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Thunderstorms will taper off for weekend

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A spate of thunderstorms that sparked two dozen fires over the past two days in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties appeared to be winding down Thursday. The unusual weather for the first week of September came from a combination of remnants of Tropical Storm John which formed Monday off the Baja California coast and moisture coming in from the California coast, according to Holly Osborne, a Sacramento-based meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

‘Batman’ retires cape

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It will be a dark night at a favorite trick-or-treating spot in the Racetrack Road-area this Halloween. After 21 years, the Harris family has decided to discontinue its annual Batman production, which has grown to attract upward of 700 kids.

Protest planned against fire fee

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As bills for the new rural fire protection fee began arriving in Calaveras County homeowners’ mailboxes, a challenge to the unpopular $150 bill is brewing thanks to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. The fee will fund vital fire prevention services including brush clearance and activities to improve forest health so the forest can better withstand wildfire, according to the state’s website for the fee at www.firepreventionfee.org.

Leeches on the loose at New Melones

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There’s an abundance of freshwater leeches in New Melones Reservoir this year, prompting health officials to remind the public that the annoying bloodsuckers pose little threat to humans. It’s typical for leeches to appear in the lake during the warm summer months, but the unusual amount this year has taken many by surprise, according to Pete Lucero, spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which runs the New Melones Dam.

Livestock in city limits on Planning Commission docket

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The Sonora Planning Commission will meet Monday to vote on a proposed ordinance that would allow city residents to keep a limited number of chickens, rabbits or other farm animals on their property. Current municipal codes don’t allow residents to keep livestock in most of the city’s residential zones, but the proposed ordinance would amend the city’s General Plan making it legal to keep a certain number of animals depending on property size.

Shot fired by senior in raid

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A 74-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after firing a handgun at narcotics agents who were raiding his Valley Springs home, according to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office. Donald Madrid, of the 2400 block of Barbour Road, was booked into Calaveras County Jail at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of drugs for sale, being under the influence of drugs while in possession of a loaded firearm and a misdemeanor charge of being under the influence of drugs, with an enhancement for allegedly being armed during the commission of a felony.

New museum exhibits open in Angels Camp

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The Angels Camp Museum will welcome its visitors this weekend to step back into the latter half of the 19th century and build a carriage wheel, set type on a hand press and witness weavers taking a spin on a 130-year-old loom. The artisans’ exhibit will open to the public at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Mining and Ranching building. It features fully functional carpenter and print shops and a textile manufacturing area with original equipment dating back to the late 1800s.

Ramsey Fire area off limits

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The 1,137 acres of the Stanislaus National Forest burned by the Ramsey Fire in August will remain off limits to the public until further notice due to safety concerns, the U.S. Forest Service announced Thursday. An emergency response team recently assessed the post-fire environment and determined there were a large number of hazardous trees with deceivingly green canopies posing a risk to public safety, according to the Forest Service announcement.

Gridiron thrillers

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The Summerville Bears and Calaveras Redskins both earned thrilling home victories on Friday night while the Sonora Wildcats lost a heartbreaker in front of the Dunlavy Field faithful. The Bears edged Bradshaw Christian 35-34 and the Redskins upended Modesto Christian 37-30. The Wildcats fell 33-28. For game stories, exclusive interviews and photographs, see Monday's sports section in the Union Democrat.

