It was a busy weekend for us; Most of our fire fighters were on a strike team in Northern California throughout the weekend.  The crew left in camp and the cover crews responded to numerous local fires.  However, while they were in camp they found some time to enjoy Independence Day.  Watermelon eating contest, 3 legged races, egg toss, The Pine Grove Cup soccer tourney and some good BBQ.

Senator Tom Berryhill and Assembly Member Frank Bigelow will visit the Amador Centers for Higher Learning on July 18, 2014 beginning at 1:30 PM at the HHS Building 10877 Conductor Blvd., Suite 700, Sutter Creek and concluding at the ACTC Center 117 Valley View Way, Sutter Creek. The Amador Community College Foundation Board will conduct a tour of both facilities and showcase business, community, and college partnerships that support the centers offering over 100 choices in certificate and degree programs for Amador County residents.

Opportunities for Organizations and Businesses. Sept. 27 - 28, 2014 on Main Street Jackson. 

With the notification of next of kin, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office can release the identity of the victim of the murder which occurred on July 7, 2014 on Pioneer Creek Road in Pioneer.  

The decedent is identified as 26 year old Jacob Corey Stover, a resident of Pioneer, California.  

The forensic pathologist’s examination of Stover is scheduled for July 10, 2014 at the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

Nearly two hours south of Sacramento in the heart of Merced County sits Memorial Hospital Los Banos, a rural community hospital caring for the region’s most critically ill patients. Like many community hospitals across the country, Memorial Hospital Los Banos struggled to recruit critical care intensivists to this small community. Thanks to a $25 million investment made by Sutter Health a decade ago, patients at Memorial Hospital Los Banos receive 24-hour ICU monitoring and critical care support from a small room of experts nearly 150 miles away.

Sutter Health’s electronic Intensive Care Unit (eICU) marks its 10th anniversary in 2014. Thefirst of its kind on the West Coast (and only the second eICU in the nation), Sutter’s eICU has supported nearly 150,000 patients across 18 Sutter Health hospitals. This innovative technology ensures the sickest patients in both rural and large metropolitan areas have access to a team of physicians and nurses specially trained in the care of the critically ill, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sutter’s eICU helps save lives.

·         Since 2004, Sutter’s eICU has supported approximately 150,000 Northern California patients.

·         Average of 30,000 interventions a year from eICU to bedside clinicians.

·         The eICU, in conjunction, with Sutter Health’s systemwide sepsis initiative programs, helped reduce sepsis mortality rates by 32 percent since 2008, with more than 4,000 lives saved. Length of hospital stay for sepsis patients was lowered from 14.5 to 10 days, with an estimated cost savings of $88.6 million.

How the eICU works.  

·         eICU intensivists and nurses monitor up to 431 ICU beds around the clock from two central “hub” locations in Sacramento and San Francisco.

·         Using secure, high-speed data transmission, in-room cameras and remote diagnostic tools, the eICU acts as a second set of eyes to provide timely crisis interventions to some of the sickest patients in Northern California. Sophisticated alarm monitors allow intensivists real time alerts to abnormal vital signs and lab results, leading to improved clinical quality.

·         Sutter Health’s eICU team, consisting of 49 critical care intensivists and 57 critical care nurses, average about 80 calls for service and up to 150 calls a day from ICU clinicians around the system.

Sacramento’s eICU hub announces expansion.

Sutter Health will expand how it uses this innovative technology so it can continue to provide patients with exceptional, personal and consistent care. In the near future, Sutter Health will test eICU mobile carts in the Emergency Departments of Sutter Amador Hospital, Sutter Coast Hospital, Sutter Solano Medical Center and Memorial Hospital, Los Banos. These carts will enable caregivers to identify patients at risk for sepsis, a deadly blood stream infection, at an earlier stage—for earlier treatment.

“We’ve seen over the past 10 years how this extra set of eyes on our sickest patients helps clinicians at the bedside save lives and reduce the time  patients spend in a hospital,” said John Winchell, eICU director for the Sacramento region. “We want to extend this advanced technology into other areas of our hospitals—like the emergency room—to further improve medical care quality.” 

