Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.

Brainerd Dispatch · Lodi, CA
Nearby: Lodi, CAST. CLOUD — An internet search for “thanatophoric dysplasia” can produce some bleak results. Thanatophoric dysplasia, or TD, is a rare, severe skeletal disorder characterized by extremely short limbs and folds of extra skin on the arms and legs. Approximately one in 20,000 children are born with it. Thanatophoric is Greek for “death bearing,” and doctors commonly advise parents that a TD pregnancy has a high likelihood of stillbirth or death shortly after birth due to respiratory failure. St. Cloud 3-year-old Sarah McNamara and her mother, Amber Traxler, are proving that a TD diagnosis isn’t hopeless. Their “Sarah’s Strength” Facebook page has inspired TD and non-TD families alike. The page, managed by Traxler, shows a child not just surviving, but thriving. Sarah can be seen on trips to the zoo or the aquarium. The joyful tot loves to stick her tongue out for the camera or enjoy a sweet treat.

Oakdale Leader · Escalon, CA
Nearby: Escalon, CAAt its meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, members and guests of AAUW, ORE (American Association of University Women, Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch) will hear how several women in Escalon and Oakdale have grown community in their respective towns by cultivating love and fun.

Escalon Times · Escalon, CA
Nearby: Escalon, CAThe results have not yet been finalized and will not be certified until a 1% manual tally is conducted, scheduled to conclude by Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Oakdale Leader · Riverbank, CA
Nearby: Riverbank, CAMany of the movie’s scenes were shot in familiar locations in Riverbank including the Plaza del Rio downtown as well as at some local homes.

Molalla Pioneer / Herald Pioneer · Modesto, CA
Nearby: Modesto, CAJuly 15, 1960 – November 3, 2026 – Richard “Rick” William Coggin, affectionately known to many as “Spunky” or “Odie,” passed away on November 3, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of laughter, generosity, and unconditional love. Born on July 15, 1960, in Modesto, California, Rick moved with his family to Molalla, Oregon, at the age of six, where he proudly spent the remainder of his life. On May 14, 1986, Rick married the absolute love of his life and best friend, Brenda Gasser. Together, they shared 41 beautiful years of devotion, adventure, and deep friendship, including 40 years of marriage. Brenda was his partner in every sense of the word, and his passing leaves a void in her heart that words cannot begin to describe. Rick’s family was his entire world. He was a deeply proud father to his two daughters, Danielle Coggin (Mallory Bennett) and Amber Coggin (Dan Sepulveda).

Oakdale Leader · Oakdale, CA
Nearby: Oakdale, CAThere was a long line of police, fire and other emergency services personnel that served as an escort for Jett Trunnell on his journey from Stanford to the Oakdale Riverbank Memorial Chapel on Nov. 4. Residents lined the streets and several school busses were part of the procession as well. Photo By Marg Jackson It was a solemn procession from Stanford to Oakdale on Nov. 4 as multiple first responders accompanied Jett Trunnell, 15, to Oakdale Riverbank Memorial Chapel on West F Street in Oakdale. The teen passed following a lengthy battle against cancer – Osteosarcoma – and had made many friends among the ranks of firefighters, police, EMTs and more during his illness. Residents lined the streets of Oakdale to welcome him home. Oakdale High School cheerleaders wore special shirts honoring Jett Trunnell as they did their routine Friday night, Nov. 6 at Central Catholic. Many in the OHS student section also wore the shirts, as did several parents of JV football players.

Oakdale Leader · Oakdale, CA
Nearby: Oakdale, CAAn update from the Stanislaus County Registrar of Voters office was released on Monday, Nov. 9 regarding the results from the Tuesday, Nov. 3 General Election.The vote totals are not yet official; the next update from the county is due on Nov. 12.In local races, the six candidates vying for two seats on the Oakdale City Council saw former councilman Fred Smith leading the way with 28 percent of the vote, followed by Christopher Chavez with 23 percent. Incumbent Kayleigh Gilbert was close behind with 21 percent. Challengers Mary Buchanan, 11 percent; Sal Hernandez, 9 percent; and Benjamin Amaral, just over 7 percent, appear to be out of the running.For the Riverbank City Council, the race for a District 1 seat saw incumbent Luis Uribe with a lead, getting 35 percent of the vote, followed by Jeanette Reyes at 25 percent, Sherry Fenn at 23 percent and Nai N.

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.