RIDE THE WAVES

Volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary spent some time in Oakdale on Sunday morning, offering free boat inspection checks in the CostLess parking lot, helping make sure watercraft of all shapes and sizes are ready for the boating season ahead. Here, inspector Ron Clark, right, checks off some items on the list while working with boat owner Ed Keeler of Oakdale. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been offering the free inspectors since 2006, added inspector David Chovanak, who also was working the event. Those that passed received a sticker to display on the vessel indicating their water worthiness.

Lions Pancake Breakfast Continues To Hit The Spot

On a sunny but brisk Sunday morning, members of the Oakdale Lions Club got the coffee brewing by 4 a.m., started setting up tables around 5 a.m. and the pancake batter was hitting the grill by 6:30 a.m.

Testicle Festival Plating Up Fare

It's an Oakdale tradition and there's never a shortage of hungry people lining up to enjoy a plate of good ol' fashioned cowboy cuisine in the form of mountain oysters, courtesy of the Oakdale Rotary Club.

General Managers Oppose ‘Water Grab’

In response to what they have termed the state's "water grab" and in a coordinated, ongoing effort to "Save the Stan," Oakdale Irrigation District General Manager Steve Knell and South San Joaquin Irrigation District General Manager Peter Rietkerk have jointly released a report identifying their concerns with the plan.

Wild Spring Storm Brings Wind, Rain

There was rain, wind, thunder, but no tornado touched down in Oakdale on Tuesday afternoon, though weather spotters reported some funnel clouds as close by as Turlock.

SPRING SHOW BUNNIES

The annual Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Home Show was staged at the Bianchi Community Center on Friday and Saturday, bringing together a variety of home, garden and improvement-themed businesses, all in one location. Here, Stephane Blakeley at the Sunlectric business booth, offers young visitor Rawlin Richter, 3, the chance to pet a fluffy bunny. Blakeley was offering free bunnies as part of a package deal; Rawlin was more interested in the critter than the business deal. Also shown are dad Aaron Richter and Rawlin's younger sibling, Bowen, 10 months. Mom Rina was also in attendance at the Home Show.

Saturday Brings Motor Madness

Just a few days remain for you to get your ticket and join in with the Soroptimist International of Oakdale annual Motor Madness fundraiser. The event is planned on Saturday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m., at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale.

CAR CRUNCHES

Dairy Producers Begin Search For New Royalty

The local dairy industry is now accepting applications from young women wishing to compete for the District 6 (Alameda, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties) Dairy Princess crown.

OHS Senior Paulus Attains Eagle Scout Status

Oakdale High School senior Garrett Paulus cites perseverance as one of his greatest lessons learned since becoming a Boy Scout when he was in the fifth grade.

Residents Can Sign Up For Life Line Screenings

Residents living in and around the Oakdale area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar St., Oakdale, will host this community event on Tuesday, March 28.

Families And Friends Use Hearts, Feet To Fight Cancer

In its 17th year, walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Oakdale/Riverbank.

Young 4-H Club Members Compete In Speech Contest

By MOLLY TERPSTRA

Women’s Club Gathers

Come join in the fun at the April 4 meeting of the Oakdale Women's Club. It is going to be April in Paris. Wear your hat and gloves. This will promise to be a delightful meeting. Election of officers is slated for this meeting. The club has been helping the community since 1907. So come wearing your favorite spring hat. Deadline for RSVP is Tuesday, March 28; luncheon is $16. Club will meet at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, North Stearns Road. RSVP to Linda Rossi at 606-7727 or lindarossi49@yahoo.com.

Oakdale Man Booked On Child Pornography Counts

Oakdale Police Detectives arrested Michael Bidwell, a 60-year-old resident of Oakdale, Thursday morning, March 16, related to a child pornography investigation.

Stream Flow Enhancement Projects Grants Awarded

At a March 22 meeting, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved approximately $33.1 million in grants for 22 projects to enhance stream flows to ...

Daffodill Hill Closed For The 2018 Season

By ROSE ALBANO RISSO

Pair Of Blood Drives Upcoming In Oakdale

Though spring has officially arrived, the American Red Cross blood supply is still recovering from severe winter storms in March. Donors of all blood types ...

Conservancy Provides $12.5M To Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Conservancy is providing $12.5 million in support to Yosemite National Park to improve the Bridalveil Fall visitor experience, rebuild a section of the ...