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Real estate broker, civil engineer and general contractor.

McIntosh Family to be Recognized as Family of the Year at the Nevada County Fair

From left to right – J.T., Kaytlin, John and Cindy McIntosh.  Photo credit: Shaffers Originals.
From left to right – J.T., Kaytlin, John and Cindy McIntosh.
Photo credit: Shaffers Originals.

John and Cindy McIntosh have been named the 2013 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the McIntosh Family for their ongoing support of the Fair and its Foundation, as well as for their commitment to volunteerism in the community.

For more than 45 years, John and Cindy have been involved in the Fair. John, who has been attending the Fair since 1962, has been an exhibitor at the Fair, served as a volunteer at several fund raising and social events sponsored by the Fairgrounds Foundation, and, years ago, worked at the Fair as a parking attendant and a janitor. Cindy has been attending the Fair since 1968 and has also exhibited in the Fair (she’s won two best of shows!), volunteers at Foundation events, and worked in the Fur and Feathers area. They have both volunteered for eight years at the Nevada County 4-H food booth and for more than 20 years at the Higgins Nacho food booth.

“The Fair is the focal point of the year for many people,” says John. “For us, it is an opportunity to interact with other adult and youth community organization members, and see the growth and accomplishments of our county’s youth. We enjoy everything about the Fair, and we don’t want to miss a minute of it.”

Not surprisingly, the McIntosh family has many fond memories at the Fair. For John, the Fair serves as a reminder of the time spent with his parents, who have both passed away.  For Cindy, she remembers when her mom would give her five dollars and her watch and tell her to be back at the Bingo booth at 5:00. Another funny memory for Cindy occurred when their son, Kylle, was younger. “John’s Mom didn’t go to the Fair with us one year,” explains Cindy. “Kylle asked what she would do if she wasn’t going, so I answered that she’d probably watch TV. Kylle looked at us with wide eyes and said ‘there’s TV during the Fair?’ He was shocked; he thought the whole world stopped for the Fair.”

John and Cindy, who met at the Nevada County Fair in 1982, have been married for almost twenty two years. They have two grown children, Maranda Brannon and Kylle Rose; two children at home, Kaytlin and J.T; and three grandchildren. Kaytlin attends Sierra College and J.T. is a senior at Bear River High School.  Both Kaytlin and J.T. have been involved in the Fair as exhibitors – in still exhibits and in livestock – and Kaytlin serves in 4-H as an adult volunteer.

John is a Captain with the Higgins Fire Department, where he has worked for the past 20 years. He volunteers with Nevada County 4-H, where he helps with youth summer camp; and volunteers at various 4-H events held throughout Northern California. Cindy, who works for the Renwick Home Team Real Estate office, also volunteers with Nevada County 4-H, where she has held executive offices; and is the community club leader for Cool Hollow 4-H and camp director for Woodchuck Flat 4-H summer camp.

“Each year, the McIntosh Family volunteers countless hours to the Fair and to Nevada County,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “Most recently, they arranged and supervised all the 4-H volunteers for the Foundation’s Cioppino Feed. They are very humble and giving of their time, and it is an honor to recognize them as the Fair’s Family of the Year.”

Upon being named the Family of the Year, John says, “It was unexpected and a nice surprise. We feel privileged, and are excited to be part of a group of people that the Fair honors.”

The McIntosh Family will be honored at the Fair’s opening ceremonies. They will receive a Fair package, as well as a family portrait by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

The 2013 Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11. Visit NevadaCountyFair.com for information.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 7 – 11, 2013

Draft Horse Classic                            September 19 – 22, 2013

Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 26, 2013

Country Christmas Faire                  November 29 – December 1, 2013

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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
O’Dell Realty
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Northern California Man Gets 42 Year Prison Sentence for Real Estate Ponzi Scheme

 

1910 police mugshot of Charles Ponzi, the namesake of the scheme  Photo credit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzi_scheme
1910 police mugshot of Charles Ponzi, the namesake of the scheme       Photo credit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzi_scheme

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced a 42-year prison sentence for a Northern California man who ran a Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 400 investors, most of them elderly, out of more than $90 million.

