Suspect Still On The Loose After Stealing Vehicle

Arnold, CA – The name of the deceased and his cause of death in a fatal crash in the Rail Road Flat area of Calaveras County nearly three weeks ago have been released. The deceased is 71-year-old Tom Swartz of Pine Grove in Amador County. He was killed on January 14th after he pulled his 1994 Jeep Wrangler over on Summit Level Road, southeast of Highway 26, and the shoulder gave way, causing the SUV to overturn. At the time, it was unclear whether the crash or a medical emergency was the cause of his death.

Update at 11am: Escaped Calaveras County jail inmate, Larry Albert McDonald, remains at-large. The sheriff’s office is reaching out to the public for help. Lt. Greg Stark says, “If you live in the San Andreas area, please take a moment to check your surveillance systems (including home or business security cameras, game cameras, etc.) for any signs of the escapee.”

Sonora, CA – Motorists can expect delays Friday in downtown Sonora due to Comcast wire and pole work on two roadways. Comcast is working with SEFNCO Communications out of Livermore to perform what is called “over-lashing,” or adding another communication cable to an existing attachment already on a utility pole. In this case, a 250-foot fiber will be strung to five poles along East Jackson Street before turning right onto North Stewart Street, one block east of North Washington Street/Highway 49. The final pole is almost at the Dodge Street intersection.

Chinese Camp, CA – A foot race this weekend will shut down a section of Highway 120 to traffic and create delays. This Saturday, February 4th, is the annual Oriental Express Run, which passes through Chinese Camp. Caltrans reports that the highway will be closed between Sims Road and Highway 49 North from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the race. They added that one-way traffic control will be in place to Red Hill Road.

Sonora, CA — Members of the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA were in Tuolumne County this week to review and document damages from the recent storm systems. Tuolumne County OES Coordinator Dore Bietz notes that a main purpose of the Wednesday visit was to determine if Tuolumne County meets the threshold to be included in the federal disaster declaration.

Desmond “Desi” Robert Parrish Jr. born October 26, 1953 in Van Nuys, California passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023 in Adventist Health, Sierra Care Center Unit 6, Sonora, California. Cremation is planned and his Cremains will be scattered off the coast of Anchor Bay, Mendocino County, California. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home entrusted with Cremation arrangements.

There are a few events happening in the Mother Lode this weekend. The Columbia Jazz Artist Series Program will host the 42nd annual Jazz Festival on February 3 and 4 on the school campuses of Summerville High and Sonora High. Students will have a chance to learn from top jazz performers as detailed here.

Brenda Elaine Fields Richardson, born June 10, 1960 in Oakdale, California passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023 at her residence in Twain Harte, California. Cremation will be held and a Private Family Celebration of her Life will be held. Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home entrusted with Cremation arrangements. Date of...

Sonora, CA — As California will end its COVID state of emergency later this month, the Mother Lode’s LHI testing site at the fairgrounds in Sonora will be closing. Tuolumne County Public Health Director Michelle Jachetta has been notified that the last day of operations will be February 23.

Greg was born June 26, 1979 in Stockton. He passed away January 24, 2023 in Columbia. Greg is survived by his parents, Glen and Rosie Valente, his sister Janeen Loewen, her husband Josh and his nephew, Roland, whom he adored. He is also survived by his loving girlfriend, Alana Finlan, numerus aunts, uncles, other family members and friends.

Michael “Photo Mike” Lynn Maciejewski, born January 1, 1949 in San Diego, California passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Avalon Care Sonora. Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home entrusted with Cremation arrangements. Date of Death: 01/07/2023. Age: 74. Residence: Columbia, CA.

Calaveras County, CA – Calaveras County leaders want to educate the public about mentoring programs and how they help not only kids, but their communities. Last week, Calaveras County Supervisors declared January as Mentoring Month to coincide with nationwide efforts during the annual National Mentoring Month. “This proclamation recognizes...

Sonora, CA– The Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Office hosted the fifth annual Tuolumne County Mock Trial Competition at the Tuolumne Courthouse. The Mock Trial program features high school students from three local schools, Sonora High School, Summerville High School and Tioga High School. Each high school had three groups of students, assisted by attorney coaches, arguing this year’s fictional case three times with case details created by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. Each school got a turn representing the prosecution or defense team. Students operate as attorneys, witnesses, a bailiff, jewelry expert, clerk, journalist, and courtroom artist.

Mary Wilson, born September 21, 1951 in Scotland passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023 in Adventist Health Sonora. Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home entrusted with Cremation arrangements. Date of Death: 01/24/2023. Age: 71. Residence: Sonora, CA.

David Lee “Cracker” Wainwright, born June 27, 1945 in Oklahoma passed away Monday, January 30, 2023 at Adventist Health Sonora. A Celebration of his life with Military Honors will be held. Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home entrusted with Cremation arrangements. Date of Death: 01/30/2023. Age: 77. Residence: Groveland,...

On Saturday, February 11th, the Emigrant Basin Pack and Social Club will hold their 21st annual Scholarship Dinner at the Sonora Elks Lodge. Joel Casler, founding member of the Emigrant Basin Pack and Social Club, was Thursday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”. The Emigrant Basin Pack and...

Sonora, CA — This weekend’s Mother Lode Views will focus on the Blue Zones project. Blue Zones are regions of the world where people are, on average, living longer and healthier lives. The five places identified through a study were Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Icaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. The goal is to take some of the lessons learned from people living in those communities and bring them to other areas. Some of the focus is on reducing obesity, smoking, and body mass index, along with health and well-being improvements.

Angels Camp, CA – One of the top female musicians in the nation is inspiring Bret Harte Union High School’s junior class to create lasting memories. Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” music video features the artist in a homemade t-shirt with the words “Junior Jewels” on it. That has inspired the class leaders to have a Junior Jewels Class T-Shirt Event.

Sonora, CA — The Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA) announced the election of three new board members and two that were re-elected, including one from Calaveras County. The association’s mission is to promote the statewide importance of Sierra Nevada water resources through advocacy and collaboration. Its board is...

Columbia, CA — Columbia College and Mother Lode Job Training are teaming up to host a Community Job Fair with over 60 employers on hand. It will be Wednesday, February 15, from 1-4pm on the Columbia Campus in the Oak Pavilion. Job seekers are encouraged to bring a resume, dress for success, and be ready to discuss experience and skills with prospective employers.