports of smoke Sunday evening brought fire crews to Blue Sky Drive off of Highway 88. According to reports, responding firefighters found multiple burn piles unattended at the site. 

  

 

Calaveras Planning Commission approves North Vista Plaza development in Valley Springs 

Valley Springs will soon see the addition of 156-houses after the North Vista Plaza development was approved by the Calaveras County Planning Commission Thursday night. The final approved project is a scaled-down version of the original proposal, after it had been on hold for the past six months in order for the developer, county staff and community groups to resolve some differences over preservation of low-cost housing, native oaks and drainage. The developer added additional stormwater basins, cut six homes from the plan and increased open space by converting some through streets to cul-de-sacs. 

  

 

Downnum heads to Sacramento this week to try and secure state funding for a new jail 

Calaveras County Sheriff Dennis Downum will be in Sacramento this week in a last effort to plead his case for the funds for a new jail to the Corrections Standards Authority. Downum is hoping for $30 million from the Authority to build the jail that voters barely passed a bond measure for in November. The Authority should decide funding decisions in January that will not be announced until May. 

  

 

Gas prices down 9 cents over the last three weeks 

The national average for gasoline went down about 9 cents over the last three weeks, according to a survey released Sunday. Oil industry analyst Tribly Lundberg said the average price of regular gasoline on Friday was $3 a gallon, mid-grade was $3.12 and premium was $3.24. In Amador County the average price of unleaded comes in at $3.29 per gallon. 


December 7, 2007 

  

 

A Christmas to Remember two-day fund-raising efforts pays off 

A Christmas to Remember was another success story this year. The program was started several years ago when an anonymous donor handed then-Jackson City Fire Chief Jack Quinn some money to give to children in need of warm winter clothing. Every year since then, the program has provided hundreds of children with warm winter clothing through the generosity from the people of Amador and Calaveras counties. At the end of the day yesterday, volunteers from around both counties collected more than $67,000, all of which goes to local kids selected by the school district. Next week, the children will be taken to k-mart to buy new clothes, some of which will have new, warm clothing for the first time in their lives. 

  

 

Early morning Sutter Creek fire still under investigation 

The cause of an early morning fire in Sutter Creek is still under investigation. According to the Sutter Creek Fire Protection District, a fire broke out around 3:50 this morning in an apartment on Patricia Lane. The single-unit blaze resulted in a total loss for the unit and only minor smoke damage to four others, which were locked down for a short time. 


  

Unclaimed briefcase found outs side the Amador County GSA building calls in the Calaveras bomb squad 

The Calaveras County bomb squad was called to the Amador County GSA building Wednesday evening to check out an unclaimed briefcase. A GSA employee found the briefcase in front of the building around 5 p.m. According to Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, after checking with staff and others in the area, no one claimed ownership or knowledge of the case, so staff called the sheriff’s office to report the suspicious circumstance. Wegner says deputies visually checked the briefcase and called the Calaveras County Sheriff’ Emergency Ordinance Disposal team, which discovered the briefcase only contained documents and that it was accidentally left there. 

  

 

Multiple vehicle accident this morning in Valley Springs 

A multiple vehicle accident in Valley Springs this morning resulted in minor injuries. According to the CHP report, a Valley Springs woman was westbound on Highway 26 stopped at Hagen Court waiting to make a left turn. A Wallace woman was driving east on Highway 26 approaching Hagen Court while another Valley Springs woman was stopped at on Hagen Court waiting to turn right onto Highway 26. Thinking it was clear, the Valley Springs woman started her left turn onto Hagen Court in front of the Wallace woman, causing the vehicles to collide, and continue into the Valley Springs woman making a right turn. Two of the drivers reported minor injuries and were taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital for treatment. 

  

 

Banner vandalized on Ridge Road last Saturday 

What some see as a visual annoyance on ridge road, caused one person to resort to vandalism last Saturday. According to Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, the vandalism involved a gentleman with three tractors stored at the property and a banner he had stretched between some of the equipment advertising his tractor business. Wegner said that a least one citizen didn't like the equipment parked there and complained to the planning commission. Then on Saturday, someone, unknown if it was the same person who made the complaint, cut the banner into three pieces and left a note stating “move your equipment or else.” There are no leads as to who might have committed the vandalism. 

  

 

Sutter Creek Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House begins today 

The annual Sutter Creek Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House begins today with several events held on Main Street through Saturday night. The two-day event promises wagon rides, music, Santa and shopping until 9 p.m. A tree lighting will take place Friday at 6 p.m. in front of the Sutter Creek United Methodist Church where Santa Claus and Father Christmas will arrive on a horse-drawn wagon. Afterward, Santa will be available for photos with the children. Saturday at 6:30 p.m. will begin the Los Posadas candlelight walk at the Immaculate Conception Church on Spanish Street ending at the Methodist Church live nativity scene. 

  

 

Ione’s annual Christmas Parade down Main Street this Saturday 

The city of Ione will kick off the holiday season this Saturday with its annual Christmas Parade down Main Street. The parade will begin at 4 p.m. rain or shine and include Santa Clause, the Ione Marching Band and more. Following the parade, the Ione Business and Community Association will hold its annual open house with local vendors showcasing their wares in the parking lot between the City Hall and Twin Wolf Communications. And Santa will be set up for photos with kids by Iron Ivan.

 

 

Red Hat ladies invited all to a Christmas in Toyland luncheon to benefit the Amador County Sheriff’s toy drive 

Looking for a fun way to participate in the Amador County Sheriff’s toy drive? Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan and the Red Hat ladies of the Pompous Princesses of Pioneer and Winers and Diners, invite you to a Red Hat Christmas in Toyland luncheon Dec. 13 at the Jackson Rancheria Casino Ballroom A. No-host cocktails begin at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon buffet beginning at 12:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a new, un-wrapped toy in support of the Sheriff’s Christmas Toy Drive. Tickets are $25. To make reservations, call Jo-Anne Caivano at 295-7515. 

  

 

Help ensure 60 local children receive presents this Christmas 

In an effort to help 60 local children receive presents this Christmas, one local citizen is asking for your help. Charline Buckley recently found out that 60 children who have been provided toys for Christmas in the past by the Marines, would not be provided for this Christmas. A Christmas party for these children is planned for Saturday, Dec. 15. If you can make a donation of either a toy or money, Buckley and other volunteers will be at the American Legion Hall Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to help, call Buckley at 296-4438. 

 

 

 

Thursday, December 6, 2007 

  

 

Ione City Council discusses financial reports, fire stations, Board of Appeals 

It was a large agenda for the Ione City Council Tuesday night. According to City Manager Kim Kerr, the quarterly financial report was presented for the first time at a meeting. The council also heard an update on the Ione fire station and approved the plans and specifications. The plans will now go to the planning commission for approval Dec. 11 and the project will be open for bid Jan. 23, 2008. Kerr also announced that the city is looking for people interested in being a part of the city’s Board of Appeal. Kerr adds that the city is looking for two licensed contractors, two citizens and one engineer or architect to make up the board. If you are interested in becoming a member of the board, send the city a letter explaining your interest and qualifications by Jan. 2. Or for more information, call the city at 274-2457. 

