Thursday, July 3, 2008

Ione breaks ground on new fire station on Preston Avenue

Ione city officials and volunteer firefighters were all in attendance this morning for the ground-breaking of their new fire station. City Manager Kim Kerr, Mayor Andrea Bonham, Vice Mayor Lee Ard, Council Member Skip Schaufel and Fire Chief Ken Mackey turned the first shovels of dirt at the location on Preston Avenue. Construction on the project will not actually begin until August, but dirt work and other prep work will begin next week. To see the ground-breaking ceremony, visit our PodCast page at htradio.net.

Amador County announced Thursday that it has hired a Deputy CAO

Kristin Bengyel will begin work for the county shortly as the Deputy CAO. Bengyel comes from Fresno where she served for more than five years as the Executive Director for the In-Home Support Services Public Authority. Goals and objectives for her new position will include some of the responsibilities of the Land Use Agency Director, evaluating the services the agency offers and investigating new ways to streamline those services in an effort to better serve the public. She will also assume the duties of the CAO in the absence of Terri Daly. 

CAL FIRE offering one more reminder for anyone using fireworks this weekend

The sale or discharge of all fireworks including safe and sane are prohibited in Amador County, with the exception of the incorporated areas of Jackson, Sutter Creek and Ione, which allow safe and sane fireworks in controlled conditions away from any flammable vegetation. Cal fire officials also want to remind residents that you can be cited for using fireworks in Amador County and can also be held liable for the cost of fighting any fires that you or your children start.   

Roads will be slightly less crowded this weekend for the Fourth of July holiday

According to a report from AAA Northern California, studies show that more than 4.8 million Californians are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes to celebrate Independence Day. That represents a 0.8 percent decrease from last year, the first decline in Fourth of July travel in this decade. Record-high gas prices, higher airfares, a sluggish economy and concerns over the credit crunch are all to blame for the drop in travelers. 

Valley Springs juvenile injured after crashing his Honda 50

A 9-year-old Valley Springs resident suffered minor injures after crashing his motorcycle Wednesday night. According to the Amador CHP, the juvenile was riding his 2007 Honda 50 on Antonovich Road in Valley Springs close to 7:30 p.m. at a stated speed of 15 to 16 mph. Due to his unsafe speed for the conditions, he lost control, causing the bike to fall over. The young man sustained cuts to his forearms, knees, ankles and mouth. He was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital for treatment.

Assemblyman Nakanishi, Supervisor Oneto to hold Town Hall meeting Monday

Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi will be in Amador County Monday for a Town Hall meeting with District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto. The forum will include a legislative update by Nakanishi and Oneto, followed by an opportunity for questions from the audience. The meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Amador County Board of Supervisors Chambers at the County Administrative Building in Jackson.    

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Don’t even think about driving drunk this holiday season

The California Highway Patrol will begin a Maximum Enforcement Period for the Fourth of July, Thursday at 6:01 p.m. Even with high gas prices, the CHP expects to see a number of drivers on the road this weekend. The best way to stay safe when getting behind the wheel is by avoiding alcohol, observing speed limits and wearing seat belts. Every available officer will be on the road from Thursday until Sunday at midnight keeping the roads safe.

Two people were taken to the hospital Tuesday afternoon when a Chevy drove off the road and overturned

According to the CHP, Holly Hode of San Andreas was driving south on Highway 49 south of San Domingo Creek when she turned her attention to her passenger and allowed her vehicle to drift off the edge of the road. She tried to swerve back on the roadway crossing both lanes and almost hitting another vehicle. The vehicle then began to fishtail, causing Hode to lose control and travel off the road down an embankment overturning on its side. Hode and her passenger, Norberto Bradley also of San Andreas, were taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

David Roy Stanton sentenced to 40 years in jail Wednesday

After several court appearances and two jury trials, David Roy Stanton was sentenced to 40 years in prison Wednesday in Tuolumne County Superior Court for the Aug. 25 murder of Jon Steven Flaherty of Wallace. Stanton was sentenced to 15 years for a conviction of second-degree murder and an additional 25 years for a gun enhancement charge. He has no possibility for parole.

