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Arbor Day Celebration at Mooney Grove Park

Arbor Day Celebration at Mooney Grove Park

Nearly 600 third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students from across Tulare County will celebrate this Arbor Day at Mooney Grove Park.

They will learn about the importance of, and care for, trees in the environment. Topics including seeds, insects, mulch and the water system. Local environmental experts from organizations such as SCICON and the University of California’s Master Gardeners conduct these fun-filled, activity-based lessons.

Additionally, students tour the County museum and learn about the rich agricultural history of our valley.

They will also plant a tree at Mooney Grove to help with the park’s restoration. Each student will not only learn how to plant trees properly, but will be given their very own tree seedling to take home and plant with their family!

Teachers also participate in the environmental lessons.

Senior Day in the Park

Senior Day in the Park

In celebration of the National Older Americans Month in May, the Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging is sponsoring “Senior Day in the Park,” as it has for the last 44 years, at Mooney Grove Park, to honor the seniors in our community. According to the Health & Human Services Department’s Administration on Aging, May is designated as a month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults, as well as their contributions to our communities. Come join us for the 44th annual Senior Day in the Park.

Who: Tulare County Senior Citizens

What: Live music, food, and live entertainment including an Elvis impersonator, games, and exhibitor booths

When: Friday, May 17, 2013, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Where: Mooney Grove Park, 2700 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

For more information call (800) 321-2462 or visit www.ktaaa.org.

Attached are event images and English/Spanish translations.

Kings River Closed to Boats, Jet Skis, Etc.

Kings River Closed to Boats, Jet Skis, Etc.

Tulare County's General Services and Sheriff's Departments announced today that the Kings River in Tulare County is closed to motorized vessels, such as boats and jet skis, until water levels and rates increase.

Tulare County Parks Manager Neil Pilegard said motorized vessels should not be used in the Kings River until water flows reach 400 cubic feet per second. As of today, water is flowing at a rate between 30- and 50 cubic-feet per-second.

"Operating motorized vehicles in the Kings River with low water levels and rates is dangerous," Pilegard said. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

Tulare County works with the King River Watermaster to determine water levels and flow rate. Pilegard said the Kings River Watermaster estimates that flows will remain at low levels through the end of May, including Memorial Day Weekend.

National Park Visitors Pour $121 Million Into Local Economy

National Park Visitors Pour $121 Million Into Local Economy

A new National Park Service (NPS) report for 2011 shows that the 1,573,393 visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks spent $121,892,000 in communities surrounding the park!

This spending supported 1,629 jobs in the local area.

The information on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is part of a peer-reviewed spending analysis of national park visitors across the country conducted by Michigan State University for the National Park Service.

Applications Sought for Indian Gaming Grants

The Tulare County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee (IGLCBC) is seeking grant applications from interested special districts and local governments who can mitigate impacts related to the Eagle Mountain Casino.

Senate Bill 621, which became law on January 1, 2004, makes grant funding available to counties, cities and special districts impacted by tribal gaming from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund (SDF). Gaming tribes that operated 200 or more gaming devices on or before September 1, 1999 contribute a variable portion of their net winnings into the SDF. In Tulare County, the Tule River Tribe contributes winnings from the Eagle Mountain Casino. The seven-member Tulare County IGLCBC is responsible for selecting these grants.

In Tulare County, $268,177.87 in grant funding is available for distribution in Fiscal Year 2013-14.

Be Prepared for Disaster Tulare County!

Be Prepared for Disaster Tulare County!

Every day Tulare County residents go to work, school, and attend social events. Every so often the unexpected occurs; possibly a fire, flood, earthquake, an act of violence or some other type of disaster. We were recently reminded of this in January 2013 with the nightclub fire in Brazil. The fire killed at least 230 people. The most deadly nightclub fire in U.S. history was at the Coconut Grove Club in 1942, which killed 492 people. More recently was a fire at The Station in Rhode Island on February 20, 2003, which claimed 100 lives. Each disaster can have lasting effects, on those involved, whether personally involved or as a family member grieving with the loss of a loved one. They are also extremely devastating and costly with the loss of life and property damage. It is important that when people are entering any public assembly building they understand and are aware of what to do in case of an emergency.

BEFORE YOU ENTER

Check Out the "Lantern Light Ghost Tour" in Allensworth Saturday

Check Out the "Lantern Light Ghost Tour" in Allensworth Saturday

On January 19th, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park will offer a lantern light ghost tour of the century old town of Allensworth.

The Park preserves the only town in California founded, built, and populated by African Americans and is the only State Park in Tulare County.

While walking through the inky darkness with the creatures of the night, visitors will hear stories of unexplained noises and strange happenings in and around the historic buildings.

The Porterville Ghost Society will be available to show how their equipment and devices are used to detect paranormal activity attached to the home of Colonel Allensworth along with other homes of the community.

This will be a unique experience for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of this isolated town and has a desire to do something a little out of the ordinary.

The tour will begin at 8:30pm and will last approximately 90 minutes.

Visitors will meet at the visitor c