The Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District is continuing the distribution of free meals for children ages 1-18 through June and July. In addition, free family food boxes are being distributed each Friday through June from 11 a.m. to noon at Von Renner and Hurd Barrington elementary sch…

GUSTINE - Gustine High English teacher Cheri Rowton, one of the Gustine Unified School District’s longest-tenured educators, is stepping into retirement after 33 years in the classroom.

Newman public works employee Thomas Krieger tended to tree-trimming duties recently in a local park. 

A new sign is gracing the Gustine Police Department. Leroy Onstine, owner of Westside Welding and Radiator, fabricated the sign and recently put it into place with the assistance of city public works employee Jesus Alonso.

SANTA NELLA - Two agencies are studying the feasibility of supplementing a seismic safety project planned for B.F. Sisk Dam with a second component that would increase the capacity of San Luis Reservoir.

West Side Community Ambulance is feeling the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

An HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing banks after flying over Sutter Gould Medical Foundation in Patterson as Memorial Day salute to healthcare workers on the front line of the fight against COVID-19.

Vintage vehicles rolled through downtown Newman Friday evening as several members of the Westside Auto Club joined the informal Friday night cruise started by local resident Glennis Kidder. 

A patriotic procession through downtown Gustine kicked off Memorial Day weekend Friday evening. The event, organized by Richard Martin, was not only a display of patriotism but a show of support for re-opening businesses. That process continued last week in Gustine and Newman, as Merced and …

NEWMAN - Voters in the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District, who rejected a school bond in March, may be asked again in November to approve a measure to fund facilities.

While no formal programs were held over the weekend at local cemeteries, flags lined the downtown areas of Newman and Gustine Monday in commemoration of Memorial Day. A pedestrian was framed by flags while walking through downtown Newman Monday.

GUSTINE - The Fourth of July in Gustine could still include fireworks, city officials said last week.

GUSTINE - Graduating seniors at Gustine High gathered last Wednesday to record a few thoughts and words for posterity via videotape.

Sidewalk improvements funded by Measure V - a half-cent transportation sales tax passed by Merced County voters in 2016 - are continuing in Gustine. Craig Christenson, owner of C.C. Concrete, worked recently on a Sixth Street sidewalk project.

Signs marking the entrance to the Creek Canyon subdivision in Newman were touched up recently by Newman public works employee Jaime Sotelo.

Our Lady of Miracles Catholic School staff members hosted a drive-by ice cream social for their students Monday evening in front of the Linden Avenue campus. Students also stopped for a selfie with Principal Chandra Brace, left, and Director Melissa Meneses before departing. Above, Kayla Esq…

Local high school seniors anticipating the college experience at a California State University campus next fall expressed disappointment at the recent announcement that CSU courses will predominantly be on line through the first semester.

Westside 4-H Club member Natalie Ventura won top honors in a recent Merced County 4-H photo contest. Her photo of her grandfather’s bison bull was named best in her division and best of show overall. 

The Von Renner Head Start held a “drive-by” graduation celebration recently for students who will be moving on to other programs at the start of next school year. Staff members and the few remaining youngsters being served by the program (the children of essential workers) greeted their stud…

GUSTINE - A new addition to the Gustine Police Department recently hit the streets with her partner.

NEWMAN - City leaders last week reaffirmed their commitment to following the state’s stay-at-home mandate and plan for a phased reopening of non-essential businesses following state guidelines - although not without extensive discussion and mixed opinions.

Hills Ferry Cemetery will be quiet Monday, the solemn Memorial Day remembrance of a nation’s fallen heroes silenced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Work is continuing on construction of the new Taco Bell in Newman. Concrete crews were working on the site Saturday. The project developer said construction is nearing completion.

GUSTINE - Residents and businesses behind on their city utility bills will at some point have to make good the amount in arrears, but won’t be hit with penalties or late fees for non-payment during the coronavirus crisis.

Coronavirus threw traditional educational settings into upheaval two months ago.

NEWMAN - For the first time in five decades, Newman will be quiet on Labor Day weekend.

GUSTINE - Seven weeks after their senior year abruptly ended, members of the Gustine High Class of 2020 returned to campus for the first time last Wednesday to pick up their graduation caps and gowns.

NEWMAN - A popular Newman restaurant heavily damaged by fire will rebuild and reopen, its owner pledged earlier this week.

GUSTINE - The city’s Highway 33/140 roundabout will feature a waterfowl-themed centerpiece, City Council members recently decided.