The Union Democrat

The Union Democrat is a local newspaper that caters to the Sonora region in California. It has been part of Western Communications, the same company that publishes The Bulletin in Bend, Oregon, since 1998.

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Group looks to scale back plans for wood pellet plants in Tuolumne, Lassen counties

1 day ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

An organization is looking at potentially scaling back plans for building a pair of biomass processing plants in Tuolumne and Lassen counties to produce wood pellets that would be moved through the Port of Stockton and shipped overseas for generating electricity.
Gretchen's table: Panzanella is a fresh and tasty answer to stale bread

2 days ago | uniondemocrat.com | Gretchen Mckay

If you're like me, and sometimes forget what's in your pantry, you probably buy more bread than you can use on occasion. How many loaves have dried on your counter? Rather than throw it to the birds, you might soak it in milk kissed with cinnamon and sugar to make a buttery pan of French toast. You could pulverize the dry slices in a food processor to make bread crumbs, or cube and fry it in a little olive oil for salad croutons.
Smile Keepers founder retires after 30 years of bringing dental services to Tuolumne County schools

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

Generations of Tuolumne County schoolchildren affectionately know her as “Erika the Tooth Fairy.”For the past 30 years, Erika Hagstrom Dossi has helped bring dental services and oral health awareness education to local classrooms through the nonprofit Smile Keepers Dental Program that she founded in 1994. Friday, June 20, was Hagstrom Dossi's last day serving at the helm of the entirely grant-funded program before she retires and hands the reins to her longtime right-hand, Ocean Arellano.
Quick Fix: Chicken Caesar Salad

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Linda Gassenheimer

Looking for a light and refreshing dinner to kick off summer? This quick and easy dish comes together in just minutes. I tossed sautéed chicken and toasted walnuts into a classic Caesar salad, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crisp romaine, creamy tang of the dressing, and savory crunch of the walnuts make every bite delicious and satisfying. A secret to keeping the chicken moist is to sear the meat and cover with a lid to finish the cooking.
Critical fire weather conditions are expected in Mother Lode this weekend

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Guy McCarthy

Forecasters are warning of critical fire weather conditions this weekend, with gusting winds out of the north and low humidity levels, and a fire weather watch has been issued for western Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, including Murphys and Sonora. The fire weather watch, issued before 12:30 p.m. Thursday, is expected to be in effect from 8 a.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday.
Jamestown man with multiple DUIs gets 4 years in prison

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Guy McCarthy

A repeat DUI offender with a prior felony driving under the influence conviction, Brad Leon McIver, of Jamestown, was sentenced in May to four years in state prison for his role in a solo DUI vehicle crash in April 2024, the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office announced this week. In the crash, McIver drove off the road on Sunday, April 28 last year and he was arrested that day at Old Melones Dam Road and Shell Road.
Support group plans walk at Standard Park to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

A support group for people with Alzheimer’s, their families and caregivers is inviting the public to join them for a walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Standard Park in East Sonora to raise awareness about the disease. The walk coincides with the summer solstice on June 20, which is the longest day of the year with the most daylight.
Sonora Police Department announces new security cam registration program partnership

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Guy McCarthy

Sonora Police are inviting residents and business owners to register their security cameras with the Police Department, in a new program intended to improve public safety through partnership. The Sonora Police Security Camera Registration Program and the community's participation in it will be a valuable part of shared efforts to prevent crime and protect the Sonora community, the department said in a public service announcement distributed Tuesday.
49ers plan to practice against two NFL teams ahead of preseason games

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Cam Inman

A year after abandoning plans for a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints because of injury attrition, the 49ers will scrimmage two teams during training camp and ahead of their respective preseason games. The 49ers, with additional grass fields recently installed at their Santa Clara facility, will host the Denver Broncos on Aug. 7, two days before hosting them in a 5:30 p.m. preseason opener at Levi’s Stadium. The following week, the 49ers will practice Aug.
His brother died at 16. Five years later, they walked the stage together

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Divya Kumar

Dozens of graduates and parents stopped Lawson Boeth on his way into the Florida State Fairgrounds, asking why the soon-to-be Newsome High School graduate already had his diploma in hand before the ceremony. He didn’t have much time to stop and explain. It wasn’t his: It was for his brother Walter, who died in 2020 at 16. “If he was alive, I would never do anything nice for him,” he quipped, joking that he wondered if his brother would have even graduated.