Tom
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:22
Sea To Shining Sea Bicycle Trek - 4000 Miles For Veterans
Amador County – A 4,000-mile bicycling tribute to disabled U.S. military veterans rode through Amador County this week, stopping for dinner last Monday at the American Legion Hall. The riders left San Francisco May 22nd on a planned 64-day World T.E.A.M. Sports’ “inaugural bike trek across America,” called the “Sea To Shining Sea.” The group includes disabled military veterans and their supporters, including co-founder of the non-profit organization Move With Freedom, Rory McCarthy. McCarthy combines “his engineering background with his first-hand knowledge of the mobility obstacles facing the disabled” to “designs adaptive equipment that opens up new possibilities and access for the user.” The ride is scheduled to conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24th. State Farm said the goal “is to honor the courage of our service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how we view athletes.” The local itinerary included dinner Monday (May 24th) at the American Legion and an unscheduled stop at the Jackson Family Sports Bike Shop on Highway 88, which opened especially for the group so they could get some after-hours repair parts. Coordinator Mike Claver of State Farm in Bloomington, Indiana, said Sea To Shining Sea had 12 support staff, including a doctor, 2 paramedics and a Presbyterian minister (the latter himself). He said all but 2 or 3 are veterans. One non-veteran is McCarthy, who with World TEAM Sports has circled the globe on his hand-pedaled bicycle. Claver said these guys and gals “are amazing.” He said the longer he is with them, the more he thinks he is the one with the disability. The riders’ disabilities include missing legs and severe back injuries that prevent them from walking. One is a woman who was told she would never walk again. They use canes, and McCarthy is confined to a wheelchair. Claver said they “have had every reason in the world to tell people to go to hell and they haven’t done that.” He said the riders “just don’t see themselves as heroes, but they represent the very best that this nation has to offer.” He said the riders “are very determined” and “absolute patriots, every one of them.” The team, numbering 27 when they rode into Amador County, includes exceptional athletes, many of whom were wounded during military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. They represent all military branches. The Sea To Shining Sea website includes personal pages for each rider, where people can pledge donations for the fundraiser. For information, contact local State Farm owner Ann Lintz at 223-1631. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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News Archive
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:16
Long Rainy Season Increases Risk For West Nile Virus
Amador County –The Amador County Public Health Department urges community members to use preventive measures against West Nile Virus, as the rainy season continues in the county. Mosquitoes can carry organisms that cause disease in humans. In California the main disease is West Nile Virus which is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mild symptoms in people infected with WNV include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a
skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Most people recover without treatment but a small percentage can become very ill with neurological symptoms. Serious symptoms in less than 1% of those infected with WNV can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The only treatment is supportive. People over age 50 have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. Being outside at dawn and dusk are high risk times when mosquitoes bite the most. Avoiding mosquitoes can be done by protecting yourself and your family if spending a lot of time outside by applying a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants also help. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses, and horse owners are urged to consult their veterinarian to ensure each horse is current on WNV vaccinations. Currently Amador County does not operate a mosquito abatement program, so it is crucial for county residents to do their part. Amador County Agriculture Department recommends removing standing water, and also placing mosquito fish in ponds and fountains. Mosquito fish eat mosquito larvae. Copper Crayfish bait shop in Copperopolis is one local place that sells mosquito fish. Another control method is spraying, and Foothill Sierra Pest Control will spray for the pests. Public Health recommended reducing and eliminating potential mosquito-breeding sites. Drain water from old tires and eliminate standing water in rain gutters, buckets or other containers. Empty and change bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week. See information at www.cdfa.ca.gov, or call Amador public health at 223-6407. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Friday, 28 May 2010 05:52
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alex Lane 5-28-10
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News Broadcast Videos
Thursday, 27 May 2010 18:00
Floyd Martin - Memorial Day, Veterans Services 5-28-10
Published in
Local
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:24
Sheriff's Dept. Arrests Two For Attempted Bank Burglary
