I have just moved into a new home, and there are several fruit trees. Where can I get information on how to prune these trees?
There are several ways to get help on pruning. Master Gardeners have free publications at our office in Jackson that you can request by calling or dr... READ MORE...
I sure enjoy the beautiful display of daffodils, tulips and other bulbs in the spring. When is the best time to plant them?
Know that the nights are getting cooler and squirrels are hording acorns for winter: It’s time to plant those bulbs that bloom in spring. Daffodils, ... READ MORE...
Why is it that in the spring when my plants outside look fresh, and bright green, my house plants look tired and dull and have brown tips?
In the winter, inside humidity drops even lower than outdoors and wood stoves, fireplaces, and heaters cause a lot more dust. Spring is a great time... READ MORE...
"controlled theft"
- Diane Mason Not quite up to measure
2005-2006 Amador County Grand Jury report
... READ MORE...
2006-07 Amador County Grand Jury final report
... READ MORE...
260 drivers compete for 171 parking spots
- By Paige Oneto Amador High offers 171 of its 233 paring spots to students.
“I used to have problems, but now I just come to school earlier,” said senior Brad Fergus... READ MORE...
A few weeks ago, we talked about one Companion Planting concept. Are there some other ideas about Companion Planting you could share with us?
Another reason for companion planting is that plants are physically complementary. Some plants need less sun than others do, so they could be planted ... READ MORE...
A Poetic Legend
- Christy Davis and Anna Maita Robert Frost was born in San Francisco on March 26, 1874. He became a struggling poet in New England, but that atmosphere fed his hunger for his liter... READ MORE...
ACUSD 2007-08 bus schedule Following times are estimates only. Times may vary from 5 to 10 minutes either way.
Ag mechanics go to Arbuckle
- By Robert Kuhns Seniors Kris Rasmussen and Nathan Tibbideuax, junior Ben Moreno and freshman Andrew Hedman of the agriculture mechanics team attended the fifth-annual... READ MORE...
Alumni News
- Joe Medellin A former student of Argonaut High School was featured in a national high school sports magazine entitled “Bigger, Faster, Stronger.” Jonathon Reis, wh... READ MORE...
Amador County and Calaveras County Fishing Spots Bear River Lake Resort: 40800 Highway 88, Pioneer, 295-4868
Amador County Art Galleries and Theatres Add Art, 20 Main Street, Jackson. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., 223-3339.
Amador County Cemeteries Shenandoah Valley Cemetery: Directions: From Highway 49, Plymouth go est on Shenandoah Road 4.3 miles to Steiner Road go left 0.3 miles.
Amador County Fair Presale Form
It's time to order your Pre-Sale tickets and save big on all the events and activties at the Amador County Fair. There is a form you can print right h... READ MORE...
Amador County Fair Schedule
The 2007 Amador County Fair Complete Schedule and special Pre-Sale Savings Form... READ MORE...
Amador County Fire Protection Amador Fire Protection District: For emergencies, call 911. Office: 500 Argonaut Lane, Jackson. Office phone: 223-6391. Office hours: Monday th... READ MORE...
Amador County Historical Attractions Black Chasm Cavern, Volcano, off of Pioneer-Volcano Road. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 736-2708 or visit th... READ MORE...
Amador County Law Enforcement Amador County Sheriff’s Department: For emergencies, call 911. Office address: 700 Court St., Jackson. Office and 24-hour non-emergency phone: ... READ MORE...
Amador County Libraries Main Branch, Jackson Library: 530 Sutter Street, Jackson. 223-6400. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday... READ MORE...
Amador County Mines & Caverns Black Chasm Cavern: National Natural Landmark: Volcano. 50-minute cavern tours daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. May - October, and from 10 a.m. - 4 p... READ MORE...
Amador County Museums Amador County Museum. 225 Church Street, Jackson, 223-6386. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am. to 4 p.m. Collection includes an Amador... READ MORE...
Amador County Post Offices There is one centralized telephone number for all the post offices in the United States. This number can be used for general information. The numbe... READ MORE...
Amador County Public Agencies Al-Anon Family Groups. Contact: Carol, 245-3020. Group meets at 107 Water St., Jackson on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., Monday at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 7:... READ MORE...
Amador County Restaurants Andrae’s Bakery: 14141 Highway 49, Amador City. Rustic breads, pastries, cakes and sandwiches. 267-1352.
Amador County Ski Resorts Alpine Meadows Ski Resort: 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, off Highway 89 in Tahoe City. info: 800-441-4423; ski phone: 530-581-8374. www.skialpine... READ MORE...
Amador's Academic Index falls behind Bret Harte's
- Raina Whiting "Students and teachers at our school take the STAR test very seriously." --- Catherine Sargent, Bret Harte Principal READ MORE...
