Merced Golden Wire News

Merced Golden Wire News Gives you the most reliable and correct information on what is happening in your community.

CHP Seeks Public's Help in 2021 Freeway Murder Investigation The California Highway Patrol's Central Division Major Crim...
10/29/2025

CHP Seeks Public's Help in 2021 Freeway Murder Investigation The California Highway Patrol's Central Division Major Crimes Unit is requesting the public's assistance with an ongoing homicide investigation.

On June 15, 2021, officers responded to a freeway shooting on southbound SR-99 near Franklin Road in Merced County, where the driver, 25-year-old Timothy Lamore Sheeler Jr. of Winton, was found shot and killed inside a blue Dodge Dart.

Detectives have recently obtained new information and are urging anyone with details to come forward.

Contact: Detective O. Martinez - (209) 321-0089 or CHP Merced (209) 356-2900.

Reference Case #: 21-460-0665 To remain anonymous, contact Merced Area Crime Stoppers at (855) 725-2420 or visit www.p3tips.com

Photo: CHP Merced

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS: Federal Government Shutdown Impact to CalFresh BenefitsIn an effort to help residents plan accordin...
10/25/2025

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS: Federal Government Shutdown Impact to CalFresh Benefits

In an effort to help residents plan accordingly, Merced County would like to inform residents that the ongoing federal government shutdown will delay the issuance of CalFresh benefits for November. The length of the shutdown will determine how long benefits are postponed and may impact future months.

What You Need to Know:

• October Benefits—October CalFresh benefits were issued as scheduled because federal funding for the start of the fiscal year was already in place.
• November Benefits—November benefits will be delayed. Any funds carried over on EBT cards from October can continue to be utilized.

Local Support Resources:

Residents who require food assistance are encouraged to reach out to the following resources.
• Merced County Food Bank
o Website— www.mmcfb.org
o Phone—209-726-3663
o Address—2000 W. Olive Ave., Merced, 95348
• Bethel Community Church in Los Banos
o Website— www.bethelcommunitychurch.net
o Phone—209-827-0797
o Address—415 I St., Los Banos, 93635
• Catholic Charities in Merced
o Website— www.ccdof.org
o Phone—209-383-2494
o Address—336 W. Main St. #1, Merced, 95340

For anyone who would like to support those in need, donations to the Merced County Food Bank and other local food pantries are greatly appreciated to assist local families during this uncertain time.

Merced County is identifying other possible community resources. As additional community resources are identified, we will share this information.

Merced County is hopeful that an agreement at the federal level will soon be reached to restore federal funding and prevent further disruption to essential programs.

CalFresh frequently asked questions: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/benefits-services/food-nutrition-services/calfresh/calfresh-frequently-asked-questions

Merced County Sheriff's Office

# # # SPANISH TRANSLATION # # #

AVISO A LOS RESIDENTES: El cierre del gobierno federal afecta los beneficios de CalFresh

Para ayudar a los residentes a planificar adecuadamente, el Condado de Merced desea informarles que el cierre del gobierno federal retrasará la emisión de los beneficios de CalFresh para noviembre. Si el cierre continúa, podrían producirse retrasos adicionales en los próximos meses.

Lo que necesitas saber:

• Beneficios de octubre—los beneficios de CalFresh de octubre se emitieron según lo programado porque los fondos federales para el inicio del año fiscal ya estaban disponibles.
• Beneficios de noviembre—los beneficios de noviembre se retrasarán. Todos los fondos transferidos a las tarjetas EBT desde octubre se pueden seguir utilizando.