Amador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to an apparent attempted break-in at the El Dorado Savings in Pine Grove, where physical evidence led to the apprehension of suspects involved in the crime. Steven Kyle Cole, 18, of Elbert, Colorado and Christopher Brandon Armstrong, 19, a transient from Colorado, were both arrested and charged with burglary and damaging power lines. Deputies responded within minutes after received a report at approximately 5 p.m. from the alarm monitoring service that an alarm had been activated. An announcement from the Sheriff’s Office Wednesday said that upon arrival, “deputies found the rear door to the bank was damaged with evident pry marks and a small window had been broken out.” They “noted that two electrical boxes at the side of the bank had been accessed, the breakers turned off, and the power line between the two boxes had been severed, in an apparent attempt to circumvent the alarm and surveillance systems.” The Sheriff said bank personnel reported no property stolen and no suspects were located at the scene. The deputies conducted neighborhood surveillance and collected physical evidence, including “obtaining surveillance video and still photographs from the bank, which were then digitally enhanced, as well as conducting additional investigation at the scene and with the neighboring businesses.” Days later, on Wednesday, an “alert deputy sheriff” patrolling the parking structure at the Jackson Rancheria observed two males asleep in a blue Chevrolet Tahoe that matched the description of a vehicle observed on the bank’s surveillance video. The suspects were subsequently detained and interviewed by Sheriff’s detectives. They eventually admitted their involvement in the crime. During a search of their vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded .12 gauge shotgun. Cole was additionally charged with possession of a loaded firearm. Bail was set for each at $25,000, pursuant to the Amador County Superior Court Bail Schedule. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Law Enforcement
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:22
Sea To Shining Sea Bicycle Trek - 4000 Miles For Veterans
Amador County – A 4,000-mile bicycling tribute to disabled U.S. military veterans rode through Amador County this week, stopping for dinner last Monday at the American Legion Hall. The riders left San Francisco May 22nd on a planned 64-day World T.E.A.M. Sports’ “inaugural bike trek across America,” called the “Sea To Shining Sea.” The group includes disabled military veterans and their supporters, including co-founder of the non-profit organization Move With Freedom, Rory McCarthy. McCarthy combines “his engineering background with his first-hand knowledge of the mobility obstacles facing the disabled” to “designs adaptive equipment that opens up new possibilities and access for the user.” The ride is scheduled to conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24th. State Farm said the goal “is to honor the courage of our service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how we view athletes.” The local itinerary included dinner Monday (May 24th) at the American Legion and an unscheduled stop at the Jackson Family Sports Bike Shop on Highway 88, which opened especially for the group so they could get some after-hours repair parts. Coordinator Mike Claver of State Farm in Bloomington, Indiana, said Sea To Shining Sea had 12 support staff, including a doctor, 2 paramedics and a Presbyterian minister (the latter himself). He said all but 2 or 3 are veterans. One non-veteran is McCarthy, who with World TEAM Sports has circled the globe on his hand-pedaled bicycle. Claver said these guys and gals “are amazing.” He said the longer he is with them, the more he thinks he is the one with the disability. The riders’ disabilities include missing legs and severe back injuries that prevent them from walking. One is a woman who was told she would never walk again. They use canes, and McCarthy is confined to a wheelchair. Claver said they “have had every reason in the world to tell people to go to hell and they haven’t done that.” He said the riders “just don’t see themselves as heroes, but they represent the very best that this nation has to offer.” He said the riders “are very determined” and “absolute patriots, every one of them.” The team, numbering 27 when they rode into Amador County, includes exceptional athletes, many of whom were wounded during military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. They represent all military branches. The Sea To Shining Sea website includes personal pages for each rider, where people can pledge donations for the fundraiser. For information, contact local State Farm owner Ann Lintz at 223-1631. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Local
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:21
Girl Scout Agriculture Adventure Day
