C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 35 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026
TRIP OF A LIFETIME AHEAD
Local veterans heading to nation’s capital for Honor Flight experience Chris Woodard
be 93 while I’m gone, and I was just honored to be included.” Wheeler will turn 93 on May 20. Cameron Park veteran will The Honor Flight program pairs soon take part in a trip each veteran with a “guardian” who designed to honor his service assists them throughout the journey. and create a lasting memory. Wheeler will travel alongside fellow On May 14, Honor Flight Bay Area veteran James Cahill, an El Dorado will embark on its 42nd mission, County resident who served in Guam flying a group of veterans from San with the U.S. Air Force during the Francisco to Washington, D.C., for an Vietnam War. The two had not met all-expenses-paid, threeprior to being paired for day visit to the nation’s the trip. military memorials. To help make the “I want to see it all.” Among those experience possible, — Norm Wheeler selected is Norm American Legion Wheeler, a 92-yearPost 119 in Placerville old Army veteran and El Dorado branch provided financial support County resident who served for Cahill’s participation. During a during the Korean War as a radio recent meeting, Commander Laurelee operator stationed along the border Flannery presented a $1,250 check to between North Korea and South cover the guardian’s costs, allowing Korea, a position he referred to as both veterans to make the trip “peacekeeper.” together. Wheeler said he was both surprised Despite not knowing his guardian and grateful when he learned he beforehand, Wheeler said sharing the would be part of the trip. experience adds to the significance of “Well, I thought it was great,” Wheeler said. “It’s my birthday. I’ll ■ See FLIGHT, page A3
Staff writer
A
Courtesy photo
Jim Cahill, a Vietnam veteran, left, will accompany Cameron Park resident Norm Wheeler, a Korean War veteran, to Washington, D.C., where they will participate in the Honor Flight program.
Water rescue turns MARVEL AT MAGNIFICENT MAPS into a recovery The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors recently hosted this year’s winners of the Surveyors, Architects, Geologists, and Engineers of El Dorado County Map Contest, celebrating the creativity and skill of local students. At left, Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, right, stands with SAGE Map Contest fifth-grade winners, left to right, Mila Gomez, first place, Gold Trail School; Evelyn Wagner, third place, Miller’s Hill School; and Jocelyn Brown, second place, Miller’s Hill School.
Noel Stack Editor
One person died after an incident at the Rock Creek Bridge swimming pools Saturday morning, Mosquito Fire Protection District officials confirmed. Crews responded to the scene for a water rescue but a message to the public noted, “Despite all efforts made, there was one fatality and one dog is still missing.” The victim has been identified as Robert Willie-Solomon III, 26, from Sacramento. The dog is described as a German shepherd roughly 5 years old. Rock Creek Road was closed for a couple hours while emergency crews worked in the area. MFPD was assisted by the El Dorado County Fire Protection District, Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit and El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office. Authorities warn everyone to take caution when recreating in and around natural areas as they can encounter unseen dangers, which may have been the case this time. “The swimming areas
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
SEE MORE PHOTOS AND THE COMPLETE RESULTS INSIDE ON PAGE B1.
■ See DROWNING, page A3
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
DISTRICT 4 RACE
Candidates get candid in Coloma Noel Stack Editor
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
League of Women Voters of El Dorado County President Elizabeth Leslie-Gassaway leads the candidate forum featuring Greg Clark, Robert Deitz and Gina Posey, left to right. The three are running to replace District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin, who terms out at the end of the year. Candidate Ted Gaines declined the invitation to the forum.
DON’T MISS
Gold Mine
The
Published bi-monthly in the Mountain Democrat and Village Life
Three candidates vying for the El Dorado County District 4 supervisor seat answered questions and shared their visions in front of a nearly full house at the Gold Trail Grange in Coloma on April 30. Gina Posey, Greg Clark and Robert Deitz talked
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“Look For My Column On Page 3 Today!”
■ See FORUM, page A8
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