Guests now have the chance to purchase tickets to the newest acts of Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort’s Summer Concert Series.  This summer’s lineup of artists includes Kory Gibbs and the Thundering Blues Band, Jonny Lang, House of Floyd, Cheech & Chong, REO Speedwagon and Heart.

 Kory Gibbs and the Thundering Blues Band                            Friday, July 18

Jonny Lang                                                                                      Friday, August 1

House of Floyd                                                                                Friday, September 5

Cheech & Chong                                                                             Thursday, August 28

REO Speedwagon                                                                           Saturday, September 13

Heart                                                                                                 Thursday, September 23

 Tickets are available for Dreamcatcher’s Club® members at a discounted price only at the Casino Cashier Cage, and for non-Dreamcatcher’s Club® members tickets are available for purchase either at JacksonCasino.com or at the Casino Cashier’s Cage.

A new addition to Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort’s summer entertainment is Music on the Terrace at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Bar. Beginning July 12 and continuing through September 13, there will be Music on the Terrace at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge from 9 p.m. to midnight every Saturday evening. 

 Guests who are 21 and over will be able to enjoy sumptuous food and beverages offered at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge in addition to hearing the musical talent of local artists.

The Groove Union                                                                          Saturday, July 12

Latin Magic                                                                                     Saturday, July 19

It’s All Good                                                                                    Saturday, July 26

Over The Edge                                                                                Saturday, August 2

After Dark                                                                                       Saturday, August 9

Honyock                                                                                           Saturday, August 16

 Located upstairs in the Casino, Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge features luxury and comfort combined with approachable entrees focused on local quality ingredients and precise execution. To view a menu or make a reservation at Lone Wolf Restaurant & Bar call 209-233-8680 or visithttp://www.jacksoncasino.com/dining/lone-wolf-restaurant-lounge.

Located in the Sierra foothills town of Jackson, CA, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is owned by the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe. A sovereign government, the Rancheria is dedicated to developing projects that not only enhance the tribe’s ability to remain self-reliant, but also reflect a commitment to be a good neighbor.

The Amador County Fair is holding a photography contest to highlight and promote Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park and Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum as part of the State Parks of California Sesquicentennial. Scenes of Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park and Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum taken in Amador County will be accepted.

Since 1864, grassroots activism and legislation have made it possible for all Californians to take pride and ownership of their unique and diverse landscapes with the State Park system.

Indian Grinding Rock and State Historic Park is located eight miles east of Jackson. Nestled in a small valley, 2,400 above sea level with open meadows and large valley oaks that once provided Native Americans with an ample supply of acorns.  The 135-acre park preserves a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with 1,185 mortar holes – the largest collection of bedrock mortars anywhere in North America.

Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum.  The two-story Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum has been designed to reflect the architecture of the traditional roundhouse.  Outstanding examples of the technology and crafts of the Miwok and other Sierra Nevada Native American groups are exhibited at the museum.

The contest is open to Professionals, Advanced Amateurs and Amateur photographers, residents of California or Nevada.  Matted and framed photos must have the location identified on the entry blank & on the back of the picture. Image and mat not to exceed 16” x 20” inches, plus frame.  Black & White or Color

There is no entry fee for the contest and Amador County Fair ribbons will be awarded for first through third place plus premiums of $15 for first, $10 for second and $5 for third places. Entries and forms are due July 19 at the Amador County Fair office from 10 am – 4 pm. Specifications for framing and an entry form can be found at AmadorCountyFair.com or call the Fair office for assistance.  More information on the Sesquicentennial can be found at www.parks.ca.gov

On July 7, 2014 at approximately 0240 hours, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 Emergency Call from a 27 year old female resident of Pioneer stating that there had been an altercation at a residence located in the 15000 block of Pioneer Creek Road in Pioneer and that her 26 year old boyfriend was bleeding.

Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene and found the 26 year old male in the driveway deceased.  The victim appeared to have sustained multiple stab wounds.  The victim’s girlfriend was interviewed and provided an account of what had transpired, who was involved and a description of the vehicle used by the involved parties to flee the scene.

Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation.  Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies began checking the area for the described vehicle and located it at a residence in the 25000 block of Hwy 88. 

While observing the residence, a subject was seen leaving and was contacted by Sheriff’s Detectives.  The subject was in possession of the suspected murder weapon and stated that the suspect had given it to him for disposal. 

