Update: Traffic was still at a crawl as of 1 p.m. on Thursday afternoon slowing motorists who were driving northbound on Highway 99 between the Highway 120 Bypass and Yosemite Avenue. Tow trucks had pulled the truck around into one lane leaving the other lane open to allow restricted traffic flow on the freeway. Read More
With pleasant weather in the forecast for both days, the 21st annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival had thousands attend to enjoy the classic cars, entertainment, food, merchandise and crafts, and most of all, the chocolate. » Read More
As over 100 peace officers from 13 different law enforcement agencies in Stanislaus County converged in a one-day gang sweep, focusing on over 115 gang-related targets, one city’s cops were absent from the posse – The City of Oakdale. » Read More
With caution about an insufficient sewer rate, Oakdale Finance Director Albert Avila presented the city’s annual audit report to the city council at its May 20 meeting. » Read More
Rhys Ludlow is an eight-year-old second grader that will be having a ‘Dog Gone Good Lemonade Stand’ at Sierra View Elementary School on Saturday, May 18 from noon to dusk … or until he no longer has lemonade. This lemonade stand is not only to participate in National Lemonade Day but also to raise funds for a good cause. » Read More
Under the warm rays of the May sun, scores of caring volunteers on Friday afternoon, May 10, put finishing touches on their gift to a child that, as it would tragically turn out, would not experience the fruits of their labor in the donated space of Casa de Amigos Mobile Home Park. » Read More
The former Valley Home School District superintendent and principal that had been charged with felony child molestation died on Sunday, May 12. » Read More
A one-year water transfer contract with the Westlands Water District (WWD) was unanimously approved at the May 7 regular meeting of the Oakdale Irrigation District Board of Directors. There are some conditions on the contract that first protect OID water users before any transfer. » Read More
It’s the “last call” to join the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, also known as the Irrigated Lands Coalition, said Tom Orvis, Governmental Affairs Directors for the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, at the recent Oakdale Irrigation District Board of Directors meeting. He said the deadline is Monday, May 13. » Read More
California has already experienced an increase in fire activity, and to ensure Californians are ready, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. has declared May 5-11, 2013 as “Wildfire Awareness Week.” During Wildfire Awareness Week Cal Fire is reminding residents of the dangers from wildfires and the simple steps that should be followed to prepare and prevent them. » Read More
Nicole Todd-Smith, the mother of the 44-day-old baby that died of a methamphetamine overdose in December, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Tuesday, May 7. » Read More
Active military service members and their families are invited to enjoy free access to day-use facilities throughout the Sacramento District and at any of the more than 2,500 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks across the nation. Initiated last year, service men and women from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and activated National Guard and Reserves, as well as their dependents who present their Interagency Military ... » Read More
After taking public criticism for voting to shut down its popular maternity ward a few months ago, Oak Valley Hospital officials are considering another controversial decision – disassociation with the well-liked and admired Oak Valley Hospital Foundation. » Read More
A Public Safety Awareness Forum is being hosted by the City of Oakdale on Thursday, May 9 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center. Slated from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the ‘Awareness Matters’ forum is designed to help attendees learn about safeguarding home, family and community; preparing for an emergency in case of fire or other disaster; and decreasing the likelihood of being targeted by criminals. » Read More
With graduation only days away, Oakdale High School’s Class of 2013 is about to embark on a new part of life – one that officially launches them out of childhood and toward adulthood. » Read More
A “field trip” came to school for Fair Oaks Elementary third graders on May 8 to study the Yokuts people. The Yokuts populated this area at one time and consisted of a number of different tribes. » Read More
Oakdale resident and Valley Charter High School (VCHS) student Matthew Gery won a gold medal recently at the SkillsUSA California Region 5 Leadership and Skills Conference and will compete at the state contest in San Diego April 4-7. » Read More
A class focusing on raising awareness and to motivate teens to stop using tobacco or join a voluntary cessation program was part of a pre-cessation class held recently at Oakdale High School. » Read More