“Patients with early signs of sepsis often visit the emergency room,” said Adam Seiver, M.D.,eICU medical director for the Sacramento region. “With these new eICU carts, our critical care intensivists and nurses can quickly identify patients at risk for sepsis and begin treatment at an earlier stage. If we can treat sepsis and reduce septic shock, we can decrease a patient’s stay in the hospital.”

San Francisco’s eICU hub grows to support hospitals outside the network.

In addition to monitoring 10 Sutter Health hospitals, the San Franicsco eICU hub has grown to support hospitals outside the network including San Leandro Hospital in San Leandro, El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae and Petaluma Valley Hospital.

“Expanding the eICU program outside of our Sutter Health network helps hospitals across Northern California provide round the clock care for our communities’ sickest patients,” said Jason Szabo, eICU director for the Bay Area Program. “By tracking vital signs, lab results and orders over a period of time, we can help our colleagues at any bedside spot concerning trends in a patient’s health.”

About Sutter Health

Serving patients and their families in more than 100 Northern California cities and towns, Sutter Health doctors, not-for-profit hospitals, home health care and other health care service providers share resources and expertise to advance health care quality and access. The Sutter Medical Network includes many of California’s top-performing, highest quality physician organizations as measured annually by the Integrated Healthcare Association. Sutter-affiliated hospitals are regional leaders in cardiac care, women’s and children’s services, cancer care, orthopedics and advanced patient safety technology.

For more information about the not-for-profit Sutter Health network, please visit

www.SutterHealth.org| www.Facebook.com/SutterHealth| www.YouTube.com/SutterHealth| http://twitter.com/sutterhealth

The Amador County Fair is holding a photography contest to highlight and promote Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park and Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum as part of the State Parks of California Sesquicentennial. Scenes of Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park and Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum taken in Amador County will be accepted.

Since 1864, grassroots activism and legislation have made it possible for all Californians to take pride and ownership of their unique and diverse landscapes with the State Park system.

Indian Grinding Rock and State Historic Park is located eight miles east of Jackson. Nestled in a small valley, 2,400 above sea level with open meadows and large valley oaks that once provided Native Americans with an ample supply of acorns.  The 135-acre park preserves a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with 1,185 mortar holes – the largest collection of bedrock mortars anywhere in North America.

Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum.  The two-story Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum has been designed to reflect the architecture of the traditional roundhouse.  Outstanding examples of the technology and crafts of the Miwok and other Sierra Nevada Native American groups are exhibited at the museum.

The contest is open to Professionals, Advanced Amateurs and Amateur photographers, residents of California or Nevada.  Matted and framed photos must have the location identified on the entry blank & on the back of the picture. Image and mat not to exceed 16” x 20” inches, plus frame.  Black & White or Color

There is no entry fee for the contest and Amador County Fair ribbons will be awarded for first through third place plus premiums of $15 for first, $10 for second and $5 for third places. Entries and forms are due July 19 at the Amador County Fair office from 10 am – 4 pm. Specifications for framing and an entry form can be found at AmadorCountyFair.com or call the Fair office for assistance.  More information on the Sesquicentennial can be found at www.parks.ca.gov

Guests now have the chance to purchase tickets to the newest acts of Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort’s Summer Concert Series.  This summer’s lineup of artists includes Kory Gibbs and the Thundering Blues Band, Jonny Lang, House of Floyd, Cheech & Chong, REO Speedwagon and Heart.

 Kory Gibbs and the Thundering Blues Band                            Friday, July 18

Jonny Lang                                                                                      Friday, August 1

House of Floyd                                                                                Friday, September 5

Cheech & Chong                                                                             Thursday, August 28

REO Speedwagon                                                                           Saturday, September 13

Heart                                                                                                 Thursday, September 23

 Tickets are available for Dreamcatcher’s Club® members at a discounted price only at the Casino Cashier Cage, and for non-Dreamcatcher’s Club® members tickets are available for purchase either at JacksonCasino.com or at the Casino Cashier’s Cage.

A new addition to Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort’s summer entertainment is Music on the Terrace at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Bar. Beginning July 12 and continuing through September 13, there will be Music on the Terrace at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge from 9 p.m. to midnight every Saturday evening. 