Amador Supervisors approve a preliminary budget

A preliminary budget was approved by the Amador County Board of Supervisors during Tuesday’s meeting. Board Chair and District 2 Supervisors Richard Forster said that the budget is only preliminary right now until the state can pass their budget and the county can figure out what funding is going to be cut. The county has been working on reducing employee costs, which Forster says drives the budget, to begin offsetting any losses. With the recently passed Furlough program and early retirement incentive, the county is already looking to save more than $100,000 with just the current enrollment in the Furlough program. And with 80 people out of the 163 eligible interested in the early retirement incentive, the county is expecting even more savings.

Three sited for using their cell phone while driving Tuesday

With the new cell phone laws taking effect Tuesday and the Amador County CHP out in full force, only three people were cited. CHP officers were patrolling local roads heavier than usual for the start of the two new laws making it illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving without a hands-free device, with minors under 18 unable to use cell phones while driving at all. If pulled over for using your cell phone the fines for the first offense can be close to $100 and it will be noted on your driving record.

Coffee lovers in Amador County can breathe a sigh of relief

With the announcement made earlier today about Starbucks closing more than 600 stores around the country, managers at the three local Starbucks say they are not in danger. Starbucks officials cite the fact that profits fell 28 percent in the three months that ended on March 30, compared with the same time a year earlier as the reason for the shutdowns. Stores in danger include ones that were opened in the past two years and in locations with multiple sites. Sales at the three stores in Amador County appear to be strong enough to keep the doors open for now.   

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Rollover accident at Climax Road, Highway 88 pinned one subject in the vehicle

The CHP reported a rollover accident at Climax Road and Highway 88 in Pine Grove around 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. According to reports the vehicle rolled over off the road pinning a male in the vehicle. The injuries appeared to be only minor.

Mountain lion sightings in the Pine Acres area causing concern

Several mountain lion sightings in the Pine Acres area is causing some concern among local residents and authorities. Several residents in the area of Robin Lane have reported seeing a mountain lion more than once in the area. The Amador County Sheriff’s Department has been notified as well as Fish and Game. Nearby residents are asked to keep a close eye on children playing outside and to keep pets in at night. If you see a mountain lion in the area, contact the sheriff’s department at 223-6500.

Jackson City Council fills Planning Commission seat with Darek Selman

After a short meeting Monday night, the Jackson City Council appointed Darek Selman to the Planning Commission. In a 3-2 vote, long-time Jackson resident Selman was decided to be the chosen candidate, with Mayor Rosalie Pryor Escamilla and council member Andy Rodriguez voting in favor of Bergen. Selman will begin his duties at the july 21 meeting of the planning commission when he will also be sworn in.

Ione will break ground on fire station Thursday morning

The city of Ione will hold a ground-breaking ceremony Thursday for its new fire station. The new station will be located at 600 Preston Ave. in Ione. City officials and city council members will be in attendance to kick off the construction that is hoped to be completed by February. The community is welcome to attend this ceremony to learn more about this important project. The ground breaking will be held at 9 a.m.

Plymouth Planning Commission meetings canceled

The Plymouth Planning Commission meeting scheduled for this Thursday has been canceled. The July 17 meeting has also been canceled. The city planning department has not said why the meetings have been canceled, but report that the July 31 meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

The 2007/08 Calaveras County Grand Jury final report is now available

The Grand Jury is a panel of citizens chosen by the court officials to examine county and city governments and special districts to ensure their duties are being lawfully carried out. Main topics in this year’s report included problems with the Community Development Agency, the small and outdated animal shelter and the continued inadequacy of the jail. To view the full report, visit the Calaveras County Web site.