  

 

Deer, wet weather caused four accidents Tuesday in Amador County 

Deer in the road and the foggy, wet weather Tuesday seemed to be the cause of four accidents around Amador County. A rear-end accident on Ridge Road at Old Ridge Road around 2:15 p.m. was caused by excessive speed for the weather conditions. According to the report, a Pioneer man was driving too fast in the thick fog west on Ridge Road when he saw an Elk Grove man stopped in front of him to late. Only property damage was reported. Close to 5 p.m., a deer ran onto Highway 88 in front of a Pioneer woman causing damage to the left side of her vehicle and her windshield. Around 5:30 p.m. a deer also caused a single-vehicle accident on Ridge Road. The collision caused the vehicle’s air bags to be deployed resulting in minor injuries for the driver. And a wet roadway combined with speeding caused a single-vehicle accident on Latrobe Road around 10:30 p.m. involving a Citrus Heights man. No injuries were reported.

 

 

Ione Red Ribbon Choir performs this weekend 

The Ione Elementary Red Ribbon Choir will perform “I need a little Christmas vacation” on stage at Ione Elementary School Friday, Dec, 7 at 7 p.m.    A matinee will also be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Visitors can make donations at the door. 

  

 

Annual Holiday Fine Arts and Craft Show this Friday, Saturday 

The annual Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show will take place Friday, Dec. 7 from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sutter Creek Auditorium. The event will feature watercolor and oil paintings, ceramics, jewelry, handcrafted items, sculpture and clocks. 

 

  

66th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor 

Friday is the 66th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and even though there are no local events scheduled, it is still important to remember those who lost their lives. According to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association there are only about 5,000 remaining survivors of the attack and only 23 remaining survivors from USS Arizona, none of which will be traveling to the site for remembrance due to health conditions. 



December 6, 2007 

  

 

Ione City Council discusses financial reports, fire stations, Board of Appeals 

It was a large agenda for the Ione City Council Tuesday night. According to City Manager Kim Kerr, the quarterly financial report was presented for the first time at a meeting. The council also heard an update on the Ione fire station and approved the plans and specifications. The plans will now go to the planning commission for approval Dec. 11 and the project will be open for bid Jan. 23, 2008. Kerr also announced that the city is looking for people interested in being a part of the city’s Board of Appeal. Kerr adds that the city is looking for two licensed contractors, two citizens and one engineer or architect to make up the board. If you are interested in becoming a member of the board, send the city a letter explaining your interest and qualifications by Jan. 2. Or for more information, call the city at 274-2457. 

  

 

Deer, wet weather caused four accidents Tuesday in Amador County 

Deer in the road and the foggy, wet weather Tuesday seemed to be the cause of four accidents around Amador County. A rear-end accident on Ridge Road at Old Ridge Road around 2:15 p.m. was caused by excessive speed for the weather conditions. According to the report, a Pioneer man was driving too fast in the thick fog west on Ridge Road when he saw an Elk Grove man stopped in front of him to late. Only property damage was reported. Close to 5 p.m., a deer ran onto Highway 88 in front of a Pioneer woman causing damage to the left side of her vehicle and her windshield. Around 5:30 p.m. a deer also caused a single-vehicle accident on Ridge Road. The collision caused the vehicle’s air bags to be deployed resulting in minor injuries for the driver. And a wet roadway combined with speeding caused a single-vehicle accident on Latrobe Road around 10:30 p.m. involving a Citrus Heights man. No injuries were reported.




December 5, 2007 


  

Mule creek state prison has a new warden 

Mike Martel is currently serving as the acting warden for Mule Creek State Prison after former warden Richard Subia was promoted to the Associate Director in Charge of Camps for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. According to Chris Weathersbee, public information officer for the prison, Martel has been with Mule Creek since June 2007 as the chief deputy warden. Weathersbee adds that Martel comes to the position with a vast amount of experience with 27 years of service behind him.  

  

 

Highway 49 / 16 stoplight now operational 

The stoplight at the intersection of Highways 49 and 16 is now operational. Caltrans told HomeTown Radio that the project was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of November, but due to conflicts with the contractor and weather conditions it had been pushed back. Caltrans began construction at the busy intersection a couple months ago in the hopes of making it safer.   

  

 

Amador Supervisors approve rate increases for waste services, grading 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors met to discuss a full agenda during Tuesday’s meeting after only holding a closed session last Tuesday. The supervisors approved a request from ACES Waste Services for a 5.44 percent rate increase for their Pine Grove Transfer Station, due to increased fees at the Keifer Landfill where the trash is trucked. Aces also requested a 1.38 percent rate increase for Franchise Area 3, which is Upcountry, which could not be approved until the voters are notified and a public hearing is held Jan. 29 due to Prop 218 requirements. The supervisors also voted to approve clean up of a River Pines home destroyed in a fire last October that poses a public health and safety threat. The clean up will cost the county around $8,000 and after the work is done the county can place a lien on the property to recoup the money. It was also decided to increase the county grading fee from $382 to $439 effective Jan. 1, 2008. 

  

 

Sutter Creek City Council met Monday night for an easy meeting 

It was a quick and easy meeting for the Sutter Creek City Council Monday night.    According to City Manager Rob Duke the council heard a presentation by Dokken Engineering, the company that is completing the gateway project on the Highway 49 Bypass and old Highway 49. The council also accepted the completion of the Sutter Ione Road / Spanish Street improvements and adopted the Alternative Transit Plan presented by Bob Devlin with the Amador Transit Project Team. Duke announced during his report that the city is currently looking to hire an Assistant City Manager. 

  

 

Two accidents caused by wet roads Tuesday resulted in minor injuries 

Two single-vehicle accidents in Calaveras County Tuesday probably caused by the wet roads resulted in minor injuries for both drivers. According to the CHP report, around 8 a.m. a Valley Springs woman was driving a 1983 Ford truck on Highway 26 east of Warren Road when it began to fishtail in a curve in the road.  The truck continued out of control off the road overturning on its roof on the dirt shoulder. Two hours later another Valley Springs woman was driving on Highway 26 east of Burson Road when she also lost control in a curve in the road. According to the report, the woman lost control of her 1998 Ford truck in a curve, resulting in the vehicle overturning on its right side coming to rest blocking the eastbound lane of Highway 26. 

  

 

Interfaith Food Bank needs more than food donations 

The Interfaith Food Bank needs your help in the form of paper grocery bag donations. According to Kathleen Harmon, director of the food bank, more than 2,500 paper grocery bags are used each month to pack food for local families in need. Harmon says the food bank definitely needs donations of bags to keep up with the need. The food bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but Harmon says donations of bags can be dropped off at anytime by stacking them outside the door. The interfaith food bank is located at 12181 Airport Road off Highway 49 in Sutter Hill. For more information, call the food bank at 267-9006. 