James Koenig, 60, of Redding, owned Assent Real Estate Corporation (AREI) from 1999 to 2008. The company specialized in the acquisition, management and resale of commercial property and elder care facilities. Most victims of his Ponzi scheme were elderly individuals from the Bay Area.

In May, Koenig was found guilty of 35 felony counts, including conspiracy, use of a scheme to defraud in connection with sales of securities, sales of securities by means of false statements, and residential burglary relating to the sales of fraudulent investments. The jury also found special enhancements for “great takings” because of the large amount of loss involved.

The company’s early losses were managed by using the funds of new investors to pay off the original investors. By 2007, AREI had accumulated $163 million in debt that was unsecured or significantly under-secured and required monthly payments of more than $1.8 million to maintain. In April 2007, AREI stopped making payments to investors, while continuing to solicit and sell securities to new investors. The Ponzi scheme finally failed in the spring of 2008.

The case was based on 32 of the more than 400 victims, whose losses exceeded $8 million – $3.8 million of which came from investments made after April 2007 – when AREI stopped paying its current investors. At the time of sentencing, the total losses by victims were reported to be in excess of $90 million.

Koenig was sentenced in Shasta County Superior Court on Friday. A restitution hearing will occur at a later date.

Source: California Attorney General 


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Foreclosures Rise in June, But See Big Drop for Year

sad-house-for-sale

Completed foreclosures rose 2.5 percent in June from May, CoreLogic reported Tuesday. Its report follows another recent one from Lending Processing Services that showed nearly a 10 percent rise in the national delinquency rate in June compared to May.

About 1 million homes are in the foreclosure inventory as of June, CoreLogic reports. That does mark a 28 percent decrease in the foreclosure inventory compared to last year.

Forty-nine states reported a year-over-year decline in foreclosure rates in June.

“The housing market is clearly on the mend, but we expect the ultimate conclusion of the present housing down cycle to be another several years away,” says Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic.

CoreLogic reports the five states with the largest foreclosure inventories — as a percentage of mortgaged homes — in June were:

  • Florida: 8.6%
  • New Jersey: 6%
  • New York: 4.8%
  • Connecticut: 4.2%
  • Maine: 4.1%

Source: “Foreclosures Increase Again in June – CoreLogic,” Mortgage News Daily (July 30, 2013)

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Nevada County Fair Tickets on Sale Now – Buy Early & Save

http://www.dailykos.com/
Photo credit:http://www.dailykos.com/

 

Fair Office will extend its hours and be open this weekend for discounted ticket sales!

Tickets for the Nevada County Fair are on sale now. Purchase your admission, carnival tickets, and arena event tickets before the Fair begins and save money!  The Fair Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and will be open specifically for ticket sales on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 from 10 am to 5 pm on both days. You can also save time by purchasing your Fair tickets online at NevadaCountyFair.com.

Buy your admission tickets before August 6 at 5 pm and get an admission ticket for $6.  Or, purchase a “Be A Kid Again” adult admission ticket for Thursday of the Fair for only $4.  You can also take advantage of other pre-sale offers, including a five-day Fair pass with unlimited entry for $30; an event parking pass for $25; a carnival ride bracelet, good for unlimited rides for any one day, for $23; or a carnival ride booklet of 30 coupons for $20.

Now is the time to also purchase your arena event tickets. The Rodeo is on Thursday, Professional Bull Riding on Friday, and Tough Truck Racing and Monster Trucks on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Wednesday night’s arena event, Farm and Ranch night, is free with paid admission to the Fair.

There are several ways to get your Fair tickets early. Purchase them on-line at www.NevadaCountyFair.com or stop by the Fair Office on McCourtney Road by Tuesday, August 6, at 5 pm. Or you can call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217 by August 5 at 5 pm. The Fair Office at Gate 1 is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and will also be open on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, from 10 am to 5 pm on both days.

After August 6, admission for the Fair is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children
6-12, and free to children under the age of 5.

