News Archive (6192)
Amador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to an apparent attempted break-in at the El Dorado Savings in Pine Grove, where physical evidence led to the apprehension of suspects involved in the crime. Steven Kyle Cole, 18, of Elbert, Colorado and Christopher Brandon Armstrong, 19, a transient from Colorado, were both arrested and charged with burglary and damaging power lines. Deputies responded within minutes after received a report at approximately 5 p.m. from the alarm monitoring service that an alarm had been activated. An announcement from the Sheriff’s Office Wednesday said that upon arrival, “deputies found the rear door to the bank was damaged with evident pry marks and a small window had been broken out.” They “noted that two electrical boxes at the side of the bank had been accessed, the breakers turned off, and the power line between the two boxes had been severed, in an apparent attempt to circumvent the alarm and surveillance systems.” The Sheriff said bank personnel reported no property stolen and no suspects were located at the scene. The deputies conducted neighborhood surveillance and collected physical evidence, including “obtaining surveillance video and still photographs from the bank, which were then digitally enhanced, as well as conducting additional investigation at the scene and with the neighboring businesses.” Days later, on Wednesday, an “alert deputy sheriff” patrolling the parking structure at the Jackson Rancheria observed two males asleep in a blue Chevrolet Tahoe that matched the description of a vehicle observed on the bank’s surveillance video. The suspects were subsequently detained and interviewed by Sheriff’s detectives. They eventually admitted their involvement in the crime. During a search of their vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded .12 gauge shotgun. Cole was additionally charged with possession of a loaded firearm. Bail was set for each at $25,000, pursuant to the Amador County Superior Court Bail Schedule. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The unpredictable and unseasonably wet weather as of late has prompted officials to extend road closures through the Memorial Day weekend. The Sierra snowpack was at 143 percent of normal as of April 30 and recent storms have only added to that percentage, closing high country roadways across the Sierras. Amador County Transportation and Public Works announced Tuesday that they will be unable to open Bear River Road and Pardoes Road for camping this weekend near the Bear River Reservoir due to snowy conditions. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said they may be unable to open upcountry passes as well. However, they said they have removed the packed winter snow, cleared the debris and made the necessary repairs to open State Route 4 over Ebbetts Pass and State Route 108 over Sonora Pass. The U.S. Forest Service said the popular Mormon Emigrant Trail, located in the Eldorado National Forest between Jenkinson Lake and Highway 88, will not be open to traffic through Memorial Day. As of Wednesday, snowdrifts as deep as five feet near Highway 88 continued to block the popular forest road. All road conditions may change as we head into a much warmer and sunnier weekend. Motorists may continue to check with Caltrans to find out information as to when the passes will be open. For the latest in highway information please call Caltrans’ Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). You may also contact their Public Information Office at (209) 948-7977. The Amador County Public Works office can be contacted during normal business hours at 209-223-6429. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – Girl Scouts Heart of Central California (GSHCC) and California Women for Agriculture held an Agriculture Adventure Day at Cal Expo on May 15 that featured GSHCC council owned horses, cooking demonstrations by the Junior Chefs and tractor equipment from Sacramento Tractor. During the event, Girl Scouts learned where their food and fiber comes from, interacted with community members affiliated with agriculture and earned badges. “This event gives girls a chance to connect with the community and learn where their food comes from so that they can make decisions about what they’re eating and support local businesses,” said senior program specialist for GSHCC, Heidi Truitt. One focus of the Girl Scout program is to allow girls to explore their personal area of interest, which is why events such as Agriculture Adventure Day are so important. Using agriculture as an example, a girl can choose to become an agricultural lawyer, agricultural veterinarian or a communications representative for an agricultural based business. Sixteen agricultural organizations hosted interactive booths designed to bring awareness to Girl Scouts in kindergarten through 12th grade about the variety of career options in the agricultural field by providing learning materials and crafts. According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the total number of farms has been declining but the number owned and operated by women is increasing; historically the agriculture industry has been male dominated. Today approximately 165,000 farms are run by women. “Predominantly and historically urban and suburban girls don’t know where their food and fibers come from,” said executive director of AgSafe and Girl Scout for 27 years, Amy Wolfe. “We really wanted