  

 

Adam Gottstein performs at Preschool Storytime Thursday 

Children’s entertainer Adam Gottstein will be the guest performer at Preschool Storytime on Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library. Gottstein will perform his wacky and charming kid’s songs, getting young children involved with interactive. For further information, call the library at 223-6400. 



December 4, 2007 

  

 

ACCNET arrests two men for several marijuana related charges 

The newly formed Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested two men last Wednesday in Pioneer for marijuana related charges. Upon arrival, agents located an indoor cannabis cultivation operation wherein approximately 122 plants in various stages were found along with one pound of concentrated cannabis, one half gallon of suspected THC oil, a THC extraction processing area, two firearms, scales and other items indicative of the sales of controlled substances. 52-year-old Edward Eugene Meeker Sr. and 28-year-old Everett Cleo Meeker were arrested on the scene and charged with cultivation of cannabis, possession of cannabis for sale, manufacture of a controlled substance and being armed in the commission of a felony. 

  

 

A jackknifed big rig shut down one lane of Highway 88 for an hour this morning 

A big rig accident on Highway 88 early this morning might have been caused by the recent change in weather. According to the CHP report, a 1994 freightliner, driven by a Denair man, was traveling east on Highway 88 near Tabeau Road when applying the breaks on a downhill decent on the wet roadway, the rear trailer began to slide to the left, causing the cab to hit a dirt embankment and pulling the entire truck and trailer across the westbound lanes. The jackknifed big rig blocked the westbound lane for approximately an hour. No injuries were sustained and no other vehicles were involved. 

  

 

Accidents, traffic hazards kept Calaveras County emergency responders very busy this morning 

The rain might have caused a series of unrelated accidents that kept Calaveras County emergency responders and local authorities busy this morning. Between 8 and 10 a.m. the CHP reported four vehicle accidents, one a possible fatality, a disabled vehicle and two traffic hazards throughout the county. Three of the accidents called for ambulances with two blocking lanes on Highway 26 at Burson Road and Parrots Ferry Road at Highway 4. 

  

 

A Christmas to Remember begins its fund-raising efforts tomorrow 

A Christmas to Remember will kick off its two-day fund-raising efforts tomorrow. At several locations in both Amador and Calaveras counties, volunteers will be out Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 5 and 6 raising the funds necessary to provide clothing for children in both counties. This year’s donation locations include: Pokerville Market in Plymouth, Payless Market in Buckhorn, the Ione Shopping Center, the Sutter Creek City Hall and Sangghera’s Market in Pine Grove. With the help of service clubs in Calaveras County, locations will include: Mokelumne Hill, the West Point Post Office, the Wells Fargo in San Andreas and at Marvels in Valley Springs. Donations will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all locations in cash, check or credit form, and 100 percent of proceeds will go to the children. Mail donations to A Christmas to Remember, P.O. Box 1167, Jackson, 95642, or call HomeTown Radio at 223-0241,to use a credit card. For more information about A Christmas to Remember, contact Jay Lucke at 296-1404. 



December 3, 2007 

  

 

Tour bus collision leaves one man dead, several others injured 

A head on collision between a pick-up truck and a tour bus shut down Highway 88 in both directions for more than seven hours Sunday night. The accident occurred around 6:40 p.m. on Highway 88 just west of the Amador / San Joaquin County line. According to updated information from the Amador CHP office, a Honda Pilot driving east on Highway 88 was the cause of the multiple vehicle accident. According to witnesses the Honda drifted partially into the westbound lane causing it to sideswiping the left front of the tour bus and continue all the way down. The Honda then spun out of control into the westbound lane, colliding head on with a Toyota Camry driving behind the bus. The Honda came to rest in the westbound lane causing a Toyota Scion driving behind the Camry to swerve off the road to avoid hitting the Honda. The tour bus, with nine passengers and a driver, continued out of control in a southwesterly direction, crossing into the eastbound lane colliding head on with a Dodge truck. Both vehicles were propelled off the road with the tour bus ending up on its side. The 75-year-old Stockton man driving the truck sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Four parties were airlifted to nearby hospitals with moderate to major injuries, while eight were transported by ground ambulance to nearby hospitals. 

  

 

Cold weather cause a single-vehicle accident Saturday 

An icy roadway was the cause of a single vehicle accident over the weekend. According to the CHP report, a Davis resident was driving south on Mormon Emigrant Trail approaching Highway 88 at approximately 30 mph Saturday.  While traveling around a right curve in the road, which was snowy and icy according to the report, the man applied his breaks, causing the 2004 Subaru to slide off the road into a ditch where it overturned on its side. The driver reported no injuries. 

  

 

Weekend accidents kept local CHP officers on their toes 

A teenager was injured Saturday night in an accident involving a deer. According to the report, a 17-year-old Mountain Ranch resident was riding a 1989 Yamaha motorcycle east on Jesus Maria Road when a deer ran into the roadway, directly into the path of the teen. Unable to avoid the deer, the teenager sustained a fractured right wrist. 

A single-vehicle accident Sunday morning landed a Wilseyville woman in the hospital. According to the CHP report, Donna Drayer was driving her 1995 Dodge east on Highway 26 when she allowed her vehicle to travel onto the dirt shoulder in a curve in the road. After Drayer over corrected her vehicle back to on to the road, it began to spin out of control and ended up off the south side of the road and down a steep embankment where it collided with a tree. Drayer suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital.    

And an accident at the intersection of Highway 49 and 12 caused minor injuries to both drivers. According to the CHP report, an elderly Cameron Park woman in a 2006 Ford stopped at the intersection of 49 and 12 pulled out in front of a Valley Springs woman driving north on Highway 49. After the collision the Ford came to a rest on its wheels blocking the northbound lane. 

  

 

More than 2 miles of Latrobe Road will be closed this Thursday 

Latrobe Road will be closed for one day this week due to highway construction. According to the county, more than 2 miles will be closed to through traffic on Latrobe Road from Highway 16 to Old Sacramento Road Thursday, Dec. 6 beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. As an alternate route take Highway 16 to Old Sacramento Road to Latrobe Road.    

 

 

Another busy weekend for local firefighters 

It was another busy weekend for local firefighters with at least four smoke checks, three false alarms and a flue fire reported between Amador and Calaveras counties. The residents at 1095 Brett Harte Road awoke to find a fire in their chimney early Sunday morning. Around 5:30 a.m. fire crews were notified of the incident and several fire departments responded to the scene, finding fire in the flue of the chimney and the wall. Crews were on scene until just before 7 a.m. when they reached containment. Also on Sunday evening a call came in reporting a fire on Omo Ranch Road near Highway 88. The 35-acre burn turned out to be a controlled burn that the reporting party felt had gotten out of control. The information was passed on to CAL FIRE who reported everything to be under control. 

