Monique Graziadei cooks up a salmon alfredo with her friend for Thanksgiving.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID is a FREE 8-hour certification course that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

WHO: This program is ideal for law enforcement, first responders, health care professionals, educators, faith communities, employers, advocacy organizations, volunteers, social workers, front office staff, families, and the general public.

WHAT: Mental Health First Aid participants will learn:

The risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems The prevalence of various mental health disorders in the United States A 5-step plan to assess a situation, select interventions, and refer to care The professional, peer, social, faith-based, and self-help resources available

WHEN: Monday, November 17th, 2014 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (1 hour lunch) WHERE: Amador County HHS Building, Conference Room E, 10877 Conductor

Blvd., Sutter Creek, CA 95685. Sponsored by Amador County Behavioral Health.

Attendees must RSVP. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Christa Thompson at 209-223-6814 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. See you there!

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Amador County residents are reminded that each year on November 15th America Recycles Day is celebrated. America Recycles Day is an opportunity to recognize the benefits of recycling while providing an

educational platform to help raise awareness about the value of 3R’s

(Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).

The Waste Management and Recycling Department reminds businesses in Amador County to check out the free bottle and can recycling receptacles that are available. The stylist black, indoor/outdoor, receptacles will complement any décor and generate money through the California Redemption Value (CRV) on bottles and cans.

Also, go ahead and deep fry your turkey for Thanksgiving! The county has a program to collect and recycle used cooking oils. The oil is converted into a biodiesel fuel for a truly green Turkey-to-Tank alternative to high gasoline prices.

For more information on America Recycles Day, Beverage Container Recycling or Cooking Oil Recycling please call (209) 223-6429 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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November is National Hospice Month.

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Robin Peters, Mayor of The City of Sutter Creek, Gives TSPN TV's Tom Slivick an Update on the City.

IONE, CA:  Quest for the Deed?  The Deed is Done!!!

The Preston Castle Foundation is pleased and proud to announce that they have received the Deed to the Preston Castle and surrounding property, totaling almost 13 acres with 5 freestanding buildings.  This has been the major focus of the Foundation’s fund raising and preservation and rehabilitation efforts over the past several years. 

 The strikingly beautiful Romanesque style Preston Castle, on a hill in Ione, was actually the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, the first major attempt in California at rehabilitating, instead of just impris­­­oning, young offenders.  Opened in 1894, the Preston School of Industry became a leader in the juvenile prison reform movement by giving convicted boys a real chance at life by educating them not only in academics, but in all of the useful trades of the time.  Closed in 1960, when the Preston Youth Authority moved into a new administration building down the hill, the Preston Castle was left to deteriorate due to weather, vandalism, and general neglect.  It now serves as a vacant, but vitally important landmark for Ione, Amador County, and the Mother Lode.  It is a California State Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  

Originally incorporated as the Historic Preston Restoration Foundation in 1996, and renamed in 1999, the Preston Castle Foundation (PCF) is a California 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation.

In 2002, the Foundation was successful in obtaining a 55 year lease from the State of California for the purpose of preserving, rehabilitating, and utilizing the historic Preston Castle site.  To help raise money for this important project, the Foundation has been sponsoring numerous fund raising events, historical tours, paranormal tours, event rentals, and soliciting memberships, grants, and donations.  Funds raised enabled much needed improvements to be accomplished, including a new roof, a new 4^th floor, refurbished front porch, rebuilt windows, safety upgrades, and many items relating to structural stabilization.  Completing these projects satisfied key terms of the lease that would allow transferring ownership from the State to the PCF.  This prompted, in 2011, the Preston Castle Foundation Board of Directors, under the leadership of Carol Lipchik, Director, to begin their Quest for the Deed.  Carol and her committee put together a large binder with Business Plans, Budgets, Strategic Planning, a Core Historic Structures Report and the Vision and Mission of the PCF.  This book was used at a meeting with the landlord, the Department of General Services of the State of California, to officially ask for transfer of the deed to the Preston Castle property.   Carol and the PCF also began the difficult task of satisfying the State of California with answers to their questions on access issues and the feasibility of providing utilities separate from the State’s surrounding property.

This project could not have been completed without the expert help of several consultants.  Mr. Rob Aragon of Aragon Solutions helped answer utility questions.  Mr. Jay Radke with Nolte Engineering provided maps and plans and overlays for many presentations to State officials.  Mr. Matt Toma of Toma & Associates provided legal descriptions and boundary adjustments to the finalized 12.91 acre site.  Mr. Jim Rooney, County Assessor provided a valuation of the property for escrow purposes.  Mr. Malcolm White of Malcolm White Consulting helped with PG&E engineering leading to completion of dedicated electrical service.   Mrs. Renee Chapman-Mikkelsen helped with the writing and editing.  Mr. Mike Garavaglia of Garavaglia Architecture, worked with the PCF Board on Vision, Planning, the Core Historic Structures Report and National Significance reports for National Historic recognition.

Karl Knobelauch, PCF President stated: “During the eighteen year life span of the Preston Castle Foundation literally hundreds of volunteers have contributed thousands of hours in an effort to preserve the Preston Castle and its history.  That work has paid off with the Foundation receiving ownership.  The Foundation can now pursue more than just preserving the Castle. We can pursue the next big goal, rehabilitating the Castle.” 

