The City of Atwater is gearing up for their annual 4th of July celebration and will be kicking off the festivities early this year once again. bit.ly/Atwater-4th

The Haro Brothers camp currently boasts 10 National Champions and a 20-time National Champion in Jesus “Chiquito” Haro. bit.ly/Haro-Brothers

The mood was upbeat and everyone was excited at Trevino’s Restaurant in downtown Merced on June 19 when Angel Barragan announced the launch of his campaign for the District 2 seat on the Merced County Board of Supervisors. bit.ly/BarraganCampai…

Siana Barrett was selected as the 2019 Dairy Princess for the California Milk Advisory Board’s District 6. Siana is the daughter of Ryan Barrett & Jill Scott of Dos Palos, & a recent graduate of Los Banos High & Merced College. bit.ly/DairyPrincess

Agatha Christie’s classic mystery Murder on the Orient Express was performed live on stage at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center June 28 to June 30, & will be making its way back to the stage from July 26 to July 28 as part of PhoenixPhest 2019 bit.ly/PhoenixPhest20…

Merced County’s Public Health Department is the first in the San Joaquin Valley to achieve national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, and is one of fewer than 300 accredited health departments nationwide. bit.ly/MCDPubHlth

There’s still time to get down to Merced High for Merced Marching 100’s annual fundraising fireworks show. The fun starts at nightfall. Raffle winners will be announced following the final show on Wednesday and walk away with firework packages in hand.

Fourth of July celebrations are being planned throughout Merced County and the surrounding area. With everything from parades and fireworks to tours and live music, there's a way to celebrate America's Independence for everyone. bit.ly/McdCnty4th

The Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock opened its gates on Friday to kick off 10 days of fun-filled entertainment. Fair hours are Mon-Fri, 5PM to midnight, Sat-Sun from noon to midnight. Free concerts from top entertainment acts will start daily at 8:30PM bit.ly/StanFair2019

Citing a rise in e-cigarette use among middle & high school students, Assemblymember Adam Gray joined colleagues at the state capital in introducing a comprehensive legislation package to combat youth consumption of these nicotine delivery devices. bit.ly/GrayECigLegisl…

Presses are running for this week’s edition of our sister paper, the Hughson Chronicle and Denair Dispatch.

The Yosemite Veterans Education and Leadership Seminar is a unique, four-day experience focused on helping veterans access higher education, civilian life skills, family benefits and career pathways. Bit.ly/YosemiteVetProg

A new art studio has opened up in downtown Merced for local residents of all ages. Smartypants Art Studio plans to bring the world of art to young children and their parents through a variety of programming and classes. Bit.ly/SmartypantsArt

Wild games in the Merced Youth Baseball league are not uncommon, but this one was another story. It had all the drama of the Big Show — and a whole lot more. Bit.ly/MercedYouthBas…

Lee Pevsner of Merced writes "While the City of Merced should be vigorously applauded for initiating a county-wide process to develop housing resources for the homeless..there remain significant short-term problems that need attention and cannot wait” bit.ly/MercedHomeless

The Merced County Mosquito Abatement District received confirmation from the Center of Vector-borne Diseases of UC Davis, that a mosquito sample located in Winton, has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Bit.ly/MercedMosquito

When Anthony Martinez was elected to the Merced City Council in 2016, there were a few “first-ever” moments celebrated. Bit.ly/MercedCouncil

Faustino Ayala, the longtime owner of Tino’s Hair Styling, is putting down his clippers for a final goodbye after a 64-year career. Ayala, nicknamed “Tino,” has been serving the community of Merced from his shop since the early 1960s. Bit.ly/TinoBarber

At Tuesday’s Merced County Board of Supervisors meeting, leaders were asked to provide guidance on a proposed hemp ordinance drafted over the past several months. Bit.ly/MercedHemp

Thurston is getting victory hugs