  

 

A close call at the Sutter Hill airport this weekend 

A close call at Westover Field this weekend had emergency crews standing by on scene. Around 11 a.m. Saturday morning a helicopter reported that it needed to make an emergency landing at the airport. According to reports, the helicopter’s tail rooter was malfunctioning and the aircraft would go into a spin when trying to land. A little more than a half hour later and after circling over the airport several times, the helicopter landed safely with no one injured. 

  

 

Calaveras Supervisors will be one step closer to naming a new CAO after Tuesday’s meeting 

The Calaveras County Supervisors will narrow the field of candidates for the County Administrator position from 25 to four at Tuesday’s meeting. According to county officials, interviews will be held the second week of December and a new CAO could be hired by the middle of January. 

  

 

Calaveras County sets General Plan Visioning workshops throughout December 

The Calaveras County Community Development Agency has announced the schedule for upcoming General Plan Visioning workshops. Meetings will be held throughout December beginning Monday in Murphys from 6 to 9 p.m., in San Andreas Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m., in Copperopolis Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., in Valley Springs Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m., and in West Point Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

  

  

Get your property taxes in by next Monday to avoid late charges 

Amador County Treasurer-Tax Collector Michael Ryan is reminding property owners that they have until Monday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. to make the first installment payment of their annual secured property taxes for the 2007-08 fiscal year, after which a 10 percent delinquency penalty will be added. Ryan notes that payments may be made by mail, sent to the Amador County Tax Collector, 810 Court St., Jackson 95642 and must be postmarked by Dec. 10 to avoid late charges. Payments can also be made in person at the tax collectors office in the County Administration Center. For any additional questions, call the tax collector’s office at 223-6364. 

 

 

Jackson Starbucks hopes to open by mid-December 

The newest Starbucks in Amador County is hoping to open in its Jackson location next to Big O Tires by the middle of this month. Also coming to the new five unit building will be Quiznos. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, Quiznos has signed on and there is some paperwork for a cell phone store as well. Daly says that the tenant improvements are being made in the other two spots, but so far there has been no other interest from businesses. 

 

 

Kirkwood opened its lifts over the weekend 

It’s official; Kirkwood Mountain Resort has opened for the season. As of Sunday, the ski resort was able to open its lifts thanks to colder temps and snowmaking machines. 



November 30, 2007 

  

 

Double fatality reported after an accident earlier Friday morning in Calaveras County 

A double fatality in Calaveras County Friday morning caused Highway 4 to be closed for a few hours. The accident, involving a 2005 Dodge van and a 1995 Peterbilt, occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Highway 4 west of Henley Ranch Road. According to the report, 60-year-old Tracy resident Michael Tuttle was driving east on Highway 4 coming around a sweeping curve in the road at the same time as 65-year-old Murphy’s resident Richard Perry in the westbound lane. As tuttle came around the curve he allowed his van to drift into the other lane causing the vehicles to collide head-on. Neither driver survived the accident and paramedics pronounced both dead on the scene.    

 

  

Controlled burns causing local residents to see smoke 

Two controlled burns in the area are causing local residents to see a lot of smoke. CAL FIRE officials told HomeTown Radio that the smoke is from a 100-acre controlled burn on Buckhorn Ridge in Amador County. And there is another prescribed burn in the Stanislaus National Forest two miles above Arnold. CAL FIRE says both are under control and there is no need to worry, even though smoke may be in the air for the next couple of days. 

 

 

Possible propane leak has authorities rushing to the area 

The strong smell of propane in the area of Kennedy Flat Road and Highway 88 caused local authorities to rush to the scene. It was reported around 10:40 Friday morning that there might be a propane leak due to a strong smell of the gas in the area. Responding crews checked with AmeriGas, who had just finished filling several tanks and thought that might be what people smelled. It was reported that the smell was dissipating around 11:10 a.m. with no problems reported since. 

  

 

Amador Regional Planning Committee met last night for two presentations 

The Amador Regional Planning Committee met for the third time Thursday night at the County Administration Center. The Amador County Transportation Commission made a presentation on traffic mitigation review guidelines. After the presentation, Committee Member Tim Murphy from Sutter Creek asked the city representatives to go to their city and ask the council to make a decision on these guidelines that the county has already adopted. The committee also heard from the Amador Water Agency and its Regional Water Planning project.    

  

 

Plymouth rescheduled Thursday night’s city council meeting 

Last night regularly scheduled Plymouth City Council meeting was rescheduled to Dec. 13. According to Gloria Stoddard, city clerk, shortly after the meeting was planned it was rescheduled due to not having a quorum with three of the members were going to be out of town on that day. The meeting on Dec. 13 will begin with a special meeting at 5 p.m., followed by a regular agenda at 6 p.m. 

  

 

35th annual Calico Christmas this weekend in Amador City 

The 35th annual Calico Christmas Merchant Open House will be held this Saturday and Sunday. Amador City’s GOLDPAN Merchant Association will host the two-day event where visitors can experience and old-fashioned Christmas. On Saturday, the highlight of the event, the traditional tree lighting, will being at 5:30 p.m. with the Walk of Light, a candle light procession led by traditional caroling through the streets to the tree, which will be lit at 6 p.m. 

  

 

Christmas Walk Saturday night presented by the Mother Lode Scots 

The Mother Lode Scots will present a Christmas Walk Saturday evening in Plymouth. The procession will gather at 5:30 p.m. at the gazebo, with the candlelight walk beginning at 6 p.m. down Main Street. For additional information, call Kathryn at 296-7790. 

  

 

Second annual ArCreations Christmas Art Show and Sale to benefit the artists 

The Arc of Amador and Calaveras will hold its second annual Christmas Art Show and Sale, “ArCreations” this Saturday. All art exhibited is created by artists with developmental disabilities. The show and sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arc’s main office at 75 Academy Drive in Sutter Creek. For more information, call 267-5978, extension 21. 

  

 

Children’s Holiday Festival sponsored by First 5 Amador held tonight in Sutter Creek 

The sixth annual Children’s Holiday Festival will be held Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sutter Creek Auditorium on Main Street. The event is sponsored by First 5 Amador and will include activities, music, snacks, holiday entertainment and photos with Santa Clause. For more information, call 257-1092. 



November 29, 2007 

  

 

Fire season has once again been extended 

According to CAL FIRE, seasonal firefighters will not be let go and fire stations will remain fully staffed until at least Dec. 10. It was originally thought that fire season would come to an end on Dec. 3 this year, but due to continued dry weather conditions the 2007 fire season remains in effect for both the Amador / El Dorado and the Tuolumne-Calaveras CAL FIRE units until further notice.    Burn hours are not limited, however, before burning you must have a permit and check the current burn status by calling 223-6246 for Amador County and 754-6600 for Calaveras County. 

