PLYMOUTH, CA.  Anyone who has attended the Amador County Fair will recognize the appropriateness of the newly designated 2015 Fair theme "Country Tunes & Midway Blooms."  The annual County Fair is famous for the bountiful flowerbeds along the midway bursting with brilliant colors from thousands of zinnias. And being in the middle of ranch country, the country music bands and concerts are always popular.

Fair attendees can expect multiple displays and entertainment based on the theme including opportunities to enter their own interpretations in the Fair competition.

The 2015 Amador County Fair will be held July 23-26.   The Fair staff welcomes ideas and suggestions for using the theme in contests, exhibits, and decorating, as well as volunteers and sponsors to help create the fun. For information visit AmadorCountyFair.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHOTOS: Tractor Parade on Midway with flowers.

Posted by TSPN TV 

During the winter months, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties are plagued by extremely dense fog which poses a severe hazard to drivers. Typically the fog season begins during the month of November and continues through February.  Despite this predictable seasonal occurrence, multi-vehicle accidents are commonplace due to the combination of fog, excessive speeds and traffic congestion.

In an effort to enhance the safety of the motoring public, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) implemented what is now known as Caltrans Advanced Warning System (CAWS).  The CAWS consists of 37 Changeable Message Signs (CMS), 30 weather stations and 124 speed monitor locations along Interstate 5 and State Route 12, 99, 120, and 580.

The CAWS system is fully automated; visibility sensors provide reduced visibility information and the speed monitors detect slow and stopped traffic.  Working together, these components provide the data necessary to display the appropriate message on the CMS.  “Low Visibility Conditions Reduce Speed” and “Slow Traffic Ahead” are only two of the helpful and informative messages displayed for motorists.

As resources allow, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has implemented “pace” units that work on major the highways between Modesto and Merced on foggy days when visibility is less than 500 feet.  The CHP “pace” unit’s slow vehicles to a safe speed during limited visibility conditions.

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Caltrans and CHP are committed to enhancing the safety of the state highway system; however, it is a partnership effort.  Motorists using the highway system need to follow the necessary precautions when driving with limited visibility or on wet roadways:

·      Reduce vehicle speed;

• Drive with headlights on low beam.  It is illegal to drive with just your parking or fog lights;
• Avoid crossing traffic unless absolutely necessary;

• Listen for traffic you cannot see;
• Use wipers and defroster as necessary for maximum vision;
• Be patient!  Don’t pass lines of traffic;
• Unless absolutely necessary don’t stop on any freeway or other heavily traveled road;

·      Consider postponing your trip until the fog clears;

• Normal speeds on dry roads can be deadly when driving on wet roadways;
• Observe the basic speed law and adjust your speed to match the conditions;

·      Be sure tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated;

• Wiper blades and defrosters need to be in good working condition;
• When slowing or stopping, gently apply the brakes;
• Drive with headlights on;
• Wet brakes can affect braking efficiency;

·      Constantly be alert for signs of hydroplaning.

For up-to-date information motorists should tune in to local radio and television stations.   for up-to-date information.  Motorists can get information on specific highway conditions from the Caltrans website http://www.dot.ca.gov or by telephone at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

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For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Slow For the Cone Zone.

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www.dot.ca.gov

Thursday November 6th, 2014

* Benefits * Transportation * VA Doctor

* VA Healthcare Enrollment * Housing and more

Location:  American Legion Post 108

Sutter Creek, CA.  95685

Hours:  11am  to 3pm

CALL:  (209) 267-5764 for more information

What: Free Electronic Waste Drop off Fundraiser, Participants won’t even have to get out of their car. Pop the trunk or open the door and we will unload for you!
Why: to raise money for our Pine Grove 6^th graders to go to science camp

Where: 10500 Wicklow Way Jackson ,CA 95642

When: November 8 -9,2014
Cost: Free Drive through Drop off
Information:  For more information, call Anne at 925-719-7293

Sponsored by CEAR, INC , California Electronic Asset Recovery a California state approved electronic waste collector and recycler. www.cearinc.com

We will accept: monitors, televisions, desktop and notebook PCs, VCRs, stereo equipment, CD’s, speakers, keyboards, mice, PDAs, digital cameras, zip drives, telephones, cell phones, printers, copiers, laser and multifunction scanners and fax machines, microwaves, small household appliances such as toasters, mixers & blenders, vacuum cleaners with the dust bag removed

We cannot accept: Large Household Appliances (i.e. refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.)Furniture, Hazardous Household Waste including batteries, car batteries, paint, pesticides, used oil, cleaning supplies, fluorescent light bulbs, water heaters, tires etc.  

For optimal security, CEAR INC shreds all computer hard drives. The secure facility is monitored 24/7 by surveillance cameras. 

