Local News
04/16/2010
Angels Camp, CA -- The Angels Camp Police Department made some narcotics and D.U.I. arrests this week.
Late Thursday evening officers pulled over a car in the 300 block of Murphys Grade Road and arrested the driver and passenger for possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence. Taken to Calaveras County Jail were 20 year old Mesmerized Bond of Murphys and 19 year old Derek Partain of Copperopolis.
A day earlier, a pair was arrested on Hwy 4 when a driver and passenger were found in possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence. Taken to Calaveras County Jail were 50 year old Martin Bacoccini of Copperopolis and 37 year old Marcelle Nuttall of Copperopolis.
Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.
Sonora, CA -- The ninth annual "Volunteers are the Heart of Tuolumne County" awards luncheon was held Friday afternoon at the Sonora Elks Lodge.
The annual event is put on by Sierra Non-Profit Services, and recognizes community members, organizations and businesses for volunteering their time to make Tuolumne County a better place to live.
The award winners are as follows:
Lifetime Achievement Award - Celeste Boyd
Extra Mile Award - Jerry Miller
Ed Minium Legacy Award - (Co-winners) Center for a
Nonviolent Community and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 391
Volunteer Champion Award - Mounted Dream Center
Never Too Young Award - (Ages 6-16) Elizabeth Olenchalk
Community Excellence Award - Cutler Segerstrom Insurance Agency
Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.
Unemployment Rate Inches Upwards
Sacramento, CA -- Last month's unemployment rate inched up in both California and across the Mother Lode.
The state rate for March was 12.6 percent, compared to 12.5 percent in February. Tuolumne County's rate increased to 15.6 percent, compared to 15 percent in February. Calaveras County's rate was up to 17.1 in March, as opposed to 16.8 percent in February.
Despite the rise, jobs are being created in California. Non-farm payroll jobs increased by 4,200 and this marks the third consecutive month that California added jobs, gaining 32,400 jobs so far this year.
The statistics were released by the California Employment Development Department.
Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.
Sonora, CA -- Tuolumne Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Craig Pedro exudes a smile when he discusses the arrival of Avalon Health Care.
Ground for the 92 bed facility is scheduled to be broken this spring. The completion date is scheduled for approximately 15 months later if all goes well.
While Tuolumne General Medical Facility will be losing 42 beds, the County will be gaining 50 beds overall with the new facility. Pedro adds those beds are "desperately needed in our county."
Other benefits of Avalon's arrival; jobs for construction workers and work for health care providers above and beyond those employees who will be making the transition from T.G.M.F.
Overall Pedro believes the County will save $3 million annually with the privatization of the T.G.M.F. employees and services. In addition it is estimated the County will save another $550,000 by moving employees from rented space into the T.G.M.F. building.
Tuesday Pedro and the supervisors will formally consider approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Avalon Health Care, Inc. for the construction of the new 92 bed facility on Greenley Rd.
Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com
Sonora, CA -- If you haven't received your 2010 Census form yet, fear not.
Simply call 1-866-872-6868, answer a couple of question and the form will be mailed to your home address.
Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com
Sonora, CA -- A robbery took place at the Junction Shopping Center Thursday evening.
According to Sgt. Jeff Wilson from the Sheriff's Office at approximately 8:20 a man entered the Fashion Bug store and demanded money. He had a bandanna covering the lower half of his face. He also had one hand in his sweatshirt pocket possibly concealing a weapon.
The two female employees complied with his demands and handed over approximately $100.
The perpetrator is described as being a Caucasian standing six feet two inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans, a blue or black hoodie sweatshirt, the bandanna and dark wire rim copper colored glasses.
If you have any information regarding this incident, contact the Sheriff's Office immediately at (209) 533-5815. Your call can always remain anonymous.
Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com
Mother Lode Views To Focus On Youth Drug Abuse
Sonora, CA -- Several Calaveras County middle school incidents involving the abuse of prescription drugs has stirred the community to take action.
In December, 2009 several Toyon Middle School students were ingesting and sharing prescription medications with classmates. In March it was the same story at Avery Middle School with at least one student being hospitalized.
On Mother Lode Views this weekend, Public Information Officer Sgt. Dave Seawell and Deputy Steve Avila (Investigator; Narcotics Enforcement Unit) from the Sheriff's Department along with Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services Dave Sackman will discuss why some students are getting involved with prescription drugs, marijuana and alcohol and the rather easy access to those drugs.
Seawell will speak directly to parents concerning the role they must play in reducing what has become an extremely serious problem. Avila will discuss the Toyon and Avery Middle School incidents in detail and Sackman will comment on the county's drug education program and treatment procedures.
Mother Lode Views can be heard on AM-1450 KVML Saturday at 9:30am and Sunday at 8:30am. Mother Lode Views can also be heard Sunday morning at eight o'clock on 93.5 KKBN and an hour later on STAR 92.7.
Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com
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