 

  

Stolen vehicle located in Calaveras County after short chase 

A woman, who thought she had been shot at, helped local authorities locate a stolen vehicle Wednesday afternoon. According to the San Andreas office of the CHP, a woman called the dispatch with a license plate number of a truck that she thought shot at her near Moaning Cave Road in Calaveras County. The license plate number came back as a stolen vehicle out of Lodi and an officer was dispatched to the scene. Units from the CHP, Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department and CHP helicopter 24 responded to the general area. The vehicle was located and felony procedures were initiated and the four subjects were taken into custody. The CHP Valley Division Auto Theft Task Force responded to the scene and assumed the lead in the investigation, during which it was determined the driver was under the influence of a narcotic and the sound the reporting party heard was a firecracker, not a gun shot due to firecrackers located in the vehicle. The driver, Joseph Wayne Pimentel of Stockton, was arrested for vehicle theft and driving under the influence of drugs. 

  

  

Mountain lions spotted near Prevatali Road, Highway 88 

Two young mountain lions were seen running into the hills Tuesday morning on Prevatali Road. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, a concerned citizen called to report the sighting on Prevatali Road a 1/4 of a mile from Highway 88. The citizen was worried because there were school children headed to the bus stop near the area the lions were last scene.    

  

 

Prescribed burn may cause Calaveras residents to see smoke 

Residents in the Arnold area may see smoke beginning Thursday. The forest service has announced that a second prescribed 100-acre burn will occur two miles north of Arnold along Summit Level Road within the Stanislaus National Forest. Also starting Thursday will be a 400-acre burn in the Wrights Creek area, four miles south of Long Barn causing smoke to possibly be visible for many days along the Highway 108 corridor. 

  

 

Two-vehicle accident on Jackson Valley Road causes property damage 

Property damage was the result of a two-vehicle accident Wednesday evening on Jackson Valley Road. According to the CHP report, a 73-year-old female Ione resident was driving east on Jackson Valley Road approaching the intersection of Buena Vista Road. A 28-year-old male Ione resident was driving north on Buena Vista Road approaching the same intersection, stopping when he reached the intersection. The man proceeded through the intersection and was hit in the rear panel by the woman who failed to see the stop sign. 

  

 

Volunteers needed to help seniors prepare tax returns 

The American Association of Retired Persons is asking for volunteers to help seniors prepare their tax returns. Prospective volunteers are invited to a tax season kickoff meeting at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Calaveras County Senior Center in San Andreas. According to Lee Vahle, local coordinator of the program, volunteers generally need to be computer literate because all of the taxes are filed electronically. For more information and to become a volunteer, call Vahle at 795-8208 or Sharon Neckel at 754-0930. 

 

 

Tree lighting event in the Amador Ridge Retail Center 

Help the Amador Ridge Retail Center kick off its holiday season with a holiday tree lighting event Friday evening. Santa will make an appearance and kick off the ceremony by lighting the holiday tree. There will be a drawing for prizes and many business owners will extend their hour and offer special discounts.    The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Martell center that includes Safeway. 


November 28, 2007 


 

Tuesday evening accident sends Ione woman to the hospital with major injuries 

A single-vehicle accident Tuesday evening on Camanche Road sent an Ione woman to the hospital with major injuries. According to the CHP report, 43-year-old Tamara Lyons was driving south on Camanche Road around 6 p.m. when she allowed her 1996 Buick to cross into the other lane and off the road into an oak tree. She sustained major injuries and was life-flighted to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment. 

  

 

Health Care Town Hall Meeting with Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi to be held Dec. 3 in Jackson 

To update the community on current health care reform issues, Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi and Amador County Supervisor Ted Novelli will host a town hall meeting on health care. The meeting will be held Dec. 3 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Amador Senior Center in Jackson. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call (209) 333-5330. 

  

 

Calaveras Supervisors decide not to renew moratorium 

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors have decided not to renew a moratorium on zoning and general plan amendments. In December 2006 the board passed and later extended the ban, which will expire Dec. 2, while the county worked on its outdated general plan. Even thought the general plan will not be complete until after 2008, the supervisors decided to adopt a set of policies to guide development in the meantime. 

  

 

Learn the State of California Building Codes for 2008 at a presentation in Jackson 

To familiarize local contractors with the new state of California Building Codes, a presentation will be held Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Jackson. According to Larry White, building inspector for the city of Jackson, the meeting will be a readers digest version of the new codes, which will become effective Jan. 1, 2008. The presentation will be held at the Jackson Civic Center from 4 to 6 p.m. White is encouraging everyone that plans on attending to R.S.V.P. as space is limited to 125 people. To R.S.V.P., call 223-1646. 

  

 

Red diesel checkpoint on Highway 49 Wednesday 

The California Highway Patrol is checking local road vehicles for use of red diesel. According to Craig Harmon, public information officer for the Amador County CHP, a unit from the valley CHP district holds check points all throughout the state to dip tanks of diesel trucks on the road for red diesel. Today’s checkpoint in Amador County was held on Highway 49 across from Jack in the Box. Harmon says if a person is caught with red diesel, usually used in farm and construction equipment, in a road vehicle tank, which does not include a road tax, the fines are substantial. 

  

 

Christmas to Remember fund-raising starts next week 

A week from Wednesday will kick off the two-day fund-raising efforts of A Christmas to Remember. At several locations in both Amador and Calaveras counties, volunteers will be out Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 5 and 6 raising the funds necessary to provide clothing for children in both counties. Donations will be accepted in cash, check or credit form, and 100 percent of proceeds will go to the children. Mail donations to A Christmas to Remember, P.O. Box 1167, Jackson, 95642, or call HomeTown Radio at 223-0241, to use a credit card. For more information about A Christmas to Remember, contact Jay Lucke at 296-1404. 

  

 

Ione is closer to naming a police chief 

The city of Ione is still a few steps away from announcing a police chief, but has a candidate in mind. According to Ione City Manager Kim Kerr, the city has just started the background check and has entered into negotiations with the front-runner. If the background check passes, Kerr will meet with the City Council in a closed session to go over all the details. After that the new police chief will be announced to the public at a City Council meeting. 

  

  

Local restaurant holds benefit for a family who lost their father 

In the true spirit of Christmas, a local business has canceled its Christmas party to hold a fund-raiser for a family in need. The Waterloo restaurant in Stockton will host a fund-raising dinner for the family of California Highway Patrol officer John Miller, who was tragically killed in an auto accident last weekend. The dinner will be Monday, Dec. 3 at Waterloo, 10447 E. Waterloo Road. No host cocktails will begin at 4 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and all proceeds will go to the John Miller Memorial Trust Fund. To donate in any way or for tickets, call Mari Jo Kolze at 639-9589 or Sue Maddox at 969-1069. 

 

 

Last chance for flu shots 

Thursday morning is the last chance for $20 flu shots offered by Amador County Public Health. From 6:45 to 7:30 a.m., public health will be giving flu shots at the Jackson office at 1003 Broadway. This clinic targets individuals 60 and older or those with chronic medical conditions. The cost is $20 and Medicare will be billed for those that are eligible. 


