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 thanksgiving holiday this week, make sure to allow yourself extra time whether you are flying or driving. Sacramento international airport officials say air travel is up by 5 percent since September and is expecting some 38,000 to 40,000 travelers between now and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Officials are urging travelers to arrive at the airport two hours early and be prepared for long security lines. And with 3.8 million Californians taking to the roads, driving to your thanksgiving destination could take that much longer. 

  

 

CHP holiday Maximum Enforcement Period begins Wednesday 

The official Thanksgiving holiday driving period begins this Wednesday 6 p.m. and continues through Sunday, Nov. 25. During this time the CHP will implement the Maximum Enforcement Period, putting every available officer on the road. 

  

 

Caltrans delays Highway 49/16 stoplight project 

A Caltrans project that was supposed be finished by the end of November, will now be held off until December. According to Caltrans, the stoplight at the intersection of Highways 49 and 16 will not be turned on until the first week in December due to weather conditions and problems with the contractor. 

  

 

Canadian geese at Lake Camanche are being disposed of due to an Ecoli problem 

Because of a threat to human health, 20 percent of the 1,500 Canadian geese at Lake Camanche are being disposed of. According to the East Bay Municipal Utility District, Lake Camanche owner, due to a recent population boom the area has become over run with the geese. The high number of geese has caused unsafe levels of e coli in the lake, which serves as the primary source for drinking and bathing water for local residents. East Bay MUD says the killings are legal and necessary. 

  

 

Special students raised funds for Argonaut High School Programs 

Sharly Grandon and Elyse Haedrich, sophomores at Argonaut High School raised more than $900 for school programs by working in the snack bar during volleyball games. They began working in the working in the snack bar so that parents of volleyball players could watch the game. This is the second year the girls have worked the snack bar at athletic events. The pair are working toward their Block A Community Service Letter and learning life lessons. 


 

  

Saturday, November 17, 2007 


  

Peace vigil Friday night hopes to bring troops home 

A hand full of people stood on the corner of highway 49 and 88 friday night in a mission of peace.    Eight women showed their support to bring the troops home in the form of a one-hour candle light vigil.    According to nora coryell, a participant and local organizer of this event, the vigil is part of the iraq moratorium, a nationwide movement that asks people to do something to promote peace in the middle east on the third friday of every month.    This is the third vigil the program has held nationwide in an effort to stop the war and bring the troops home.



November 16, 2007 

  

 

Sacramento little league coach gets 6 years in prison for molesting an 8-year-old 

A Sacramento little league coach was sentenced to six years in state prison Friday following a guilty plea to two felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14. According to District Attorney Todd Reibe, 29-year-old Richard Toby Tinoco was arrested after a Memorial Day camping trip at Chaw Se Indian Grinding Rock during which he molested an 8-year-old boy. Tinoco has a sordid past of sex-related convictions, including violations of failing to register as a sex offender. 

  

 

Friday afternoon accident causes congestion on Highway 49 

A two-vehicle accident Friday afternoon caused some congestion on Highway 49 in Jackson. The accident occurred when a car pulled out of the Jackson Creek Plaza in the path of a small truck. The front of the truck collided with the driver’s side of the car blocking one lane of traffic and causing a slow down in the other.    For video of the accident, visit our PodCast page at htradio.net. 

  

 

A deer sends a San Andreas woman to the hospital 

A deer versus a Honda Accord accident sent a San Andreas woman to the hospital Friday morning. According to the CHP report, Lynn Amo was traveling north on Highway 49 when a large deer entered the roadway into the direct path of the vehicle. The vehicle then overturned on its roof, coming to a stop in the northbound lane. Amo was transported to Mark Twain St. Joseph hospital, treated for minor injuries and later released. 

  

 

Natural gas leak evacuates business in San Andreas 

A natural gas leak in San Andreas Friday afternoon caused some business to be evacuated. The leak was reported at 130 E St. Charles St. off of Highway 49 around 3 p.m. Local law enforcement as well as PG&E were contacted to evaluate the problem. PG&E was expected on scene around 5:30 p.m. 

  

  

Gas prices are up and continue to rise 

According to a new report from AAA of Northern California, prices in many communities in California are close to record high levels set in may. The statewide average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is now $3.39, just 10 cents below the record high price set earlier this year. The main market force driving the latest round of gasoline price increases is an enormous increase in the costs of crude oil, which peaked last week at $98.62, an all time high. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts gasoline prices will continue to climb, forecasting an additional 20-cent per gallon price increase by December if the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries does not increase production. 

  

 

Hereford Classic Sale at the Amador County Fairgrounds this weekend 

History will be made at the Amador County Fairgrounds this weekend. The biggest cattle consignment, in the 22 year history of the California / Nevada Polled Hereford Association Hereford Classic Sale, with more than 100 lots being sold, will take place Nov. 17 in Plymouth. The consignment will include almost 20 fancy show heifers, almost 40 stout show steers, a dozen beautiful bred heifers, half a dozen top brood cows and a couple of powerful herd bull prospects. All events are open to the public and are free. For more information and times, call 245-6921. 

  

 

County reminds residents of snow removal policy 

With winter weather fast approaching, the Amador County Public Works Agency wants to remind residents who live in areas subject to snow accumulation about the basic snow removal policies. According to public works, the county will attempt to keep all paved county roads below the 5,000-foot elevation open, however, severe storms sometimes result in longer wait times and persons being snowbound. Also, no snow removal services are performed on privately maintained roads, county roads above 5,000 feet or unpaved roads. 

  

 

Dad and Me event this Saturday in Plymouth 

First 5 Amador will hold a Dad and Me event this Saturday. Harvesting and Hibernating with Dad is the theme for the event at Plymouth Elementary School from 10 a.m. to noon. It will be a free and fun morning of activities for children up to 5-years-old and their dad, uncle or grandpa. Space is limited, so to sign up, call First 5 Amador at 245-1092. 


November 15, 2007 

  

 

Kmart employee steals more than $2,500 in jewelry 

A Kmart employee was arrested Friday evening after an investigation discovered she had stolen more than $2,500 in jewelry. 53-year-old Kathleen Marie Smith was charged with felony grand theft with items total more than $400 and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. According to Amador County Sheriff’s Lt. Charles Ray, the Kmart security department conducted its own investigation into the theft and called the sheriff’s office after they had detained Smith. 

  

 

School calendar, transportation fees created lots of questions at Wednesday night’s school board meeting 

Next year’s school calendar and home to school transportation fees were the hot items of discussion Wednesday night’s Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting.  Teachers and parents spoke to the board about their concerns related to the Amador County Public Schools 2008-09 District Planning Calendar, which was placed on the consent agenda for the meeting. Board president Mary Walser said that the board is currently in negotiations dealing with the calendar and therefore could not comment on the issue, but would be willing to listen to public comment. To deal with the concerns, board member Karl Knobelauch made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the withdrawal of the calendar item to be further discussed at a future time, which was seconded by Chuck Anderson. 

The meeting then moved to the public hearing for the home to school transportation fees. Several parents voiced their concerns relating to the fees, including questions about how the program will work, rates for low-income families and one way and occasional riders. Superintendent Mike Carey answered many of the questions saying that the costs worked out to be about $.50 per ride, adding that the details have been worked out, but not yet approved by the board. He said that parents will be notified of all the information by mail and/or the Tuesday envelope and the information will also be posted to the school board’s Web site. The board ended public comments with their comments, with the majority wishing to move forward with the project so that information can be sent out to parents immediately. 

  

 

Amador County Sheriff’s responded to two road incidents Monday 

Two juveniles were caught throwing paint balls at passing vehicles Monday morning. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, a call came in that kids were throwing things at vehicles on Highway 124 and Tonzi Road around 11:48 a.m. A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched and located the two before the CHP arrived to handle the matter. 

Later that evening, the sheriff’s department investigated a reported assault with a deadly weapon. A man reported that while driving east on Highway 16 he had been shot at from a red Chevy. A sheriff’s deputy investigated the scene and found no bullet hole in the vehicle or shell casing or broken glass on the roadway. 


  

Accident Wednesday afternoon caused by an inattentive driver 

A two-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon at Ridge Road and Ridge View Road caused one vehicle to hit a fire hydrant. According to the CHP report, an Ione resident was driving a dodge neon east on Ridge Road at 50 mph when a Sutter Creek resident in a ford explored pulled out from ridge view road in front of him. No injuries were reported. 


  

Senior center serves lunch again 

The Amador Senior Center will be serving lunch again beginning Friday after a two-week break to replace the kitchen floor. According to the senior center, the kitchen floor had to be replaced and today will be spent putting the kitchen back together. And those that utilize the home delivery meals will once again be receiving hot meals on Friday. 

 



November 14, 2007 

  

 

Downum continues to fight for a new Calaveras County jail 

Just a week after Calaveras County voters passed Measure J, a $31 million bond for a new jail, Calaveras County Sheriff Dennis Downum has a new group of people to convince that the facility is necessary. A formula proposed by a jail construction executive steering committee made up of law enforcement and county representatives would allocate only $50 million in state funds for the 31 California counties with fewer than 200,000 residents with Calaveras seeking $30 million from the state for this project. Downum will meet with the committee in Sacramento today and is hopeful that he'll receive a positive response from the state in December.

 

 

Jackson Hill project will appear on the June 2008 ballot 

Jackson voters will decide the fate of the proposed Jackson Hills Golf Course and Community Project as a part of the June 2008 election. At Tuesday night’s Jackson City Council meeting, the Jackson Hills referenda against Resolution 2007-36 certifying the Final EIR and Resolution 2007-37 approving a General Plan Amendment, was addressed. The council ended the issue by voting unanimously to approve the indemnity agreement with New Faze to cover any costs associated with challenges to the approval of the project including the ballot measure and any lawsuit costs. 

  

 

Jackson City Council continues issues after public hearings 

Also during Tuesday night’s meeting, the Jackson City Council continued two items to the next meeting. People both for and against the appeal of the Jackson Planning Commission’s approval of the Oak Manor Additional Conditional Use permit spoke about issues concerning increased traffic on Placer Drive and Agate Place, notification of the residents on those streets of the proposed building, fencing, lighting and delivery times. The council directed staff to bring the issue back for final action at the next meeting. The council also held a public hearing for the proposed water and sewer rate increases. Jackson City Manager Mike Daly gave a presentation on the issue, noting that currently the city has a deficit of more than $350,000 between the two services and the increase would just barely cover that deficit. If there are not enough protest votes, the council will take action on the matter at the Nov. 26 meeting. 

  

 

Accident caused by drunk driver ties up traffic Tuesday afternoon 

A Placerville man arrested for drunk driving caused a traffic tie up on Highway 49 Tuesday afternoon. According to CHP reports, Matthew Carlile was traveling south on Highway 49 north of Plymouth when he came upon slower traffic in front of him and attempted to pass a vehicle in a designated passing area, causing him to slide off the road into a ditch. Carlile was uninjured, but during the investigation, authorities determined him to be under the influence of alcohol and arrested him on scene. 

  

 

Man arrested for possession of stolen property, marijuana 

A Wilseyville man was arrested Sunday afternoon for possession of stolen property and marijuana. According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, 24-year-old Samuel Rudy Campa was arrested when a search of his vehicle, recovered a stolen handgun registered to a Pioneer man, approximately 82 grams of marijuana and four smoking pipes. Campa was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, destruction of evidence, evading a peace officer, possession of marijuana more than 28.5 grams and sale of marijuana. Bail was set at $100,000. 

  

 

Sewing guild donates cuddle quilts to the Amador County Sheriff’s Department 

Amador County Sheriff’s deputies now have a new way to help comfort children who have experienced a traumatic event. On Wednesday, representatives from the Gold Country Chapter of the American Sewing Guild presented Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan with 24 handmade cuddle quilts that will be placed in each deputy’s vehicle where they can be immediately given out as the need arises. 

 

  

ACHS petitions Sacramento Regional Community Foundation for funding to benefit Amador County 

The Amador County Historical Society is looking for support from other nonprofit organizations to bring more grant funding to the county. The Sacramento Regional Community Foundation provides grant funding to Sacramento and the surrounding counties, except Amador County. According to Andy Fahrenwald, with the historical society, the foundation said it might be open to including the county if it was petitioned. For more information or questions about writing letters to the foundation, call Fahrenwald at 267-5967. 

  

  

Get into the holiday spirit while helping to feed the hungry Thursday night 

The classic Christmas delight, “A Christmas Carol” opens for a preview Thursday night with admission being canned food. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Sutter Creek Theatre. For other performance times and tickets, visit suttercreektheatre.com. 

 

 

 

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 


 

Public hearing to discuss Jackson water rate increases held tonight 

Rate increases will be discussed in the form of a public hearing at Tuesday’s Jackson City Council meeting. The proposed increases are 8.5 percent for all water customers and a sewer rate increase of 17.5 percent for residential customers and commercial sewer rates. New rates would become effective Jan. 1. Additional increases to only the water service rates of 6 percent on July 1, 2008, and 6.5 percent on July 1, 2009, are also proposed to keep pace with water rate increases from the city’s water supplier, the Amador Water Agency. The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in council chambers in Jackson. 

  

 

Alarms sounded this weekend within moments of each other at local high schools 

Alarms at both Argonaut and Amador high schools were set off early Sunday morning. According to the Jackson Police Department, around 1 a.m. Sunday the fire alarm at Argonaut was set off. The police and vice principal responded to turn the alarm off and discovered no fire. A second alarm sounding was heard shortly after and a third was reported around 4 a.m. All three were false alarms. Within moments after the third alarm at Argonaut was set off, the alarm at the Amador High School football field announcer’s booth was also set off. According to the Sutter Creek Police Department, an officer was dispatched and went out on foot to check the area. The officer found no one but did note that the door to the announcer’s booth was found open with no signs of theft or vandalism. 

  

 

Drunk driver sends four people to the hospital after causing an accident 

A three-vehicle accident Monday evening caused by a drunk driver sent four people to the hospital with minor injuries. According to the CHP report, Michael Storey, of Ione, was driving east on Highway 88 west of Blue Sky Drive when he decided to pass the vehicle in front of him. After hitting two vehicles in the process, Storey fled the scene on foot and was later located hiding in the bushes near the accident. He was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in bodily injury to other than the driver and a vehicle hit and run resulting in bodily injury. 

  

 

CAL FIRE lifts burn suspension in Calaveras, Tuolumne counties 

The burn suspension has once again been lifted in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. CAL FIRE officials lifted the suspension of burning on private lands within the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Tuesday at 8 a.m. But before doing any burning, you must obtain a valid permit from the fire protection agency in your area, and check the current burn status by calling the air pollution control district at 754-6600 for Calaveras County. Burning permits will be required through the close of the 2007 fire season, which is planned for Dec. 3 in the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit. 

  

 

Four accidents tied up local CHP officers over the holiday weekend 

A single-vehicle accident resulted in the arrest of a drunk driver early Monday morning. According to the CHP, 19-year-old Lance Utterback was driving east on Clements Place when he made an unsafe turning movement causing his vehicle to leave the roadway and hit several trees. The Valley Springs resident was arrested and his passenger was taken to the hospital for minor injuries. Early Sunday morning Amador CHP responded to an accident at Emerson Way and Bingo Drive caused by the rainy weather. Another single-vehicle accident Sunday caused minor injuries to the driver. Friday night called San Andreas CHP to Obyrnes Ferry Road for a rear-end accident caused by a deer in the road. 

  

 

Telephone scam has local authorities concerned 

Even though no occurrences of this scam have been reported in Amador County, Sheriff Martin Ryan wants to make the public aware of the possibility of it happening to them. The scam involves a suspect contacting a citizen via telephone identifying themselves as a jury coordinator for the local court and states that the court is inquiring why the citizen did not appear for jury duty as required by law and asks for specific information including the citizen’s date of birth and social security number for verification and the caller may go as far as requesting a credit card number to cover a small fine for the citizen’s failure to attend jury duty and to cancel the arrest warrant that had been issued. Sheriff Ryan reminds citizens to take necessary measures to protect your personal identification information and never share your personal information with unverified sources. 

  

 

Washing your hands is the best way to prevent staph infections 

With recent national headlines involving methicillin-resistant staph infections, also known as MRSA, local health officials are letting people know how they can protect themselves. According to dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County health officer, MRSA has become a common case of community-acquired skin infections transmitted by skin-to-skin contact or shared items and surfaces that have been contaminated over the past several years. Hartmann adds that the best way to prevent exposure to the staph organism is to wash your hands before and after touching your face, nose, eyes and mouth. For more information on MRSA and staph infections, call Amador County Public Health at 223-6407. 

  

 

“Art of Recycling” on display at the County Administration Center beginning Nov. 15 

Amador County residents can learn the benefits of recycling from a student art exhibit created to celebrate America Recycles Day Nov. 15. “Art of Recycling,” an art project for local schools, youth groups and other community organizations, was created by Amador County Waste Management Department and designed to raise awareness in the county about the advantages of recycling. For the exhibit, local students created table and wall decorations, ornaments, toys and other accessories from recycled waste. The “Art of Recycling” exhibit will be open to the public beginning Nov. 15 at the County Administration Center, 810 Court St., Jackson. 



November 12, 2007 

  

 

Fiddletown woman arrested for burglary last Monday 

A Fiddletown woman was arrested last Monday for burglary after she was found near the scene of the crime with stolen property. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, 29-year-old Mary Jane Crago was found near the Cemex Plant in Ione after officers were sent to the area responding to a report of a burglary. Cargo was charged with burglary, grand theft, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools and being under the influence. Bail was set at $20,000. 

  

 

Ione man rescued by firefighters after being trapped in his car for two days 

An Ione man trapped in a car for two days was rescued by firefighters battling a blaze nearby Thursday night. According to reports, 52-year-old Steve Borba ran off of Highway 1 near Big Sur Tuesday afternoon and careened down a steep cliff bank for 500 feet. Borba was stuck in his vehicle for two days until the firefighters working the fire above the spot where his car went off the highway heard screams and realized there was someone in the wrecked car. Borba was listed in fair condition Friday at Community Hospital of the Monterey peninsula. 

  

 

CAL FIRE explains reason behind so many non-burn days lately 

With no end to fire season in sight, CAL FIRE has found a way to control burning without suspending burn permits again. According to CAL FIRE Amador / El Dorado Unit Battalion Chief Chris Anthony, soon after the burn suspension was lifted in both areas, the weather went into a drying pattern. Because it has still not rained enough to end fire season all together and burning with a permit is currently allowed, Anthony says that CAL FIRE is regulating the number of burn days through the Amador Air District in Amador County. Anthony adds the Amador / El Dorado unit has not staffed down for the winter and are looking at keeping its equipment staffed until Dec. 3. 

  

 

Busy weekend for local firefighters 

Local firefighters were kept busy this weekend with several calls. On Sunday, crews were called to a residential structure around 10:40 p.m. in Pioneer. The homeowners were attempting to put out the deck fire with an extinguisher before crews were on scene. The blaze was somewhat out by the time fire crews arrived. Earlier Sunday evening firefighters were called upon to check an unattended control burn on Highway 88 near Rossbridge Road and Dalton Way. According to reports, responding fire crews found an unattended fire in a nearby meadow around 5:30 p.m. And an illegal burn was reported Saturday around noon in the same area of Omo Ranch Road as the fire reported earlier this past week. 

  

 

New memorial dedicated yesterday in Calaveras County 

A new memorial that honors Calaveras County veterans who gave their lives in war was dedicated in a Veterans Day ceremony yesterday at the Calaveras County Government Center in San Andreas. The project was organized by 17-year-old Drake Walker, and will help him earn the rank of Eagle Scout.    The monument features the names of 59 veterans engraved in a granite wall with two Civil War-era cannons on each side that formerly stood near the graves of veterans in the People's Cemetery in San Andreas. Walker estimated that various local businesses and individuals donated $10,000 in labor, cash and materials toward the completion of the project. 

  

 

CHP not convinced the new Highway 49/16 stoplight will prevent accidents 

With three accidents reported over a three-day period last weekend at the intersection of Highway 49 and 16, some local residents are wondering when the new stoplight will be operational and will it help. Caltrans told HomeTown Radio that the light should become operational by the end of November, and depending on weather, it could be done sooner. According to Craig Harmon, Amador CHP public information officer, that is a problem intersection around the county. Harmon hopes the light will make the intersection safer but is not convinced adding that he thinks the new light will not effect the number of accidents but change the cause. 


  

Plymouth City Council met Thursday without two members 

The Plymouth City Council met Thursday night with Mayor Patricia Shackleton and Vice Mayor Michael O’Meara absent. The remaining council members approved a resolution that approved amendment no. 1 to the agreement between the city and the Amador Water. The council also listened to a summary report of pipeline expenditures and gave direction on the redevelopment blight analysis and preliminary project feasibility study. Late in the night the council decided to table the first reading of an ordinance related to the council-city manager form of government due to the absent council members. 

  

 

Amador County school district discussed home to school transportation fees at Wednesday’s meeting 

Home to school transportation fees will be discussed at Wednesday’s Amador County school board meeting. Last February a Budget Task Force, consisting of staff and parents, strongly recommended that the school district charge for bus service. In addition to saving classroom programs, collected fees would also be used for replacing old school buses when necessary. The meeting will be held at the County Administration Building at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend and provide input. 

  

 

Low-cost auto insurance program presentations Wednesday in Amador, Calaveras counties 

To inform the public of a new program available in Amador and Calaveras counties, two presentations will be held to discuss the state of California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. The purpose of this program is to provide a low-cost insurance, for less than $400 per year, to good drivers who demonstrate financial need. A presentation will be held this Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Jackson Civic Center and at the same time in Calaveras County at the Calaveras Works and Human Services Agency in San Andreas.    

  

 

Fourth Amador Government 101 workshop with city managers held Wednesday night 

The fourth workshop in the Amador Government 101 series will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14 to continue to help the public better understand local government and how it works. Wednesday’s topic will be incorporation overview with the city managers Kim Kerr, Mike Daly, Rob Duke and more. The workshop will be held at the County Government Center in conference room c beginning at 6:30 p.m. with an open public question and answer period from 8:30 to 9 p.m.    For more information, contact Debbie Dunn at 296-5435. 

  

 

Three flu clinics this week, with two held Upcountry 

Three flu clinics sponsored by Amador County Health will be held this week on Thursday, Nov. 15. The clinics will include an early bird clinic, from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. at the county health department at 1003 Broadway in Jackson, plus two later in the day at Our Lady of the Pines Church in Pioneer from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and one at the Upcountry Community Center in Pine Grove from 2 to 3 p.m. The clinics are targeted for individuals 60 years old and older or those with chronic medical conditions. The cost is $20 for high-risk individuals and Medicare will be billed for those that are eligible. For more information, call public health at 223-6407. 


November 9, 2007 


Veteran’s Day closures, cancellations, schedule changes 

In honor of Veteran’s Day this Sunday, Nov. 11, government offices, schools and post offices will be closed on Monday. Several banks will also be closed as a result of the holiday. County government offices will be closed Monday and the Amador County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission will not hold meetings on Tuesday. The Jackson City Council, which usually meets on Monday night, will meet in the Civic Center Tuesday at 7 p.m. due to the holiday. 

 

  

Ione man suffers major injuries after motorcycle accident 

An Ione man sustained major injuries in a motorcycle accident Thursday night. According to the CHP report, 20-year-old Nicholas Rheault was riding his 2008 Yamaha motorcycle northbound on Highway 104 at an unknown speed, when he drifted into the southbound lane, causing the motorcycle to overturn. Rheault was taken to Mercy San Juan for treatment. 

  

 

FEIS for Kirkwood development plan available for viewing 

A Final Environmental Impact Statement for the public lands portion of the Kirkwood Mountain Master Development Plan is now available for public review. The Eldorado National Forest and Kirkwood cooperatively developed a plan for improving Kirkwood’s on-mountain facilities and recreational opportunities. The FEIS is available on the Eldorado National Forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado. 

  

 

300 ballots still need to be counted for Measure J final results 

The final vote count on Measure J goes on in Calaveras County and according to County Clerk Recorder Karen Varni, the absolute final tally may not be known until late next week. An estimated 300 absentee and provisional ballots have yet to be counted, but Calaveras County Sheriff Dennis Downum is already busy on plans for the county’s new jail and administrative center. 

  

 

Meetings canceled next week 

Two meeting scheduled for next week have been canceled. The Sutter Creek Planning Commission meeting planned for Tuesday, Nov. 13 will not be held. Also, the November LAFCO meeting, scheduled for Nov.15 has been canceled due to the fact that no applications or proposals have been submitted. 

  

 

Winefest this weekend in Sutter Creek 

For an evening of wine, food and shopping, spend Saturday evening in Sutter Creek for the 10th annual Winefest sponsored by the Amador County Arts Council. Tickets are $25 in advance online at and $27.50 at the door. 

  

 

Free mandated reporter training held next week 

The Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council will hold a free child abuse and neglect mandated reporter training workshop Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the County Administration Building in Jackson.    The workshop is open to all interested community members. R.S.V.P. to the council by Nov. 13 by calling 223-5921 so that enough training handouts will be available. 

  

 

Gourd art on display at the Jackson Library for the month of November 

“Art of the Gourd” will be the exhibit at the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library for the month of November. On Nov. 15 several gourd artists will be at the library from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The public is encouraged to come by to meet the artists and see their work. For more information, call the library at 223-6400.



November 8, 2007 

  

 

Dead animals found in Amador County flume cause concern for PG&E officials 

The discovery of more than 15 drowned bears in an open-air flume in Amador County has caused some concern among PG&E officials. During a 30-day period from mid-September to mid-October, 15 bears and two mountain lions were found after drowning in the flume in the Eldorado National Forest. PG&E officials can’t explain exactly why the bears died, but the 30-day time frame coincides with hunting season in the area when hunters and dogs could have chased the bears downhill forcing them in to the cold, deep, swift water in the flume. PG&E officials are currently investigating the deaths. 

 

  

Ione interviews seven candidates for police chief position 

The search for a new police chief continues in Ione. According to City Manager Kim Kerr, the city received 23 applications in total. Kerr says the city will only interview seven of the applicants Thursday and Friday. After that, the top candidate will go through a background check and a psych test. Then once a contract between the candidate and the city is finalized, it will come before the city council where it will need to be approved. 


  

Calaveras Sheriff’s Department awarded $10,000 grant for dive equipment 

Because of its involvement in the highly publicize Laci Peterson case, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department recently received a $10,000 grant. The sheriff’s department assisted in the search for Laci by sending a dive team into Lake Tulloch in Copperopolis in January 2003. The grant, from the Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund, will be used to purchase dive equipment for the Calaveras Sheriff’s dive team. 

 

 

Supervisors hold three public hearings Tuesday 

The Amador County Supervisors held three public hearings Tuesday regarding general plan amendments and zoning changes. A staff initiated zone change was postponed to the meeting Nov. 20 because County Planner Susan Grijalva was not able to attend. The Amador Water Agency’s request for a general plan amendment and a zone change off a private easement off of Curran Road was approved. And a request from Mt. Crossman Associates for a variance change in the county code and the approval of a tentative subdivision map was also approved. 

  

 

Measure J clinging to a razor-thin victory margin 

With 100 percent of county precincts counted, Measure J, the $31 million Calaveras County Jail construction bond, led 6,491 to 3,129 Tuesday night, but a two-thirds margin is necessary for passage and yes the tally accounts for just 67.5 percent, just 84 votes beyond the necessary 66.6 percent. About 300 absentee votes dropped off at polling places Tuesday, will be counted by election official this week, but will unlikely reverse the outcome. 

  

 

Sutter Creek mural collection completed after Wednesday’s dedication of No. 13 

The Sutter Creek mural collection is now complete after the dedication of mural No. 13 Wednesday afternoon. The final mural, titled Sutter Creek Grammar School 1870-2007, depicts the school with students playing in both 1870 and modern day. Local artist Ron Richards worked with 21 students in Elizabeth Tone’s first and second grade class at Sutter Creek Primary School to complete the project. To see all the murals in the series, visit our PodCast page at htradio.net. 

  

 

Local Veteran’s Day celebrations 

Veteran’s day, celebrated every year on Nov. 11 the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War II, is this Sunday. A service will be held by the Blue Mountain American Legion at the Amador Memorial Cemetery in Pioneer Sunday at 11 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public and a lunch will be served afterwards. The American Legion in Sutter Creek will hold a sold out dinner that night. 



November 7, 2007 

  

 

Measure J passes 

Voters in Calaveras County passed Measure J as a part of Tuesday’s election. Measure J passed with the needed two-thirds percentage of voters with 30 out of 30 precincts reporting 6,491 or 67.47 percent yes votes and 3,129 or 32.53 percent no votes. That means the county is one step closed to getting a much needed new jail. Measure J will increase property taxes to help come up with part of the $31 million the county needs for a new jail. 


  

Small fire Wednesday morning sparks from a burn pile 

CAL FIRE crews were called early Wednesday morning to a fire on Omo Ranch Road near Slug Gulch Road. The fire started after a burn pile got out of control and burned up to four acres. CAL FIRE officials want to remind resident that it is still fire season and to make sure to call the local air district and find out if it is a burn day before starting any burn piles.    

  

 

Mythbusters test another myth in Calaveras County 

Can an explosion under water create enough of a wave for someone to surf on?    The Mythbuster’s team is back in Calaveras County to try and find out. This is fourth time the discovery channel show has filmed in Calaveras County. The team has been on location in Calaveras County for the past few days and hopes to wrap up production today. 

  

 

Jackson Rancheria makes progress on current construction 

The Jackson Rancheria monument sign is close to completion with the electronic screens in place. Also new construction on Dalton Road, a portal is being built over Dalton Road that welcomes visitors to the Jackson Rancheria Casino. According to Rich Hoffman, Jackson Rancheria CEO, both projects are expected to be completed before thanksgiving. Hoffman added that work on the gas station is moving forward and is on schedule to be completed by March. 


  

Downtown rallies to celebrate for the Big Game this Friday night 

The downtown rally for Argonaut will be held tonight in Jackson on Main Street. At 7 p.m. the cheerleaders, football players, school band and class floats will travel down main street ending at the national where the player’s names will be announced. Amador High School will hold a rally tomorrow in downtown Sutter Creek. The freshman game will be played tomorrow night at Amador High School. This year’s Big Game will be held at Argonaut Friday night with the JV game beginning at 6 p.m. and the varsity kicking off at 7:30 p.m.    


November 6, 2007 

  

 

Three-vehicle pile up on Highway 26 Monday might have been caused by a child 

A child on the side of the road might have caused a three-vehicle pile up in Calaveras County Monday morning. According to the report, Melanie Leonard of Glencoe was driving west on Highway 26 when she saw a child emerge from the bushes on the side of the road and began to slow down, unsure if the child was going to try and cross the road. Judith McCraney of Glencoe was driving behind Leonard and saw the same child and also began to slow down. A minor from Wilseyville saw the vehicles stopped in front of him too late and was unable to stop, causing him to hit the rear of McCraney’s vehicle, which then hit the rear of Leonard’s vehicle. McCraney sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment. The rest of the people involved were unharmed. 

  

 

Fire season is still not over due to dry, warmer than usual weather 

Even though fire season usually ends in October, this year’s weather has caused CAL FIRE officials to say there is still no end in sight. The end of fire season is dependant upon the weather and because of the dry and warmer than usual temperatures the fire danger is still relevant. CAL FIRE officials say in order to end fire season, there needs to be at least two inches of rain in the area over a certain period of time. CAL FIRE officials adds that fire danger changes throughout the day with the mornings being less dangerous than the evenings due to moisture. CAL FIRE says that people have a misconception about fire dangers because of the cooler weather, but it is still dry out and if it is combined with a windy day, fires can quickly get out of control. 

  

 

Calaveras residents can now mix recyclables 

In order to meet the goal of recycling 50 percent of all waste generated in Calaveras County, residential and commercial recycling customers can now mix all recyclables. Effective immediately, all recyclable materials, including paper, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans, glass jars and bottles, and plastic bottles, can be combined in recycling cans, carts or totes for easy and convenient recycling. Calaveras Disposal Residential customers will be receiving a new 32-gallon blue can by December for mixed recycling, and commercial customers will be receiving a cart also in December. SEI customers can commingle all materials in their yellow or green totes, regardless of the labeling on the tote. For Calaveras Disposal’s residents, recycling is collected every other week, and green waste is collected on the alternating weeks. If you are interested in green waste collection, contact Calaveras Disposal at 274-2454. More information about recycling in Calaveras County can be found at www.ccsolidwaste.org. 

  


Mural dedication in Sutter Creek completes the series 

A mural completed by 21 students from Sutter Creek Elementary School will be added to the 12 other murals that hang in the Sutter Creek Auditorium completing the series. The dedication of Mural No. 13 will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 12:45 p.m. in the Sutter Creek Auditorium. The hour long program will be held for the classes of Sutter Creek Elementary, teachers, parents and the general public and will include the dedication and acceptance by the city, tours of the murals with the various artists and refreshments. Mural No. 13 was completed by students age 6 to 8 in the first and second grade classes of Elizabeth Tone. 



November 5, 2007 

 


Explosive device found in downtown Jackson 

The threat of an explosive device evacuated downtown Jackson for a few hours Monday afternoon. The Jackson Police Department was altered to a possible explosive device at the Asian Art Collectibles store at 33 Main Street in Jackson around noon. According to JPD officer Jeff Courtney, the owners of the store discovered the explosive in the bottom of a box of Native American artifacts they received last week from a local elderly woman. Not knowing what it was, they altered Jackson Police Public Officer Paul Nesbit who was on Main Street. Nesbit radioed the police department, which sent several units to the scene, deemed the device volatile, moved it outside and contacted the Calaveras County Bomb Squad. JPD also evacuated the buildings surrounding the area and closed down the middle of Main Street and one lane on Highway 49. Once on scene, the bomb squad examined the device with an x-ray machine and a fiber optic cable attached to a camera to determine it was an artillery round and that it was a live explosive. The artillery round was then transported to city property through Mel’s Diner’s parking lot, near the wastewater plant where a three-foot deep by two-foot wide hole was dug for the device to be detonated in. The transportation of the device caused authorizes to close down Highway 49 in both directions to cross the road for approximately 10 minutes and evacuate Mel’s Diner. The artillery shell was detonated without problems. 

  

 

Planned demolition of the Old Plywood Plant in Martell causes concern 

The remains of the Old Plywood Plant in Martell that housed Amera-Craft Cabinets and Renewable Technologies, Inc. was demolished today. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, the planned demolition of the building behind Lowe’s caused concern among people the area. The sheriff’s department received a few calls after the building was collapsed because of the sound and the dust cloud it sent up. The building was destroyed in a fire in early August. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

 

  

Single-vehicle accident takes the life of a Sutter Creek man 

A Sutter Creek man lost his life early Saturday morning in a single-vehicle accident on Camanche Road. According to the CHP report, 43-year-old Craig Robinson was driving his 1999 Chevy south on Camanche Road south of Jackson Valley Road when he entered a curve in the road and lost control of his truck. The vehicle began to swerve in a clockwise direction as Robinson attempted to make the turn. The vehicle then drifted off the roadway causing the drivers side door of the truck to hit a tree. The collision resulted in fatal injuries for Robinson. 


  

Weekend accidents kept CHP officers busy 

Several accidents over the weekend and on in to Monday morning kept local CHP officers busy. Four accidents were reported over the weekend with three resulting in minor injuries and property damage. On top of that, four more accidents across Amador County were reported earlier this morning. A Mountain Ranch woman was stuck in her car all night Friday after she lost control of her vehicle. According to the CHP, the 69-year-old woman’s car died while driving down her driveway causing her vehicle to go off the road into a barbwire fence. Due to a disability, the woman was unable to leave the vehicle and was not found until the morning by her neighbors. She was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A 16-year-old was sent to the hospital Friday afternoon after a two-vehicle accident on Highway 49 and Airport Road. The minor was waiting to turn left onto Airport Road when an uninvolved driver stopped to let him turn. The minor turned, failing to see a car in the other lane causing a collision. A Mokelumne Hill man collided head-on with another vehicle Saturday afternoon on Jesus Maria Road in Calaveras County possibly due to sun in his eyes. A truck versus a motorcycle accident Sunday night at the intersection of Highway 49 and 16 ejected the motorcycle rider from his bike resulting in minor injuries. A deer versus a truck early Monday morning on Ridge Road caused minor damage to the 2007 Chevy involved. Two trucks collided this morning around 6:45 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 16 and 49 causing only property damage. Shortly after another deer versus a car accident on New York Ranch Road required a tow truck to clear the road. And around 6:50 this morning a vehicle was seen off the north side of the roadway causing minor fence damage. 

 

 

Firefighters still busy around the county with alarms, smoke checks 

With still no official end to fire season, local firefighters were kept busy this weekend with fire alarms and smoke checks. Saturday morning saw crews headed to a commercial fire alarm sounding off at the Hanford House in Sutter Creek. According to reports, responding crews found smoke from the fireplace in room No. 8, which was left unattended, had set smoke alarms off. Also on Saturday, white columns of smoke in the Iron Mountain area were reported to authorities. Around 12:10 p.m. it was reported that the columns were still rising and they had started to have some ground spread to them. After the report, Camino came back with information that the U.S. Forest Service was on scene with scheduled control burns in the area. 

  

 

Owners of Sutter Gold Mine in Sutter Creek looking for buyers 

The Sutter Gold Mine is up for sale. The owners of the mine are currently looking for a potential buyer, merger candidate or joint venture partner. With about 25 companies interested, according to the company, Sutter Gold Mining, Inc. is hoping to attract some attention now that gold prices hit a 27-year high last Wednesday. 