Animal control director Evans ruled not guilty
May 1
Animal control director Evans ruled not guilty
Clark “Bo” Evans, the former Amador County Animal Control Director who resigned his position ... READ MORE...
Any tips on harvesting vegetables?
Try to time harvest, as close to the time you want to consume them, to get the most flavors and the best texture out of your vegetables.
Are there any publications which you would recommend for the home gardener?
The University of California has just published the California Master Gardener Handbook which provides information on a wide range of topics. They in... READ MORE...
Are there any vegetables I could be growing this time of the year?
Yes, as a matter of fact there are. Cool-season vegetables grow best when temperatures average 50-75 degrees. In addition, most will tolerate light ... READ MORE...
Argonaut Ski Team
- Jenny Hunt The first race of the year was a fantastic turn out for the ski team. Week 1, Jan. 6, 2003, was the very first race of the season competing in Giant S... READ MORE...
Argonaut: Past, Present and Future
- Michelle McClellan In the 2002 November elections, Measure F was brought to the ballot. This was a bond to help bring funding for building improvements to Amador County ... READ MORE...
Auto Tech visits Towe Museum
- Jennifer Pagano Twenty-four Auto Tech members visited the Towe Museum of Automobiles in Old Sacramento, December 4, on a field trip.
Battle of Bands at Calaveras Fair
- by Tanya Vanderpool The Calaveras County Fair’s Battle of the Bands will be on the main stage, Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. in Frogtown, outside of Angels Camp.
Book Review: Sabriel, by Garth Nix
- By: Tanya Vanderpool Publisher: Harper Collins, Date: 1995, Length: 491 pages, Stars: 5/5
Plot: Sabriel is the daughter of Mage Abhorsen. Ever since she was a tiny... READ MORE...
Boys take second, third at basketball tourneys
- Jerad Oberst Boys' baskeball took second place at the Central Valley Tournament, December 12-14, beating Kelseyville 54-33 and Bear River 51-49 but losing to Ponde... READ MORE...
Boys’ basketball beats Argo, Bret Harte, Christian Brothers
- By Jerad Oberst Huggett leads three victories READ MORE...
Boys’ basketball leading league; undefeated in first six games
- By Jerad Oberst Boys’ basketball (6-0) won 46-31 at Calaveras, Jan. 28. Senior Kyle Huggett scored 23 points to lead the Buffs.
The Buffs won 63-51 at Linden, Jan. 3... READ MORE...
Boys’ basketball takes league; goes undefeated in 10 games
- by Jerad Oberst Boys’ basketball (10-0) won the league championship for the third consecutive year, finishing ahead of Summerville (8-2) in second Calaveras (5-5) in ... READ MORE...
Buying and caring for Poinsettias
When buying a poinsettia, pick plants with fully colored bracts. If there's too much green around the edges, it is not fully mature. Choose plants w... READ MORE...
Can you explain the numbers we always see on packages of fertilizer?
Fertilizers can be a little confusing, since there is a wide variety available. There are three numbers on a fertilizer label representing the percen... READ MORE...
Can you give us some information about the concept of Companion Planting?
Companion planting is planting two crops in the same place at the same time. There are several reasons a gardener would do this. One is to reduce or... READ MORE...
Can you recommend a good houseplant that could add some color to our house during the holidays?
A Christmas cactus may be just the answer. These plants with the arching, drooping bright green branches will produce masses of red flowers throughou... READ MORE...
Can you tell me when to dig up and divide my iris?
The first rule is to dig and divide when the plants are dormant. In most areas, summer is the perfect time. But here with our hot & dry summers, thi... READ MORE...
Cheer squad second to Del Oro at Oakmont High competition
- By Eddie Maria The competitive cheer team took second place behind Del Oro at the 14th annual Oakmont High Competition, Jan. 25, finishing ahead of Monte Vista, thir... READ MORE...
Cheer takes fourth at UOP
- by Eddie Maria The competitive cheer team took fourth place at the Universal Cheerleading Association’s West Coast State Championship, Feb. 9, at the University of t... READ MORE...
Chorus performs during lunch
- By Kristina Sigston The Chorus class performed during the lunch period outside of the Fine Arts Theatre, Feb. 14.
Instructor John Leggett led the 19 students, who sang G... READ MORE...
CHP red-tags Amador County school buses March 22
CHP red-tags Amador County school buses
The California Highway Patrol removed nine buses in the Amador County School fleet from ... READ MORE...
Crossfire: Student Drug Testing
- Loren Russell and Erza Morledge Two student perspectives on Student Drug Testing. READ MORE...
Dance Show set for February 20 - 22
- Britt Stevens The Spring Dance Show will run February 20 - 22 in the Fine Arts Theatre.
The show, which will include ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, modern and pointe,... READ MORE...
Defending Their Honor
- Chris Smallwood In the December edition of the Argonaut Journal, an article entitled “No Food for You” was printed criticizing the lunch ladies. Although I do respect... READ MORE...
