Mercey Springs Elementary School is on track to open in August. Updated: May. 17, 2013 12:06 AM | Full Story

Esther Amabile, a confidante to two Los Banos mayors, died Saturday in Los Banos, said her son. She was 96. Updated: May. 17, 2013 12:05 AM | Full Story

The San Luis Wild- life Refuge will be filled with the oohs and aahs of 8-, 9- and 10-year-olds through the end of the month thanks to a federal grant. Updated: May. 17, 2013 12:08 AM | Full Story

Permanent marker and a skateboard deck were enough to inspire 17-year-old David Melendez. Updated: May. 17, 2013 12:09 AM | Full Story

Los Banos City Council approved an alcohol license, despite protests from area pastors, for a market set to open in June. Updated: May. 16, 2013 11:45 PM | Full Story

By Alina Gutierrez and Jose Torres Updated: May. 17, 2013 12:04 AM | Full Story

Pacheco Park filled with hundreds of women last weekend as the Los Banos Tiger Sharks held their annual two-day Mother's Day in the Park event. Updated: May. 17, 2013 12:05 AM | Full Story

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS Updated: May. 16, 2013 11:45 PM | Full Story

Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to change the formula for funding schools has survived the May revise, making it likely the Los Banos Unified School District will receive more money. Updated: May. 16, 2013 11:45 PM | Full Story

St. Alban's Anglican Church plans a book and rummage sale today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, 401 W. L St. The sale continues Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call the Rev. John Combs at (209) 769-0283. Updated: May. 16, 2013 11:45 PM | Full Story

A 23-year-old Los Banos man pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing an Army reservist in a hit-and-run crash in March. Updated: May. 16, 2013 11:45 PM | Full Story

The Los Banos Unified School District is preparing for a housing boom this summer. Updated: May. 16, 2013 11:45 PM | Full Story

A celebration that's part religious and part cultural and nearly 100 years old kicks off later this month. Updated: May. 17, 2013 12:54 PM | Full Story

POLICE CALLS Updated: May. 16, 2013 11:45 PM | Full Story

A 23-year-old Los Banos man pled guilty Wednesday to killing an Army reservist in a hit-and-run crash in March. | Full Story

LOS BANOS When Liberty Ranch led off the seventh inning of Monday’s outbracket playoff game with a pair of singles, it looked like the Los Banos defense might crack. | Full Story

SOUTH DOS PALOS -- Habitat Westside is using the week of Mother's Day to empower women. Updated: May. 10, 2013 12:06 PM | Full Story

Los Banos High School has reprinted books featuring more than 135 stories written about Los Banos residents, both past and present. About 180 high school students have participated since 2000. "Los Banos' Greatest Generation," "A Gener Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story

Some third-graders in Stacy Betschart's class at Westside Union Elementary School brought a special guest with them Friday. Updated: May. 10, 2013 3:42 PM | Full Story

Local real estate developer Greg Hostetler announced Saturday he would set up a $1 million endowment to aid the Merced County Spring Fair. Updated: May. 10, 2013 12:05 PM | Full Story

The Los Banos Volunteers for Animals plans low-cost spay and neuter clinics on May 16 and 30. Cost is $20. To sign up, leave a message at the Los Banos Animal Shelter at (209) 827-7089. | Full Story

An inquiry about a stolen truck led police to make an arrest for drug-related offenses this week, according to law enforcement. Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story

This time 50 years ago, Los Banos High School was celebrating its FFA dairy judging team's win at the state level, enroute to a national championship. Updated: May. 10, 2013 12:07 PM | Full Story

POLICE CALLS Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story

Michael Amabile, owner of España's Southwest Bar & Grill, has sponsored the Special Mexican Salsa Contest for years and has been consistent in one request -- don't make the entries too hot. Updated: May. 10, 2013 12:08 PM | Full Story

The Los Banos Basque Club will celebrate its annual picnic next week. Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story

A southern California man who had been missing for nearly three weeks was found dead Friday from an apparent solo-vehicle crash, California Highway Patrol officials said. Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story

Little anglers are the focus of a promotional day at the San Luis Reservoir next week. Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story

WASHINGTON -- Merced County officials lobbying Washington this week know, in theory, the secret of getting things done on Capitol Hill. Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story

The Los Banos Arts Council this month released the line-up for its upcoming concert series, which offers five acts new to Los Banos. Updated: May. 10, 2013 9:45 AM | Full Story