  

 

Calaveras County landlord arrested after a search warrant uncovered stolen items from tenants 

A landlord was arrested Wednesday night in Rail Road Flat after a search warrant discovered a stolen vehicle and miscellaneous household items allegedly belonging to tenants living in his rentals. Dale Buller, 79, was charged with possession of stolen property and vehicle theft and was booked into the county jail with bail set at $30,000. 

  

 

PAWS in San Andreas got a new resident Friday morning 

The Performing Animal Welfare Society’s Ark 2000 sanctuary in San Andreas got a new resident Friday morning. Maggie the Elephant arrived at her new home in Calaveras County early in the morning after being flown in to Travis Air Force Base from Anchorage, Alaska, and then trucked to the sanctuary. The 25-year-old elephant was the only one of her kind left at the Alaska Zoo, but thanks to PAWS she now has 30 acres to roam with nine other elephants. 
 



November 2, 2007 

  

 

New Amador County Fair CEO already busy at work 

The new Amador County Fair CEO started in his new position Thursday, Nov. 1, and has already been hard at work. Troy Bowers, the new CEO, says the fair office has been busy working on the theme for next year’s fair, “Barn Yard Mardi Gras.”  Bowers says next year’s fair, July 24 through 27, will also mark 70 years of family fun at the amador county fair. He adds that among other things that are still in the works there will be a big birthday celebration. Bowers says that he is happy to be working for the fair and that he is so impressed with the community here and the support that the community gives to the fair. Besides getting ready for fair, Bowers says that there will be some on going maintenance work at the fairgrounds to improve the facility. 

  

 

Speeding was the cause of an accident on Climax Road Thursday 

An accident on Climax Road Thursday evening was most likely caused by speeding. According to the CHP report, 18-year-old Daniel Hockaday was driving west on Climax Road in his Toyota Tacoma when he drifted off the roadway. While attempting to re-enter the roadway, he lost control of his truck due to his speed. He continued out of control on the road when he sideswiped the left rear of Jackson resident Lesley Scheller’s vehicle. After the collision, Hockaday continued off the roadway where he collided with a tree with the left rear of his truck and then head-on with another tree where it came to a rest. No injuries were reported. 

  

 

Tri-tip dinner fund-raiser for two local teens Saturday night 

An “American Celebration of Music” tri-tip dinner fund-raiser and opportunity drawing will be held Saturday night to benefit two local teens. Sam Price and John Johnson will participate in the Central California Youth Symphony’s Performance Tour to Italy in March. The dinner to raise funds for the trip will begin at 5:30 with a no host bar and dinner at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Sutter Creek. Tickets are $20 per person. Opportunity drawing tickets are $1 each, $5 for six, or $20 for 50. For ticket information, contact Mother Lode Music at 223-4323.



13th annual Fiddletown Schoolhouse Buffet Breakfast this Sunday 

The Fiddletown Preservation Society will host the 13th annual Fiddletown Schoolhouse Buffet Breakfast and Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to noon at the Fiddletown Community Center this Sunday. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will consist of French toast, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, bacon, sausage, pastries/muffins, fresh fruit, orange juice, tea and coffee. The cost is $8 for adults, $3 for ages 6 to 16 and $1 for ages 5 and younger. All proceeds benefit the Schoolhouse Restoration Fund. For more information on the Fiddletown Schoolhouse Buffet Breakfast and Bake Sale, call Mary Kwoka at 245-3041. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Fiddletown Schoolhouse Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 53, Fiddletown, CA 95629. 

  

 

Mimosa performs in benefit concert Sunday at the senior center 

The wildly fun and talented musical group Mimosa will perform in a benefit concert for the Proactive Parkinson’s Project this Sunday in Jackson. The performance will be held at the Amador County Senior Center in Jackson, starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, with a senior discount available, and include one raffle ticket and refreshments. Tickets can be purchased through the Proactive Project Web site, www.proactivepd.homestead.com or by calling Lynette Lipp at 296-4754. For information on the event or for information and support about Parkinson’s disease, contact Sarah Johnson, Proactive Parkinson’s Project at 296-2575. 


November 1, 2007 

  

 

Amador County Sheriff’s Office promotes deputy to new Jail Lieutenant position 

Thursday was a first for the Amador County Sheriff’s Office. In a ceremony Thursday morning in the board of supervisors’ chambers, Sheriff Martin Ryan swore in two deputies, with one taking on a brand new position. Sheriff’s deputy Vickie Stephens was promoted to the new position of Jail Lieutenant. Stephens has been with the sheriff’s office since April 1995. Also promoted at the ceremony was sheriff’s deputy Adam Stone. An amador high school graduate who has been with the sheriff’s office for more than eight years, Stone was promoted to a Sergeant in the Jail Division. 

  

 

Quite Halloween this year across Amador County for law enforcement 

It was a quite Halloween for law enforcement across the county this year with no major incidents reported. According to the Jackson Police Department, Halloween was awesome this year. The Sutter Creek Police Department had no incidents to report, saying everything went well. The California Highway Patrol also had nothing to report. And it was all quite down in Ione this year, which is note worthy due to the fact that kids from all over the county head to Ione because it is flat. The police department says they had three units out patrolling and things went well with no incidents and no vandalism calls reported. 

  

 

Senior center will not offer meals beginning next week due to kitchen repairs 

The Amador County Senior Center will not be serving meals beginning next week due to kitchen repairs. According to Laurie Webb, executive director at the senior center, the kitchen floor is being replaced Monday, Nov. 5 through Wednesday, Nov. 14 causing the center to not be able to offer meals during that time. Webb adds that the repairs will not affect anything else, saying that the center and all its classes and activities will continue as usual. The auditorium will be open with coffee being served Nov. 6 through 14. Webb says people are welcome to come to the auditorium and bring bag lunches, fast food or even potluck with their friends. People that participate in the home delivered meals program will receive frozen meals during the time the kitchen will be closed. Webb says frozen meals will also be available during that time to anyone for a $3 donation per meal and can be heated in a microwave or conventional oven. For more information, call the center at 223-3015. 

 

 

Amador Air District offers free program to help keep smoke out of the air 

In an effort to keep smoke out of the air Upcountry, the Amador Air District is offering a free program to collect pine needles. According to Kris Pierce, with the Amador Air District, the burning of the leaves and pine needles creates more smoke than other materials and this program is a way to keep smoke out of neighborhoods. Currently there are three locations people can take their pine needles, pine cones, grass clippings, weeds and leaves, the Pine Acres Community Services Building on Tabaud Road in Pine Grove, Pioneer Park on Buckhorn Ridge Road and Mace Meadow Golf Course in Pioneer. Dumpsters have been set up at these locations and are available daily from dusk to dawn. 

 

 

Jackson Lions Halloween Parade Costume Contest results 

The Jackson Lions held its annual Halloween Parade and Carnival Wednesday night down Main Street in Jackson ending at the Civic Center. Costume contest winners were chosen from each age group. The winners are as follows: pre k, Michael Martinez, 4; kindergarten, Jay Shaw, 5; first grade, Elizabeth Angie-Buss, 6; second, Sydney Albin, 7; third, Steven Oneto, 8; fourth, Dominic Mollinelli, 9; fifth, Tracey Fisher, 9; sixth Kelly Stall, 11; and junior high, Sarah Lopez, 13. 


October 31, 2007 

  

 

Quad accident in Pioneer sends mother, daughter to hospital 

A quad accident Monday night sent a mother and her two-year-old to the hospital. According to Amador CHP Officer John Hardey, a 42-year-old woman was riding a quad with her daughter on Four Wheel Drive in Pioneer when the quad flipped over. Hardey said mom and daughter were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. After she was treated and released, the mother was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and child cruelty. Bail was set at $75,000. 

  

 

Supervisors hold quick meeting Tuesday 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday to discuss some miscellaneous matters. Followed by what was a long closed session dealing with existing litigation with the Department of the Interior, potential litigation with the Buena Vista Rancheria and Brad Hesse, and discussion and possible action dealing with personnel, the board quickly dealt with the three items on the agenda. According to District 2 Supervisor Richard Forester, the board heard from Elizabeth Thompson with Common Ground Senior Services and approved an Agreement of Expenditure and Accounting of County Funds. The issues at the Whispering Pines School off of Highway 16 were readdressed at Tuesday’s meeting for clarification. Forester said that the supervisors decided that the school should not hold classes in the mobile homes on the property and gave them 10 to fix the problems to get back in their classroom. The supervisors added that the multipurpose room could not be used for church functions including holding church services on Sundays and they must have the necessary permits by Feb. 25. And the supervisors granted the appeal made by Iscander Borjon to modify the acceleration and deceleration lanes planned to be built on Shenandoah Road across from Bell Road in Plymouth. 

  

  

Ridge Road accident ties up traffic for an hour 

An accident on Ridge Road Wednesday afternoon held up traffic for almost an hour. According to the CHP Web site, a red Chevy Tracker and a white Pontiac Grand Prix were blocking the eastbound lane of Ridge Road near the Church of the Nazarene around 1:30 p.m. The collision was reported as a head on between the two cars. Two minor injuries and two moderate injuries were reported and an air ambulance was called in as well as tow trucks to clear the road. Traffic control using one lane was open about an hour after the accident was reported. 

  

 

Applegate will appear in Calaveras County Superior Court Nov. 19 after he waved his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday 

Ronald Leroy Applegate, the San Andreas man who was arrested late September on a variety of weapon and drug charges, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Calaveras County Superior Court. Instead, the 60-year-old will return to the courtroom Nov. 19 for further arraignment in preparation for a trial where he will face 16 charges. Applegate was arrested after a two week investigation that led Calaveras County Sheriff's investigators and officers with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to a variety of locations where they found drug paraphernalia, firearms and bomb-making materials including cyanide powder at homes in San Andreas and Valley Springs, a storage container in Angels Camp and sites in Stockton and Antioch.    The Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office amended two of the assault weapons charges Tuesday because of the fact that Applegate had illegally converted two rifles into fully automatic machine guns. And because of the cyanide power found, Applegate could still face federal charges. Applegate is currently being held in the Calaveras County Jail with bail set at $270,000. 

 

 

Special meeting canceled due to bid protest 

The Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees has canceled its special meeting scheduled for Friday morning. The board was scheduled to meet to approve a bid for paving projects at Sutter Creek Elementary, Amador High School and Argonaut High School. According to the district office, the meeting was canceled because of a bid protest. The board will have to meet and settle the protest before they can take any further action. The district is unsure of when the protest will be discussed and settled. 

  

 

Wildlife presentation at Jackson Library Storytime 

The Amador County Library will host a wildlife presentation during Storytime Thursday, Nov. 1. Pat Benik of Tri County Wildlife Care will give a presentation on the most important things to be aware of when your child finds a wild animal or bird at 10:30 am at the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library. This presentation will provide facts to help both children and parents stay safe. For further information, call the library at 223-6400. 



October 30, 2007 

  

  

Referendum petitions against Jackson Hills project were certified Friday 

The results were in Friday afternoon. The Amador County Elections Office certified that the required 234 signatures needed for each of the referendum petitions against the Jackson Hills project belonged to city of Jackson voters. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, Referendum 2007-36 blocks the certification of the Jackson Hills EIR while Referendum 2007-37 blocks the general plan amendment that changed the land use and zoning ordinance. Daly says the council will address the issue at its next meeting, Nov. 13, with one of two options. The council can repeal its previous approval of the EIR and general plan amendment or put it on the general election ballot in June or next November. Daly says if the issue goes on the ballot and the voters reject it, the project cannot be considered by the council for an entire year. 

  

 

An alert citizen helped stop an attempted armed robbery 

According to reports, the Amador County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call, just after 5 p.m. Sunday, reporting the attempted robbery at Buckhorn Liquors in Pioneer. Upon arrival, deputies found Joseph Todisco being detained by citizens. According to Undersheriff Jim Wegner, Todisco had spent several hours that day at and around the liquor store. Todisco returned later and confronted the two employees that were working, demanding all the money from the cash register, then reached toward his back and stated that he had a 9 mm pistol. A patron in the store observed this occurring and intervened by tackling Todisco and detaining him until authorities arrived. Todisco was arrested and charged with attempted robbery. Bail was set at $40,000. 

  

 

Smoke from an appliance sent two fire engines to a mobile home park in Ione 

Two fire trucks responded to what was reported as a residential structure fire in Ione early Sunday morning. According to Ione Fire Protection District Chief Ken Macky, the department received a call around 9 a.m. Sunday for a fire at space No. 14 in the Castle Park Trailer Court at 1400 West Marlette. The reported fire turned out to be all smoke from a belt that froze up on a washing machine with no fire. Crews checked the rest of the house to make sure everything was safe before leaving. 

  

 

Stantons plead “not guilty” in Tuolumne County Superior Court 

David Roy Stanton was back before a judge yesterday. The 29-year-old San Andreas resident pleaded “not guilty” in Tuolumne County Superior Court of murdering Jon Steven Flaherty, back in August. The judge set a trial date of Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 8 a.m. Stanton’s sister, Shawna Lea Stanton of Sonora, has been charged as an accessory after the fact. She also pled “not guilty” and will be tried along side her brother. 

  

 

Amador Water Agency saves money, time with new technology 

Using a new technology, the Amador Water Agency recently finished a project that improved the flow in a 6-inch sewer collection line in the Martell area. According to AWA’s Manager of Engineering and Planning Gene Mancebo, the agency used an innovative technology called “trenchless technology” to complete this project. The technology consists of using a construction process that minimizes or eliminates the need for trenching, reducing environmental damage and the associated costs for underground work. Mancebo says the pipe lining material resurfaces the inside of the pipe, giving it a smooth surface, which improves the flow characteristics, as well as extends the life of the pipe. Pacific Liners, Inc., was hired to complete the project and relined a 322-foot segment of pitted ductile iron pipe in one day for approximately $20,000, plus minor costs associated with pumping out lift stations and their closure during the relining of the pipe. 


 

Schedule change in GPAC meetings 

While in the process of updating its general plan, Amador County has been holding public meeting on various issues and topics. Schedule changes have been made to some of the general plan advisory committee meetings to allow more time for preparation of certain topics. The topic for the Thursday, Nov. 8 GPAC meeting has been changed to continued review of the preliminary general plan goals and policies workbook. Staff has also canceled the Dec. 13 GPAC meeting and 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. 


 

Local Halloween events, safety tips 

Even with Halloween in the middle of the week this year, several events through out the county will take place Wednesday night. The Jackson Lions will hold its annual Halloween Parade that will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Jackson Fire Station on Main Street. This event offers kids and parents to trick or treat safely down main street and enjoy free hot dogs and snacks at the civic center after the parade.    Prizes will be given for the best costume in several age groups. The Brown Academy in Ione will present its third annual haunted house, “Frights, Thrills and Illusions,” Halloween night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $5. And if you decide to brave the house to house trick or treating make sure to follow these safety tips: carry a flashlight; stay in familiar neighborhoods; make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground; avoid wear masks while walking from house to house; walk on the side of the road where you are facing traffic; and only approach house that are lit. 



October 29, 2007 

  

 

Jackson wastewater permit approved with minor changes 

It will be business as usual at the Jackson wastewater plant. With the approval of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, the city of Jackson will be able to continue what it is doing with its wastewater with some minor changes. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, the city’s permit was approved Thursday at the regional board meeting that will require some changes over the next five years. The biggest finding was the fact that the city doesn’t need to upgrade its system to a title 22 tertiary plant. Daly says that the current system meets most of the title 22 standards and the new requirements of a 20 to 1 dilution level at Lake Amador and others are not that different. He adds that the next step is a beneficial use attainment study with the California Department of Fish and Game and the Division of Water Rights to determine how much water needs to be kept in the creek. Daly added that if Jackson Hills wanted to use the treated water on its golf course it there would be additional costs to expand the current system for the filtering and redundancy that are required for that use. Daly says the permit allows the city five years to develop a method to remove all of the effluent of the creek. 

  

 

Weekend accidents kept Amador CHP busy 

A series of accidents kept Amador County CHP officers busy this weekend. On Friday afternoon, two vehicles collided on Highway 88 east of Eggman Lane after a San Jose woman made a u-turn in front of a Sutter Creek woman. According to the CHP report, Sarah Milder was stopped on the side of the road in her 2007 GMC when she failed to see Amanda Mondani in her 2001 Lexus. Early Sunday morning saw a Sacramento man on Highway 16 drive off the road into a rock and a fence for an unknown reason. A hit and run accident Sunday afternoon on Tiger Creek Road south of Mckenzie Drive cause minor injuries to one driver involved. According to the CHP report, the unknown driver was traveling south on Tiger Creek Road at a high rate of speed when a Pioneer woman came around a curve in the road and swerved to avoid the white pickup driving in the middle of the narrow roadway. The woman lost control of her vehicle causing the Toyota Tacoma to hit an embankment and overturn on its side. She was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. An Ione woman was arrested Sunday evening at her home on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after fleeing the scene of an accident. According to the CHP report, the 31-year-old was traveling south on Lakeview Road when she looked away from the road to answer her cell phone on the passenger seat next to her as she was rounding a curve in the road. The vehicle left the road and landed in a ditch. 

  

 

Valley Springs man arrested Friday in Calaveras County for DUI, other charges 

A Valley Springs man was arrested Friday around midnight after leading a Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputy on a short high speed pursuit. According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy attempted a traffic enforcement stop on a motorcycle for not having taillights and driving recklessly on South Burson Road. The motorcycle failed to yield to the deputy and instead increased his speed traveling onto Southworth Road. The driver, 26-year-old Robert Schumacher, eventually stopped near the intersection of Southworth Road and Adams Road and was taken into custody. A subsequent investigation revealed that the motorcycle was stolen out of Ceres. CHP was called to the scene and conducted its own investigation, which led to Schumacher's arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Schumacher was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on charges of evading an officer, driving on a suspended license, driving while under the influence of alcohol, receiving / possession of stolen property and vehicle theft. 

 

 

Grand Jury report for Calaveras County says only solution is to build new jail 

The Grand Jury report for Calaveras County came out last week and with the county jail the main topic of the report, the results were not good. The investigation primarily focused on the jail, condition of confinement, daily operations, and the safety and security of staff and inmates. The report found the jail to be inadequate and obsolete due to the increase in crime and the age of the building with no room to expand and accommodate the number of people arrested. After all the findings, the Grand Jury stated that the only viable solution is for the county to build a new jail. A proposal in the form of an architectural program and conceptual design for an adult detention facility and sheriff’s administration building has been submitted to the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors. Calaveras County Sheriff Dennis Downum has also submitted grant requests at the federal and state level to offset the major cost of constructing a new jail. 

  

 

Man arrested for DUI after accident Friday morning 

A San Andreas man was arrested following a single vehicle roll over accident Friday morning at the intersection of Hunt Road and Milton Road. According to the CHP, 56-year-old Mark Harmon was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then arrested for driving under the influence, shortly after he was released. 


  

Joint meeting to discuss Gold Rush Ranch project held tonight in Sutter Creek 

The Sutter Creek City Council and the Planning Commission will meet tonight to discuss the development agreement process and statutory requirements regarding the proposed Gold Rush Ranch and Golf Resort. This meeting is one of several meetings designed to inform city officials and the public of the process the Gold Rush Ranch project must go through to be approved. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Community Building on Church Street. 

 

 

Housing Rehabilitation Program to help Jackson homeowners prepare for winter with low interest loans 

To provide help to Jackson homeowners to prepare their homes for winter, the city of Jackson has hired Mercy Housing California to administer its Housing Rehabilitation Program. Homeowners and investors are encouraged to utilize this program and apply for rehabilitation loans of up to $75,000 at interest rates between 0 to 3 percent with no loan fees. Some homeowners may even qualify for deferred payment loans. Homeowners or tenants living in the property must meet income guidelines in order to participate and properties must be located within city limits. The community development block grant program provides funds for this program. To request an application, call 1 (800) 995-0431 ext. 4412. 

  

 

Daylight Saving Time not until next Sunday 

For those of you who woke up this morning thinking you were an hour ahead thanks to daylight saving time you are a week early. The date to fall back this year has been moved from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in November. Because of the schedule change, some of your electronics, including computer software, cell phones and others, might have changed automatically because of its programming. That means you will manually have to reset them back and then again next Sunday. So make sure to set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed Saturday night. 

 

 

Proceeds of annual art show to benefit Operation Care 

Hundreds of items including hand-crafted pottery, wood items and paintings will be offered at the 19th annual Inside Out Art Show & Sale on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3 at the Mule Creek State Prison Cafeteria in Ione. All items are made by the Mule Creek Arts in Corrections and Mill and Cabinet programs, and proceeds benefit Operation Care. Visitors are asked to avoid wearing blue jeans. For more information, call Jean Weiss at 274-4911 or Operation Care at 223-2897. 

 

 

 

Friday, October 26, 2007 

 

 

SUV pulling a horse trailer overturns on Highway 16 Friday afternoon

An accident on Latrobe Road and Highway 16 reported around 3 p.m. involved a SUV pulling a horse trailer overturned on its roof. According to the CHP Web site, the accident was not blocking any lanes of traffic and did not report any injuries. It appeared that the driver lost control of the vehicle for reasons unknown at this time. A tow truck was called in to upright the vehicle. 

 

 

Plymouth City Council hears from Downtown Revitalization group at Thursday's meeting

The Plymouth City Council met late into the night Thursday. The council approved an Addendum for additional environmental review of the Plymouth Pipeline Project and at the request of Peter Derania, tabled the question as to weather or not the city wanted to be listed as the claimant in a petition for the settlement of Consumnes River water rights. According to Plymouth City Clerk, Gloria Stoddard, the council also discussed a change in the function and title of the city administrator and directed staff to begin working amendments and prepare resolutions to make the change to a city manager title. Also at the meeting the council was updated on the Downtown Revitalization Strategy and Implementation Plan. Stoddard says the presentation went really well with the group discussing their progress and asked the council for an ok to look for more grants, for which the council gave its approval.    

  

 

November flu clinics in Amador County

Amador County Public Health will host six flu clinics in November throughout the county. The clinics are targeted for individuals 60 years old and older or those with chronic medical conditions. The cost is $20 for high-risk individuals and Medicare will be billed for those that are eligible. The last clinic for October will be Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Senior Services Center, 229 New York Ranch Road in Jackson from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. On Nov. 8, 15 and 29 public health will also hold early bird clinics at the county health department at 1003 Broadway in Jackson from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. There will be two clinics Thursday, Nov. 15, one at Our Lady of the Pines Church in Pioneer from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and one at the Upcountry Community Center in Pine Grove from 2 to 3 p.m. The last clinic for this year in Amador County will be held Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Amador County Public Health in Jackson from 2 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call public health at 223-6407. 

  

 

Kids fishing tournament this Saturday

The For Kids by Kids Fishing Tournament will be held this Saturday. 10-year-old Michael Merzlak is the driving force behind the tournament. Merzlak, an avid fisherman, came up with the idea with a friend. The tournament will be held at a private pond in Amador County. This will be the second tournament he has held. Merzlak says there will be awards in several categories. If you are interested in the tournament, call 304-2717 and leave a message with your name and information. 

  

 

Halloween happenings in Amador County this weekend, Wednesday

With Halloween falling in the middle of the week this year, several events to celebrate the holiday will be held this weekend. A masquerade ball will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the Jackson Rancheria. The night will feature appetizers, dinner, a no host bar, live music, a costume contest with cash prizes, activities for children, raffles and more. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds benefit the Amador Cooperative Preschool. “Jackson’s haunted history” will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the lower Jackson Cemetery gate on Church Street in front of the Fantozzi Marble Works. Admission is $5 and it is suggested that participants bring a flashlight. For a sneak peek of the performance, check out our PodCast page at htradio.net. The Brown Academy in Ione presents its third annual haunted house, “Frights, Thrills and Illusions,” tonight and Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $5. Also on Halloween night, the Jackson Lions will hold its annual Halloween Parade that will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Jackson Fire Station on Main Street. And a Halloween Haunt will be held Oct. 31 at the St. George Hotel in Volcano from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 each, and all proceeds benefit the Volcano Theatre Company. Tickets are available in advance only, and can be purchased from the concierge at the St. George Hotel, Kountry Kasuals on Main Street in Jackson, and online at www.highsierratickets.com. 

  

 

Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training workshop next Saturday at the Church of Nazarene 

The Church of Nazarene will host a Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training workshop geared toward church staff and volunteers Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The workshop will be presented by the Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council to educate attendees on the reporting requirements and procedures. Members from other churches are welcome to attend. Church of the Nazarene is at 14050 Ridge Road in Sutter Creek. R.S.V.P. to Darlene Franks at 267-1307 ext. 226. 


October 25, 2007 

  

 

Local highway shut down yesterday while authorities looked for a person that shot at an Amador County Sheriff Deputy 

Highway 26 was shut down Wednesday evening after an Amador County Sheriff’s Deputy was shot at. According to Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, around 6:30 p.m., a sheriff’s deputy patrolling the area of Highway 26 and River Road in Pioneer observed a camouflage vehicle unoccupied, with the exception of a dog, stopped near the bridge at the Amador / Calaveras County line. Suspecting the driver to be nearby, the deputy began checking the area and was shot at after announcing that he was from the sheriff’s office. Wegner said that while waiting for assistance, three additional gunshots were heard in the area. Officers from the California Highway Patrol, deputies from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office along with additional personnel from the Amador County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. The CHP temporarily stopped traffic on Highway 26, while deputies checked the wooded area near the bridge and several vehicles in the vicinity, but no subject was located. The vehicle was searched and towed from the area. Wegner said miscellaneous expended and unexpended ammunition as well as evidence indicating dominion and control over of the vehicle was located.  The dog was transferred to the custody of amador county animal control. Wegner said this incident is being further investigated. 

 

 

Burn permits suspended again in Calaveras, Tuolumne counties 

Less than two weeks after lifting the burn permit suspension in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, CAL FIRE announced Wednesday that as of 8 a.m. Thursday all burn permits have once again been suspended. The suspension is for all permits within the state responsibility areas of Tuolumne County, Calaveras County, eastern Stanislaus County and eastern San Joaquin County. The suspension rescinds all previously approved dooryard burn permits and large-scale project burn permits. Campfires will also be allowed in designated campgrounds with permission of the jurisdictional authority. This suspension will remain in place until CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Mike Noonan formally cancels it. 


  

Casino begins work on new 57-foot electronic sign 

Some new construction began today at the casino. The Jackson Rancheria began work today on a 57-foot tall electronic sign on Highway 88 near Dalton Road. According to Jackson Rancheria Casino CEO Rich Hoffman, the sign will feature a screen on each side facing east and westbound traffic advertising events and other happenings at the casino. If you check out video on our PodCast page at htradio.net, you can see the two 57-foot tall pipes in place that will serve as the foundation for the sign. Also visible in the video are the ornamental pillars that will be placed over the pipes. According to construction personnel, the electronic portion of the sign has already been assembled and tested in a maintenance building on Rancheria property. Hoffman says that the sign should be completed and operational by Thanksgiving. 


  

Accidents cause congestion on county roads 

Two accidents over the last two days caused some congestion on county roads.  Wednesday afternoon saw a two-vehicle accident on Highway 49 at Airport Road. According to the CHP report, Nancy Champlin of Sutter Creek was stopped on Airport Road waiting to turn onto Highway 49. Plymouth resident Annette Johnson was driving north on Highway 49 behind a large truck. When the truck put its blinker on to turn on to airport road, Johnson changed lanes to pass the truck. Not being able to see Johnson, Champlin then pulled out on to the highway causing a collision. No injuries were reported. Traffic was held up for a short period of time to clear the road. Around 10 a.m. Thursday a big rig versus a car accident blocked lanes on Highway 88. According to the CHP Web site, a hay truck and a Cadillac collided on Highway 88 near Hams Station causing one person involved to extracted from the car. No major injures were reported and a air ambulance called in was canceled. One person involved complained of minor pain to an ankle. Tow trucks were called in to clear both vehicles off the roadway. 



Teddy Bear Clinic designed to make kids less afraid of coming to the hospital 

Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital has found a way to make coming to the hospital fun for Calaveras County kindergartners. The hospital has invited all 550 county kindergartners to what it calls the Teddy Bear Clinic. According to Nicki Stevens, with Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital, the goal of the clinic is to eliminate that frightfulness of coming to the hospital. Stevens says upon arriving at the hospital, students get a teddy bear, a plastic stethoscope and a nurse or doctor hat to wear. The students are then taken on a tour of the facility. The hospital has already held two days of this clinic with two more scheduled on Monday and Tuesday of next week, after which every Calaveras County kindergartner will have toured the hospital, eaten lunch with the doctors and hopefully become more familiar with the facility. This idea originated from the new hospital president and his wife, who have held these clinics at eight other hospitals. According to Larry Cornish, hospital vice president, it is a wonderful program and the kids have had great experiences so far. He has heard from parents and teachers that this is one of the best field trips they have ever been on. Cornish says this is the first year, but there is plans to make this an annual event. 


  

ACRA moves after school program after allegations of drug use after school at Detert Park, library 

After allegations of the use and selling of drugs by local students at Detert Park and the library after school, the Amador County Recreation Agency decided to move its after school program to Jackson Junior High School. After almost a week at its new location, ACRA Executive Director Tracy Towner-Yep says she hopes the program will maintain its attendance of around 20 students per day. Towner-Yep added that she and ACRA has every confidence in the qualified and experienced professionals that are working with the kids and she feels like the move will help with the problems at the park. Amador County Superintendent of Schools Mike Carey says that the move is a mixed blessing. He says the bad part is the loss of adult supervision at the park, but the pluses out way the minuses now with two really good people working with the kids after school.    Carey says he realizes that kids are still going to still go across the street after school, but he feels the combined effort of ACRA and the school’s free after school program has a stronger impact overall. 


October 24, 2007 

  

 

Suspects arrested for burglary in Jackson last April  

Two suspects were recently arrested for a burglary earlier this year in Jackson. According to Jackson Police Officer Doug Gray, Thomas Leblanc and a juvenile were arrested this month for the April 3 burglary on South Pioneer Circle in Jackson and charged with grand theft of firearms and conspiracy. Leblanc was arrested Oct. 12 and the juvenile was arrested Oct. 17, both without incident. Five firearms were stolen in the burglary and investigation has recovered two and is hoping a third might be recovered soon. Gray says a latent print found at the scene of the crime identified one of the suspects and other information developed during the course of the investigation lead to the identity of the other suspect involved. Gray added that the guns were found as a result of further investigation. 

  

 

Calaveras Supervisors plan to support the proposed Saddleback Hills Subdivision  

San Andreas may soon see the addition of a new subdivision. At Tuesday’s meeting the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors expressed their intent to support the proposed Saddleback Hills Subdivision. The supervisors liked the 133-home project for its preservation of open space, affordable prices ranging from high $200,000s to high $300,000s and the fact that two lots will be given to Habitat for Humanity. The board will make its final recommendation on the project in two weeks to allow staff to prepare appropriate findings. 


 

Sutter Amador Hospital welcomes new doctor  

Sutter Amador Hospital has recently added a general practitioner to its medical staff. Shane M. Patterson, M.D. is now accepting new patients at Sutter Amador Hospital’s Jackson Family Practice Office located at 255 New York Ranch Road, Suite C. Dr. Patterson came here from San Joaquin General Hospital where he completed his residency in general surgery. Prior to that, he received his M.D. from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed his internship at the Kern Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Patterson, call Jackson Family Practice at 223-2034.  

  

 

Amador County flu clinic Thursday in Pine Grove

A flu clinic will be held Thursday at the Calvary Chapel of Amador on Ridge Road in Pine Grove from 1 to 2:30 p.m. put on by Amador County Public Health. Several senior flu clinics will be offered through Dec. 3. The clinics are targeted for individuals 60 years old and older or those with chronic medical conditions. The cost is $20 for high-risk individuals and Medicare will be billed for those that are eligible. For more information or to obtain dates for November, call public health at 223-6407. 


October 23, 2007 

  

 

3,000 marijuana plants recently eradicated in Calaveras County 

More pot has been discovered in Calaveras County. On Friday, Oct. 12 Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies and members of the Calaveras County Narcotics Enforcement Unit removed more than 3,000 marijuana plants, and seized more than 10 pounds of processed marijuana from a garden located near Sheepranch Road. Authorities were tipped off, when they received an anonymous phone call earlier that morning around 6:45 a.m. from a man, who stated that both he and his son had been the victim of an assault with a deadly weapon. The caller explained that he had been hunting in an area near Sheepranch Road and after hiking in an area, he turned on his flashlight and was immediately fired upon from at least one firearm causing him and his son to leave the area immediately. Deputies hiked into the area on foot, and discovered remnants of marijuana plants left on the trail and evidence that suggested that a firearm may have been recently fired in the area. After following the trail of marijuana remnants, a large outdoor marijuana garden was discovered, and later eradicated pursuant to a search warrant. No persons were located within the garden. According to the sheriff’s office, the garden appeared to have been tended by workers who lived within a primitive camp in the garden and was likely grown for a Mexican drug trafficking organization. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit at 754-6564. 

  

 

Gunshots heard in Jackson this morning 

Law enforcement was put on altered after hearing gunshots fired in Jackson earlier this morning. The shots fired turned out to be a practice run for the upcoming walking tour “Jackson’s Haunted History” at the at the Jackson Cemetery. The spirited moonlight tour is presented by the Amador County Historical Society and the Argonaut High School drama and leadership classes. It will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the lower cemetery gate on Church Street in front of the Fantozzi Marble Works. Admission is $5 and it is suggested that participants bring a flashlight. For a sneak peek of the performance, check out our PodCast page. 

  

 

Jackson City Council discusses watershed, rate increases 

With all five of the council members present for the first time in the last two meetings, the Jackson City Council met last night. The meeting began with Judy Jebin speaking on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Jackson and their referendum petitions against the Jackson Hill project that are currently being certified by the county elections department. Jebin added that after talking to all the voters that signed the petition, she is confident that the item place on the ballot would not pass. Jackson City Manager Mike Daly says the council should see the results of the petitions by the end of the week and it should appear as an agenda item for the next meeting. The council unanimously approved two resolutions to support the Jackson Creek Watershed Collaborative Process, which should also be approved today as a part of the Amador County Board of Supervisors consent agenda. Former councilwoman Marilyn Lewis addressed the council about the way it was letting the public know about the proposed sewer and water rate increases. Lewis asked the council to continue the Nov. 13 public hearing on the issue so that customers could be further informed of their rights and other information. The council decided to send out postcards with clarified wording as to what they need to do to protest the rate increase. The council also upheld the Nov. 13 public hearing because the first time the city notified the customers of the rate increase, they did so legally and accurately for the required 45 day notice of the public hearing. 

  

 

Drunk driver injures seven people in accident Monday afternoon 

A drunk driver was the cause of an accident that injured seven people in San Andreas Monday afternoon. According to the CHP report, 26-year-old Keith Jacklich was driving north on Highway 49 at 55 miles per hour behind Sutter Creek resident Glen Shelton. Traffic began to slow in front of Shelton when a driver was making a left turn and had to wait for traffic to clear. Jacklich failed to notice when Shelton came to a stop along with the rest of the traffic. When he finally noticed the stopped traffic, he applied his brakes and swerved to the right, however, Jacklich was unable to avoid Shelton and rear-ended him. Jacklich and his passenger, Jenny Krantz, sustained major injuries and were taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital. Jacklich’s other passenger, 3-year-old Jocelyn Glessman suffered minor injures and was taken to the same hospital. Shelton and his passengers, Sean Visser and Steven Adkins sustained minor injuries with Shelton seeking his own aid and the other two taken to Sutter Amador Hospital. Shelton’s third passenger, Charles McCarthy, suffered from moderate injuries and was taken to Sutter Amador. Jacklich was arrested for felony driving under the influence charges. 

  

 

Mule creek fire crews heads to Southern California to help with the fire fight    

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger directed inmate firefighters and staff from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to deploy across Southern California Monday to help in the battle of the several fires currently burning. A strike team made up with resources from Mule Creek State Prison in Ione has already been sent to keep the fight going. According to Chris Weathersbee, Mule Creek public information officer, three people from the prison were sent. Only minimum-custody inmates participate in the fire crews. They must be physically fit and have no history of violent crime including kidnapping, sex offences, arson or escape. 

 

 

Motorcycle accident injures a San Andreas woman 

A motorcycle accident Monday afternoon resulted in major injuries for a San Andreas woman. According to the CHP report, Randy Kirkpatrick was riding his 2004 Harley Davidson on Silver Drive east of Highway 88 with Francine Serpa on the back, when he slowed the motorcycle down to make a left turn into a gas station. While making the turn, the back tire hit debris on the road causing the tire to slide out, throwing both driver and rider from the motorcycle onto the road. Kirkpatrick was uninjured, but Serpa sustained a compound fracture to her left ankle and was flown by air ambulance to Mercy San Juan Medical Center. 


October 22, 2007 

  

 

Elderly woman injured in single-vehicle accident Saturday 

A 74-year-old woman was badly injured after an accident Saturday afternoon in Jackson. According to the Jackson Police Department, officers were dispatched to Highway 88 near Court Street around 2:20 p.m. for a reported traffic collision. Upon arrival, officers discovered a Ford Explorer at rest on its wheels in the parking lot of the Jackson Auto Body Shop. The vehicle had just hit two vehicles parked at the shop. Ruth Neil, of Pioneer, was found in the back end of her vehicle above the right rear wheel well. She sustained a major head injury as a result of the accident and had to be extricated from the vehicle by Jackson and CAL FIRE firefighters and American Legion Ambulance medics. Neil was medi-flighted to a valley hospital and as of press time was listed in very critical condition. 

