Friday, July 30, 2010

Galt man killed in vehicle accident in San Andreas Thursday morning

A Galt man was killed in the San Andreas area on Thursday morning. 22-year- old Bradley Calhoun was driving his Pontiac sedan eastbound on Highway 4, west of Brice Station, when for unknown reasons he crossed over the double lines and into the path of 55-year-old Robert Anzar of Jamestown. Anzar was towing a trailer loaded with logs. The sedan collided with the fourth axle at the driver’s side of the logging trailer and the Galt man suffered fatal injuries. Anzar was not iinjured in the collision.

Rattlesnake bites at record levels this year according to Amador Public Health

Rattlesnake bites are at record levels this year according to a report from the Amador County Public Health Office. Seven county residents required treatment at Sutter Amador Hospital for rattlesnake bites this year. Six of those victims were admitted to the hospital and required anti-venom. Dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County Public Health Officer, says that although official records are not kept, the most victims they can remember in any year is seven, and we’re already there with the season only half over. Suggestions on the increase may be because of the late wet spring, and more small rodents which are the snakes main source of food. If bitten, the best thing you can do is get to the emergency room right away. Anti-venom is very effective and most victims require six to ten vials given intravenously. Hartmann adds that it is not important to catch the snake, and is more dangerous to do so. Prevention is the best medicine. Never handle snakes -dead or alive, avoid wood piles and brush where snakes live, know their habits of being out at dusk and dawn, wear boots and long pants, keep bushes and shrubs trimmed so you can see clearly underneath, and keep rattlesnake enemies around such as dogs, cats, guinea hens and pigs.

Two San Andreas residents killed in alcohol influenced car accident Wednesday

Two San Andreas residents were killed in an alcohol influenced car collision Wednesday evening in San Andreas. The CHP reports that 21-year-old Matt Thein of San Andreas was driving with two passengers southbound on Gold Strike Road at a speed of 60 miles per hour while 30-year-old Leah Montoya and her 10-year-old daughter were driving northbound at a speed of 30 miles per hour. Thein noticed that a car was turning onto Gold Strike Road from Leonard Road in front of him. Due to his rate of speed and reported intoxicated state, Thein stepped on the brakes and turned his car across the double lines into the northbound lane, Montoya saw Thein coming right at her, braked, and began turning her car toward the right side of the road. Thein’s car struck the front of Montoya’s car, and after the impact, both car’s came to rest blocking the northbound lane. Thein’s passengers, 50-year-old Michael Thein and 54-year- old Karen Lundy, both of San Andreas, were pronounced dead at the scene. Montoya and her daughter were treated for minor injuries at Mark Twain Hospital. Thein sustained moderate injuries, was treated at Doctors Hospital, and was subsequently arrested for DUI.

Special train ride on “Move Star Locomotive” offered today in Jamestown

The Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is offering a one time, end of the month special train ride on the “Movie Star Locomotive” in Jamestown. Today only, July 30^th, at 2 p.m., a special Friday afternoon train ride through the scenic gold country costs $13.oo for adults and $6.00 for youths aged 6-17. Kids under 5 are free. Park admission is included. When purchasing tickets, visitors have the option to choose either the open air coach or the limited seating in the indoor observation car. All passengers are able to move about between the two cars during the train ride. Advance tickets are available online at railtown1897.org or by calling 916-445-5995. Known as the “Movie Railroad”, the park and its trains have been featured in hundreds of feature films, tv shows, and commercials. The park is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Reservior Road in Jamestown.

Temporary fire restrictions in effect in high hazard areas of Stanislaus National Forest

The U.S. Service announced yesterday, that because of high fire danger, temporary fire restrictions will go into effect in high hazard areas of the Stanislaus National Forest. The fire restrictions prohibit campfires, briquette barbecues, and smoking, in designated areas of the forest. Welding and blasting also are prohibited, except by special permit. These temporary fire restrictions will remain effect until the end of the 2010 fire season.