• On August 29, 2014, the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) of the Forest Service published a Notice of Intent and Proposed Action to revise land management plans (forest plans) for the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests in the Federal Register.
• These three Region 5 forests are revising their forest plans under the 2012 Forest Service Planning Rule.
• The 2012 Planning Rule requires public and cooperating agency collaboration throughout the forest planning process. 
• Public involvement, interagency collaboration, and transparency are key components of the 2012 planning rule.
•  Publishing the Notice of Intent in the Federal Register initiated a 30-dayscoping comment period to provide the public an opportunity to review the Proposed Action and to provide comments on the proposal.
• Region 5 received approximately 7,200 public comments in response to the forest plan revision Notice of Intent and Proposed Action.
•  In addition to the 7,200 scoping comments that Region 5 received, public involvement was enhanced by public and tribal forums and workshops, formal tribal consultation meetings, and Forest Service employee feedback.
• As published in the August 29, 2014, Federal Register, and described in the “Notice of Intent,” scoping comments received by the Forest Service, including names and addresses of those who comment, becomes part of the public record for the proposed action of the forest plan revisions.
• Individual comments can be reviewed online at https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//ReadingRoom?Project=3375
• The Inyo, Sequoia, and Sierra national forests have scheduled three “open house” styled meetings during the week of November 17-20, 2014.
• During these informational public meetings, the Forest Service will share issues and concerns it received during the recently completed scoping period and how they were used to frame a preliminary range of alternatives.
• There is no formal comment period associated with the November public meetings, but an opportunity for a thoughtful dialog with agency regional and forest planning specialists.
• Region 5 is considering feedback it received from these efforts as draft environmental impact statement (EIS) alternatives for the forest plan revisions are developed.
• There will be another formal comment period when the draft EIS is released and posted to the Region’s forest plan revision website found athttp://tinyurl.com/r5earlyadopters.

Stockton- Severe weather can be alarming and hazardous for drivers. The best defense is not to venture out on the roads during stormy weather, but if you must drive, use caution, common sense, and always be prepared.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 10 advises motorists to prepare for the upcoming storm season. Harsh weather can bring high winds, heavy rains, and snow and ice in higher elevations. Winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Before winter, drivers should have their vehicle winterized. Important items to check on your vehicle are: brakes, coolant, tires, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, and exhaust systems. If possible have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic.

In California’s Central Valley dense tule fog can blanket the area’s highways, especially during the months of November through January.  This fog can catch you by surprise, as it hangs in the low-lying valley bottoms and can cause dramatic changes in visibility.  When encountering fog, follow these tips:

§  Reduce speed to allow for safe stopping distance

§  Drive with headlights on low beam, never drive with just parking or fog lights.

§  Use extreme caution when crossing traffic or busy intersections.

§  Lower your window and listen for traffic you cannot see.

§  Use windshield wipers and the defroster to improve visibility.

§  Be patient!   Do not pass lines of traffic.

§  If visibility diminishes to the point that you no longer feel safe driving, do not stop in the traffic lanes. 

§  Attempt to utilize the closest off-ramp so you can stop at a safe location and wait for the fog to clear.

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All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires should carry correctly sized chains when traveling during snowy weather. Highway signs will indicate if chains are required. If motorists do not have chains in their possession, they may not be allowed to proceed and risk being cited or fined.

Motorists should check road conditions frequently. For State operated highways this can be done in a number of ways: visit the Caltrans website at www.dot.ca.gov to get road conditions, weekly road reports and press releases by district; check information through the automated California Highway Information Network (CHIN) by telephoning 1-800- 427-7623 (1-800-GAS-ROAD) and following the prompts; motorists can also tune to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), which broadcasts road conditions on low frequency radio transmitters located along some mountain highways.

During winter storm conditions, motorists should anticipate unexpected delays and closures.  Caltrans strives to reduce the frequency and the length of unplanned closures on state highways.  During major storms when traffic flow is heavy, Caltrans may meter traffic to ease congestion.

The following tips will assist you in making your winter driving experience safe and pleasant:

§  Allow enough time for your trip.

§  Be observant of everything going on around you.

§  Remember – black ice is nearly invisible!

§  Keep your fuel tank full and your windows clear.

§  Drive as conditions permit – slower acceleration, slower speeds, and slower braking in winter conditions.

§  Reduce speed and leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

§  Use headlights, not just parking or fog lights in foggy, rainy, and snowy weather. Also remember that you must have your lights on when using your wipers.

§  If you get stuck, stay with your vehicle and wait for help.

§  If visibility diminishes to the point that you no longer feel safe driving, do not stop in the traffic lanes. 

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For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Slow For the Cone Zone.

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www.dot.ca.gov

We are neighbors, community leaders, and global citizens uniting for the common good. With you, we can accomplish even more. The Rotary Club of Jackson invite civic minded citizens to a mixer on November 6, 2014 from

5:30pm to 7:00pm at Thomis Banquet Room, S. HWY 49. Meet local Rotarians. Find out what Rotary is all about. Learn how you can join.

Appetizers and your first drink are on us!

RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through a Jackson Rotary club member.

Wayne and Frances Fuller share their amazing journey as missionaries in the Middle East. Part Four.

Wayne and Frances Fuller share their amazing journey as missionaries in the Middle East. Part Three.

Wayne and Frances Fuller share their amazing journey as missionaries in the Middle East. Part Two.