  

 

School district provides students, parents another after school option other than Detert Park, library 

A phone call from the Amador County Unified School District was made to parents of Jackson Junior High School students over the weekend to let them know about a change in after school programs. Due to recent information alleging the use and sale of drugs after school at Detert Park and the Jackson library, the school and the district decided to move the after school program offered by the Amador County Recreation Agency from the scout hut at the park to the school. According to the district office, about 100 Jackson Junior High students cross the street after school to go to the library or the park. Because of the large number of students in the area, problems have been reported over the years in the area. In an effort to put a stop to the problems, the district has moved the free ACRA program to the school and has started a new program headed by teacher Jeff Aranguena. The move for the ACRA program became effective as of today with the new program beginning Monday, Oct. 29.    The phone call ended by urging parents to strongly consider the new offerings as an alternative to the problems at the park. 

  

 

Single-vehicle accident ties up roadway Sunday afternoon 

A single-vehicle accident reported on ridge road Sunday afternoon caused traffic to be tied up for some time. According to the CHP report, a 64-year-old Sutter Creek resident was driving west on Ridge Road approaching Dapple Road when she drifted to the right and ran off the road. Her 1995 Toyota hit a ditch and overturned. The driver was pinned in the driver’s seat and had to be extricated.    The woman was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for minor injuries. The driver is currently under investigation for possible driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage charges. 

 

 

Presentation postponed after two strike teams from Amador County are sent to Southern California 

A presentation honoring the firefighters that saved the night watchman from the AmeriCraft fire has been postponed. The presentation was to be held at 1:30 p.m. during Tuesday’s Amador Fire Protection District board meeting. The firefighters saved the life of a night watchman who was trapped in one of the back rooms of the building during the Aug. 10 industrial fire that burned down what was known as the Old Plywood Plant, on the Mill Property in Martell. According to Amador Fire Protection District Chief Jim McCart, the presentation has been postponed due to the fires in Southern California. McCart says two strike teams have already been sent from the county, one from CAL FIRE and another made up of local firefighters, and they are putting together a third to help battle the fires burning in Southern California.    

  

 

Driver arrested after an accident on Sutter Hill last Tuesday involving an ARTS bus 

A car pulling out of the sierra trading post on Sutter Hill onto Highway 49 collided with an Amador Regional Transit Bus last Tuesday, Oct. 16. According to Sutter Creek Police Officer Del Rio, another driver waved through the driver at fault when he hit the bus in the left hand turn lane waiting to turn onto Ridge Road. A driver and one passenger were onboard the bus during the accident. Del Rio said the passenger on the bus began first aid on the bus driver who sustained minor injuries before authorities arrived on scene. The accident tied up traffic for a short time Tuesday morning to allow officers to investigate the scene. Del Rio said the driver at fault was tested for driving under the influence, which came back negative, but will be charged with driving without a license and providing false information to law enforcement. 

  

 

Still no end to fire season locally 

Even though CAL FIRE announced the end of fire season for Northern California last Friday, the Amador-El Dorado and the Tuolumne-Calaveras units say this is not so for our region. It is still considered fire season in both areas with the end dependant upon the weather. Although the fire danger has lessened considerably, it is still possible to have wildfires during the winter months. Burn permits are still required in both areas. CAL FIRE stations that remain open will observe normal business hours. 

  

 

Chimney fire reported in Calaveras County over the weekend 

A structure fire was reported around 8 p.m. Saturday night in Arnold. The fire was reported at 1839 Highway 4 and Country Club Drive. When crews arrived on scene they found the fire to be in the fume of the chimney. Prevention is the key to avoiding a chimney fire in your home. Before you start regular burning in your wood stove this winter, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Other ways to reduce the threat of a chimney fire include adding a chimney cap to your chimney, check that your chimney has an appropriate liner and burn seasoned wood. 

  

 

Calaveras County flu vaccination clinics begin today 

The first of several flu vaccination clinics will be held Monday in Valley Springs. Vaccinations are recommended for adults 50 and older, children between the ages of six months old and 5 years old, persons with chronic medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during the flu season and healthcare workers. Monday’s clinic will be held at the Good Samaritan Church in Valley Springs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Another clinic will be held next Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Cal Works-Sequoia Room in San Andreas from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Based on family size and income, a fee of up to $13 will be charged and Medicare will be accepted.    The Calaveras County Public Health Department will hold seven flu clinics between Monday and Dec. 3. For more information, call the Calaveras County health department at 754-6460.


October 19, 2007 

  

 

Amador Fire Protection Authority might go in another direction if districts can’t meet 

The Amador Fire Protection Authority met Thursday afternoon for a quick meeting. According to Carla Farris, Amador Fire Protection Authority clerk, the board was suppose to discuss the future of fire protection in Amador County and the possibility of another sales taxes measure to support local fire fighting efforts.    Farris said the chiefs from the six districts were scheduled to meet early this month, but only four of them showed up. Because only four showed up, the board felt that another meeting should be held for the chiefs before it made any decisions. So the board postponed discussion until all six can meet on Nov. 1. Farris said if all six don’t show up to this meeting, the board might decided to go in another direction if all the fire districts can not get together behind this issue. 

  

 

Cow versus car accident sends two to hospital 

Two people were sent to the hospital after hitting a cow Thursday evening. According to the CHP report, 31-year-old Monique Williams was driving south on Buena Vista Road just south of Coal Mine Road when she struck a cow in the roadway. Owners of cattle in the area were corralling a black cow when it turned into the path of Williams. After the 2006 Chevrolet hit the cow it slid off the road into a tree. Williams and her passenger, 61-year-old Cecillia Aguirre sustained minor injuries and were taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment. The condition of the cow is unknown. 

 

 

Upcoming meeting for the week of Oct. 22 through 26 

The Jackson City Council will meet Monday night in the city hall at 7 p.m. with a small agenda followed by a closed session with county council regarding the Ken Berry, Friends of Jackson lawsuit. At Tuesday’s Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting the board will revisit the request of the waving of the administrative fee charged by the county to the Sutter Creek Fire Protection District. The supervisors will also hear an appeal regarding the planning commission’s decision to allow the addition of an open-air pavilion at Pioneer Baptist Church. The Amador Fire Protection District will meet Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at the County Administration Center. After a week of no school, the Amador County Unified School District will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the County Administration Center to discuss the approval of the ACUSD Technology Plan. And Thursday’s Plymouth City Council meeting will include a review of the Downtown Revitalization Strategy and Implementation Plan. The meeting will begin at 6:30 in the city hall. 


  

Car maintenance can help save your car during winter weather 

With winter weather fast approaching, maintaining your car should be a top priority to help from breaking down in bad weather. Since preventive car care is the best way to protect your safety and your vehicle, following these five tips from AAA of Northern California can help to prevent costly breakdowns. First make sure to change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 or three months, which ever comes first. Also check and refill windshield washer fluid monthly to keep vision out your windshield clear. Third check battery cables, clamps and terminals for signs of corrosion or other electrical problems that can slow your engine every time you change your oil. Make sure your engine air filter is clean and not clogged every six months, which can reduce engine performance and fuel economy and increase exhaust emissions. And check your tire pressure monthly when tires are cold. By following these tips, you can help to prevent being stuck on the side of the road during bad weather waiting for a tow. 

 

 

Oktoberfest held at the Amador County Fairgrounds 

Don’t miss Amador County’s own Oktoberfest, held this Saturday. This local event is sponsored by the Somerset-Pioneer Lions Club and will be held at the Amador County Fairgrounds in the Old Spur Emporium in Plymouth. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Dancing will last until 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and children 10 and younger are free. For tickets or more information, call Leddy D’Agostini at 245-5540. 

  

 

Help save the Knight Foundry 

In an effort to raise money for the Knight Foundry, a fund-raising dinner will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Jackson Rancheria. For some extra entertainment, a live and silent auction will be held with fabulous items as well as a raffle with various prizes. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with live music and a no host bar.    A surf and turf dinner and the live auction starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per ticket or $700 for a table of 10. All proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of the Knight Foundry. For more information, contact Troy Claveran at 267-1441. 


October 18, 2007 

  

  

Highway 49 bypass beatification project bid awarded 

The Amador County Transportation Commission approved a bid for a beatification project for the Highway 49 bypass at Wednesday night’s meeting.    ACTC was awarded a grant a few years ago for the beautification both entrances of the bypass in Sutter Creek and Amador City. The lowest bidder, Donniker Construction was awarded the project. The project will include large stone signs at the entrance of Sutter Creek and Amador City with the respective names in big brass letters that will light up at night. Also at the Amador City intersection there will be a steel sculpture of a silhouette of three downtown buildings that will also light up. Landscaping will be the main project at the Sutter Creek end of the bypass. 

  

 

Weather might have been the cause of two accidents Tuesday 

Tuesday’s rainy, cold weather might have been the cause of two accidents. According to the CHP report, an Ione resident was traveling on Shake Ridge Road west of Quartz Mountain Road in a 1992 Oldsmobile Tuesday afternoon when due to her unsafe speed for the road conditions she lost control of her vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway onto the dirt shoulder when the driver over corrected and the vehicle continued back into the road across the westbound lanes and collided into the hillside. The vehicle came to a rest on its roof in the road. The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital. Tuesday evening, a Ceres man was driving on Highway 88 east of emigrant trail when he hit a patch of ice and began sliding. According to the CHP report, the driver applied his breaks to slow down, which caused him to slide off the road into a rock embankment. The impact caused the 2006 Chevy avalanche to rollover on to its side. The driver was not injured.  

 

    

Blow out causes Jackson woman to lose control of her vehicle 

A Jackson woman lost control of her vehicle after a blow out Wednesday morning. According to the CHP report, Marcie Wyatt was driving north on Stoney Creek Road toward Jackson when her right tire blew out. Wyatt lost control of her 1985 GMC and accidentally accelerated causing the vehicle to spin off the roadway. The vehicle went through a barbed wire fence and became disabled in the mud and barbed wire. No injuries were reported. 


  

Rear end accident causes minor damage 

A rear end accident on Jackson Gate Road Wednesday evening caused some minor property damage. According to the CHP report, Lisa Watson of Sutter Creek was driving south on Highway 49 when she stopped for traffic ahead. Kimberly Milo of Jackson was approaching Watson at a speed of approximately 15 mph. Due to Milo’s unsafe speed for the driving conditions, she was unable to stop prior to colliding into the rear of Watson’s 2007 Land Rover. After the collision, the two parties were able to move their vehicles to the side of the road and contacted CHP. 

  

 

Fund-raiser to benefit Ione Fire Department 

To help the Ione Fire Department replace some old equipment, a fund-raising event will be held Friday, Nov. 2.    Hosted by Rancho Arroyo Seco, the event will be begin at 6 p.m. in the big red barn located on the property on Highway 104 across from the entrance to Mule Creek Prison. The Native Sons will cater the event with a menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage and sides. This is a family event with an entrance donation of $10 or more for each adult and $1 for children 10 and under. Rancho Arroyo Seco will match all donations dollar-for-dollar and hopes to present the department with a check for $5,000 or more for the replacement of wild land fire protection gear for the department that is more than 10 years old. For those that can not attend, donations can be made at the Ione City Hall, checks made payable to the Ione City Fire Fighters Association. 

 

 

Heritage Day this Saturday 

The annual Heritage Day Fall Festival will be held this Saturday in downtown Jackson. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., historic Main Street will be filled with people dressed in period costumes. The event will also feature antique booths, artists, live entertainment, food booths and more. Heritage day is sponsored by the Historic Jackson Business Association. 


October 17, 2007 

  

 

Early morning pursuit of a stolen vehicle ended in the arrest of a San Jose man in Calaveras County 

A pursuit that started in Amador County Wednesday morning ended with the arrest of a 21-year-old San Jose man in Calaveras County. According to Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, a sheriff’s deputy was patrolling the area of the Amador Ridge Shopping Center in Martell around 4:39 a.m. when he noticed a suspicious pick up and sedan parked near Prospect Motors. After being spotted, the silver Ford F150 quickly sped away from the area. When the deputy ran the license plate number on the truck, it came back as a stolen vehicle out of Gilroy.    Upon the arrival of a second sheriff’s unit and a Jackson police unit, the deputy attempted to detain the stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 88. The chase came to an end when the driver lost control of the truck, which left the roadway, rolled over twice and came to a rest on its side in an open field. The driver, 21-year-old Joseph Jacob Uvalles, tried to flee the scene on foot but was quickly taken into custody. A search of the stolen vehicle revealed burglary tools and stolen property associated with Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Martell. Upon contacting the Gilroy Police Department, the sheriff’s department was advised that the stolen vehicle was connected to an arson in Gilroy and were asked to collect specific evidence for the Gilroy investigation. Uvalles was booked into the amador county jail for charges of auto theft, possession of stolen property, evading a police officer and being unlicensed driver with bail set at $35,000.          

 

 

Multi-vehicle accident tied up traffic on Highway 88 Wednesday morning 

A multi-vehicle accident this morning tied up Highway 88 for at least an hour. An accident involving several cars was reported around 11 a.m. at the intersection of Highways 88 and 104 outside of Ione. It was reported that the accident involved five or six cars and was blocking the eastbound lane on Highway 88. Several tow trucks and two helicopters were called in to take care of the people and vehicles involved. The actual number of the vehicles involved and the extent of the injuries to those involved have yet been released. 

  

 

Water fills the Burger King parking lot after big rig sheared off a fire hydrant 

A man made geyser erupted Wednesday morning on Highway 88 near Burger King when a big rig sheared off a fire hydrant. Both the Amador County Sheriff’s Department and the CHP were called to the scene where water was shooting 50 feet in the air, turning the Burger King parking lot into a swimming pool. The sheriff’s office turned the situation over to personal from the city of Jackson and the Amador Water Agency who arrived on scene shortly after.    

  

 

Ione City Council met for an interesting meeting Tuesday night 

The Ione City Council met last night for an interesting meeting following a sewer workshop. According to Ione City Manager Kim Kerr, the workshop went very well with about 10 members of the public in attendance. Kerr says the city will now hold a public hearing Oct. 30 for further comments from the public. During public comment for the city council meeting, a citizen asked the council what ever happened to the suggestion from the 2003-04 Grand Jury report to combine the Ione Police Department with the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and recommended that the council put the issue on the next ballot. Kerr says the council was unable to comment because it was not an agenda item, but will decide at the Nov. 6 council meeting whether or not they will allocate time to further discuss the matter. Kerr added that the city is accepting applications for the Ione Police Chief position until Nov. 2. 

 

 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors were busy at Tuesday’s meeting 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors met to a full agenda Tuesday morning followed by another closed session dealing with potential litigation over the proposed Buena Vista Rancheria casino. According to District 3 Supervisor Ted Novelli, the supervisors heard presentations on matters ranging from motor fuel use and how to reduce oil dependency to the Eldorado National Forest travel management issue. The supervisors took action to authorize the addition of up to two more General Plan Advisory Committee meetings to the current schedule. The supervisors also took action to approve a lease agreement between the Amador County Recreation Agency and the county that will allow expenditure of Proposition 40 funds to be used for improvements at the River Pines park. And the supervisors approved a request from the Sutter Gold Mining Company to extend their current allowable hours for surface exploration drilling from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

  

 

Television show filmed in Calaveras County awarded at “California on Location” award 

An episode of the Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters” television show filmed earlier this year in Calaveras County was a big winner at the 13th annual “California on Location” awards held Saturday night. The episode entitled “Big Drop,” won in the category of “Production company/location team of the year” for television reality. According to Calaveras Visitors Bureau and Film Commission Executive Director Lisa Reynolds, she nominated the Mythbusters production team, Beyond Productions, for the positive way they conducted film business in Calaveras County. 

  

 

Amador Supervisors ask students to create art from trash for America Recycles Day 

To promote America Recycles Day Nov. 15, the Amador County Board of Supervisors decided to have students create trashy art at Tuesday’s meeting. After listening to a presentation by Ann Short, from waste management, the supervisors agreed to invite local schools to participate in an art exhibit using recycled materials. However, District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto did not like the “trashy art” name and requested that it be called art from trash. The rest of the board agreed with him and changed the name. The finished art from trash will be displayed at the County Government Center for America Recycles Day. 

  

 

Highway 49 bypass beautification project bid awarded at tonight’s ACTC meeting 

The Amador County Transportation Commission will approve a bid for a beatification project for the Highway 49 bypass at tonight’s meeting. ACTC was awarded a grant a few years ago for the beautification both entrances of the bypass in Sutter Creek and Amador City. The bidding for the project opened Oct. 9 and tonight the lowest bidder will be awarded the project. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the County Government Center. 

  

 

Statewide gas prices rise 20 cents from last month 

Even with national gas prices down 5 cents from last month, Northern California gas prices have risen 20 cents per gallon in the past month. Analysts point to the continuing high price of oil as the primary reason behind the unseasonable rise in gas prices. In a survey of gas stations across the country, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas is $2.76. Statewide, the average is $3.07 a gallon. In Amador County the average price is $3.14 per gallon of regular gas. In Calaveras County, the average is slightly higher at $3.18 per gallon. Analysts expect motorists to continue to see gas prices rise if oil prices remain high. 

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 

 

 

The Sutter Creek City Council heard three public hearings, approved AWA contract Monday night 

The Sutter Creek City Council met Monday night for some lengthy discussions dealing with three public hearings. According to Sutter Creek City Manager Rob Duke, the council held hearings for the Amendment to Title 17 Subdivision Ordinance, the Jebian Tentative Parcel Map and the Sutter Hill Annexation. Duke said the Amendment to Title 17 involved minor housekeeping changes that needed to be changed and was approved easily. The Jebian Tentative Parcel Map ended in an impasse. Duke said the vote was split 2-2 with council members Bret Parson and Bill Hepworth voting to approve it and Gary Wooten and Pat Crosby voting no resulting in the map not being approved. Council member Tim Murphy, who was not in attendance, was not able to vote because he lives to close to the project. The Sutter Hill East Annexation was tabled so that staff can do a revision of the plan development ordinance. And Duke added that the contract with the Amador Water Agency for the West Ridge Pump Station was finally approved with two minor changes relating to paying for the project and the approval of new development in the area. 


  

Calaveras Supervisors continue Saddleback Hills discussion to Oct. 23 

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors considered a new subdivision in San Andreas at today’s meeting. The Saddleback Hills development would add 133 homes on Calaveritas Road near Mountain Ranch Road. In the form of a public hearing, the Saddleback Hills developers requested the supervisors approve a zoning amendment and tentative subdivision tract map to allow the project to move forward. After some discussion, the supervisors decided to continue the agenda item to the next meeting Oct. 23. The supervisors cited needing more information as the reason for their decision. 


  

Jackson Planning Commission approves two lots splits at Monday’s meeting 

The Jackson Planning Commission met last night for a quick meeting. According to City Manager Mike Daly, both of the items on the agenda were passed with ease. The commission held two public hearings during the meeting for two lot splits. The first was a request from Sandy Nurse to divide the lot at Sierra Foothill Labs at 225 Scottsville Blvd. into two smaller lots. The second was a request from Joel Samuels and Kathryn Devlin to divide one lot into two smaller lots at 108 Broadway. Daly said that both lot splits were approved with no complaints. 

  

 

Amador Water Agency adds new well to meet water needs of Lake Camanche Village 

In an effort to meet the water needs of the Lake Camanche Village, the Amador Water Agency is continuing to work toward new solutions. When the agency learned that a well’s production had plummeted to below 50 percent of production last year, it quickly reacted in conjunction with the department of health services and pursued the necessary steps to drill a new well. In September, the new well was constructed and found to produce approximately 350 gallons per minute. To ensure a dependable and adequate water supply the agency will also be undertaking a study to determine the specific safe yield of the well system. To complete this study, the agency will apply for a local groundwater assistance grant. 

 

 

Several accidents kept local CHP busy this weekend 

This weekend saw several single-vehicle accidents in Amador and Calaveras counties and a collision near the casino that sent two people to the hospital. According to the CHP, a 19-year-old Turlock resident was driving eastbound on Highway 88 east of Jackson Valley Road Friday night when she lost control of her 2004 Honda, striking an embankment. No injuries were reported. Saturday morning a Valley Springs man drove off the road into a ditch. Two people were taken to the hospital. Saturday evening after an accident near the Jackson Rancheria Casino. According to the report, a 2001 Honda Civic and a 2006 Toyota Tacoma were traveling side by side on Bingo Road when the Honda made an unsafe lane change colliding with the Tacoma. The driver of the truck lost control and veered across to the right and sown an embankment into several bushes. The driver of the truck and her passenger suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to Sutter Amador Hospital. A West Point woman suffered minor injuries after losing control of her 2001 jeep Cherokee Sunday Afternoon. After the accident, the driver drove home and went to the hospital hours later to be treated for cuts and bruises. Sunday evening saw officers helping a Jackson woman out of a creek. 

  

 

National Teen Driver Safety Week observed Oct. 15 though 20 

To address the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S., National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 15 through 20, is intended to inspire dialogue within communities about the causes and solutions to teenage crashes. In recognition of Teen Driver Safety Week, AAA of Northern California is offering safety tips for parents of teen drivers. Parents can make a difference when it comes to educating teen drivers by using the following tips. Evaluate your teen’s driving readiness by making sure they are responsible enough to get behind the wheel. Also eliminate distractions including cell phones and restrict passengers and night driving, which can increase the chances of crashing. Establish a parent-teen driving agreement with rules, conditions, restrictions and consequences written down to establish driving as a privilege. And having a weekly review and discussion with your teen can help address concerns you may have and gives you a chance to review your teen’s driving performance. By being more involved in your teen’s driving, it may help to keep young drivers safe. 



October 15, 2007 

 

 

Mountain lion seen in tree at a Sutter Creek home 

A Sutter Creek resident spotted a mountain lion early Friday morning. According to John Merlo, the lion was first seen around 7 a.m. in the open field behind his house. Thinking nothing of it and unsure of what he really saw, Merlo left his home off of Sutter-Volcano Road and went to work. Upon returning home around 5 p.m. Merlo let his dogs out to run around. After a few minutes Merlo found his dog barking at the foot of a large tree. When the dog would not leave the tree alone, Merlo says he looked up in the tree and saw a 100-pound male mountain lion sitting in the crotch of the tree. He then called the Amador County Sheriff’s Office to see what he should do. The sheriff’s department contacted the Amador County Game Warden who told Merlo there was nothing they could do. For video of the mountain lion in the tree, visit our PodCast page at htradio.net. 

  

  

Early morning fire sends a River Pines man to the hospital 

An early morning fire Sunday in River Pines had a man air lifted to the hospital. According to the Amador Fire Protection District, crews responded to a structure fire at 14725 Emigrant Trail in River Pines around 2:43 a.m. The first engine arrived within six minutes and found a two-story residential home fully involved in fire. The occupant of the home managed to exit the house, but did suffer burns to his arms and face. He was transported to UC Davis Medical Center by air ambulance. Due to the extent of the fire, firefighters focused efforts on protecting the adjacent homes before extinguishing the fire. The house was a complete loss with minor damage to a second home. The fire investigation is looking into the possibility of a propane leak in the structure. 

  

 

Burn suspension lifted in Calaveras, Tuolumne counties 

Just days after the burn suspension was lifted for Amador and El Dorado counties, CAL Fire announced that effective Monday, Oct. 15 at 8 a.m. it will lift the suspension of burning on private lands within the Tuolumne-Calaveras unit. This includes Calaveras and Tuolumne counties and eastern portions of San Joaquin and Stanislaus that are within the state responsibility area. Burning will be permitted with no restrictions on burn hours, but only on “permissive burn days” as established by the air pollution control district in each county. Prior to doing any burning, check the burn day status by calling 754-6600 for Calaveras County. It was also announced that beginning Monday, CAL Fire will begin transitional staffing in the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit. This means that those fire stations that have two engines staffed during fire season are to be down-staffed to one engine. 

  

 

18-year-old man killed in logging accident Thursday morning 

A logging accident Thursday morning cost on man his life. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, an emergency 911 call reporting that an individual working at a logging site had been injured came in around 11:30 a.m. Upon arrival, the victim was located adjacent to a loader and a large stack of logs. The victim had suffered obvious traumatic injuries, was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Ambulance and fire personnel continued with CPR until the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Amador County Sheriff’s-Coroner’s office has identified the victim as 18-year-old Juan Ruben Contreras of Grayson. A forensic examination was conducted on Friday, determining the cause of death to be blunt force trauma due to logging accident. The manner of death was determined to be accidental. As required by law, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office reported the industrial accident to Cal OSHA who will conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident. 

  

 

Emergency fire restrictions lifted from BLM-managed lands 

Due to the onset of cool, rainy weather, the Bureau of Land Management’s Folsom Field Office has lifted emergency fire restrictions on all BLM-managed public lands within its boundary effective Monday, Oct. 15. This includes a total of about 230,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras, Tuolumne and several other counties. According to Fire Management Officer Ken Hood, there is no longer a need for emergency restrictions because of cooler, wet weather. California Campfire Permits are needed for fires and stoves outside of established campgrounds. 

  

 

ACCNET meets for the first time Monday in Jackson 

The Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team held its fist meeting Monday with all involved agencies including the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Police Department, Sutter Creek Police Department, Child Protective Services, the District Attorney’s office, Mule Creek State Prison and more. Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan was named the task force chair for the first year and Jackie Long will serve as the task force commander. 

  

 

A single-vehicle accident causes car to burst into flames, sends woman to the hospital 

An early morning accident Friday morning in Calaveras County sent one woman to the hospital and had officers wondering what really happened. According to the CHP report, 21-year-old Angela Rosalez was traveling westbound on Mountain Ranch Road at an unknown speed. According to the Mountain Ranch resident, as she came around a turn in the roadway, from right to left, there was a vehicle traveling eastbound partially in her lane. She told officers she was forced to swerve to the right to avoid the vehicle and that’s when she lost control of her 1990 dodge shadow and crashed. The vehicle then traveled down the dirt shoulder for approximately 105 feet, before re-entering Mountain Ranch Road crossing both lanes of traffic and going off the south roadway edge, when it struck a fence. After hitting the fence, the vehicle struck a large pine tree and came to a rest in a large black berry patch where it burst into flames and burned completely up. The report said based on the physical evidence at the scene, there was no evasive action taken. Injuries to Rosalez consisted of pain to her neck, back, left shin and cuts to her lip. 

  

 

Peace Officer, Citizen of the year announced 

The Amador County Peace Officers’ Association is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Peace Officer and Citizen of the Year 2007. Lt. Charles Ray from the Amador County Sheriff’s Office will be honored with the Peace Officer of the Year award and Alan Lennox from the American Legion Ambulance has been awarded citizen of the year. The awards dinner will be held at St. Sava Mission in Jackson Saturday, Oct. 27 with no host cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets for the dinner are $25 and available at the sheriff’s office, local police departments and the Chamber of Commerce in Jackson. 



October 12, 2007 

 

 

Marijuana found on two students at Jackson Junior High School leads to alleged drug deals at Detert Park after school 

Two Jackson Junior High School students were discovered with marijuana on school grounds Thursday afternoon. According to Amador County Superintendent Mike Carey, Jackson Junior High Principal Janet Pabst confronted a student in her office after hearing rumors that the student had marijuana at school. The student told the principal that she did have some and pulled it out of her backpack. The principal asked if there was anyone else involved and the student named another student. When that student was brought into the principal’s office, he too confessed to having marijuana on him while at school. Carey says after further discussion with both students, information came out about alleged dealing and usage of drugs at Detert Park and the library after school, involving both junior high and high school students. Carey held a meeting this morning with school officials to discuss the situation and what can be done to find out more information about what is going on. The school district has contacted the Jackson Police Department and the Amador County Recreation Agency, who has an after school program over there, to be on the look out for any suspicious activities or dealings.

 

 

The Concerned Citizens of Jackson file a referendum petition against Jackson Hills project

A group calling themselves the Concerned Citizens of Jackson recently submitted a referendum petition against actions taken by the Jackson City Council it feels was in favor of the Jackson Hills Golf Course and Community project. The group announced their intentions at the Oct. 9 Jackson City Council meeting, the same day the group turned in the petition. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, the petition is for the repeal of the General Plan amendment made by the council for the Jackson Hills project and the repeal of the approval of the EIR for the same project. Daly says the petitions are now at the county elections office. According to the Amador County Elections Office, the group only needs 234 valid signatures or 10 percent of the voters registered in the Jackson city limits. The elections office has 30 days to verify the signatures, which is how long they think it will take them due to other projects they are currently working on and the upcoming Nov. 6 election. After the signatures are verified, the petition will go to the council who will have a choice of repealing the two items or putting the issue on the general election ballot for June 2008. 

 

 

LAFCO approves countywide Municipal Services Review

LAFCO met Thursday afternoon to approve the contract for the countywide Municipal Services Review. According to Roseanne Chamberlain, LAFCO executive director, the contract with Burr Consulting for Professional Services was approve unanimously. Chamberlain says the next step will be a kick off meeting that will serve as an orientation for all the agencies involved so they can know what to expect and meet the consultants. Chamberlain adds the review will begin soon. All five incorporated cities and the county are involved in the review as well as the Amador Water Agency, ARSA and all the special districts in the county. Chamberlain says the target completion date is next May. 


 

Plymouth City Council met for a quick meeting Thursday night

Plymouth City Council met Thursday night for a quick meeting followed by a closed session. The council made the decision to continue Resolution 2007-115 to its Oct. 25 meeting. With only two other items, including approving the signing of a letter and appointing a council member to the regional transportation mitigation fee committee, the meeting was over by 7:30 p.m. After the meeting, the council members met in a closed session to discuss the price and terms of payment with the real property negotiators dealing with the pipeline project.    No action was taken during the closed session. The council will meet again Oct. 25 for a Downtown Revitalization Workshop. 


 

Upcoming meetings for the week of Oct. 15 through 19  

The Sutter Creek City Council will meet Monday night for three public hearings and discuss the contract approval with the Amador Water Agency. The council will hold the hearings concerning the Amendment to Title 17 Subdivision Ordinance, the Sutter Hill East Annexation and the Jebian Tentative Parcel Map. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the community building. The Jackson Planning Commission will also meet Monday night for two public hearings regarding Sierra Foothill Labs and a lot split. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the city hall. The Board of Supervisors will reconvene Tuesday after a break for Columbus Day last week. They will begin discussion of their full agenda at 9 a.m. in the Supervisors Chambers. The Ione city council will hold a special Sewer Workshop meeting Tuesday at 4 p.m. in council chambers followed by a regular meeting at 6 p.m. A regular meeting for the Amador Fire Protection Authority will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Supervisors Chambers to discuss countywide fire protection. 

 

 

 

Halloween costumes can be found at several local businesses

You don’t have to travel out of the county this year to find the perfect costume for Halloween. There are several local shops that are filled with costumes and accessories to help you create just the look you are going for. Heaven and Earth in downtown Jackson on Main Street is pretty much stocked with costumes during October. According to owner Laura Sanderson, the store carries used costumes as well as high end costumes for any price range. Heaven and earth also has several wigs, hats, masks and other accessories. Gypsy Mania, also in Jackson, has a large selection of costumes ranging from vintage to modern. Located at 5 Main Street on the upper level of the building, Gypsy Mania also offers accessories and other items for the perfect costume. The Amador Peddler has recently reopened in Jackson, in the same building as Gypsy Mania, and has several novelty items to complete your look. Beginagains in the Amador Plaza in Martell offers a wide variety of children’s costumes. And if you are feeling creative, there are several local thrift stores that have some costumes available and offer a wide variety of ideas. 

 

 

An Organ Rally will file the streets of Sutter Creek with music this weekend

An Organ Rally will be held this weekend in Sutter Creek. In Europe, organ rallies have been going on for hundreds of years and attract large numbers of organs of all types and sizes. This year, Shirley and Frank Nix in conjunction with the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors Association are bringing the European tradition to Sutter Creek. The rally will be held Saturday and Sunday with organs filling the streets. Some of the organs attendees will see are Fairground Organs, Dutch Street Organs and some hand built ones all privately owned and ranging from very old to present-day manufacture. 

 

 

 

Thursday, October 11, 2007 

  

 

Farkas, Jackson sentenced in court hearing today 

Two men involved in recent high-profile cases were formally sentenced Thursday afternoon in the Amador County Superior Court. According to the Amador County District Attorney’s Office, 45-year-old Neil Andrew Farkas pled guilty based on a stipulated sentence of nine years in the court hearing. Based on the agreement, Farkas must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. The Pine Grove man was arrested for slamming his girlfriend's 19-month-old child into a wall and charged with two counts of felony child abuse. According to the DA’s office, Farkas was remanded to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office until his paperwork is completed when he will be transported to the California Department Corrections to begin his sentence. Also in court today was 51-year-old David Jackson who pled guilty to second-degree murder by use of a weapon, possession of stolen property and resisting/delaying a peace officer in the line of duty. As a result of the plea, Jackson will serve 18 years to life in state prison. 

  

 

Early morning fire damages maintenance building, toilette at Castle Oaks Golf Course 

While in route to what authorities thought was a vehicle accident early Thursday morning, a fire engine from the Mule Creek Fire Department observed a working structure fire in a new construction area of Castle Oaks Golf Course. Upon arrival, crews found a 500-square-foot maintenance building approximately 75 percent involved in fire. The building is used as the main water pumping station for the golf course irrigation system. Eighteen firefighters from the Ione Fire Department and the Mule Creek Fire Department were able to quickly extinguish the fire and damage was isolated to the building and one portable toilette. No injuries were reported and the damage costs are estimated at $100,000. The city of Ione is currently investigating the cause of the fire. 

  

 

Accident scene turns out to be an abandoned, stolen vehicle 

Several units were called to what they thought was an accident scene early Thursday morning. It was reported that a car was off the road overturned in a ditch off of Camanche Parkway and Buena Vista Road. Upon arriving on scene, authorities discovered that the vehicle was abandoned. After further investigation, it was discovered that there was damage to the steering column and the ignition and it was determined that the vehicle was stolen. The investigation was turned over to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department due to the vehicle’s location. 

  

 

Burn suspension lifted in Amador, El Dorado counties 

The burn suspension for Amador and El Dorado counties has been lifted. The Amador-El Dorado California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention announced the end of the suspension Thursday morning. Even with the lifted burn suspension, it is still considered fire season and burn permits will still be required. CAL Fire officials are asking that people make sure they have a valid burn permit, which are available for free at local fire stations, and that residents call the burn information line immediately prior to lighting your pile on fire. The number to call for Amador County is 223-6246. 

 

 

County Planning Commission holds four public hearings at Tuesday night’s meeting 

The Amador County Planning Commission met Tuesday night with an agenda full of public hearings. The commission held four public hearings dealing with issues from rezoning to a General Plan amendment. According to the Amador County Planning Department, the commission approved a use permit for Tim and Lani Holdener to allow a winery / tasting room in an area zoned for Single Family Residential and Agricultural use. The next item dealt with the Tentative Subdivision Map No. 171 proposing the division of 148.95 acres into 29 parcels north of Highway 88 near Mace Meadows. The commission approved the map and made a recommendation to that the Board of Supervisors to approve the variance that goes along with the project. A General Plan amendment from Public Service to Agricultural General and a zone change was requested by the Amador Water Agency, which the commission decided to recommend the approval of to the Board of Supervisors. The last item on the agenda was a staff-initiated zone change in Drytown. A change from Single Family Residential was requested to be changed to C1-X Retail, Commercial and Office. The commission decided to change the C1-X zoning to C1 to avoid the need of a required use permit for the c1-x zoning. The commission made a recommendation to the board that they approve this change as well. The planning department says the recommended issues will be heard at the Board of Supervisor’s Nov. 6 meeting. 

 

 

Health Festival features flu clinic, safety fair this Friday 

Sutter Amador Hospital will host its 13th annual Health Festival Flu Clinic Friday, Oct. 12 at the hospital’s Outpatient Services Center. Vaccines that will be available at the festival include the FluMist nasal vaccine, flu shots, tetanus boosters and pneumonia shots. There is a $10 donation for flu vaccines and tetanus shots and Medicare billing will be available for flu and pneumonia shots. Besides vaccines, a safety fair featuring law enforcement and fire protection vehicles, bicycle safety information, Smokey Bear and more will be held in the outpatient parking lot during the festival. Child passenger safety technicians with the safe kids amador/Calaveras chapter will be on hand to inspect car seats and determine if they have been recalled, are the wrong size or have been improperly installed. The festival will last from 4 to 7 p.m. Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Services Center is located next to the hospital at 100 Mission Boulevard in Jackson. 


October 11, 2007 

  

 

Farkas, Jackson sentenced in court hearing today 

Two men involved in recent high-profile cases were formally sentenced Thursday afternoon in the Amador County Superior Court. According to the Amador County District Attorney’s Office, 45-year-old Neil Andrew Farkas pled guilty based on a stipulated sentence of nine years in the court hearing. Based on the agreement, Farkas must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. The Pine Grove man was arrested for slamming his girlfriend's 19-month-old child into a wall and charged with two counts of felony child abuse. According to the DA’s office, Farkas was remanded to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office until his paperwork is completed when he will be transported to the California Department Corrections to begin his sentence. Also in court today was 51-year-old David Jackson who pled guilty to second-degree murder by use of a weapon, possession of stolen property and resisting/delaying a peace officer in the line of duty. As a result of the plea, Jackson will serve 18 years to life in state prison. 

