Hilmar residents can clean-up for reduced prices

Hilmar will host a clean-up day from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, offering residents the opportunity to dispose of tires, appliances, and other residential waste at a reduced rate.

Road angels

Every week Turlockers Beverly Whitort and Wil Marshall pick up cancer patients around the county and drive them to their treatment appointments. They not only offer a ride, but also a friendly ear to people who are going through extremely tough times. For four to five hours a week, Whitort and Marshall put aside their own worries and become traveling angels spending their time and gas money to help ...

Geyser on Geer

A man driving a semi truck for Auto Zone clipped a fire hydrant while leaving the business Tuesday afternoon that created a geyser on Geer Road.

No comment from public on bus fare increases

A proposed Stanislaus Regional Transit fare increase would raise the cost of most rides by $0.25, to $1.50 for a general fare bus ride. Senior or disabled fixed route bus riders would be exempted from the increase, with a ride remaining flat at $1.

Central Valley Project farmers to receive 55 percent of water allocation

The Federal Bureau of Reclamation announced this week that Central Valley Project water users will receive 100 percent of their annual allocation – except for south of the Delta, where agricultural contractors will receive just 55 percent of their annual allocation, and municipal and industrial users will receive 80 percent of the allocation.

Local funeral directors gather supplies for Japanese colleagues

The earthquake and tsunami which ravaged Japan have now, officially, killed more than 10,000 people, according to the Japanese National Police Agency. As the search through rubble and wreckage continues, that number is likely to double or triple, as more than 17,000 remain listed as missing.

Cancer patients gear up for Relay for Life with Monkey Business

Local cancer survivors and their supporters are gearing up for Relay for Life. Emanuel Cancer Center kicked off Turlock's Relay for Life 2011 with "Take Two," a survivor reception and a special concert by their Monkey Business children's group.

Spring storms cause tree damage; sunny skies on their way

A spring storm ripped through the Central Valley this week, downing trees and causing temporary flooding in city streets.

Unemployment remains high in Valley

The unemployment rate in Stanislaus County remained unchanged for the month of February, but more employers are looking for workers according to new data from the Economic Development Department.

First grader raises money for Japan tsunami victims

Marissa Reyes, a first grader at Medeiros Elementary in Turlock, proves that you can never be too young to care about the world.

TID managers assume permanent roles

Turlock Irrigation District General Manager Casey Hashimoto on Tuesday appointed three interim assistant general managers to assume permanent posts.

College students opt for an alternative energy spring break

More than 50 college students are passing up the beach this spring break and instead helping the Merced County Fairgrounds become more energy efficient.

Air district reports improvement over winter months

The air quality over the winter season has shown a marked improvement according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which recently wrapped up its eighth Check Before You Burn program.

Applications for grand jury being accepted

The selection process for the FY 2011-2012 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury is starting. Anyone interested in serving on the Civil Grand Jury may contact the Grand Jury Office at 558-7766 or go on line at www.stanct.org to download an application. The deadline for applications is May 2, 2011 All ...

Grape Commission awarded grant to research invasive pests

The California Table Grape Commission has been awarded a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops grant for a 3-year project in the amount of $363,500 for research on invasive pests that pose threats to the table grape industry.

ACE seeking to extend service to Modesto

Downtown Manteca's transit station is on target for completion in June. Now all the station needs is Altamont Commuter Express passenger train service. And the earliest that could happen is 2018. "It (2018) is a pretty aggressive target," noted Stacey Mortensen, executive director for the San Joaquin Rail Commission. Mortensen said establishment of a target date was key to get those involved with the effort focused on the goal. She added Stanislaus County securing ...

New mom finds new respect for motherhood

Sara Cardoso always had a strong bond with her mother. But she didn't truly understand the meaning of motherhood until last month when she gave birth to her twin sons, Kayleb and Kayden. "My mom was an amazing role model throughout my entire life," said Cardoso. "I hope one day I can be at least half the woman she is to me." Although Sara and her fiancé Jessie were surprised to find ...