Miss Amador Scholarship Pageant crowned winner Thursday night

The Miss Amador Scholarship Pageant crowned a winner last night and gave honors to four other contestants. Rachel Jenkins of Jackson took the Miss Amador title earning a $2,000 scholarship. First runner up, Arielah Dreksler of Jackson received $1,000, and second runner up Morgan Hirschel received a $750 scholarship. Savannah Gray of Jackson was crowned Miss Congeniality and third runner up with a $500 scholarship. Fourth runner up receiving $500 was Angela Faryn of Pine Grove.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Railroad Flat man sustains moderate injuries after his car was broadsided

A Railroad Flat man sustained moderate injuries after his car was broadsided when he pulled into oncoming traffic in San Andreas early Saturday evening. According to CHP reports, Michael Sabelber was driving east on East Murray Creek Road with a 9 year old passenger and had stopped his car at the intersection with Railroad Flat Road. Sarah O’Conner of Mokelumne Hill was driving south on Railroad Flat Road, approaching East Murray Creek Road at 45 miles an hour. Sabelber proceeded to make a left turn onto Railroad Flat Road directly in front of O’Conner’s car. O’Conner attempted to avoid Sabelber by swerving, but was unable to do so and collided broadside into Sabelber’s car. The collision sent Sabelber’s car into the northbound lane of Railroad Flat Road, blocking traffic. O’Conner’s car came to rest off the roadway. Sabelber was treated for his injuries at Mark Twain Hospital and his passenger was seen for minor injuries at Doctors Hospital of Modesto. O’Conner was not injured in the collision.

Mountain lion sighted in Lake Camanche area Wednesday morning

According to reports, a mountain lion was sighted in the Lake Camanche area Wednesday morning. The Lake Camanche office told HomeTown Radio that East Bay Mud has posted an advisory warning of the sighting at all trailheads and other information sites around Lake Camanche. East Bay Mud states that the public should be aware that the lake is part of the natural habitat of the big cats. Although no one is being turned away from the recreation area, people should be advised to be alert to the recent sighting.

Motorcycle crash Sunday morning in San Andreas area

Unsafe speed is blamed for a motorcycle crash Sunday morning in the San Andreas area. The CHP reported that 55-year-old Hans Vanloo of Stockton was riding his Harley Davidson northbound on Watertown Road just north of Paloma Road at approximately 30 miles per hour. Vanloo was unable to negotiate a turn in the roadway due to his speed and lost control. The harley ran off the shoulder and collided with a dirt and gravel embankment. Vanloo sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital.

Unlicensed painter ended up in jail after illegally biding on job in Amador County

An unlicensed house painter, who illegally bid on a job at an Amador County house, ended up going to jail instead of getting the job. The contractors state license board reported that 37-year-old Karl Calvert Marohl the 3rd told an undercover investigator from the board’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team that he would paint her house for $600.00. Any project valued over $500.00 must be done by a licensed contractor according to California law. When Marohl was detained, investigators found that he was in possession of methamphetamine and took him to the Amador County Jail. 46-year-old Kelly Murrel Woods of Ione, who accompanied Marohl to bid on the job, was discovered to be a parolee in possession of meth and drug paraphernalia, and was also taken to jail. Marohl was one of eight who received notices to appear in court for unlicensed contracting during an undercover sting held in Jackson on July 20^th and 21^st. The contractor’s board operation was conducted with the support of the Amador County District Attorney’s Office and the Jackson Police Department. Sweeps were conducted at nine construction sites in Jackson and two in Sutter Creek. Contractor board registrar Steve Sands said that the sting shows why consumers should take a few minutes to check the web site “cslb.ca.gov” or “checkthelicensefirst.com” to see if a contractor is licensed and has worker’s compensation insurance before hiring.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program has helped over 700 Amador County children

First 5 of Amador is proud to announce that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program has helped over 700 Amador County children receive free books since September 2009. The program’s intent is to help parent’s read with their children. Each month, a new, carefully selected book is mailed to an eligible child between the ages of 0 and 4. Eligiblity requires being a resident of Amador County and submittal of an official registration form, completely filled out by a parent or guardian to first 5 Amador. Eight to ten weeks after registration, books will begin arriving at the child’s home until the child turns 5 or moves out of Amador County. This free program is sponsored by First 5 Amador, the Resource Connection, and Dolly Parton. First 5 Amador is located at 101 Shopping Drive in Jackson.