News of record for September 10, 2012

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TUOLUMNE COUNTY The Sheriff’s Office reported the following: THURSDAY 10:52 a.m., Sonora area — A woman on the 18700 block of Dusty Trail said medical identification cards and prescription medication was recently stolen from her purse. 12:43 p.m., Tuolumne — Someone on the 17800 block of Apple Colony Road called to report credit card fraud. 1:19 p.m., Groveland — A woman on the 20700 block of Big Foot Circle said someone stole her debit card and recently used it. 1:34 p.m., Sonora area — Someone stole a woman’s purse from her unlocked vehicle while she was at a business on the 14200 block of Tuolumne Road. 2:14 p.m., East Sonora — A business on the 13700 block of Mono Way caught a theft in progress on surveillance cameras and requested law enforcement. 3:46 p.m., Jamestown — A woman on the 18200 block of Golden Oaks Drive was trying to rent an apartment in San Francisco on the Internet and sent $800 to a business in Texas that she later found out was a fraudulent company. 6:13 p.m., Groveland — A man on the 11800 block of Ponderosa Lane said a woman hit him over the head with a blender and left in a dark blue Chevy S-10 pickup. Sheriff’s dispatchers reported both the man and woman had been drinking. An arrest was made. 10:21 p.m., Columbia — A woman and her husband on the 12400 block of Covington Road said there were people with painted faces and dressed in camouflage clothing that were hiding in their trees. A Sheriff’s deputy arrived and shined a flashlight on the trees they pointed out, but no one was in them. The couple started shooting at the trees with a BB gun as the Sheriff’s deputy was leaving. The deputy reported seeing no signs of intoxication and no houses were in the direction they were shooting. 10:34 p.m., Jamestown — A 21-year-old man wearing a bathing suit knocked on the door of a residence on the 13100 block of Tulloch Road and asked for a ride back to the lake. He then started yelling to call 911 because he couldn’t get back to the lake. The caller said the man wouldn’t leave and was just standing on the porch. The man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication. Felony bookings THURSDAY 7:45 p.m., Groveland — Theresa Margaret Hill, 53, of the 11800 block of Ponderosa Lane, was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, after an arrest at her home. 8:06 p.m., Tuolumne — Yobart Franso Ammo, 63, of the 2000 block of Elwen Way, Modesto, and Efrain Villalobos Jr., 48, of Novell Court, Modesto, were booked on suspicion of drug possession, after arrests at Nonies and Cherokee roads. The Sonora Police Department reported the following: THURSDAY 10:09 a.m., vandalism — Someone used a key to scratch a gang-related word on the back of a vehicle parked at apartments on Greenley Road. 10:13 a.m., traffic accidents — Two vehicles were involved in an accident that was blocking the road on South Washington Street. Officers responded and confirmed minor injuries to one of the drivers who declined medical attention at the scene. 10:38 a.m., burglary — Someone cut the soft top off a vehicle parked on Summit Avenue and stole the stereo sometime during the night. 1:23 p.m., traffic accidents — A red or maroon Dodge pickup sideswiped a vehicle parked on Morning Star Drive and drove away. 1:52 p.m., theft — Sometime overnight someone siphoned gas out of a vehicle parked on Terrace Avenue. 5:59 p.m., vandalism — Another person called to complain that someone keyed a vehicle parked at apartments on Greenley Road. CALAVERAS COUNTY The Sheriff’s Office reported the following: THURSDAY 12:47 p.m., Burson — A residence on Keystone Way was burglarized. A swamp cooler was stolen along with several other items. 3:34 p.m., Jenny Lind — A man dressed in women’s undergarments was camping out past a gazebo on Daphne Street. An arrest was made. Felony bookings THURSDAY 12:55 p.m., West Point — Agripini Medina Gallvan, 39, of Tosco, Wash., was booked on suspicion of brandishing a firearm in the presence of a peace officer, after an arrest on the 900 block of Stanley Road. 11:20 p.m., San Andreas — Daniel Lloyd Steinhoff, 20, of the 2400 block of Morgan Trail Road, Clayton, was booked on suspicion of burglary and possession of stolen property, after an arrest on the 400 block of West Saint Charles Street.