Nicole Todd-Smith, the mother accused of overdosing her 44-day-old baby with methamphetamine, pleaded no contest to felony child endangerment and causing great bodily injury or death on Friday, March 22. » Read More
When a Ford F-250 was stolen in a burglary from one of Oakdale Realtor Kevin Benziger’s properties on 26-Mile Road, he went into detective mode trying to tie the loss and possible motive to identify the thieves. » Read More
The mother of a 44-day-old baby that died more than two months ago is due to appear in Stanislaus Superior Court today, Wednesday, Feb. 27 to answer to charges of felony child endangerment. » Read More
Oakdale police have obtained a felony arrest warrant for the mother of a 44-day-old girl that died in December. Toxicology results returned in January showed the infant had a high level of methamphetamine in its system at the time of its death. Nicole Todd-Smith, 31, of Oakdale, is charged with felony child endangerment with a bail of $1 million out of Stanislaus Superior Court, according to Oakdale Police Sergeant ... » Read More
With nearly a month passing since receiving toxicology reports listing high levels of methamphetamine in a 44-day-old baby that died in December, Oakdale Police still have the case listed as an open investigation. Police also remain tight-lipped on the status on the case. “It’s an ongoing active investigation,” said Lieutenant Keri Redd, who declined additional comment. No arrests have been made and no ... » Read More
Gun shots that were initially believed to be fired at an Oakdale police officer late afternoon on Jan. 29 resulted in a multi-agency dragnet and the eventual arrest of two suspects. No officers were hurt or struck by the gunfire and by the end of the evening, both suspects were in jail. Police later determined the shot fired ... » Read More
The December death of an infant has now been classified as suspicious by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office and is on the cusp of becoming listed as the third homicide for Oakdale in 2012. » Read More
The red, white and blue pole that has been out in front of Norm’s Barber Shop on West F Street in Oakdale for over 45 years has been stolen. The theft occurred overnight, sometime between when the business closed on Wednesday, Jan. 16 and re-opened the next day. The iconic barber pole was ripped off the wooden structure that it had been attached to for years. » Read More
For the second time in a year, Kerr Park has been hit by criminals and stripped of copper wire used for lighting the 14-acre North Stearns Road city park. » Read More
A 17-year-old validated Norteno gang member was arrested by Oakdale Police following a shooting at a large party on Post Road, where two men were shot early Sunday morning. This makes the second gang-related shooting in a month since the November night Abel Calderon and Ruben Mora were gunned down in front of the Oakdale Market. » Read More
The best part about the digital age is the ease with which retailers make it for consumers to do a large portion of their shopping from the comfort of their living room via the Internet. Emarketers estimated that Internet shopping will account for 24.3 percent of all U.S. retail spending during the traditional holiday season (November-December) and judging by the number of times the UPS, FedEx, and other mail carriers have been ... » Read More
Three suspects Oakdale Police are identifying as Norteno gang members were arrested for attempting to carjack a Ford Windstar minivan in the Bridle Ridge subdivision late Monday night, Dec. 10. » Read More
As the unseasonably warm Indian summer fades to the chill, foggy days of a Central Valley winter, Oakdale Police are reminding the community that criminals often look for quick opportunities to steal other people’s property and a foggy night makes for perfect cover. “As soon as the fog starts to roll in, we see more crime because of the lower visibility,” Sgt. Michael Nixon of the Oakdale Police Department warned. “You ... » Read More
A shooting left two people dead in front of the Oakdale Market on East I Street on Sunday night, Nov. 11. Police and sheriff’s department personnel are investigating the crime that has already resulted in one arrest. » Read More
Congratulations to Knights Ferry’s First Grade class for their Blue Ribbon at the Stanislaus County Science Fair. Honor awards went to the Kindergarten class, Breanna Banks and Dakota Voortman. Jackson Ault and Trexler Porter received Distinguished awards. » Read More
Birthday greetings for the month of May go out to: Jeanette Krick, Gary Page, Mary Sue Shearer, Sue Schlageter, Collin Hodge, Tony Albarico, Danielle Frymire, Mary Hight, Lyle Hight, Wendy Feichter, Rilyn Cassaretto, Vincent Peterson, Degan Sweet, Bob Hunter, Hanna Holland, Chris Lopez, Maria Arias, Eric Ulrich, Cat Ulrich, Mark Hunter, Jamie Coston, Larry Leach, Laura Simons, Emalee Watson, Hayden Sundberg, Madison Watson, Denali Benson, Madison Regan and McKenzie Regan.
