Merced County Times · Merced, CA
Around Town Merced welcomes first part of Gen. Vang Pao Park By Andrew Hardy On Nov 12, 2026 Share The first phase of the long-awaited General Vang Pao Park and Aletha June Playground project in Merced has been completed and is now open to the public. This major milestone was celebrated by local elected leaders, Hmong elders and residents during a ribbon-cutting event on Nov. 7. While there is still much of the project left to be completed, the park and playground at Freemark Avenue and Heitz Way is already an incredible achievement and fantastic demonstration of the good work being done to improve our city and represent the diversity of our community. This is the first public park to be named after the famed Hmong military and civic leader, the late Gen. Vang Pao, who helped the United States with combat operations in Laos during the Vietnam War, and later led many of his people to a new future in America.
Merced County Times · Merced, CA
Politics Xiong, Bliss in tight Council race; Boyenga still ahead More ballot numbers expected Friday afternoon By Jonathan Whitaker On Nov 12, 2026 Share New election results released Tuesday by the Merced County Registrar of Voters were very favorable to Merced City Councilman Fue Xiong who is seeking reelection to the District 6 seat that represents the furthest northern area of town, including UC Merced. On Election Night last week, Xiong was trailing behind challenger John Bliss, a retired high school teacher, by only 40 votes. The latest update on Nov. 10 shows Xiong now in the lead by 57 votes. Fue Xiong The vote totals are now 2,026 for Xiong, and 1,969 for Bliss. That’s a gain of 878 votes for Xiong since the first results were released last week, while Bliss has gained 781 over the same period — a difference of 97 votes. Bliss knows what it means to wait for ballot results in a tight election.
Merced County Times · Merced, CA
Around Town Merced College hosts Field of Honor for veterans Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Merced set for Nov. 11, starting at 2 p.m. By The Merced County Times On Nov 7, 2026 Share By JAMES LEONARD Merced College will once again join the community in honoring veterans and military service members this November, hosting the annual Sunrise Rotary Field of Honor and Run for the Fallen, along with several activities commemorating Veterans Day. The Field of Honor will be on display Nov. 7-14 on the front lawn of the Merced College main campus, 3600 M Street. The display features hundreds of American flags honoring veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on their service and sacrifice. On Sunday, Nov. 8, the community is invited to participate in the Run for the Fallen, featuring a free 5K walk/run and 10K run beginning at 9 a.m. The day will also include a special ceremony honoring fallen service members.
Merced County Times · Merced, CA
Around Town Honoring veterans who continue to serve our community Ret. Lt. Col. Eugene 'Bud' Gantey, U.S. Army, California National Guard By Jonathan Whitaker On Nov 7, 2026 Share “Once a veteran, always in service,” they say. Well, they might as well be talking about Eugene “Bud” Gantney of Merced. Bud is an unwavering patriot whose indomitable spirit has guided an incredibly full and resilient life, seasoned by history. U.S. Army veteran Bud Gantney stands near the Merced County Vietnam War memorial at Courthouse Park. There’s a few names on the stone monument that he remembers from his younger days in Merced. You can’t help but admire the man who built an early career as a teen, married the love of his life, and then survived being sent off to a foreign land and a terrible war. He caught a break, maybe several lucky breaks, and went on to complete 36 years of military service. He also built up a successful local business, and continues to serve our community as a standout Rotarian.
California · Atwater, CA
Nearby: Atwater, CAAtwater Village residents were shocked when a coyote that wildlife officials allegedly euthanized last month appeared again in their neighborhood. Wildlife officials said on Tuesday the animal is now dead.
Merced County Times · Atwater, CA
Nearby: Atwater, CAAround Town Atwater dedicates Christopher Tejeda Jr. Safety Corridor Street sign honors 10-year-old killed while riding bicycle By Jonathan Whitaker On Nov 9, 2026 Share City leaders, local school officials and friends and family members of Christopher Tejeda Jr. gathered together on Monday, Nov. 2, for a special dedication ceremony in a neighborhood near Juniper Elementary School in Atwater. A portrait of Christopher Tejeda Jr. that was on display at the event. A group of second and third graders from the school clapped, cheered and shouted “We love you Christopher” as a new street sign went up at the corner of Bridgewater Street and Oriole Way that designates the “Christopher Tejada Jr. Safety Corridor” — a roadway designation intended to serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of protecting children, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Mayor Mike Nelson presented the Tejeda family with an official city proclamation for the new road sign addition. Christopher Tejeda Jr.
Madera Tribune · Chowchilla, CA
Nearby: Chowchilla, CASurvivor remains hospitalized CHP Madera Officers received reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and semi-truck on State Route 99 southbound, south of Avenue 24 1/2. Madera Area Officers responded to the scene Friday morning, just after 10 a.m. A 33-year-old man from Fresno was riding a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle, southbound on State Route 99, south of Avenue 24. He was splitting lanes between two semi-trucks pulling trailers. Additionally, there was a 33-year-old female passenger from Chowchilla on the motorcycle. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Harley Davidson lost control of the motorcycle, and the Harley Davidson overturned. Both the male and female were ejected from the motorcycle, and onto the roadway. Despite life saving measures, the driver of the Harley Davidson succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The female passenger was transported to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries.
Turlock Journal · Denair, CA
Nearby: Denair, CASights and sounds from the 2026 Denair Farm and Family Festival on Sept. 12 (ANTHONY REYES/The Journal).
Turlock Journal · Turlock, CA
Nearby: Turlock, CAWhile the day after Thanksgiving is traditionally called Black Friday for its holiday shopping madness, in Turlock it’s a day better known for light.
Turlock Journal · Turlock, CA
Nearby: Turlock, CALegacy Health Endowment continued its goal of dramatically improving the quality of life within the community by bringing together resources, expertise and vision by hosting another Women’s Health Luncheon in Turlock.
Turlock Journal · Turlock, CA
Nearby: Turlock, CAThe Turlock Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying potential additional victims following the arrest of Jose Edilberto Garcia Andrade, 49, of Turlock, in connection with an investigation involving the alleged sexual abuse of a child under the age of 10.
Ceres Courier · Ceres, CA
Nearby: Ceres, CAMeasure P, the one-cent sales tax increase for Ceres coffers, has held onto a healthy lead for passage in the latest vote count at 57.49 percent. Gary M. Condit and Rosalinda Vierra have prevailed as winners of two open seats on the Ceres City Council.
Ceres Courier · Ceres, CA
Nearby: Ceres, CAThe Ceres City Council approved the purchase of $126,275 in new playground equipment for Independence Park to replace what was damaged by vandals in 2025.
Ceres Courier · Ceres, CA
Nearby: Ceres, CAStarting Nov. 10 the city is activating and testing the new video detection systems installed at all 39 signalized intersections in Ceres.
Ceres Courier · Ceres, CA
Nearby: Ceres, CAA 39-year-old Modesto man who is a high-ranking member of a white supremacist street gang will be sentenced on Dec. 11 after being convicted of ordering a violent attack inside the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center in Ceres.