A search of the suspect vehicle revealed blood evidence within the passenger compartment.  The tire tread pattern was also consistent with tire tread patterns located at the murder scene 

The suspect and his girlfriend were contacted and both denied any involvement in the murder or being present when the murder occurred.  Their statements were inconsistent with the physical evidence, witness statements and statements of involved parties.

Gregory Michael Wilson, 40, of Pioneer was arrested and booked into the Amador County Jail charged with violation of Penal Code (PC) section 187, murder.  Wilson’s girlfriend, Dana June Knaul, 47, of Pioneer, was arrested and booked into the Amador County Jail charged with violation of PC 32, Accessory to murder.   

Wilson subsequently contacted Sheriff’s Detectives and admitted to stabbing the decedent.  Wilson said he stabbed the decedent because the decedent refused to leave the property promptly after being asked to do so.

The name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. 

This is an on-going investigation and anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Amador County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 223-6500.  

Come Celebrate Jose's Mexican Restaurant's 31st anniversary on July 9th, 2014. 

In recognition of the many contributions that the Cowboy has made and is still making to Amador County and the State of California.

The Amador County Fair (www.AmadorCountyFair.com) July 24-27, 2014, will feature special events and acknowledgements for “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY.”  (www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com.)

On June 7, 2012, the California Senate voted to award permanent status to the fourth Saturday in July as “National Day of the Cowboy”.

Many other states and counties throughout the United States will also sponsor special events to celebrate their western heritage.

The Amador County Fair will present a rodeo by the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CCPRCA) beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday.  Bull riding, saddle and bareback riding along with all other events associated with professional rodeo will be presented.

Cowboy entertainer/lecturer Larry Maurice (www.larrymaurice.com) will emcee many of the Cowboy activities at the fair.  Maurice has spent the last thirty five years as a cowboy/wrangler/poet/announcer and spokesperson for all things cowboy.  He will also be a featured performer each day during the run of the fair.

The Amador County fair is noted for its equestrian/cowboy events. 

The “Benny Brown” arena will feature a full line-up of activities starting on Wednesday July 23, 2014 with wagon driving exhibitions and competitions, concluding on Sunday with various ranch/cattle related team events.

The music and lifestyle of the cowboy will be featured throughout the fair with music provided by several country, western, Cajun and traditional performers.

The Amador County Fair is exactly what a county fair is supposed to be. Everything is there from livestock shows to arts and crafts of all types, a “Demolition Derby”, a hypnotist, jugglers and the Miss Amador County Rodeo Queen.

Be sure to put the Amador County Fair on your July schedule and be a part of the “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY”.

PLYMOUTH, CA. Where else, but the Amador County Fair can you meet a wheelwright who traveled the United States by covered wagon and a rifle-toting Mountain Man shopping on the midway, then listen to music from The Eagles, George Strait, and The Spazmatics. 

The Amador County Fair, July 24-27th, is an amazing collection of old and new, traditional and trendy. You can gorge on the once-a-year guilty pleasure of Fair Food, then taste fine award-winning wines with the Amador Winegrowers on Friday night, or hoist a microbrew at the Brew Tastings on the weekend.

“We have to keep things fresh and exciting for our Fair visitors,” says Troy Bowers, CEO of the Fair. “But we need to keep our traditions alive as well. The Fairgrounds is a living history museum that we don’t want to abandon.”

He is speaking of the permanent exhibits that are as much a part of the Amador County Fair as the carnival and corn dogs.  Visitors flock to see the turn of the century sawmill using steam power to cut massive logs, to watch as ore is stamped at the Pokerville Gold Mine, or to see the Mountain Men reenact an old saloon fight.  Alongside the whirling, twirling neon of the carnival, the daily antique tractor parade chugs along. 

As usual there are hours of fun things for kids to do that don’t cost parents a nickel, including free admission on Thursday until 6:00 pm. All kinds of fun activities await in the 49er Kids Town, they can laugh and learn how to juggle with the Jumbo Shrimp Circus and they can learn about Amador County’s Miwok culture under the willow-branch-covered round lodge, where they can make and take home a craft project.  At the Gold Mine they can pan for gold, though they probably won’t end up rich!

There’s a charge for entertainment in the Grandstands Friday through Sunday, but that won’t stop capacity crowds at the Truck Pulls on Friday night, the Rodeo on Saturday and the packed Destruction Derby on Sunday.  Buying your reserved seat in advance is a good idea. Thursday night the arena will host the Mutton Bustin’ preliminary round with the finalists going on to compete during the rodeo.

