Court Case Results In Stricter County Dog Law

   After countless animal nuisance complaints throughout the county and even a case lost by the Calaveras Deputy District Attorney a loophole in the law has now been closed. Through the cooperation of Sergeant Laura Murray of Calaveras Animal Services and the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors a ratified dog nuisance law has passed.  

Man Arrested in Copperopolis for Possession of Heroin

     Calaveras County Sheriff's deputies assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit were patrolling the area of Copperopolis at approximately 10:15 PM on May 26, when they received a tip from a citizen who reported illegal use of narcotics inside a vehicle in the 200 block of Thompson Lane.

Man and Woman Arrested for Vehicle Theft

     At approximately 1:30 AM on May 19, 2012, Calaveras sheriff's Deputies assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit located an occupied suspicious vehicle.

Law Enforcement and Cell Phone Use

   We received a call from Sheriff Kuntz regarding law enforcement and hand-held cell phone use. According to the Sheriff, during the regular business of the day law enforcement must follow the same law about hand-held devices, (cell phones, etc) as regular citizens.

Letter to Editor: Sheriff Talking On Cell Phone While Driving

Dear Sierra Sentinel Editor:

Police Officer In LA talking on cell.

   I wanted to share how disturbing it was to see one of our Calaveras County Sheriff Officers talking on his cell phone (I assume personal) while driving.  It was approximately 7:30pm, Friday evening at the corner of Copper Cove Dr. and O'Brynes Ferry Rd.  I could see clearly it was a cell phone as I approached him from behind at the stop sign.  I confirmed my fears as I pulled next to him at the intersection to make a right on O'Brynes Ferry as he prepared to turn left.

Angels Camp Museum Holds Gold Rush Era Lecture

    The Angels Camp Museum will present. as part of their lecture series, a special lecture on the tools and material culture of the Gold Rush era of the 1840's and 1850's on Thursday June 7, 2012 in the Carriage House at the Angels Camp Museum, beginning at 6:30 PM.

The Law Regarding Cell Phone Use In California

Recent accusations against the Calaveras County Sheriff department and the use of hand held cell phones raises questions among California drivers.  What is the law on cell phone use, who does it effect and what does it mean to me?
   
Current California law states "a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving."

Motorcycle/Car Collision in Copperopolis

     According to a report released by CHP, a 1996 Toyota driven by Sean Hale, 17 of Copperopolis, was traveling on Copper Cove Drive, preparing to make a left turn into the KWIK Gas Station.

     Hale apparently didn't see Albert King, 63, also of Copperopolis, driving a 2002 Harley Davidson, approaching the same location, and began making his left hand turn.

     King attempted to stop, but was unable to do so and struck the Toyota in the right front passenger door.

     King was transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

    

Sheriff Calls For Copperopolis Town Hall Meeting

     The Calaveras Sheriff's Department has issued an advisory message through it's Nixle program, to let the residents of Copperopolis know that there will be a Copperopolis Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 6 PM to 8 PM.

     The meeting will be held at the Armory on O'Byrnes Ferry Rd.
   The invitation is by Sheriff Gary Kuntz to discuss law enforcement related issues surrounding the community.

Summer Cabin - Elvis Hasn't Flown The Coop

     We've been asked by our readers for an update on Henrietta and Elvis, the Sierra Sentinel pet hen and rooster.

    They are together at their summer cabin in Ebbetts Pass, where Elvis is king of his little forest, and Henrietta lays an egg in her nest every other day.

    They will return to their winter home when the weather turns cold in the fall.

    

Accident in Ebbetts Pass Results in DUI Arrest

    According to CHP, Michael Stuth (23) of Camp Connell was driving his Toyota on Hwy 4 around 2 AM on Memorial Day, at an unknown rate of speed.

     When he approached a curve, he drifted over onto the shoulder and then overcorrected, crossing back across both lanes of traffic before plunging down a steep embankment.

     Mr. Stuth was transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center by Ebbetts Pass Fire Department for moderate injuries he sustained.

     He was subsequently arrested for Driving Under the Influence and released to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. 

Men in Black III tops Avengersi

    After weeks of being the top box office draw, the" Avengers" was bumped out of first place by "Men in Black III".

45,000 Postal Employees Offered Buyouts

     In an effort to control bad business practices, the United States Postal Service is announcing that is it offering 45,000 mail handlers a $10,000 buyout this summer.

    Most we've spoken with don't expect many to take the offer, unless it comes with a layoff notice. Jobs are hard to find, and the Post Office doesn't actually prepare you to work in what is called the "real world"!

Tim McGraw Donates 25 Homes

     Country singing star Tim McGraw has donated 25 mortgage free homes to wounded or needy veterans.