Lawn mower started small grass fire Wednesday in Pine Grove

A lawn mower started a small grass fire Wednesday afternoon in Pine Grove. According to reports, a resident called in a grass fire that started as he was mowing his property near Surrey Junction Way and Emily Drive. Responding engines were at the scene at 4:30 pm, and had the slowly moving blaze fully contained within an hour. The fire had consumed about half an acre before it was stopped. The Fire-safe Council reminds everyone to use caution in the fire season when clearing property. Do not use power tools or mow grass when temperatures are above 80 degrees and humidity is low. Always have a fire extinguisher handy and a fully charged water hose available if possible.

Governor bringing back furloughs for thousands of California state workers

Governor Schwarzenegger is bringing back furloughs for thousands of state workers until California passes a budget. The governor released a new executive order Wednesday, that requires state workers to take three days off a month starting next month. The order for furlough days will continue until a new budget is enacted and the Department of Finance certifies that the state has enough cash to meet its obligations through the end of the fiscal year.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Calaveras Superintendant pleased with start of new school year

Calaveras Unified School District Superintendant Mark Campbell told HomeTown Radio that he has visited every school site in his district and is very pleased with an incredibly smooth start to the new year. Cambell also reports that the CUSD faces significant fiscal challenges this year due to declining enrollment, state revenue drops and virtually non-existant developer fees. The school board will be addressing proposed cuts at their meeting this Saturday. Areas of discussion include setting all kindergarten to 3^rd grade classes at a 30 student per teacher ratio, closing the Rail Road Flat Elementary School, reducing hours and positions of classified support staff, exploring employee contract reductions, and reduction or elimination of funding for middle school sports, elementary band and athletic transportation. The district has already implemented a $50.00 fee per sport for those students participating in a school sport. Cambell says he needs decisions and clear direction before December.

West Point woman in jail facing embezzlement charges

A West Point woman was arrested and booked into County Jail facing charges of embezzlement. 26-year-old Ashley Marie Alaway has been charged with embezzling a significant amount of money from the now defunct Pine Grove Ace Hardware store in which she was a former bookkeeper. Alaway was arraigned and released on her own recognizance under bail of $108,000. She is due to come back to court on August 8^th for a superior court review of the case where a date for a possible preliminary hearing would be set. Former Ace Hardware owner John Wiens stated to HomeTown Radio that over $100,000 was stolen from his business.

Job Connection Amador showcasing local job training tomorrow in Jackson

This Thursday, Job Connection Amador, will showcase local job training as part of statewide workforce month. Staff members from Representative Dan Lundgren and Assembly member Allison Huber’s offices, along with Amador County Supervisors and other Motherlode community leaders will join the workforce investment board to share innovative techniques to help workers and businesses position themselves for the skilled jobs and technical industries of the future. This job connection open house will be held this Thursday afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30 in their Jackson office at 245 New York Ranch Road, suite A. The job connection Amador event is part of a statewide workforce month sponsored by the California workforce association that aims to highlight local efforts to build the skilled workforce California needs to prosper.

Primary election to fill seat of Senator Dave Cox scheduled November 2

Primary election to fill the seat of the late Senator Dave Cox is scheduled for November 2nd, the same day as the general election.  A special election will then take place on January 4th if no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote.  Cox passed away on July 13^th at the age of 72. The election dates were set by Governor Schwarzenegger's office.  Cox's District One Senate seat covers 12 counties, including Amador and Calaveras.