Well it’s the beginning of a new month and here are some dates for your calendar: May 2nd -Community Club dessert meeting at the clubhouse at 7:00p.m. May 5th - Breakfast Sunday in the Ferry, May 8th - Knights Ferry Garden Club 9:00a.m. at the Cemetery Flagpole (bring lunch), May 9th -School Board meeting at 6:00pm., May 12th - Mother’s Day, May 16th - talent show and dinner at school at 5:00p.m., ... » Read More
Condolences go out to Fred Dolling and his family on the death of his mother, Della Dolling. Della was a Knights Ferry resident for over 60 years. » Read More
Congratulations go out to Knights Ferry School 4.0 students for the second trimester: Dylan Anderson, Rilyn Cassaretto, Eden Cassinetto, Wyatt Dickens, Alyssa Sisco, Kaeli Sweet, Julia Nilsson, Ray Patton and Elise Seeds. Keep up the good work! » Read More
ALERT - there has been another robbery in the area! Thieves are taking money, jewelry and small items. If you have any information on who is doing this there is a reward, call 743-4450. ***** Condolences go out to Pastor Leverne Tanis and his family on the death of his wife Sarah Jean. Services are today, March 20, at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Christian Reformed ... » Read More
The Sandhill Cranes are flying north in impressive numbers. Spring is coming! Also the town is carpeted in violets, remnants of the open water system that provided the town with water. The reservoir was where the upper blacktop area is at the school. It was open and violet seeds spread through town. » Read More
At the MAC meeting the rash of burglaries in the area was discussed. There were eight that they knew of. Everyone needs to keep a watch out for anything suspicious and report it to the Sheriff. Also discussed by the California Highway patrolman was the help he was giving the school on safety. Josh Tucker from Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Department gave the 2012 statistics for our area. There were 128 calls from ... » Read More
Welcome to the world Adaya Dyane Boyer, born February 7th to Stuart and Rosalie Boyer. She weighed in at 8 pounds 8 ounces. Proud Knights Ferry Grandparents are Jim and Diane Boyer. ***** Condolences go out to former Knights Ferry residents Suzette and Danny Titus on the death of Suzette’s mother Dottie Lajeunesse. Dottie had belonged to the Knights Ferry Garden Club when the Titus’s lived ... » Read More
Congratulations go out to Amber and Kylea Coston for placing in the top 20 finalists for the Stanislaus County Peace Essay Contest. Amber was in the top 20 for Seventh and Eighth Grade (out of 376) and Kylea was in the top 20 for Fifth and Sixth Grades (out of 317). Their actual placing will be announced in February. Proud Great Grandparents are Bill and Evelyn Frias. » Read More
As the first month of 2013 exits, here are some dates for your February calendar: February 3 is Breakfast Sunday in the Ferry at the I.O.O.F. Hall from 8 to noon. February 7 is the dinner meeting of the Knights Ferry Community Club at 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse. The main item for discussion is the Spaghetti Dinner, held in conjunction with the Civil War reenactment, on March 23rd. Donations are being ... » Read More
Birthday greetings for January go out to: Heather Wright, Sean McCarthy, Barbara Burroughs, Kevin Burns, Heather Brockman, Wayne Largent, Sherron McCarthy, Jonathan Amaral, Amy Simons, Alexis Arias, Logan Martinelli, Angel Limon, Kaeli Sweet, Madison Page, Trenton Foster, Ric Feichter, Joe Murray, Larry Bell, Sam Page, Matthew Boyer, Elijah Etling, Benjamin Cassinetto, Mitzy Collantes, Brooks Bonde, Rhiannon Hawthorn, Heather Voortman, Carson Sundberg, Aubrey Harris, Katherine Ramirez, Phoebe, Lucas and Clairisse Jones.