Land Use Classification System and Alternatives workbook is now available

The planning department recently announced the availability of Land Use Classification System and Alternatives workbook updated to include Alternative D June 2008. The file can be viewed online at www.co.amador.ca.us under planning department. Hard copies are available at the planning department at 810 Court St. in Jackson. The planning department says to refer to this document when reviewing the updates for the general plan.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Early morning structure fire Sunday in Wilseyville resulted in $50,000 of damage

According to reports, CAL FIRE units from San Andreas and West Point responded along with two engines and water tenders from Central Fire, West Point Fire and Mokelumne Hill to a fire at 20496 Highway 26 close to 1 a.m. CAL FIRE reports electrical power caused of the fire that damaged the garage. PG&E was notified of the problem.

Hawkins pleads guilty to diminished charges from 2006 bank robbery

Daniel Lelend Hawkins pleaded guilty to diminished charges in a plea bargain with the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office Monday. The 18-year-old testified at his February jury trial that he robbed the El Dorado Savings Bank in San Andreas two years ago because he wanted to get caught and sent to prison. Hawkins pleaded guilty in Superior Court to one count of second-degree robbery and a special allegation of using a firearm in the holdup on May 15, 2006. He faces 10 years in state prison and three more years on parole when he is released.

Exhibit entry deadlines for the Amador County Fair fast approaching

The Amador County Fair, held July 24 through 27, showcases the talents of the local residents and neighboring counties, who would like to share their best needlework, paintings, photography, beautiful blooms, tasty jams and jellies, and outstanding garden produce. Most categories are open to residents of Amador, Calaveras and El Dorado counties. Home arts, art and photography are also open to Tuolumne County residents and gems and minerals can be entered by all California residents. However, the deadline is near with entry forms and fees due by 6 p.m. July 12. Forms and guidebooks are currently available at the Fair Office in Plymouth, and the 4-H Office, feed stores and county libraries, or online at www.amadorcountyfair.com.

The Amador County Museum will stay closed longer than originally expected due to additional costly repairs

The bid to fix the leaky roof on the building built in 1859 was awarded last October to John F. Otto in the amount of $159,000. GSA Director Jon Hopkins appeared before the Administrative Committee of Supervisors Richard Forster and Ted Novelli Monday morning to discuss a change order for the project and the increased costs involved with it. Upon review of the property, additional time and costs involving replacing the roof have been discovered by the contractor not to exceed $139,745, on top of the amount of the original contract. Hopkins recommended that the museum continue to remain closed even after repairs are completed until funding sources can be confirmed for phase two and the necessary ADA complaint repairs. Before making a final decision, Forster asked Amador County Historical Society president Charlene Buckley, who was present, if the society would commit to raising necessary funds for the additional repairs, to which she responded that she would talk to the board about it. Being committed to repairing the county landmark, the administrative committee decided to go forward with the necessary repairs and approve the change order.

Arsenic clean up in and around the Central Eureka Mine in Sutter Creek costs the EPA $1.75 million

A two-year dispute over who should pay the $4.3 million cost of removing arsenic from a former Amador County gold mine near a residential neighborhood was recently settled. The dispute began in the U.S. District Court in Sacramento in February 2006, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sued Honeywell International Inc., owner of the Central Eureka Mine in Sutter Creek, Nehemiah Development, developer of the Mesa de Oro residential development, and Nehemiah’s general partner, Alpheus Kaplan, to recover the cost of cleanup they performed at the mine and nearby development. Honeywell, which bought the mine in 1893, settled for $2 million in February. Nehemiah up 29 residential yards and paid the EPA $540,000. The EPA covered the remaining clean up costs of $1.75 million.

Couple arrested Thursday in Amador County for methamphetamine related charges

Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two people Thursday morning for various methamphetamine related charges. Around 9:30 a.m. a sheriff deputy patrolling in the area of New York Ranch Road and Ridge Road located a suspicious vehicle parked at the end of Coventry Court. When the officer made contact with the subjects in the vehicle, 40-year-old Martin Charles Urias of Lodi and 38-year-old Melissa Rae Hendon of Acampo, it was apparent they were under the influence of a controlled substance. A search of both subjects and their vehicle revealed approximately nine grams of suspected methamphetamine, two digital scales, materials used to package controlled substances for sale, a glass methamphetamine smoking pipe and lock picking tools.