Obituaries for September 10, 2012

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Melvin Charles ‘Mel’ Davey Jan. 27, 1922 — Sept. 1, 2012 Lifelong Tuolumne County resident Melvin Charles ‘Mel’ Davey died Sept. 1 at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. He was 90. Mr. Davey was born in Soulsbyville to Norma and Samuel Davey. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He lived in Tuolumne City for a number of years before settling in Sonora more than 47 years ago. Mr. Davey worked as a carpenter for many years and at Mother Lode Dairy. He was a drummer in various bands from the late 1940s to the late 1980s. He enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Sierra Squares from 1963 to 1975. He took a beginning square dancing class in 2011 and 2012 with the Twain Harte Twirlers. Upon graduation at age 90 he was the oldest certified square dancer in California. He enjoyed reading, gardening, working in the yard and was a member of the Tuolumne United Methodist Church. Mr. Davey was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Lucille Davey, in 2011. He is survived by his daughter, Cheri Ivers, of Visalia; his granddaughter, Rebecca Brown, of Fresno; and one great-grandson. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 Wednesday at Carters Cemetery in Tuolumne. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at Tuolumne United Methodist Church, 18851 Cedar St., Tuolumne. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Walter W. Harris April 14, 1921 — Aug. 16, 2012 Tuolumne resident Walter W. Harris died Aug. 16 at Avalon Care Center in Sonora. He was 91. Mr. Harris was born in Arbuckle, Colusa County, and settled in Tuolumne 55 years ago. Mr. Harris served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Mr. Harris had a few occupations during his life, including head of maintenance for Tuolumne General Hospital, a driver and meter operator for Suburban Propane and as an elevator installation mechanic. He retired in 1986. He enjoyed fishing and traveling and was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 144. Mr. Harris is survived by his wife of 69 years, Bonnie Harris, of Tuolumne; his children, Barbara Harris, of Sonora, Walter Harris Jr., of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Kathy Chase, of Sonora; and three grandchildren. Donations can be made to the Hospice of the Sierra, 20100 Cedar Road North, Sonora, CA 95370, or a charity of choice. No services are planned. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. Dennis Andrew Hines Dec. 8, 1925 — Sept. 3, 2012 Sonora resident Dennis Andrew Hines died Sept. 3 at his home in Sonora. He was 86. Mr. Hines was born in Newton, N.C., the second of four children. He joined the U.S. Navy on July 7, 1942 and served as a gunner’s mate in World War II. He was honorably discharged on July 2, 1946. He received two Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign medals, the American Area Campaign medal, the Philippine Liberation medal, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal. After the war he married Lillian Jean Smith. They lived in San Francisco and Redwood City before settling in Virginia where they bought a pre-Civil War plantation property with 50 acres of land. He spent many years restoring the home. They moved to Tuolumne County 27 years ago to be closer to family. Mr. Hines worked as a contractor and carpenter all his life. He enjoyed gardening, working on cars, and spending time with his dogs. Mr. Hines was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Larry Modrell. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lillian Hines, of Sonora; his children and their spouses, Becky and Cecil McCoy, of Jarratt, Va., Jeannie Modrell, of Meadow Vista, Donna Hines, of Sonora, Dennis and Denise Hines, of Redwood City, and Ray and Lisa Hines, of Sonora; his brother, Bob Hines, of Stony Creek, Va.; his sister, Maxine Cook, of Newton; his grandchildren, Laura and Jennifer Rush, of Richmond, Va., Kristi Strong and her husband, Bill, of McMinnville, Ore., Rachel Hines, of Sebastopol, Andrea Hines, of Redwood City, Keri Rinne and her husband, Jed, of Grass Valley, Julianne Hines Geer and her husband, Justin, of Redwood City, and Robert Hines, of Redwood City; and three great-grandchildren. A visitation was held at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home over the weekend. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. today at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. today at Dambacher Mountain Memorial Cemetery in Sonora. Janet (Goularte) Ogilvie Oct. 30, 1942 — Aug. 30, 2012 Groveland resident Janet (Goularte) Ogilvie died Aug. 30 at Sonora Regional Medical Center. She was 69. Mrs. Ogilvie was born in Long Beach and raised in Merced. She attended high school in Merced and enjoyed going to her class reunions. Mrs. Ogilvie lived in San Jose for more than 20 years before retiring to Groveland 20 years ago. She worked as an insurance underwriter in real estate for 20 years. She enjoyed reading and gardening and was a member of Groveland Christian Church. Mrs. Ogilvie is survived by her husband, Gary Ogilvie, of Groveland; her children, Lisa Martin, of Citrus Heights, and Mark Ogilvie, of San Diego; her brother, Donald Goularte, of Ephrate, Pa.; and three grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Friday at Groveland Christian Church. Heuton Memorial Chapel handled the arrangements. Joan Leonard Rogers Feb. 24, 1977 — Aug, 28, 2012 Mi-Wuk Village resident Joan Rogers died Aug. 28 at her home. She was 35. Mrs. Rogers was born in San Jose and raised in Tuolumne County. She worked as a hospital secretary for the past eight years. She was involved in pit bull rescue. Mrs. Rogers is survived by her husband, Darin Rogers, of Mi-Wuk Village; her mother, Glenda Cox, of Russelville, Ark.; her brother, Robert Leonard, of Lincoln; and her grandparents, Ian and Gwen Leonard, of Hollister. No services are planned at this time. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. Francis E. Oliver March 29, 1918 — Aug. 20, 2012 Angels Camp resident Francis E. Oliver died Aug. 20 at Mark Twain Convalescent Hospital in San Andreas. He was 94. Mr. Oliver was born in Berkeley. He served in the Pacific during World War II. After the war he settled in Oakland and started a family. He worked for Gerber Products as a sales manager until his retirement 32 years ago. He was an active member of his Oakland community as well as a member of the Masons, Shriners and Elks Club until his death. Mr. Oliver was survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie Oliver. She died September 4. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Kevin and Nancy Oliver, of Angels Camp, and Brian and Kathy Oliver, of Galt; and two grandsons, Christopher and Chad Oliver. A private family graveside service will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Dixon. Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. Jeanette Marie ‘Jan’ (Coykendall) Rhinehart Nov. 5, 1926 — Aug. 24, 2012 Sonora resident Jeanette Marie “Jan” (Coykendall) Rhinehart died Aug. 24 at the transitional care unit of Sonora Regional Medical Center. She was 85. Mrs. Rhinehart was born in Alexandria, Minn. She lived in several cities throughout California. As a young woman, she lived and worked in Sonora. She also lived in San Jose and Santa Cruz before returning to Sonora with her husband in 1994. Mrs. Rhinehart was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Peterson, in 1995. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Walter “Walt” Rhinehart, of Sonora; and her children, Sandra Northon, Beverly Picard, Nancy Holt, Richard Peterson, and Kathy Mynear; two sisters; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. No services are planned at this time. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Notices LOPEZ — Barbara Ann Lopez, 69, of Sonora, died Thursday at her home. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

