News

First lunar eclipse of the year visible across the valley

Published

3 years ago

May 16, 2022

RIPON – The lunar eclipse takes place only during a full moon when Earth is in between the sun and moon, casting a shadow on the surface of the moon. The bright colored moon which attracts spectators is only seen once every 1.5 years, estimated by NASA.

The lunar eclipse was estimated to begin its deep penumbral stage at 7:15pm on May 15, 2022. By 7:59pm it should have reached the 50% partial stage. Totality began at 8:29pm and the full color everyone was waiting to see occurred at around 9:11pm. That rare sight began to end by 9:54pm. It was 50% partial by 10:23pm and reached its deep penumbral stage by 11:10pm where it ended.

Weather for the total lunar eclipse in some areas caused some to miss out on the rare occurrence. In Ripon and Stockton light cloud coverage crossed the mid stages of the eclipse. Meanwhile in some Modesto areas it was visible. National Weather Service estimated the temperature to be in the mid 60s to upper 70s for the valley.

Although a total lunar eclipse occurs only around every 1.5 years, your next opportunity to see it again will be November 7th 2022 going on to the eighth.

News

Turlock Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Published

3 weeks ago

April 2, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

Photo: Turlock Police Department

TURLOCK – A Turlock Police Officer was injured when he was involved in a crash while trying to stop a speeding vehicle Tuesday.

The crash happened in the area of Palm Street and Hawkeye Avenue. The officer, whom authorities identified as Gavin Allison, had his lights and sirens on as he was trying to catch up to a speeding driver when he was involved in a collision with another motorist.

Officer Allison suffered moderate injuries that required stitches to his arm and leg, but is expected to make a full recovery. The other motorist involved in the crash was not injured. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Rocha at (209) 668-5550 extension 6130.

News

Traffic Collision Reported on Claus Road

Published

1 month 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.

News

Merced County Crash Claims Lives of Ceres Man, Child

Published

1 month 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.