Amador County – Girl Scouts Heart of Central California (GSHCC) and California Women for Agriculture held an Agriculture Adventure Day at Cal Expo on May 15 that featured GSHCC council owned horses, cooking demonstrations by the Junior Chefs and tractor equipment from Sacramento Tractor. During the event, Girl Scouts learned where their food and fiber comes from, interacted with community members affiliated with agriculture and earned badges. “This event gives girls a chance to connect with the community and learn where their food comes from so that they can make decisions about what they’re eating and support local businesses,” said senior program specialist for GSHCC, Heidi Truitt. One focus of the Girl Scout program is to allow girls to explore their personal area of interest, which is why events such as Agriculture Adventure Day are so important. Using agriculture as an example, a girl can choose to become an agricultural lawyer, agricultural veterinarian or a communications representative for an agricultural based business. Sixteen agricultural organizations hosted interactive booths designed to bring awareness to Girl Scouts in kindergarten through 12th grade about the variety of career options in the agricultural field by providing learning materials and crafts. According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the total number of farms has been declining but the number owned and operated by women is increasing; historically the agriculture industry has been male dominated. Today approximately 165,000 farms are run by women. “Predominantly and historically urban and suburban girls don’t know where their food and fibers come from,” said executive director of AgSafe and Girl Scout for 27 years, Amy Wolfe. “We really wanted to work with trade associations to promote and educate young girls about the basics of agriculture.” This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Local
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:19
Unseasonable Weather Extends Road Closures
Amador County – The unpredictable and unseasonably wet weather as of late has prompted officials to extend road closures through the Memorial Day weekend. The Sierra snowpack was at 143 percent of normal as of April 30 and recent storms have only added to that percentage, closing high country roadways across the Sierras. Amador County Transportation and Public Works announced Tuesday that they will be unable to open Bear River Road and Pardoes Road for camping this weekend near the Bear River Reservoir due to snowy conditions. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said they may be unable to open upcountry passes as well. However, they said they have removed the packed winter snow, cleared the debris and made the necessary repairs to open State Route 4 over Ebbetts Pass and State Route 108 over Sonora Pass. The U.S. Forest Service said the popular Mormon Emigrant Trail, located in the Eldorado National Forest between Jenkinson Lake and Highway 88, will not be open to traffic through Memorial Day. As of Wednesday, snowdrifts as deep as five feet near Highway 88 continued to block the popular forest road. All road conditions may change as we head into a much warmer and sunnier weekend. Motorists may continue to check with Caltrans to find out information as to when the passes will be open. For the latest in highway information please call Caltrans’ Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). You may also contact their Public Information Office at (209) 948-7977. The Amador County Public Works office can be contacted during normal business hours at 209-223-6429. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Local
Friday, 28 May 2010 04:16
Long Rainy Season Increases Risk For West Nile Virus
Amador County –The Amador County Public Health Department urges community members to use preventive measures against West Nile Virus, as the rainy season continues in the county. Mosquitoes can carry organisms that cause disease in humans. In California the main disease is West Nile Virus which is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mild symptoms in people infected with WNV include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a
skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Most people recover without treatment but a small percentage can become very ill with neurological symptoms. Serious symptoms in less than 1% of those infected with WNV can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The only treatment is supportive. People over age 50 have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. Being outside at dawn and dusk are high risk times when mosquitoes bite the most. Avoiding mosquitoes can be done by protecting yourself and your family if spending a lot of time outside by applying a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants also help. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses, and horse owners are urged to consult their veterinarian to ensure each horse is current on WNV vaccinations. Currently Amador County does not operate a mosquito abatement program, so it is crucial for county residents to do their part. Amador County Agriculture Department recommends removing standing water, and also placing mosquito fish in ponds and fountains. Mosquito fish eat mosquito larvae. Copper Crayfish bait shop in Copperopolis is one local place that sells mosquito fish. Another control method is spraying, and Foothill Sierra Pest Control will spray for the pests. Public Health recommended reducing and eliminating potential mosquito-breeding sites. Drain water from old tires and eliminate standing water in rain gutters, buckets or other containers. Empty and change bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week. See information at www.cdfa.ca.gov, or call Amador public health at 223-6407. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Health