“I have been on the board since 2002.  It has been our dream to own the castle and the foundation has been working since before 2000 to achieve the goal of ownership.  It just shows with lots of perseverance things come to those who wait and work hard.”  Marie Nutting, Director and past President

“During all the negotiations, the Foundation Board continued holding numerous events for the community and tourists to enjoy while securing funds for permit fees and eventual utility costs.  Thank you to the leadership of all the Foundation Committees and volunteers and the community support that made it possible to say the DEED IS DONE!  On November 7^th 2014 the Fee Title recorded from the State of California to the Preston Castle Foundation.”  Carol Lipchik, Director

2014 was a challenging year for the Preston Castle Foundation’s fundraising efforts, as several events and most of our tours had to be cancelled or significantly reduced due to restrictions from the California State Fire Marshal’s office.  With the Deed in hand, we can once again open the majestic Preston Castle to the public.  We are already working on our plans and schedules for 2015 and invite everyone to come visit, join the Preston Castle Foundation, make a donation, and/or volunteer to help. 

Help Save the Castle and learn more about our history, events, and tours by visitingwww.prestoncastle.com.  All contributions are tax deductible.

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Early this week, the Jackson Rancheria park restoration crew began the initial cleanup efforts at the Catholic Cemetery in Jackson.   Work began on Monday and will continue through winter until completion.  It is important to clarify that our restoration efforts will be focused on the surrounding areas only and will not include grave sites.  Work will be done carefully with utmost respect so not to disrupt the graves of those laid to rest.  As always, we will practice our Native American tradition of smudging each worker with sage in a daily effort to rid them of negative energy; requesting permission from the great spirits as we proceed.

Now is a great time for those residents of Amador County who have family buried at the Catholic Cemetery to join us in rejuvenating the area by cleaning up your family’s private plot.  We will supply each of you with lunch, beverages, gloves and the tools needed to do the job.   If you are unable to join us in these efforts, we would be honored to do the work for you; with written permission allowing us to do so.

The Catholic Cemetery is very dear to the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians as many members of our Tribe including myself, have family buried here as well.  My brothers and I were raised and baptized in the Catholic Church, each of us serving as altar boys for many years.  We attended Catechism faithfully and received our confirmations. Many years later, my wife Janet and I were married in the Catholic Church here in Jackson as well.  Clearly, this project is special to us, as I’m sure it will be to many of you as well.

Weather permitting; crews will be onsite working at the Catholic Cemetery Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. We look forward to working side by side with the families of those who rest here in final peace.

Please call the park restoration committee at (209) 223-8405 with questions or comments.

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On Monday November 10, 2014 at approximately 2302 hours the Amador County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 Emergency calls reporting a disturbance with shots fired at the Far Horizons 49er RV Resort, 18265 Hwy 49, Plymouth.   A caller reported seeing one victim shot and multiple males fleeing in a black Mercedes Benz and in a white sedan. 

Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies responded, assisted by CHP, a Sutter Creek Police Officer and a Jackson Police Officer. 

Upon arrival at the scene, Sheriff’s Deputies found two victims, one 28 year old white male who had been shot in the head, and one 48 year old white male who had been struck with a blunt object in the head.  Plymouth Fire and American Legion Ambulance personnel responded to provide medical aid.

A Sheriff’s Deputy and the Sutter Creek Police Officer detained the black Mercedes Benz on Hwy 49 South of Drytown.  The vehicle was occupied by a 22 year old female.  The female was determined to be involved in the incident and was detained.  The white sedan was not located however it was last seen travelling the same direction as the Mercedes Benz.  A responding deputy located evidence believed to be associated with this crime that had been discarded on Hwy 49 South of Drytown.  Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives and a Crime Scene Technician responded to assume responsibility for the investigation. 

The preliminary investigation indicates that the victims travelled to Amador County from Ohio to process marijuana.  They have been at the 49er RV Resort for approximately 5 days and were in possession of well over one hundred pounds of processed marijuana.  During that time they established relationships with female prostitutes via “Back Page”.  This evening, two males associated with one of the prostitutes came to the motor home and attempted to rob the victims.  The victims fought back which resulted in one victim being shot in the face and one victim being bludgeoned.  The suspects were described as wearing sweat shirts with hoods and white masks

The 28 year old male victim was transported via helicopter to UC Davis Medical Center where he is in critical condition.  The 43 year old male was transported by ambulance to Sutter Amador Hospital where he was treated and released.

Lucia Magana Verduzco, 22, of Sacramento has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted murder.  Additional suspects are outstanding.

Detectives are processing evidence, interviewing involved parties and witnesses, and reviewing surveillance video.  This is an active, ongoing investigation.  Anyone with any information regarding this crime is requested to contact the Amador County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 223-6500 or Amador County Secret Witness at (209) 223-4900

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JACKSON, CA- Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is excited to kick start their 14^th Annual Giving Season promotion on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.

As one of our most important promotions, every day in December the Giving Season allows Dreamcatcher’s Club^® members to donate their points towards local charities and organizations in need. Our 2014 organizations include the Interfaith Food Bank, Calaveras Food Bank, Calaveras Habitat for Humanity, Amador County Senior Center, and the Amador County Recreation Agency. Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort will then match all donations up to ^$10,000 with a guaranteed ^$5,000 contribution. 

This year, however, we decided to raise the bar and kick-off our month-long holiday giving season with a canned food, toy, and coat drive on Wednesday, November 12! Dreamcatcher’s Club^® members can earn 1 drawing entry for each canned food item, 5 entries for each new toy, and 10 entries for each new coat donated.  Drawings will be conducted every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding at 8 p.m. All toys received will benefit the Amador Sheriff’s Annual Toy Drive, the coats will be donated to homeless shelters by Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency, and the canned goods will be donated to Interfaith Food Bank.

Jackson Rancheria will continue to take food, toy and coat donations through November 19, 2014.

Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642. For more information, call 800-822-9466 or visit JacksonCasino.com

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.

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