District offers snow-info options
- Zack Deckard With KNGT-FM 94.3 off the air, the school district is offering other options for families to receive information on the closure or delay of the start ... READ MORE...
Do roses really need to be pruned every winter? It's too cold out!
Pruning provides an opportunity to direct growth and invigorate roses. In most of California, pruning should be done in winter before buds swell, alth... READ MORE...
Do we need to worry about the nutrients in our soil when planting our vegetable gardens?
Larry, some vegetable crops take nutrients from the soil, others return nutrients to the soil. Vegetables which are heavy feeders include corn, tomato... READ MORE...
Do you have any advice on care of garden equipment during the winter?
If you have equipment with 2 or 4 cycle engines its best to add a fuel stabilizer prior to storage. After adding the stabilizer run the engine for at ... READ MORE...
Do you have any secrets for growing wonderful chrysanthemums?
Mums are easy to grow, but prize-winning chrysanthemums take a little more effort. Sturdy plants and big flowers are the result of frequent pinching ... READ MORE...
Drama doubles at Lenaea: Chapman honored; play superior
- James Tari Competing within a field of 55 one-act plays, Amador High’s Street symposium won the superior ensemble performance award; and the play’s author, senio... READ MORE...
Drama I closes tonight
- By Kelsey Streeby Drama I’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory closes tonight at 7 in the theatre.
This evening’s cast features freshmen Ben Summers and Matt Long as Wi... READ MORE...
Drama to judge jr. high speech
- By Cris Fairweather The school district’s sixth through eighth grade Soeech/Debate/Drama Tournament will be held Wednesday and Thursday, April 16-17, at Jackson Junior Hi... READ MORE...
Earth Club places recycling bins
- By Amanda Palomo and Paulina Hardin Earth Club placed seven black recycling bins on campus Monday to collect plastic, aluminum and glass bottles.
There will be a two-week trial period t... READ MORE...
Editorial - What do we do for youth?
What exactly do youth do in this county?
Hanging out at Denny’s, the bowling alley and Jackson Cinemas seems to be the thread that connects all socia... READ MORE...
Education Takes a Back Seat
- Joe Medellin The future of our education lies in the hands of our government. As of Jan. 15, 2003, Governor Gray Davis proposed education cuts in the billions to h... READ MORE...
Faculty scholarship committee picks seniors for BofA plaques
- Sean Janes The faculty’s scholarship committee selected seniors Jenny Gottstein, Brooke Chapman, Jennifer Wight and Heidi Scharein as the Bank of America plaque ... READ MORE...
Film Review - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- James Tari Date: 2002
Film Review: The Day The Earth Stood Still
- By: James Tari Date: 1952, Studio: Fox, Director: Robert Wise, Leads: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Length: 92 minutes, Rating: NR, Stars: 3.5/5
Floral prepares for Easter
- by Zack Deckard With Valentine’s Day behind them, the floral students are now preparing for Easter, which is Sunday, April 20.
Floral will be selling spring bouquet ... READ MORE...
Fnork File
- Jessica Standard Ready or not, it’s Valentine’s Day! Though floral shops and candy stores offered an array of gifts for your admired someone, there are many presents o... READ MORE...
Fnork File
- By Jesseca Standard Well, we’ve got trouble, right here in River…umm…Amador County. No busses. What would happen if we didn’t have other “necessities?” Could you imagine?... READ MORE...
Fnork File
- Jesseca Standard Now that the holidays are over, what should be done with all those unwanted Christmas presents, which came without receipts?
Football Banquet
- Joe Medellin On Monday Jan. 6,2003, the Argonaut High School football team held their annual banquet to acknowledge individual players. The banquet was held at the... READ MORE...
Former Sutter Creek Mayor charged, sentenced for grand theft
By Sean Rabé Nov. 20
Former Sutter Creek Mayor charged, sentenced for grand theft
By Sean Rabé
srabe@ledger-dispatch.com
Former Sutter Creek Mayor Randy Aspi... READ MORE...
Freshman Fit, Why Not Garbage?
- Scott Crawford At the beginning of each new school year the juniors and seniors take the time and effort to pick up a freshmen and place them in a garbage can. By do... READ MORE...
Girls win last four games, tie for second place in league
- By John Piombo Girls’ basketball (7-3) closed out league, beating Bret Harte, Calaveras, Linden and Summerville.
Bret Harte (9-1) took the title. Amador and Calaver... READ MORE...
Girls win two of four: Beat Linden, Summerville; lost to Argonaut, Calaveras
- John Piombo Girls’ basketball (4-2) played four more league games, winning two and losing two.
The Herd lost 50-41 to Calaveras here, Jan. 29. Senior Jessica Sul... READ MORE...
Girls' basketball hosts Argonaut tonight
- John Piombo Tonight girls' basketball hosts Argonaut in the league opener with JV's starting at 6:15.
