The Third District Court of Appeals has issued a modification of their April 17th opinion in regards to the lawsuit between Amador County, the City of Plymouth and the Ione Band of Mi-Wok Indians. The April 17th opinion was considered a clear victory for the plaintiffs in the suit, Amador County, and this new modification to the opinion does not change that consideration. There has been no change in the court’s judgment that the struck down the Municipal Services Agreement between the tribe and the city which was approved by the Plymouth city council back in 2004.

The long awaited Hwy. 49 Bypass opened just weeks ago, but many are wondering why lanes, such as the South bound far left lane at the signal is still blocked off, thus limiting the left turn lane to one lane, and causing back ups at the signal. The question circulated recently and Sutter Creek Manager Rob Duke and ACTC Executive Director Charles Field responded. Duke said that the situation should be resolved soon. Apparently Cal Trans is waiting for the double arrow directional sign and have blocked the lane so as to prevent an accident. “However unlikely it may seem to be,” said Duke.  The lane according to the Cal Trans construction manager is to be for left turns and u-turns only and they don’t want it to open until the signage is corrected, said Field.  He said that Cal Trans indicated to him that the light should be up and running within the next “few days” to free up that extra lane to traffic.

The Amador County Fair has also announced the pre-weigh-in dates for large and small animals that exhibitors plan to show in this summer's Fair competition. Any 4-H, FFA, Grange or Independent Exhibitors who do not file the appropriate paperwork and pre-weigh-in their animals by the designated date will be disqualified from selling their market animals during the Fair.

The Amador County Fair will be held this year at the traditional time- the last weekend in July. However, this could be the last time the fair is held on that traditional weekend. Fair officials have decided to move the Amador County Fair to the first weekend in August, making the 2008 Amador County Fair July 31st through August 3rd. The original plan by the Fair Board was to move the 2007 Fair, this year’s fair, to the new weekend, however that decision was reversed when 4-H leaders brought to the fair board’s attention a leadership conference that many 4-H participants were scheduled to attend. It would have been a direct conflict forcing kids to decide between the fair and the conference. For families participating in the fair’s programs, exhibits and livestock venues this will put the end of fair and the typical start of the Amador County Unified School District school year one week apart.

The family of the toddler injured when he was allegedly attacked by his mother’s boyfriend, Neil Farkas, is now speaking out asking for the communities help. This past week end the 19th month old identified by his family as Kai Edmunds was transferred from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to Pedaitrics. Kai is now able to open his eyes and has some movement on his left side- however it is still to early to know how his right side will respond once his brain’s swelling subsides. Kai is still on a ventilator- although his family states that he is improving slightly each day. One thing the family is sure of is that this will be along medical recovery process. The family is asking for your prayers and support, each and every one of you is very much appreciated. Now the family is facing the hard reality of the medical expenses-  The community has set up a bank account for Kai in care of his mother Gabrielle Richardson “Donation”, Guaranty Bank 11992 State Hwy 88, Ste 2048, Jackson, Ca 95642 Ph (209)223-3191

The 2006-2007 Grand Jury report was made officially available to the public yesterday. This years Grand Jury consisted of a core group of dedicated citizens who devoted time and effort to their duties for an entire year. Robert Davis, this years Foreman of the Grand Jury addressed the members of the Grand Jury in the report and said, “It is gratifying to see you rise to the challenge and produce and excellent, thoughtful document…The Court and all Amador County citizens appreciate the insight and expertise shown in your report. Your participating and willingness to serve in our justice system strengthens it and makes it better.” 

Also, the Ione City Council received an update on the Castle Oaks Mello Roos Districts. In June of 2005 the voters of the Castle Oaks area overwhelmingly approved two new bond districts with only 5 no votes being cast to facilitate a refinancing of existing Mello Roos Bonds. The original Mello Roos bonds had been in default since 1998 and were holding up any further development of the area.  This vote created two new Community Facilities Districts: Castle Oaks Districts 2005-1 and 2005-2. The 2005-1 district will be the current 211 home owners - 2005-2 will be the new 511 homes being developed in Castle Oaks and the surrounding areas of Edgebrook.

Last night’s Jackson City Council meeting began with ceremonial matters. Mayor Drew Stidger introduced and welcomed new employee Karon Knuist, the new clerk for the planning commission meetings. Mayor Stidger then, both presented and accepted on behalf of the Lions Club as they are celebrating 80 years of service, a proclamation. The proclamation was given to the Lions Club on behalf of the city honoring the 80th anniversary of the civic minded club. Stidger said the Lion’s Club president asked him, since he is a member of the Jackson Lions Club to accept the proclamation on the organizations behalf. Also honored last night was long time employee Michael Rankin. Rankin began his career with the City of Jackson in 1973 as a temporary work employee.

The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors once again reviewed their new Administrative Citation Code Enforcement Program at their last meeting. The Board had reviewed the document and waived the reading of the ordinance at their January 11th meeting. The purpose of the Enforcement Ordinance was to allow the Amador Water Agency to impose administrative fines or penalties for any violation of the Agency Ordinance. According to General Manager Jim Abercrombie the subject arose a s a result of complaints received by the Agency Staff and Board members for the unauthorized taking of water from fire Hydrants, the tampering of water meters and the stealing of agency property, just to name a few of the violations.

Amador County Treasurer-Tax Collector Michael E. Ryan is reminding property owners that they have until Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 5 p.m., to make the second installment payment of their annual secured property taxes for the 2006-07 fiscal year. This deadline should not be confused with the Income Tax deadline which is five days later. The second installment of secured property taxes was due and payable on February 1, 2007, and will become delinquent if not paid by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2007; thereafter  a 10% delinquent penalty and $10 cost charge will be added.  Taxes remaining unpaid after June 30, 2007 accrue additional statutory penalties at the rate of 1-1/2 percent per month, as well as additional fees.