The Amador County Library is now offering some new services available on the internet. The services include access to electronic resource databases which are being provided to the library through our membership in the 49/99 library cooperative. Some of the new databases are Fact Cards, a series of research resources designed for quick reference for students in grades 4 through 8. The topics covered by Fact Cards are those California, United States, and World topics included in the social studies curriculum in California.

A Jackson couple has run into some trouble while traveling around the county. According to the Patriot-News, a Harrisburg  Pennsylvania newspaper is reporting that Jackson man has been released from jail after his wife admitted lying when she claimed he shackled her inside a camper for a week.

Election officials across the state are expressing concern after a directive from the California Secretary of State’s office was issued Friday night. The directive from Secretary of State Debra Bowen now requires increased security on electronic voting systems. Election officials are warning that this could cost counties millions of dollars, lead to long lines at the polls and delay California's results in next year's presidential primary.

The Ione man reported missing yesterday morning by his family was found safely yesterday afternoon. According to Ione Police Chief Bob Olson, the man identified only as an Ione resident was reported missing by family members early yesterday morning. The search was initially centered in the general Ione area and was then narrowed to the Howard Park area after the discovery of the missing man's car near the Park. The search was continued into the afternoon with the help of the Amador county Sheriff's Department. The man was discovered early yesterday afternoon still in the Ione area. Olson states he was in good condition and has returned home with his family

Yesterday the Amador County administrative committee met and reviewed proposed increases to the animal control fee schedule. The draft proposal presented by Animal Control Director John Vail increases fees to a level above Calaveras County but still below, on average, all other surrounding counties.

This Thursday the General Plan Update Committee will meet at 6pm at the County Administration building after having an extension to their committees' lifespan granted by the Supervisors. The purpose of this General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting is to discuss circulation issues as they relate to the General Plan Update. Charles Field, Executive Director of the Amador County Transportation Commission will give a presentation on  Roadway, Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation issues in the county.

San Francisco 49ers former head coach Bill Walsh died at his Woodside home Monday morning following a long battle with leukemia, according to a Stanford University spokeswoman. Walsh announced in November 2006 he was fighting the blood cancer, which he had been diagnosed with in 2004.Walsh became a coaching icon in the 1980s, leading what had been the league's doormat 49ers to three Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1985 and 1989 and six NFC division titles. He compiled a 102-63-1 record in his 10 years at the helm. The 49ers recruited Walsh from Stanford University, where he returned to coach after hisyears - including serving as general manager - with San Francisco. He also spent three years as an NFL television analyst.

Good news at the gas pumps. U.S. average retail gasoline prices fell 17 cents per gallon as Midwest refiners recovered from recent difficulties and produced more gas, according to an industry analyst. The national average for self-serve, regular, unleaded gas was nearly $2.8843 a gallon on July 27, down from the July 13 level of $3.0577, according to the nationwide Lundberg survey of about 7,000 gas stations. Gas prices have tumbled nearly 30 cents a gallon since reaching an all-time U.S. high average on May 18 of $3.1827. "It's unlikely we'll see a large drop again in average pump prices in the near future," Trilby Lundberg said. Crude oil prices are rising and the summer driving season still has a month to go, both of which should prevent gas prices from falling much further, Lundberg said. At $3.29 a gallon, Chicago had the highest average price for self-serve regular unleaded gas, while the lowest average price was $2.65 a gallon in Cleveland, Ohio.