This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11. The Fair’s Office is located on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. The phone number is (530) 273-6217 and the website is www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

 

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217

wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 7 – 11, 2013

Draft Horse Classic                            September 19 – 22, 2013

Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 26, 2013

Country Christmas Faire                  November 29 – December 1, 2013

 

Please help to keep this blog going
Let us Sell or help you buy your new home or land

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
Email John

DRE#00669941

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Idol Competition at the Nevada County Fair

Super Star, Freak Out and KMG Booster, night 02
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you love to sing? If so, you could win $100, a Fair admission package, and money for your favorite charity! The Nevada County Fair is looking for talented vocalists to sing in the Idol Competition at this year’s Fair.

Nevada County residents ages 16 and up are invited to participate in this crowd favorite on Wednesday, August 7, at 5 pm on the Pine Tree Stage at the Fairgrounds. The grand prize is $100, two Fair admission tickets, parking, two Saturday night arena tickets, and carnival rides. Second place prize is $50, two admission tickets, parking and carnival rides; and third prize is $25, two admission tickets and parking. New this year is the People’s Choice Award, which is $100.

Singers will be judged by a panel of local celebrities, who will narrow it down to five finalists.  Audience members will then vote with wooden tokens (that can be purchased at the event) for the grand prize winner. The tokens will be weighed on stage and the winner will be announced that night. All tokens collected will be converted back to cash and then donated to the non-profit of the winner’s choice. The voting for “People’s Choice” will take place during round one and announced with the Grand Prize Winner.

Last year’s Idol Competition winner was won by Khalee Lofton, who received money for her charity of choice – J & J Performing Arts.

Early entry is encouraged, as there is a limit of 15 contestants for this event. The entry fee is only $5, and entries close on Friday, August 2, at 5 pm. All contestants will receive a free admission pass to the Fair on Wednesday.

A complete list of rules and a registration form can be obtained from the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, by calling the Fair Office at 273-6217, or sending an e-mail to debby@nevadacountyfair.com.  Tri Counties Bank has graciously donated its time to sell tokens during the show.

Bring your friends and be prepared for a great night of music and entertainment at this year’s Nevada County Fair, August 7 – 11.

By:
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 7 – 11, 2013

Draft Horse Classic                            September 19 – 22, 2013

Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 26, 2013

Country Christmas Faire                  November 29 – December 1, 2013

 

Please help to keep this blog going
Let us Sell or help you buy your new home or land

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
Email John

DRE#00669941

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Art Whitney to be Inducted in Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame

Art Whitney Hall of Fame inductee.  Photo credit: Shaffer Originals.
Art Whitney Hall of Fame inductee. Photo credit: Shaffer Originals.

 

Art Whitney has been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized Art for his many years of service to the Nevada County Fair, as well as for his commitment to the growth and success of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Art served as a director on the Fair’s Board of Directors for two terms (1997 – 2001 and 2007 – 2012), as well as a Fair exhibitor, as a local beef 4H leader, and a county beef leader.

Art and his family moved to Nevada County in 1987, after a four year excursion living abroad on their sail boat.  They settled in South County and immediately enrolled their sons in 4H beef projects. Since the 4H chapter didn’t have a beef leader at that time, he volunteered. He’s been involved in livestock ever since, and not surprisingly, when asked about his favorite part of the Fair, Art admits it’s all the livestock events – especially the Round Robin competition.

In addition to serving in the livestock community, Art was appointed to the Fairgrounds’ Board of Directors in 1987, where he took an entrepreneurial approach to decision making and utilized his strong livestock background to guide the Board. Additionally, Art generously contributed to the improvements in the livestock barns – the development of the Whitney Pavilion and the Beef Show Ring are evidence of Art’s personal generosity.

“I believe the Fair is an integral component in the process of raising children,” said Art. “This environment provides the perfect mechanism for developing young minds and bodies. It is here that kids learn communication and team building skills and have a terrific time that they will remember forever.  I hope the community understands the importance of preserving this great venue so future families will enjoy the same benefits that so many families before them have.  Given the current financial predicament of our state, it is imperative that the Nevada County community bond together and financially support this great institution.”

Art is the CEO of Pacific West Pharmacy and Advantage Pharmaceuticals. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Placer County Farm Supply, and a member of the Board of Directors at Mayers Memorial Hospital.  Art and his wife Caroline have three boys who have all participated in the Fair and have gone on to be outstanding citizens in their communities.  Additionally, they have a daughter, who attends McArthur High School (in Fall River Mills), serves as McArthur’s FFA Chapter president, and is active in the local county fair.