  

34TH annual Argonaut Quarterback Club basketball tournament held this weekend 

The 34th annual Argonaut Quarterback Club basketball tournament began today Wednesday at Argonaut High School. This year’s tournament will host a very competitive line up featuring both junior varsity and varsity teams. Games are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Argonaut High School gym. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and $2 for senior citizens. 



November 27, 2007 

  

 

Jackson decides to start the process for water and sewer increases all over again 

Even thought the rate protest failed for both the water and sewer rate increases, the Jackson City Council decided to start the process all over at last night’s meeting. City Manager Mike Daly began the discussion by addressing some of the questions raised at the last meeting. He says the city has gone back and looked through the budget to see if the city could cut operating costs and found both positive and negative things. The main finding is that the increases could be decreased to a 7.3 percent increase for water rates from a proposed 8.5 percent increase and 13.4 percent from 17.5 percent for sewer rate increases. Because of the close numbers in the sewer rate protest, several citizens asked for a recount. Citizens also wanted to know the criteria for throwing out votes, saying that some people were eliminated because their name was not on the actual bill, but they write the checks. After some discussion, the council agreed unanimously to start the process over by re-noticing the ratepayers including information about the need for the increase, allowing the 45-day period for protests to be collected, hold another public hearing and have the council decide. 

  

 

Jackson Mayor Drew Stidger resigned from the city council during Monday’s meeting 

After the completion of his mayoral term, Jackson Mayor Drew Stidger announced his resignation from the city council at last night’s meeting. Stidger says it was a hard decision, one that he thought about a lot. In a letter addressed to the citizens of Jackson, Stidger said that he submitted his resignation, which will become effective Dec. 31, 2007, due to recent events that have taken place in his life causing him to become extremely busy. Jackson City Manager Mike Daly said the council would address Stidger’s resignation at the next meeting Dec. 10. At the end of the meeting, Stidger nominated Rosalie Pryor-Escamilla to become the next mayor of Jackson, who nominated Connie Gonsalves as vice-mayor. Both accepted the positions, which were also approved by the council. 

  

 

Firefighters had a busy weekend 

With still no official end to fire season, local firefighters were kept busy this weekend with smoke checks and controlled burns. Fire crews were called for two smoke checks Saturday, one around 10 a.m. at the end of June Avenue in Wilseyville and another around 6 p.m. off of Carbondale Road where they found a permitted burn. Later still that evening, around 7 p.m. an unsafe control burn was reported at Woodridge Road and Inspriation Drive. According to reports, the debris pile was quickly extinguished by responding fire crews. A vegetation fire was reported around 2 p.m. on Muller Court in Plymouth. No further details have been released. 

  

 

Two fires break out in Rancho Calaveras 

Two fires in the Rancho Calaveras subdivision caused some trouble for firefighters in the area. Two juveniles playing with matches started a small vegetation fire around noon on Butler Lane in the subdivision. Last Tuesday night a two-story home on Lazer Court in Rancho Calaveras sustained serious damage from a fire that originated in the home’s chimney flue. It took firefighters from Valley Springs, Jenny Lind, San Andreas, Foothill Fire, Arnold and Groveland about three hours to extinguish the flames. 

  

 

Three accidents Monday kept amador CHP officers busy all day 

Around 8 a.m. a truck versus a big rig tied up the road on Volcano-Pioneer Road for some time. According to the CHP report, the big rig was driving south on the road when he missed a down shift and rolled into a Sutter Creek resident following behind, causing the big rig to jack knife. It took five hours to clear the roadway, but no injuries and no spills were reported. 

Later that evening a two-vehicle accident at Highway 49 and Martell Road caused property damage. According to the report, a Reno man failed to see the stop sign and drove into the intersection hitting a Sutter Creek Resident pulling out from Martell Road.    

Around 11 p.m. a single-vehicle accident sent two men to the hospital with moderate injuries. A 19-year-old Mokelumne Hill man was traveling east on Jackson Gate Road when due to his high rate of speed, he lost control in a curve in the road and over turned. Both driver and passenger were taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment. 

  

 

Amador County Transportation Commission meets earlier today 

The Amador County Transportation Commission will meet at a earlier time today to discuss several projects including a state transportation improvement plan and traffic impact study guidelines. The commission will also hear a report from Caltrans and authorize staff to develop a 2008-09 transportation planning grant application for Plymouth. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. at the county administration center. 



November 26, 2007 

  

 

Amador County continues to fight proposed Buena Vista Rancheria casino 

The legal battle continues between Amador County and the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians over the proposed casino. The county has challenged the casino plans in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, due to the uncovering of recent information showing "the total lack of any historical tribal presence on the Rancheria by this tribe." The county claims that the Buena Vista property was never an Indian reservation and the Interior Department should not have approved a state compact in 2004 that qualified it for a casino. The county's allegations build a new layer in a case pending before U.S. District Judge Richard Roberts for 18 months awaiting a decision on the justice department's motion to dismiss it. The justice department objected to reopening the case now, but the county's attorney said that if Roberts does not permit the case to be expanded, the county would file a separate lawsuit. 

  

 

Local CHP officers report Maximum Enforcement Period numbers for the holiday weekend 

The totals are in for the California Highway Patrol’s Maximum Enforcement Period over the holiday weekend. According to CHP officer Craig Harmon, in Amador County there were a total of nine crashes, four that were DUI related and seven DUI arrests. The county also saw one hit and run arrest and one concealed weapons violation during the Wednesday through Sunday time frame. According to CHP officer Mike Maddox, Calaveras County saw only five DUI arrest and four minor accidents. 

 

 

Seven DUI arrests and five accidents kept the Amador CHP busy this holiday weekend 

A 26-year-old male was sent to Mercy San Juan Thursday night after his vehicle went off the road causing major injuries. According to the report, a Sun City man was driving east on Highway 88 at a high rate of speed when due to his level of intoxication his vehicle left the roadway down a steep embankment and overturned. 

A hit and run accident Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 49 and 16 resulted in minor injuries for a man on a motorcycle. According to the report, a Sacramento man on a motorcycle was driving eastbound on highway 16 when a Placerville man failed to yield to the right away and pulled out directly in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle rider attempted to swerve out of the way, but was unable to and hit the right rear of the 1985 GMC. The Placerville man fled the scene but was followed by a witness who flagged down a CHP officer and who arrested the man for hit and run charges. 

And two single-vehicle accidents this weekend in Calaveras County resulted in minor injuries. 

  

 

Final results show Measure J barely passing 

With the final election results for Measure J show that it barely passed.    The $31 million jail bond passed with 67.18 percent of the vote, which required a two-thirds majority.    The initial results showed Measure J passing with 67.47 percent, but an additional 1,265 votes reduced the margin to just 63 votes.    With the bond still passing, Calaveras County Sheriff Dennis Downum is continuing in his efforts to obtain grant funds from the state for the 240-bed jail.    The county will submit an application for the matching funds the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in March. 