to work with trade associations to promote and educate young girls about the basics of agriculture.” This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – A 4,000-mile bicycling tribute to disabled U.S. military veterans rode through Amador County this week, stopping for dinner last Monday at the American Legion Hall. The riders left San Francisco May 22nd on a planned 64-day World T.E.A.M. Sports’ “inaugural bike trek across America,” called the “Sea To Shining Sea.” The group includes disabled military veterans and their supporters, including co-founder of the non-profit organization Move With Freedom, Rory McCarthy. McCarthy combines “his engineering background with his first-hand knowledge of the mobility obstacles facing the disabled” to “designs adaptive equipment that opens up new possibilities and access for the user.” The ride is scheduled to conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24th. State Farm said the goal “is to honor the courage of our service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how we view athletes.” The local itinerary included dinner Monday (May 24th) at the American Legion and an unscheduled stop at the Jackson Family Sports Bike Shop on Highway 88, which opened especially for the group so they could get some after-hours repair parts. Coordinator Mike Claver of State Farm in Bloomington, Indiana, said Sea To Shining Sea had 12 support staff, including a doctor, 2 paramedics and a Presbyterian minister (the latter himself). He said all but 2 or 3 are veterans. One non-veteran is McCarthy, who with World TEAM Sports has circled the globe on his hand-pedaled bicycle. Claver said these guys and gals “are amazing.” He said the longer he is with them, the more he thinks he is the one with the disability. The riders’ disabilities include missing legs and severe back injuries that prevent them from walking. One is a woman who was told she would never walk again. They use canes, and McCarthy is confined to a wheelchair. Claver said they “have had every reason in the world to tell people to go to hell and they haven’t done that.” He said the riders “just don’t see themselves as heroes, but they represent the very best that this nation has to offer.” He said the riders “are very determined” and “absolute patriots, every one of them.” The team, numbering 27 when they rode into Amador County, includes exceptional athletes, many of whom were wounded during military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. They represent all military branches. The Sea To Shining Sea website includes personal pages for each rider, where people can pledge donations for the fundraiser. For information, contact local State Farm owner Ann Lintz at 223-1631. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County –The Amador County Public Health Department urges community members to use preventive measures against West Nile Virus, as the rainy season continues in the county. Mosquitoes can carry organisms that cause disease in humans. In California the main disease is West Nile Virus which is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mild symptoms in people infected with WNV include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a
skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Most people recover without treatment but a small percentage can become very ill with neurological symptoms. Serious symptoms in less than 1% of those infected with WNV can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The only treatment is supportive. People over age 50 have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. Being outside at dawn and dusk are high risk times when mosquitoes bite the most. Avoiding mosquitoes can be done by protecting yourself and your family if spending a lot of time outside by applying a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants also help. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses, and horse owners are urged to consult their veterinarian to ensure each horse is current on WNV vaccinations. Currently Amador County does not operate a mosquito abatement program, so it is crucial for county residents to do their part. Amador County Agriculture Department recommends removing standing water, and also placing mosquito fish in ponds and fountains. Mosquito fish eat mosquito larvae. Copper Crayfish bait shop in Copperopolis is one local place that sells mosquito fish. Another control method is spraying, and Foothill Sierra Pest Control will spray for the pests. Public Health recommended reducing and eliminating potential mosquito-breeding sites. Drain water from old tires and eliminate standing water in rain gutters, buckets or other containers. Empty and change bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week. See information at www.cdfa.ca.gov, or call Amador public health at 223-6407. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors Wednesday held a workshop on its Will Serve Ordinance, hearing specific requests from county developers. The board continued the workshop to resume at 9 a.m. today (May 27th). Plymouth developer Bob Reeder of Reeder Sutherland said he did not believe refunds of conditional will-serve fees should cost the agency “one dime.” He said developers are OK with the 25 percent payments of will-serve fees (over 3 years), and the accelerated pay period. He said “we can live with it, we’re not super happy about it.” But he said a proposed 2-year expiration period of conditional will-serves was “an issue for us, especially if we’re asked to put money up front.” Reeder said if a developer pays for water capacity expansion, then the conditional will-serve expires and the developer has to “go to the end of the line,” they run a risk that “somebody else can come in and take the capacity they just paid for.” Ione developer Ciro Toma recommended tying the conditional will-serve expiration period to a tentative map, which he said usually has a 2-year term, but can be extended through the issuing land agency for up to 10 years. Toma said AWA could review the conditional will-serve if the developer seeks an extension on the tentative map. He also urged a refund option for land owners to be able to change plans and partially recoup fees paid. Ione developer Rob Aragon proposed tying the conditional will-serve’s first payment to issuance of the “final map,” saying it was closer to other regions, which don’t charge fees until occupancy of the building. Aragon asked about the 10 percent first payment, and what it funded. Director Terence Moore said it goes toward the cost to get a water main extended to a developing area, but “we don’t want to pretend that the 10 percent will get it built.” He agreed any money spent to do so should be refunded to the developer. Aragon said AWA can already get fees paid early and require a developer to build infrastructure, and then give conditional will-serves that still require capacity in the system. He said he worried about “historical policies that can’t be put forth,” and urged the board to “look at the final map stage.” The board continued the workshop to 9 a.m. today (May 27th), at the start of the regular board meeting. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 27 May 2010 06:06
Amador Sheriff Says Riff Raff Distrub Peace at River Pines
Written by Tom
Amador County – An unidentified caller reported that a group of males was disturbing the peace in River Pines earlier this month. The caller, who would not give his name, and could not name the subjects, said that “a bunch of riff-raff” (a group of males) was “driving around and threatening neighbors.” The incident was occurring behind the River Pines Store, across the street, and up on a hill across Highway 16E on May 18th. That same day on Sugar Pine Drive, a welfare check was requested for a male who had “been drinking and destroying his house.” The caller said the subject was bipolar, manic depressive, and he believed the subject could “take care of himself any longer.” The caller said in conversation earlier that day, the subject “was not making any sense.” A burglary was reported May 18th on Circle Avenue. The caller reported that a break-in had occurred possibly sometime that afternoon. The back door had been kicked in, and closets and drawers had been gone through. Missing items included a fax machine, a computer and speakers. Wal-Mart on Wicklow Way reported the threat of crime with the intent to terrorize on May 18th. The caller said an employee was terminated, then made verbal threats of physical harm to the “loss prevention manager,” who was “fearful for her safety.” The reporting party said the suspect was “expected back at the store sometime” the next day for follow-up paperwork. Petty theft was reported May 19th, occurring on Highview Way. A woman reported that gift cards were taken from her top drawer. She said she was on vacation and her son had friends over and that’s when they went missing. She said the gift cads had been used. Last Friday, an unlawful entry to a dwelling was reported occurring at Community Christian Church on Ponderosa Way. A homeless man was found inside the facility and was asked to leave. He was last seen on foot heading up Ponderosa Road. The man reportedly “left personal belongings behind at the church.” On Monday, 5 juveniles were reportedly vandalizing the new playground equipment at Plymouth Elementary School. The caller said one of the juveniles had a baseball bat. 2 of the juveniles were approximately 15 years old and the others were age 12 and under. On May 19th, Wells Fargo Bank on Main Street in Jackson reported a suspicious person. The employees felt that a man had been possibly “casing the branch.” He was described as a white male with a medium build, in his 50s, with long gray hair, black sunglasses, a black sweatshirt and light blue jeans. On May 18th, a caller reported the theft of property, after selling a 1996 Pontiac Firebird for $300 in April. A “stop payment” had been placed on the check, and the reporting party was “unable to get funds.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – Sutter Gold Mine Company (SGM) recently opened a public office in downtown Sutter Creek, while at the same time continuing the process of converting its Sutter Creek-based tourist facility back into a working gold mine. The idea for the off-site office came from Mine Manager Stacy Rhoades, who says he saw an increasing need for “a suitable working area for our expanding mine staff.” Although the company is permitted to build an on-site office, he said the downtown location will better suit the need for more space. “We are excited to be joining the distinguished local vendors in downtown Sutter Creek,” said Holly Boitano, Health Safety and Environmental Coordinator. “At some point after we begin our operations, we will also be looking into establishing point of sale offices for mining supplies, which would be a