The Knights Ferry Garden Club has selected the winners of the Smokey Bear Poster Contest. They have received their prizes at school. Winners are: First Grade- Wyatt Sousa, First Place, Josh Reese, Second Place and Carson Sundberg, Third Place. Second Grade- Grace Harden, First Place, Carter Sturtevant, Second Place and Mason O’Neil, Third. Third Grade winners were- Dakota Voortman, First, Tate Cassaretto, Second and Hayden Cassaretto, Third. Fourth Grade- Olivia Doshas, First, ... » Read More
The Dollings have an interesting story. Fred was going out his gate when he spotted something lying in the road. Upon closer inspection he found a dead eagle! He called Lisa at the Army Corp and she sent a Fish and Game person. Looking the bird over, he found burn marks; the eagle had flown into the power lines. They turned the bird over to Fish and Wildlife and they will see ... » Read More
Welcome 2013 - Hope your year is terrific! ***** Dates for your calendar: January 3, Knights Ferry Community Club dessert meeting at the clubhouse at 7:00 p.m. January 6th is Breakfast Sunday in the Ferry from 8:00 to noon. The History and Museum associates meet Tuesday, January 15 at Millers Hall at 9:00 a.m. The Knights Ferry Garden Club will not have a meeting this month. ... » Read More
Hope everyone had a nice Christmas holiday! ***** Birthday greetings for the month of December go out to: Betty Rogers, Katie Feichter, Amanda Wright, Dane Hauskens, Denise Ray, Charles Wong, Kim Konberg, Lisa Frymire, Fred Dolling, Dennis Hitch, Chris Lewis, Charlie Mynatt, Cathy Murray, Tom Crom, Haley Page, Nicole Brunker, Helga Kaiser, Annette Arias, Rob Hoyer, Reba Morgan, Jackson Ault, Julian Velasquez, Gage Ryland and Larry ... » Read More
The Knights Ferry School Kindergarteners, First Graders, Second Graders, Fifth Graders, Sixth Graders and the Band all went to Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts to see the Opus Hand Bell Choir. Degan Sweet liked that the bells were like piano notes. Jackson Ault thought the band was cool and it amazed him. Grace Harden liked when they banged the bells. Xavier Olvera liked when four players formed a team and rang ... » Read More
At an assembly held at Knights Ferry School last Friday, Student of the Month awards were given out to: Kindergarten- Jenna O’Neil, First Grade- Levi Dickens, Second Grade- Carter Sturtevant, Third Grade- Emalee Watson, Fourth Grade- Presley Wilson, Fifth Grade- Braden Sousa, Sixth Grade- Rilyn Cassaretto, Seventh Grade- Aleesha Harden and Eighth Grade- Madison Willis. Two Playground Super Stars names were drawn for prizes, Josh Reese and Luke Dickens. Congratulations to all ... » Read More
It has been a wet time in the Ferry. The attendance at the Sunday Breakfast was down, no bicycle riders and many stayed out of the weather. » Read More
All those who attended the Silent Movies on Sunday at St. Luke'’ Lutheran Church here in Valley Home were in for a special treat. The afternoon showing began with a Charlie Chaplin movie in which the actor really demonstrated his acrobatic talents as an inebriated gentleman arriving home after a big night on the town who meets up with all sorts of obstacles gaining entrance to his home, from losing his house ... » Read More
Valley Home students and families enjoyed a free family fun night Friday night in the gym. Thanks to the City of Oakdale, a giant inflatable movie screen was set up in the gym and everyone enjoyed "Monsters, Inc." Thanks to Steves Chevrolet, fresh popcorn popped all night and was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Chad Tienken for operating the movie and sound so professionally. Thanks are also due to the Valley Home ... » Read More
Mike and Nancy Osmundson enjoyed guests visiting here from Lakeville, MN. Nancy's sister, Pam and her husband, Ken Heimdal spent this week visiting with the Osmundsons and their family. » Read More
If you haven't gotten around to marking your calendars for the St. Luke's fundraising afternoon of Silent Movie films coming up on May 19th, be certain to grab a pen, circle the date, and plan on attending for an afternoon of silent screen comedy that will keep you in stitches. There will be four silent movies shown that day from what we have been told. We have only received the titles of ... » Read More
