Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced an agreement under which the federal Department of Energy (DOE) will set new standards to sharply increase the energy efficiency of many types of household appliances, such as home ranges and ovens, air conditioners and dishwashers.

Two popular Amador County holiday traditions continue this year as the Jackson Rancheria once again offers free Holiday Hay Rides and a free Christmas Pageant for the community. The half-hour Hay Rides will be available at the Jackson Rancheria Hotel Monday through Thursday, December 4 through 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dress warm and enjoy a festive ride around the extraordinarily decorated Rancheria, followed by a visit with Santa for the kids and refreshments for everyone.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell has commented on the seventh annual independent evaluation of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). The evaluation for the school year 2005-06 was conducted by the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) and is the first independent evaluation released since the CAHSEE became a graduation requirement, starting with the Class of 2006. "I am pleased that the findings of this evaluation indicate the Exit Exam is working as intended," said O’Connell. Among the findings of the HumRRO evaluation are: Dropout rates from tenth through twelfth grades have declined in the years since the CAHSEE requirement was established. Most twelfth graders in the Class of 2006 who still needed to meet the CAHSEE requirement continued to work hard throughout their senior year.

Investigators said Thursday they are seeking arson and murder charges against a man suspected of setting a Southern California wildfire last week that killed five firefighters.

Yesterday afternoon 8 local heroes were recognized in their life saving efforts to rescue three residents that were trapped in a burning home. On August 2, 2006 firefighters were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 17032 Pine Needle Drive in the Buckhorn area. The first fire engine to arrive on scene reported a fully involved structure wih two or more people trapped on the rear deck. The two firefighters on that engine, from the Amador Fire Protection District Station 111 on Meadow Drive, took quick action with the help of Amador County Sheriff’s Deputy Luke McElfish. The trio deployed a ladder to rescue the three residents trapped on the back deck, which was 20 feet above the ground and situated on a steep slope.

Two driving under the influence related accidents were reported in the Camanche area this past weekend by the California Highway patrol. The first accident involved James Kevin Boyd, 42, who was east bound on Camanche Parkway North on Saturday at around 5pm. Boyd was traveling at an estimated speed of 35-40 miles per hour on the roadway when a group of teenagers yelled for Boyd to slow down from the South Shoulder of the road as he came around a curve. According to Officer Brian Hagemann’s report, due to Boyd’s level of intoxication, he decided to slam on his brakes and back up to yell at the pedestrians.

This week Amador County Counsel John Hahn announced he was resigning as the Counsel for another quasi county entity- ARSA, the Amador Regional Sanitation Authority. ARSA is responsible for the waste water processing and servicing for Martell, Sutter Creek, Amador City through a Joint Powers Agreement. The multi-municipality based agency utilizes wastewater plants and fields in Ione, Sutter Creek and Amador City. Because of the dual role that the County itself plays in both organizations, along with current developments, Hahn states this is the most prudent course of action.

A bizarre accident injured a woman yesterday afternoon on Hwy 88 in the curves near Raven Rd. The woman was traveling eastbound on 88 in a Suzuki Samarai when a west bound car struck a deer, a large buck. The buck was then catapulted through the air and then through the windshield of the woman’s Suzuki.

The Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Council is providing local residents an opportunity to participate in the continued health of the Mokelumne River Watershed. The Council does this by supporting a citizen-based water monitoring program that provides local individuals the opportunity to participate in a very worth-while and fun activity- ensuring the health of our valuable watershed. The efforts also extend to portions of the Upper Calaveras River watershed with the Ebbett’s Pass Forest Watch organization.

Halloween is a night for costumes, candy and fun – for both kids and adults. But as the big day approaches, parents should safeguard against accidental poisonings to ensure that their little ghouls and goblins have a safe and spooktacular holiday, say health and safety experts at Sutter Amador Hospital and Sutter Health, a network of not-for-profit hospitals, physician organizations and other health care service providers here in Amador County. “During this time of year, young children especially may mistake medications or vitamins for candy or another Halloween treat,” said Karen Woods, Director of the Emergency Department.