29,000 possibly exposed to virus

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The most recent person killed by the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome was part of a growing group of Yosemite National Park visitors all believed to have been infected around the same time in June while staying in a specific style of cabin in a popular lodging area, park officials confirmed Friday.

Forecasters: Normal weather on the way

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Northern California could see average to above-average precipitation this winter, if some extended forecasts hold true. State water and fire experts say that would be a welcome sight in the central Sierra Nevada region, which is showing effects of a dry winter.

Me-Wuk weekend

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The beat of drums, sounds of singers, Indian dancers in traditional regalia, the aroma of Indian tacos, old friends greeting each other and new friendships being formed, arts, crafts and other goods for sale — all these were part of the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Rancheria’s 46th annual Acorn Festival. A steady stream of shuttle buses transported hundreds of visitors between the festival and parking areas at and near Black Oak Casino throughout the weekend. Sherri and Don Medeiros, of Fremont, said this is their second trip to the Acorn Festival, and it won’t be their last. They can hardly wait until next year when Black Oak Casino’s hotel is finished and they can spend the night. The casino was opened by the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Band of Indians in 2001, and the four-story, 148-room hotel is under construction. “We like browsing through the art, watching the dancers, looking at everything and the food,” Sherrie Medeiros said, “especially the food.” The Coggin family agreed about the food. They ate there and took some home for later. Jessie and Brian Coggin and their daughters, Milla, 6, and Sophia, 2, are new residents of Tuolumne. They happened to see signs directing visitors to the Acorn Festival Saturday and decided to check it out. They were so impressed, they planned to return Sunday to see more. Tribal elders from other areas were hosted by the Tuolumne Rancheria elders to a shaded hospitality area stocked with food and drink and provided with a cart for transportation so they could enjoy the festival without tiring themselves out. Elders from as far away as Susanville, Portland and New Mexico attended. Gene Pasqua, of Susanville, said he comes every year and looks forward to staying at the casino hotel next year. His rancheria provides transportation and lodging. Tuolumne Me-Wuk Rancheria resident Mildred Hawkins relaxed in the shade and visited with other elders this year, but she said she remembers making thousands of Indian tacos over the years with her sister, Sharon Hendricks, and others. The acorn festival began in 1966 on the Rancheria off North Tuolumne Road to celebrate the harvest of the acorn, which was a staple in the traditional Me-Wuk diet. Acorns were processed by a leaching system and made into bread, soup and other dishes. The festival has become a place where American Indians from all over the country come to dance, commune, and sell traditional goods. It’s also a time and place where non-Indians can become more familiar with the culture and hospitality of the Me-Wuk people.

