The Sun-Gazette Newspaper

07/02/2024

Prosecutors successfully argue against the parole of Annette Batten for assault she committed in 2021; Batten was paroled in 2017 after murdering husband in 1995TULARE COUNTY – After serving 21 years in prison for murder, Annette Batten, 61, had gotten a second chance as she was paroled in 2017. But her time back outside of prison was short lived.In a virtual hearing on June 27, prosecutors from the Tulare County of District Attorney’s Office successfully argued against parole suitability for Batten after she reoffended as a parolee....

Prosecutors successfully argue against the parole of Annette Batten for assault she committed in 2021; Batten was paroled in 2017

07/02/2024

East bests the West for a 10-7 victory in the 63rd Annual Exeter Lions All-Star Baseball Game; Ruiz earns MVP honors after recording two RBIs late in the contest to claim the winVISALIA – When the best of the best face off, it takes a special talent to stand out. And that’s what Exeter’s Ruben Ruiz did in the 63rd Annual Exeter Lions All-Star Baseball Game at Valley Strong Ballpark.After Ruiz and the East team raced out to a 7-1 lead to start the game on June 29, the West roared back to tie the contest, 7-7, heading to the bottom of the sixth inning....

East bests the West for a 10-7 victory in the 63rd Annual Exeter Lions All-Star Baseball Game; Ruiz earns MVP honors after

07/02/2024

South-of-Delta agricultural contractors receive an increase from the Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation, farmers see an increase from 40% to 50%SACRAMENTO – As the summer heats up, local agricultural contractors will be looking to get the resources they need to continue their work; and some of those farmers got a reprieve on June 25 when the Bureau of Reclamation announced another increase in the Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation for south-of-Delta contractors.Thanks to the announcement, south-of-Delta agricultural contractors will see their water supply allocation increase from 40% to 50%....

South-of-Delta agricultural contractors receive an increase from the Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation,

07/02/2024

City recommends the use of sanctioned Sane and Safe fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July, reminds residents that the use of unsanctioned fireworks comes with risks of fines and injuriesPORTERVILLE – With the Fourth of July approaching, the City of Porterville encourages the community to plan ahead to have a safe holiday. As residents look to celebrate, Porterville wants them to understand the risks of using fireworks and that abiding by the Safe and Sane Firework program is essential to personal safety....

With the Fourth of July approaching, the City of Porterville encourages the community to plan ahead to have a safe holiday.

07/02/2024

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux drops out of 20th Congressional District race, securing a win for Vince Fong in NovemberTULARE COUNTY – A race for Congress that began with nearly a dozen candidates is down to just one after Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux suspended his campaign. Through a video posted to his page on July 1, Boudreaux announced he would drop out of the race and endorse fellow Republican Vince Fong in the Nov....

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux drops out of 20th Congressional District race, securing a win for Vince Fong in November

07/02/2024

"Land of Liberty" by Trudy Wischemann

My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty… The song floats through my mind as we move toward the 248th birthday of our precious democracy. Sweet land of liberty – how are we doing?I learned this song a decade before the civil rights movement, though a century after it was due.

07/01/2024

Local shop celebrates 40 years of providing commercial and residential glass services to community, owner reflects on business’ start and accomplishments through the yearsTULARE – A recent Friday marked a significant milestone for Tulare Glass, Inc. as the company celebrated 40 years in business.Tulare Glass, Inc. was purchased by Jim Jordan, Sr. on June 28, 1984. Forty years later, the company celebrated decades of business with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 28, 2024, where public officials and community members came together to commemorate the milestone....

Tulare Glass has become a fixture in the Tulare community through hard work, dedication to customer service and a vision for the future.

07/01/2024

"The Year of the Lord’s Favor" by Allen Whittenburg

Earlier this year the Lord gave me a word for our congregation that may seem counterintuitive when one considers the state of our nation’s economy. The Word I received from the Lord was from Luke 4:19. It declares that “This is the Year of the Lord’s Favor.”

07/01/2024

07/01/2024

Okieville water recharge project is a “poster child” of partnership to protect residential water; project comes together after nine years of delays, obstaclesOKIEVILLE – More than 40 engineers, landowners, water officials and drinking water advocates gathered along the banks of a full, flowing canal in Tulare County Thursday, June 27 to inaugurate the Okieville Recharge Basin.But the first order of business on the hot summer day was snow cones.The 21-acre project is a “poster child” of partnership that will yield multiple benefits, Tulare Irrigation District manager Aaron Fukuda said....

Okieville water recharge project is a “poster child” of partnership to protect residential water; project comes together after nine

06/30/2024

Tulare County Crop Report for the week ending June 29 |

Peach, nectarine, and plum harvest is in full swing, with fruit being exported to Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Thailand. The last of the apricots are being harvested. Dried prunes are in the local dehydrators for processing. Plum harvest is going strong with local packing faci...