Festival of Trees to continue through new EMC Health, Inc.

As the sale of Emanuel Medical Center to Tenet Healthcare proceeds through the regulatory approval process, the Turlock hospital's faith-based service to the community will continue through two new organizations. EMC Health, Inc., a faith-based nonprofit affiliated with the Covenant Church, will be the successor organization to Emanuel Medical Center. The new organization will take care of the hospital's business obligations after the sale to Tenet and assume management of Jessica's House. <p ...

Fair Kids Club offers meet-and-greet with Elmo and Abby Cadabby

The Kids Club program provides educational and fun activities for young visitors to the Stanislaus County Fair. This year, Kids Club members will also get a chance to hang out with "Sesame Street" favorites.

New York fashion in downtown Turlock

Name of business: DevonMiles Fashion Accessories Type of business: Fashion and accessory store Location: 200 West Main St., Suite D, in downtown Turlock Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday History of business: DevonMiles, named after owner Mary Martinez' sons, opened its doors five months ago and already has big plans for the ...

Poppies to benefit veteran programs

The red poppy is a symbol of the blood shed by American service members who fought on foreign soil. It is an emblem of willingness to serve - and sacrifice. The American Legion Auxiliary will once again be offering cr&ecirc;pe paper poppies to the public in May as a way to pay tribute to the nation's honored war dead. The ALA, a patriotic women's organization focusing on volunteerism for veterans, young people, ...

Road Work Report

Caltrans has construction and closures planned for the following areas this week:

Rotary tables bocce ball courts

For over a year the Turlock Noon Rotary Club has been trying to build two bocce courts in a city park, but everywhere they turned, Rotary members were met with more opposition than well wishes from Turlock citizens. The Rotary has been working closely with city officials to appease everyone's demands for the donation of the bocce ball courts, but to no avail. The proposed layout was 65 feet long and 29 ...

Joke turned fundraiser benefits kids fighting cancer

The breeze tickling the trees around Henry and Vivian Soares' home Monday afternoon carried with it the scent of a freshly picked harvest with a faint edge of newly turned soil. Wooden crates were stacked high outside their garage with strips of vibrant green fava beans peeking through the slats. Inside the garage were about 60 people busying themselves with shelling mounds of pods piled up on the tables. Moving between them ...

'Critically dry year' for irrigation

California is not technically in a drought, yet; but low snowpack and a dry spring is not looking good for local growers. The state's recent findings have the winter snowpack at 17 percent of normal, according to Chief Surveyor for the Department of Water Resources Frank Gehrke. This is a problem as the state heavily depends on melted snow to replenish reservoirs throughout the summertime. According to the state findings, 2013 has ...

Lakewood ceremony pauses to remember sacrifice of officers

Annual event calls for unity through power of prayer

Prayers are not only a symbol of hope, but an act of faith. This week marks the National Day of Pray, an annual celebration inviting all faiths to pray for the nation. On Thursday morning, the Turlock Mayor's Prayer Breakfast will bring together different organizations within the community to encourage personal repentance, righteousness, and hope for a better future. "This organization's commitment is to come together as a community to pray for ...

Farmers market opens on high note

Hundreds flocked to the Turlock Certified Farmers Market for opening day on Friday, looking for a taste of locally grown products. new location off S. Broadway between A and W. Main streets on Friday morning for to see new and old vendors offering their latest merchandise. Vendors and market attendees alike were impressed with the change in location this year, off S. Broadway between and A and W. Main streets. "We've been ...

Wildfire smoke prompts air alert

Wildfires in Tehama and Sacramento counties are sending smoke to the northern Valley counties of the Air District, especially San Joaquin and Stanislaus, prompting local air officials to issue a health cautionary statement. The health caution is in effect through Saturday although smoke impacts may remain until the fires are extinguished. Smoke from fires produces fine-particulate matter, which can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks and increased risk of heart attacks ...

Bassitt resigns from Workforce Alliance

Bill Bassitt has tendered his resignation as president and chief executive officer of the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance effective Aug. 16.