 Guests who are 21 and over will be able to enjoy sumptuous food and beverages offered at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge in addition to hearing the musical talent of local artists.

The Groove Union                                                                          Saturday, July 12

Latin Magic                                                                                     Saturday, July 19

It’s All Good                                                                                    Saturday, July 26

Over The Edge                                                                                Saturday, August 2

After Dark                                                                                       Saturday, August 9

Honyock                                                                                           Saturday, August 16

 Located upstairs in the Casino, Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge features luxury and comfort combined with approachable entrees focused on local quality ingredients and precise execution. To view a menu or make a reservation at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Bar call 209-233-8680 or visithttp://www.jacksoncasino.com/dining/lone-wolf-restaurant-lounge.

Located in the Sierra foothills town of Jackson, CA, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is owned by the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe. A sovereign government, the Rancheria is dedicated to developing projects that not only enhance the tribe’s ability to remain self-reliant, but also reflect a commitment to be a good neighbor.

The Amador County Fair is holding a photography contest to highlight and promote Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park and Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum as part of the State Parks of California Sesquicentennial. Scenes of Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park and Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum taken in Amador County will be accepted.

Since 1864, grassroots activism and legislation have made it possible for all Californians to take pride and ownership of their unique and diverse landscapes with the State Park system.

Indian Grinding Rock and State Historic Park is located eight miles east of Jackson. Nestled in a small valley, 2,400 above sea level with open meadows and large valley oaks that once provided Native Americans with an ample supply of acorns.  The 135-acre park preserves a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with 1,185 mortar holes – the largest collection of bedrock mortars anywhere in North America.

Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum.  The two-story Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum has been designed to reflect the architecture of the traditional roundhouse.  Outstanding examples of the technology and crafts of the Miwok and other Sierra Nevada Native American groups are exhibited at the museum.

The contest is open to Professionals, Advanced Amateurs and Amateur photographers, residents of California or Nevada.  Matted and framed photos must have the location identified on the entry blank & on the back of the picture. Image and mat not to exceed 16” x 20” inches, plus frame.  Black & White or Color

There is no entry fee for the contest and Amador County Fair ribbons will be awarded for first through third place plus premiums of $15 for first, $10 for second and $5 for third places. Entries and forms are due July 19 at the Amador County Fair office from 10 am – 4 pm. Specifications for framing and an entry form can be found at AmadorCountyFair.com or call the Fair office for assistance.  More information on the Sesquicentennial can be found at www.parks.ca.gov

On July 7, 2014 at approximately 0240 hours, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 Emergency Call from a 27 year old female resident of Pioneer stating that there had been an altercation at a residence located in the 15000 block of Pioneer Creek Road in Pioneer and that her 26 year old boyfriend was bleeding.

Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene and found the 26 year old male in the driveway deceased.  The victim appeared to have sustained multiple stab wounds.  The victim’s girlfriend was interviewed and provided an account of what had transpired, who was involved and a description of the vehicle used by the involved parties to flee the scene.

Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation.  Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies began checking the area for the described vehicle and located it at a residence in the 25000 block of Hwy 88. 

While observing the residence, a subject was seen leaving and was contacted by Sheriff’s Detectives.  The subject was in possession of the suspected murder weapon and stated that the suspect had given it to him for disposal. 

A search of the suspect vehicle revealed blood evidence within the passenger compartment.  The tire tread pattern was also consistent with tire tread patterns located at the murder scene 

The suspect and his girlfriend were contacted and both denied any involvement in the murder or being present when the murder occurred.  Their statements were inconsistent with the physical evidence, witness statements and statements of involved parties.

Gregory Michael Wilson, 40, of Pioneer was arrested and booked into the Amador County Jail charged with violation of Penal Code (PC) section 187, murder.  Wilson’s girlfriend, Dana June Knaul, 47, of Pioneer, was arrested and booked into the Amador County Jail charged with violation of PC 32, Accessory to murder.   

Wilson subsequently contacted Sheriff’s Detectives and admitted to stabbing the decedent.  Wilson said he stabbed the decedent because the decedent refused to leave the property promptly after being asked to do so.

The name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. 

This is an on-going investigation and anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Amador County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 223-6500.