Valley Springs man found dead Sunday after rolling his quad

A Valley Springs man was found dead Sunday morning after officials believe he rolled his four-wheeled ATV the night before going home from a fireworks show. Calaveras County Coroner Kevin Raggio identified the man as 42-year-old Jimmy Floyd Minyard. A passer-by found Minyard’s body just after 7 a.m. Sunday in an off-road area near Highway 26 and Hogan Dam Road. It appears he died from traumatic injuries to his chest.

New cell phone laws implemented by the CHP beginning tomorrow

Tuesday marks the day two new laws dealing with the use of cell phones while driving will be implemented by the California Highway Patrol. Amador CHP Public Information Officer Craig Harmon says the laws prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from using cell phones while driving and requires drivers 18 and older to use a hands-free device while driving. If caught in violation of either law, be prepared to pay a fine and have it noted on your driving record. And with plenty of publicity over the past year surrounding these laws, don’t think the CHP will be handing out any warnings, Harmon says there will be no grace period. Harmon doesn’t expect to have much of a problem locally with the poor cell service, but does hope the law keeps the roads safer.

Jackson City Council interviews two for the vacant planning commission seat tonight

The Jackson City Council will hold a special meeting tonight to further interview the two remaining applicants for the one vacant planning commission seat. At last week’s city council meeting the council re-appointed Letitia Sexton to the planning commission as her term was up today, but could not decided between Jason Bergen and Darek Selman to fill the empty seat left by Terri Works, who did not apply for re-appointment to the commission. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Jackson Civic Center.

Delays around Amador County roads can be expected over the next week

Drivers in Amador County can expect slow downs as the public works department has scheduled several road projects over the next week. Fourteen roads west of red corral, in the Gayla Manor subdivision and the Ranch House Estates subdivision will be subject to one way traffic control from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with up to 20 minute delays starting today and continuing through tomorrow. On Tuesday and Wednesday, traffic delays will affect drivers on Fiddletown Road, Climax Road, Stoney Creek Road and Jackson Gate Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Up to 20 minute delays can be expected. Michigan Bar Road and Shenandoah Road will be affect by one-way traffic control Wednesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and drivers on Shakeridge Road will be affected beginning next Monday, July 7 through Wednesday, July 9 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on any of these road delays, visit www.co.amador.ca.us.

Al Lennox sworn in as Amador County Chamber of Commerce President Friday night

More than 50 people helped to welcome Al Lennox of the American Legion in to his new position as Amador County Chamber of Commerce President for the next two years at a dinner Friday night at the Jackson Rancheria. Outgoing President Jack Mitchell introduced Lennox, who was also honored with the title of Commander of the American Legion for the state of California for the next two years. Along with the changing of the presidents, 24 local business owners and chamber members were installed to the 2008-09 Board of Directors. Visit our PodCast page at htradio.net for video of the evening.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Local authorities remind people to be safe with fireworks

With safe and sane fireworks stands scheduled to open Saturday, local authorities are reminding local residents to be extra careful. With current dry conditions and hundreds of fires burning in northern California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger urged people not to sell even the safe and sane fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Drew Stidger, chairman of the Jackson Lions Fireworks Booth and a Lieutenant with the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, says the lions club will still sell fireworks in the old Safeway parking lot because if used in an appropriate manner the safe and sane fireworks are safe. Stidger says that they do inform people the use of the fireworks is only legal in the cities of Jackson, Sutter Creek and Ione in Amador County. In Calaveras County, all fireworks are prohibited in the Ebbetts Pass Fire Protection District and Central Calaveras Fire and Rescue Protection District. Fireworks are not permitted in any public parks, parking lots or along any roadways in Calaveras County.

