The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce is inviting the whole community to the party. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:32 AM |Full Story

A Dixieland-playing eight-piece arrangement of musicians who borrow their name from Mount Diablo are set to return later this month. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

A standoff between a wanted Oregon man hiding in Dos Palos and Merced County Sheriff's officers ended safely Monday. Updated: Apr. 8, 2013 4:05 PM |Full Story

A run that's earned about $6,000 for scholarships, cancer research and other causes will be resurrected after a year off, according to an organizer. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:43 AM |Full Story

A nearly yearlong search ended Wednesday with the hiring of a city manager. City Council unanimously voted for Steve Carrigan as city manager. Carrigan officially takes over April 22 at $156,000 a year, which is $13,000 per month. Former City Manager Steve Rath was making $159,000 a year upon retirement Oct. 31. Updated: Apr. 5, 2013 4:12 PM |Full Story

The case of accused drunk driver Justin Nappi took a new turn recently, as prosecutors say they've filed charges against a man who allegedly supplied alcohol to the defendant before he crashed. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

The pounding of a drum and the whistle of a conch shell kicked off Saturday's march in honor of civil rights leader César Chávez. Updated: Apr. 8, 2013 10:03 AM |Full Story

Under a water transfer that could help native fish populations, farmers in Merced County will get additional water during this year's critically dry season. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

MERCED -- A high rate of immigration and births has Merced County's population on the rise despite many residents leaving for other areas. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

Police are looking for three people believed to be involved in a gang-related shooting last week. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

A town hall meeting is set in Santa Nella on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Romero Elementary School, 13500 W. Luis Road. Merced County Supervisor Jerry O'Banion is scheduled to be in attendance, as well as representatives from the Gustine Unified School D Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

CORRECTION Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

Some of the most commonly abused drugs happen to be the most accessible, and law enforcement is trying to curb that trend. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

MERCED -- California received a D for the transparency of its health care costs, but local hospital officials said cost information is available to patients when requested. Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

STAFF REPORTS Updated: Apr. 6, 2013 9:04 AM |Full Story

Pacheco State Park's 10th annual Wildflower Day is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. For more, call (209) 826-6283.

In November voters will have to decide whether they want to extend a portion of the half-cent sales tax that funds the salaries of public safety. On Wednesday the City Council voted to place a redirection of sales tax dollars on the ballot. Updated: Apr. 5, 2013 4:05 PM |Full Story

Two teenagers accused of gunning down an 18-year-old man in Los Banos last month will be tried as adults on murder charges.

For two years the Merced County Spring Fair has survived thanks to the generosity of the community. Updated: Apr. 3, 2013 10:22 AM |Full Story

People in Los Banos making non-refrigerated foods for sale in their home may have to fork over more than $300 in fees. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:52 AM |Full Story

Los Banos will see a number of changes to its mass transit system this summer, according to The Bus' top official. Updated: Apr. 2, 2013 10:58 AM |Full Story

An energy assistance program has increased its access to families living on the Westside. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:52 AM |Full Story

Cassandra Camacho hopes to see everyone at the Merced County Spring Fair. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:57 AM |Full Story

Four kindergarten classes -- 124 students in all -- made a mad dash for 1,488 candy-filled plastic eggs. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:52 AM |Full Story

Los Banos City Council voted unanimously to hire a city manager Wednesday during the regular meeting. Steve Carrigan will take over April 22 at $156,000 a year. He is currently serving as the assistant city manager of Sanger. Updated: Apr. 3, 2013 8:29 PM |Full Story

Travel is both appealing and nerve-wracking for the four seniors set to represent California in a national consumer competition. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:52 AM |Full Story

The Los Banos Unified School District is preparing for an overhaul of its testing system and curriculum. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:52 AM |Full Story

First Baptist Church, 809 D St., will have an Easter egg hunt from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the church. Games, food and facepainting are also planned. Call the church office at (209) 826-3780. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:52 AM |Full Story

Lorena Falasco Elementary School staff announced the second trimester awards for this school year. Updated: Apr. 1, 2013 6:52 AM |Full Story