  

 

Early morning fire damages maintenance building, toilette at Castle Oaks Golf Course 

While in route to what authorities thought was a vehicle accident early Thursday morning, a fire engine from the Mule Creek Fire Department observed a working structure fire in a new construction area of Castle Oaks Golf Course. Upon arrival, crews found a 500-square-foot maintenance building approximately 75 percent involved in fire. The building is used as the main water pumping station for the golf course irrigation system. Eighteen firefighters from the Ione Fire Department and the Mule Creek Fire Department were able to quickly extinguish the fire and damage was isolated to the building and one portable toilette. No injuries were reported and the damage costs are estimated at $100,000. The city of Ione is currently investigating the cause of the fire. 

  

 

Accident scene turns out to be an abandoned, stolen vehicle 

Several units were called to what they thought was an accident scene early Thursday morning. It was reported that a car was off the road overturned in a ditch off of Camanche Parkway and Buena Vista Road. Upon arriving on scene, authorities discovered that the vehicle was abandoned. After further investigation, it was discovered that there was damage to the steering column and the ignition and it was determined that the vehicle was stolen. The investigation was turned over to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department due to the vehicle’s location. 

  

 

Burn suspension lifted in Amador, El Dorado counties 

The burn suspension for Amador and El Dorado counties has been lifted. The Amador-El Dorado California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention announced the end of the suspension Thursday morning. Even with the lifted burn suspension, it is still considered fire season and burn permits will still be required. CAL Fire officials are asking that people make sure they have a valid burn permit, which are available for free at local fire stations, and that residents call the burn information line immediately prior to lighting your pile on fire. The number to call for Amador County is 223-6246. 

 

 

County Planning Commission holds four public hearings at Tuesday night’s meeting 

The Amador County Planning Commission met Tuesday night with an agenda full of public hearings. The commission held four public hearings dealing with issues from rezoning to a General Plan amendment. According to the Amador County Planning Department, the commission approved a use permit for Tim and Lani Holdener to allow a winery / tasting room in an area zoned for Single Family Residential and Agricultural use. The next item dealt with the Tentative Subdivision Map No. 171 proposing the division of 148.95 acres into 29 parcels north of Highway 88 near Mace Meadows. The commission approved the map and made a recommendation to that the Board of Supervisors to approve the variance that goes along with the project. A General Plan amendment from Public Service to Agricultural General and a zone change was requested by the Amador Water Agency, which the commission decided to recommend the approval of to the Board of Supervisors. The last item on the agenda was a staff-initiated zone change in Drytown. A change from Single Family Residential was requested to be changed to C1-X Retail, Commercial and Office. The commission decided to change the C1-X zoning to C1 to avoid the need of a required use permit for the c1-x zoning. The commission made a recommendation to the board that they approve this change as well. The planning department says the recommended issues will be heard at the Board of Supervisor’s Nov. 6 meeting. 

 

 

Health Festival features flu clinic, safety fair this Friday 

Sutter Amador Hospital will host its 13th annual Health Festival Flu Clinic Friday, Oct. 12 at the hospital’s Outpatient Services Center. Vaccines that will be available at the festival include the FluMist nasal vaccine, flu shots, tetanus boosters and pneumonia shots. There is a $10 donation for flu vaccines and tetanus shots and Medicare billing will be available for flu and pneumonia shots. Besides vaccines, a safety fair featuring law enforcement and fire protection vehicles, bicycle safety information, Smokey Bear and more will be held in the outpatient parking lot during the festival. Child passenger safety technicians with the safe kids amador/Calaveras chapter will be on hand to inspect car seats and determine if they have been recalled, are the wrong size or have been improperly installed. The festival will last from 4 to 7 p.m. Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Services Center is located next to the hospital at 100 Mission Boulevard in Jackson. 


October 10, 2007 

  

 

Concerned Citizens of Jackson announced its submission of a referendum petition at Tuesday’s city council meeting 

The Jackson City Council met Tuesday night for an eventful meeting. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, it was announced during public comment that a group calling themselves the Concerned Citizens of Jackson has submitted a referendum petition for the repealing of the General Plan amendment made by the council for the Jackson Hills Golf Course and Community Project and the repeal of the approval of the EIR for the same project. Daly says the petitions are now at the County Elections Office where they are verifying that the more than 700 signatures on each petition are registered Jackson voters. After the signatures are verified, the city council has a choice of repealing the two items or putting the issue on the General Election ballot for June 2008. Daly adds that later in the meeting the council approved the Ordinance to Rezone to Residential Single Family and Planned Unit Development for the Jackson Hills Project. Also at the meeting, the council decided to continue the public hearing on the appeal of the planning commission approval of the Oak Manor Addition Conditional Use Permit to the Nov. 13 meeting in hopes that the parties involved can work out some of the issues on their own. The winner of the flag design contest was also announced. Jana Davis, a Jackson mail carrier, entered the winning design. 

 

 

A hanger fire at the airport turns out to be a small bucket fire 

The report of a hanger fire at the airport in Sutter Creek sent several units rushing to the scene. It was reported around 9:50 a.m. that the Amador County Sheriff’s hanger was on fire at Westover Field on Sutter Hill. Shortly after the fire was reported, the cause of the commotion was determined to be a bucket outside the hanger that was on fire. People on scene quickly extinguished the small fire. The cause of the bucket fire is still under investigation. 

  

 

Local lunch boxes are recalled after testing shows elevated levels of lead 

With all the recent national recalls for toys made in China with elevated levels of lead, local health officials are advising consumers not to use canvas lunch boxes recently handed out in Amador and Calaveras counties for the same reason. According to Angel LeSage, Amador County public information officer / public health director, the Amador County Public Health Department is urging consumers to stop using canvas lunch boxes with a logo reading “Eat Fruits & Vegetables and Be Active,” after testing showed elevated levels of lead in three lunch boxes. The lunch boxes that tested positive for lead were obtained through a manufacturer, TA Creations, which has factories in Canton, China. Even though no known cases of lead poisoning have resulted from use of the lunch boxes, LaSage says individuals who have these lunch boxes should return them to Amador County Environmental Health at 810 court St. in Jackson; Public Health at 1003 Broadway, Jackson; or at the UC Cooperative Extension, 12200 B Airport Road, Jackson. For more information about lead poisoning, contact Amador County Public Health 223-6407 or Environmental Health 223-6439. 

 

  

Calaveras Supervisors might terminate the Ridge at Trinitas project 

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday with the intention of approving a contract for additional planning services and review of public comments for the Ridge at Trinitas Golf Course but in the end decided to indefinitely postpone that decision and directed staff to come up with a new baseline for the report. After comments from the public concerning the proposed consultant’s ability to be objective about Trinitas, Supervisor Tom Tryon recommended that the county possibly terminate the project altogether. Supervisors Merita Callaway and Steve Wilensky seemed supportive of Tryon’s plan, but the board decided not to vote and instead delayed the item until the Nov. 6 meeting. The county issued a warning to the developer to stop commercial and building activity on the site until there is a county-permitted project. 

  

 

Glenco fire burns down barn, causes $190,000 in damages 

A fire that started yesterday evening in Glenco caused more than $190,000 worth of damage by the time it was contained. According to CAL Fire officials, the fire at 5096 Independence Road was first reported around 6:52 p.m. Fire crews from Central Fire, West Point Fire, Mokelumne Hill Fire, San Andreas Fire and CAL Fire responded to the scene where they found a 40 foot by 60 foot barn on fire. Crews were able to contain the blaze by 8:27 p.m. The fire destroyed the barn and a vehicle. CAL Fire officials say the cause of the fire is undetermined and still under investigation. The total damage is estimated at $175,000 for the barn and the items in side and $15,000 for the lost vehicle. 

  

 

Sutter Creek City Council, Planning Commission meets to catch everyone up to speed on Gold Rush 

The Sutter Creek City Council and Planning Commission met in a joint meeting Tuesday night to discuss the zoning and general plan changes that would need to be made for the proposed Gold Rush Ranch project to be approved. According to Sutter Creek City Manager Rob Duke, the meetings came out of a concern that only a few people really knew what is going on with the proposed gold rush project and to catch others up to speed. Dukes says the city has one more meeting like this planned and could possibly add one more. Before the joint meeting started, the city council discussed an approval of a contract with the water agency but tabled it to the next meeting because of some unanswered questions. 

  

 

Senior Flu Clinics held throughout the county 

Several Senior Flu Clinics will be offered by Amador County Public Health throughout the county. The clinics are targeted for individuals 60 years old and older or those with chronic medical conditions. The cost is $20 for high-risk individuals and Medicare will be billed for those that are eligible. The first clinic will be held Thursday, Oct. 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel of Amador in Pine Grove. Two will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, one at the Plymouth City Hall from 10 to 11 a.m. and another at the Ione City Hall from 1 to 2 p.m. The last one for October will be Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Senior Services Center, 229 New York Ranch Road in Jackson from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information or to obtain dates for November, call public health at 223-6407. 


October 9, 2007 

  

  

Vegetation fire in Valley Springs this afternoon caused by a blown tire 

Even with the colder weather and the occasional rain shower, fires are still breaking out across the mother lode.    A vegetation fire was reported Tuesday afternoon around 2:15 p.m. calling on several units to the intersection of Highway 12 and 26 in Valley Springs. According to CAL Fire officials the fire was quickly contained and only burned about a half an acre. Officials said that crews were lucky the winds did not pick up making the fire spread and the situation worse. The cause of the fire was a blown tire on a big rig. 

 


A head-on accident sends a 17-year-old female to the hospital Tuesday morning 

A head-on injury Tuesday morning sent a 17-year-old female to the hospital with minor injuries. According to the CHP report, around 7:30 a.m. the minor was driving north on Tabeaud Road when she came to a stop at the intersection of Highway 88 and prepared to make a left turn. The Pine Grove resident failed to see the 1997 Dodge Truck pulling a trailer traveling east, west of the intersection approximately 100 feet away. The minor entered the intersection, violating the Dodge’s right away, and was hit head on after the truck was unable to avoid the collision. Both vehicles came to a rest blocking the intersection. Traffic was restricted to one way alternating control for approximately 40 minutes. The minor was taken to sutter amador hospital for treatment, while the driver of the truck and his passenger were uninjured.

 

 

A report of shots fired in Jackson turned out to be a woman washing dishes 

The sound of someone doing dishes at a Jackson restaurant was mistaken as shots fired Monday afternoon. It was reported that shots were fired at the Pelican’s Roost restaurant in the Jackson Creek Plaza around 4 p.m. Police were called and when they arrived on scene it was discovered that the sound had come from a woman doing dishes with no gun in sight. 


 

Multiple-vehicle accident Saturday morning causes quite a commotion 

A multiple-vehicle accident caused quite a scene on Highway 88 Saturday morning. According to the CHP reports, Mary Hanley was traveling east on Highway 88 around 10 a.m. following two other vehicles, east of Plasses Resort. As the vehicles entered into a right curve in the road, they came upon the scene of a previous traffic collision and an area of icy roadway. Hanley observed a man attempting to slow traffic in the westbound lane and applied her breaks. As she did so, she lost control of her vehicle causing it to spin out of control and run off the south side of the highway overturning down an embankment hitting the man’s vehicle that was slowing traffic, and coming to rest in a ditch. A few minutes later, Tyler Main came upon the accident while driving his truck and pulling a fishing boat. Main observed a burning flare on the side of the road and a man slowing traffic when he began to apply his breaks. As he continued to apply his breaks, his trailer began to fishtail causing him to lose control of his vehicle. Main’s truck spun out of control and his boat and trailer hit a parked vehicle on the side of the road before running off the side of the road. Main’s truck then collided with two snow poles and rolled down an embankment into a ditch. As the boat overturned, a seat became airborne and struck the right side door of Hanley’s vehicle. Even after all the collisions, no injuries were reported. 

 

 

Search efforts to find the injured bear that was shot last Wednesday in Pine Grove continue 

The search continues for the injured bear that was shot at by an Amador County Sheriff’s Deputy last Wednesday afternoon. The bear was shot after it was reportedly badly injured and walking behind the Sierra House Restaurant in Pine Grove. According to Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan, a bear was spotted in the area of the Tabeau Mobile Home Park Friday afternoon. Ryan says authorities believe that this is the same bear from last Wednesday because of its location, but were unable to confirm that information at the time. Another bear sighting Sunday afternoon was called into the sheriff’s department by a man on Wild Pine Lane reporting that a bear was in his yard eating apples. This sighting is not believed to be the same bear due to the several reports of bear sightings in that area. The sheriff’s department has turned over all this information to the California Department of Fish and Game, who will continue this investigation. Ryan adds that if you see a bear do not approach it and call the sheriff’s office at 223-6500 or in the event of an emergency, dial 911. 

  

 

Monday afternoon accident sends two to the hospital 

An accident Monday afternoon between two teens sent two people to the hospital with minor injuries. According to the CHP report, 19-year-old Joshua Gentry was driving north on Railroad Flat Road at 35 mph approaching Associated Office Road. When he reached the intersection, Gentry turned left onto Associated Office Road without yielding to 18-year-old Joshua Conder causing a traffic hazard. Conder attempted to avoid Gentry but was unable to do so and struck the 1986 Toyota with his 1999 Hyundai. After the collision both vehicles were moved off to the right shoulder to allow traffic to pass. Gentry and one of Conder’s passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to Sutter Amador Hospital. Conder’s other passenger also suffered from minor injuries but decided to seek his own aid. Conder was unharmed. 

  

 

Jackson Fire Chief reminds everyone to have an escape plan, replace smoke detector batteries 

It’s National Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Practice your escape plan.” Jackson Fire Chief Mark Morton says that it’s critically important that families establish and practice an escape plan in the event of a residential fire. Morton adds that batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced at least twice a year when daylight savings time begins and ends. In addition Morton says it is extremely important that the address numbers for all residents and business be well lighted and clearly visible to firefighters. 

 

 

Fall break for students next week 

The amador county unified school district will be taking next week off. Oct. 15 through 19 there will be no school due to the October break. Beginning Wednesday, elementary students will have only minimum days for the rest of the week with Friday a minimum day for all schools in the district.   


October 8, 2007

 


Columbus Day causes changes in meeting schedules 

Due to Columbus Day celebrated on Monday, several meetings throughout Amador County has been either canceled or changed. The board of supervisors has canceled their meeting for Tuesday and the county government offices will be closed Monday. However, the Amador County Planning Commission will meet Tuesday night for four public hearings for a wine tasting room in the Shenandoah Valley, a division of acres into parcels, a general plan amendment and a zone change. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the county administration center. The Jackson City Council will meet on Tuesday night instead of Monday and will be reviewing the entries for the flag design contest as well as the continued public hearing for the approval of the Oak Manor addition conditional use permit. The Sutter Creek Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday night instead of Tuesday to discuss the Sutter Hill East annexation. 

 

 

Calaveras County supervisors will consider hiring a consultant to prepare the final EIR for the Trinitas Golf Club at Tuesday's meeting

After finding errors in the Draft EIR for the Trinitas Golf Club, the Calaveras County Planning Department will take a larger role in the environmental study work, beginning with the supervisors considering hiring a consultant for $87,900 to review the draft and prepare a final environmental impact report for Trinitas at Tuesday’s meeting. Consultants hired by the resort prepared the Draft EIR and resort owner Mike Nemee will have to reimburse the county for the cost of the new contract. An environmental impact report for everything but the existing golf course has been circulated for public review. The 280-acre ridge at Trinitas project would boast an 18-hole professional golf course with a lodge and 13-home gated community located near Highway 26 and Ospital road. 

 

Illegal burns spark CAL Fire officials to remind local residents of ban

Two illegal burns discovered in Calaveras County this weekend sparked CAL Fire officials to remind local residents that it is still fire season through October. Both fires were reported on Saturday afternoon in the areas of Sheep Ranch Road and Royal Drive. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ban on burning residential or yard waste is still in effect in the local fire districts of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne counties. CAL Fire officials say it could still be weeks before that ban is lifted.

 

 

Jackson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Morton will speak at Jackson Fire Safety Night on Monday

With fire season winding down and furnaces firing up for the colder weather, other seasonal fire dangers become more prominent this time of the year. To help kick off Fire Protection Week, Oct. 7 through 13, Jackson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Morton will give an informal presentation about fire safety Monday night. Jackson Fire Safety Night will begin at 7 p.m. in the Jackson Civic Center on Broadway in Jackson. Topics discussed will include fire escape planning, home electrical fire prevention, holiday fire prevention, dangers of carbon monoxide, bedroom fire prevention, fireplace and rural fire safety and winter storm fire safety. 

  

 

A single-vehicle accident Friday morning sends a Plymouth resident to the hospital with moderate injuries

A single-vehicle accident early Friday morning sent an 18-year-old Plymouth resident to the hospital. According to the CHP report, Thomas Cowan was driving east on Old Sacramento Road at an unknown speed when he lost control of his 2000 Toyota causing the vehicle to exit the road. The vehicle struck a tree and came to a rest back in the road. Cowan sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy San Juan for treatment. 

 

 

Second Amador Government 101 Workshop held on Wednesday

To continue to help the public better understand local government and how it works, the second Amador Government 101 Workshop will be held next Wednesday, Oct. 10. The workshop will be held at the County Government Center in Conference Room C beginning at 6:30 p.m. with an open public question and answer period from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Speakers will include the County Assessor, County Auditor and County Treasurer/Tax Collector, Larry Peterson from Public Works, Susan Grijalva from the County Planning Office and more. The Amador Government 101 Workshop will consist of three more classes with different topics and speakers from local government and county agencies. For more information, contact Debbie Dunn at 296-5435. 


October 5, 2007 

 

 

A hit and run accident in Jackson ends with an arrest in Mokelumne Hill

A hit and run accident that began in downtown Jackson ended in Mokelumne Hill with a man arrested for driving under the influence and assault with a deadly weapon. According to Dave Seawell with the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began on Main Street in Jackson between two men with a case of road rage. Seawell said that after the hit and run incident, the victim followed the suspect to Mokelumne Hill where the two men stopped and got out of their vehicles. The victim then stabbed the suspect’s tire so that he could not leave before the police arrived. Seawell said that a confrontation ensued when the suspect grabbed a saw knife and stabbed the victim’s elbow. When authorities arrived on scene, the suspect was arrested. Seawell said the victim’s injuries only required first aid on the scene. 


 

Murder investigation continues at Mule Creek State Prison  

An investigation is ongoing at Mule Creek State Prison, into what may be a possible murder, after a prisoner was found near death in his cell and later died at the 3,8000 inmate prison in Ione. According to reports, both the Amador County District Attorney’s Office and prison investigative services are looking in to the death of 59-year-old Lee Bert Merrill, discovered in his cell by prison staff early in the morning of Sept. 29 and pronounced dead 30 minutes later at the prison’s triage and treatment area. Merrill’s cellmate, whose identity has not been released, is currently being held in the prison’s administrative segregation unit, pending the outcome of the investigation. 

 

 

New Calaveras County program helps neglected children 

A new program in Calaveras County to fight the use and production of methamphetamine will benefit neglected children the most. According to a recently released report, the Calaveras Multiagency Methamphetamine Enforcement Team conducted 52 child-neglect investigations, resulting in 22 children being removed from their homes and placed in protective custody in its first four months of operation. The Calaveras County District Attorney's Office and the county's Child Protective Services unit have seen a dramatic increase in the past six years in the number of cases of child neglect connected to parental methamphetamine use and substance abuse. 


 

Health Festival Flu Clinic held next Saturday  

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Health Festival Flu Clinic held Friday, Oct. 12 at Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Services Center. The festival, sponsored by Amador County Public Health and Sutter Amador Hospital, will last from 4 to 7 p.m. Vaccines that will be available at the festival include the FluMist nasal vaccine, flu shots, tetanus boosters and pneumonia shots. There is a $10 donation for flu vaccines and tetanus shots and Medicare billing will be available for flu and pneumonia shots. 


 

Watershed Tour of the Mokelumne River held this Saturday  

The 2007 Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Tour will be held this Saturday. Participants will be able to see views of the river and landscapes only seen on this tour, discuss watershed management and stewardship activities on the river and learn about the unique physical, biological and historical resources on the river. The tour will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend. Lunch is provided and space is limited, so call 257-1851 ext. 107 today. The tour will meet at Wendell's restaurant on highway 49 in Mokelumne Hill at 9 a.m. 

 

 

Ione Rotary's annual Steak and Lobster Dinner Saturday night in Ione

The Ione Rotary will hold its annual Steak and Lobster Dinner Saturday night. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a no host bar in the Evalynn Bishop Hall and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and are available by calling 274-0223. All proceeds benefit the projects of the rotary club of ione. 

 

 

Big Crush Harvest Festival to feature 29 Amador County wineries this weekend

The Big Crush Harvest Festival presented by the Amador Vintners will be held this weekend. The two-day event offers great wine, food and fun at 29 Amador County wineries, including wines poured from barrel and bottle, delicious food, live music and a big raffle. Tickets for the Big Crush are $25 in advance and $35 at the event and are good for both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday only tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the event. For more information, call 1(888) 655-8614. 

 

 

Pancake breakfast next Saturday will benefit local family

To help a local family, the Trinity Episcopal Church in Sutter Creek is holding a pancake breakfast. At the age of 34, wife and mother of three, Tracy Goss was diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma. Her cancer had already spread to her lymph system and her liver and now has spread to her brain, spine and back to her liver. Tracy has been fighting this disease with everything she has, receiving bio-chemo treatments, brain surgery and several rounds of radiation. The Trinity Episcopal Church is holding this fund-raiser to help her family. The breakfast will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 per person or $30 for a family. All of the proceeds of this event will go towards helping the Goss family. To make a donation, mail checks payable to “Tracy Goss” to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. box 1705, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. For more information, call Debbie at 267-5545. 


October 4, 2007 

  

 

Columbus Day on Monday effects local government offices, banks

Several government offices and banks will be closed on Monday due to the celebration of Columbus Day. Federal, state and county government offices will be closed as well as the post office meaning no mail will be delivered. The holiday has also caused some county and city meetings to change or be canceled. The Amador County Board of Supervisors will not meet at all next week, the Jackson City Council will meet on Tuesday night instead of Monday and the Sutter Creek Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday night instead of Tuesday. Banks will also be closed on Monday. 

 

 

Caltrans offers orientation, permits for chain installers

Caltrans is offering orientation and permits for individuals interested in becoming chain installers on California State Highways in the Sierra Nevadas on highways 4, 88, 89, 108 and 207 in Amador, Calaveras, Alpine and Tuolumne counties. All new applicants are required to attend the orientation class held Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. in the Caltrans Maintenance Office located 98 S. Main St. The cost for the permit and identification bib is $200. Interested persons can contact the Caltrans Maintenance Office at 736-0187.

 

Injured bear in Pine Grove still not located 

A bear sighting in Pine Grove Wednesday afternoon caused some trouble for local law enforcement. Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan told HomeTown Radio this morning, several calls from residents in Pine Grove reporting a bear in the area were made to the sheriff’s department Wednesday. Ryan says the bear was spotted in the area of the Tabeau Mobile Home Park, El Dorado Savings Bank and the Pine Grove Elementary School and had significant injuries to its lower jaw and one paw. Ryan said after contacting the California Department of Fish and Game and discussing the injured bear, the sheriff’s office was told to dispose of it based upon the animal’s injuries, its proximity to the school and concerns for public safety. Around 5:30 p.m. it was reported that the bear was behind the Sierra House Restaurant where a sheriff’s deputy on scene fired one shot, striking the bear, which then rolled down the hillside. Ryan said that by the time deputies made it down the hill to the area where the bear was last seen, the bear was gone. The sheriff’s department called in a wildlife tracker, who unsuccessfully attempted to locate the bear after several hours. The sheriff’s office then notified the school district of the situation due to the proximity to the school and utilized the reverse 911 system to also notified about 700 residents in the area. If you see the bear do not attempt to approach it and immediately contact the sheriff’s office at 223-6500 or, in the event of an emergency, dial 911. 


  

Amador County Supervisors met in another closed session to discuss the proposed casino 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors held another special closed session meeting Thursday morning in regards to potential litigation with the Buena Vista Rancheria. The ongoing issue between the county and the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians has been the topic of several closed sessions over the past few months. This meeting is the fifth special meeting called since the county announced that the negotiation period with the tribe would be extended until such a time as either the tribe or the county delivers to the other a seven day written notice to terminate negotiations back in early August. 

  

 

Cause of fire at Fox Creek Vineyards believed to be a cigarette 

A cigarette caused a residential structure fire at fox creek vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley that was reported around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Amador Fire Protection District, fire crews arrived within six minutes of the call to find the residence at 20101 Shenandoah School Road fully involved with flames. Thirty fire fighters from the AFPD, CAL Fire, Sutter Creek Fire District, Pioneer Fire District and the Ione Fire District were able to control the fire in about a half hour. Fire crews said that the fire was not able to spread to any other structures because vineyards surrounded the building. The residence was a complete loss and preliminary reports say the cause of the fire was an improperly disposed cigarette. One of the residents of the house suffered a minor foot injury and was treated on scene. 


  

Stanislaus National Forest lift campfire restrictions 

On the heels of Tuesday’s announcement by El Dorado Forest officials, Stanislaus National Forest officials yesterday lifted campfire restrictions on the forest. Recent storms and cooler temperatures made it possible to ease the restrictions. The change means that visitors, with California campfire permits, can now use wood, charcoal or gas fires or stoves outside of developed campgrounds. Meanwhile, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s ban on burning of residential or yard waste remains in effect in the local CAL Fire districts of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne counties. 


October 3, 2007 

  

 

Fire in the Shenandoah Valley engulfs structure 

A residential structure fire at Fox Creek Vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley was reported around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. Several units were dispatched to a fire at 20101 Shenandoah School Road with cross of Shenandoah Road that fully engulfed a wooden structure. By 4:10 p.m. units en route were being called off. Fire crews said that the fire was not able to spread to any other structures because vineyards surrounded the building. No injuries were reported. 

 

 

Two senior Amador County Deputy District Attorneys announce resignations 

Two senior Deputy District Attorneys are leaving the Amador County office this month to work in Afghanistan. Joe Scoleri, who’s last day is Oct. 3, and Steve Anderson, who’s last day is Oct.15, announced their resignations from the DA’s office Wednesday. The two men have taken positions as Justice Sector Advisors with a U.S. State Department contractor providing training and mentoring to prosecutors in Afghanistan. Scoleri says the program is aimed at improving the afghan criminal justice system by attempting to eliminate corruption while working toward making the justice system more fair, open and accountable. The pair were recruited by former Amador County District Attorney Jake Rambo, who is currently in Afghanistan working with the same program. 

 

 

Sacramento wood fireplace burning ban will not affect Amador or Calaveras counties 

With all the talk about banning the use of wood fireplaces on poor air quality days in Sacramento County, it appears that there would be no effect on Amador or Calaveras County residents. The proposed ban would be from November to February and be no more than 30 days during that time. According to Jim Harris with the Amador Air District, not only would this ban not affect the county, there is no similar ban in the works. Harris says that the air quality here is not as bad as in Sacramento County. He adds that there are fewer admissions from a controlled burn in your fireplace than a controlled outdoor burn because it is a hotter fire that burns cleaner. Harris says that the Amador Air District would like to see people reduce outside burning rather than burning in wood stoves. 

 

 

Ione City Council makes appointments, talks wastewater 

The Ione City Council met Tuesday night with an agenda full of appointments. The council reappointed three members to the planning commission, including Joe Wylie, Laurie Lord and David Jenkins, because their terms had expired. Planning commission member Linda Smylie resigned from the commission due to an inability to attend meetings. With the remaining commission member’s term not up until 2010, staff was directed to fill the vacancy Smylie left making the commission complete. The council also dealt with appointments to the parks and recreation commission, a city council liaison and alternated to committees with out alternates. Ione City Manager Kim Kerr gave an update on the ARSA and Mule Creek State Prison agreement saying that she was unsure if Mule Creek had signed the agreement and is hoping for an answer by next week. The council will hold a special sewer workshop meeting Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. in the council chambers.

 

 

Calaveras Supervisors open Community Development Block Grant Cycle 

Kicking off the opening of the Community Development Block Grant cycle, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors held preliminary hearings Tuesday. The board heard from various community groups including Habitat for Humanity and Mother Lode Job Training, wishing to be included in this round of funding. The Community Development Block Grant, a federal program administered by the state, encompasses a variety of programs for community development activities.  The county will now work with those groups and others to clearly define which grants it will apply for. The board will hold a separate public hearing to discuss and approve specific applications. 

  

 

Fire restrictions within the El Dorado National Forest have been lifted 

Fire restrictions within the El Dorado National Forest were lifted Tuesday, which means visitors can once again use wood and charcoal fires as well as stoves and lanterns outside of developed campgrounds as long as they possess a valid California campfire permit and follow the permit regulations. Forest officials also remind visitors that due to a 2005 court order, wheeled motorized vehicles in the El Dorado National Forest can only be operated on motorized roads and trails that are shown as open on the free-of-charge motorized vehicle restriction map, which is available at any El Dorado National Forest Office. 

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 

  

  

Supervisors work on fixing the roof on the Amador County Museum 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday with a slim agenda. With only two items on the regular agenda, the supervisors pulled an item off the consent agenda to be able to fully discuss it with the entire board. It was the re-roofing of the county museum that the supervisors felt needed more discussion and attention. According to District 2 Supervisor Richard Forester, the board has held many discussions with the county and the historical society to get the museum roof repaired. Originally 14 bidders signed up for the project but in the end only two bids were submitted. The board chose to go with John F. Otto, who was the lower of the two bids, but also because of the work his company has done on historical building throughout Sacramento. Otto’s bid for the 30-plus day project was $159,000, which the supervisors thought was a little high due to an estimate from the GSA that the project could be completed for $100,000. Forester said there is currently $70,000 in the museum’s trust fund for the replacement of the tin roof and the rest of the money will have to come from the general fund. If the weather stays good the project could be complete by the end of this year, if it begins to rain the project will have to be stopped and finished when the weather is clear. 

 

 

Pine Grove house fire quickly contained by local fire crews 

Local fire crews quickly contained a residential structure fire in Pine Grove last night. According to Amador Fire Protection Battalion Chief Ray Blankenheim, the call came in around 5:30 p.m. and crews were able to achieve full containment by 5:45 p.m. Blankenheim said the fire caused damage to the second story of the 2,700 square foot home, but it was only cosmetic damage to the sheet rock with no major structural damage. Crews responded from the Amador Fire Protection District and CAL Fire. The cause of the fire is believed to be an overheated power strip that caused a spark and quickly spread to some nearby papers. Blankenheim added that one injury was reported when a resident cut his arm breaking a window before crews arrived. 

  

 

Local students rank above state average for the California High School Exit Exam 

Recently released results of the California High School Exit Exam show Amador County students rank above average. According to the results, Argonaut High School saw 83 percent of students pass English and 87 percent pass math at their first attempt, while 90 percent of Amador High School sophomores passed both portions of the test. In Calaveras County, 91 percent of the sophomores at Calaveras High School passed the English portion of the test and 85 percent successfully passed the mathematics section. At Bret Harte High School, 95 percent passed English and 91 passed the math. All California high school seniors must pass the test before they receive their diplomas. 

  

 

Free Breast Cancer Awareness Forum held Thursday at the hospital 

Sutter Amador Hospital will host a free Breast Cancer Awareness Community Medical Forum this Thursday. Since October is also recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness month, the hospital is hosting this event to better inform the public about breast cancer and other women’s health topics. Participants will learn preventative measures women can take to lower their risks of breast cancer and about diagnostic tools available at the hospital. The forum will be held Oct. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sutter Amador Outpatient Services Community Conference Center. The forum is free but space is limited, so call 257-7619 to reserve your seat today. 

  

 

Battle of the Bands this weekend 

Six bands will battle it out this Saturday for the Amador County Recreation Agency’s Battle of the Bands. Bands will include Freeze Out, A Brutal Awakening, Blacktooth Grin, Poncho & The Spazz, Sundown and Thanks 4 Nothing with music ranging from hard core metal to classic rock to psychedelic funk rock. The music will begin at noon in Jackson’s Detert Park next to the swimming pool. Admission is free and food and drinks will be available. For more information, call ACRA at 257-1764. 

  

 

Local veterinarian to appear at Storytime 

Local veterinarian Dr. Alison Pillsbury will make a special guest appearance at Storytime on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library. She will be talking about training guide dogs for the blind and, as a special treat, she will be bringing along her own guide dog in training. There will be a story and time will be left for questions at the end of the session. For more information, call 223-6400. 



October 1, 2007 

  

 

=Rancho Cordova woman arrested for drunk driving after colliding with a guardrail 

A drunk driver was arrested Friday afternoon after crashing into a guardrail. According to the CHP report, Officer Merrill was flagged down by a passing motorist on Highway 16 about a possible drunk driver ahead of him. The officer caught up to the vehicle in question and observed it driving in an erratic manner from side to side for no apparent reason. Right before the officer was about to make the stop, the 1997 Saturn suddenly swerved to the right and collided with the guardrail at the Arkansas Creek Bridge and kept driving. When the officer stopped the vehicle, the driver, 45-year-old Heidi Schroeder of Rancho Cordova, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and booked into the Amador County Jail.

 


International Walk to School Day this Wednesday 

Sutter Creek Elementary and Primary schools in Sutter Creek will be joining schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day Wednesday, Oct. 3. Students from Sutter Creek Elementary and Primary schools will be walking to school along with parents, teachers and community leaders. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. with everyone meeting at the new upper parking lot on Sutter-Ione Road and the Sutter Creek parking lot next to the post office. Students and families with homes within walking distance to the schools are also encouraged to take this opportunity to walk to school. For additional information, contact Mel Welsh at 296-4848 or Sean Snider, school principal, at 257-7100 or 257-7200. 

  

 

Halloween costume exchange to be held Oct. 8 

Halloween is right around the corner and a group of local girl scouts are trying to help everyone find the perfect costume. Girl Scout Troop 360 based out of Jackson is hosting a free costume exchange next Monday, Oct. 8 at Jackson Elementary School from 2:15 to 7 p.m. According to troop leader Tracey Welsh, the girls are trying to collect Halloween costumes that range in size from infants to adults to have available for community members for free. The event is open to everyone from families to teens and adults and is totally free. Welsh said that they have collected about 20 costumes so far, including some really nice home made ones, but are hoping for many more. She added that they are also accepting costume accessories. Costumes can be dropped off at Jackson Elementary School in the office or with Welsh at Different Philosophies, 246 French Bar road in Jackson. 

  

 

Audit discovers Ione is owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid mitigation fees 

During the city of Ione’s recent financial audit, it was discovered that the city is owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid mitigation and municipal fees. According to City Manager Kim Kerr, the financial audit pointed out were the city has issues. She said the results of the audit is helping the city clean up its accounting. Kerr said that the unpaid fees are due to a combination of staffing and financial issues. She added that the city has updated its accounting processes and added additional staff and is currently going through and documenting these over sights. 

 

 

Three accidents in Calaveras County this weekend resulted in injuries for all 

Three accidents this weekend in Calaveras County resulted in moderate to major injuries for all parties involved. Two sisters were medi-flighted to the hospital early Saturday morning after their 1998 Toyota hit a tree. According to the CHP report, an 18-year-old Valley Springs woman was driving with her 15-year-old sister on Hartvickson Lane when the vehicle drifted off the roadway on to the north shoulder when the driver overcorrected and lost control hitting a tree. The driver reported moderate injuries while her sister sustained major injuries. A 30-year-old Galt man was traveling west on State Route 26 Saturday afternoon when he lost control of his 2000 Harley Davidson. According to the report, Scott Miles lost control of his motorcycle in a curve in the road and was ejected from his bike suffering moderate injuries and medi-flighted to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment. Sunday evening saw another motorcycle accident on Dogtown road in San Andreas. According to the CHP report, 39-year-old Robert Broglio of Angels Camp was riding his 2005 Suzuki motorcycle at an extremely high rate of speed when he lost control and veered across the southbound lane striking a small tree causing him to be ejected. He sustained moderate injuries and was flown to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto for a severe cut to his right hand and numerous bruises. 


  

Small fire in Ione Saturday was quickly contained 

Saturday afternoon fire crews were called to the report of a vegetation fire. According to CAL Fire officials, just before 3:30 p.m. a fire was reported at Highway 124 and Buena Vista Road near the old brick yard outside of Ione. When crews arrived, they found one half acre burning at a moderate rat of spread through heavy brush. The fire was contained in an hour and burned just over two acres. No structures burned and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

  

 

Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department is receiving help with gang problem 

Calaveras County is receiving help to crack down on criminal street gangs in the area. The sheriff’s department was recently awarded $15,786 by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance to help with gangs in the county, which authorities said show signs of gaining in strength. According to the sheriff’s department, several drive-by shootings have occurred within the county since last year, where the motive for the shootings has been linked to gang activity. The sheriff’s department added that people involved in the shootings have been hesitant to report them, and many were revealed long after the incidents took place. Nobody has been injured in these shootings so far, but those targeted largely have been uncooperative with police investigators. According to investigators, the incidents are a clear indication of increasing gang activity in Calaveras County. 

  

 

Gov. Schwarzenegger signs legislation to create a tri-county re-entry facility in Stockton 

In an attempt to reduce recidivism and prison populations through out the state Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to make the old Stockton Women's Prison into the state’s first facility for male prisoners who are serving their final months behind bars in a press conference last week. The Northern California Women's Facility in Stockton will become a re-entry facility for inmates from Amador, Calaveras and San Joaquin counties under this legislation, which took the first step of signing over the facility for the tri-county usage. The tri-county reentry facility will be the first of its kind in the state and the first facility to be built and operated under a regional approach. The tri-county facility would work by having a set percentage of beds reserved for inmates from each county that are in the final phases of their incarceration period, nearing their parole terms. 

