Los Banos considers reinstating fired city manager
By Brianna Vaccari
Central Valley Journalism Collaborative
A former Los Banos city manager who was fired in 2022 after just nine months in the role may win his job back, along with a $1.8 million payout, new job protections and a raise that would provide a salary far higher than city managers of other small cities in the San Joaquin…
City Leaders Review Goals and Areas Of Focus
City leaders met at the Civic Center on Feb. 11 to discuss goals and priorities as budget planning begins for the upcoming fiscal year.
During…
Citizens group plans to put Measure C back on ballot
Former Merced Mayor Mike Murphy re-entered the city spotlight with a surprise appearance at last week’s Town Hall at Weaver Middle School, and a new message for…
Council to reconsider letter to AG
One of the biggest stories coming from the Merced City Council so far this year was a split vote on Jan. 3 that approved sending a letter to the state Attorney General’s Office asking for an outside review of the city’s Police Department’s “patterns and practices.”
The issue passed by a slight 4-3 margin, with council members Jesse Ornelas (who…
Ret. Major Bob Kateley, USAF pilot and Vietnam vet, passes…
Robert “Bob” Fred Kateley, of Merced, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones just after midnight on Jan. 21. He was 88.
Robert was born July 27,…
Planada residents blast relief efforts
Residents of Planada let loose on county and federal disaster officials in a town hall meeting last Thursday, criticizing the slow recovery effort after…
City supports Advanced Air flight change to Hawthorne
Advanced Air — which provides commercial airline service from Merced Yosemite Regional Airport to Los Angeles and Las Vegas — is experiencing the heavy load of a post-covid economy marked by supply chain constraints and rising fuel and labor costs.
The airline started its local service a year ago, after it received approvals from the city and…
Merced County Fair announces new Livestock Superintendent
The Merced County Fair is excited to announce Valley native and former Merced resident Terri O’Leary-Collins as its new Livestock Superintendent.…
Amazon driver saves dog from car fire in Merced
Amazon Driver Ervin Ruhe became a true hero last week when he saved a dog’s life from a car caught on fire.
Ruhe has been driving for Amazon…
Vandals, fire dampen spirit of Atwater Little League
The Atwater Little League is off to a tough start this pre-season.
The league, as a partner with the City of Atwater, uses the city's Osborne Park for the local Merced-Atwater Little League Season. This week, a fire started in the portable potties located in the park’s parking lot. The fire spread to the League's storage unit that…