Evacuation After Methyl Bromide Fumigant Leak Near Merced Field
Pat Bryant reports a pesticide leak forced three families from their homes near Merced and Shafter Avenues as toxic fumes of methyl bromide and chloropicrin spread. Jackson & Perkins farms, owner of the land, faces investigation while two nearby households were warned to leave or stay. The Wayne Smith family left after warnings at about 6 pm amid eye irritation and discomfort is blamed on fumes drifting from the field. The incident escalated when the Bergen family noticed irritation in their home and bathroom while celebrating a birthday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pat Bryant
Tri-Cal
Merced
Ns & Shafter
Smiths
Allens & Poznoffs
Stan Bergen
Sarah
Usda Cotton Research Station
Lyle Carter
Agricultural
Usda Cotton Research Sta
Jackson & Perkins
Merced Avenue
Bergen
Stop gap measure on immigration shows limited local impact
Farmers in the Shafter area see the Simpson-Mazzoli bill as a stop gap that may not solve future issues. They note illegal workers are few but present and difficult to spot due to forged IDs. The measure would grant residency paths, while penalties for employers rise with fines and possible six month prison terms. Continued on Page 84.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
David Coulson
United States Congress
House - Senate
United States
Mexico
Fred Starrh
Shafter
Starrh
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Ronald Reagan
City discusses Central Avenue repairs with local merchants
A group of 12 Shafter business owners met Thursday with Public Works Director John Guinn to review a Central Avenue street repair project expected to start July 1, 1985. The 50 day effort will repair rails crosswalks and utilities while keeping access for customers. merchants fear disruption and price inflation. Ruth Searcy of Coast to Coast urged keeping Central Avenue open to prevent shoppers from driving to Bakersfield.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter Public Works
John Guinn
Guinn
Central Avenue
Ett Tchade
Santa Fe
Santa Fe Transportation Company
Anai
Bakersfield
Ruth Searcy
Tackett holds budget hearings across Kern County district
County Supervisor Gene Tackett will hold three district budget hearings July 10 11 at Shafter Lake Isabella and Ridgecrest. He notes he alone welcomes public testimony outside formal Bakersfield hearings and cites revisions to the budget to boost accessibility. The 371 million proposed budget focuses on public safety staffing jail guards helicopter patrol and other public works expansions with board approval expected after reviews.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gene Tackett
Tackett
Bakersfield
Recreation & Park Department
Shafter
Lake Isabella Veteran's Hall
Ridgecrest
Ett
1St District
Board of Supervisors
Kern County Sheriff's Department
Heiter ends 22-year teaching career at Richland
Verle Heiter, veteran Richland School educator, retires after 22 years in teaching and administration. Heiter praised as key administrator, received inscribed plaque at a district luncheon. Heiter plans travel to New England in fall, to see leaves, and to trace Heiter origins in Lux. He cites kindergarten as crucial and notes concerns about attendance. Heiter aims to live day by day and values community support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Verle Heiter
Richland School
Eee
Richland
Heiter
Shafter
United States
New England
Lux
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