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– Weekend Edition – mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025
VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 28 | $1.00
Mountain Democrat file photo by Eric Jaramishian
This Newtown Road bridge over Weber Creek is nearly 100 years old and was deemed “functionally obsolete” by Caltrans in 2017.
Newtown Road segment closing for construction Carla Hass
Ladies at a sewing center in Pakistan send thanks to Rescue resident Steven Merry. Proceeds from the sales of his books helped purchase sewing machines for the group.
El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office Construction activities of the Newtown Road Bridge Replacement Project will start on April 15, requiring the full closure of Newtown Road through Saturday, June 14. The work includes the replacement of existing bridge, approach roadway improvement, safety railing installation, retaining wall construction, storm drainage improvement, earthwork and roadway paving. The full closure of Newtown Road between Paso Way and South Fork of Weber Creek is necessary to construct the project safely and quickly. While the closure is in place, both directions of Newtown Road will be detoured to Fort Jim Road. Motorists are encouraged to take other alternate roadways in the area which also bypass the closures. Changeable message signs will be placed on Newtown Road, and detour signs will be placed on Newtown Road as well as Fort Jim Road by April 8, notifying motorists of the upcoming closure. These message signs will be used to update motorists of any changes to the length of the closure during construction. For more information regarding this construction project call (530) 621-5998. El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office
Mountain Democrat correspondent An emphasis was placed on how to fund park maintenance and
MAIL LABEL
A MERRY MISSION Local author’s faith leads to good works
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
B
improvements during a presentation on the El Dorado County 2025 Parks and Trails Master Plan at the March 25 El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting. Although the proposal for the plan was met with unanimous approval, before its adoption the board asked that funding sources be identified, along with other minor changes. The master plan covers potential future projects and operation of the eight existing county-run parks, 50 miles of trails and commercial use of the South Fork of the
urly construction worker Steven Merry, 65, isn’t your typical poet/author. In 2002, Merry self-published a book of poems titled “A Merry Heart doeth good like a medicine,” the title referencing part of a quote from the King James version of the Bible, Proverbs 17:22. Many of the poems are an expression of Merry’s Christian faith and how that faith turned his life around. Now, the proceeds from the book sales are helping people in far off places. In his words: “It’s a God-thing, not a Steven-thing.” Merry wants people to purchase his book of poetry and two children’s books, “The Golden Hats” and “Stories from the Heart,” in order to help people. He describes the theme of one of his two children’s coloring books, “The Golden Hats,” as being about Sam and Matt who “are special little boys with all kinds of toys but their favorite kinds of toys are their hats. Their hats are special just like Sam and Matt. They keep giving them away and they keep coming back. Just like God’s love, golden from above.” Sam and Matt are named after two of Merry’s sons. Both coloring/activity books were illustrated by Andrea Ford of Cameron Park, who began working on them at age 16 while she was still in high school. Merry said a woman
■ See PARKS, page A4
■ See MERRY, page A5
County park plan gets positive review Jo Carrerow
Courtesy photo
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Author Steven Merry has written two children’s book and a book of poetry, with proceeds from the sales going to help others.
Courtesy photo
Huma Gil uses Steven Merry’s activity books to teach children in Pakistan. A thank you note to Merry is written on the white board in the background. Lic # 559305
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