Highway blasting this week on bypass

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Crews will be doing more blasting work for the East Sonora Bypass project today and Tuesday. Today’s blasting work will not affect traffic, but Tuesday’s will require the closure of Highway 108 from Hess Avenue to Cavaleri Road. The schedule for the blasting is today from 4 p.m. to about 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect delays of 10 minutes on Tuesday, according to Caltrans. The work is part of the multi-stage East Sonora Bypass project, which wrapped up its first phase in 2002. The $53 million East Sonora Bypass Phase II project began this April and received almost $15 million from Proposition 1B, a 2006 transportation bond. Phase II will result in a two-lane expressway from Peaceful Oak Road to Via Este Road on a new configuration with fewer curves. This week’s blasting will help clear the way for the project, which was contracted earlier this year by Teichert/MCM Construction. Phase II has already resulted in the construction of a frontage road connecting Highway 108 with Seaborn Road and Waif Mine Road, opened Aug. 31. Seaborn Road is no longer a through street, and motorists cannot use it to access Highway 108. Traffic has been rerouted onto the newly paved Christie May Lane and Frontage Road. Later, a bridge will be built for the bypass over Mono Way. Other components of the project include an interchange with Peaceful Oak Road and a temporary intersection with Mono Way. Construction of Phase II is expected to finish in July 2014, according to Caltrans spokeswoman Angela DaPrato. “You’d be pretty impressed by the progress that’s been made,” DaPrato said. “They’re just trucking away. It’s a huge project.” According to state traffic data, an average of 22,300 vehicles drive along the existing Highway 108 bypass every day, and the average increases to 24,600 during peak summer months. The stretch passing through East Sonora is the most heavily traveled section of Highway 108 outside the busiest part in Modesto, according to traffic statistics from 2011. Phase II of the East Sonora Bypass project has the goal of easing congestion, decreasing travel times and improving safety. Contact Brenna Swift at bswift@uniondemocrat.com or 588-4529.

Not guilty plea in manslaughter case

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An Angels Camp man charged with voluntary manslaughter pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Friday in the Calaveras County Superior Court. Samual Ray Steele, 39, is accused of shoving 63-year-old Michael W. Elliott to the ground outside of his downtown Angels Camp home after leaving a bar during the early morning hours of July 24. Elliott died in a Sacramento hospital four days later from a head injury that the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office alleges he received as a result of being pushed by Steele. Angels Camp Police Officer Chris Adams testified during a preliminary hearing in the case that Steele and two acquaintances flagged down a patrol officer to help with Elliott, who was lying on the stairs in his apartment building at the south end of the 1200 block of South Main Street. Adams testified the officer noticed Elliott was bleeding from a head wound and smelled alcohol on the man. Steele told the officer he followed Elliott from the Claussen’s Corner bar to the man’s apartment where he hit his head on the sidewalk while attempting to get into the building, Adams testified. In a later interview, Steele admitted he had pushed Elliott, causing him to fall and hit his head on a green wooden beam outside the apartment building, Adams told the court. A trial date is expected to be set at Steele’s next hearing slated for 9 a.m. on Sept. 17 in Department 1 of the Superior Court.

Suspect in murder set for Dec. trial

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A Valley Springs man accused of shooting his roommate is scheduled for a five-day trial beginning Dec. 6 in the Calaveras County Superior Court. Adam Lee Hagerman, 42, is charged with attempted murder, malicious mayhem and assault with a firearm after he allegedly shot Richard Silveria, 52, on May 7 at a Valley Springs home on the 3800 block of Bartelink Drive. Calaveras County Superior Court Judge John Martin set the trial date in a hearing Monday morning in San Andreas. Sheriff’s reports indicated Silveria was shot in the lower torso but survived his injuries after being treated at a Modesto hospital. Police said Hagerman was found in possession of a semiautomatic handgun and arrested when deputies arrived. Investigators believed the argument stemmed from an ongoing dispute the men had been having all day regarding loud music. Hagerman has remained in custody at the Calaveras County Jail since his arrest in lieu of $662,500 bond. A pre-trial conference in the case is scheduled for Sept. 28. A trial readiness conference is set for 8:45 a.m. on Dec. 3 in Department 3 of the Superior Court. The trial is slated to take place in Department 6.