  

 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month 

October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness month. To increase awareness of domestic violence operation care will be distributing purple ribbons and posters declaring “Peace begins at home” to many local merchants and business offices. According to Lynn Shield, executive director of Operation Care, the slogan “Peace begins at home” is a reminder that domestic violence affects all members of a family. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 911 or call the 24-hour crisis line at 223-2600. Operation care provides safe shelter for women, men and children, as well as counseling, support services, crisis intervention and education.    For more information, to make a contribution, to volunteer your services or to obtain purple ribbons for your group, office, or organization, call 223-2897. 

  

 

Chili cook-off was a huge success 

The Great Sutter Creek Chili Cook-off held Sunday was a huge success according to organizers. Event Organizer Lisa Klosowski said that it was an awesome turnout with at least 500 people in attendance. For the cook-off there were 12 teams mostly from out of town competing for the international title and nine teams vying for the people’s choice award. The Palace in Sutter Creek took home first place for the people’s choice award with the husband and wife team of the Politis taking second and third place going to Back Roads Café.



September 28, 2007 

  

 

A threat of a fight causes students to be banned from the Jackson Library and park Friday after school 

Students at Jackson Junior High School were not allowed to head to the library or Detert Park Friday after school because of a possible fight. According to Jackson Police Chief Scott Morrison, there was a report of a big fight at the library after school Friday. Morrison said the school made the decision not allow students to go to the park or library after school and contacted the police department for help. Although it was not clear who would have been involved in the fight, it was reported that school officials found three students after school wearing red shirts and made them take them off because of possible gang affiliations. Morrison said that the JPD had an extra presence at the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library this afternoon. 

  

 

Vehicle accident is San Andreas sends child to the hospital in an air ambulance 

A vehicle accident in San Andreas Friday afternoon sent a child to the hospital in an air ambulance. According to the CHP Web site, a child was hit by a 1971 El Camino behind a motel on Pixley Avenue Friday at 4 p.m. The child sustained major injuries to his head and was having seizures at the scene. The child was flown to Modesto Memorial. No other details are known at this time. 

  

 

DUI checkpoint in Plymouth this weekend 

The Amador County CHP will hold a DUI checkpoint this weekend in Plymouth. According to Amador CHP Public Information Officer Craig Harmon, the checkpoint will be Saturday or Sunday night and might hold up traffic. Harmon said all cars will be checked and those found under the influence of drugs or above the legal limit for alcohol will be cited. 

 

 

ACUSD considers drug testing students 

Whether or not the Amador County School District has a drug problem was addressed at this week’s school board meeting. Coming on the heals of a drug bust at Jackson Junior High School, School Superintendent Mike Carey reported on the district’s effort to investigate the feasibility of drug testing students. The issue was raised by a member of the community at a past board meeting and since then Carey said staff has researched other school district drug testing policies and methods. 

  

 

Amador County property taxes sent out 

The annual secured property tax bill for the 2007-08 fiscal year have been mailed. Amador County Treasure-Tax Collector Mike Ryan told HomeTown Radio that there are more than 23,000 secured tax bills for taxes and voters approved special assessments with tax charges totaling in excess of $48.3 million. Ryan says if you own property in Amador County and do not receive your tax bill by Oct. 15, 2007, contact his office at 223-6364. 

  

 

Public sale at Amador County GSA building Saturday 

A public sale of surplus county property will be held Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the GSA warehouse, 12200 B Airport Road. According to Monica Boyes, support services director for GSA, the sale has a lot of office furniture, including desks and chairs and office supplies. Boyes said the prices are very low because the county wants the public to be able to buy and use these items. She added that only cash will be excepted. The sale is open to all except for Amador County Board of Supervisors and GSA employees. 

  

 

Benefit dinner held at Ironstone Vineyards Saturday night 

To help a Calaveras High School graduate continue toward his dream of becoming a chef, a benefit dinner will be held in Murphys Saturday night to raise money for his tuition at the New England Culinary Institute and other expenses. Chefs from all over will gather at Ironstone Vineyards to support Brandon Rodgers and help him create a six-course meal for the event. Rodgers is in charge of the main course. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a welcome reception and beverages with dinner served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person. Call Sara DiNio at (312) 781-7223 for tickets 

  

 

Jug Band Festival held this weekend 

The fifth annual International Jug Band Festival will be held this Saturday in Sutter Creek beginning at 11 a.m. in Minnie Provis Park. The festival is a celebration of a unique genre of American music dating back to the late 1800s. Performers include Willie Norton, the Loose Acoustic Trio, the Juggs, 5-cent Coffee, the Jugband of the Cafe Babar in Exile, the Tarantulas, Jug Town Pirates of Lake Champlain, and Amador County's own Aesthetic Cling and the Goat Family. The festival will move from Minnie Provis Park to the Sutter Creek Theatre when it begins to get dark. 

  

 

Chili Cook Off heats up down town Sutter Creek 

The Great Sutter Creek Chili Cook Off will be heating up Main Street this Sunday. Several teams will compete to be named the best chili around. The cook off will begin at 11 a.m. and tastings of all the chili you can handle will be available for $5 for adults and $3 for kids. 

  

 

Half Way Ranch spaghetti dinner benefit 

Half Way Ranch True Transitions, a traditional housing program for girls 16 to 23 aging out of foster care, will host a benefit dinner Saturday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.    The night will feature a spaghetti dinner and dessert, a raffle, a no host bar and the vocal talents of Harry Jordan at the American Legion Hall, 12134 Airport Road, Martell. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 for a family of four. For more information or tickets, call 257-1350. 

 

 

 

Thursday, September 27, 2007 

  

 

Three arrested in Calaveras County after several bombs, dugs found 

Three San Andreas residents were arrested Tuesday for possession of a number of illegal military-style weapons, a cyanide powder bomb and drugs after a two-week investigation. According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department, 60-year-old Ronald Leroy Applegate is being held on $270,000 bail for a variety of weapon and drug charges. Also arrested were Jim Bertrand, 26 and his wife, Tina Marie Bertrand, 19, on burglary, drug possession and drug paraphernalia charges. According to the sheriff's department the weapons were stolen from an unidentified CAL Fire employee. The weapons found included an Israeli military Uzi and an American made colt M-16 found at a Valley Springs home, a Mac-10 machine pistol with a silencer found in Stockton and seven handguns were recovered in Antioch. The sheriff's department said that it cooperated with federal alcohol tobacco and firearms agents to locate and seize the illegal firearms. 


 

Supervisors continue discussion of property exchange 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors continued the discussion on the exchange of property between the Eldorado National Forest and the El Dorado Irrigation District at Tuesday’s meeting. According to District Two Supervisor Richard Forester, Beth Arnold, from the county assessors office, was present at the meeting to answer the supervisors’ questions about loss of tax dollars on the property being exchanged. Forester said that the forest service would gain land in Amador County near Silver Lake in the exchange causing losses in property tax for the county. Forester said the county could stand to lose $4.2 million in property taxes because the government does not pay property taxes on land it owns. He added that there is still a lot of work to do regarding this. 


  

Allen order to pay restitutions to victim’s mother 

A 24-year-old Sutter Creek resident will have to pay restitutions to the mother of the victim killed in an accident last may. Jared Allen was recently ordered to pay to $1,242 in restitutions to the mother of Jeremy Brown, 23, who was killed after being ejected from the car Allen was driving. The restitutions are for burial and cremation costs. Allen was arrested for DUI and vehicular manslaughter May 1 after an accident in Mokelumne Hill in which his passenger, Brown, was ejected from the vehicle and killed. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. Allen’s case was continued to Nov. 2, at which time his trial may begin depending on his attorney schedule. 


 

Voters approve fire tax 

Voters in the Mountain Ranch, Glencoe and Rail Road Flat areas overwhelmingly approved two measures, which will renew and increase the parcel taxes that support the stations and crews of the Central Calaveras Fire and Rescue Protection District. The vote was 77.6 percent in favor of Measure F, which increases the parcel tax, and 76.9 percent in favor of Measure G, which increases the maximum spending allowed by the district to accommodate rising costs and the increased revenue from the parcel tax. The former parcel tax of $40 per year expired this summer. The vote sets a new parcel tax of $65, which will boost the district's annual parcel tax income to about $182,000 a year, or $70,000 more than the district had been receiving. The vote was held by mail, with Measure F required a two-thirds approval to pass, while Measure G required a majority. 

  

 

Amador Water Agency offers customers more reliable water source, improves safety 

The Amador Water Agency is making great strides by offering a more reliable water source as well as improved safety in the La Mel Heights area off of Shakeridge Road in Volcano. The agency has completed the installation of a new well and the replacement of most of the distribution system, including five new fire hydrants. Gene Mancebo, manager of engineering and planning for the water agency, said the agency was able to team up with Volcano Communications for placement of the facilities in a joint trench, saving agency customers $31,000. He added that the agency has also almost completed the construction of a new, larger water storage tank that should be completed by November of 2007. 

  

 

College, career fair held at Amador High School Friday 

Amador High School will host a College and Career Fair this Friday. Seniors and juniors are required to attend the event with sophomores and freshmen invited to attend during lunch. According to Mel Jagoda, career tech at Amador High School and organizer of the fair, the event started two years ago and alternates between the two high schools every year. Jagoda said students from Argonaut are encouraged to attend. The event will be held in the gym from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 



September 26, 2007 

 


Local resident Michelle Wamboldt arrested on charges of grand theft, forgery, embezzlement, identity theft 

Members of the Jackson Police Department recently arrested local resident Michelle Wamboldt on an outstanding warrant for her arrest. On Sept. 19 Jackson Police Investigator Doug Grey and Jackson Police Detective Chris Mynderup arrested Wamboldt at her home charging her with grand theft, forgery, embezzlement and identity theft. The warrant and subsequent arrest stemmed from a lengthy investigation of Wamboldt, who is suspected of conducting a credit card scheme that defrauded Dr. Margaret MacLeod MD of $44,000. Macleod had employed Wamboldt as her office manager and during her employment, Wamboldt gained access to MacLeod’s personal information. Her arraignment on the charges for which she was arrested is scheduled for Oct. 4 in Amador Superior Court. 

  

 

Single-vehicle accident causes traffic control on Highway 88 

A vehicle accident in Pine Grove Wednesday tied up Highway 88 for almost an hour. Around 1 p.m. it was reported that a vehicle had overturned in an embankment on Highway 88 across from the mobile home park. According to reports, responders had to extract an elderly woman from the overturned vehicle. The single-vehicle accident caused one lane traffic control on Highway 88 for more than 40 minutes. Injuries are not known at this time. 

  

 

Burn permits still suspended 

CAL Fire is reminding homeowners in Amador County that although there has been some cooler weather and some rain over the past week, burn permits remain suspended due to the area still being in a critically dry fire season. According to a release from CAL Fire, fine fuels can dry out rapidly with lower humidity’s and there was not enough rain to saturate the large fuels and in many locations the rain did not penetrate the crowns of the overstory trees leaving dry fuels susceptible to ignition. Local residents can call 223-6264 for burn day status. 


 

Amador Government 101 workshops start tonight 

In an effort to help others understand how local government works from the people involved in it, a group of community members have organized an Amador Government 101 workshop. The workshop will consist of five classes with different topics and speakers from local government and county agencies. Tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 26, will be the first meeting at the County Government Center in Conference room C beginning at 6:30 p.m. with an open public question and answer period from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Tonight’s speakers will include County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, Supervisors Louis Boitano and Brain Oneto, and County Clerk / Recorder Sheldon Johnson. All workshops are free and open to the public. 

  

 

Trail date set for Donald Pinon 

The second defendant in the in the murder trail for the death of 19-year-old David Jessop of Mokelumne Hill, will go to trial in January. According to the District Attorney’s office, 23-year-old Donald Maurice Pinon is scheduled for a jury trial beginning Jan. 24 at 8:30 a.m. in Calaveras County Superior Court. Pinon’s partner, 22-year-old Daniel Rocha, was found guilty Aug. 29 of murder in the first degree in the March 2005 shooting. Rocha was also convicted of special allegations saying he was motivated in the murder by his association with a criminal street gang, the Nortenos. 

  

 

Upcountry Council works to solve conflict between neighbors 

The Upcountry Council met last Thursday night to discuss horses and property owners. According to Debbie Dunn, council chair, the council addressed this problem because it has been an ongoing issue between two neighbors since June. The neighbor with out the horse says the property is not zoned for horse use and the odor from the horse creates a disturbance in the area. The neighbor filed a formal complaint with the county and county officials came to the property and decided that the horse owner is in compliance with the zoning in the area.    Dunn said the meeting ended with a difference of opinion as to what the property is zoned as and what is allowed and what is not. It was decided to end the discussion with an action for the council to go to the county and get copies of the zoning ordinance. 


 

Ione Community Birthday Calendar will continue 

The Ione Community Birthday Calendar will continue this year. The Ione Picnic Association recently rescued the longstanding fund-raising project and as a result had to change the format and deadline. The calendar will now have a January to December format making the deadline for all purchases and listings Oct. 17. Calendars are $8 each and each calendar includes four free listings. Each additional listing is .25 cents. If you purchase five or more calendars the cost drops to $6.50 each. For more information, call Patti Fisher-Misuraca at 274-2541 or Carella Herberger at 274-2781. You can also mail payments and listings to Ione Picnic Association, P.O. Box 494, Ione, CA 95640. 


September 25, 2007 

  

 

Drug bust at Jackson Junior High School surprises parents, teachers 

Parents and teachers were recently surprised when they learned of a drug bust at Jackson Junior High School last week. According to Superintendent Mike Carey, two sixth graders were caught selling pills to other sixth graders on campus last week. Carey said that the kids brought over the counter diet pills and fluoride capsules to sell to other. School Resource Officer Rod Fisher dealt with the students and Carey says that all students involved, whether they bought or sold the pills, served some type of suspension. 

 

 

Supervisors approve general plan contract, find money for senior meals program 

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday morning to discuss the completion of the general plan update and the future of meals for seniors in the area. According to the supervisors’ office, the board approved a contract with Mintier & Associates to complete the final phases of the general plan update in the amount of $739,960. The vote was not unanimous, however, it was three to two with Supervisors Merita Callaway and Tom Tryon voting no. Also at today’s meeting the board authorized a $15,000 payment to common ground senior services, inc. to keep the Calaveras County home delivered meals program for local seniors. 

  

Supervisors approve general plan contract, find money for senior meals program 

Ham gets charges dismissed as part of plea agreement 

As part of a plea agreement, special allegations in criminal proceedings against Tammy Ham for inflicting great bodily injury against an 11-year-old girl in April were dismissed Friday in Calaveras County Superior Court. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Ham pled no contest to an amended misdemeanor charge of child endangerment waiving her rights to a trial in exchange for dismissal of special allegations of having personally inflicted great bodily injury upon the victim. 

  

 

Accident on Highway 49 Bypass 

Two cars collided on the Highway 49 Bypass Monday afternoon. According to the CHP report, Stacy Anne Cordova was stopped on Sutter Creek Ione Road waiting to cross the road when she failed to see Kirk Borgnesi driving north on Highway 49 and pulled out in front of him. Borgnesi did not have time to react and the front of his 2000 Ford hit the left side Cordova’s 2005 Acura. No injuries were reported. 

 

 

Minor arrested for driving a stolen vehicle 

A minor was arrest Monday night after crashing a stolen vehicle. According to the CHP report, a 16-year-old Pioneer resident was driving north on Highway 49 near the Amador City cutoff when while negotiating a left curve in the road lost control and collided into a guardrail. CHP officers discovered the 2001 Acura was stolen and arrested the minor. 

  

 

Jackson City Council deferred agenda items due to absence of two council members 

The Jackson City Council was left short handed Monday night. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, the council held the meeting with the minimum number of members, three, with Mayor Drew Stidger ill and Council member Rosalie Pryor Escamilla out of town. Because of the others absence, the council deferred two agenda items including the public hearing appeal of the planning commission’s approval of the Oak Manor addition and the ordinance to rezone land for the Jackson Hills development, to a future meeting. The council did decide to approve a public hearing to be held Nov. 13 to discuss water and sewer rate increases. 

  

 

Health Festival Flu Clinic set for Oct. 12 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Health Festival Flu Clinic held Friday, Oct. 12 at Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Services Center. The festival, sponsored by Amador County Public Health and Sutter Amador Hospital, will last from 4 to 7 p.m. Vaccines that will be available at the festival include the Flu Mist nasal vaccine, flu shots, tetanus boosters and pneumonia shots. There is a $10 donation for flu vaccines and tetanus shots and Medicare billing will be available for flu and pneumonia shots. 

 

 

 

Monday, September 24, 2007 

  

 

Fatal accident Friday night brings death count to 14 people killed this year in vehicle accidents in Calaveras County 

A fatal accident Friday night brought the count to 14 people killed in vehicle collisions in Calaveras County so far this year. According to the CHP, 48-year-old Kevin Connell was traveling north on Milton Road in a 2001 Ford F250 at an unknown speed when he allowed his vehicle to leave the roadway. Connell swerved back to the left across the southbound lane, spun around and ran off the road overturning the pickup on its roof coming to rest on a barbed wire fence. The Valley Springs resident was trapped in his seat where he succumbed to his injuries. Due to the darkness and the location of the vehicle, it is unknown how long the vehicle was sitting there prior to the 911 call from a passerby around 8:45 p.m. This is the 11th fatal collision investigated by CHP San Andreas this year. 


  

Amador STARS Camp Out For Cancer raises $90,000 and counting 

The Amador STARS held its fourth annual Camp Out For Cancer, an event where teams walk the track to raise money for local cancer patients and cancer research, this weekend at Argonaut High School. According to Ginger Rolf, STARS executive director, the event has raised $90,000 and counting this year as of Monday. Out of all the money raised, 90 percent will help with local cancer needs, while 10 percent will go to research. Hundreds of people participated at this weekend’s event to show support to those who have won, are still battling and lost the fight against cancer. Rolf says out of the 800 volunteers, 125 where teenagers, who where able to both work hard and have a good time. 

 

  

Eleven accidents kept local CHP officers busy this weekend 

Eleven vehicle accidents this weekend kept local CHP officers busy. According to CHP reports, there were five injury accidents, five collisions that resulted in property damage and one hit and run between Friday and Sunday. Two of the drivers involved in this weekend’s accidents were arrested for drunk driving. Nine of the accidents happened in Amador County with the other two in Calaveras County. On Saturday evening, 87-year-old John Ferreira of Mokelumne Hill was driving north on Highway 49 when he allowed his truck to drift into the southbound lane colliding head on with Anthony James, 22, of San Andreas in his 1984 Porsche. According to the CHP report, James was medi-flighted to Memorial North in Modesto with major injuries. Ferreira and his passenger, 81-year-old Elaine Petton, were taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital. A man riding a motorcycle was arrested for drunk driving Sunday afternoon after causing an accident. According to the CHP, Randy Jarrett of Dublin was driving west on Highway 88 east of Omo Ranch Road when while under the influence of alcohol he failed to negotiate a curve in the road causing his bike to go off the road and eject him. Jarrett complained of minor pain to his back and shoulder. 

 

  

Two small fires were reported this weekend 

Even with the wet conditions two small fires were reported in Amador County over the weekend. A vegetation fire was reported early Saturday morning on Highway 88 at the county line. According to reports, the fire was reported at 2:06 a.m. and was quickly contained by 2:16 a.m. only burning 1/3 an acre. A vehicle / vegetation fire was reported around 1 p.m. Sunday just east of Liberty Road off of Highway 88. It burned just over two acres and was contained at 1:25 p.m. CAL Fire officials want to remind people that even though there were a few days of rain, it is still considered fire season through October and to be careful. 


  

CAL FIRE air practice in Calaveras County 

Several people have been calling HomeTown Radio asking about spotter planes and air tankers in the skies above West Point, Mountain Ranch and Railroad Flat. HomeTown Radio talked to CAL FIRE officials who said there is no fire in the area and the planes are just practicing. Officials also wanted to warn people that even though it rained this weekend, it is still fire season and fire danger is still relatively high. The planes where just finishing up the drills around 11:30 a.m. and skies should be clear. 

  

 

Angels Camp Bypass groundbreaking ceremony held Friday 

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Angels Camp Bypass was held on Friday hosted by the Department of Transportation, the Calaveras Council of Governments and the City of Angels. The $61.5 million project is a two-lane 2.3-mile access-controlled roadway from the north junction of State Route 4 and 49 to a point on Highway 4 approximately 0.6 miles east of Rolleri Bypass Road. The project will reduce the congestion and improve mobility both around and through the historic city of angels as well as improving the intersection of Highway 4 and 49. 

  

 

An accident Friday on Jackson Gate Road backed up traffic for some time 

A vehicle collision on Jackson Gate Road Friday afternoon backed up traffic for some time. The accident, in front of BevAnn’s Salon, blocked the northbound lane of traffic and caused delays of at least 40 minutes in both directions. 

 

 

Gas prices remain the same locally as national averages drop 

National gas prices have dropped by about 2 cents over the last tow weeks. A survey of 7,000 gas stations around the country found that regular gas averaged $2.79 a gallon, mid-grade was $2.79 and premium averaged $3.03 per gallon. In Amador and Calaveras counties, gas has remained the same for the past few weeks with an average price for regular unleaded at $2.98 a gallon. 


September 21, 2007 

  

 

LAFCO denies countywide Municipal Service Review contract 

The Amador Local Agency Formation Commission denied the countywide Municipal Service Review contract at its meeting Thursday night. According to LAFCO Executive Director Roseanne Chamberlain, the contact was put on the agenda because it is so close to being ready, but the commission wanted to continue it to the Oct. 11 meeting so the complete wording and all the minor details could be worked out. Also at the meeting, Chamberlain reported on the request from the city of Sutter Creek for expedited annexation of land in the Ridge Road Sutter Hill area. Chamberlain explained that the city decided to annex the land that is in their sphere of influence immediately and has come up with an effective strategy to fix the septic tank leaks and hook up the houses in the area into the city’s sewer system for now. 

  

 

Troy Bowers named as the new CEO of the Amador County Fair 

The 26th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Troy Bowers as the new CEO for the Amador County Fair effective Nov. 1. Bowers has worked with most of the fairs in California during 12 years with the company and then 16 years with the San Joaquin Fair in Stockton where he eventually served as Deputy Manager. Interim CEO Susan Clark, who has served since the retirement of Ralph Clark in 2004, is retiring after 26 years in the fair industry. 

  

 

Accidents tie up local CHP officers, roadways 

Three accidents Thursday kept CHP officers busy and tied up local roads. A 44-year-old Vacaville man was injured after hitting a tree on his motorcycle. According to the CHP report, David Hernandez was traveling on Highway 88 at Nobb Hill Court Thursday around noon, when he ran off the road, hit a tree and was ejected from his motorcycle. Hernandez complained of minor injuries but was still medi-flighted to Sutter Roseville Hospital. Thursday afternoon saw a rollover accident on Ridge Road. According to the CHP, a 17-year-old Pioneer resident was driving on Ridge Road west of Bowman when she drove off the road into a ditch and overturned damaging a fence. The accident closed the road for a short time while crews recovered the vehicle from the side of the road. Thursday evening a car blew a tire after a log truck lost part of its load. It was reported to the CHP that a blue Ford Taurus was blocking the eastbound lane in a curve on Highway 26 just east of Mokelumne Hill around 5 p.m. The tire on the Taurus blew after a log from a log truck fell off and hit the vehicle in the road. Crews were dispatched to the scene along with a tow truck to clear the road. 

  

 

Camp Out For Cancer this weekend 

The annual Amador STARS fund-raiser Camp Out For Cancer will be held this weekend at Argonaut High School. The event will be held from 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 to 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23.  A Survivor Celebration will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Opening Ceremony at noon and the Illumination Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. There will also be 24 hours of entertainment, fun, food and friends at the event where teams walk the track to raise money for local cancer patients and cancer research.    

  

 

Monthly immunization clinic moves to new location 

The monthly immunization clinic in Angels Camp will be moved to a new location beginning Sept. 25. According to the Calaveras County Public Health Department, the clinic will be at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 140 N. Main St. in Angels Camp. Immunizations for infants and children will be available from 3 to 5:30 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact the public health department at 754-6460. 

  

 

Amador High School hosts Rosemont for Homecoming game 

The Amador High School Buffalos will play Rosemont High School tonight for its Homecoming game. The game will be at Amador High School in Sutter Creek with junior varsity playing at 5:30 and varsity kicking-off at 7 p.m. Seniors Nicholas Famularo, Markus Glavenich, Mitchell Glavenich and Jonathon Waletman will be running for king with Kimberly Campbell, Dana Gaffey, Morgan Ledermann and Hallie Welsh competing for queen. The king and queen will be crowned during half time of the varsity game, when the class booth winner will also be announced. The homecoming dance will be held after the game tonight. 

 

 

 

Thursday, September 20, 2007 

 

 

Amador County Supervisors were kept busy at Tuesday’s meeting 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors had a busy meeting Tuesday. Besides awarding the TOT funds to the Amador Council of Tourism and responding to the 2006-07 Grand Jury report, they dealt with a full agenda. The supervisors voted three to two not to support the U.S. Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration from Alameda County. District 2 Supervisor Richard Forester said that the supervisors felt there is not enough consensus among world scientists to support global warming. Forester said that he feels the county is doing its part to help the environment through recycling efforts and installing solar panels on county buildings. Forester added that Supervisors Louis Boitano and Ted Novelli voted to support the declaration because they feel humans may be contributing to global warming and wanted to table the issue to further discuss the issue. The meeting wrapped with the supervisors approving the final budget four votes to one with forester voting no due to the addition of $5,000 more for each supervisors’ discretionary fund for a total of $10,000. 

  

 

Ione City Council discussed its fiscal audit, city contracts 

The Ione City Council met Tuesday night for a meeting that went well according to City Manager Kim Kerr. The council spent the meeting discussing the city’s financial audit and approving several contracts. Kerr said the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, was the main topic of the night, with the council making sure the 42 comments made by the auditor were being addressed. Kerr added that a special meeting will be held Monday with the council and the planning commission to discuss general plan information pertaining to parks and recreation. The meeting will be held in council chambers at 6 p.m. 

  

 

Power outage caused by squirrel 

A power outage in Pine Grove this morning left 103 customers in the dark for an hour. According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Tam, the outage occurred around 11:10 a.m. Thursday. Crews were dispatched to the scene and were able to restore power by noon. Tam said a squirrel caused the outage. 

 

 

Local CHP recovers a 24-year-old stolen Model A 

The San Andreas area California Highway Patrol recently recovered a 24-year-old stolen vehicle. According to the CHP, Mike Schwartz of Murphys thought he had received the perfect birthday gift from his wife, a 1931 Model A Ford, on March 2, 2007. His wife bought the vehicle off eBay from the St. Louis Car Museum for just under $22,000. As a part of the registration process Schwartz was referred to the CHP for a VIN verification, where they determined the VIN number to be fraudulent. The vehicle’s true identity was determined and it was confirmed to be an outstanding stolen vehicle reported to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina in 1982. The department located a copy of the original report and contacted 76-year-old Carl Bickel to tell him his car had been found. 

  

 

Draft Removal Action Workplan for the Jackson Home Depot site is available for public comment 

A draft Removal Action Workplan for the proposed Home Depot site in Jackson is now available for public comment. The California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control is requesting public comment on the draft RAW for the 60.2-acre site at 917 N. Main St. Before the current owner can develop the site, they must clean up the arsenic-contaminated soil to levels acceptable for commercial use. The draft RAW and other related documents are available for review at the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library. The public comment period closes Oct. 5 and comments must be postmarked or e-mailed by 5 p.m. Comments can be sent to Dean Wright, Project Manager, Department of Toxic Substances Control, 8800 Cal Center Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826; or e-mailed to dwright@dtsc.ca.gov. 

  

 

Rear-end accident on Highway 49 near Middle Bar Road 

An accident between two trucks on Highway 49 Wednesday morning was caused after a Ceres woman stopped for a Caltrans flagman. According to the CHP report, 39-year-old Kim Jody Hart was driving south on Highway 49 when she was stopped by a Caltrans flagman at a construction zone on Highway 49 just south of Middle Bar Road. A 58-year-old Sacramento man was approaching hart from behind at a speed of 35 to 40 mph and attempted to stop. Due to his unsafe speed for the road conditions, the man’s 2001 GMC rear-ended Hart’s 2000 Chevy. No injuries were reported. 

 

 

Dedication ceremony for memorial plaque held Saturday 

A dedication ceremony for a memorial plaque for the Argonaut miners that lost their lives in the fire on Aug. 27, 1922 will be held Saturday. The dedication will take place at Detert Park beginning at 11 a.m. The dedication will be performed by the 3 Native Sons of the Golden West parlors. St. Sava will ring their bells 47 times, once for each miner lost in the tragic fire. The Argonaut leadership / drama class will perform “Remembering the Argonauts.” For more information, contact Charline Buckley at 296-4438. 



September 19, 2007 

 

 

1,440 marijuana plants found in Jackson yesterday 

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office is continuing in its efforts to investigate and eradicate unlawful commercial cannabis cultivation operations within Amador County. According to the sheriff’s office, an Amador County Superior Court Search Warrant for the residence and property at 11656 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, was executed Tuesday, Sept. 18, resulting in the finding more than 1,400 marijuana plants in a wooded area approximately 300 yards from the residence, which was empty with the exception of some bedding and food items.    While clearing the site, Amador County Sheriff’s Officers located and arrested two subjects who were tending to the marijuana plants. The suspects, 49-year-old Vong Sysomsack and 40-year-old Phonsavanh Sounavong, both of Fresno were booked into the Amador County Jail charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and conspiracy. Bail was set at $20,000 each. 

 

  

Amador County Supervisors respond to the Grand Jury report part 2 

The majority of the 2006-07 Grand Jury report addressed current conditions at Westover Field, also known as the Amador County Airport in Sutter Hill. The report addressed several findings including the Airport Master Plan, airport hangers, electricity use and parking. The reported ended with findings related to the grand jury facilities and equipment stating that the county properly addressed most of the Grand Jury’s equipment issues during the year, but the physical location of the Grand Jury Office is completely inadequate. The board of supervisors agreed with the finding and said they are currently working with the GSA Director to find an appropriate and adequate space for the Grand Jury Office and its 19 sworn members. 

 

Calaveras supervisors appoint interim administrative officer 

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors appointed Brent Harrington to fill in as Interim Administrative Officer beginning Oct. 1 at Tuesday’s meeting. Harrington served as the County Administrative Officer before Tom Mitchell took the job five years ago. It was also announced that Michael Miller, a Public Works Administrator with experience in Palo Alto and Livermore, will be coming to Calaveras temporarily as Public Works Director starting Oct. 15. 

  

 

Meal program for seniors in Calaveras County may be in trouble 

Due to an oversight by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, several seniors in the area may have no choice but to trade in their five hot meals a week for a once a week delivery of frozen dinners unless the county can find $15,000 to contribute to a meal program. The meals, delivered by Jackson-based Common Ground Senior Services, will stop Oct.1 because the supervisors eliminated $15,000 that was proposed as the county’s share of the funding two weeks ago. To contribute to the program last year the supervisors dipped into contingency funds. However, this year, the meals program was listed as a new budget request, which lead the supervisors to believe it was an expansion of the county's contribution. The supervisors are currently looking into a way to contribute to keep the program alive. 

 


Ridge Road accident sends one woman to the hospital 

A three-car accident Tuesday morning on Ridge Road sent one woman to the hospital. According to the CHP report, an Elk Grove man was stopped on Ridge Road just out side of Sutter Creek waiting to turn left into a driveway. A Stockton woman driving up behind him began to slow down to be able to stop in time. The third car, driven by 31-year-old Shannon Copfield of Ione, failed to see the woman slowing and rear-ended her, pushing her into the back of the stopped man’s vehicle. The woman in the middle vehicle was taken to the hospital for pain to her back. 

  

 

Well-known local artist passed away last Saturday 

David Snooks, a local well-know gourd artist, passed away Sept. 15 after a long battle with diabetes. Snooks, of Washoe descent, was a famed Native American artist who produced unique beaded and hand painted gourds. Snooks grew up near Jackson and graduated from Amador High School and California State University, Sacramento. A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Daneri Mortuary in Jackson. Graveside services are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21, at Amador Memorial Cemetery in Pioneer starting at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at Chaw Se. 

  

 

Amador County Film Festival begins tomorrow 

The first ever Film Festival held in Amador County will begin Thursday and last through Sunday. The theme of the festival is The Art of Film. All screenings will be held in Sutter Creek. Opening night will be held in the banquet room at Bellotti’s at 7 p.m. The rest of the screenings will be shown in the brick building on Main Street Sutter Creek that used to house the car dealership. Tickets are available at Coming Attractions in Sutter Creek and are $50 for all 35 films and $5 for individual showings. Opening night tickets are $15. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information about the festival, call Mike Kerrigan at 267-9251. 


September 18, 2007 

  

 

Several holes were poked in the Home Depot Draft EIR Monday night 

The Jackson Planning Commission met Monday night with a full crowd of concerned citizens to discuss the only item on the agenda — the adequacy of the Home Depot Draft EIR. Both commission chairperson Terri Works and Jackson City Planner Susan Peters reminded the public that the reason of the meeting was to take comments on the adequacy of the Draft EIR and not whether or not the project is good for Jackson. Peters said that questions and comments were not going to be answered that night, but after the comment period ends Oct. 1. Ben Ritchie with Pacific Municipal Consultants presented a power point to explain the process and main findings in the Draft EIR. Ritchie, who has no affiliation with Home Depot, said while creating the Draft EIR, four items, including air quality, land use and planning, transportation and circulation, and aesthetics / visual resources, are still significantly effected even after all possible mitigation. Everything from traffic to arsenic at the site to urban decay to noise to was questioned by the public, but it was Charlie Wings that brought up the market analysis in the appendix that proved to be most interesting. Wings said that the county is not big enough for any more stores of this nature, citing that through May of last year there were 250 building permits approved by the county and only 22 through May of this year. The commission members echoed the most of same comments made by the public, with Commission Member Dave Butow saying there are so many things wrong with the document, it doesn’t even make sense. Written comments will be accepted until Oct. 1. Call the city at 223-1646 for more information. 

 

 

Amador County Supervisors respond to Grand Jury report 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors released their response to Grand Jury report for 2006-07 Tuesday afternoon. Two main items were address in the report, including the Amador County Detention Center and Westover Field also known as the Amador County Airport in Sutter Hill. The response made to Judge David Richmond, had responses from the agencies involved as well as the supervisors. Regarding the county detention center, the findings in the report determined that it is an old and obsolete facility that no longer meets the necessary requirements to house both male and female inmates safely and effectively. Both the department head and the supervisors agreed with the finding. The report recommended that the supervisors approve the sheriff’s department’s request to do a facility needs assessment with respect to building a new detention center and join the sheriff’s department in aggressively pursing the construction of a new detention center in the near future. The supervisors agreed with the recommendation, saying a needs assessment process was started in July 2007. 


  

Sutter Creek City Council cleaned house Monday night 

The Sutter Creek City Council met Monday night for a fairly quite meeting. According to Sutter Creek City Manager Rob Duke, the council approved the final budget with only one change to give the promotions committee $4,000. The council also decided to approve a lease of the Monteverde Barn on Randolph Street for $1 a year. Duke added that besides approving some public works projects the council also approved the property entitlements for the Sutter Creek Crossroads project site plan to be extended for two years.    

 

  

An accident Sunday evening sent five people to the hospital 

A single-vehicle accident Sunday night just south of the Amador County line on Highway 49 sent five people to the hospital. According to San Andreas CHP Officer Castillo, the accident occurred around 6:05 p.m. in the curves on Highway 49 in Calaveras County as a Honda Passport ran off the road and rolled over as it approached the Amador County line. Castillo said the victims were taken to three different hospitals in the area but only sustained minor injures. The accident caused traffic to be backed up for both northbound and southbound lanes close to 8 p.m. 

 

 

Calaveras County Planning Commission to try holding night meetings 

The Calaveras County Planning Commission will begin an experiment this week by holding meetings at night. The county government is wrestling with a number of high-profile planning issues, from revising the general plan to resolving environmental concerns on projects ranging from subdivisions to golf courses. Officials hope the night meetings will allow more county residents that work in the valley during the day to attend. For at leas the next few months the commission will hold one meeting a month at night, the first being this Thursday. 

  

 

Copper pipe stolen from local construction site 

A construction site near the old Amador Nursery on Ridge Road was robbed last Tuesday night when thieves stole some copper pipe and associated fittings out of a trailer. According to the Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, the stolen items are believed to be valued at approximately $17,000. Wegner added that the information regarding the stolen copper was provided to the California Rural Crimes Task Force who notice participating law enforcement agencies and notice was given locally to an established network of recyclers in the region regarding the theft. 

  

 

Cattle rustling is still an issue for one local rancher 

Cattle rustling is alive and well in the 21st century in amador county. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, a woman called the sheriff’s office Thursday afternoon to report that two of her red cows had been stolen from her property on Jackson Valley Road. According to Undersheriff Jim Wegner, the woman reported that a group of subjects took her unbranded bull stating that they had purchased it back in March 2007. Wegner added that after her bull was taken, she branded all of her animals except two cows, which were reportedly on a neighbors land. Wegner said the woman is now reporting the two cows as missing and she believes they may have been taken during the initial incident. 