Busy night for Plymouth City Council Thursday

The Plymouth City Council was busy Thursday night passing resolutions and discussing rate increases. The first item approved was a resolution of the city council and the city prohibiting the formation of Government-to-Government relations with the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. City Clerk Gloria Stoddard says Resolution No. 2008-15 allows the city to take a stand and wait for the proper time to negotiate with the tribe regarding its proposed casino. Stoddard says the city does not want to enter into meetings with the tribe until the proper time so that the federal government does not think the city is in support of the project. And even though a garbage rate increase of 4.8 percent for Amador Disposal was approved, water rates were frozen and sewer rates were rolled back to the January 2007 rates until the city administrator can analyze the results of a new study and make sure the rate payers are not being gouged.   

Ione appears to be in good financial standing after Tuesday night’s budget workshop

City Manager Kim Kerr says this year's budget shows the first increase in the city's total revenues since 2005-06, estimated to be $4,830,075, excluding transfers in. That turns out to be a 17 percent increase over last year. The council directed staff to amend the budget and bring it back for discussion for the July 1 council meeting. A public hearing on the final budget is tentatively set for July 9, when the council is expected to make its final decision.

Pine Grove man donates his stimulus check to A Christmas to Remember

The Christmas to Remember 2008 fund will start out this year with $600 thanks to the generosity of an Amador County man. Earlier this week a Pine Grove man came to talk to HomeTown Radio Owner Jim Guidi about what to do with his economic stimulus check from the government. When Guidi suggested the man donate the money to A Christmas to Remember, the man thought it was a great idea and wrote a $600 check to the organization. Guidi, who is the co-chair of the organization that provides new clothes at Christmas time to children in Amador and Calaveras counties, says this is why the event is so successful each year.

Amador County Fair advance discounted tickets now available

With the Amador County Fair just about a month away, it is already time to start planning for the events you want to attend. Advanced discount tickets are now available for fair admission, carnival rides and grandstand events. Several packages are available, including family passes and season passes. All ticket packages must be purchased by Wednesday, July 23 at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the fair office in Plymouth. For more information, visit amadorcountyfair.com or call 245-6921.

Western Auction at the Feed Barn to benefit A-PAL Tri County Wildlife Care

The Feed Barn will hold a western auction this weekend to benefit A-PAL and the Tri County Wildlife Care. Friday beginning at noon, there will be a preview of the items included in Saturday’s auction. Items include wagon wheel benches, tables and chairs as well as bronze statues, cow and calf skins, skulls, jewelry and much more. For more information, stop by the Feed Barn in Martell. The Volcano Theatre Company will also host a benefit for the Tri County Wildlife Care Saturday night with a dinner and play. Doors will open at the Volcano Amphitheatre at 6 p.m. for an evening filled with fun. For tickets or more information, visit tricountywildlifecare.org.

Art on the Lawn tonight in Volcano to benefit Hospice of Amador and Calaveras

The 11^th annual Art on the Lawn benefit for Hospice of Amador and Calaveras counties will be held tonight in the gardens of the St. George Hotel. The fund-raiser will feature art from local artists and raffle prizes from local restaurants and businesses. Champagne, wine and appetizers will be served. Tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased at the hospice office or thrift store in Jackson. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

It was Amador County Superintendent Mike Carey’s last school board meeting Wednesday night

During the meeting the board presented Superintendent Mike Carey with a resolution for his seven years of dedication to the school district. Carey’s last day will be June 30. His replacement, Richard Glock, will begin work Tuesday, July 1 with a special meeting and workshop with the school board. Also during the meeting, the board approved the budget for 2008-09 and approved a bid for the construction of two new classrooms at Jackson Elementary School to Vinciguerra Construction for $96,000.