Supervisors to finalize budget plans

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PUBLIC MEETING: Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m. regular meeting, 2 p.m. budget hearing, 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas. Calaveras County supervisors will begin a new round of budget hearings Tuesday afternoon before a vote likely to come later this month on the financial plan good through next June. The biggest changes from the preliminary budget adopted in June are likely to come within the realm of the Sheriff’s Department. A deputy position was added in July to backfill a position transferred to assist the Probation Department with AB 109 supervision duties. Unexpected federal funding of $69,580 dedicated to easing the burden on local government from an inability to collect property taxes on federal public lands such as the Stanislaus National Forest helped to fund that move. In addition, supervisors committed last month to a plan that moves the Animal Services Division out from under the Sheriff’s Department umbrella back to the Environmental Management Agency. The transition comes with a $184,541 price tag for this budget year. In other business, the board will take a vote on a $1.25 million contract with Dokken Engineering for environmental and engineering services related to the Highway 4 Wagon Trail realignment project between Copperopolis and Angels Camp. It is also expected to take a final vote on a controversial noise ordinance after nodding its approval to an amended version of the regulation at its last meeting on Aug. 28. The board is also slated to give a name to the new road recently constructed behind Government Center, which leads to the jail and sheriff’s office complex due to be completed next year.

Letters to the editor for September 11, 2012

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Democrats versus Republicans To the Editor, Prior to the Obama administration, there were eight years of secrecy resulting in the financial ruin of many individuals and our government. The Obama administration has taken the country from the edge of a depression to financial solvency. Had Obama pushed the Congress for a greater stimulus package, the economic recovery would be further along. Thankfully, the Iraq war is no longer fleecing our treasury, and that money is now being used to put the U.S. on financial solid ground. The Iraq war was unjust, and we still suffer from the deceit, greed, hatred confusion, secrecy and fear. How can anyone think of wanting to change from the present administration that is working to rebuild our country’s good name? The Obama administration believes in every American and his worth. The Iraq war is over, and Obama deserves another four years to complete the other things on his program Another thing to note is the difference between Democrats and Republicans in considering the value of life. Being anti-abortion is a good start, but it is incomplete. An appreciation of the value of life must be all inclusive. The issues of health care for all, economic recovery, poverty, immigration, the environment, war, and racism must all be considered. The value of life is not a relative thing. Whose lives are more important? I still grieve about the young American martyrs and others who died because of economic greed and oil. A change to a Republican administration at this time would be a disaster, especially for the working class and poor. And, how can we trust someone who has lied to look good? Tom Besmer Angels Camp Pick up your trash To the Editor, I do a lot of walking in cooler temps of this wonderful town of Sonora and I see firsthand the garbage people throw on the ground. It makes me so ashamed of this area...it’s dirty! I’d like to see their living rooms! I don’t think their wives or moms would like garbage in their houses, in fact I know they wouldn’t! I have seen things on the side of the ground that women should keep private! I have an idea ... the ones coming out of prison and jail could be put to work picking up the trash along streets and the highway. Earth is our home, let’s take care of it. When you see something on the ground instead of walking over it, bend down and pick it up and stick it in your pocket. The bending is good exercise also! Have some pride people! Linda S. Anderson Sonora TUD board lacks fiscal responsibility To the Editor, The Tuolumne Utilities District board lacks fiduciary responsibility. The two TUD fiscal committee members, Mr. Ringen and Mr. Rotelli questioned why they need to look at the bills or claims summary that TUD management presents for their monthly approval (July 24 TUD regular board meeting). I guess these guys really do not care how much of our money is being spent, and more importantly and telling where it is being spent. The paraphrased comments from the Fiscal Committee were: “We passed a budget. We trust you. Why do we need to see what is spent each month? Can we get rid of this?” Are you kidding me? Mr. John Maciel, a concerned ratepayer and a 2012 candidate for the TUD board pointed out that this is one of the opportunities for the board to see what is being spent and where and it would be a grave mistake to stop the practice. I agree. The ratepayers deserve a whole lot better and this is why a number of concerned citizens say we need a new TUD board. I guess at least two of these guys do not know what fiduciary responsibility is! Let me clue them in. The term fiduciary refers to a relationship in which one person has a responsibility of care for the assets or rights of another person. A fiduciary is an individual who has this responsibility. The term “fiduciary” is derived from the Latin term for “faith” or “trust.” I for one have zero trust nor confidence in this board. Let’s end this misery and vote in a new board on November 6. MP McHugh Twain Harte

