Connection project awarded $20M STAFF REPORTS The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded four California projects $72.5 million in grants from its BUILD Transportation Discretionary Grant program, formerly known as TIGER grants. Among the projects in line for funding is the North County Corridor. In November 2016, residents of Stanislaus County voted overwhelmingly to approve […]

Local breweries join efforts to raise funds for fire victims BY KRISTINA HACKER Breweries throughout the 209 have joined dozens of other beer makers across the country in brewing up a special batch of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s Resilience that will be released this month — with all proceeds going to help victims of the […]

Nonprofit founder cycling across country to open up educational opportunities for Central Valley residents BY SABRA STAFFORD Right about now Emmanuel Escamilla is probably thinking he’s never going to get out of Texas. Escamilla is the founder of the Modesto-based CodeX Program is currently biking across the United States to support first-generation students with scholarships […]

Farmers, state board clash over usage BY ANGELINA MARTIN The final draft proposal of a state plan to increase water flows through the Tuolumne River for the benefit of fish and wildlife was released in July with little changes, despite vehement opposition from a broad coalition of local governments and organizations. In an effort to […]

Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center celebrates 20 years BY ANGELINA MARTIN The Hilmar Cheese Company’s Visitor Center has welcomed travelers and locals alike through its doors since 1998, educating the public about the benefits of the California dairy industry. As the well-known center celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues its mission of encouraging the public to […]