Mokelumne Bluffs goes to the Amador County Supervisors

The Mokelumne Bluffs project will head to the supervisors after the Amador County Planning Commission approved the tentative subdivision map Tuesday night. According to planning staff, the commission voted 3-1 to approve the map and recommended the zoning changes and variances be approved by the supervisors after some minor changes to the conditions. Commission Chair Andy Byrne voted against the approval of the project.

Lockeford man escapes accident without injury Wednesday night

A 20-year-old Lockeford man was lucky to escape without injury when his vehicle ended up in a ditch Wednesday night near Highway 104. According to the Amador CHP, the man was driving west on Five Mile Drive at approximately 45 mph when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The 2003 Ford Mustang traveled across the eastbound lane and onto the shoulder where it struck a metal fence and came to a rest in a ditch.  

Do you have a favorite barn photo or two you'd like to share?

The Foothill conservancy is looking for photos of Amador County's historic and working barns for its booth at the Amador County Fair in July. The Foothill Conservancy will celebrate those contributions with its theme “Celebrating Amador’s Barns.” Digital images, approximately 1.5 to 2 megabytes, and prints, at least 8 inches by 10 inches, will be accepted. The best photos will be selected for display. If you are interested in contributing your photography to the booth, contact the Foothill Conservancy at 295-4900.

Boil Water Order lifted today for River Pines Public Utility District

As of 10 a.m. Thursday the Boil Water Order for the River Pines Public Utility District has been lifted. Heinz Hamann, general manager for the RPPUD, reported that no health hazards were found in any of the samples sent to the California Department of Public Health. With the water testing clean, it is once again ok to use it for cooking and drinking.

Calaveras Supervisors approve lean budget, save 24 jobs for now

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors reached an agreement Wednesday on a lean $104 million budget for 2008-09 that’s almost $2 million smaller than the budget for the current fiscal year ending Monday. The planned budget spares, for at least the next three months, 24 county employees who had been slated for layoffs. The board is scheduled to approve the budget Tuesday.

Eldorado National Forest officials announce fire restriction beginning July 1

Below normal annual precipitation this spring has left the forest drier and more susceptible to wildfire, sparking special fire restrictions to be implemented in the Eldorado National Forest beginning July 1, about a month earlier than normal. Eldorado National Forest Supervisor has signed a forest order that restricts campfires and charcoal barbeques only to designated developed campgrounds and facilities on the Eldorado that have a campground host and a water system until the end of fire season. The restrictions also prohibit operating internal combustion engines off of forest development roads and trails, the use of fireworks, which are never allowed in a national forest, most smoking activities, welding and using explosives.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

As it stands, the National Hotel on Main Street in Jackson is not going anywhere

Several rumors have been circulating about the owners of the historical Jackson landmark tearing the National Hotel down. However, Jackson City Officials say that there are no permits currently filed with the city to do so. According to Jackson City Planner Susan Peters, about a month ago the city received a letter from the owner inquiring about the process of tearing the building down. Peters says she sent the owner a response and a building permit application a week later, and has not heard anything since. She thinks the owner was just testing the waters adding that the city would let people know if there was an application submitted because it would be a big deal.

Amador Supervisors put the breaks on the Economic Stimulus Package for now

The Amador County Board of Supervisors are going to take a two week cooling off period before discussing the Amador Economic Stimulus Package again. At Tuesday’s meeting the board voted 4-1 to hold off on making any decisions. With the 30-permit limit already reached, Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Richard Forster voted against the motion, as he wanted to take further action and go full bore ahead and approve 30 more discounted permits. The board will bring the issue back at its July 8 meeting.

Amador County will get through this year’s budget, but is worried about next year’s

Even though Amador County will have to get through some rough spots in next year’s budget, County Administrative Officer Terri Daly says the county will be alright. Daly told the supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting the county is $2 million to $3 million in the hole for the 2008-09 fiscal budget, but thanks to pro-active measures taken by the county, there are still sufficient reserve funds to make up the difference. To avoid any more cuts this year the county has placed a freeze on hiring and has passed two programs that will hopefully prevent layoffs. The 2008-09 budget comes to $73.4 million, less than a 1 percent increase from last year.