Recursos de soporte local:

Se recomienda a los residentes que necesiten asistencia alimentaria que se comuniquen con los siguientes recursos.
• Banco de Alimentos del Condado de Merced
o Sitio web—www.mmcfb.org
o Teléfono—209-726-3663
o Dirección—2000 W. Olive Ave., Merced, 95348
• Iglesia Comunitaria Bethel en Los Baños
o Sitio web: www.bethelcommunitychurch.net
o Teléfono—209-827-0797
o Dirección: 415 I St., Los Banos, 93635
• Caridades Católicas en Merced
o Sitio web—www.ccdof.org
o Teléfono—209-383-2494
o Dirección—336 W. Main St. #1, Merced, 95340

Para cualquiera que desee apoyar a los necesitados, se agradecen enormemente las donaciones al Banco de Alimentos del Condado de Merced y otras despensas de alimentos locales para ayudar a las familias locales durante este momento de incertidumbre.

El Condado de Merced está identificando otros posibles recursos comunitarios. A medida que se identifiquen más recursos comunitarios, compartiremos esta información.

El condado de Merced tiene la esperanza de que pronto se llegue a un acuerdo a nivel federal para restaurar los fondos federales y evitar una mayor interrupción de los programas esenciales.

Preguntas frecuentes sobre CalFresh: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/benefits-services/food-nutrition-services/calfresh/calfresh-frequency-asked-questions

The Merced Police Department is requesting public help in identifying two suspects involved in residential burglaries wi...
10/22/2025

The Merced Police Department is requesting public help in identifying two suspects involved in residential burglaries within the City of Merced.

The suspects were seen driving a white Ford Edge with a tinted license plate cover. They stole jewelry and other valuables.

If you recognize these individuals, the vehicle, or have any information about these burglaries, please contact Merced Police at (209) 385-7826. Case #25-58945 & #25-58958.

Photo: MPD

Merced will soon welcome a new Rack Room Shoes location, expected to open at the Shoppes at Merced on R Street. The comp...
10/22/2025

Merced will soon welcome a new Rack Room Shoes location, expected to open at the Shoppes at Merced on R Street.

The company is actively hiring for the upcoming location.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into the theft of thirteen pumpkins from the entrance ...
10/21/2025

The Merced County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into the theft of thirteen pumpkins from the entrance of St. Paul Lutheran Church & School, located in the 2900 block of McKee Road, Merced, California.

The incident occurred on October 11, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m. Video footage, submitted to the Sheriff's Office as evidence, shows an adult male and a possible juvenile female removing the pumpkins from outside the building and loading them into a silver SUV.

The pumpkins were grown by students attending the school, and their theft has caused significant disappointment. The Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individuals and vehicle seen in the video.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff's Office at (209)385-7547, via email at [email protected], or through a message on Facebook at Merced County Sheriff's Office.

All tips and information may remain anonymous. It is our hope that someone recognizes the individuals or the vehicle in the video, enabling us to bring closure to the students and their school.

Merced will soon welcome Dunkin' Donuts. The planned opening date is Spring 2026, as part of the Campus Parkway Plaza pr...
10/17/2025

Merced will soon welcome Dunkin' Donuts. The planned opening date is Spring 2026, as part of the Campus Parkway Plaza project. Stay tuned for updates and further details.

On October 16, 2025, at approximately 2:12 a.m., Merced County Deputies responded to a reported home invasion involving ...
10/16/2025

On October 16, 2025, at approximately 2:12 a.m., Merced County Deputies responded to a reported home invasion involving multiple armed individuals at a residence in the 3800 block of Washington Street, Le Grand.

As Deputies approached the scene, they were met with gunfire from the suspects. Deputies returned fire, striking two of the armed individuals. The suspects then retreated inside the residence before ultimately surrendering without further incident.

Two of the suspects were transported to local hospitals for treatment, and their condition is currently unknown. The third suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Merced County Sheriff's Office Jail.

Fortunately, no Deputies or members of the public were injured during this incident. At this time, we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to public safety. Our Detectives Bureau is currently on scene investigating. We advise the public to avoid the area.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact the Merced County Sheriff's Office at 209.385.7445; callers may remain anonymous.