Whoopee!! We have just received word that the time has arrived for an afternoon of Silent Movie fun, a laugh packed fundraiser for St. John’s Lutheran Church here in Valley Home. Grab a pencil and circle May 19 on your calendars for an afternoon of good old fashioned fun and comedy with Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy. Chaplin will dispense his style of comedy in a film entitled 1 A-M, and ... » Read More
We are delighted to share the exciting news that all three members of the Valley Home 4-H Public Speaking Project received gold medals at Regional Presentation Day held at Madera High School on April 20th. » Read More
Our Valley Home Hawks celebrated their annual Jog-A-Thon last Thursday. The Easter Bunny was on hand to watch the kids run and walk. It was obvious that everyone had some fun. After the jogging, the candy jump was held and the prizes were awarded. Maddie Jones' name was drawn as the winner of the iPad Mini device. The best decorated T-shirt awards went to Brandy Seaton for the K-3 grades and Stephanie ... » Read More
Valley Home 4-H Annual Club Presentation Night will be held on Thursday, March 21 at St John’s Church here in Valley Home. The Presentation will commence at 6 p.m. in the Church Hall. This will be the final dress rehearsal for club members attending County Presentation Day. The event provides a wonderful opportunity to come and listen to Valley Home and Orange Blossom 4-H speech project members give their presentations. These young ... » Read More
Things will really be hopping here in our Valley Home community on Saturday, March 30th! We have received word that the grounds located at the "old" school will be visited by our friend, The Easter Bunny! Our furry little friend has sent a special message that, with the help of our Valley Home 4-Hers, they are planning on having hundreds of colorful eggs hidden in marked areas of the playing field. We ... » Read More
We have received word that our Red Hat Queen, Margo and our Valley Home members of Oakdale’s Fun Lovin’ Ladies welcomed in our beautiful spring-like weather with a delicious luncheon and meeting at Bella Italia Restaurant in Modesto. The members of the group were able to enjoy viewing all the blossoming Almond orchards they passed along the way. » Read More
This week’s Valley Home News leads off with the news received that Bob Yuskaitis our Valley Home friend and dedicated Neighborhood Watch Patrolman for our community was involved in a serious automobile accident on February 11th while crossing Highway 120 at Pioneer Avenue. It appears he was driving home after an evening patrol and his and another vehicle collided, with his car rolled and he received serious, multiple injuries. He is recuperating ... » Read More
It sounds like our Valley Home 4-Hers not only had a great time at their February meeting, but also made lots of money at their annual Box Social on February 5th. The Box Social provides an evening of fun for all the members, as they all participate in seeing who can create the prettiest decorated box of goodies to be auctioned off at the meeting. This meeting was ... » Read More
Where did all the neighbors go? Unbelievably, our Valley Home community was turned into a ghost town this past weekend, nary a soul could be found and our normally busy streets were empty of traffic. There is an old adage that “no news is good news,” however I beg to differ! Our normally busy streets were devoid of traffic, where did everyone disappear to? Our normally busy little community was bereft of ... » Read More
Our members of Oakdale’s Fun Lovin’ Ladies are all getting gussied up in their purple outfits and making that important decision on which one of their Red Hats to select for their February 6th meeting. The group will travel to Modesto this month to partake of the cuisine offered at Minnie’s Restaurant. Just a reminder to be certain to give Cookie a ring at 847-0761, if you need to cancel or have ... » Read More
