Community briefs for January 21, 2010 edition

(Updated: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 9:38 AM)

Chukchansi shooting

An unidentified 21-year-old male resident of Mariposa County died from a self-inflicted gun shot wound Jan. 13 in Coarsegold.

The incident occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on the top floor of the parking garage at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.

Chukchansi security called the Madera County Sheriffs Department after the subject allegedly threatened to take his own life. Although deputies responded immediately, the victim committed the act before they could arrive at the scene.

It was reported the subject was despondent over a breakup with his girlfriend.

Mariposa Chamber dinner

Each year at the installation dinner, the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce announces the Businesswoman, Businessman and Business of the Year.

The Chamber will also honor two-time recipient of the Businessman of the Year award, 1995 and 2006, Donald W. Haag, with a life-time achievement award.

The Chamber dinner is Feb. 5 at the Best Western. Tickets are available at the Chamber office located at 5158 Highway 140 or by calling (209) 966-2456.

Community Women Card Party

Mountain Community Women will host their annual Mardi Gras Card Party Luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 at the Oakhurst Community Center, Road 425B. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. If a partner is needed, let MCW know and they will match up a partner. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite board games as well as cards.

There will be door and raffle prizes so don't forget to bring a little extra cash. Drawings will start at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets sell fast for this event. Donations, which includes lunch, cost $10.

All proceeds benefit the Oakhurst Community Center. Contributions to the organization are tax deductible.

Details: Ellie at (559) 658-2342.

Court hearing for Highway 41 accident postponed

The defense counsel for Justin Eugene Rice requested postponement of a Jan. 22 preliminary hearing in Madera Superior Court.

Judge John Degroot granted a continuance of the hearing until Feb. 22, in order to allow the defense time to conduct further investigation.

Madera County District Attorney Michael Keitz has charged Rice with a total of 10 counts including murder, vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

The charges against Rice stem from an Aug. 20, 2009, automobile collision on Highway 41, which killed three people and injured two others. All of the victims were employees of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.

A preliminary hearing is a determination by a judge to ensure there is enough evidence to hold the defendant to answer for charges by the trial court.

Rice is being held in the Madera County jail under a $1 million bond.

Girls softball

The Central Sierra Softball traveling teams are looking for players to fill their rosters for the 2010 season. Coaches are looking for girls who want to play competitive fast-pitch softball in the 16 and under and the 14 and under age groups.

Last year's teams qualified for state and western regional championships. Teams are made up of girls from the Oakhurst and Mariposa areas.

Details: Keith Van Paul, (209) 628-0976, keithtrichards@sti.net.

Find gardening answers at Willow Bridge

Ronna Adler is a retired landscape contractor who counts the landscaping at the Kaiser Center, the Elderberry House and Sierra Telephone in her "Mountain Portfolio."

She has many years of experience and will be speaking from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at Willow Bridge Books.

The first part of the event will be Adler sharing her knowledge about soil preparation and pruning. Then, there will be a question/answer session. She's happy to give specific help and to answer specific questions. Come and learn from an expert and enjoy your garden even more this Spring.

Boy Scouts Centennial celebration

The Boy Scouts of America will be celebrating their 100th birthday at 1 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Oakhurst Community Center, Road 425B. The event will be hosted by Troop 341.

Alumni is invited and a special Eagle Scout "call out" will recognize those that have achieved Eagle Scout rank. Anyone that has been involved with the Scouts is invited to attend.

Scouting alumni must RSVP: Larry Jeffris, (559) 974-0381 or ljeffrisoakhurst@gmail.com

Leak in North Fork sewer concerns residents

A leak in a sewer line between the North Fork Market and Lewis Creek had many North Fork citizens concerned last weekend.

As of Sunday, untreated human waste was spilling out of the sewer system onto private property. The leak was reported to be coming coming for an apartment building construction site. Residents are concerned all the waste will be washed into the creek by heavy rainfall.

Supervisor Tom Wheeler alerted Madera County Environmental Health of the situation..