  

 

Services for former Jackson resident Milo Radulovich will be held Tuesday at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church 

Milo Radulovich, a former Air Force Reserve Officer accused of being a security risk in the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s, died from complications of a stroke in a Vallejo hospital last Monday. Radulovich lived in Jackson for a time. A visitation will be held between 4 and 8 p.m. Monday at Daneri Funeral Home in Jackson and a funeral will be held Tuesday at Jackson’s St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. 

  

 

Amador County Supervisors will meet in closed session Tuesday 

Tuesday’s Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting has been canceled, but the five chairmen will still meet for a special closed session with county council. Existing Litigation against the county is a case involving the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, and the potential litigation with the proposed Buena Vista Rancheria casino. 

  

 

Seasonal roads in the Stanislaus National Forest will close next week 

This is the last week that all of the seasonal roads in the Stanislaus National Forest will be open for travel. All roads with seasonal closure gates will be closed down on Dec. 3 due to anticipated wet weather conditions. Once the vehicle gates are locked, passenger vehicle travel will not be allowed on the roads until drier conditions return in the spring. 

  

 

Last Amador Government 101 workshop this Wednesday at the County Administration Center in Jackson 

The last Amador Government 101 workshop will be held this Wednesday at the County Administration Center in Jackson. The fifth and final workshop will include speakers Superintendent Mike Carey for the Amador County Unified School District, Tracey Towner-Yep with the Amador County Recreation Agency, Charles Field with the Amador County Transportation Commission and Roseanne Chamberlain with Amador LAFCO. The speakers will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 for a half hour question and answer session. For more information, call Debbie Dunn at 296-5435. 


  

Last chance for flu shots this week 

If you haven’t got your flu shot this year, you still have a chance. The last of the flu clinics sponsored by Amador County Public Health will be held this Wednesday and Thursday. On Nov. 28, the clinic will be at the Amador County Public Health office at 1003 Broadway, Suite 203 in Jackson from 2 to 3:30 p.m.    An early bird clinic will be held Nov. 29 also at the public health office from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m.  For more information call public health at 223-6407. 

  

 

Climate Change will be the main topic at first meeting of the Amador County Citizens For Stabilizing and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Tuesday night 

The Amador County Citizens For Stabilizing and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions will hold its first meeting tomorrow (Tuesday). The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the home of Jerry Scott, 17750 View Terrace, Jackson. The meeting will discuss Climate Change: What you should know and what we should do.    For more information, call Scott at 296-1775. 

 



November 23, 2007 

  

 

CHP Maximum Enforcement Period still in full effect 

We are right in the middle of the CHP’s Maximum Enforcement Period for the holiday weekend. Through Sunday, Nov. 25, the CHP will put every available officer on the road. During last year’s Maximum Enforcement Period 42 people died and more than half of the vehicle occupants killed were not wearing their seatbelts. 

  

 

“Christmas Delights” kicks off holiday season in Jackson 

Kick off your holiday season at Jackson’s annual “Christmas Delights” Friday and Saturday on Main Street. Everyone is invited to this old-fashion family event from 5 to 9 p.m. On Friday night, “The Pyrenees Dogs” will be at the Jackson Firehouse. Saturday night, Santa rides into town on a fire truck to light the Christmas tree by the firehouse, then head to Wells Fargo Bank for photos and listen to kids wish lists. 

  

 

Celebrate the life of a loved one with a light on the Hospice Tree of Lights 

Celebrate the life of someone you love with a light on the Hospice Tree of Lights. For each $10 donation, Hospice will place a light on the tree and list the name of the person you wish to remember on a memorial board at the sight. Two tree lighting ceremonies will be held, one on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Hospice Thrift Store in Jackson and on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at Highway 49 and Main Street in San Andreas. To place a light on the tree, call 223-5500 or visit www.hospiceofamador.org. 

  

  

Another project is complete at the Jackson Rancheria 

The Jackson Rancheria electronic sign on the corner of Highway 88 and Dalton Road is now operational, and crews are working to complete the portal welcoming visitors to the Rancheria across Dalton Road. The Rancheria is also keeping busy working to complete a gas station and mini mart on Dalton Road by the spring. 

  

 

Kirkwood hopes to open next week 

Kirkwood may not be opening this weekend as originally planned, but if the weather stays cold, it looks like people could be hitting the slopes sometime next week. They were able to make snow Tuesday night and Wednesday and if the cold holds they hope to have enough snow on the ground to open by next week.    For more information about openings and lift tickets, visit www.kirkwood.com. 

  

 

Shop local for all your Christmas needs 

Friday is the official first day of the Christmas shopping season. Still not sure what to get some of the people on your list, some local stores offer guidance as to what’s hot this holiday season. Golden State Cellular in the Amador Ridge Center says phones with good MP3 players are on most people’s lists. Right down the road, the Feed Barn has more than just gifts for your pets. The Feed Barn offers a wide selection of clothing, boots, and accessories for your home plus anything you could want for your animals. For those gamers on you list, head to “This or That” on Main Street in Jackson for a wide variety of high quality board games and puzzles, perfect for a family game night. And always popular are gift certificates from local stores and restaurants.    

 

 

Tips for safe shopping this holiday season

Local law enforcement officials reminds us that unfortunately Christmas brings out some thieves this holiday shopping season. Here are a few tips to keep the season bright: Lock your cars when you are inside stores, and if you buy gifts, make sure that they are out of sight so that people won't see them and break a window. Also be careful about who you give your credit card to and make sure to keep all receipts.

 

 

Thanksgiving dinner around the county 

Everyone was fed turkey this Thanksgiving from the Amador County Jail to Mule Creek State Prison to Preston Youth Corrections. According to Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, the inmates were fed turkey jambalaya. Prisoners at both Mule Creek and Preston were fed a full dinner including turkey, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, cranberries, a roll and pumpkin pie.


November 21, 2007 

 

  

Kevin Barnett arraigned today in Amador County Superior Court 

A local businessman was arraigned in Amador County Superior Court earlier Wednesday afternoon. Kevin Barnett was charged with one count of Felony Grand Theft and one count of Felony Embezzlement in the theft of more than $10,000 from the Mother Lode Youth Athletic Conference. According to the Amador County District Attorney’s office, Barnett could face a maximum of three years in state prison. He would also be eligible for parole. 

 

 

Maximum Enforcement Period begins tonight at 6 p.m. 


Today begins the California Highway Patrol’s Maximum Enforcement Period for the holiday weekend. Tonight at 6 p.m., the CHP will put every available officer on the road through Sunday, Nov. 25. 

  

 

Supervisors are in the process of renaming the Sutter Creek Bridge on the bypass the Jay-D Ornsby-Adkins Bridge 

The Sutter Creek Bridge that is part of the Highway 49 Bypass may soon be named. The Amador County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution at Tuesday’s meeting requesting Sen. Dave Cox to carry fourth a resolution to the state senate in support of renaming the bridge the Jay-D Ornsby-Adkins Bridge. Private First Class Ornsby-Adkins of the U.S. Army, was killed in Iraq April 28, 2007, and was the first local casualty of the Iraq war. If the resolution passes it then goes to Caltrans for approval.    

