Grape crop grows in 2010

The California Table Grape Commission reported Thursday that in 2010 the industry shipped 98.3 million boxes (about 20-pound boxes) of fresh grapes from California.

Proposed rule to improve railroad safety

The Federal Railroad Administration proposed a rule Thursday that would make it easier for the public to report unsafe conditions at highway-rail grade crossings.

Foster Farms seeks perfect chicken recipe

Foster Farms seeks perfect chicken recipe

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR

An Eagle Court of Honor was held for Patrick Thomas O'Connor, son of Tom and Agnes O'Connor of Turlock, on Nov. 29, 2010. Patrick is a 16-year-old junior at Turlock High School. He joined the Cub Scouts in 2000 and received the Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouts, in 2005. In 2007, he was chosen by the troop to become eligible for membership in the Order of the Arrow.

Irrigation season pushed back due to rain

Due to changing weather conditions the start of irrigation season for Turlock Irrigation District customers has been pushed back seven days, from Thursday to March 17, the district announced at its annual pre-season growers meeting Wednesday night.

More county residents out of work

The unemployment rate in Stanislaus County continued its steady climb upward as the latest figures from the Economic Development Department indicate nearly 1 in 5 people in the county is among the ranks of the unemployed.

Flu cases on the rise

With the death of two women in Stanislaus County attributed to influenza and the ranks of the sickened increasing, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is actively encouraging people to get vaccinated.

Turlock Chamber CEO named 26th Assembly District Woman of the Year

Many in Turlock have benefitted from the work Sharon Silva has done promoting the businesses and organizations that help Turlock prosper. As the chief executive officer of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, Silva has long been a proponent of everything Turlock.

Rabbits and cavies take over fairgrounds at annual show

More than 1,200 rabbits and several hundred cavies were on display at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds last weekend during the California State Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association Show.

48-inch allotment, no cap for 2011 irrigation season

A wet winter will mean a wet summer for local farmers.

Group raises concerns over Central Valley ground water contamination

Food and Water Watch, a non-profit safe water and food advocacy group with offices in San Francisco, issued a 25-page report last week that raised safety concerns about the Central Valley's ground water supply and a possible lack of oversight from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB).

Teen birth rates down statewide, up in Valley

A new report from the California Department of Public Health shows teen birth rates have reached a record low for the state, while remaining higher than average in the San Joaquin Valley.

Water Board to fund ag quality improvement projects

Valley farmers will soon have access to more than $8 million in grant money for agricultural water quality improvement projects. The grant funding comes from the State Water Resources Control Board through Proposition 84, a bond approved by voters in 2006.

COMMUNITY: DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

First Step Dental held their 12th Annual Field Trip Day on Friday. The Turlock dental office hosted the field trip as part of Children Dental Health Month. First Step hosted six local elementary schools and taught the importance of brushing and flossing, nutrition and a fun introduction of the dentist chair.

Hutton House: Providing a safe haven for runaway teens

Hutton House has been a safe haven for runaway and homeless teens in Stanislaus County since 1976. Youth ages 13 to 17 who need a temporary place to stay during a crisis situation can live at the Modesto shelter for up to two weeks. Hutton House also offers day and drop-in services, and between the residential and non-residential programs they serve around 800 clients per year.

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.

Multiple factors in bee colony decline, finds report

A U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report released Thursday states there are multiple factors playing a role in honey bee colony declines, including parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure.

Hilmar rallies for cancer society

The second annual Hilmar Relay for Life attracted 709 participants to McSweeney Field on Saturday and raised $158,990 for cancer research through team fundraising and the sale of raffle tickets and food items during the event. Combined with last year's efforts, Hilmar's Relay for Life events have pulled in more than $340,000 in two years. In its inaugural year, the Hilmar event won four awards and received special recognition from the American Cancer ...

Veterans focus of job fair

An upcoming job fair is hoping to put more veterans to work. Of the nearly 2 million California veterans, about 200,000 of them are unemployed, according to the California Employment Development Department. The unemployment rate among younger veterans was particularly high last year. In veterans age 20 to 24, the unemployment rate was 37.1 percent in 2011, more than double the 17.6 percent rate of comparably aged nonveterans. The EDD is hosting ...

TID stretches energy efficiency with rebate programs

Last year, the Turlock Irrigation District had little success attaining greater levels of energy efficiency through its rebate programs. The district fell short of its proposed goal - to attain 12 gigawatt hours in savings - due to a lack of customer participation. This year, TID isn't backing down, and is generating or upgrading new programs that are intended to meet the district's new energy efficiency goals of 9,285 megawatt hours. "We've ...

Frantz: Helping Valley gardens grow

Name of business: Frantz Garden Center Type of business: Nursery Location: 12879 Riverview Rd., Hickman Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. History of business: A family's love for gardening has evolved into one of the most successful nurseries in Stanislaus County. The Frantz family began their wholesale nursery in 1979 with only 1.5 acres of ...

Denham honors next generation of military leaders

As high school seniors prepare to tackle the next phase in their lives, four area students were honored for making service to their country at the highest level their next challenge. U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) held a reception for the U.S. Service Academy appointees from the 10th District on Tuesday, including Turlock High School senior Adam Groesbeck. Groesbeck will have short summer, and is expected to begin his boot camp training ...

Gusty winds prompt health caution

Local air pollution officials are issued a health cautionary statement effective through Wednesday morning because of localized blowing dust associated with gusty winds throughout the Valley. This includes the counties of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the Valley portion of Kern counties, with winds especially strong in the northern and western portions of the Valley. Blowing dust can result in unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter 10 microns and smaller. Exposure ...