News of record for September 11, 2012

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TUOLUMNE COUNTY The Sheriff’s Office reported the following: FRIDAY 10:05 a.m., Don Pedro — A man exposed himself three times at the Lake Don Pedro Association’s Hacienda pool Wednesday while children were present. His key access to the pool has been canceled. 10:57 p.m., Phoenix Lake area — A woman on the 21100 block of Phoenix Lake Road said a man just beat her up. 11:58 a.m., Sonora area — Several mailboxes on Lyons Bald Mountain Road for residences on Scattergood Road were opened and mail was stolen from them. 7:25 p.m., Groveland — Four older men were smoking marijuana in the parking lot of a restaurant on the 18700 block of Highway 120. 9:12 p.m., Twain Harte — A woman was arrested on suspicion of knocking on a door on the 23000 block of Twain Harte Drive in violation of a restraining order. 10:19 p.m., Tuolumne — A woman tore off the screen door of a residence on the 18000 block of Mount Eaton Road. SATURDAY 9:28 a.m., East Sonora — A transient woman on the 13700 block of Mono Way said someone took her tent and daypack, along with her wallet and various identification cards. 12:02 p.m., Jamestown area — A bicycle and dirt bike were stolen from the 20100 block of Jamestown Road, damaging a storage room and trailer in the process. 1:17 p.m., Sonora area — People were possibly squatting on property at Fortuna Mine Road and White Thorn Way. 3:17 p.m., East Sonora — A 30-year-old man was passed out under a Blazer at a fast food restaurant on the 13700 block of Mono Way. An ambulance was called. 3:56 p.m., Crystal Falls — A man on the 16800 block of American River Drive West said his father gave out his Social Security number to someone pretending to be a telemarketer. 4:12 p.m., East Sonora — Four tires were stolen from a business on the 14900 block of Camage Avenue. 4:13 p.m., Sonora area — A woman on the 16800 block of June Court said there were three fraudulent charges on her credit card. 4:34 p.m., Sonora area — A woman on the 17900 block of Avenida Bonita said her husband was the victim of an online scam and gave out two credit card numbers and his Social Security number. 6:35 p.m., East Sonora — A woman at a business on the 14200 block of Mono Way said another woman spit in her face and punched her car. The store got video surveillance footage of the incident. 8 p.m., Jamestown — A 50-year-old woman was arrested at a business on the 18100 block of Highway 108 on suspicion of misusing 911. SUNDAY 3:15 p.m., East Sonora — A 24-year-old woman was accused of stealing merchandise from a business on the 13700 block of Mono Way. 6:51 p.m., Sonora area — A man walked into someone’s home on the 17700 block of Lucky Strike Trail and asked where “Dana” was, but the homeowner didn’t know anyone named “Dana.” The man left the person’s house and was last seen walking toward Longeway Road. 10:21 p.m., Pinecrest — Someone said there was a drunk man at Pinecrest Campground trying to cut down a tree with a hatchet. Felony bookings FRIDAY 2:32 p.m., Tuolumne — Ryan Ray Timmons, 25, of the 19300 block of Porto Fino Road, was booked on suspicion of battery with serious bodily injury and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest, after an arrest at his home. SATURDAY 5:56 p.m., Jamestown — Tony Cole Verkuyl, 24, of the 18200 block of Ninth Avenue, was booked on suspicion of assault, making criminal threats, false imprisonment, and misdemeanor charges of exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm and resisting arrest, after an arrest at his home. SUNDAY 9:50 a.m., Jamestown — Eva Louise Escobar, 40, of the 100 block of Preston Lane, was booked on suspicion of assault, after an arrest at her home. 3:49 p.m., Columbia — Roxann Marie Tracy, 25, of the 1300 block of Old Melones Dam Road, Jamestown, was booked on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and drug possession, after an arrest on the 21900 block of Springfield Road. 5:37 p.m., Jamestown — Alexander Nathan Parra, 21, of the 10500 block of Eighth Street, was booked on suspicion of assault and making criminal threats, after an arrest at Eighth Street and Fifth Avenue. 5:45 p.m., Pinecrest — Amber Kay Martinez, 21, of the 17500 block of Wilde Oak Drive, Jamestown, was booked on suspicion of concentrated cannabis possession, after an arrest at the Pinecrest day use area. Arrests Cited on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs: FRIDAY 12:33 a.m., Tulloch Reservoir — Dempsey Kevin Tapley, 48, of the 11500 block of Grayson Road, Denair, was arrested on Tulloch Dam Road north of Highway 120. 