This morning, we had the honor to pay our respects as Officer Barrantes was transported to Modesto. We join our law enfo...
10/08/2025

This morning, we had the honor to pay our respects as Officer Barrantes was transported to Modesto. We join our law enforcement community in mourning his loss and honoring his service and dedication. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

This morning, an incident occurred on southbound 99 at Crows Landing Road in Modesto. There is no word on whether any in...
10/08/2025

This morning, an incident occurred on southbound 99 at Crows Landing Road in Modesto. There is no word on whether any injuries were sustained.

RIGGS AMBULANCE WILL NO LONGER SERVE MERCED COUNTYToday, the Merced County Board of Supervisors authorized an agreement ...
10/07/2025

RIGGS AMBULANCE WILL NO LONGER SERVE MERCED COUNTY

Today, the Merced County Board of Supervisors authorized an agreement with American Medical Response West (AMR) to provide comprehensive ambulance services throughout the county.

This decision follows an exhaustive and transparent evaluation process designed to guarantee residents receive exceptional ambulance services. Ensuring access to high-quality and reliable ambulance services is a top priority for Merced County.

Emergency medical response is vital to safeguarding public health and safety, and the County is committed to delivering responsive and dependable services when every second counts. To achieve this objective, Merced County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) earlier this year, inviting bids for ambulance service operations countywide.

This RFP process, managed by an independent external firm, ensured fairness, impartiality, and extensive stakeholder engagement. The evaluation process assessed provider qualifications, response times, equipment standards, staffing levels, and service reliability.

Following a rigorous and objective evaluation by third-party experts, AMR emerged as the top-scoring proposer. AMR's proven track record of performance and innovation in emergency medical services made it an ideal choice.

This selection was based on the provider's qualifications, experience, and capacity to deliver high-quality services. 'The health and safety of our residents are paramount in every decision we make,' stated Board of Supervisors Chairman Josh Pedrozo. 'This agreement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing timely and dependable emergency care across Merced County.' 'The Board's decision today exemplifies Merced County's dedication to excellence in all aspects of our operations,' added County Executive Officer Mark J. Hendrickson.

The new contract with AMR will commence on January 1, 2026, with a seamless transition anticipated. In the coming months, County staff will collaborate closely with AMR and existing partners to ensure continuity of operations.

A head-on injury traffic crash involving four vehicles occurred on October 7, 2025, at approximately 6:21 am, in the are...
10/07/2025

A head-on injury traffic crash involving four vehicles occurred on October 7, 2025, at approximately 6:21 am, in the area of State Route 59 south of Oakdale Road. Upon arrival at the scene, CHP officers determined this to be a two-vehicle head-on crash with one fatality.

Preliminary investigation revealed that an adult male was driving a 2012 Ford Fusion sedan southbound on SR-59, south of Oakdale Road, at an unknown speed.

A 30-year-old male from Merced, CA, was driving a 2026 Western dump truck northbound on SR-59, south of Oakdale Road, at approximately 55 mph, approaching the Ford sedan.

For unknown reasons, the driver of the Ford allowed the vehicle to cross into the northbound lane and crash into the dump truck's driver side. After the crash, the dump truck veered off the roadway onto the west shoulder of SR-59.

The Ford sedan became disabled within the southbound lane of SR-59, south of Oakdale Road. The unknown male driver of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the crash scene.

The dump truck driver did not sustain any injuries and was cooperative with the investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this traffic crash.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information regarding the events leading up to it is asked to call Investigating Officer Chad Williams at (209) 356-6600.

The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating a collision involving several vehicles onState Route 59 with a ...
10/07/2025

The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating a collision involving several vehicles on
State Route 59 with a possible fatality.

The area is currently closed in both directions between Oakdale Road and the Merced Disposal site.

Officers are on scene, and crews are working to clear the roadway. Please avoid the area and use an alternate routes.

We’ll provide updates as soon as they become available.

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Merced, CA
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