Marg Jackson

Escalon Fire Chief Rick Mello, center, presented a couple of specially designed turnout gear fire helmets during the May 1 fire department appreciation dinner. Accepting the helmets were Scott Tyrrell, left, on behalf of San Joaquin County District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman, who represents Escalon on the county board; and San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow. In making the presentation, Chief Mello said he appreciated the good working relationship that has been established between the fire department, the county board and the Sheriff’s Department. Tyrrell is Rickman’s chief of staff and attended the dinner as Rickman was out of the area when the event was held.

Hosted at Johansen High School in Modesto, the Relay brought teams together from a number of Central Valley communities, including Oakdale, Escalon, Riverbank, Modesto, Turlock, Denair and more.

Tenley Adams pitched the complete game, earning the win, scattering the five hits, allowing one earned run, walking three and striking out 14.

Heading to Cosumnes River College for the 10 a.m. D5 title game, the number seven seed Lady Cougars defeated the number five seed Casa Roble Rams, 5-1.

Friday night, May 29, the Class of 2026 at Escalon High School will graduate in a ceremony that begins at 7 p.m., at Engel Field.

Thursday, May 28 will see two events staged at the high school, with Adelante High School graduates celebrated with a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and the Class of 2026 at Riverbank High School taking center stage in a 7:30 p.m. ceremony.

Student musicians Cristian Cornejo Plascencia, Emry Nykoluk, Miranda Lopes, Sean Muturi and Jeanette Pinon performed the Star-Spangled Banner, and Taylor Krum offered the four-year review.

Guest speaker, Heritage Church youth pastor Casey Ryan told the crowd that their sacrifice was what purchased the freedom and security we enjoy today.

Escalon, the number seven seed in D5, got outstanding performances from several players in defeating number five seed Casa Roble to capture the Sac-Joaquin Section title.

There were a variety of produce booths, specialty items, activities for kids, the popular Senior Bucks vouchers for senior citizens to purchase items from select vendors on site, live music and more.