At the Lincoln Tournament, Dec. 19-21, girls' basketball lo... READ MORE...
Girls’ basketball splits opening league games
- By John Piombo Smith scores 25 against Argo READ MORE...
Growing African Violets
Would you like an easy way to add some color to the inside of your home?
African violets are easy to care for and come in a wide range of colors. Th... READ MORE...
Healthy Food or Junk Food?
- Heather Yancy Pizza, hamburgers, submarine sandwiches, French fries, chips, sodas, ice cream, cookies, yogurt and bagels account for up to 70 percent of all food sa... READ MORE...
Heissenbuttel takes first in snowboarding
- Joe Mazzurco Junior Randy Heissenbuttel took first place at the California-Nevada Interscholastic Ski and Snowboard Federation meet at Kirkwood, Jan 6, ahead of so... READ MORE...
Helton, Billington win contests, take firsts in Lions’ speeches
- By Sean Janes Speaking on terrorism and world security, sophomores Molli Helton and Tashayla Billington won the two local Lions Club Speech contests the first weeke... READ MORE...
How can I get rid of poison oak?
There are two ways to manage poison oak: by mechanical methods and by chemical control. For mechanical management you can hand pull or dig up. This... READ MORE...
How can I keep my poinsettia throughout the year so that it will rebloom for next Christmas?
After the colored bracts fade or fall cut the plant back by half or within 5 inches from the ground. Remember that the blooms are the small yellow flo... READ MORE...
How can someone become a Master Gardener?
The Master Gardener program is open to anyone interested in gardening and being a community volunteer?
Master Gardeners are highly trained individu... READ MORE...
How difficult is it to grow African Violets?
There are several key factors. The first is light. These beautiful plants need at least 14 hours of light daily.
Another common problem is incorrec... READ MORE...
How do I know how long and how much water my vegetables need?
Vegetables need to be deep watered once established. When first planted, vegetables need their roots kept moist for the first two weeks. After they ... READ MORE...
How to Have a Garden In Spite of Poor, Rocky Soil
If you are frustrated by trying to garden in areas of Amador County that have poor, rocky soil, then building a raised-bed garden may be your solution... READ MORE...
I am having trouble with ground squirrels damaging my vegetables and fruit trees. What can I do?
Ground squirrels can cause extensive damage to gardens and landscapes. They can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans and the burrows they di... READ MORE...
I am interested in growing a foolproof tomato, what would you suggest?
Larry, cherry tomatoes are always a good bet. They tend to be hardy plants that produce lots of sweet treats. And there are many varieties to choose... READ MORE...
I am seeing daffodil bulbs in the stores now, but I’m always disappointed when the blooms fade after a several weeks and they are gone.
The secret to a longer blooming season is planting varieties of daffodils that flower in early, mid and late season. You will have daffodils for two ... READ MORE...
I have a piece of property with a lot of wild blackberries on it. What’s the best way to reduce the population and keep it in check?
Wild blackberries are difficult to control. Mechanical control such as mowing, or burning is not an effective long-term control measure, because the ... READ MORE...
I have always wanted a pond for my yard but just don’t know how to go about it.
Water gardening is not as hard as it looks! You can do an in-ground pond in your yard complete with waterfall or use a pot or old wine barrel on you ... READ MORE...
I have heard that perennials greatly benefit when you divide them. How true is this?
That’s true - PLUS, you will have many smaller plants to re-plant or share with friends and neighbors.
How do I know what ones to divide now?... READ MORE...
I have noticed that many of the roses in the area have Black Spots on the leaves. Is this a problem?
Oddly enough, this sounds like Black Spot, caused by a fungus. This fungus produces black spots with feathery margins on the upper surfaces of leaves... READ MORE...
I have seen displays of beautiful flowering plants in many stores. Do they take a lot of care?
Colorful plants can brighten the home in winter. Each needs light, water, temperatures and humidity similar to their native home. Select plants know... READ MORE...
I know it’s not always best to use poisons to get rid of garden pests, but when all else has failed, what should I do?
University of California guidelines suggest that you only use pesticides when non-chemical controls are ineffective and pests are reaching intolerable... READ MORE...
I planted asparagus last year, how long should I cut spears this year?
Asparagus can be harvested starting in the spring of the second year after planting. Cut the spears for only 4 to 6 weeks or until appearance of thin... READ MORE...
I would like to have a fruit tree, but I don’t have a lot of room and I don’t like the idea of hauling out the ladder to care for the fruit trees.
It makes sense to keep the height of your fruit trees no taller than you can reach with both feet on the ground. That way you can manage the trees eas... READ MORE...
I'd like to have home grown vegetables this summer, but I don't want to spend a lot of time and work on it. Any ideas for people like me?