The Fair wouldn’t be the Fair without everyone in Amador County working, volunteering, or dropping by.  From manning service club booths, to monitoring buildings, to sponsoring various items and activities, residents of Amador County are very involved in the annual event.  The exhibit halls are filled with art, quilts, baked goods, preserves, needle arts, plants and flowers, gems and minerals, and Junior projects.  The barns bustle with animals tended by 4-H and FFA youth, show rings, and with parents not far away making sure all is well.

Tickets are available on line and you can save on Fair admission and Carnival rides. Reserved seats for Grandstand Events and the Wine Tasting on Friday night are available in advance as well. For more information about the Amador County Fair, July 24-27, visit www.amadorcountyfair.com.

ON JULY 4, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 1215 HOURS, KIRBY WAS DRIVING HIS VEHICLE (FORD) N/B ON THE CAMP GROUND ACCESS RD. OF LAKE ALPINE WEST CAMP.  KIRBY WAS PULLING HIS VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD, INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT CAMP SPACE 11, TO LET OTHER VEHICLES BY.  AS KIRBY WAS DOING THIS, HE ACCELERATED INTO THE DRIVEWAY TOO FAST.  AS A RESULT, THE FORD PICK UP LUNGED FORWARD AND COLLIDED WITH JOYNER, WHO WAS OUTSIDE OF HER TENT TRAILER.  THE FORD ALSO COLLIDED WITH JOYNER'S TENT TRAILER AND SEVERAL LARGE ROCKS LOCATED ON THE CAMP SITE.  THE FORD EVENTUALLY BECAME HIGH CENTERED ON ONE OF THE ROCKS AND CAME TO REST.  JOYNER SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES FROM THIS COLLISION AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY GROUND AMBULANCE TO MARK TWAIN HOSPITAL IN SAN ANDREAS.

LEWIS WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON HOGAN DAM ROAD, APPROACHING THE CALAVERAS RIVER BRIDGE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED.  AS LEWIS WAS NEGOTIATING A CURVE TO HER RIGHT, SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE AND ALLOWED IT TO RUN OFF THE WEST SIDE OF THE ROAD AT THE SOUTH BRIDGE ABUTMENT.  LEWIS’ VEHICLE WENT OVER A TWENTY FOOT TALL CONCRETE WALL AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN IN THE CALAVERAS RIVER, IN APPROXIMATELY THREE FEET OF WATER.  LEWIS WAS ABLE TO GET HERSELF OUT OF HER VEHICLE, BUT REQUIRED ASSISTANCE FROM THE CALAVERAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT SEARCH AND RESCUE DIVE TEAM TO GET OUT OF THE RIVER.  LEWIS WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO THE UC DAVIS MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT OF MAJOR INJURIES.  PERSONNEL FROM CALAVERAS CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, CALFIRE, AND CLEMENTS FIRE DEPARTMENT ALSO ASSISTED IN LEWIS’ RESCUE. 

ON 07/06/2014 AT APPROXIMATELY 1750 HOURS, PARTY-1 (P-1) (GOMEZ) WAS DRIVING VEHICLE-1 (V-1) (TOYOTA) SOUTHBOUND ON SIX MILE ROAD, NEAR IRONSTONE VINEYARDS, AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED.  FOR UNKNOWN REASONS P-1 WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF V-1.  V-1 LEFT THE ROADWAY, OVERTURNED, AND LANDED ON ITS ROOF.  BOTH PARTIES REMAINED IN THE VEHICLE UNTIL EMERGENCY PERSONNEL ARRIVED ON SCENE AND ASSISTED IN EXTRICATING THEM FROM THE VEHICLE.  PASSENGER-LANDERS SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THIS COLLISION, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO MARK TWAIN MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT.

AFTER BEING EVALUATED, P-1 WAS PLACED UNDER ARREST FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - CAUSING GROSS BODILY INJURY.  SHE WAS MEDICALLY CLEARED FOR INCARCERATION AND SUBSEQUENTLY BOOKED AT CALAVERAS COUNTY JAIL.

CHARACTER – Host Roberta Pickett interviews local guests Gwen Christeson and Jane Wilkinson to talk about whether character counts anymore. Indeed it does!