Community Corner

🌱 Why Merced officials are fighting to keep high-speed rail downtown

Be sure to catch Merced County Pride Festival | Downtown Merced, CA on the Merced Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 8th Patch AM
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Morning Merced! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Merced officials are fighting to keep high-speed rail downtown
  • How a determined stranger helped reunite a Merced child with his support dog
  • CHP Merced explains what 112 mph on Highway 99 can cost you

Also on today's calendar: Bear Creek Ukulele Society — The MAC and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 96 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Hot with clouds and sunshine, temps: high: 102, low: 72.
  • Thursday: Toasty conditions, with a high of 104 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Central Valley cities are complaining about High-Speed Rail in 2026. See the latest (fresnobee.com) — Merced leaders are pushing back hard against a proposal to move the California High‑Speed Rail station from downtown to a site near Mission Avenue and Highway 99 outside city limits, arguing it would waste years of local planning. They're demanding a binding agreement and in‑person meetings before any law is changed. The story also tracks similar tensions with the rail authority in Shafter and Fresno.
   

• California support dog missing for nearly 2 weeks returns home after stranger spent days searching (thecooldown.com) — A Merced child's support dog is safely back home after disappearing from the family's house for nearly two weeks, thanks to a stranger who kept bringing the Queensland Heeler to busy spots until someone recognized him. Merced Police say a relative's sighting, an Animal Control report, and an officer's follow-up all helped reunite the family, underscoring how community persistence can save a beloved pet.
   

• Merced County Driver Stopped at 112 MPH on Highway 99 (gvwire.com subscription) — Drivers in and around Merced County are being warned after CHP Merced clocked a car at 112 mph on southbound Highway 99 near Plainsburg Road, leading to a traffic stop and citation. Officers highlighted California's new FAST program, which now sends every 100-plus-mph ticket to the DMV for a separate license review that could mean suspension or revocation.
   

📸 Around Merced

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Merced

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Merced Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday September 8
  • G. Volleyball/ B. Soccer Game
    Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle Mitchell Senior - Atwater
    4:15 pm
  • Regular Board Meeting
    Joe Stefani Chenoweth Elementary School, 3200 N. Parsons Ave.
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Calling all moms, families, and pet lovers!
    We're hosting a huge garage sale packed with gently used and brand‑new treasures — LOTS of adorable baby and toddler clothes from newborn to 2T no… (Nextdoor Dinkey Creek)
  • Pete Juarez from Atwater sharpened me lawn mower blade;
    very nice man and very professional. Thank you (Nextdoor Beachwood)
  • TransDev posted a job opening for YARTS Utility worker in Merced. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Grounds Maintenance Worker I/II - Extra-Help Grounds Maintenance Worker I/II in Merced. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Merced here.

🗞 Nearby News

Atwater

  • Historic Atwater mansion is sinking — Merced County Times (mercedcountytimes.com)
  • Prep football: Vacaville can't duplicate success in loss to West Park (fresnobee.com)

Ok Merced! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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