You might want to try the square foot gardening method. The idea behind square foot gardening is to grow lots of plants in a small garden that is easy... READ MORE...
I'm having trouble with ants. What can I do?
Ants are the most common pests in households and are found nearly everywhere in California. Since ants enter buildings during hot and dry weather, lo... READ MORE...
I'm not sure when to prune my roses. Is this a good time?
Roses are pruned in the dormant stage. For our area, this means any time from January to March; depending on your elevation. The higher you live, t... READ MORE...
I'm thinking of starting some plants from seed this year. Anything I need to worry about?
Spring is just around the corner and now is the time to start you garden seeds. Seed starting is an economical way to fill your vegetable & flower ga... READ MORE...
I’m going to plant asparagus, could you give me some planting instructions?
When planting asparagus, try to select a reasonably well-drained area to plant. When buying plants, select those that have medium to large roots for ... READ MORE...
I’ve noticed a lot of pine trees have suddenly turned brown all over, and appear to be dead. Someone said it could be caused by bark beetles. What do you think?
Larry, bark beetles frequently attack pine trees in our area. A buckshot pattern of holes appears on infested branches or on the trunks, where adult b... READ MORE...
I’ve noticed a lot of silky webbing on plants along my gravel drive and in the yard. What creates these webs?
Well, it sounds like webspinning spider mites, the most common mite pests in gardens and on farms. Hot, dry weather and dusty conditions are a perfec... READ MORE...
I’ve noticed some freshly dug holes in my garden, and I’m afraid I may have gophers. What do you suggest?
Well, first you want to make sure it’s a gopher rather than a mole, because gophers eat your plants, but moles will usually eat only worms and insects... READ MORE...
In the season Can you Grow Shamrocks!!
Shamrocks are sold at your local nursery and grocery stores as a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. The plant is actually oxalis of one variety or another.... READ MORE...
Interact volunteers in San Francisco
- Paulina Hardin Twenty members of Interact worked in the Glide Memorial Church's soup kitchen in San Francisco, December 15, serving breakfast Sunday morning at 6:30.... READ MORE...
Is early June too late to thin apples or pears and if not how much should I thin?
No, its not too late to thin either crop, especially late maturing varieties. Benefits from thinning are larger and more uniform sized fruit, reducti... READ MORE...
It seems that aphids are fairly common this time of year, what can we do about them?
Aphids are small insects with long slender mouth parts that they use to pierce stems, leaves and other tender plant parts and suck out plant fluids. ... READ MORE...
It's almost summertime. How can we avoid bee and wasp stings and if we do get stung what do we do?
Nearly everyone has been stung by an insect at one time or another. It is an unpleasant experience that people hope not to repeat, but for most peop... READ MORE...
Juniors Chosen for Boys/Girls State in June
- By Chris Frerking Three students were chosen for Boys State and one for Girls State by the Scholarship Committee.
Juniors Austin Clymer, John mason and William Swift w... READ MORE...
Juniors chosen for D.C. trip
- Alex Summers Juniors Timothy Acklin, Shina Chura, Lucia Pinotti and Danielle and Nicole Gaggero have been nominated by counselor Mike Abdollahzadeh and accepted by... READ MORE...
Juniors face exit exam as grad requirement
- by Paige Oneto Most of the 178 juniors have already passed the state-required California High School Exit Examination and are eligible to receive a diploma at gradua... READ MORE...
Justified Search at Gym
- Loren Russell, Editor Recently students saw signs posted on gym doors stating that anyone who entered could be subject to search by police and/or school authorities.
Leggett plans chorus schedule for spring performances
- Kristina Sigston Director John Leggett is scheduling spring performance dates for the chorus class:
• With the band during the Spring Concert, May 6-7.
Local businesses, county hit with ADA lawsuits
By Sean Rabé April 10
Local businesses, county hit with ADA lawsuits
By Sean Rabé
srabe@ledger-dispatch.com
Several area businesses and Amador County have fo... READ MORE...
Local teacher arrested on molestation charges
By Sean Rabé July 24
Local teacher arrested on molestation charges
By Sean Rabé
srabe@ledger-dispatch.com
Former Amador teacher and coach Ronald Sheldon Philli... READ MORE...
Loss of school-bus runs causes family problems
- Paige Oneto Due to a shortage of drivers and unsatisfactory safety inspections by the California Highway Patrol, district officials took the fleet of 30 school bu... READ MORE...
March Crops
March opens the door for many cool season crops to be sown directly into the soil. Root crops like radishes, beets, turnips and carrots fall into thi... READ MORE...
Mosquitoes give me itchy bites but I've also heard that they can cause a disease in my dog. What can I do?
Mosquitoes vector dog heartworm in California. Oak trees, common in foothill areas, provide tree holes that fill with water and harbor the larval sta... READ MORE...