source of sales tax revenue for the city.” Boitano said it’s also a good way to establish a presence in the local community. The building in which the office is housed has a history of businesses related to mining operations. The original store and adjoining residence were established in 1869 by Carlos Soracco, whose son Frank operated a mining supply store. Decades later, Boitano’s grandfather Maurice, along with business partner John Fereccio, rented the space for a grocery store and hardware store selling mining supplies. Rhoades said the office is “technically open” now, but he plans on holding an official open house within the next month. SGM controls over three miles of Mother Lode property, 90 percent of which has yet to be explored. The current resource estimate for the Sutter Gold Project indicates that a collective 700,000 ounces of gold could possibly be extracted from this area. The Colorado-based incorporation is a self-described “junior gold exploration and development company” currently focusing its efforts on the Sutter Creek area project, also known as the Lincoln Project, named after the original Lincoln Mine from which prospector Leland Stanford made his fortune. Most of the potential gold extraction exists along the Melones Fault in the eastern portion of SGM’s property and mineral holdings. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 27 May 2010 06:08
CAO Daly Takes Assistant CAO Position in El Dorado County
Written by Tom
Amador County – County Administrative Officer Terri Daly’s resignation on Tuesday began the closure process on many years of service she has provided to Amador County. Daly resigned shortly after accepting the position of Assistant CAO for El Dorado County. She has served Amador County in her current position since March 9, 2007. She has a long history of local service, including a wide variety of administrative and human resource functions. Before her current position, she served as the Amador County In Home Supportive Services Executive Director. An announcement released by the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday said Daly has “more than 20 years of private industry management experience” and “four years of public administration with the county.” Board of Supervisors Chairman Brian Oneto stated, “We’re sorry to see Terri leave, but she served the County well during her tenure and we support her decision to pursue other opportunities for herself and her family.” In a letter presented to the board on Tuesday, Daly said “it is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that I submit my letter of resignation.” “It’s a great opportunity for me, it’s a bigger county and a really good fit in a lot of ways,” said Daly. “There aren’t many places I can go to within commuter distance without having to uproot my family.” In response to Daly’s decision, the Board formed an Ad Hoc Committee to recruit potential applicants for the CAO position. According to her contract, Daly will give 60 days notice to provide Amador County with the opportunity to find someone to fill her position. Daly’s last day will be July 23rd. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – Ione developer Rob Aragon questioned the Amador Water Agency board of directors last week on a statement that accompanied 2006 bonds to finance the Amador Transmission Pipeline. He asked how the agency had included improvements to the Ione water treatment plant in its bond statement for the project. Aragon said a statement with the bonds “suggested the municipal bonds were sold for the direct purpose of the Amador Transmission Pipeline,” but his concern was that it appears money was allocated for an upgrade at the Ione plant. Aragon said the “financing plan” for the 2006 bonds included an expansion of the Ione water treatment plant from 2.5 million gallons a day rating to 4.5 million gallons a day. He said improvements have yet to be made at the Ione water treatment plant. AWA board President Bill Condrashoff said that is the first he had heard of the issue, and asked if they should make any response. General Manager Gene Mancebo said the board should let staff look into it, and report on the “chain of events” involved. Aragon, representing Ione Villages 1 LLC and the Building Industries Association, said he would continue working with the “new philosophy in town” on the AWA board, and continue his “extension of collaboration to help solve those problems with you,” regarding an update to the “will-serve fee” ordinance update. But he said the board was not behaving transparently, in the previous week’s handling of the draft ordinance. And he was also concerned about the bond, which listed a 3.5 percent growth rate on Ione, and a 2-phase upgrade plan for the Ione Water treatment plant, recommended by Boyle Engineering. Aragon said the statement in 2006 expected “improvements to be completed in 2007,” and the plan affected bond buyers and also conditional will-serves. He criticized that the bonds were sold but the improvements were never made at the Ione plant. The AWA board was scheduled to host a public workshop on the potential new will-serve policy ordinance this morning, which could charge a 10 percent fee for conditional will-serves, and other fees over a phased, 3-year period. Aragon criticized the changes as being against state law for will-serve fees. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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