A two vehicle, non-injury collision occurred Wednesday at 2:35pm on westbound Ridge Road east of Hwy 49. The accident is still under investigation, but may have been a possible medical episode with one of the drivers according to Sutter Creek Police.  The driver of the truck appears to have tried to avoid the stopped Honda by going to the right of it but did not quite make it and grazed the rear of the Honda…

Attention teens who say there’s nothing to do in Amador County! In an effort to create events especially for our teens in Amador, the Amador County Recreation Agency (ACRA) is sponsoring the Battle of the Bands this Saturday, October 6th at Detert Park in Jackson. Six bands will battle next to the swimming pool. Music genres will include Hard Rock, Metal, Classic Rock, Psychedelic, Funk, Blues and Rap. The bands playing are:  A Brutal Awakening,…

Following Tuesday’s announcement of fire restrictions lifted in the Eldorado National Forest, fire restrictions are now lifted within the High Hazard Areas of the Stanislaus National Forest. The Forest Service today announced that, due to recent storms and cooler temperatures, 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. Forest fire officials emphasize that fuel…

Ione City Council met Tuesday evening with a special presentation. The Ione Police Department received first place for the 2007 California Law Enforcement Challenge for police departments with 1-10 sworn personnel. Interim Police Chief Bob Olson presented the award to the council, noting that the award could have some economic rewards for the city. Two new grants are now open for application, and the fact the city received this top award puts them in a…

An unusual partnering of the California State Grange and California bicyclists has succeeded in getting a bill on the Governor’s desk that would establish bikeways on the levee system in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The Great California Delta Trail would be the result of the Governor signing SB 669 into law. The Delta Trail would link Sacramento trails to the San Francisco Bay and will be open to persons on foot, bicycles, and horseback.…

With mortgage foreclosures soaring, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Wednesday that he will sign two bills to increase homeowner protections -- but neither will solve the current crisis. According to the Sacramento Bee, Schwarzenegger characterized the two measures as steps toward increasing "transparency and accountability in the lending market that will help homeowners preserve their American dream." But Senate Bills 223 and 385 target policies and procedures for future borrowing, not the subprime loans currently held…

Interested in becoming a chain installer on California State Highways in the Sierra Nevadas? Permits are available for State Highways 4, 88, 89, 108 and 207 in Calaveras, Alpine, Amador and Tuolumne Counties. All new applicants are required to attend an orientation class. The orientation will be held on Tuesday, October 30 at 9:00 a.m. in the Caltrans Maintenance Office in Angels Camp. 

Did you know that you can recycle used oil filters at ATI Parts for free?  There is a Free Filter Exchange scheduled for MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at ATI PARTS, located at Hwy 49 & Ridge Road, Sutter Creek. Bring your used oil filters to ATI Parts and receive a free oil & filter recycling container and $6 off your purchase of a new oil filter.  This offer is limited to…

Wednesday morning, students from Sutter Creek Elementary and Primary Schools in Sutter Creek walked to school along with parents, teachers and community leaders. They joined schools around the world celebrating International Walk to School Day. Sutter Creek City Council members and Mayor, the Chief of Police/City Manager, School District officials and School Board members, and the County Health Officer were among the dignitaries joining the Walk to School Day to celebrate the completion of the…

Amador County residents can now apply for cheaper car insurance under the state’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program, now expanded to include 20 additional counties, including Amador. According to the California Department of Insurance, the CLCA program provides eligible low-income, good drivers with state-required liability coverage for under $400 a year. Program policies are issued by California licensed insurers and the program is administered by the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan. This means the program…