3:36 p.m., Phoenix Lake area — Gary Allen Graham Jr., 23, of the 16300 block of Big Hill Road, was arrested on Phoenix Lake Road east of Fallview Drive. 5:55 p.m., Sonora — Janice Lynn Cortez, 54, of the 18200 block of Ninth Street, Jamestown, was arrested at Stockton Road and Ponderosa Lane. 8:47 p.m., South County — Baltazar Espinosa Castro, 46, of the 700 block of Kerr Avenue, Modesto, was arrested on Highway 120 at Keystone. SATURDAY 7 p.m., Sonora — Bruce Darrell Eads III, 21, of the 2900 block of Single Tree Road, Copperopolis, was arrested on Highway 108 at Mono Way. 10:03 p.m., East Sonora — Nathan Anthony Luque, 28, of the 23100 block of Mark Twain Drive, Twain Harte, was arrested on Highway 108 at Hess Avenue. SUNDAY 6:35 a.m., Jamestown — Christian Brent Corson, 33, of the 21800 block of Crystal Falls Drive, was arrested at Wigwam and Jamestown roads. 6:30 p.m., Jamestown — Ernest Byron Boswell, 61, of the 10600 block of Wigwam Road, was arrested on Golf Links Road at Highway 49. The Sonora Police Department reported the following: FRIDAY 5:35 a.m., controlled substances — Sixty controlled substance pills were accidentally prescribed for a patient instead of the six intended. Sonora Regional Medical Center asked for help finding the patient and recovering the extra pills because of concern for the person’s safety. 12:40 p.m., suspicious circumstances — A woman selling DVDs out of her car at the corner of South Washington and Linoberg streets was admonished not to sell items on the street. 10:03 p.m., theft — An 18-year-old man was in custody on suspicion of theft at Walmart on the 1100 block of Sanguinetti Road. SATURDAY 10:09 a.m., fight — An anonymous caller reported a man and woman in a physical fight on Columbia Way. Officers arrived and the man and woman denied fighting, there were no signs of injuries. 4:52 p.m., reckless driving — Someone reported a possibly intoxicated driver on Greenley Road. Officers conducted a traffic stop and determined the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs but suffers from an existing medical condition and was transported to the hospital. 5:39 p.m., controlled substances — A 36-year-old man was arrested and booked into Tuolumne County Jail on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia in front of a business on Sanguinetti Road. SUNDAY 1:25 a.m., public intoxication — A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and resisting arrest at a business on Stockton Road. 2:28 p.m., reckless driving — A caller said a possibly intoxicated driver “staggered out” of a liquor store on Restano Way and got into a vehicle going north toward downtown Sonora. CALAVERAS COUNTY The Sheriff’s Department reported the following: FRIDAY 3:55 p.m., Valley Springs — An arrest was made after law enforcement responded to a disturbance on Pardini Place. 6:08 p.m., Murphys — A dog turned out to be the likely culprit in the case of a cut phone cord on Dogwood Drive. SATURDAY 11:16 a.m., San Andreas — A shoplifter was detained and arrested at Treats General Store on East Saint Charles Street. 12:21 p.m., Mokelumne Hill — Inappropriate texting was reported on Main Street. SUNDAY 10:55 a.m., San Andreas — A 35-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a drug and possessing a hypodermic needle on the 3700 block of Highway 49. 1:15 p.m., Campo Seco — A residence was burglarized on Buckboard Lane. 4 p.m., Arnold — A report was taken for a fight on Pine Drive. MONDAY 7:24 a.m., Valley Springs — Someone wearing a backpack jumped a fence and was hiding in an orchard on Milton Road. Felony bookings FRIDAY 1:35 p.m., Angels Camp — Christy Lynn Willcox, 48, of the 1100 block of Bret Harte Drive, was booked on suspicion of assault, after an arrest at Highway 49 and Bret Harte Drive. SATURDAY 11:30 a.m., San Andreas — William Carl Hunt, 20, of the 300 block of Sunset Street, was booked on suspicion of burglary and a misdemeanor charge of petty theft, after an arrest at a business on the 100 block of East Saint Charles Street. 6 p.m., Valley Springs — Dustin Edward Walker, 26, of the 1000 block of Mockingbird Hill Lane, was booked on suspicion of possession of stolen property and a parole violation, after an arrest on the 700 block of Quail Oaks Road. SUNDAY 8:53 p.m., Angels Camp — Jerry Wayne Cook, 61, of the 9700 block of Robin Lane, was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, after an arrest at his home.
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