Movie Review: Maid In Manhattan
- Nicole Adams “Maid in Manhattan” is yet another makeover of the classic fairytale of Cinderella. Jennifer Lopez plays a single mom named Marisa. Marisa is a hard-w... READ MORE...
Music Review - Song from the Penalty Box 4
- Dylan Moody Artist: 22 different bands
Format: Punk, pop punk and alternative
Label: Tooth & Nail
Stars: 3.5/5
Summary: Tooth & Nail has released yet another ... READ MORE...
Music review, Mobilize by Anti-Flag
- by Dylan Moody Album: Mobilize
Artist: Anti-Flag
Label: A-F records
Format: Punk Rock
Stars: 5/5
Summary: Anti-Flag’s newest, Mobilize, was released in 200... READ MORE...
Music Review: Start Static, Artist: Sugarcult
- By: Dylan Moody Label: Ultimatum Music, Format: Pop punk, Rating: 5/5
Summary: Sugarcult released this album last summer. Which featured their first single, B... READ MORE...
My grandchildren are coming to visit, what plants are poisonous in my landscape?
Well, we certainly need to be careful not to plant anything within reach of the children when they are playing in the yard that they can put in their ... READ MORE...
New tree plantings
The ideal time to plant trees is in the fall. The first step is to dig a large planting hole. The hole should be as deep as the root ball and twice ... READ MORE...
Oh No They Didn't... Oh No all the females don’t show their undergarments on purpose. Sorry we don’t want to see that.
Oh No some of the junior girls aren... READ MORE...
Oh, Drama!
- Stephanie Capitanich Prior to last year, the drama club had been running for four years. Last year, Mrs. Amick taught drama as an elective class, but it was cut due to bud... READ MORE...
Paper Harassment
- Editorial The paper's tendency to incite students into real thought is just one of the many reasons that it is excellent reading material. READ MORE...
Pest Management Alternatives
I’ve enjoyed the new growth and flowers that come with the warm weather. Unfortunately it has also brought a lot of insects to my garden. What’s bes... READ MORE...
PHAW lawsuit denied
Oct.2
PHAW lawsuit denied
By Eloise Snyder
Superior Court Judge Susan Harlan has ruled that the Amador Water Agency “substantially complied” with... READ MORE...
Planting bare root roses
Why get out in the cold and wet of winter to buy and set out bare-root roses when you can wait until spring and plant the same plant from containers? ... READ MORE...
Profile: Ashleigh Jones
- Ashely Sullivan While there are many great individuals at Argonaut High School this month’s profile will focus on Ashleigh Jones. Ashleigh is currently a Junior at Ar... READ MORE...
Risk and Williams take second at ski meet
- By Amanda Palomo With their second-place slalom finishes, juniors Brenna Risk and Travis Williams led the ski team, Feb. 10, at Sierra at Tahoe.
S-Club collects 350 Christmas toys
- Tanya Vanderpool S-Club members collected over 350 toys before the Christmas break with assistance from four instructors.
Joe Anooshian, Lois Moline, Scott Hunkins an... READ MORE...
Salad Garden
It’s not too late in the season to start your salad garden. Most of the leafy vegetables do best in the cool weather of fall or spring. Now is the t... READ MORE...
Selecting and Caring for a Christmas Tree
It’s that time of year again when the family is looking forward to selecting and decorating the Christmas Tree. Here are few tips for choosing and ma... READ MORE...
Since the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter has not been in the news is there still a problem?
Yes the problem still exists. The sharpshooter has infested Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura, Orange, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Ker... READ MORE...
Ski Report
- Robert Greathouse Kirkwood Ski Report
Kirkwood’s current base snow height is 130 inches to 180 inches with 65 percent of the trails open. All lifts are open wi... READ MORE...
Skunks
There are three kinds of skunks: spotted, striped, and hognosed, all of them offensive. The spotted likes the south west, the hognosed the west, and... READ MORE...
Something About Key Club
- Natalia Estupinan Every week in the bulletin there is something new about The Key Club.
This club is a service club and is one of the most important clubs on our campu... READ MORE...
Something is eating the leaves at the top of my liquidambar, do you know what it is?
It could be the redhumped caterpillar. These voracious eaters will skeletonize the leaves of liquidamber, walnut, plum, apple, apricot and several ot... READ MORE...
Spacing plants When I go to the nursery to buy plants, I never know how many to get or how close to plant them. How is this figured?
Spotlight
- By: Chelsea Heintz Sophomore Kevin Dunne, 15, lives in Sutter Creek with his mother, Nancy; and father, Al. After-school activities: Hanging out in the Fin... READ MORE...
Spotlight
- Chelsea Heintz Junior Caroline Betlan, 16, lives in Pioneer with her mother, Kathy; father, Brian; and sister, Krystal, a senior.
STAR scholars
- Kelsey Streeby Nineteen sophomores, eighteen juniors and nineteen seniors scored within the top five percent in the state in the STAR examination given last spring.
