Archive - 2013
April 8th
By
George Shirk, Times Managing Editor
Track, ESTA, events come up big in spring funding cycle
With a fistful of dollars in the form of Measure U sales tax funds, the Mammoth Town Council released $455,635 this past week, for projects ranging from further construction at the Whitmore Track to improvements in the town’s bus service.
Coccidioidomycosis, or valley fever, a fungal infection that causes influenza-like symptoms and often leads to hospitalization, has increased “dramatically” in the U.S. Southwest in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this past week.
The sequester will not affect operations at either Mono Lake or Bodie State Park, according to officials.
“This is one time I’m glad to be connected to the state park system,” said Mono Lake Ranger Dave Marquart. Mono Lake faced budget cuts last year when California was in deficit and the park had to implement a new fee system to adjust.
The Mammoth Community Water district does not so far anticipate water shortages this summer—but that could change.
The AARP Tax-Aide Foundation, partnered with the Mammoth Lakes Library, is offering free tax help, preparation, and e-filing.
The program assists low and middle-income taxpayers. The volunteer counselors are trained and certified through the IRS/AARP training program each year and are qualified to assist with most all of the tax issues residents face.
This service is being provided in the Mammoth Lakes Library on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m to 5 p.m. throughout tax season, through April 15. Spanish speaking volunteers are available.
The Mono County Supervisors are asking for public input in setting priorities for the county for the next four years.
The meeting will be held in Bridgeport at 1 p.m. Mammoth and other county residents can attend via videoconference by going to the Mammoth Sierra Mall (Shogun mall), third floor, at the county’s conference room at the south end of the building.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area CEO Rusty Gregory will speak about the future of June Mountain Ski Area at a Mono County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 9 in Bridgeport.
Mammoth Lakes and other county residents can access the meeting via videoconference by going to the Mammoth Sierra Mall (Shogun mall), third floor, at the county’s conference room at the south end of the building. Gregory is slated to speak sometime after about 1:30 p.m.
Mammoth police this past week were investigating a burglary on Majestic Pines Drive, according to a news release distributed on Wednesday, April 3.
According to Det. Doug Hornbeck, two pairs of skis, along with a telescope and attached tripod, were swiped from the residence.
Hornbeck said the skis were one pair K2 Mt. Baker skis, 175-177 cm with Fritschi bindings, and a pair of Black Diamond Mystic women’s skis, 158 cm, with Fritschi bindings.
Nice write-up on Howard Sheckterin the L.A. Times last Sunday. You wouldn’t think his name is that hard to spell, but on the second try, online, the Timestersgot it right. …
Yep, that was Adam Sandlerhanging out at Old New York Deliwith George Ramirez, Adam’s new best friend in Mammoth. …
“I’m not sure I was cut out to be a center fielder,” Fido panted.
“But you’re a dog!” I said. “It seems like you’d be a natural.”
“Not really. My legs don’t work that way. I’m mostly a chow-chow. Ever hear of a Hall-of-Fame chow in center field?”
“Now that you mention it, no.”
Having been absent from competition for over a decade, the Mammoth High School Cheer Team came up big last month.
The nine-member team was directed by Cindie Wormhoudt and coached by Sarah Butner, along with assistant coach Danny Stanton.
Their victory came at Knott’s Berry Farm on Saturday, March 16, earning them some rest. It was their first competition since 2001.
“I’m extremely proud of these girls and of our coaches,” Wormhoudt said.
April 5th
Chip White, Mammoth’s longtime contribution to the U.S. Ski Team coaching ranks, last week stepped to the top of the heap.
The United States Ski Association announced that the former Mammoth Mountain Ski Team coach and head coach of the women’s alpine speed team, has been selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee as finalist for National Coach of Year—the organization’s most prestigious coaching honor.
Sierra at about half its historic average
Monday, April 1, marked the day the state’s water managers say the snowpack is considered to be as deep as it gets—but not this year.
Instead, the snowpack has shrunk since January, dropping from 133 percent of normal to 52 percent of normal for April 1.
By
George Shirk, Times Managing Editor
One-time-only budget surplus could add to force
After watching his force shrink to the bone, Mammoth Police Chief Dan Watson got some welcome news this past week.
The town, with a projected one-time-only budget surplus of about $1 million, might be able to afford to add an entry-level police officer as early as July 1.
By
George Shirk, Times Managing Editor
Name change would cost at least $8,000
Mammoth Town Council member Michael Raimondo this past week began a push to re-name Minaret Road “to honor the (Dave) McCoy family.”
It was the second push by the council in the last five years to change one or more street names to reflect the influence the McCoy family has had on the town.
While the sentiment might be beyond argument, the cost for such a move is not.