Oak Valley Art Society members met at the Escalon Library on Saturday, and members enjoyed a very informative program on art techniques offered by long time member, and prize winning artist, Dorothy Girling. Due to a mix-up, the artist scheduled to demonstrate that day was unavailable and the group was treated to a very enjoyable program by Dorothy, who offered helpful hints to the group on working with pastels and various and ... » Read More
Our Valley Home MAC committee will be meeting tonight, January 16 at the Valley Home school. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. These meetings are a wonderful way to keep the line between the residents and the county representatives. There will be reports of what has happened since last meeting, what is scheduled to happen in the near future and also an opportunity to report a problem ... » Read More
We received word that Cooper Bartholomew had a great time celebrating his sixth birthday on New Year’s Day. Cooper celebrated with friends and family on New Year’s Eve. A special treat for Cooper that evening was hearing Austin Dickens and Luke Pouncy entertain by playing the guitar during the evening! » Read More
We hope that Santa was able to make his visit to our Valley Home area and deliver a sleigh full of Christmas cheer even though he was greeted by rainy weather! Valley Home residents were still able to enjoy wending their way through our streets in the rain, and enjoy the colorful display of lighted homes. Even though we had to undergo heavy rain at times, the lights were enveloped in a ... » Read More
Lots of excitement emanating from Valley Home School today as the Valley Home PTC throw open the doors for their annual Christmas gift store for the students. The Christmas Store is a much anticipated highlight of the year for the students. Students have an opportunity to look for and purchase gifts for their families. Prices are kept low and members of the PTC are on hand to wrap the items the students ... » Read More
It was a cold and foggy evening on Saturday, however, it didn't dampen the spirits of all those who gathered to view our annual Valley Home Community Christmas Parade. Christmas spirit and warmth filled the air as residents gathered and lined the streets to watch the colorful annual Christmas Lighted Parade as it wound its way through the center of town. » Read More
Our Valley Home 4-H'ers are very proud to announce the 2012 Grand Marshall for our "Old Tyme Christmas Parade". Our 2012 Grand Marshal is Mr. Marcel Dickens and his lovely wife, Kathy. Marcel was a Valley Home 4-H community leader several years ago. He and his wife have been very active in their Valley home community. At present, their grandson, Austin is very involved in Valley Home 4-H and also very active ... » Read More
This week has been a busy week for our 4-H'ers and we are told that next week promises to be even busier! The members will be working on their Christmas float entry this Friday night at the Barretto family ranch. The group will be putting the finishing touches on their delightful Candy House entry for the Lighted Escalon Christmas Parade in which they will ride and wave at viewers on Saturday, December ... » Read More
James William ‘Jim’ Huffman, 70, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 19 in San Francisco. He was a resident of Cupertino and Oakdale. He purchased a ranch in Oakdale and retired there. He was born in Bloomfield, Iowa at his grandmother’s house. He graduated from Bloomfield High in 1961 and attended Drake College in Des Moines, Iowa. There, he met Karen Whitson ... » Read More
Robert L.J. ‘Bob’ Jordan, 75, died Tuesday, April 23. He was born in Modesto and lived all of his life in the Riverbank-Oakdale area. He is survived by his son, Stacy (Jackie) Jordan; sisters, Emma (Deb) Royer, Erna (Alton) Jamison; grandchildren, Kiley (Robert) Hemm, Leandra (Arnet) Givargiznia, Jason Jordan, Ryan (Danae) Jordan, Garrett Giddens; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Austynn Givargiznia, Weslee Hemm; and numerous nieces and nephews. ... » Read More