An Oakdale family is grieving the loss of a beloved horse after the theft of the horse's pasture gate was stolen. The horse was killed by a bus on Highway 108 carrying a load of passengers returning from Black Oak Casino around 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 4. Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft, saying it's likely the theft was spurred by methamphetamine users looking for metal that they could turn into valley scrap metal centers for quick cash. The horse, a 16-hand quarterhorse, was used to help austic children in therapuetic settings. For the full story, don't miss the Wednesday, Aug. 24 issue of The Oakdale Leader.