BLM implements fire restrictions July 1

Effective July 1, the Bureau of Land Management is implementing fire restrictions on all BLM-managed public lands within the Folsom Field Office boundary. This includes a total of about 230,000 acres in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Tuolumne and other counties. According to Brian Mulhollen, fuels management specialist, these restrictions, in place until further notice, prohibit all open fires on public lands because of extremely dry conditions. He added that with the Fourth of July holiday approaching, that all fireworks are prohibited.

A late night rollover accident on Highway 88 has the CHP wondering what happened to the driver

According to the Amador CHP, a rollover accident had been reported at approximately 12:58 a.m. on Highway 88 at Buena Vista Road. Upon CHP arrival, a white Dodge Durango was located abandoned within a field just south of the highway with a majority of the roof caved in. Investigators say the dodge was traveling eastbound on Highway 88 at an unknown speed and crossed into the opposing westbound lane. The driver then turned the Durango abruptly to the right causing the rear portion of the vehicle to swing to the left. When the driver tried to correct the action, the vehicle rolled twice before coming to rest south of the highway. The identity of the driver is still unknown and officers are still looking for any parties involved.

An Ione man accused of worker’s compensation fraud was sentenced last week in Amador County Superior Court

Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe announce Tuesday that John Daniel Griffin, a former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation correctional officer, was convicted of three misdemeanor counts of workers’ compensation fraud in Amador County Superior Court. The 53-year-old allegedly concealed a pre-existing disability when seeking employment from CDCR. On June 19, Griffin was sentenced to 120 days in jail, ordered to pay $57,741.37 in restitution and placed on five years formal probation.   

Still no charges brought against Tammy Ham on the second anniversary of the shooting death of her husband

Today marks the second anniversary in the shooting death of a Calaveras County rancher, and the District Attorney says he hopes that before another year passes, he’ll resolve the case. Two years ago today, Tammy Ham fatally shot her husband, John Ham, at the family home just outside of San Andreas. Soon after, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department reported that Tammy had confessed to the slaying and was arrested and booked into the jail.    Two days later the DA ordered her release. In the 24 months since the shooting, DA Jeff Tuttle has not said whether he plans to prosecute Tammy or whether he will clear her name by saying the homicide was justified. Tuttle has not said why the decision is taking so long, just that he is committed to the case.

Two local companies are merging together to expand both businesses

Gold River-based Think Smart Inc., which provides flat-fee computer support for small- and medium-size businesses nationwide, said it has signed a merger agreement with Central House Technologies, an Internet service provider in Amador County. Think Smart's services include a help desk that can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Central House has been in business since 1999 and Think Smart was formed in 2000.

Local women looking for help to provide care packages to soldiers in Iraq

Two local women are working to keep Amador County soldiers supplied with personal items and treats not available to them while in Iraq and are asking for your help. Jackson residents Harriet Nichols and Sharon Adams are looking for the names and addresses of local soldiers deployed to the war zone. Amador residents that have relatives or friends they would like to receive a package should supply their complete name and mailing address to Jan Morin, P.O. Box 1209, Pine Grove, 95665. For a complete list of items needed or for more information, call 296-1309.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Jackson discusses big changes in next year’s budget

Monday night’s Jackson City Council meeting was full of numbers with a presentation on the budget for next year. City Manager Mike Daly presented the preliminary budget to the council seeking direction to finalize the city’s budget for next year. Due to national, state and local economic uncertainties, Daly chose to go with a one-year cycle this year instead of a two-year budget that has been done for the past several years. Another difference from the past few years is the fact that the city is projected to spend more money than will be received out of three key funds. Council directed staff to finalize the budget with a final presentation taking place at a July meeting.