Diaper Derby at Amador County Fair Thursday at 3:30

An Amador County Fair tradition, the diaper derby is scheduled to start at 3:30 this Thursday afternoon on Picnic Hill at the fairgrounds. Proudly presented by First 5, the Ledger Dispatch, Raley’s and HomeTown Radio, the event is open to all young crawlers or walkers under the age of 18 months. All contestants will receive a free gift for participating and will also be entered into a drawing to win a front loading washer and dryer from Mother Lode Appliance. No pre-entry is required; signups will be from 2 – 3:15 at the Picnic Hill derby site.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Official details announced regarding Amador Catholic Community’s purchase of former Prospect Motors complex

After a week of reports back and forth, the Amador Catholic Community “officially” announced details of their pending purchase of the former Halvorson Dealership complex in Martell yesterday. According to the press release, the largest building, the former Prospect Motors, will become the new Amador Catholic Center which will serve several functions. It will serve as a chapel large enough to celebrate Mass for the whole Amador County Catholic family. Secondly, it will contain space devoted for activities for Catholic youth and their friends. Also, a kitchen with an adjacent large hall will accommodate gatherings for Parishioners and special events. Building inspections and due diligence studies are currently being conducted and escrow is expected to close at the end of August.

Calaveras new jail facility regains 16,000 square feet at no additional cost

Calaveras County’s new jail project will regain 16,000 square feet at no additional cost, thanks to the real estate market’s ongoing doldrums. Increased competition for construction projects in California has lowered recent bids for jails and other corrections projects, allowing officials to return to the project’s original design, once thought to be too costly. The Administration Building will grow by another 3,500 square feet, while a proposed 80-bed dormitory will expand by more than 1,000 square feet. According to the staff report, the overall project is on schedule and within budget. AB 900 is providing $26.3 million for the jail project with another $30.9 million to come from Calaveras County voter-passed bond issue, Measure J. The full project will go before the state’s Public Works Board for formal approval on September 13. With that approval, work on the project could begin in early 2011.

Texting and drunk driving caused a man to drift into oncoming traffic early Sunday

A Manteca man driving on Highway 88 east of Jackson near Carriage Way, drifted into oncoming traffic while he was texting on his cell phone early Sunday morning. According to CHP reports, on his way to the Jackson Rancheria, 19- year-old Johnathan Tiexiera from Manteca was under the influence of alcohol, and was texting when his Honda Civic crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic. He struck head on with a GMC Yukon driven by 36-year-old Ebony Turner of Stockton, as she was driving home after visiting the Rancheria. An ambulance took turner to Sutter Amador Hospital for observation. Teixiera was arrested at the scene.

Two vehicle accidents Saturday in Amador County were caused by inattention to the road

The CHP reports that a Sutter Creek man rear ended a car driven by an Ione woman Friday afternoon on Ridge Road just north of the Hwy 88 intersection. Daniel Floyd Fine looked down to adjust his radio and failed to notice that traffic had started to slow ahead of him. Following just 15 feet behind a car driven by Susan Wilson, he was unable to stop in time and hit the rear end of Wilson’s car. Wilson had slowed in response to a car slowing ahead of her. Wilson complained of pain after the incident. On Saturday, Jessica Cherry of Ione struck a car driven by Pioneer resident Kevin Southwick at the entrance to Walmart in Jackson. Southwick was northbound on Wicklow Way approaching the Walmart entrance. Cherry made a left turn to enter Wicklow Way and failed to see that Southwick was about to turn into the parking lot entrance. She struck Southwick’s car, causing moderate damage to both cars. CHP reports that there were no injuries or other property damage sustained in the collision.

A&A Varsity Shooters took top honors last weekend in Illinois

The A&A Varsity Shooting Team took the National Scholastic Clay Target Trap Shooting Championship title last weekend in Sparta, Illinois. The five member squad, comprised of students from both Amador and Argonaut High Schools, qualified for the national tournament by winning the California State Tournament. In the national competition the A&A team faced 98 squads, from 27 states, under challenging temperature conditions. For two days, team members aimed at 100 targets each day for a possible team total of 1000. Leading the field at the end of the first day by a slim margin of just 2 targets, the competition was very tight going into the final day. A&A came through with an incredible performance, missing only a combined 6 targets on the second day for a tournament score of 985, clinching the title with teams from Tennessee, Missouri and Alabama close at their heels. Lead shooter Miranda Ornouski and teammate Jake Arthur are Amador High students, Patrick Teixeira, Nigel Dreksler and Andrew Kinder round out the squad from Argonaut High.

