Car Builder Gene Winfield Battling Cancer

Published

1 month ago

February 17, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

Photo: Facebook

Gene Winfield, famous car builder and Modesto cruising legend, is battling cancer.

The announcement came on the instagram account for Winfield’s Custom Shop Monday afternoon.

“Most of us know Gene is not doing well,” the announcement said. “Firstly we ask that everyone please pray for him as he now battles cancer.”

The specifics on the type of cancer he has been diagnosed with were not detailed in the post.

Winfield is widely known for his work in the motion picture industry, designing vehicles for movies like Blade Runner, Batman, Star Trek, and Mission Impossible.

The social media post also reported several items from his shop, including vehicles and signage have been stolen recently.

Winfield was born in Springfield, Missouri in 1927. His family moved to Modesto in 1929 where he grew up.

His first car was a 1928 Ford Coupe that he purchased for $75 in 1942. He and his brother Glenn went on to open a used car lot that same year.

Traffic Collision Reported on Claus Road

Published

3 days ago

March 24, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

MODESTO – Emergency crews responded to a report of a vehicle collision on Claus Road Monday morning.

The crash was reported near the area of Claus Road and Cedar Creek Drive at about 8:00am. Early reports indicate a pickup truck and another vehicle collided before the pickup hit a tree.

Arriving personnel reported one motorist appeared to have a broken leg.

Expect momentary traffic delays in the area.

Merced County Crash Claims Lives of Ceres Man, Child

Published

4 days ago

March 23, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

MERCED COUNTY – A 20 year old woman was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a crash claimed the lives of two people.

The crash was reported at about 12:19am on Highway 165 near Turner Avenue. According to California Highway Patrol, 20 year old Melissa Rosales of Los Banos was driving a BMW SUV at high speeds south on Highway 165 when she crossed lanes at a curve. Her vehicle crashed into an oncoming Honda Accord driven by a 41 year old man from Ceres with a juvenile passenger. Both occupants of the Honda were killed in the crash.

Rosales suffered major injuries and was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Officials say she was under the influence at the time of the crash and faces DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.

All involved persons were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

News

Highway Traffic Stalled by Overturned Vehicles

Published

6 days ago

March 20, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

MODESTO – Highway 99 traffic was stalled Thursday night by a crash near Briggsmore Avenue.

The crash happened at about 9:15pm on the southbound lanes, with early reports indicating a sedan and pickup truck were both involved in the crash. At least one of them was reported overturned with major damage.

CalTrans was requested to assist with a hard closure and traffic was diverted off the highway. Sweepers were called to help clean a large amount of debris. At least one vehicle was towed for evidence in the investigation.

At publication time there was no update on extent of injuries.