Water rate increases was another hot topic at Monday night’s Jackson City Council meeting

In June 2007 the Amador Water Agency adopted a 22 percent increase effective August 2007 and a 12 percent increase on July 1, 2008 and 2009. This increase caused the city of Jackson to propose a water and sewer rate increase a couple of months ago to help offset the cost increases the city is incurring from the water agency. A special committee was set up to review the information and provide a recommendation to the city council on the increase. The committee proposed that the city ask to be an item of discussion on the next water agency meeting or set up a special workshop with the agency to answer some questions brought up by the committee. After the presentation, the council made two decisions, to request a meeting with the AWA board and peruse a sewer rate increase on its own.

Andrae’s Bakery will be coming soon to Sutter Creek

The Sutter Creek Planning Commission held a special meeting last night to discuss the site plan and architectural design permit for a new retail bakery at 141 Hanford St. The project consists of a new 6,000 square-foot building that will include a bakery, eatery, sales area, office, storage, a covered porch, outdoor eating area and 15 parking spaces. After a couple of changes, the planning commission approved the plans and gave the go ahead to begin construction.   

Jackson City Council makes appointments

With two planning commissioner and three cemetery committee seats up for re-appointment, the Jackson City Council spent some time during Monday night’s meeting filling two vacancies. Seats on both committees are for two years with two to three vacancies every year.    Seats for Planning Commissioners Letitia Sexton and Terri Works were up, with only Sexton submitting an application for re-appointment. The council re-appointed Sexton, however could not decide between the other two applicants, Jason Burgan and Derek Selman, deciding to hold further interviews Monday, June 30 at 6 p.m. in council chambers. For the cemetery committee the seats of Warren Carleton, Jean Campbell-Mueller and Walt Hoeser expire June 30. Carleton and Hoeser re-applied and were re-appointed, along with the only other applicant Margo MacIntire.

Another drowning death in Lake Camanche this season occurred over the weekend

According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department, the department’s Marine Safety Dive Team pulled the body of a 31-year-old Sacramento man from the waters of Lake Camanche’s south shore Saturday evening. The man was swimming in 24 feet of water about 15 feet off shore at Eucalyptus Point. Reports of the incident say he was swimming and he went under the water and he never came up.

Bus riders in Calaveras County will soon have shelter from the weather

State Sen. Dave Cox announced Monday that Calaveras County received $84,763 from the voter-approved proposition 1B in its second annual round of funding. This money will help the Calaveras County Public Works Department construct two bus shelters. Cox says with summer just around the corner, along with its heat, these bus shelters will help shield bus riders from the hot sun and make the bus riding experience more comfortable for patrons.

Monday, June 23, 2008

ACCNET eradicated more than 2,800 marijuana plants near Amador City

The Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team eradicated more than 2,800 marijuana plants near Amador City earlier this month. According to Undersheriff Jim Wegner, ACCNET agents were conducting reconnaissance of a possible clandestine commercial marijuana cultivation operation located on Amador Creek, west of Highway 49 on the morning of June 12. After confirming the presence of the marijuana cultivation site, agents observed 20-year-old Miguel Martinez of Tijuana, Mexico, within a camp associated with the site, who was detained and subsequently arrested. He was booked into the county jail charged with cultivation of marijuana with bail set at $50,000.

Small vegetation fire in Ione Monday morning called in several crews to an address on Highway 124

The call came in close to 9 a.m. that grass and brush was on fire in a “bone yard” at 8625 Highway 124. Crews from Jackson Valley Fire Protection District, Ione Fire Department and CAL FIRE responded containing the flames quickly. Other units in route were called off by 9:21 a.m. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

An Ione man suffered minor injuries after his vehicle overturned Saturday night

According to the Amador CHP, 47-year-old Joseph Silva was driving east on Sutter Creek Ione road at 40 mph. Due to his intoxication, he failed to maintain his 2006 Dodge on the roadway and lost control. The Dodge traveled down an embankment and collided with a barbed wire fence and overturned on its roof. After the accident Silva was arrested for DUI related charges.