 

 

Amador Council of Tourism awarded $20,000 in TOT funds 

The Amador Council of Tourism was awarded $20,000 in TOT funds at Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting. According to ACT Tourism Director Maureen Funk, the council was up against three other proposals from local agencies. The money will be shared amongst the local business associations and the Amador Vintners. Funk said that the supervisors awarded the funds to the ACT because its outlined projects were the most broad based. ACT is currently looking for volunteers to donate a few hours a month to staff the new Visitor Center in Plymouth and talk with visitors about things to do and places to go in the county. For more information about the center or to volunteer, contact Funk at 969-5065. 



September 17, 2007 

  

 

Fire burned 50 acres in Valley Springs Saturday 

A vegetation fire in Valley Springs Saturday afternoon burned about 50 acres in all. According to CAL Fire, the blaze, near Highway 26 and Escalon Belotta Road, took about two hours to contain. The fire affected no structures and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 


  

Siblings accused of murder, plead not guilty Wednesday 

David Stanton, accused of the murder of 29-year-old Jon Flaherty, and Shawna Stanton, her brothers alleged accomplice, both plead not guilty during their arraignment Wednesday in Tuolumne Superior Court. Besides being charged with murder and accessory to the crime after the fact, both are also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Flaherty was shot and killed Aug. 25 on Wards Ferry Road southeast of Sonora. The judge set a preliminary hearing for the morning of Oct. 19. For now both Stantons remain in custody at the Tuolumne County Jail, David Stanton on $1 million bail, and Shawna Stanton on $10,000. 


  

Jackson faces hard decisions with wastewater issues 

Jackson Hills was not the only hot topic at last week’s Jackson City Council meeting. Wastewater and alternative ways to deal with it, other than using it for the proposed Jackson Hills Golf Course, were addressed by some audience members. A five-generation Amador County rancher, Frank Busi Jr. is offing the city land for a detention pond to store wastewater on his property to be able to use the treated water for agricultural use. According to City Manager Mike Daly, the city’s permit to release treated wastewater into Jackson Creek, expires every five years and requires the city to submit a request for renewal. Daly said the city has some big requirements to meet that might require them to build a title 22 tertiary treatment plant, at a cost of millions of dollars and no longer discharge water into the creek. Daly said the city has a five-year time line to figure out how to remove treated water from creek. In the mean time, Daly said the city has been discussing several options as to what to do with the water including Busi’s offer. Daly added that the city is waiting to hear the final word form the Regional Water Board Oct. 25, before they look further into any options. Busi said if the city goes with his proposal the water could be used for agriculture purposes and eliminate a need for a treatment plant that could cost the residents of Jackson thousands of dollars in increased water rates. 


  

Home Depot draft EIR discussed at tonight’s Jackson Planning Commission meeting 

Home depot will be the main item of discussion at the Jackson Planning Commission meeting Monday night. This is the chance for the residents of Jackson to voice their opinions on the topic, as the draft EIR will come before the commission in the form of a public hearing. The commission will hear public comment on the subject and discuss the adequacy of the document. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Jackson City Hall.    

 

 

Jackson Rancheria broke ground on gas station Friday 

The Jackson Rancheria band of Me-Wok Indians broke ground on its new gas station and mini mart at the corner of Highway 88 and Dalton Drive Friday with the ceremonial first shovels of dirt. According to a casino spokesperson, plans for the project include a mini mart, a touch less car wash with a recreational vehicle wash and 12 fuel pumps on approximately four acres. Completion of the project is expected in spring 2008. 


 

Amador County continues discussion over Carbondale property 

Amador County officials are still in the process of trying to figure out what to do with the Carbondale property just outside of Ione. The Carbondale Committee, consisting of Supervisors Louis Boitano and Richard Forester, met last week to look at potential development at the site. According to General Services Administration Director Jon Hopkins, the county has been in the possession of the property, approximately 247 acres, for more than 25 years. Hopkins said that the main problem how to get water to the site and how to take care of the wastewater it a potential development could create. At the meeting of the committee, Hopkins was asked to come back to the next meeting with an estimate for a survey of the property. Forester said there has been discussion about the possibility of building a new jail out there and many other ideas are also being discussed. The committee will meet again Monday, Sept. 24 to further discuss development options. 

  

 

Single-vehicle accidents keep local CHP busy this weekend 

Four single-vehicle accidents kept the Amador County CHP officers busy this weekend. An 18-year-old Valley Springs woman was uninjured after rolling her 2004 Chevy Saturday evening. According to the CHP report, Destinee Wiggins was driving north on Jackson Valley Road when entering a turn she lost control of her vehicle swerving into the other lane. Wiggins then overcorrected toward the right, ran off the road where her vehicle overturned and struck a fence. 

A hit and run accident Sunday afternoon caused damage to a fence and left a vehicle high centered on a concrete curb. The CHP officer on scene reported that the vehicle reeked of alcohol. 

A 19-year-old Ione woman was uninjured after crashed her 2001 Toyota off of Camanche Parkway Sunday evening. According to the CHP, Michelle Rosas was driving east on Camanche Parkway North at a speed of 50 to 55 mph and approaching a 30 mph curve. Rosas realized she was going to fast when she looked at her speedometer and ended up driving through the curve in a spin off the road down an embankment through a fence and into a field. 

An accident Sunday night caused a Yuba City man to run off the road into an embankment. According tot the CHP report, the 20-year-old man was driving north on Highway 49 south of Highway 16 when he allowed his 2007 Nissan to drift in to the other lane of traffic. 

 

  

Argonaut High School Homecoming results 

Friday night was homecoming at Argonaut High School. The Mustangs football team played Golden Sierra High School at home losing the battle, 0-15. The Homecoming king and queen, Dominic D’Angelica and Raquel Santiago were crowned before the varsity game. Amador high school will hold their homecoming this Friday. 

 

 

 

Friday, September 14, 2007 

  

  

Ione man pleads guilty to murder 

An Ione man pled guilty to murder Thursday, Sept. 13. According to the District Attorney’s Office, 51-year-old David Jackson pled guilty to second-degree murder by use of a weapon, possession of stolen property and resisting/delaying a peace officer in the line of duty. As a result of the plea, Jackson will serve 18 years to life in state prison. Jackson’s sentencing has been set for Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. 

  

 

County holds third transportation workshop 

Another workshop dealing with transportation issues in the county was held Tuesday afternoon with the Amador County Board of Supervisors. This is the third workshop held with the supervisors dealing with the Regional Transportation Plan Program Policies and Traffic Impact Study. At this workshop the Amador County Transportation Commission presented a list of items to be looked at when a development is in the planning stages. The supervisors decided to develop a committee with all the cities so the transportation issue can be a growing, living process and possibility come up with a better way to do things. District 2 Supervisor Richard Forester volunteer to be a member of the committee and was ready to be a part of what he called a learning process. 

  

 

Road rage in Sutter Creek causes minor accident 

An incident of road rage in Sutter Creek Thursday morning between two men caused a minor collision. According to the CHP report, 41-year-old Glenn Lake was driving east on Ridge Road west of the Old Ridge Road intersection when 28-year-old Travis Branco pull out from the intersection in front of him. Lake became angry and began following Branco extremely close while making obscene gestures. Branco pulled over to let Lake pass him and began following Lake further on Ridge Road at an unsafe distance when Lake abruptly applied his brakes and swerved to the right causing Branco’s 2006 Toyota to brush against the running board of Lake’s 1993 Chevy. 

  

 

Junior high basketball referees needed 

Local basketball referees are needed immediately for the junior high school level. To fill this need long-time basketball official Kim Nielsen will be conducting a two-day clinic for interested community members, coaches and high school players Sept. 19 and 20 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Jackson Junior High School. Participants will learn the rules and techniques, then practice those skills during game-like conditions. The cost of the clinic is $10 per day. For more information about the clinic, call the Amador County Unified School District at 257-5353. 

  

 

Homecoming at Argonaut High School 

Its Homecoming at Argonaut High School. As a part of the celebration, the Argonaut High School Mustangs will play Golden Sierra High School tonight at home. The junior varsity football game will kick-off at 5:30 p.m. with varsity playing at 7:30 p.m. The Homecoming king and queen will be crowned tonight before the varsity game. A spirit rally was held during school today and the Masquerade Ball Homecoming Dance will be held Saturday night. 

  

 

Fiddlers’ Jam this Saturday held in Fiddletown 

The 15th annual Fiddlers' Jam will be held tomorrow, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in downtown Fiddletown. This fun-filled street fair is for the whole family and will include live music, a fiddlers' contest, a raffle, a silent auction, BBQ by Incahoots, and many craft and specialty vendors. The Fiddlers’ Jam serves as an annual fund-raiser for the Fiddletown Community Center. Admission is free and there will be a shuttle to and from parking. For more information, contact Dan Slater at 296-0918. Make sure to watch this mornings interview with Dan Slater on our PodCast page. 

  

 

Blue Grassin’ in the Foothills at the fairgrounds this weekend 

The fifth annual Blue Grassin’ in the Foothills will fill the Amador County Fairgrounds with music this weekend.  Single day tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for teens and $5 for children Friday or Sunday and $25 for adults, $15 for teens and $8 for children Saturday. For more information, visit www.landspromotions.com. 

 

 

Calaveras vs. Westin, listen to HomeTown Radio’s Game of Week 

For HomeTown Radio’s game of the week the Calaveras High School Redskins football team will play at home tonight against Westin Ranch High School. The junior varsity game will begin at 5 p.m. with varsity kicking off at 7 p.m. HomeTown Radio’s coverage of the game will begin at 6:45 p.m. 

  

 

Two household hazardous waste collections held in Calaveras this weekend 

Calaveras and Alpine County residents will have two opportunities to dispose of household hazardous waste this weekend. The first drop site will be set up Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the County Maintenance Yard in Arnold, 1191 Linebaugh Road. A second site will be held Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Andreas Government Center, 891 Mountain Ranch Road. State law mandates that individuals can drop off a maximum of 15 gallons of liquid and 125 pounds of solid hazardous waste per trip. For more information, contact 754-6399. 

  

 

Children’s cooking classes at Upcountry Community Center 

The Upcountry Community Center will hold a Kids Cooking Class for children ages 9 to 12 years old. The class, taught by George Erdosh a culinary scientist, food writer and certified cooking teacher, will be a five-part series starting Sept. 21 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. In each class there will be some demonstration and some hands-on work by the children. Class topics include kitchen tools and equipment; kitchen and cooking techniques; knife skill; planning, cooking and timing meals; and cooking meat, poultry and fish. The cost of the class is $15 per class, totaling $75 for the series, checks to be made out to George Erdosh. To reserve your child’s spot, pay ahead of time at the Upcountry Community Center. For more information, call the center at 296-2785. 


September 13, 2007 

  

 

Sewage pipe break spilled 10 gallons, affected 10 homes 

A break in a sewer pipe in Fiddletown Wednesday leaked 10 gallons of sewage and affected more than 10 homes for a few hours. According to Amador County Officials, the sewage leak, near the park, was called in by a local resident reporting that sewage was seeping up on the side of the road. County officials are still unsure of the cause of the leak but think it might have something to do with the recent underground utility work done by PG&E on Main Street. The break in the two-inch pipe was reported around 3 p.m., with everything cleaned up by 9 p.m. County crews returned to the site again Thursday for a final clean up. 

  

 

County officials reminding local residents to "Get your flu shot" 

With flu season just around the corner, Amador and Calaveras County Health Officials are reminding “high risk” residents to “get your flu shot” this fall. Amador County Health Officer, Dr. Bob Hartmann says annual flu shots are especially important for seniors and those at any age with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or a weakened immune system. Flu shots will be available at Sutter Amador Hospital’s 13th annual Health Festival Friday, Oct. 12. 

  

 

Accused murder appeared for arraignment 

David Roy Stanton appeared for an arraignment Wednesday afternoon in Tuolumne County Superior Court. The judge set Oct. 19 as the preliminary hearing date for the San Andreas man. Stanton has been charged with the murder of Jon Steven Flathery of Wallace Aug. 25. 

  

 

Valley Springs gets a new water tank 

The three-year wait is over for the new Valley Springs water tank. It was back in 2004 when the 2,676-acre Pattison fire destroyed the old redwood water tank and burned 17 homes. The new storage tank, built at a cost of $1.8 million and with a capacity of more than 150,000 gallons, is now in place and fully operational. 

 

 

Supervisors, Sutter Creek Fire Protection District discuss fees 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday with not a lot on the agenda, but a lot to say about some of the items. The Executive Director of the Sutter Creek Fire Protection District came before the council to ask the county to discontinue the collection of a property tax administrative fee that is currently charged by the county to the district for the collection of taxes. The representative from the county assessor’s office said it is a matter of fairness to keep charging everyone for theses fees. District 2 Supervisor Richard Forester said that if the county didn’t charge these fees the total tax burden for the county would be about $60,000. No decision was made at Tuesday’s meeting, but the supervisors are brainstorming ways to help with the fees and will discuss it at a future meeting. 
 


September 12, 2007 

  

 

Officers promoted at sheriff’s department, view a video clip on our PodCast page 

The Amador County Sheriff’s Department swore -in two new lieutenants and two new sergeants Tuesday afternoon. Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan swore-in Lieutenants Charles Ray and Drew Stidger, and Sergeants Jarret Benov and Jim Cardoza. Ryan thanked everyone for coming to the ceremony and thanked the families of the officers for their support. He then read the mission statement and vision statement of the Amador County Sheriff’s Department saying it was critical to the success of the department promote people that help accomplish these goals. Ryan ended the ceremony, held the Board of Supervisors chambers in Jackson, by saying it is important to put people like these in positions of authority to keep the county and its residents safe. 

  

 

Supervisors hold sea-land storage container workshops 

Because sea-land storage container regulations have proven to be of great interest to Amador County residents, the Board of Supervisors has scheduled two joint public workshop sessions with the planning commission to provide the public the opportunity to voice their concerns and possible solutions to the issues of the use of sea-land storage containers. On May 16, 2006, Title 19 of the Amador County Code was amended to include regulations pertaining to sea-land storage containers in order to encourage appropriate locations and uses for such containers and protect the visual quality of the county. Two workshop sessions will be held Tuesday, Sept. 25 at the board of supervisors chambers in Jackson with an afternoon session from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and an evening session from 7 to 9 p.m. For information, contact the Amador County Planning Department at 223-6380. 

 

 

Accident at the casino causes major injuries 

An 85-year-old woman sustained major injuries after causing an accident at the casino Tuesday afternoon. According to the CHP report, Betty Jane Irvin of Pine Grove was leaving the Jackson Rancheria Casino when approaching a stop sign she accelerated rather than applying her brakes. As a result, her 1999 Toyota accelerated through an intersection, narrowly missing another vehicle, drove off the road and overturned coming to a rest on the vehicles side in a field. Irvin suffered major injuries including multiple fractures and was taken to Mercy San Juan for treatment. 

  

 

School bus accident in school parking lot 

A school bus accident in the Pine Grove Elementary School parking lot resulted in property damage Tuesday afternoon. According to the CHP report, upon entering the parking lot, the school bus driver saw there were two vehicles in front of the loading zone at the school. The bus driver attempted to steer around the vehicles to park in the loading zone to pick up children when one of the vehicles made and unsafe turn and struck the right rear of the bus. The bus was empty at the time of the collision and no injuries were reported. 


  

Amador County Government 101 Workshops 

In an effort to help others understand how local government works from the people involved in it, a group of community members have organized an Amador Government 101 Workshop. The workshop will consist of five classes with different topics and speakers from local government and county agencies. Workshops are held at the County Government Center and scheduled on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month starting Sept. 26. Workshop presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 with an open public question and answer period from 8:30 to 9 p.m. For more information about dates and topics, contact Debbie Dunn at 296-5435. 


  

Amador County Unified School District honored with two awards 

The Amador County Unified School District is being recognized for its character education with two “Promising Practices” awards from the Character Education Partnership. Superintendent Mike Carey said this award is a big deal and the district is honored to be recognized for its efforts in character education. These awards mark the districts fourth and fifth awards from the partnership in four years and it is the only district in the country to receive as many as five honors sine 2002. The awards are for the district’s “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” a program that trains high school students in leadership and counseling skills, and LEADS, a program that pairs successful juniors and seniors at Amador High School with incoming freshmen to help them get off to a strong academic start. The awards will be presented Nov. 1 through 3 in Arlington, Virginia. 

  

 

CSRC&D looking for proposals 

The Central Sierra Resource Conservation and Development Area Council is requesting proposals for the construction of a log diversion structure at the Lions Park along Sutter Creek. The project will restore flood plain activity at the park between Sutter Creek and Volcano off of Sutter-Volcano Road. Besides the log structure the project also calls for the cut and fill of river rock material on the first terrace at the park. Full scale plans and a bid schedule are available at the CSRC&D office at 235 D New York Ranch Road in Jackson. Proposals are due Sept. 20. 

 

 

 

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 

  

 

Structure fire in Jackson burns attic, for video visit our PodCast page 

Local fire crews quickly contained a structure fire in the attic of a Jackson house this morning. A call came in around 7 a.m. that there was smoke coming from the attic of a house at 403 Court Street in Jackson. According to crews on scene, the fire was contained by 7:43 a.m. with the attic sustaining major damage with possible water damage to the lower lever of the house. No injuries were reported. Fire crews are still unsure of the cause of the fire and are currently conducting an investigation. To see a video clip of the fire damage, visit our PodCast page. 

  

 

Local resident called to help after 9/11 attacks 

As our nation marks the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, HomeTown Radio spoke with Sutter Creek resident Mike McGurik. McGurik is a member of the Sac Metro Fire Urban Search and Rescue team and was dispatched to the world trade center the afternoon of the attacks. We invite you to listen to this morning’s interview from our PodCast page as McGurik explains first hand what it is like looking for survivors in the ruble of the Twin Towers. 

  

 

Jackson City Council approves Jackson Hills documents 

All council members and more than 40 community members were present at Monday night’s Jackson City Council meeting. The council approved several documents and discussed a development agreement related to Jackson Hills Golf Course and Residential Community. All documents were passed by the council four to one, with Councilmember Andy Rodriguez voting no for every resolution and ordinance change. The council then discussed the development agreement between the city and the developers and Jackson Mayor Drew Stidger appointed Councilmembers Connie Gonsalves and Al Nunes to a committee to work with New Faze, the project developers, on an outline of a develop agreement. 

  

 

Drivers only sustain minor injuries because of wearing their seat belts 

Two single vehicle accidents in the past two days resulted in minor injuries for both drivers thanks to seat belts. According to a CHP report, a 16-year-old Pioneer resident was driving south on Silver Drive south of Highway 88 Monday morning when he lost control of his Jeep in a curve and ran off the road hitting a mail box and a tree. Tuesday morning saw a 58-year-old Sacramento resident speeding south on Ione Michigan Bar Road north of Carbondale Road when she lost control in a curve in the road and drifted onto the gravel shoulder, overcorrected and lost control again when her Acura rolled over and came to a rest on its roof in a field. According to the CHP report, the driver was wearing her seat belt, which kept her in her seat and drastically minimized her injuries. The driver was able to exit the car on her own and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital.    

 

 

Busy weekend for local CHP officers

After a quite Labor Day weekend, local CHP officers in Amador and Calaveras counties were kept busy this weekend with five injury accidents, two property damage accidents and an arrest. According to the CHP report, an accident in Calaveras County Sunday afternoon, where a man on a motorcycle lost control around a turn and sideswiped a car in the other lane, sent one man to the hospital and the other to jail. A Concord man was driving north on Salt Springs in Calaveras County when he lost control around a curve in the road, went off the road and hit a large rock ejecting him from his bike and striking a rock upon landing suffering major injuries including a broken nose, foot and cuts all over his body. A one-vehicle injury Friday night near Fiddletown was caused 23-year-old Ryan Smith lost control of his 2000 Acura, crossed into the other lane of traffic, went off the road and struck a fence. 

  

 

Lick Fire contained 

Local residents can breath a little easier now that the Lick Fire is 100 percent contained. The fire in Santa Clara County burned 48,000 acres in the Henry Coe State Park near Mt. Hamilton. However, the Moonlight Fire in Plumas County, six miles northeast of Greenville, is still burning and now 33 percent contained. It has burned more than 63,500 acres. 


September 10, 2007 

  

 

Youth minister pleads guilty

Former youth minister recently pled guilty to two felony counts for oral copulation. According to Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe, Jackson resident and former interim youth minister John Magsayo plead guilty to two felony counts for oral copulation of minors under 16 and 18 respectively Sept. 7. Magsayo was arrested Dec. 17 by Amador County Sheriff’s Officers when he was found in a van on Electra Road with three under aged girls he was reportedly driving home. The 28-year-old will receive five years felony probation with several terms and conditions including 270 days in county jail, 90 days work program, complete a 90 day diagnostic program with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and counseling. Riebe said magsayo must also stay away from the victims and is not allowed be alone with minors. Magsayo is to be remanded into custody on Nov. 5 to begin his 90-day diagnostic program. 

 

 

Jackson City Council to further discuss Jackson Hills tonight 

The Jackson City Council will meet tonight to discuss the approval of documents related to the Jackson Hills Golf Course and Residential Community, the next step in the long process of approving or deigning the 540-home project. The council will review resolutions for certification of the EIR, Tentative Subdivision Maps conditioned on the approval of a Development Agreement, a General Plan amendment to Residential Low Density and Recreation with a Planned Development Overlay and an ordinance to rezone to Residential Single Family and Planned Unit Development. Also at Monday night’s meeting the council will have a chance to discuss suggestions for content and process for a development agreement for the project. 

 

 

Power surge damages pricey for Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department 

More than $50,000 is the total monetary value of the damage to Calaveras County Government Center equipment caused by an electrical surge on Aug. 31. The damage, mainly to the sheriff’s department, occurred after a lighting strike to a transformer caused a power outage in San Andreas. The surge damaged a backup generator and destroyed two dispatch computers, an electronic fingerprinting machine, the jail intercom system and fire alarms. 


  

Abandoned vehicle found on Highway 49, Middle Bar Road 

An abandoned vehicle off of Highway 49 and Middle Bar Road tied up emergency crews for a short time Monday morning. According to the CHP Web site, a collision was reported around 9:30 a.m. in the area of Highway 49 and Middle Bar Road. When crews arrived on scene, they found a car off the road one mile from the bridge. A yellow Volkswagen Carmengia with Washington state plates was found hanging off the side of the road. Amador County Sheriff’s Officers on scene reported that the vehicle was abandoned and there were several empty alcohol bottles in and around the vehicle. 

  

Remembering 9-11

As tomorrow will mark the sixth anniversary of the 9-11 attack on the United States, the city of Ione will hold a Ceremony of Remembrance. Community members will gather at the Ione fire station Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. to remember lives lost and the sacrifices of others during the tragic event that changed our lives forever. The honor guard will present the flag and a moment of silence will be held at 8:46 a.m. the time that the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. An open house will immediately follow the ceremony. 

 

 

Local residents still see, smell smoke in the area 

Numerous calls have been received by HomeTown Radio asking about smoke in the area wondering if there is a fire locally. Thankfully no fires have been reported and the smoke people are seeing and smelling is still from the two fires currently burning in the state. The human caused Lick Fire located in the Henry Coe State Park near Mt. Hamilton in Santa Clara County has now burned 47,760 acres and is 95 percent contained. The Moonlight Fire, six miles northeast of Greenville in Plumas County, has blackened 52,358 acres and is only 16 percent contained. Due to the six to eight weeks of remaining fire season the California State Fire Marshall, the California State Fire Safe Council and Amador Fire Safe Council announce that Sept. 9 through 15 is Wildfire Awareness Week. 

  

 

Vehicle fire in Wal-Mart parking lot 

A vehicle fire at Wal-Mart Saturday morning had crews rushing to the scene. The vehicle fire was reported around 11 a.m. in the Wal-Mart parking lot where a truck had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the time emergency fire crews arrived at the scene by witnesses. The call was canceled by 11:07 a.m.    It is still unsure what started the fire. 

  

 

Amador County number one in the West 

Progressive Farmer recently named Amador County the number one Best Place to Live in the West and is still number nine for the Best Rural Places to Live in the Nation for 2007. On the list for best in the west out of 60, with Amador at the top, Calaveras County was listed at number 25 and El Dorado County at number 43. The article about the county listed several reasons why amador is number one, including three distinct best places in one. 

 

 

Amador County wine grape harvest has begun 

Grape harvest is underway in Amador County. According to Tony Spinetta, with Charles Spinetta Winery in Plymouth, harvest started three weeks ago for them and they are about halfway done. Spinetta says between the dry conditions and warm and cool temperatures this summer, yields are down but the quality of the grapes is pretty good. Spinetta added that the unique thing about this year is that everything is ripe at the same time and the cooler weather is holding the grapes at the perfect place until they can be picked. Spinetta expects to be done with harvest by the end of this month. 

  

 

Swearing-in ceremony 

The Amador County Sheriff’s Department will swear-in two new lieutenants and two new sergeants Tuesday afternoon. Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan will swear-in lieutenants Charles Ray and Drew Stidger, and sergeants Jarret Benov and Jim Cardoza. The ceremony will be held Sept. 11 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 3 p.m. 
 



September 7, 2007 

 

 

11 arrested in West Point after probation / parole sweep 

Eleven people were arrested Thursday in a probation / parole sweep in West Point. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department detectives, Narcotics and Probation departments teamed with agents from California Department of Corrections and Alcohol Beverage Control and conducted probation and parole searches in the West Point area. During these searches numerous probationers and parolees were contacted as well as other law violators and arrested for drunk in public to parole violations. 

  

 

Charges dismissed against Calaveras Public Works Department Supervisor 

Calaveras County prosecutors have dismissed charges against a Public Works Department Supervisor earlier accused of interfering with an investigation, citing an absence of proof. Deputy District Attorney Daniel McConnell moved to dismiss a misdemeanor charge against Edwin Frederick Hoag III during a hearing in the Calaveras County Superior Court Wednesday. Hoag was taken into custody in April, after Public Works Mechanic Lee Rhodes and Rhodes' supervisor, Dave Sanders were arrested on suspicion of embezzling county property. The charges against all three men grew from a report by a sheriff's deputy on April 12 that the public works mechanic's bay was being used after hours for work on non-county vehicles. Investigators never charged Hoag, who was Sanders' supervisor, with theft or embezzlement, but claimed he delayed providing documents essential to the investigation. 


  

Calaveras County finalizes budget 

Calaveras County Supervisors concluded a budget hearing Thursday by unanimously approving a final budget of $106.5 million that was balanced by rejecting $2.4 million in requests from county departments and taking $763,099 away from the county's road repair fund. The rejected requests will mean the county will do less roadwork and the sheriff’s department will have to do without four new deputies and a sergeant. Supervisors were frustrated that they lacked the money to meet so many needs, ranging from parks, to land use planning, to law enforcement.    

  

 

DUI checkpoint in Calaveras County 

The California Highway Patrol in conjunction with the Angels Camp Police Department will hold a sobriety checkpoint Saturday night between 7:30 and 11:30 p.m. to target those drivers that are driving under the influence of alcohol / drugs. All drivers will be checked and those found under the influence of drugs or above the legal limit for alcohol will be arrested and booked into the county jail.    

  

 

Project Learning Tree workshop Sept. 12 

The Amador County Waste Management Department will host a free Project Learning Tree workshop, with an emphasis on municipal solid waste for classroom teachers and other educators working with youth. The two-hour workshop will be held Sept. 12, a minimum day for all Amador County schools, at 1:30 p.m. in the school district office conference room, 217 Rex Ave. in Jackson. To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Amador County Waste Management at 223-6429. 

  

 

Blues and Brews in Sutter Creek Saturday 

For hot blues and cool brews this weekend, head down to the Sutter Creek Blues and Brews Festival Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m. Two blues bands, The Leather Souls and Daddy Chillin’, will perform in Blues Gardens on Eureka Street and Randolph Street next to two beer gardens. Tickets, $20 in advance and $25 at the door, include entry to music, a commemorative mug and great brews.    $10 designated driver tickets are also available. Tickets are available at the Sutter Creek Music Box Company on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

  

 

Mooney fly-in at Westover Field in Sutter Hill 

A Mooney fly-in will be held at Westover Field, the airport in Sutter Creek, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature Mooney aircrafts and classic cars. The public is invited to come out for free and see the unveiling of the newest Mooney plane, the Mooney Acclaim.        

 

 

Circus comes to town 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey invites families all across America to join the Bellobration, an extravaganza at the greatest show on earth where comic daredevil Bello and his friends throw an amazing party that can’t be topped. Be a part of the most exhilarating and sought out celebration of the year as Bellobration comes to the Stockton Arena Thursday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 16 and Sacramento’s ARCO Arena Thursday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 23. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 
 


September 6, 2007 

  

 

Smoke advisory for the Foothills 

A northeasterly wind flowing across the Sierra Nevadas is pushing a considerable amount of smoke into areas of the Foothills from the two wildfires currently burning in Plumas County and Santa Clara County. According to the National Weather Service, localized areas of dense smoke, with visibilities dropping below one mile, may be encountered across the Foothills and San Joaquin Valley. The smoky conditions will likely persist through tonight and into tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service is encouraging anyone who may be vulnerable to respiratory stress, the elderly and the young to take precautions included staying indoors, avoiding strenuous physical activity and staying indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible. 

  

 

A Valley Springs motorcycle rider goes to hospital after accident 

A rear-end accident sent one Valley Springs man to the hospital with moderate injuries Thursday morning. According to the CHP report, Joseph Butler was slowing down on his 2005 Harley Davidson on Jenny Lind Approach Road to turn into his driveway when 20-year-old Casey Overmier was adjusting the radio tuner in her 2003 Chevy 1500 and failed to notice the slowing traffic and hit the rear of the motorcycle. Butler was medi-flighted to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto where he is being held over night for observation. 

  

 

Hunting season opens, residents may soon hear gun shots 

Local residents may soon be hearing the sound of gun shots more often than not as dove season recently opened, with quail and deer to follow closely behind. According to Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, dove season opened Sept.1 and that can cause local residents to hear more gun shots in the early morning and evenings. Wegner said the California Department of Fish and Game was out this weekend checking people for proper licenses. 

  

 

Man on a motorcycle gets injured avoiding a cow in the road 

A man riding a motorcycle avoiding a cow in the road sustained moderate injuries after laying down his bike in Calaveras County. According to the CHP report, 48-year-old Nicholas Griggs of Valley Springs was driving south on Milton road early Tuesday morning when after coming around a turn he saw a cow in the road and slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting it. In doing so, Griggs lost control of his motorcycle laying it down and was ejected across the road. Griggs was taken to Mark Twain-St. Joseph Hospital for a possible broken left ankle and left shoulder. 

  

 

Water agency begins use of automated meter readers 

Continuing in its efforts to seek innovative ways to save time, money and perform functions more efficiently, the Amador Water Agency is conducting an automated meter reader program. According to the agency's Financial Manager Michael Lee, the program enables the agency employees to read water meters automatically from as far as a half-mile away from the meter. They can also detect leaks, tampering and customer overuse, which allows the agency a better understanding of what sort of conservation opportunities may work best locally.    

  

 

Novelli elected to the CALAFCO Board of Directors 

Freshman Supervisor Ted Novelli was recently recognized for his involvement with the Amador LAFCO and elected to the Board of Directors of the California Association of LAFCOs to one of the two open seats designated for county representatives. The District 3 Supervisor’s experience on LAFCO and on the Amador Water Agency gives him insight into the issues and challenges facing LAFCOs throughout the state. 

 

 

 

Wednesday, September 5, 2007 

  

 

Farkas pleads guilty 

A Pine Grove man arrested for slamming his girlfriend's 19-month-old child into a wall and charged with two counts of felony child abuse pled guilty last week. According to the Amador County District Attorney’s Office, 45-year-old Neil Andrew Farkas pled guilty based on a stipulated sentence of nine years. Based on the agreement, Farkas must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. The attack took place May 16 while Farkas was watching the child at his residence when he picked up the child by the waist, shook him and banged him into a wall after he wouldn’t stop crying. The D.A.’s Office said Farkas will be sentenced in at a court hearing Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. 

  

 

Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office damaged by outage 

Calaveras County Undersheriff Mike Walker briefed the Board of Supervisors yesterday, regarding damaged caused by Friday’s power outage in San Andreas. The outage took down vital public safety computers and other electrical equipment. Walker said a relay switch in the 40-yaer-old backup generator at the county government center malfunction, sending surges of power through the sheriff’s department.    The price tag for the losses could run the county in the thousands of dollars and possibly much more.

 

Sutter Creek City Council sees a snap shot of Gold Rush 

A snap shot of what the Gold Rush Ranch and Golf Resort would look like if it was all built out today was presented to the Sutter Creek City Council Tuesday night. According to City Manager Rob Duke, Northcross, Hilland and Ach provided the council with a look at how the Gold Rush Ranch and Golf Resort project would affect the city financially if it was built today. Duke said the projected numbers showed a net benefit to the city of a few hundred dollars per house. The council approved a contract to be signed with Northcross, Hilland and Ach to now create a long-term view of the project and how it would affect the city.    Duke says the long-term report will look 35 years in to the future and address any short falls the project may come across to make sure it will be able to support itself. 


  

Amador County Board of Supervisors met again to discuss casino 

The Amador County Board of Supervisors met Wednesday in another closed session to further discuss issues related to the proposed Buena Vista Casino. No action was taken at that meeting but it was reported that the talks were concerning negotiations between the county and Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. The county recently made a request to add an amendment to its lawsuit based on a lack of ” historical tribal presence,” in the area of the proposed casino. 

  

 

Ione City Council approves improvements to the city 

The Ione City Council was busy Tuesday night, making decision that will create improvements throughout the city. According to City Manager Kim Kerr, the council opened bidding for a street striping and painting project that will take place all over the city and for a sewer line replacement in Howard Park. The deadline for all bids to be in for both projects will be Oct. 2. The council also authorized the finance director to establish a supplemental appropriation of $20,364 for electrical wiring of the snack shack at Howard Park. The council also authorized Kerr to finalize and sign the contract with AAA Pipeline Inspection for ongoing work on the sewer system. 

  

 

Mine property for sale 

Due to unpaid taxes, Calaveras County will soon sell the 16-acre Blazing Star Gold Mine near West Point. Treasurer-Tax Collector Lynette Norfolk has set a minimum bid of $200,000 for the property. Currently, the total back taxes bill for the mine equal $381,416.59. The property will be up for bid at an auction Nov. 8. 

  

 

Money available to help with weed control 

Close to $10,000 is available for Calaveras County residents looking to control yellow star thistle on their properties. The Calaveras County Environmental Management Agency recently announced that a grant has been made available through the California Department of Agriculture to stop the spread of yellow star thistle and smooth distaff thistle into the Stanislaus National Forest. For more information or an application, contact the Calaveras County Department of Agriculture at 754-6504. Applications must be received by Oct. 26. 

 

 

Preschool Storytime starts tomorrow 

Preschoolers will take part in a great new story and have an opportunity to work on a story related craft when Storytime starts again at the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library. Preschool Storytime will begin Thursday, Sept. 6 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. with resident storyteller Miss Cleo. On Sept. 13, Miss Tasha, will pay a visit to read one of her funny stories to her young audience and on Sept. 27 special guest Anne Short will reveal the miracles of recycling with a story and a craft. Storytime is offered to local preschoolers free of charge. For more information, call Sue at 223-6405. 



September 4, 2007 


Amador County pot bust investigation continues 

The investigation continues in the marijuana bust in Amador County Thursday morning pending the processing of physical evidence located at the scenes where more than 12,000 mature marijuana plants were found. The Amador County Sheriff’s Office dismantled two large scale, outdoor commercial marijuana cultivation operations in the Mokelumne River Canyon in the Pioneer area ending up with a total of 12,330 mature plants found. Although no suspects were located on scene, officers found two campsites, one day camp, two processing sites and evidence indicating that the cultivators were armed. The sheriff’s office says a conservative value of the eradicated marijuana plants is estimated at more than $5 million. 

  

 

STP robber arrested 

An arrest in the sierra trading post robbery was made on Wednesday. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, 56-year-old Dennis Lincoln Libby was arrested and charged with robbery for his involvement in the masked knife point robbery at the STP in pioneer last Saturday. Detectives were successful in recovering $55 of the $282 originally stolen. Libby was also arrested on three outstanding amador superior court arrest warrants for traffic related offenses. Libby is being held in the amador county jail with bail set at $90,000. 


 

CHP reports a mild Labor Day weekend 

It was a pretty mild Labor Day weekend for CHP officers in Amador and Calaveras Counties. The CHP held a maximum enforcement period all over the state during the holiday weekend from 6 p.m. Friday to midnight on Monday. According to Craig Harmon, with the Amador CHP, Amador County reported seven DUI arrests and only two non-injury collisions. Calaveras County CHP reported 190 citations, six DUI arrests and two non-injury accidents over the weekend. 

  

 

JPD receives two new motorcycles 

The Jackson Police Department recently added two new motorcycles to its force to better protect the city of Jackson. According to JPD Chief Scott Morrison, the department received a street bike and a dual sport motorcycle plus a patrol car with revenue from the Tribal Gaming Fund. Morrison said as a schedule allows, both a marked unit and motorcycle will be on patrol during heavy traffic hours in Jackson. Morrison added the motorcycles will also be available to target areas where there are heavy complaints of speeders in neighborhoods or in the Oro de Amador property where there have already been problems with vehicles off-roading. 