Sutter Creek Volunteer Fire Department hosts annual Barbeque and Ball this Labor Day

This Labor Day weekend will mark the 25^th anniversary of the Sutter Creek Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Barbeque and Ball. Mark your calendars for this special occasion on Saturday September 4th. Festivities will start with a tribute to retiring Fire Chief Butch Martin who will be hanging up his gear for the last time after 48 years of service to the department. Dedication of the new bell tower will be followed by a tri tip barbeque and dancing to a live band. For more information and tickets, call the Sutter Creek Fire Department at 267-0285.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sutter Creek City Council asked their Attorney to draft new ordinance barring marijuana dispensaries within city limits

The Sutter Creek City Council has asked their Attorney to draft a new ordinance which would bar marijuana dispensaries within the city limits. According to reports, Council Person Linda Rianda raised concerns about the City’s recent receipt of a use permit application for a medical marijuana dispensary in the Sutter Hill area. Rianda questioned the legality of such usage, and was informed by the City Attorney that while the historical district was protected from such a business, the Sutter Hill area was not. After more discussion, the City Council directed the City Attorney to create a new draft ordinance to repeal the current zoning ordinance and create a new ordinance, effectively barring any dispensary from operating anywhere within the Sutter Creek city limits. A draft of the new ordinance is expected to be presented to the City Council at their next meeting and if approved by the council, would have its first public hearing August 16.

Sheriff’s Deputies caught two men entering vacant Prospect Motors building

Two men were caught by Sherriff’s Deputies after they entered the vacant Prospect Motors building. The Amador County Sheriff’s Department reported to HomeTown Radio that on the evening of July 14, deputies on patrol around the area of the vacant dealership found a car concealed behind a dumpster at the rear of the building. Deputies also noticed that a car jack had been used to partially pry open one of the poll up doors. John Gregory Young, 19, of Sacramento and Joseph Gregory Wall, 18 of Sutter Creek were near the vehicle behind the building and upon investigation, deputies determined that the pair had gone to the rear of the business to skateboard. They entered the building and used the handle of the jack to force entry into an interior locked door. They then stole two “No Smoking” signs, which were found in the car.

Over 2,400 pounds of marijuana plants and 15 pounds of processed marijuana seized in Calaveras County last Thursday

Over 2,400 pounds of marijuana plants and 15 pounds of processed marijuana with a street value in excess of 10 million dollars were seized last Thursday in Calaveras County. The Calaveras County Sheriffs Department reported that members of the Calaveras Narcotic Enforcement Unit, The California Department of Justice Campaign Against Marijuana Planting Team, The Alpine County Narcotics Team, and the Department of Fish and Games conducted the eradication operation on two large grow sites in the Sheep Ranch and Calaveritas area. Campsites and other information were discovered, commonly associated with growing operations conducted by Hispanic drug trafficking organizations. Members also located the skull and antlers of a deer, indicating possible poaching. Based on the evidence, the suspects were using harsh chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and growing techniques that have caused erosion and possible contamination of water supplies.

Time running out for residents interested in running for public offices

Time is running out for interested residents to file papers for open public offices. According to Amador County election information, the deadline to file for candidacy is August 6. Residents wishing to file for city offices may do so at either the appropriate city halls or the County Elections Office. All candidates for office outside city jurisdiction must file at the County Elections Office.

Possible lightening strikes today in foothills and mountains

The foothills and mountains are in line for another dose of lightning strikes today, courtesy of “monsoonal moisture” from the nation’s four corners region. However officials say any fire danger should be minimal because of the accompanying precipitation. The National Weather Service forecasts thunderstorms to continue today throughout the Sierra Nevada range.

Jackson City Council will discuss adopting a resolution to approve a grant application

The Jackson City Council will discuss adopting a resolution tonight to approve a grant application under California’s Sustainable Communities Grant Application Program. Jackson City Planner Susan Peters has recommended approval of the grant submission. The grant would provide funding to the City to help it comply with a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and reduction plan, involuntary partnership with Amador County and the cities of Amador City, Ione, Plymouth, and Sutter Creek.