Newman News

Faced with a steep fund-raising crusade and little time to do it, a local group managed to scratch up enough funds to keep open two state parks threatened with closure in Merced County.

Faced with a steep fundraising crusade and little time to do it, a local group managed to scratch up enough funds to keep open two state parks in Merced County threatened with closure.

Efforts are under way in the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills to raise enough money to keep parks, lakes and other recreational venues open when state funding ends July 1. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park near Jamestown, Turlock Lake east of Waterford, and McConnell and George J. Hatfield recreation areas in Merced County are four of 66 ... (more)

Scotland's acclaimed Puppet State Theatre presents Jean Giono's "The Man Who Planted Trees" on May 18 at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.

Police looking for a parole violator locked down a school and resource center here on Wednesday morning when the man bolted.

The group behind the effort to save two state parks in Merced County is making progress, but has a long way to go before reaching its monetary goal aimed at keeping the two recreation areas open.