 

 

Calaveras County board discusses Grand Jury Report 

While the Amador County Board of Supervisors has the day off, the Calaveras County Board will meet today to discuss and take possible action on the response to the 2006-07 final Grand Jury Report. In an 11 a.m. study session, the board will review the mission statement, goals and objectives, and budget principles for the current fiscal year with the final budget hearings for the fiscal year set for Wednesday and Thursday of this week. 

 


Fire closes Highway 49 for a short time 

A vegetation fire on Highway 49 closed the road for a short time on Sunday morning. A fire started around 10:08 a.m. along the side of Highway 49 near Bell Road had a huge response from local emergency crews. Due to several emergency vehicles answering the call, the one-acre fire closed the road to through traffic. Fire crews on scene quickly contained the blaze. 

 

 

Dump truck fire starts several small fires 

A dump truck fire in Calaveras County started several small vegetation fires on the side of the road near Valley Springs. It was reported that a dump truck on fire lost some burning items out the back that caught weeds on the side of the road on fire. The first fire was reported at Watertown Road and Camp Seco Road with the others just feet apart. Local fire crews quickly contained the three roadside fires closing the road temporarily. The cause of the dump truck fire is still under investigation.   

 

 

Roadwork almost completed 

Road construction in Sutter Creek near the high school may soon be finished. According to Project Manager Ed Arata, construction began in late June to add an incoming turn lane onto Spanish Street from Old Highway 49 and widen part of Sutter-Ione Road to add sidewalks. Arata said paving was completed on Thursday and Friday of last week and opened the road for through traffic. Arata said the road still needs striping and the upper parking lot behind the high school football field still needs to be graded and paved. Arata said the project should be completed by the third week in September. 


  

Knight foundry project receives much needed grant
The city of Sutter Creek recently received a matching grant for more than $870,000 from the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, which will go toward the $1.3 million purchase price for the Knight Foundry in Sutter Creek. According to Andy Fahrenwald, Knight Foundry project manager, this grant money is allocated for two things, acquisition of the foundry, which is currently in escrow, and for clean up. After the purchase, the city of sutter creek and the knight foundry corporation will enter into a partnership where the city will own the site and the nonprofit will operate it. At this point Fahrenwald is not worried about raising the rest of the money because the foundry is so important to the community and it has gained national prominence. 


  

Calaveras County Board of Supervisors calls for closed session 

A closed session has been called by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors to further discuss the proposed west county subdivision called the Ridge at Trinitas. Because of the amount of opposition toward the project and a finding for significant potential for litigation, supervisor Tom Tryon brought up the idea of the closed session during Tuesday's meeting. Owner and developer Mike Nemee is now asking to build a lodge and a 13-home gated community around the golf course that is already built. The planning commission will hold a public hearing for this project Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Government Center in San Andreas. 


Monday, September 3, 2007 


  

Calaveras County reports third bird infected with WNV 

Late last week Calaveras County Health officials received notice from the state that a bird in the Copperopolis area has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This marks the third infected bird in the county this year. Amador County has yet to have a confirmed case of West Nile in birds or horses, but did have a human case confirmed last month. Already this year there have been 10 human deaths from West Nile Virus in California. 


August 31, 2007 

  

 

Siblings held in connection with shooting 

Two siblings are being held in connection with a fatal shooting in Tuolumne County last weekend. The Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office has charged 39-year-old David Roy Stanton with murder, the discharge of a rifle in connection with the crime and with being a felon in possession of a firearm.    His sister, Shawna Lea Stanton, is being charged as an accessory after the fact. Authorities said they believe Jon Steven Flaherty of Wallace, in Calaveras County, was killed Saturday evening by the siblings. According to Tuolumne County Superior Court, a video arraignment from the county jail is set for Wednesday at 4 p.m., so that the defendants have time to get lawyers. 

 

 

Lighting strike causes outage in Calaveras County 

A lighting strike cause 3,185 PG&E customers to be with out power for about an hour in Calaveras County this morning. According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Tam, a report of a down power line at St. Charles Way and High School Street around 10 a.m. The outage effected customers in the San Andreas, Sheep Ranch and Mountain Ranch areas. Tam said at 10:55 crews were able to restore power to 3,180, leaving five customers in the dark until around 1 p.m. according to estimates. 

 

 

Eldorado National Forest fire danger is critical 

Labor day visitors will determine if the Eldorado forest makes it through the weekend without a wildfire. According to Bob Patton, Eldorado National Forest Fire Chief, the fire danger in the Eldorado National Forest is critically high. Patton says campfires are the number one cause of human started wildfires in the national. Forest service fire restrictions currently prohibit any type of open campfires and charcoal barbecues outside hosted campgrounds. Visitors choosing to build a campfire in violation of the fire restrictions will be faced with a $375 fine and the possibly of a mandatory appearance before a federal magistrate. Campers are still allowed to use propane stoves and lanterns if they have a permit and place the equipment in a safe spot. Free-of-charge permits can be picked up at any forest service or bureau of land management office. 

  

 

CHP gears up for a Maximum Enforcement Period for Labor Day weekend 

In the wake of a particularly tragic Fourth of July holiday, when 18 people died on California roadways in a 24-hour period, the California Highway Patrol is redoubling its traffic safety efforts during the upcoming labor day holiday weekend in hopes of ending the summer on a more positive note. According to Craig Harmon, public information officer for the Amador CHP office, in an effort to reduce the number of collisions related to DUIs, the local Amador CHP office is again asking for help from the public. If you are going to drink, don't get behind the wheel and if you see a drunk driver call 911. With 80 percent of the Amador squad working over the Maximum Enforcement Period from Friday 6 p.m. through midnight on Monday, officers will cite or arrest drivers for any number of violations including speeding, not wearing their seat belt and driving under the influence.

 

 

Labor Day travel down 

Concerns about the affordability of travel coupled with children starting back to school are putting a damper on the number of Californians planning to travel this Labor Day weekend. According to a new survey from AAA of Northern California, the overall number of Labor Day travelers is essentially flat this year compared to last, with just over 4.9 million Californians planning to travel. The survey proved that of those traveling, motor vehicles continue to be the most popular mode of transportation, with more than 3.9 million Californians planning to drive somewhere. Nationally, 34.6 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more form home this three-day weekend. 

  

  

Cal ISO declares another flex alert day 

With peak electricity usage more than 1,000 megawatts less than expected, California did not reach a stage 2 electricity emergency Thursday. Gregg Fishman of the California Independent systems operator, which manages the state’s power supply, said demand peaked at 4:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon at 47,843 megawatts. Because hot temperatures are forecast again today, the Cal ISO is declaring another flex alert day, and asking people to use big appliances during the early morning or late evening. 

  

 

“Take-it-Back Amador!” allows for easier recycling options 

County residents now have more options for disposing used batteries and fluorescent tubes and bulbs. In response to new universal waste regulations, Meeks Lumber & Hardware, and ACE Hardware and Lumber stores in Pine Grove and Ione are accepting these items, free of charge, from county residents.    The program, “Take-it-Back Amador!” is a partnership that promotes the proper recycling and disposal of used household batteries and fluorescent tubes and bulbs. For more information on collection dates or materials, contact the waste management department at 223-6429.

 

 

Man on bike gets DUI 

A Valley Springs man on a bike was arrested for a DUI after getting into an accident Wednesday evening. According to the CHP report, 52-year-old Gary Creekmore was riding his bike south on Gwin Mine Road south of the Amador County line when due to his intoxication rode straight off the road after a sharp horseshoe turn and vaulted down a hill 30 feet. Creekmore sustained minor injuries, but was still flown to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto where he was treated, released and arrested. 


  

Annual dinner dance to benefit the fire department 

The annual Sutter Creek Fire Department Dinner Dance will be held this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the Sutter Creek Main Firehouse on Hanford Street in Sutter Creek. The night will feature a BBQ dinner with all the fixings, a raffle and dancing to a live band. Tickets are $25 each. For more information or tickets, call Jeff Kelley at 267-5200 or Butch Martin at 267-5948. 


August 30, 2007 

 

Daniel Rocha found guilty of first-degree murder 

Guilty was the verdict handed in by the jury in the case of Daniel Rocha Wednesday afternoon. After only 45 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Rocha guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of 19-year-old David Jessup of Mokelumne Hill. The jury also found Rocha guilty of attempting to bribe a jailer in addition to being a felon in possession of a weapon. According to testimony, Rocha was affiliated with the Valley Springs Home Boys, an affiliate of the Nortenos gang based out of Pelican Bay State Prison. According to Deputy District Attorney Seth Matthews, 22-year-old Rocha, scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 28, could face a sentence of 50 years to life because of gang enhancement and weapons charges. Rocha's alleged partner in the murder, 23-year-old Donald Pinon, has also been charged with murder. 

  

 

Calaveras High School left in the dark this morning after outage 

Students and teachers at Calaveras High School were left in the dark today after an early morning power outage. According to PG&E spokesperson Nicole Tam, crews quickly responded to the scene and after making initial repairs, ran a test around 10 a.m. to see if the problem was fixed finding a problem with a transformer. According to the school district, school was not canceled, even after hearing reports from PG&E that power would not be restored until 5 p.m. 

 

 

Water agency makes capacity improvements 

While making plans for a new water treatment plant at Tanner Resovior, the Amador Water Agency has been making interim improvements needed to provide additional capacity to continue to serve existing customers and impending growth. Two projects were completed by early June at the cost of approximately $230,000, paid for with new development fees.  Gene Mancebo, manager of planning and engineering at the water agency, said the improvements are considered a huge success because for a relatively small amount of money, production increased at the tanner treatment plant by more than 800,000 gallons a day. 

  

 

One incumbent wins, one looses in Calaveras water district election 

Calaveras County water district voters booted out one incumbent and kept another in an election conducted by mail-in ballot. According to unofficial results released Wednesday, District 1 incumbent Charles Hebrard of San Andreas lost his bid for a third term and was defeated by Phil McCartney of Mokelumne Hill. In District 5, incumbent Jeff Davidson defeated challenger Carol Barzee. 

  

 

Californians asked to conserve energy 

The demand for power forced the agency managing the electricity for California to declared a stage 1 electricity emergency Wednesday. Usage was up because it was hot over most of the state with Jackson topping out at 105 degrees, 106 in San Andreas and 105 in Ione. Officials have called for another flex your power day, requesting customers to voluntarily conserve energy. Health officials have also put out a warning to stay hydrated and to keep cool to prevent heat exhaustion. 

 

 

Problems at the animal shelter may soon be fixed 

At Tuesday’s Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting it was brought to the board’s attention by A-PAL President Susan Manning that there is a sound problem that could affect the adoption rate of local animals. Manning said that the noise level is an immediate concern because when one dog starts to bark, so do several others and the sound echoes in the building causing a frenzy atmosphere that can change the temperament of the dogs and effect their adoptability. The supervisors put County Administrative Officer Terri Daly in charge of this project and asked for experts to be brought in to come up with a viable solution as soon as possible. 

  

 

Car lands in the creek 

A vehicle on Sutter Creek Volcano Road took a dip in the creek Wednesday afternoon. According to a CHP report, a single vehicle accident involved a Mazda Miata off the road and fully submerged in Sutter Creek. The driver, 60-year-old Sutter Creek resident Berdadine Labuda, was traveling east on Sutter Creek Volcano road where the road crosses Sutter Creek when she lost control of her vehicle in the turn and became airborne, landing in the creek. Labuda was not injured and able to exit the car, walk up the embankment and flag down another vehicle to report the accident. The car, submerged in the creek, had to be pulled out by two tow trucks. 

  

 

Hay truck versus a motorcycle 

An accident on Highway 88 between a hay truck and a motorcycle sent one man to the hospital with internal injuries. According to a CHP report, a big rig loaded with hay sideswiped a man on a 2002 BMW motorcycle in a curve, ejecting the man off of his bike. The man on the motorcycle was flown to U.C. Davis for treatment. The accident at Highway 88 and Omo Ranch Road closed down traffic for a short period of time. 

  

 

Road closures in the county 

To save money and speed up the process, three local roads will be closed in the near future for a seven-day period to repair damage caused by storms in early 2006. Public works director Larry Peterson asked the Amador County Board of Supervisors Tuesday for permission to close New Chicago Road, Quartz Mountain Road and Stoney Creek Road for repairs. According to District Two Supervisor Richard Forester, closing the roads will result in a 50 to 60 percent savings for the county and allow work to be completed quicker. Peterson said that the public would be notified of closures in advance by signs on display at those sites. 

  

 

Horse versus a truck 

A horse versus a vehicle accident in Ione Wednesday morning did not end well for the horse. According to the CHP, a Ford F150 hit a horse on Curran Road at Village Drive around 6:20 a.m. yesterday. Contact was made to the horse’s owner, which had to be put down. 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 

 

County adds amendment to lawsuit against proposed Casino 

A possible roadblock for the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians is in the works after Amador County officials receive a report citing an absence of the tribe’s historical presence in the area. Because of this, the county is trying to add an amendment to its lawsuit against the Buena Vista Rancheria. According to County Council Martha Shaver, the county is asking the court to add the amendment to the suit, based on a lack of “historical tribal presence,” in the area of the proposed casino. 

  

 

Jury instruction for the murder trial of Daniel Rocha begins today 

Jury instruction will begin today in the murder trial of Daniel Rocha. Rocha, 22, is charged with the shooting death of David Jessop, 19, in the early morning hours of March 16, 2005. The defendant claims he was unexpectedly pulled into events that led to the shooting by his co-defendant, Donald Pinon, 22, who decided to burglarize the victim’s home in search of drugs and money. Judge Martin will instruct the jury on the rules of law and evidence which will apply in the case, when the court reconvenes at 9 this morning. 

  

 

Grass fire in Plymouth started by vehicle fire 

A vehicle fire started a small fire in Plymouth Tuesday afternoon. The call came in around 4 p.m. that there was a vehicle on fire that started a vegetation fire on Shenandoah School Road across from Bella Piazza Winery. Units from CAL FIRE and the Amador Fire Protection District arrived on scene and quickly contained the half-acre fire with a slow rate of spread. No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported. 

  

 

Calaveras County Administrative Officer announces plans 

Calaveras County Administrative Officer Tom Mitchell announced late yesterday that he is taking a job in Mendocino County as chief executive officer. Mitchell also said he’ll be leaving sooner than planned. Originally he had planned to stay until Oct. 12, Mitchell’s last day in Calaveras will now be Sept. 28. Mitchell previously announced his resignation in June, but has been tightlipped about future plans.   

 

 

DEIS public comment period extended 

In response to numerous requests to extend the public comment period on the draft EIS for its travel management project beyond 45 days, the Department of Forestry recently added an extension. To better accomplish that goal, the forest supervisor has extended the comment period an additional 45 days. Comments on the travel management DEIS will now be accepted until Oct. 22. Comments may be submitted by mail to: Forest Supervisor, Ramiro Villalvazo, attn: Travel Management DEIS, 100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667. Comments can also be sent via e-mail to comments-pacificsouthwest-eldorado@fs.fed.us, by fax at (530) 621-5297 or by leaving a message on the project hotline at (530) 295-5666. 

  

  

Rear end accident ties up Ridge Road 

A rear end accident on Ridge Road blocked the road for a short time Tuesday afternoon. According to the CHP report, Scott Kellogg of Volcano was stopped on Ridge Road waiting to turn left onto Old Ridge Road when Pine Grove resident Cristina Leon took her eyes off the road for a moment and rear ended the stopped vehicle. Leon complained of chest pain. 

  

 

Amador County deputies involved in traffic collision 

An accident on Highway 88 and Red Coral Road Wednesday afternoon involved two Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies. According to Undersheriff Jim Wegner, two deputies were involved in an accident that resulted in minor injuries for both. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of other vehicle involved was examined at the scene and a was not complaining of any pain. The deputies were taken to Sutter Amador Hospital, evaluated, treated and released. The CHP is currently conducting an investigation. 

  

 

Power outage in Wilseyville 

A power outage on Highway 26 in the Wilseyville area affected 130 Pacific Gas and Electric customers Wednesday afternoon. According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Tam, the outage was reported around 1:15 p.m. and crews discover two broken cross arms were to blame. 

  

 

Mountain Ranch home burned down 

A structure fire burned down a residence in Calaveras County Wednesday. According to CAL FIRE, a house on Ham Luddy Lane and Rodesino Way in the Mountain Ranch area was reported on fire around 11:30 a.m. Crews quickly responded to the fully involved structure fire and had the fire contained by 1:30 p.m. In the end, cal fire officials said the fire completely burned the house down and 1/4 acre of grass. One firefighter sustained minor injuries while fighting the blaze.    No other structures were threatened. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

  

 

Another motorcycle accident in Calaveras County 

Another mother lode motorcycle accident Tuesday afternoon in Calaveras County resulted in minor injuries. According to the CHP report, 36-year-old William Brown III of Stockton attempted to negotiate a left hand turn on Carol Kennedy Drive a half mile west of Highway 49. The bike overturned and ejected Brown who sustained cuts and bruises. 




August 28, 2007 

Calaveras County roadways claim another life 

Monday afternoon an English motorcyclist was killed on Highway 49. According to the CHP, 60-year-old James Shaw of Stoke-on-Trent-, England, failed to negotiate a sweeping right hand curve, south of Carson Hill, while approaching the New Melones Bridge. Shaw was taken to Mark Twain-St. Joseph’s Hospital were he was pronounced dead. 

  

West point woman arrested following an incident with a paint ball gun 

A west point woman was arrested following an incident with a paint ball gun Friday evening. According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff’s deputies arrested 43-year-old Debra Grimes of West Point and a 16-year-old female also of West Point following an altercation. The victim, a 16-year-old female of West Point, told deputies she had been at the north fork of the Calaveras River swimming and upon leaving she heard something hit her vehicle and looked out the window to see what hit the car when she was hit between the eyes and on the hand with a paint ball being fired from Grimes’ vehicle. The victim then left the area, followed grimes, and went to a residence on Higdon Road in West Point where an argument ensued. During the argument grimes was threatening a second victim, another 16-year-old female of West Point, when the 16-year-old suspect ran up and started fighting with her. Deputies arrested Grimes at her residence on bald mountain road for criminal threats, willful cruelty to a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and battery. The 16-year-old female suspect was issued a citation for battery. 

  

Jackson City Council holds flag design contest 

The Jackson City Council met Monday night for a nice and quick meeting according to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly. Daly said a consideration of a waster rate increase was discussed and placed on the Sept. 24 agenda for further discussion and action. The city council also opened and approved a city flag design contest open to all residents of Jackson, regardless of age. Designs may be modern or historical and can be hand drawn or computer generated but must be original designs. Entry deadline for the contest is Sept. 28. The winner will be announced at the council’s Oct. 9 meeting. For additional information regarding the contest, call the city clerk at 223-1646. 


Road delay 

Make sure to allow yourself some extra time if you will be traveling through the Highway 49 / 16 junction. The California Department of Transportation will have one lane of traffic closed off from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday for underground utility work to prepare for the installation of traffic signals at the junction. The delay is anticipated to be about 15 minutes and officials are suggesting motorist take alternate routes when possible. 


Calaveras County Public Works director resigns

Calaveras County Public Works Director Rob Houghton announced Friday that he will resign from the position Oct. 1. Houghton has worked for the county for 14 years, managing its solid waste division before becoming director of public works. County Administrative Officer Tom Mitchell announced earlier this summer that he would leave Oct. 12 after having served five years in the position. 

 

Preston Castle receives grant


The Preston Castle was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The seed grant funds will be used to offset the cost of hiring a consultant to guide the Preston Castle Foundation in developing plans and guidelines for preservation and restoration of the Preston Castle and five other surrounding buildings that form the Preston School of Industry. 

 



August 27, 2007

 

Woman shoots husband, charged with attempted murder 

A Pioneer woman is being charged with attempted murder after shooting her husband Friday evening. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call reporting a female subject had just shot her husband came in around 7:40 p.m. Amador County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers responded and found the victim, a 27-year-old male, laying on the ground outside the residence near his vehicle, with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The victim was transported by helicopter to Mercy San Juan Hospital where he underwent surgery for his wound. The suspect, 30-year-old Carrie McAlister was transported to Sutter Amador Hospital for evaluation, and then to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office to be interviewed. McAlister was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder, domestic violence, personal use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and causing great bodily injury during a domestic violence incident. This case is still actively being investigated by the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and anyone with any information related to this case is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 223-6500. 

  

Three strikes for a three-time bank robber 

It was three strikes for a three-time bank robber; William Whitaker was sentenced to 38-years to life Friday for the Nov. 29 bank robbery at Bank of Amador. According to District Attorney Todd Riebe, Whitaker was charged with second-degree robbery, a felony, along with two prior strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law. On June 7, Whitaker pled guilty to all counts and special allegations and invited the court to strike one of his prior strikes. On Aug. 24, the Honorable David Richmond denied the invitation to strike any of Whitaker’s prior strikes and imposed a sentence of 38 to life.    

  

Robbery at STP in Pioneer 

A man with a knife and a note robbed the Sierra Trading Post in Pioneer Saturday night. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, a masked man dressed in all black entered the STP Saturday around 8 p.m. and placed a note on the counter demanding money. The clerk emptied the register into a bag the man had given her after which the man fled on foot. Sheriff units responded and searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect is described as a middle aged, white male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with scruffy gray facial hair. Anyone with any information regarding this robbery is urged to contact the amador county sheriff’s office at 223-6500 or the amador county secret witness program at 223-4911. 

  

Three people die in Saturday night accident 

A fatal accident Saturday night took the lives of three people. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, a 70-year-old Mountain Ranch Man was driving his 1993 Dodge Ram 2500 north on Railroad Flat Road when for an unknown reason allowed his vehicle to drift off the right edge of the road and on to the shoulder. The driver, Joseph Keenan, turned back onto the road to the left, but lost control of the truck and hit a large oak tree.    Keenan and his right front passenger, 61-year-old Mountain Ranch resident Victoria Keenan, sustained immediate fatal injuries and were pronounced dead on the scene. The rear passenger, 42-year-old Marysville resident Shelly DeWalt, was removed from the truck and medi-flighted to Mercy San Juan with major life-threatening injuries. She died later at the hospital. The cause of the accident is still unknown but authorities suspect alcohol use was involved. 

  

Fires shut down Highway 4 

A series of grass fires near Arnold shut down Highway 4 in both directions for much of the afternoon on Saturday. According to CAL FIRE officials, the fires burned 10 acres on both sides of the highway. First reported just after noon, full containment was reached at 7 p.m. No structures were threatened and no evacuations were ordered. Highway 4 had been closed in both directions earlier in the day. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

  

More pot found in Calaveras County 

More than 2,000 marijuana plants were seized in Calaveras County Thursday morning. Narcotics investigators from the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office seized 2,781 marijuana plants in an early Thursday morning raid near west Murray Creek Road and Doster Road near Mountain Ranch. Investigators described the cultivation location as three different gardens that were 30 yards apart and connected by trails. The suspects were not located at the grow site but investigators found two tents and other items indicating the suspects had been living at that location. This latest seizure brings the total number of marijuana plants for the record setting season to 30,857. 

  

Mountain lion attack in Ione 

A horse was attacked by a mountain lion in Ione last Monday. According to the horse’s owner, the horse was grazing on West Haven Ranch in Ione when it was attacked, leaving the horse with scratches on its back and a deep cut on one of its hind legs. A member from the Ione Park and Recreation Commission is trying to contact the California Department of Fish and Game to see if the lion can be captured. 

  

West Nile Virus takes the life of a Sacramento County man 

West Nile Virus took the life of a North Highlands man, making the total number of deaths from the West Nile in California this year nine. According to Sacramento County's public health division, the 72-year-old man died of encephalitis, a complication of West Nile Virus. The death is the first in Sacramento County in 2007 attributed to the mosquito-borne disease. So far Amador County has only had one reported human case of West Nile and Calaveras County has yet to report a human case. 

Amador County will miss out due to budget cuts 

With the California state budget passed, Amador County will miss out on some $30 million because of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s promise to the Senate's Republicans he would cut an additional $700 million from the state budget as a way to break the 52-day impasse. According to Terri Daly, Amador County administrative officer, this would have been the first time the county would have received this money from a fund to soften the impact Indian casinos have on local communities so it will not have a huge effect. But, Daly said, it would have been nice. Another $14 million was cut for repair and equipment money for the department of corrections, which might have an effect on Mule Creek State Prison. 

 

 

A DUI accident sends a Jackson man to jail 

A one-vehicle injury accident Friday night sent a Jackson man to the hospital and to jail. According to the California Highway Patrol, 60-year-old Joseph Vasquez was driving eastbound on Highway 88 at Nobb Hill Court while under the influence of alcohol lost control of his vehicle in a turn. His 1997 ford continued off the south side of the road, collided with a tree and overturned. Vasquez sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment and later arrested for drunk driving. 

 

 

A hit and run accident takes out 20 feet of fence 

An unknown suspect fled the scene after the 2005 Dodge it was driving ran off the road and took out part of a fence. A hit and run accident Sunday night on North Camanche Parkway happened when an unknown driver made an unsafe turn and ran off the road overturning the vehicle causing total damage to the vehicle and 20 feet of chain link fence on the south side of the roadway. After the accident the driver fled the scene on foot. 


August 24, 2007 

 The Jaws of Life had to be used to get an 18-year-old Valley Springs woman out of her vehicle after an accident Thursday afternoon in Calaveras County. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, Mystra Carlile was driving on Highway 26 west of Nicholls Road when she was distracted by her cell phone and kept driving straight when the road curved to the left and hit the tree head on. Carlile was trapped in her vehicle by the dashboard. She was medi-flighted with major non-life threatening injuries to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto.   

  

An Ione man on a motorcycle ended up in a ditch Thursday evening with moderate injuries. According to the CHP report, Douglas Gianni, 60, was driving eastbound on Camanche Parkway west of Lakeview when exiting a left hand curve and left the right side of the road. The 1999 Yamaha went into a ditch and struck an embankment ejecting Gianni. Gianni was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital to be treated and released. 

  

A man suffered a gunshot wound Thursday afternoon at a home on Silver Rapids Road. According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department the incident did not involve “foul play.” The shooting was reported just after 3 p.m. at a home in the 2600 block of Silver Rapids Road, not far from Highway 26. The injured man and his wife, who was suffering from shock, were loaded into ambulances and their medical conditions were not released. 

  

Two new faces were recently added to the Amador County Fair Board. Jeanne Deaver and Lori Forester have replaced Tim King and Connie Mason as the newest members of the board. The rest of the board was reappointed for various term lengths. 

  

An additional $10,000 was given to the Calaveras County Environmental Management Agency to help fight the spread of West Nile Virus. The money will be used for labor, testing equipment and traps Control efforts have been very successful in Calaveras resulting in a significant reduction in mosquito populations. 

  

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2007 Peace Officer and Citizen of the Year. Candidates should demonstrate consistency in performance and volunteerism toward the community. Nominations must include a brief statement in support of the candidate and be received no later than Oct. 8. Address nominations to the Amador County Peace Officer’s Association, care of the Awards Committee, P.O. Box 1632, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. The awards dinner will be held at St. Sava’s Mission in Jackson Saturday, Oct. 27.  For more information, call the ACPOA at 267-0660. 

  

If you change your own oil and have used oil filters, bring them to ATI Parts in Sutter Creek Saturday, Aug. 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and receive a free oil and filter recycling container and $6 off your purchase of a new oil filter. Offer is limited to the first 50 individuals. For more information, call Amador County Waste Management Department at 223-6429. ATI Parts is at Highway 49 and Ridge Road in Sutter Creek and can be reached at 267-5241.    

  

The California Highway Patrol in conjunction with the Angels Camp Police Department will hold a sobriety checkpoint Saturday night between 7:30 and 11:30 p.m. to target those drivers that are driving under the influence of alcohol / drugs. All drivers will be checked and those found under the influence of drugs or above the legal limit for alcohol will be arrested and booked into the county jail. 

  

Travel to the Hawaiian Islands at Soroptimist International of Amador County’s “A Taste of Paradise,” hors d'oeuvres tasting Saturday, Aug. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pine Grove Park. The evening will feature four Hawaiian Islands each with authentic Hawaiian hors d'oeuvres, drinks and desserts, plus a cash bar, a raffle with great prizes and fun. Tickets are $25 and include all the hors d'oeuvres and deserts you can eat. For more information about the hors d’oeuvres tasting or to buy tickets, call Kathy Gagnon at 223-2925. 

 

 

 

Thursday, August 23, 2007 

 A dog bite in Ione has authorities looking for a Chihuahua that bit a local resident Tuesday, Aug. 21 around 7 p.m. on Shakeley Lane. The dog is described as a small, older Chihuahua, white with red markings, wearing a red harness with a bone tag on it and walking with a limp. The dog is being sought in order to verify the health and rabies status of the animal in order to decide what follow up, if any, the person bitten needs. Anyone with information regarding this dog or its owner is asked to call public health at 223-6407 or animal control at 223-6378. 

 

School transportation fees were discussed again at the Amador County Unified School District Board meeting last night. It is still undecided whether or not the school district will charge a fee for students to ride the bus. A public forum, where parents will be invited to speak, will be held at the board’s Sept. 26 meeting at the County Administration Building in the Board of Supervisors Chamber, 810 Court St., Jackson. 

  

A fire possibly started by a hunter sent fire units to Pine Grove this morning. A call came in around 10 a.m. that there was a vegetation fire at Beldon Mine Road at a cross of Black Prince Road in Pine Grove. According to the reporting party a hunter might have started a fire that was out but still smoldering. Fire trucks and a water tender were dispatched to scene to make sure the fire was out and keep watch for any hot spots. 

  

A rear end accident on Industry Boulevard at Highway 49 Wednesday evening caused property damage for the two vehicles involved. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, 56-year-old Patricia Messemore of Jackson was stopped at the stoplight on Industry Boulevard turning on to Highway 49 in her 2003 Chrysler when 21-year-old Jamie Bannon of Valley Springs was unable to stop her 2003 Toyota in time and collided into Messemore. No injuries were reported.   

  

Tuesday was a busy night for the Ione City Council. According to Ione City Manager Kim Kerr, the budget was passed, local traffic mitigation fees were increased and a contract for the city’s new financial director was finalized. This was the third time the 2007-08 fiscal budget was presented to the council, which Kerr said was finally ready to be voted on and passed five votes to none in favor Tuesday night. Kerr said the local traffic mitigation fees were increased $2,247 and will allow the city to begin road improvements throughout the area. Kerr said the council also finalized the contract for Mark Smith, the city’s first full-time financial director. 

  

Vandalism at Calaveras High School might have been the work of another local high school. According to Calaveras County Sheriff Sgt. Dave Seawell, cars in the lower lot of the Calaveras High School parking lot were painted Wednesday around 3 p.m. 


Wednesday, August 22, 2007 

 Two cats might have caused a one-vehicle accident Wednesday morning. A woman was driving south on Highway 49 when she lost control of her older Chevy truck and drove off the road and down a hill around 10 a.m. The truck stopped about 40 feet below the roadway. According to a CHP officer on scene, the woman said a cat carrier with her two cats in it was slipping off the seat and while trying to catch it she lost control of the vehicle. The woman complained of minor injuries, bruising on her neck from the seat belt, and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital to be further examined. The woman’s cats appeared to be fine. 

  

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 in front of the Long’s shopping center. Harmon said if a person is caught with red diesel in a road vehicle tank, the fines are substantial. 

  

Parents of students at Ione Junior High School can expect a call from the school principal Wednesday night. A recorded message from Ione Junior High School Principal Bill Murray will let parents know that Mr. Brazil, the eighth grade physical education teacher, will assume new duties at Jackson Junior High School beginning Monday, Aug. 27. Affected students will receive their revised schedules on Thursday and Friday of this week with the new schedule beginning on Monday. For more information, call the junior high at 257-5540. 

  

A limit of two free tires accepted at dumpsites in Calaveras County was recently approved by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors. The supervisors adopted a new tire fee schedule last week in an effort to reduce mass collecting and dumping of tires at local dump sites. According to the new fee structure, the first two tires can be dumped for free at three sites in Calaveras County including Red Hill, Wilseyville and Rock Creek. Every additional tire will be charged an increased rate. 

  

Amador County wasn’t the only county to strike gold at the state fair. The Visitor’s Bureau from Calaveras County also captured a gold with their “Go Calaveras” themed county booth at Cal Expo. Frogs were a predominant part of the display, traveling in cars, snowboarding, fishing and drinking wine. 

 

An Ione man checking a message on his phone drifted into the other lane causing him to hit a vehicle stopped behind a school bus Tuesday morning. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, the Ione man was traveling south on Michigan Bar Road south of Carbondale Road, when distracted by his phone he crossed the double yellow lines and hit a citrus heights man, who had stopped behind a school bus at a railroad crossing. No injuries were reported. 

  

A minor collision in front of Wal-Mart on Wicklow Way was caused by too wide of a turn around 9 a.m. Tuesday. According to the CHP report, a 69-year-old Pine Grove woman was turning left out of the Wal-Mart parking lot when she turned too wide and struck a 24-year-old Stockton man in a Chevy. No injuries were reported. 

  

An accident early Tuesday morning on Highway 49 just north of Drytown called for an Armenian / Russian interpreter. According to the CHP, three adults in a black Rangerover had left the Jackson Rancheria Casino prior to getting in an accident that resulted in minor injuries for two of the adults. 
 

 

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 

 After the first week of school, seventh and eighth grade students at Jackson Junior High School got a call Sunday night saying that their schedule had been completely changed. According to Jackson Junior High School Principal Janet Paps, the schedule change is due to the fact that enrollment is up this year, something that was not anticipated at the end of last year. Paps said because of the number of students the school had to hire two new teachers. Paps added that it was a full master schedule change that caused some electives to be deleted and some to be added, all the seventh grade students to now have the same world history teacher but different periods and classes to be smaller. The school had to do a master schedule change last year as well. Paps said that the schedule change is way better and will be positive for student and teachers. 

  

A Valley Springs man was arrested after Calaveras County Sheriff Officers located stolen property at his residence. According to a release from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Alan Serpa obtained a search warrant for Scott Lance's residence at 8778 O'Rielly as well as for storage unit number 309 at Valley Springs Secured Self Storage after viewing surveillance tapes identifying Lance and his vehicle. The total value of items recovered is in excess of $30,000. Lance’s arrest closed four reported thefts/burglaries from the storage facility and Valley Springs Tire. Lance was booked at the Calaveras County Jail and charged with two counts of grand theft, second degree burglary, receiving stolen goods and car theft. The total bail was set at $75,000. 

  

An Ione man was arrested after wrecking his 1997 Jaguar XJ8 into a tree early Tuesday morning. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, Philip Bolek was driving east on Camanche Parkway east of the Amador / San Joaquin County line when due to apparent alcohol intoxication he was unable to maintain his vehicle on the roadway while attempting to navigate a curve in the road. The Jaguar continued off the road and 100 feet into a tree. After the accident, Bolek fled the scene and was later located at his residence where he was arrested. 

  

With the end of the fire season still two months away, the Amador Fire Safe Council wants to remind residents about two ongoing local programs designed to help seniors and low-income residents. According to Kathy Kooz Breazeal, executive director for the Amador Fire Safe Council, utilizing these programs are very important because the fire season lasts from June to end of October, but September and October tend to be the worst months because of the dry conditions and winds. A grant from the U.S. Forest Service provides the Amador Fire Safe Council with the ability to clear a defensible space around qualified, full-time resident's homes at no cost to the homeowner. Kooz Breazeal said this program has been around for three years and is for low-income seniors and low-income disabled residents. Another grant from the area 12 Agency on Aging, allows the Fire Safe Council to install a free smoke detector in the homes of qualified residents. Kooz Breazeal said this is a new program and qualification for this grant is one person in the household has to be 60 years old or older and a full-time resident of Amador County. Kooz Breazeal said it is easy to sign up if you qualify, applicants just need to fill out some paperwork. For more information or to sign up for either of these programs, call the Amador Fire Safe Council at 296-6220.   

 

The River Pines Public Utility District will hold an election for two directors Nov. 6. According to Sheldon Johnson, Registrar of Voters for Amador County, voters in the River Pines Public Utility District will be electing two directors for terms ending December 2009. The following persons have been nominated for election at the Nov. 6 Uniform District Election Law election: Jackie Keehnen, Sally Upchurch-Hopkins, Carol Albaugh, and Lylis McCutcheon. Johnson said that this will be a mail ballot only and no polling places in Amador County will be open. Johnson added that ballots must be received in the amador county elections office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots may be mailed or hand delivered to the amador county elections office at 810 Court St., Jackson. 

  

A former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation correctional officer was ordered to pay more than $100,000 in restitution as part of workers’ compensation fraud conviction. Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe announced today that Steve Andrew Felter has been ordered to pay $112,709.35 in restitution for a workers’ compensation fraud conviction. Riebe said Felter was previously sentenced to 100 days in jail, and placed on five years formal probation after pleading guilty to two felony counts of workers’ compensation fraud in amador county superior court. Last month, Judge David Richmond made the restitution order, which requires Felter to reimburse CDCR a total of $63,154.65 for compensation received and investigative costs. An additional $49,554.70 was ordered as restitution to the state compensation insurance fund for compensation Felter was not entitled to receive or retain. The court also ordered interest to accrue at a rate of 10 percent per year and for Felter to file an annual statements of assets, itemizing his income, property and debts. Riebe said the 36-year-old pine grove man was arrested in may 2006 following an 18-month investigation by CDCR internal affairs and the amador county workers’ compensation fraud unit. Felter filed a workers’ compensation claim in October 2003, alleging an injury to his lower back and left leg. He said he was unable to perform certain activities due to these alleged injuries. Felter was placed on disability and began receiving workers’ compensation benefits. However, undercover video shows Felter lifting heavy objects, walking without any noticeable impairment, and performing other actions inconsistent with his claims.    Riebe said the investigation also revealed Felter was employed as a car salesman during the same time he was receiving disability payments. 