  

 

Buyer beware, fake Omaha Steaks trucks in the area 

If you are a fan of Omaha Steaks, be warned that there is a truck painted to look like an Omaha Steaks truck that has been seen in the Jackson area selling steaks that are not affiliated with the company. Omaha steaks do not sell door to door and the only way to purchase authentic Omaha Steaks products is by calling their company, visiting their Web site or visiting one of their stores. Local authorities say if an Omaha Steaks stops at your business or residence, ask them to leave and contact the police if they will not go. 


  

Amador County Chamber of Commerce moves locations 

The Amador County Chamber of Commerce has relocated to the Mother Lode Plaza behind Jackson. According to Jacqueline Lucido, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, the new location is bigger and ADA compatible in a great shopping center. The new location will allow for space for meetings and more workspace for employees. Lucido says that she is delighted with the new office, adding that the new space will expand the chamber’s ability to accommodate visitors to the county. 

  

 

Hospice announces new executive director 

Dan Riordan will begin his work as the new executive director at Hospice beginning Monday. According to Paul Cherry, Hospice interim director, Riordan was chosen because of his energy and enthusiasm. He previously worked with First 5 Amador. Cherry adds that Riordan served as a Hospice volunteer and is familiar with the Hospice mission, which was important. 

 

 

 

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 

 

 

Local firefighters sent to Southern California in anticipation of strong Santa Ana winds 

Some local firefighters are spending thanksgiving away from their families due to a forecast of high winds in the southern part of the state. The state of California is pre-positioning resources in Southern California in preparation of extreme fire danger due to predicted Santa Ana winds Wednesday morning through Thursday and possibly more strong winds over the weekend. In response to these anticipated conditions, CAL FIRE is pre-positioning hundreds of additional firefighters, fire engines, fire crews and aircraft to respond to any wildfires. According to Garrett Simmons, with the CAL FIRE Amador / El Dorado Unit, local firefighters have already been sent to Southern California for pre-staging. 


  

Several recent deer versus vehicle accidents are most likely caused by two factors 

Another deer versus vehicle accident was reported Saturday night on Ridge Road. According to the report, an Ione resident was driving east on Ridge Road, just west of Hamricks Grade, when a deer ran directly in front of his 2004 Acura. According to Amador CHP Public Information Officer Craig Harmon, there have been at least a couple deer related accidents a week recently. According to Jon Vail, director of Amador County Animal Control, October, November and December are the worst months for deer related accidents. He says there are two factors that contribute to the high numbers: migration and breeding season. 


  

 

Monday evening accident sends two people the valley hospitals 

An accident Monday evening sent two people to valley hospitals with major injuries. According to the CHP report, 20-year-old Valley Springs resident Gustavo Avila was stopped at Lime Creek Road when he pulled out onto Highway 12 directly into the path of 20-year-old Chelsie Schelly and her two young children. The vehicles collided and continued off the road. Avila sustained major injuries including bruising to the brain, a broken pelvis and leg. Schelly also suffered major injuries, including a possible broken pelvis. Schelly’s 2-year-old son sustained a small abrasion to his forehead and her 6-month-old daughter suffered no injuries thanks to the proper use of child safety seats. 

  

 

Sutter Creek begins ADA improvements on Main Street 

The Sutter Creek City Council took the first step of many toward making ADA improvements on Main Street at last night’s meeting. According to City Manager Rob Duke, the council directed staff to move forward on the project and accept bids for the curb cuts and handicap ramps at the four main crosswalks on Main Street. Duke says they are waiting for funding from Caltrans and the project will probably get started after the first of the year. 

  

 

Jackson Planning Commission approves single agenda item 

The Jackson Planning Commission met Monday night with a one-item agenda after two other agenda items were canceled on a request from the person that submitted them. According to City Manager Mike Daly, Kathy duBois was unable to attend Monday night’s meeting and asked her two items, regarding Jackson’s future economic viability and planning issues, to be continued to the next meeting. The commission approved the other agenda item, a request from Brad Management, owner of Jackson Creek Plaza, to change the height of the sign at the plaza.    

  

 

Superintendent Mike Carey announces retirement 

Amador County Superintendent Mike Carey announced his retirement last week. Effective in June, Carey will leave the position he has held for the past seven years. Carey says he is happy and sad, relieved and restless about his decision. He plans on doing the things he is doing now, but being able to devote more time to writing, painting lessons and playing basketball. Carey says he is not sure where he and his wife will spend most of their time, but they plan on keeping their home in Pioneer, adding that it has always been his dream to live in a place like Amador County. Carey says he talked with the board months ago and has offered to help with finding his replacement. 


November 19, 2007 


  

Jackson Water and Sewer rate increase protest fails  

The final tallies are in and the protest for the Jackson water and sewer rate increases has failed. According to the city, with 2,088 water accounts there were 879 protests totaling 42.1 percent failing short by 166 votes. For the sewer, out of 1,406 accounts there were 691 protests or 49.15 percent, just 13 votes away from the necessary amount needed to protest the rates. City Manager Mike Daly says the issue will be on agenda for the Nov. 26 meeting. 


  

San Andreas gas leak may be a bigger problem if PG&E can't find cause  

The natural gas leak in San Andreas Friday afternoon that caused some business to be evacuated may be a bigger problem. According to Nicole Tam, PG&E spokesperson, there was a report of gas leaking out of some drilled holes and some manholes near businesses on St. Charles Street. PG&E crews were sent to the scene around 4:30 p.m. and had to cut the gas off by 7:30 p.m. due to the fact that they could not find the leak point. Crews will be on scene again tomorrow testing the facilities and the area to figure out the cause of the leak by opening the trench from the meter to the main. 


  

Weekend accidents cause injuries 

A head-on collision Sunday evening on Highway 88 blocked the road and caused one person to be life flighted. According to the CHP report, 27-year-old Pioneer resident Rebecca Caroll was driving west on Highway 88 when she allowed her vehicle to cross into the eastbound lane and into the path of Jennifer Frelinger of Nevada. Caroll sustained major injuries and was flown to Sutter Roseville Hospital. Frelinger was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. 

A pioneer woman lost control of her vehicle and hit a dirt embankment Saturday night. According to the report, 18-year-old Cissy Donohoe was driving west on Highway 88 passing Nob Hill Road following another vehicle when it applied its brakes abruptly. Donohoe also applied her brakes causing her vehicle to spin out of control into the eastbound lane and back hitting a dirt embankment on the west shoulder of the road. She was transported to Sutter Amador for treatment of minor injuries. 


  

Structure fire burns down River Pines home 

A structure fire that broke out on Friday in River Pines is still under investigation.     According to Amador Fire Protection District Chief Jim McCart, the fire broke out around 12:45 p.m. in single family dwelling on a split lot at 22834 Circle Ave. and resulted in a total loss. 


  

Allow yourself more time for Thanksgiving travel 

If you are headed out of town for the thanksgiv