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…
Merced breaks ground on culturally significant new park
A large crowd of passionate locals and distinguished guests last Saturday, July 11, for the official groundbreaking ceremony to start construction of the long-awaited General Vang Pao Park and Aletha June Playground in north…
Local families are falling for hometown charm of Scotts Diner
Step inside Scotts Diner in Merced, and you will instantly feel right at home.
It is the kind of classic, hometown spot where local families gather to enjoy a hearty meal and catch up on the neighborhood news. The walls are…
Merced moves to coalesce public stance on High-Speed Rail station
By JONATHAN WHITAKER
Merced city leaders and administrative staff have begun working on a public outreach effort to communicate what's happening with a proposed — and highly controversial — High-Speed Rail Station in Merced,…
MedicAlert Effort, Started In Turlock, Reaches 70 Years
Our Central Valley
By STEVE NEWVINE
This is a story about a life-saving piece of jewelry that got started just north of Merced County in Turlock.
That was where, in 1953, 13-year-old Linda Collins was injured while playing…
Parade, Fireworks and Fun!
Two hundred fifty years in the making, the legacy and heritage of the United States of America will be observed in full-throttled patriotic fashion Saturday during Atwater’s Independence Day celebration.
More commonly referred…
Lights on Lake fireworks return to Lake McClure
One of the Central Valley's favorite Independence Day traditions returns as fireworks light up the skies over Lake McClure on Saturday, July 4.
Tickets to Lights on the Lake should be purchased in advance and are still…
Atwater Feed Store breaks ground on new building
Almost exactly three years from the day a massive fire gutted their wood and tin building on Atwater Boulevard, completely destroying one of the city’s most beloved local businesses, the Fragulia family turned shovels Saturday in…
Barbershop owner, Realtor, Yader Zeledon announces campaign for Merced City Council
Yader Zeledon — a Merced barber who started his own business on Main Street and then extended his talents to the local real estate market — kicked off his campaign for the District 6 seat on the Merced City Council during an event…