  

An Amador County man on a march for peace was recently interviewed by Democracy Now, a television news program on Free Speech TV. Michael Israel, 18, began his journey with the 2007 March For Peace May 21 in hopes of ending the war in Iraq. Israel is currently in Ohio and will be in Washington D.C. for a week beginning Sept. 10. Last Wednesday Israel was interviewed by Amy Goodman host of Democracy Now to discus the groups experiences and what the group has planned for their week in Washington. 
 


August 20, 2007 

 Fire crews from both Amador and Calaveras counties were called out to a wild land fire near a residential neighborhood in Amador County yesterday afternoon. The fire was first reported around 3 p.m. on Bates Road, off Ridge Road. The fire quickly grew in size, threatening 12 homes along the one-way road. Fire fighters from local volunteer companies and CAL FIRE battled the fire both on the ground and in the air with the help of both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. CAL FIRE officials credit the quick work of two dozer operators for cutting a line around the fire, helping to stop the fire’s forward progress. While the fire burned close to some of the homes no evacuations were necessary, but ridge road was closed down during the fire fighting efforts. An accident at the intersection of Ridge Road and New York Ranch Road also caused a traffic tie up for a time. PG&E crews were called to the fire to replace a series of fuses that had blown, leaving residents along Ridge Road with out power. The fire was contained to 15 acres at 4:28 p.m. with crews remaining in the area well into the night for mop up operations. According CAL FIRE Incident Chief Denis Tremelling, shortly after containment of the grass, smoke was noticed coming from the roof of a house nearby. Tremelling says crews managed to protect the structure as the fire passed but an ember from the fire caught some of the debris on the roof on fire. The fire burned a three-foot circle though the aluminum roof over wooden shingles and caused damage to the attic and some trusses. Tremelling said the cause of the fire was from a neighbor using a lawn mower that hit a rock and caused a spark.   

  

Three motorcycle accidents in Calaveras County resulted in major injuries for one rider and moderate to minor for the other two. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, an Elk Grove man was traveling east on Highway 26 Sunday morning at an unsafe speed when he entered into a sloped curve and tried to turn left. Because of 33-year-old Oliver Daniels’ speed, he continued straight off the roadway. Daniels collided into a dirt embankment and was ejected from the 2005 Yamaha motorcycle and landed approximately 50 feet onto the right shoulder of the eastbound lane. Daniels sustained moderate injuries including cuts to his left arm and back and neck pain. He was taken to Modesto Memorial. 

Shortly after Jason Steel of Elk Grove came around the same curve in Highway 26 and saw Daniels in the road. According to CHP, steel braked and turned to avoid the motorcycle and its rider and due to his unsafe speed for the conditions, steel continued straight off the roadway and was ejected off his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle over the handle bars. He came to a rest in the road. Steel received minor injuries including pain to his lower back, knee and hands. He was taken to Mark Twain-St. Joseph Hospital. 

In the same area later that day, Nathan Moore of Reno was traveling west on Highway 26 when for an unknown reason he allowed his 1997 Yamaha to drift to the right and off the road while attempting to negotiate a natural curve in the road. According to the CHP report, Moore traveled over a very steep embankment, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained major injuries from the surrounding trees and rocks. Moore was taken to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto. 

  

A motorcycle accident early this morning closed down ridge road in Sutter Creek for a while. The one vehicle accident occurred on ridge road near bowers at 6:25 a.m. The motorcycle rider sustained major injuries and was medi-flighted to a valley hospital. 

  

A lawsuit between the city of Jackson and Ken Berry of Martell is finally over. According to Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, Berry originally sued the city in 2004 with the Friends of Jackson when the city council decided the hospital did not need an EIR to expand. Berry thought otherwise and took the city to court challenging amendments to the city’s Land Use Element of its General Plan.    Berry won the case causing the city to rescind its approval of the amended Land Use Element of the General Plan. Daly said it was settled in court that the city would pay Berry’s court fees. Daly said the city filed a request to reduce the fees it had to pay and was awarded the decision that paid Berry $9,100 to cover his fees. Berry appealed the decision saying the reduced fees were not enough and requested $27,000. Berry lost in the case in appellate court in a decision made July 27, which ended the two-year battle. Daly said the city is glad that the case is over. 

  

The draft of a proposed Calaveras County ordinance to regulate grading to new subdivisions is now available for public review. The draft grading ordinance can be viewed on the Calaveras County Public Works Department Web page. The county is under pressure from state water pollution regulators to do more to stop the flow of silt and other pollutants into area streams and lakes. Creating rules to control the use of bulldozers and other earth-moving equipment is part of that cleanup push. Public hearings on the proposed ordinance will be held Sept. 11 and 25 before it goes to the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors for approval in October. 

  

A state program offering low-cost auto insurance to motorists with limited incomes will be expanded to include the foothills. Under the program, formally known as the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, eligible drivers can obtain liability coverage for less than $400 a year. The program was expanded late last week to include 11 counties, including Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne. The program is expected to go into effect in early October, once rates are set in each of the newly added counties. To be eligible for coverage, applicants must be licensed drivers at least 19 years old, meet specific “good driver” standards, have a gross annual income from $25,525 for a single person to $51,625 for a household of four and be insuring a vehicle with a value that does not exceed $20,000. For more details on the program, call (866)602-8861 or visit the state’s Web site. 

 

Amador County CHP was kept busy this weekend with two hit and run accidents, two property damage incidents and an injury accident. According to the CHP, an unknown vehicle was driving west on Courier Road approaching Bell Road when it drifted onto the right shoulder and struck a sign Saturday afternoon. The driver fled the scene without notifying the property owner. 

Sunday evening, Nicole Graham of Jackson accelerated abruptly in a driveway after arguing with her ex-husband in Pine Grove on Homestead Road. The front of her 1988 Chevy struck a parked vehicle after which she fled the scene. 

An Ione man was driving west on Highway 88 Sunday morning when while adjusting his radio, he drifted off the north edge of the roadway. According to the CHP, Timothy Salberg turned hard to the left to bring the 1995 Subaru back on the road and continued to cross back and fourth across both lanes until he spun in a clock wise motion and off the north edge of the road. The vehicle rolled down and embankment, through a barbed wire fence and into a field coming to a rest upside down. Salberg sustained minor injuries. 

Sunday night a Jackson woman traveling on Pine Grove-Volcano Road entered a sharp right hand curve when the back of her vehicle began to slide out.    According to a CHP report, Victoria Wertheimer attempted to counter steer but continued to slide across the traffic lane and off the road. She struck a fence and drove into a field. No injuries were reported. 

Earlier Sunday on Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Steven Hanson was driving his 1999 Harley when he entered a sharp curve in the road and locked up his rear brakes. According to the CHP report, Hanson lost control of the motorcycle, which ran off the road into a ditch and ejected him. Hanson suffered road rash and other moderate injuries. He was taken to Sutter Roseville Hospital.   
 

 

Friday, August 17, 2007 

 A confirmed case of West Nile Virus in Amador County was reported Friday afternoon. Ione resident Jim Scully was informed by a nurse that his blood tested positive for West Nile Virus on Friday. According to Angel LaSage, Amador County Public Health Information Officer and Director, the Amador County Department of Public Health is in the process of reporting a human case of West Nile Virus in the county. LaSage says this will be the first case of any kind reported in the area. Scully says he was feeling poorly in the beginning of the week, but thought nothing of it other than his wife, who is a school teacher, brought a bug home with her. On Tuesday Scully donated blood, unaware of any health problems. Results from testing the donated blood confirmed Scully has the virus. LaSage says most people do not have any symptoms, but those that do report headache, nausea and feelings of achiness and fatigue. She added that people older than 50 at more at risk when it comes to serious compilations related to the virus. LaSage says West Nile Virus is treatable and cannot be passed from person to person. If you are feeling sick you should see your doctor. LaSage says doctors are required by law to report any cases of West Nile Virus to public health. Scully believes that he contracted the virus near his home on old Stockton Road in the west end of the Ione Valley. Scully is not so concerned for himself, but for his family and neighbors. His mother, who is in her 80s, lives near the creek. For more information about West Nile Virus, visit www.westnile.ca.gov. 

 

A vegetation fire near Highway 49 and Gold Strike Road burned 66 acres before containment late yesterday afternoon. According to CAL FIRE officials, the fire was reported just before 5 p.m. in steep terrain along Highway 49 near Gold Strike Road. At one point the fire jumped the highway, prompting the CHP to close the road from Gold Strike to Highway 12. The fire was brought under control around 7:30 p.m. and only one small out-building was lost to the fire. Two CAL FIRE engines and a handful of fire fighters will remain on scene at least through the day today for mop up and to prevent any flare ups or spotting. 

  

The six-day scene investigation for the Aug. 10 fire cause at the industrial building in Martell is now complete, but far from over. According to Fire Chief Jim McCart, the property was released back to the owner Thursday evening. Investigators worked at the scene as an interview group conducted interviews both on and off site. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team returned to their field offices across the country Friday morning to continue the investigation through interviews and research. Mccart said because the investigation is still open, no information dealing with findings or results so far can be released. The estimated dollar loss for the structure and its contents is $10 million. 

  

The Local Agency Formation Commission unanimously approved the Cramer Hill reorganization after a very careful and thorough review at its meeting Thursday night. According to Roseanne Chamberlain, LAFCO executive officer, the approval annexes 43.9 acres into the city of Sutter Creek and the Sutter Creek Fire Protection District. Chamberlain said the city requested the annexation so it can connect homes in the area to the city's sewer plant and subsequently remove the home septic systems in the area. Chamberlain added that Sutter Creek also sent a letter to LAFCO with some questions about a Ridge Road property that will be discussed at the agency’s next meeting in September. 

  

What seemed to be a minor parking accident turned into an arrest of an Ione man suspected of driving under the influence. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, T. Burrows was driving on Camanche Road when he stopped and put his car in reverse to complete a parking maneuver Thursday evening. An Ione woman was stopped behind him when while backing up Burrows left front bumper sideswiped the front bumper of her vehicle causing minor damage. The woman confronted burrows about the damage, after which he fled the scene on foot. Burrows was later found at his residence and arrested. 

  

A rear end accident in Pioneer resulted in one driver with moderate injuries Thursday. According to a CHP report, Redwood City man was driving east on Highway 88 when he failed to see Pioneer resident Ernestine Castello stopped waiting to make a left turn. The man tried to apply his breaks but was unable to avoid colliding with Castello. Castello suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment. 

 

Do you have any unsecured taxes? Amador County Treasurer/Tax Collector Michael E. Ryan says taxpayers with unsecured taxes for the 2007-08 fiscal year are due and payable, and will become delinquent if not paid by Friday, Aug. 31, 2007 at 5 p.m. Unsecured taxes are typically owed on boats, airplanes, business property, possessory interests and mining claims. Ryan says after Aug. 31, delinquent unsecured taxes will be subject to a 10 percent penalty and additional penalties and fees will accrue if these taxes remain unpaid after Oct. 31, 2007. Payments may be made by mail sent to the Amador County Tax Collector, 810 Court St., Jackson, 95642, and must be postmarked by the delinquent date of Aug. 31 to avoid late penalties. Payments may also be made in person at the same address during normal business hours. Payments may also be made with a credit card over the phone by calling 1 (800) 609-4599. Credit card and e-check payments may be made online by visiting the web sites shown on the tax bill. Any questions regarding unsecured property taxes should be addressed to the Amador County Tax Collector at 223-6364. 

 

Travel to the Hawaiian Islands at Soroptimist International of Amador County’s “A Taste of Paradise,” hors d'oeuvres tasting Saturday, Aug. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pine Grove Park. The evening will feature four Hawaiian Islands each with authentic Hawaiian hors d'oeuvres, drinks and desserts, plus a cash bar, a raffle with great prizes and fun. Hawaiian shirts and beach attire is encouraged. Tickets are $25 and include all the hors d'oeuvres and deserts you can eat. Tickets are limited, so get yours today. For more information about the hors d’oeuvres tasting or to buy tickets, call Kathy Gagnon at 223-2925. Proceeds from this fund-raiser help to fund the annual toy party put on by the Soroptimist of Amador County for underprivileged children.

  

The Amador County Master Gardeners and University of California Cooperative Extension Program Representative Andrew Kramer will offer a free class titled “Getting to know your soil” Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. This class will explore the various types of soil in Amador County and local gardeners will have the opportunity to identify their own soil using the Amador soil survey. The class will cover basic methods of improving soil fertility, the use of home soil test kits and guidelines for how to make planting and irrigation decisions base on soil type. Those attending are requested to bring a small sample of their soil in a sealable plastic bag. The class will be held at the agriculture office at 12200 B Airport Road in Martell. If you have any questions, call the master gardeners at 223-6838 or e-mail mgamador@ucdavis.edu. 

  

A household hazardous waste collection will be held Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ione Buena Vista Transfer Station. There is a limit of 15 gallons / 125 pounds per customer per day. Common household hazardous waste products include: paint, paint thinners, batteries, used oil filters, automotive products, pool chemicals, pesticides, photo chemicals, weed killers, insecticides, used oil, injection needles, antifreeze, household cleaners, detergent, brake fluid, wood preservatives and solvents. For more information, call 274-2454. 

 

Thursday, August 16, 2007 

 18-year-old Juan Cardona is scheduled to appear in court today at 9 a.m.    Cardona was arrested and charged with arson July 27 in Plymouth. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, Cardona was taken into custody by the U.S. Forest Service under suspicion of starting a fire in Plymouth that same day. Cardona, an illegal alien from Mexico, is possibly facing deportation. The fire, on Highway 49 at Bell Road, burned just under and acre and was contained quickly Friday afternoon. According to Melinda Aiello with the Amador County District Attorney’s Office, Cardona is on the court calendar to appear in department one for further arraignment. Aiello said that the public defender has been appointed and the case will enter a superior court review between the judge, D.A. and the defense attorney to see if a resolution can be agreed upon. Additional court proceedings will depend on the outcome of the review. 

  

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office conducted three canine searches over the weekend, with minimal results. According to Amador County Under Sheriff Jim Wegner, a request from Ione sent officers and a canine to the Ione Elementary School playground for a narcotics search Friday with nothing found. On Saturday a canine was used to search a vehicle at the Jackson Rancheria Casino. Wegner said the dog altered and the officer found a marijuana pipe in the glove box. No charges were made. Also on Saturday a canine search was conducted in Plymouth on Latrobe road. The reason was not reported and nothing was found.    Wegner added that the use of dogs for narcotics, suspect and other searches varies throughout any given day. He said that dogs are most often used locally in traffic stops if an officer feels there is a need or gets permission to search the vehicle. 

  

Wednesday was a busy day for firefighters in the Stanislaus National Forest. A fire broke out around 9 a.m. seven miles northeast of Dorrington. A half-acre in size, the fire burned through most of the day in a heavily wooded area. Another small blaze east of long barn broke out early yesterday afternoon. That fire was quickly brought under control. And the 75-plus acre Calaveras Dome Fire is now 95 percent contained. Crews have been working since late Friday to put out the fire located in rugged terrain near that Salt Springs Reservoir, along the Amador-Calaveras County border. 

  

The Calaveras County Water District has completed work on the water pipeline extension project along Highway 26 in the Rancho Calaveras area and the pipeline extension is now fully operational. Construction crews completed the installation of the 2,700 feet of 12-inch pipe connecting two areas to the Jenny Lind water system on time and within budget. Linking the areas together will assist in managing water distribution system wide. Water District officials say customers should still be extremely careful when it comes to water usage during the hot summer months. The systems design limit is 1,500 gallons per day per household. Customers can contact CCWD at 754-3543 for any questions. 

 

An investigator with the Amador County District Attorney’s Office recently assisted the California Department of Insurance with a workers’ compensation insurance fraud case. According to Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe, investigator Tom Sage helped the department’s fraud division reveal that two store managers at the Bell Air market in Roseville were allegedly discouraging multiple employees from filing workers’ compensation claims so the store could have an injury free record and earn barbecues and bonuses for management. Nichole Leddy and Amy Looper were arraigned by the superior court in Placer County Tuesday after investigators alleged the pair committed multiple felony counts of workers compensation insurance fraud. Riebe said that as a part of the office’s grand program, it helps several counties including Placer, Calaveras and El Dorado. Riebe said the Amador County D.A.’s office has assisted in many cases in those counties. 

  

Amador County Waste Management Department has partnered with the Master Gardeners of Amador County in an effort to help educate the public on backyard composting. By providing several different methods on public display along with interpretive signage, these groups hope to encourage county residents to convert their food and yard waste into compost. The Interfaith Food Bank has generously provided space for the compost demonstration project, which can be seen daily. Visitors will learn from several different composting techniques that range in level of effort and types of bins and materials used. Composting can be practiced in almost any backyard. Compost bins can either be purchased or constructed from scrap wood, wire fencing or even old garbage cans. Compost “happens” even if you simply place yard and food waste in an open pile, water periodically and wait. For more information about composting or the demonstrations, call the waste management department at 223-6429. 

  

The draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Home Depot in Jackson is now available for review through Oct. 1. The Home Depot proposal is for a two-phase commercial development on Highway 49 just near the Kennedy Mine property. Phase one would include the grading and leveling of 15 acres on the 59-acre project site and the construction of the Home Depot store and associated roadway, parking lot and infrastructure improvements. According to the draft EIR, the home depot facility would consist of a 139,000-square foot store, with a garden center, and a 410-space parking lot. Access to the project site would be from Highway 49/88 via a proposed new Home Depot road and a new signalized intersection. Phase two would result in the construction and eventual operation of approximately 200,000 square feet of retail commercial space. The draft EIR does cite some significant environmental effects on air quality, land use, noise, human health and hazards, and more. A public meeting regarding the project has been scheduled for Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Jackson Civic Center. Copies of the draft are now available for review at city hall and the Jackson branch of the Amador County Library. 
 

 

Wednesday, August 15, 2007 

Hundreds of residents who faced evictions from their mobile homes on the shores of Lake Camanche got a break Tuesday afternoon when the East Bay Municipal Utility District decided to allow the more than 200 residents, mostly senior citizens to stay put for now. In an update of its Mokelumne Watershed Master Plan, East Bay MUD had been considering an option that would eliminate the mobile home parks as a “general increase in protective measures related to water quality.” But studies presented at yesterday’s meeting show they’ve had little impact on water quality at Camanche. After much discussion the board decided to allow the current residents to stay. The board also assured residents they could sell their mobile homes or pass them down to family members. But in exchange for not evicting residents from the land, new rules will limit what improvements they can make. The mobile home parks generate $400,000 profit each year for the district. 

  

The national weather service has issued a fire weather watch warning for Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Gusty winds and low humidity will combine to create the potential foe critical fire weather conditions. Southwest winds are forecast to increase tonight and continue through Thursday evening. Sustained winds from 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts form 25 to 35 mph are also expected in the sierras. Moderate to poor humidity is also forecast, which will add to the already dangerous conditions. 

  

A hit and run at Wal-Mart Tuesday afternoon has CHP looking for a 1993 maroon Buick. According to a report from the CHP, Sylvia White of Jackson was traveling northbound on Wicklow Way approaching the exit of Wal-Mart when an unknown man was exiting and struck the left front fender of White’s Ford. Both parties pulled to the side of the road to check the damage. After checking for damage, the unknown man got back into his car and fled the area. The man is described as 25 years old, Hispanic, between 5'4" and 5'5" and 150 to 160 pounds with black curly hair. The vehicle’s license number is 4CEL638. If you see this vehicle or have any information related to this case, call the CHP at 223-4890. 

  

A fire started by an exhaust fan in a bathroom at the Jackson Hills Apartments caused minor damage and had some units evacuated. According to reports, a passerby saw smoke coming from a unit in the apartment complex on New York Ranch Road around 6:20 a.m. and called the fire department. When firefighters arrive on scene they found an exhaust fan in the bathroom of the unit smoking. After extinguishing the fire by 7:15 a.m., firefighters removed the fan and found the fire had cause minor damage to a ceiling truss and the bathroom ceiling plus minor smoke damage.   

 

A 17-year-old girl was found semi-conscious on the side of a road in Jackson early Wednesday morning. According to Jackson Police Chief Scott Morrison, police arrived on scene for a medical aid called in around 7 a.m. on a road leading to the cemetery in Jackson. Morrison said the officers discovered that the girl had alcohol poisoning and authorities took her to Sutter Amador Hospital for treatment. He added once there, the girl became confused due to her state of mind and had to be restrained. No criminal charges have been made and the girl was released to her mother’s custody. Morrison said they are currently investigating this case to see what happened and if any adults were involved. 

 

 

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 

Jackson Hills Golf Course and Residential Community developer New Faze got the OK to continue to the next step, but with no promises. The Jackson City Council voted four to one to move the Jackson Hills project forward and enter into discussions for a development agreement with New Faze. Before the decision was made Jackson Mayor Drew Stidger said that “this is a hard decision and in the end half of you will like us and the other half won’t.” After five hours of comment from local government officials, government agencies, citizen groups, new faze and local residents both for and against the project, Councilwoman RosaLee Pryor-Escamilla made the motion to certify the Jackson Hills EIR and approve the tentative subdivision map, general plan amendment to residential low density and recreation with a planned development overlay and rezone to residential single family and planned unit development. City Attorney Tomas Gibson asked that the motion also include a resolution exempting 68 units from the resource allocation program ordinance to be able to complete the 150 homes in phase one. The council agreed, except for Vice Mayor Andy Rodriguez who thought it was premature to include the exemption and voted against the motion.  At the Sept. 10 meeting the council will formally adopt the resolutions approved at this meeting and begin development agreement talks. Jackson Hills Community Information Liaison Lucy Hackett says the developers are pleased that the council decided to move forward with the project but know it is not a slam dunk. She added that it is still a long process and there is plenty of opportunity for the project to not go through but supporters are remaining hopeful. Hackett says this is the exciting part where city staff, a committee from the city council and project developers meet to bargain and shape this project so it is the best it can be. According to City Manager Mike Daly, after the agreement is finalized it will go to the Jackson Planning Commission for a public hearing and a recommendation. The project will then return to the city council where there will be another public hearing and a final decision as to whether or not the project will receive approval. 

  

Stanislaus National Forest officials say the 75-acre Dome Fire is now close to full containment. Enough progress has been made that resources have been reduced to three engines and two hand crews, totaling 65 firefighters. At the peek of the fire Friday, there were more than 700 firefighters on hand. Smoke will be visible through parts of Amador and Calaveras counties during the early morning and evening hours over the next couple of days as the fire burns itself out. Full containment was expected this afternoon. 

  

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday signed an executive order providing up to $10 million in additional emergency relief for local mosquito control agencies. Yesterday’s action supplements the emergency proclamation Schwarzenegger signed on Aug. 2 and the more than $1 million in emergency funding awarded last week. The Amador County Agriculture Department will receive $26,376 for mosquito control and $3,500 for surveillance, in addition to the $5,000 for surveillance awarded last week. The Calaveras County Environmental Health Department will receive $11,964 for mosquito control and $23,375 for surveillance, in addition to the $10,000 for surveillance awarded last week. While no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Amador or Calaveras counties, the number of people infected this year is three times higher than the same time last year. There have been five deaths in California due to West Nile Virus, one of those was in San Joaquin County.   

 

An accident on the Highway 49 bypass resulted in minor injuries. According to the California Highway Patrol, 84-year-old Irene Oehler of Sutter Creek was stopped at the westbound stop sign on Sutter-Ione Road when she failed to clear traffic traveling northbound on Highway 49 and pulled out in front of 19-year-old Shannon Guimond of Pine Grove. Guimond applied her brakes but was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of Oehler’s vehicle. The women were able to move their cars to the east shoulder after the accident to wait for authorities. Oehler complained of pain in her left elbow and Guimond said her back and neck hurt. Both parties sought their own medical help. 

  

School started Monday and Superintendent Mike Carry says everything is going really well. Carry says the school district projected enrollment to be down by 66, but it is currently at 80. But some schools and grades are up more than expected including Pine Grove kindergarten. Carry says a final active count will not be known until after Labor Day. Even with the road construction near Amador High School and Sutter Creek Elementary, Carry says traffic is flowing really smoothly, adding it will be nice when the project is completed. So far there has been the usual first day excitement and turmoil, but with three new principals this year Carry says they are part of a learning curve like the students. Dave Vicari is the new principal at Argonaut High School. He was previously principal at Jackson Junior High School where Janet Paps has taken over. And Allan Vanvelzen took over as principal at Amador High School this year. The school district is also working on a project for a two-story wing at Ione Junior High with 14 classrooms. Carry says it will probably not be completed until next year, but when it is done it will be an even nicer looking campus. 

  

A fatal rollover accident was reported at 1:30 a.m. this Tuesday morning in Calaveras County where 22-year-old Eric Jarvie of Arnold was pronounce dead on the scene. According to a California Highway Patrol report, 20-year-old Kevin Vargson of Hathaway pines was speeding on Murphys Grade Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road and lost control of the 1997 Saturn Sedan. The vehicle drifted onto a dirt shoulder and over a steep embankment where it collided with a large oak tree and rolled several times. The vehicle came to a rest upside down in a creek at the bottom of the embankment, more than 50 feet below the road. Vargson was wearing a seat belt but still suffered major injuries and was life-flighted to memorial Medical Center in Modesto. Jarvie and the other passenger 20-year-old Nathan Burch were not wearing their seat belts. Jarvie was ejected form the vehicle, sustaining fatal injures. Burch suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Mark Twain-St. Joseph's Hospital. The CHP is investigating if alcohol played a role in the accident. 

  

A small wild land fire near Glenco on Highway 26 this afternoon caused some residents to see and smell smoke in the area. According to CAL FIRE, the call came in around 1:30 p.m. and the fire burned about an acre and a half. Crews had the fire contained by 2:20 p.m. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 


 

Monday, August 13, 2007 

 The industrial fire in Martell is now out but the cause is still under investigation.    Several agencies responded early Friday morning to blaze that burned down the Old Plywood Plant on the Mill Property in Martell. Fifty responders came from the Sutter Creek Fire Protection District, city of Jackson, city of Ione, Amador Fire Protection District, Battalion 10 and 20, Mule Creek State Prison, CAL FIRE and American Legion Ambulance. According to Jackson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Morton, the area has been roped off and is being patrolled by a private security company to ensure protection of evidence that may help investigators discover the cause of the fire. Morton said that Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has been on scene since Friday and are helping Amador Fire Protection District investigate the cause. 

  

A fight at the factory broke out Friday night in Ione. According to manager Tim Flores, a fight broke out between a customer and a member of a band finishing up a set in the upstairs game room at the Pizza Factory in Ione. A witness told hometown radio that the band member was hitting another man with his guitar.    It is still unsure as to why the fight started, but Flores said he had to turn on the lights and stop the show before the fight was finished. The band involved in the fight was the third to perform that night with one more band to follow. Flores said that the band would not be asked to play there again, adding that they had no respect for the building. There was no damage from the fight and the fight broke up before the police were called. 

  

An outage in Ione this morning caused 220 homes to lose power. According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Tam, the outage occurred around 9:30 a.m. and was caused by a bird’s nest. Tam said PG&E crews were on scene and power was restored to all areas by 11:18 a.m. 

Firefighters are making progress in the Calaveras Dome Fire that started Friday afternoon and is still burning in a remote area of the Stanislaus national forest. The fire is located approximately one and a half miles southwest of the Salt Springs Reservoir and 13 miles northeast of Dorrington. First reports estimated the fire burning 100 acres, with the Forest Service now estimating 75 acres. The fire is burning in a steep, heavily timber area with no structures threaten. According to CAL FIRE, more than 700 firefighters have been committed to the fire with help from three air tankers, three helicopters, four water tenders, two dozers, 22 fire engines and 28 hand crews consisting of 20 people. Retardant-dropping fixed wing air tankers and water-dropping helicopters are being utilized to cool, check and slow the fire's spread. Smoke is still clearly visible in the surrounding areas. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

In order to reduce minor’s access to alcohol, alcohol stings conducted by the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department will soon begin across the county. The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution July 17 to enter into a contract with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which awarded the sheriff’s department a $25,221 grant to fund its program. This is the third time the sheriff’s department has received this grant for its program supervised by Sgt. Tracy Busby, head of the sheriff’s narcotics unit. The program sends a minor into a business that sells alcohol and has them attempt to buy some. The minors are volunteers and must be over 18 but under 21. In April during the last sting three businesses were cited. Businesses cited face a minimum fine of $250 and / or 24 to 32 hours of community service for the first violation and ABC may take other action. 

  

Gas prices have been dropping throughout the mother lode and the state, but as least one analyst says don’t expect it to continue. The latest Lundberg Survey shows the average price per gallon has fallen nearly 11 cents over the last two weeks. In Amador County prices fell 10 cents overnight at some stations, and have held steady at an average of $2.93 a gallon. California prices averaged $2.91 a gallon. But experts says despite the recent drop, several factors point to an renewed upturn in the near future, including world crude prices, U.S. refining operations that have not reached maximum and at least three weeks left in the summer driving season. 

  

Congressman Dan Lungren will be in Jackson Aug. 18 for a town hall discussion. Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include immigration, the war in Iraq, government spending plus any issue important to his constituents. The meeting will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Jackson Civic Center at 33 Broadway. Lungren will also visit Citrus Heights on Aug. 15 and Elk Grove Aug. 28. 

 

Friday, August 10, 2007 

Two power poles snapped in half and fell over Friday morning around 11 on Highway 49 next to Steve Stymeist Auto Body and Paint causing more than 550 people to lose power. Three PG&E trucks were dispatched to assess the damage and restore power. According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Tam, power was restored to 102 customers by 11:45 a.m. and 350 by noon. At 12:17 only 93 people were without power and at that time it was estimated that power should be restored within four hours. Tam said at 3:30 p.m. only 44 customers were without power with power expected to be restored around 8 p.m. The outage affected Highway 49 in south Jackson to San Andreas. Tam said that PG&E knew the pole was a problem and had plans to work on it next week. She added that after power is restored to all customers, repair work will begin to replace those poles. 

  

A large industrial building, known as the Old Plywood Plant, on the mill property in Martell is still burning after a fire started there about 12:30 this morning. Witnesses in the area at the time said they heard a number of loud explosions just prior to the fire. The building takes up more than 250,000 square feet and houses two business, Renewable Technologies Inc. a solar energy company and the Amera-Craft Cabinet Company. A night watchman was trapped in one of the back rooms of the building. Rescuers had to use chainsaws to slice through a wall before they could pull him out. He was rescued safely, shortly before the room he was in collapsed from the flames. A Battalion Chief with CAL Fire says the building could burn at least two days because of all the raw cabinet making materials located at the sight. Jackson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Morton said it is currently being discussed with health and environmental officials to see if it is better to let the fire burn and have the smoke go into the air or put the fire completely out and risk the water run off enter into creeks and ground water. Crews are concerned about sawdust piles in the area and are trying to protect businesses located in the Sierra West Business Park. Morton said 10 engines, two water tenders, a truck from Jackson and American Legion Ambulance were on scene with more than 50 fire fighters from Jackson, Sutter Creek, Ione and CAL Fire. This is the largest structure fire in Amador County history. In late June this building and its owners Richard and Steven Gularte was sited by Amador Code Enforcement for not being in compliance with the county’s request for a working fire protection system. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

  

A power outage that affected more than 3,500 Pacific Gas and Electric customers in Ione including the Buena Vista and Camanche areas and parts of Jackson was caused when a driver suspected of driving under the influence hit a power pole. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, 34-year-old Sheri Konvalin of Jackson was driving east on Highway 88 near Eggiman Lane when she lost control of her car and hit a power pole with the left rear side passenger door and caused the car to overturn onto its roof. The power pole was broken at the base and power lines went down across all lanes of Highway 88, closing the highway to traffic in both directions for an hour and a half until PG&E could clear the lines. Traffic was rerouted to Sutter Ione Road. According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Tam, the accident took out the transmission line feeding the Clay and Ione substations. Konvalin was arrested at the scene under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Tam said power was restored to residents around 9:30 p.m. 
 

With school starting on Monday it is important for motorists and children to remember certain tips to stay safe. According to Craig Harmon, public information officer for Amador County CHP, it is important to be alert as there will be more traffic around schools starting Monday. He added that people should allow more time to get where they are going in the mornings, as school buses will be on the road. Harmon wanted to remind people that they must stop if a bus puts on it red flashing lights, as they are getting ready to load or unload students.    In the mornings, drivers are also advised to watch for children waiting at bus stops or riding bikes or walking to school. Harmon said that children should walk against traffic and avoid busy roads. Parents should also make sure that their children know bus safety including getting to the bus stop on time so they don’t have to rush across the road to catch the bus and wait until the bus driver escorts them across roads. Additionally children should wait at bus stops away from traffic and wait until the bus stops and the doors open before stepping toward the bus. When the bus is moving kids should stay seated and keep all extremities inside the bus. 

  

With the states first, February presidential primary election just six months away, a new election coordinator has been named in Calaveras County. Christine Fouts of Copperopolis has been appointed new Calaveras County Elections Coordinator. County Clerk Karen Varni introduced Fouts to the board of supervisors Tuesday. Fouts replaces longtime coordinator Debbie Smith who has taken a job with Amador County. Fouts has worked in the county clerk’s office for six years. Fouts says she’s excited about the new job because elections are very important and the process is changing so much. Fouts says she is looking forward to the challenge of her new position. 

 

Thursday, August 9, 2007 

A potential juror in the murder trial of Daniel Rocha was sent to jail to sober up after he was found drinking in the courtroom. According to Calaveras County Sheriff’s Spokesman Sgt. Dave Seawell, 56-year-old William Chester Shaw Jr. was arrested and charged with public intoxication at the Calaveras County Superior Court Monday. Seawell says Shaw was bothering the man sitting next to him and offered him a drink out of his water bottle, which authorities think contained vodka. Seawell added that the potential juror being bothered stood up and announced that the guy next to him was drunk and trying to offer him a drink.    Shaw was taken into custody and released when he was sober. 

  

Animal adoption fees were discussed and an increase was approved at Tuesday’s Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting. The fees will be increased to $50 to adopt a cat and $85 for a dog. According to John Vial, director for Animal Control, this increase still doesn’t recover the cost of preparing the animal for adoption, including spaying or neutering, age and breed appropriate vacations and microchips and licenses for dogs. Besides approving the increase, the board also eliminated the discounted license fee for unaltered dogs for senior citizens, eliminated delinquency fees for licenses, changed the rabies delinquency fee to allow owners the opportunity to be refunded their money upon proof of rabies vaccination, established a dog trap deposit and clarified "hauling fee" to “livestock trailer use.” According to District Two Supervisor Richard Forester, District Five Supervisor Brian Oneto voted against this motion because he did not want to eliminate the discount license fee for unaltered dogs for senior citizens.    Forester said it important because the pets need to be altered and so there isn’t a larger problem at the shelter. The motion passed four to one. 

  

Calaveras County officials will soon consider requiring scrap metal dealers to report their purchases to authorities. On Tuesday Calaveras County Sheriff Dennis Downum asked the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors for their informal approval to draft an ordinance that he can present to them. Downum says he’s worried that crackdowns on junk metal sales in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties could drive businesses that don’t want to comply with those rules across county lines. Calaveras County counsel Jim Jones said the proposed ordinance would be similar to rules requiring pawnshops to report the items they buy. The reporting makes it possible for investigators to track metal when farmers or other victims report items stolen. Routine scrap metal purchases such as aluminum cans and junk cars would be excluded from the reporting rule. The supervisors gave Downum the go ahead to draft an ordinance, but several warned they’d have questions about a law that would impose new burdens on small businesses. 

 

A fire in the buckhorn area on Highway 88 that started around 12:20 this afternoon burned three acres of grass and brush and almost had 20 homes evacuated. According to CAL Fire Battalion Chief Chris Anthony, crews were dispatched to a vegetation fire near Highway 88 in Buckhorn that had burned an acre of grass and was threatening a few structures with a moderate rate of spread. Several units were dispatched including 13 fire engines, two air tankers, a helicopter and a bulldozer. Anthony said the Amador County Sheriff’s Office put evacuation plans into effect and some homes in the Buckhorn Ridge Road and Buckhorn Ridge Lane area were evacuated. The California Highway Patrol began traffic control that closed down Highway 88 in both directions during the fire. Anthony said the fire was contained by 1:45 p.m. and equipment was determined to be the cause of the fire. 

  

A bid was chosen for a new classroom at Ione Junior High School and the home to school transportation fee discussion continued at the Amador County Unified School District Board Meeting Wednesday night. The board unanimously approved awarding the bid for part one site work for a new two story classroom at Ione Junior High to contractor Steward Schreder. The board had received five pre-qualified bidders at the time. According to reports, Schreder was chosen because the bid he submitted was within the scope of the engineer’s estimate and Schreder has performed work for the school district in the past and always performed in a professional and timely manner. The board also continued its discussion about home to school transportation fees, but made no decision and continued discussion to the next meeting held Aug. 22. 

  

The Ione City Council met Tuesday night to hear about the Ione bypass and discuss cleaning up Sutter Creek. Amador County Transportation Commission Executive Director Charles Field presented a three-phase process to advance the Ione bypass through environmental documents and project approval. This work includes describing and adopting a specific route that is preserved and pro