Merced leaders push for answers, high-level support in High Speed Rail negotiations
Merced city leaders tasked with clearing out a logjam on vital information regarding the future of High Speed Rail in Merced were expecting to meet this week with Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, State Senator Anna Caballero, and…
Bliss calls for stronger, safer Merced where families thrive
Long before there was news about the elections for Merced City Council in 2026, John Bliss was starting plans to run for the District 6 seat that represents North Merced neighborhoods beyond Yosemite Avenue and Merced College, and…
City leaders agree to put 1-cent tax measure on ballot
The Merced City Council voted 6-1 on Monday night to place a 1-cent general sales tax measure on the November election ballot in an effort to help "maintain the city's financial stability and preserve general services residents…
Universal Studios to pay tribute to Ozzy during Horror Nights run
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights pays tribute to pioneer heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne in the all-original haunted houses, “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” inspired by his prolific solo career. Guests can anticipate…
Merced City Councilman Shane Smith launches reelection campaign
Shane Smith, who represents District 4 on the Merced City Council, launched his reelection campaign for a second term on Tuesday night in front of a large crowd of supporters in the backyard of the wonderful home of Kenra and Don…
Zeledon carries perseverance, self-determination in race for District 6 seat on Merced City Council
UPDATE: Yang Pao Thao was added to the candidate list for District 2 since this story was written. Thao is the current District 2 representative who was appointed after the resignation of Ronnie DeAnda. Felipe Rojas-Flores is also …
Merced Welcomes Back Safe Haven For Animals
Children of all ages, along with their adult family members, showed up in droves last Friday morning to take part in the reopening celebration of Merced's Applegate Zoo.
They were excited to see an expanded black bear exhibit,…
Marking A Harrowing Anniversary In Chowchilla
Our Central Valley
By STEVE NEWVINE
A 50th anniversary was marked last week in Chowchilla. It was not a festive occasion but rather more of a somber reminder of what the community saw as one of the worst times in its…
Applegate Zoo unveils new exhibits this Friday
By FLIP HASSETT &
JIM CUNNINGHAM
The Merced Applegate Zoo is reopening after being closed since the start of the year.
Zoo officials say their grand reopening will be Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m.
The zoo has been …
Counting Bubbles: Details unlock clues to history of Merced’s iconic 7-Up sign
By SARAH LIM
Special to the Times
The 7-Up sign by Marie’s Mexican Kitchen at 259 W. Main Street is a prominent landmark in Merced, though many residents are unaware of its intriguing past.
Although speculation…
The College A Community Built
By JILL CUNNINGHAM
Before there was a campus, before there were graduates, before there were traditions, there were people who believed Merced County deserved a community college. One of those people was my…
Nancy Barton Holmes, community advocate, tennis coach
After a long, vibrant and fulfilling life, Nancy Barton Holmes (born Nancy Keith Barton) passed peacefully on her 83rd birthday, surrounded by family. Her life story is as fabulous as she was.
Nancy was born in Seattle,…
Shirley Kirby, family matriarch, dedicated civic leader
May 15, 1922 – June 8, 2026
Shirley Kirby peacefully turned toward the heavens and was called home on the evening of Monday, June 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born on May 15, 1922. Throughout her…