The California Transportation Commission held its quarterly meetings right here in Amador County this week and according to Amador County Transportation Commission Executive Director Charles Field  “The Commission now knows a lot more about Amador County”. The transportation Commission which is based in Sacramento does hold several meetings a year away from their Capital headquarters, but generally those meetings are held in urban areas.

The Amador County Library System has announced Special November preschool story times at the Jackson Library. The hosted story times will be on Thursdays 10:30 - 11:00 except Thanksgiving Day.  Laurie of Laurie's Stories will tell stories, sing and play music on Nov. 9th & Nov. 30th. Ms. Tasha, our animated storyteller, will entertain the children on Nov. 16."

Any questions, please call 223-6400

With Calaveras County’s only hospital, Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital announcing that it is temporarily suspending all maternity services effective today the big question is will Sutter Amador Hospital be able to handle the additional load. According to Sutter Amador Spokesperson Jody Boetzer the answer is a firm “Yes”. Boetzer states that Sutter Amador Hospital operates a Family Birth Center and has the capacity to serve additional patients in need of obstetrical care. The Family Birth Center is an eight-bed maternity unit that offers all-in-one labor, delivery and recovery rooms in a caring and comfortable setting. 

In a press release dated October 27th the Ione Band of Miwok Indians is reporting that the United States Department of the Interior has dismissed an appeal by Amador County regarding the recent lands determination and legal opinion given by members of the that Department. Amador County challenged the land determination decision back on October 18th. The Land Determination decision declared that the Ione tribe is a Restored tribe and that the lands the tribe proposes to build a casino on in Plymouth are restored tribal lands. This has major implications for the tribe’s gaming endeavors on the 228 acre property as restored tribes and lands have a different more lenient process for approval of their gaming establishments through the National Indian Gaming Commission. 

Fire restrictions will be lifted on the Eldorado National Forest effective Thursday, October 26, 2006. Visitors can use wood, charcoal, or gas fires or stoves outside of developed campgrounds as long as they possess a valid California Campfire Permit and follow the permit regulations. “Despite cooler temperatures and recent storms, fuel conditions in most of the of forest are still dry” said Bob Patton, Acting Fire Management Officer.

Tonight the Jackson City Council will discuss information surrounding the implications of “Pre-Hearing statements of Decision Makers”. At the last City Council meeting, citizen Bob Devlin requested that an item be placed on the agenda to get additional clarification regarding the potential limitations of City Council actions or comments regarding proposed projects, prior to their review at public hearings. Devlin’s request particularly pertained to council member’s views on Big Box stores, or large retail establishments, and their impacts on Visually Sensitive Areas.

The new Hwy 49 Bypass will open for a celebratory run/walk on November 11th but when will the roadway be opened to vehicle traffic? According to the Amador County Transportation Commission’s Charles Field that date weather permitting should be sometime in early to mid December. How will the intersections to enter and exit the Bypass be organized? Field also answers that question by explaining that there will be a signal on the Sutter Creek end of the Bypass at Valley View. This is where the construction is currently happening near the corner of Ridge Rd and Hwy 49. This will be the only signalized intersection on the Bypass.

Continuing its commitment to support the economic vitality of the communities it serves, Pacific Gas and Electric Company yesterday announced the granting of $379,000 to 63 community-based organizations for local economic development and community development projects throughout northern and central California. This marks the fifth year of funding for the company's Economic Development Grant Program, which is supported through PG&E's shareholder-funded charitable giving program.

An airplane hitting into a Manhattan high rise yesterday, at first spurred renewed terror fears, however the accident was quickly labeled just that, an accident. Witnesses described seeing what appeared to be an aircraft in distress, possibly having mechanical problems. A woman whom witnessed the crash said parts of the plane and the building began "flying everywhere" onto the streets below. Broken glass and debris was strewn about the neighborhood. A man working in a nearby building said he heard what he thought was a motorcycle, followed by a bang. When he ran out, he looked up and saw smoke, then heard people saying they were hurt. It was a group of utility workers, apparently hit by flying debris.

Smoke Alert- November 15, 2006 - SPI announced a series of controlled burns in various locations in Amador, Calaveras and El Dorado counties. Smoke plumes will be visible throughout the region.