06/30/2024

"Hello everyone! My name is Taylor Marshall and I am the new executive director for Love In the Name of Christ."

Hello everyone! My name is Taylor Marshall and I am the new executive director for Love In the Name of Christ. It is my pleasure to serve our community! For those of you who may be unaware of what Love INC has to offer you, please know that we are here to serve you; our neighbors in need. Our missio...

06/29/2024

Ninety-year-old man succumbs to critical injuries, Visalia officers arrest vicitm’s 64-year-old daughter for the assaultVISALIA – A woman has been arrested in connection to an assault against her 90-year-old father, who died as a result of his injuries.Just before 9:30 p.m. on June 25, Visalia officers were called to the 900 block of North Atwood Street for a report of an assault....

Ninety-year-old man succumbs to critical injuries, Visalia officers arrest vicitm’s 64-year-old daughter for the assault

06/28/2024

Exeter City Council approves balanced budget for next two fiscal years, improves upon some city services despite increased spending and staff negotiationsEXETER – Despite inflating costs and ongoing salary negotiations with city employees, the city of Exeter has approved a balanced budget ahead of the next two years, allowing the city to keep core services in line along with some wiggle room to expand upon other ones.Finance Director Eekhong Franco presented Exeter City Council with the city’s budget on June 25, which was approved and adopted with a unanimous vote the same day....

Exeter City Council approves balanced budget for next two fiscal years, improves upon some city services despite increased

06/28/2024

State postpones the hearing from Nov. 1 to Jan. 7 of next year, delay gives local water agencies an extra two months to prepare for the probationary hearingTULARE COUNTY – The state postponed the Kaweah groundwater region’s Nov. 5 probationary hearing until Jan. 7, 2025, according to an announcement at a “state of the subbasin” event held June 19 to answer questions about what probation would mean.“We have some good news for you this afternoon and we could all use some good news,” Mark Larsen, manager of the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency, said at the meeting....

The state postponed the Kaweah groundwater region’s Nov. 5 probationary hearing until Jan. 7, 2025, according to an announcement at

06/28/2024

Assessment marks 8.5% increase from previous year; assessment roll represents the total net value of all locally assessed real estate, business and personal property of the past yearTULARE COUNTY – Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder Tara K. Freitas, CPA, announced this past Thursday that the annual assessment roll is $49.97 billion, marking an 8.5% increase from last year. The assessment roll represents the total net value of all locally assessed real estate, business and personal property in Tulare County as of Jan....

Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder Tara K. Freitas, CPA, announced this past Thursday that the annual assessment roll is $49.97 billion,

06/28/2024

Fire Chief Charlie Norman emphasizes dangers of illegal fireworks at Board of Supervisors meeting, outlines strategies to prevent fires and injuries this Fourth of JulyTULARE COUNTY – In preparation for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, Fire Chief Charlie Norman sparked some attention on firework safety at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting.On June 25, Norman started his presentation by breaking down which fireworks are illegal including those that launch into the air or that explode, and which are Safe and Sane Fireworks, which are authorized for use.“If it does not have the safe and sane fire marshal seal, it is illegal,” Norman said....

In preparation for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, Fire Chief Charlie Norman sparked some attention on firework safety at

06/28/2024

Tule River Tribe introduces seven beavers to South Fork Tule River; Tule River Tribe, California Department of Fish and Wildlife hope the beavers make positive impact on environmentTULARE COUNTY – Hot dam, they’re back! After several decades away, beavers are finally logging back onto the Tule River Indian Reservation. After years of work by the Tule River Tribe, a family of seven beavers have been released into the South Fork Tule River watershed on the Tule River Reservation....

Hot dam, they’re back! After several decades away, beavers are finally logging back onto the Tule River Indian Reservation.

06/28/2024

The Exeter Lions hold their 63rd annual All-Star Baseball game this Saturday night; exceptional high school baseball players from across Tulare County gather to competeVISALIA - After an exciting season of high school baseball in the Central Valley, it is now time to celebrate the best talent from this past season. And what better way to do that than the 63rd annual Exeter Lions All-Star Baseball game at Valley Strong Ballpark this Saturday night.With the best talent on the field this weekend, the East and the West teams will go at it for bragging rights....

The Exeter Lions hold their 63rd annual All-Star Baseball game this Saturday night; exceptional high school baseball players from across

06/27/2024

New swim facility for Orosi High School and community continues to take shape, remains on track to be open for the start of 2025 swim seasonOROSI – The future Cutler-Orosi Aquatic Complex is gradually becoming a reality, and will provide an oasis for Orosi High swimmers and the community starting next year.The facility, at the site of the school's old varsity baseball diamond on the west-central side of campus, remains on track to be open for Orosi High’s swim season in early 2025 according to Raffi Soghomonian, director of facilities/transportation operations for the Cutler Orosi Joint Unified School District.A tour of the facility on June 20 showed that the concrete base for the main competition pool and adjacent community pool and wading area already has been poured....