... READ MORE...
Stevens makes cut at semifinals
- by Paulina Hardin After winning the sectional creed speaking contest for the Future Farmers of America, Courtney Stevens went on to make the cut of eight people at the ... READ MORE...
Stevens wins FFA section creed contest at Galt High
- Paulina Hardin Courtney Stevens won the Future Farmers of America’s section creed speech contest at Galt High School, Jan. 28.
The freshman, who spoke at the region... READ MORE...
Students attend GSA workshop
- Tanya Vanderpool Seven members of the Gay-Straight Alliance attended a Make It Real workshop, Jan. 19, at McClatchy High in Sacramento.
Summer is a great time for enjoying my lawn, but how can I make sure it stays healthy in the summer heat?
One of the most important things you can do to help your lawn in the summer is to mow it regularly at the correct length.
Sweet Peas
It’s not too early to start thinking about spring color in next year’s garden. Spring flowering sweet peas can be planted between October and early Ja... READ MORE...
The Notebook
- Kaela Hallum Kyle Huggett is the leading scorer for varsity basketball, which is undefeated in league play with a 6-0 mark as of last week.
The Notebook
- by Kaela Hallum For the sixth year, Greg Wall is the girls’ varsity soccer coach. That’s old news. The new news: his wife, Karen, is the girls’ JV coach.
Thinking about growing pumpkins for Halloween?
Because of the long growth period required for pumpkins, seeds need to be planted in late spring for an autumn harvest.
Tips for tasty tomatoes
This is the time of year when many gardeners are planting tomato plants in eager anticipation of a tasty crop of tomatoes for summer dining. To have ... READ MORE...
Using dormant sprays
Dormant sprays are applied during a plants dormant or rest period. Generally dormant sprays are applied after leaves have fallen and before first fall... READ MORE...
We grew some great tomatoes last summer, but I can’t remember the name of the variety . . .
Perhaps it is time you started a gardening journal. In a gardening journal you can record the types of vegetables you grow as well as their varietal ... READ MORE...
We have a lot of spider webs around the house. How can I get rid of these spiders?
Many people fear or dislike spiders but, for the most part, spiders are beneficial because of their role as predators of insects and other arthropods,... READ MORE...
We have so many wooded areas in this County, if a property owner wants to build a workshop, a storage shed or other type of outbuilding, do you have any tips that would help them preserve their oak trees?
With thoughtful management practices, oak trees can be protected. The most vulnerable parts of a mature oak tree are the root crown which is at the ba... READ MORE...
Westly leads Cards Club
- by Alex Summers Jeremiah Westly is leading the Cards Club as its president.
“We created our club to provide a place for players to share their interests with others,... READ MORE...
What are gardeners doing this time of year when it is cold and wet outside?
This is the favorite time of the year for some gardeners! Winter is when they have time to peruse their garden catalogs and dream about the possibili... READ MORE...
What are the multiple legged creatures we often see in the garden and sometimes wandering in our homes?
You are probably thinking of millipedes or centipedes. Millipedes are brownish, elongated, and somewhat cylindrical. They vary from _ to 6-1/2 inche... READ MORE...
What can you tell us about Poison Oak?
Poison oak is a deciduous, woody plant that can appear as a vine or a shrub. Generally the leaves appear as 3 leaflets with the center leaflet longer... READ MORE...
What do you recommend for those gardeners who are anxious to get out start planting?
Larry, there are many bare root plants available this time of year. When we mention bare root plants, many people think of fruit trees, roses or berr... READ MORE...
What do you think is making the 2” diameter holes that I am seeing in the ground and should I be concerned?
Well Larry, it sounds like voles (that’s voles with a “V”, not moles with an “M”.) A vole is a rodent and looks like a hamster or a chubby mouse with ... READ MORE...
What Dreams May Come
- Natalia Estupinan Saturday, Jan. 25, Argonaut High School students had an exciting and complex night at Winter Formal. When people talk about winter formal they think i... READ MORE...
What is a best way to keep the weeds out of the garden and around the landscape?
Mulching is the best investment you can make of time and energy in your garden. Why you may ask? Here’s why: mulching controls weed growth, retains s... READ MORE...
What is a best way to keep the weeds out of the garden and around the landscape?
Mulching is the best investment you can make of time and energy in your
garden. Why you may ask? Here’s why: mulching controls weed growth, retains ... READ MORE...
What is the best way to avoid ticks while gardening this time of year?
As many gardeners know, the western black-legged tick can transmit lyme disease. However, handling leafy matter and sitting on logs or stone walls ca... READ MORE...
What is the best way to rid my yard of those pesky snails and slugs that eat my plants every year?
Snails and slugs are among the most bothersome pests in the garden and landscape. They feed on a variety of plants and also chew on fruits and young ... READ MORE...
What is the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers and which is best to use?
