The draft environmental impact report for the proposed Home Depot in Jackson is now available for review through October 1st, 2007. A public meeting regarding the project has been scheduled for September 17, 2007 at 6:00 in the evening at the Jackson Civic Center. Copies of the Draft  are now available for review at the Cities offices. These documents may also be reviewed at the Amador County Library in Jackson.

 “Radically out of control” is how one neighbor described the George Reed Company’s plans for expansion at their Jackson Valley Quarry. This continues to be a red hot issue with landowners in the scenic ag-oriented valley. Currently Reed’s permit allows for the extrication of rock from the quarry, as well as the transportation of that rock. The company has been in the process of an expansion for the boundaries of the rock pit which would double the size of the quarry and in turn increase production and transportation trips for the rock.

Yesterday just before noon sirens whaled through Jackson and Pine Grove as fire and emergency personnel responded to a structure fire on Debbie Lane, located off of East Clinton Rd. An Amador County Sheriff’s Deputy says that smoke was showing from the attic of the home. Upon arrival, fire crews investigated the source of the smoke and discovered a fire in a garbage can- possibly started by a discarded cigarette

Amador County Unified’s STAR scores are pretty much the same as last year says district officials. A comparison of median test scores for all grade levels show a rise throughout the educational process with scores, on average, higher at the High School levels. Elementary scores averaged in the mid 3-hundreds for English Language arts.

The Amador County Waste Management Department has partnered with the Master Gardeners of Amador County in an effort to help educate the public on backyard composting.  By providing several different methods on public display along with interpretive signage, these groups hope to encourage county residents to convert their food and yard waste to compost.  The Interfaith Food Bank has generously provided the space for the compost demonstration project at their Airport Road facility.

Two years ago an underage, unlicensed donut delivery boy was killed in Calaveras County while on a delivery run after he passed over the double lines of Hwy 4 in Douglas Flat. The boy hit another car head on and now his boss, the donut store owner’s son, has been charged with manslaughter.