New swim facility for Orosi High School and community continues to take shape, remains on track to be open for the start of 2025 swim season

06/27/2024

Lindsay City Council appoints former Exeter Public Works Director Daymon Qualls as next city manager; Qualls to take over position starting July 8LINDSAY – Daymon Qualls, Exeter's now former public works director, is picking up the torch as Lindsay’s city manager now that he’s officially been appointed by Lindsay City Council, bringing over 18 years of public service experience to the town.Qualls’ contract for the city manager position was approved by the council on June 25....

Lindsay City Council appoints former Exeter Public Works Director Daymon Qualls as next city manager; Qualls to take over position starting

06/27/2024

Dinuba City Council identifies preferences for downtown city hall, civic center on northwest corner of Fresno and L StreetDINUBA – Looking toward the future, city officials hope to one day center their operations and resident services in downtown Dinuba.While still a far-off plan, the Dinuba City Council identified a location and general design concept for a future downtown civic center and city hall during a council workshop June 25....

While still a far-off plan, the Dinuba City Council identified a location and general design concept for a future downtown civic center

06/27/2024

Dinuba City Council prioritizes College Avenue, El Monte Way and Kamm Avenue roadway improvementsDINUBA – The city of Dinuba is not ready to put roadwork in its rearview mirror just yet, as city staff have plans to take on additional street improvement projects this year.Following the ongoing Kamm/Alta roundabout construction, the completed improvements to Nebraska Avenue and more, segments of three other regularly-trafficked roads will receive upgrades....

Dinuba has $4 million in funding available for street improvement projects, with $3 million coming from the Tulare County Measure R fund and

06/27/2024

California parole commissioners find Henry Borbon suitable for parole after 45 years in prison for murders of Richard Gaither, Rosie Sanchez in 1975TULARE COUNTY – Despite strong objections from prosecutors, California parole commissioners have found Henry Borbon, who played a significant part in the murder of two individuals near Exeter almost fifty years ago, suitable for parole.This decision was handed down during a virtual hearing on June 25....

California parole commissioners find Henry Borbon suitable for parole after 45 years in prison for murders of Richard Gaither, Rosie Sanchez in 1975

06/27/2024

City of Tulare cuts back on some expenditures to balance city budget for the coming 2024-25 fiscal yearTULARE – When the proposed budget for the city was presented to the city council during a recent work session, it showed a startling change from the previous versions: a significant shortfall in funding that created a deficit. Still, the council was able to come to a solution that was unanimously accepted.At a Tulare City Council meeting on June 18, occurring after the work session, City Manager Marc Mondell explained that the city was able to overcome a $266,000 deficit by trimming spending and reappropriating certain funds.“What we would do is go into the surplus reserve and cover that (initial) $266,000 deficit,” Mondell said....

https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2024/06/27/tulare-trims-spending-to-balance-city-budget/

Mondell explained that the city was able to overcome a $266,000 deficit by trimming spending and reappropriating certain funds.

06/27/2024

Melon harvesting begins in the Central Valley after wet weather and soggy field conditions delayed planting this past springSAN JOAQUIN VALLEY - California watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydews and mixed melons will arrive in grocery stores in time for the Independence Day holiday, an important marketing window melon growers and shippers strive to meet each season.“It is critical for growers to supply melons, especially watermelons, to retailers in time for the July Fourth holiday,” said Bryan Van Groningen of Van Groningen and Sons, a grower, packer and shipper of watermelons based in Manteca....

Melon harvesting begins in the Central Valley after wet weather and soggy field conditions delayed planting this past spring

06/26/2024

Caring for Potted Plants in the Summer Heat

Mother’s Day has come and gone, and many of us were presented with beautiful container plants as gifts. Unfortunately, we now have to keep them alive! Have you found it’s a struggle to keep potted plants healthy in our broiling summer heat? You’re not alone. We’ve killed more than our share ...

06/26/2024

Quincy Hall earns his spot on the USA Olympic Track and Field team that will head to Paris this August; Hall qualifies for the team after running a 44.17 on 400-meter race in the Olympic TrialsEUGENE – Former COS Giant, Quincy Hall, pulled away on the home stretch of the men's 400-meter race to win the USA Olympic Trials on Monday, June 24....

Former COS Giant, Quincy Hall, pulled away on the home stretch of the men's 400-meter race to win the USA Olympic Trials on

06/26/2024

Affordable Housing Finance Magazine names Visalia nonprofit as top 50 developer of low-income housing in the nationVISALIA – Self-Help Enterprises has helped build up low-income housing over the years, and now the nonprofit is beginning to build up its resume with another accolade.For the fourth time in the last six years, Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) has been recognized by Affordable Housing Finance Magazine as a top 50 developer of low-income housing in the entire country....

Self-Help Enterprises has helped build up low-income housing over the years, and now the nonprofit is beginning to build up