Organic fertilizers are derived from the remains of living organisms. Manures, composts, bone meal and blood meal are examples of organic fertilizers... READ MORE...
What is the tree that I see growing up country in the spring that has these big white flowers?
It could be a dogwood. Our native Pacific dogwood, Cornus nutallii, reaches up to 100 feet, and its smaller Eastern cousin, Cornus florida grows to 2... READ MORE...
What is the white powdery stuff on the leaves of some of my plants?
It sounds like a powdery mildew problem. These fungi thrive in our warm, dry summers. This fungus disease is not caused by moisture as is often thou... READ MORE...
What should people be doing in their garden during the winter?
Winter is a good time to take care of the tools we use in our gardens. Be sure to disconnect hoses from faucets and remove nozzles so the water drains... READ MORE...
What would you do if you had one day when you could do anything?
- Staff Report Freshman Kerry Day: Break every law I could.
Junior Kristen Shaw: Take a trip around the world for the day.
Sophomore David Padgett: Spend the day w... READ MORE...
When is the best time to pick your tomatoes?
Tomatoes need warm, but not hot, weather to produce the best tasting, red fruit. If left on the vine until they turn red, the magic happens: acidity ... READ MORE...
When should I prune my fruit tree?
Deciduous fruit trees are normally pruned during the dormant season. There are many different styles of pruning, however the two basic pruning steps ... READ MORE...
Who are the Master Gardeners?
The Amador County Master Gardeners are individuals who have received training in horticulture and pest management through the University of California... READ MORE...
Why are our beautiful Madrone trees looking so bad?
This year, we are seeing an unusual amount of "leaf drop" and "die back" in Madrone trees. This is caused by the Madrone psyllid, a small insect abou... READ MORE...
Why Cut the Arts?
- Staff Report It seems that whenever school districts and/or state governments run into financial trouble and are forced to cut programs, the first area officials c... READ MORE...
Why grow the old, heirloom tomato varieties when there are so many new hybrids?"
Heirloom tomatoes are tomatoes with a past. They have been handed down from generation to generation because of their outstanding flavor and because ... READ MORE...
Williams leads ski team at Sierra at Tahoe
- Amanda Palomo Junior Travis Williams led Amador at the Sierra at Tahoe ski meet, Feb. 3.
Junior David Cooper followed in fifth place and junior Scott Hertzog took ... READ MORE...
Winter Formal set for tomorrow
- Jerad Oberst Students who have purchased their tickets in advance will be attending the Roaring Twenties Winter Formal tomorrow at the Sutter Creek Auditorium from... READ MORE...
Wrestlers take third place at Argonaut Tournament
- By Tyler Longman Fulton, Filmore take first place READ MORE...
Wrestling beats Linden 69-6 in league opener
- Tyler Longman In the opening league match, wrestling beat Linden 69-6 here January 9.
Winning were senior Pat Mitchell (heavyweight), junior Ed Fulton (189), senio... READ MORE...
Wrestling falls to Calaveras, beats Argonaut
- Tyler Longman Wrestling lost 49-12 at Calaveras, Jan. 30. Junior Kevin Barad (160), senior Pat Skelton (215) and Junior Austin Clymer (152) all won their matches. T... READ MORE...
Wrestling takes third at league meet; ninth here in small-schools’ subsection meet
- By Tyler Longman With 125 points, Amador took third place behind Calaveras (205) and Bret Harte (171.5) but ahead of Argonaut (88), Linden (63) and Summerville (7) at ... READ MORE...
Wwhen is the best time to add new trees and other perennials to my landscape?
Fall is the best time for planting trees, shrubs and hardy perennials. The advantages of fall planting are:
o Cooler weather for plants means less s... READ MORE...
Yellow Jackets are so bad in the summer that we can't even enjoy outdoor B-B-Q’s. Is there anything that can be done?
The best way to prevent unpleasant encounters with this social wasp is to avoid them. Because they can be so aggressive, especially around their nes... READ MORE...
You Don't Say
- Jacqueline Paschane Welcome back to the second half of your 2002-2003 school year. Just 17 weeks to go, and hellllllllllooooo, summer! Shorts, tank tops and sandals...I c... READ MORE...
You don’t say
- by Jacqueline Paschane You want different?
You get different!
Read on, friends.
This week’s column is all about tips. Hopefully, these tips will help you spend your money... READ MORE...
You Don’t Say
- Jaqueline Paschane Well, there goes January and on to February. Know what really makes my heart flutter? Knowing that there are only three-and-a-half months left of scho... READ MORE...
You Don’t Say: The Winter Formal in the Sutter Creek Auditorium, January 18 - What an event!
- By Jacqueline Pashane While many couples drove themselves in their parents’ vehicles, senior Matt Vicini looked better than ever in his Mercedes Benz with an out-of-town gi... READ MORE...