When he’s not working or volunteering, he enjoys time on his ranch, Whitney Meadows, “where we raise all of our own hay, have a herd of registered horned Herefords, and too many horses. We enjoy watching our daughter compete in rodeo and we spend a lot of time helping neighbors with annual brandings, which mimic the old days of spending days gathering cattle, roping and dragging to the fire with great community camaraderie.”

Art is surprised about his induction into the Hall of Fame. “What an honor,” he said. “I’m not sure I deserve this; there are tons of folks who dedicate so much to make this Fair great.”

“As a director, Art provided insight and wisdom, and his business vision and forward thinking attitude led the Fair to embrace an enterprising business style,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “He is an astute business person, as well as incredibly generous. It’s an honor to be able to recognize him in the Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame.”

Art will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremonies on Wednesday, August 7.  In addition to access to the Fair and its many activities, Art will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

The 2013 Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

By:

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 7 – 11, 2013

Draft Horse Classic                            September 19 – 22, 2013

Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 26, 2013

Country Christmas Faire                  November 29 – December 1, 2013

 

Please help to keep this blog going
Let us Sell or help you buy your new home or land

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
Email John

DRE#00669941

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Nevada County Fairgrounds and Community Organizations Team Up for Community Involvement on July 29

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food
Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food

Participate in Community Involvement Day and receive free tickets

The Nevada County Fairgrounds, the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, and BloodSource are teaming up on July 29 for Community Involvement Day – a day to donate items to these non-profit organizations, while also receiving free tickets to the Fair.  These organizations will be set-up at the Fairgrounds Gate 1 main parking lot on Monday, July 29, from 1 – 6 pm, to receive donations of the following items:

Food Bank of Nevada County: Donate four cans of food to the Food Bank of Nevada County, and receive a coupon to redeem for one free Fair admission ticket with the purchase of one Fair admission ticket. That’s two for the price of one! For more information about the Food Bank of Nevada County, visit www.foodbankofnc.org or call (530) 272-3796.

Foothill Lions: Drop off a donation of an old hearing aid or old prescription eye glasses and receive a coupon to redeem for one free Fair admission ticket with the purchase of one Fair admission ticket. It’s two for the price of one!

BloodSource:  Make a blood donation at the BloodSource bloodmobile located in the main parking lot (Gate 1) at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, and receive a free admission ticket to any day of the Fair. For more information and eligibility about blood donation, visit www.bloodsource.org or call 1-866-822-5663.

Feel free to donate to any one organization or all of them! To receive your free tickets, all donations must be brought to the Gate 1 parking lot at the Fairgrounds on July 29 between the hours of  1- 6 pm.

Coupons received for the donations to the Food Bank of Nevada County and Foothill Lions (by one, get one free) must be redeemed during pre-sale dates, which take place until August 6. Presale discounted tickets will be available for purchase on Community Involvement Day at Guest Services, Gate 1.

This year’s Fair is August 7 – 11. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information or call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.

Contact:         Robin Hauck, Deputy Manager
(530) 273-6217;  Robin@NevadaCountyFair.com

 

Please help to keep this blog going
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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
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Housing Inventories Rising Faster Than Usual

 

http://amazingdata.com/worlds-largest-and-tallest-wooden-houses/
Photo credit: http://amazingdata.com/worlds-largest-and-tallest-wooden-houses/

The number of homes for sale rose 4.3 percent in June to 1.9 million—the highest level in the past year. These gains are also higher than usual for this time of year, according to newly-released housing data from realtor.com®.

Following two years of declines, housing inventory is finally reversing course. More home owners are seeing rising prices and may be more apt to try to sell their homes.

The number of homes for sale has risen the most in the past year in areas that had seen the largest declines, such as Sacramento, Calif. (up 11 percent), Atlanta (up 10.9 percent), Phoenix (up 6.2 percent), and Miami (up 2.2 percent). From May to June, inventories soared by the highest month-over-month amounts in Southern California, with inventories up 51.5 percent in Orange County, 45.7 percent in Los Angeles, and 18.1 percent in San Diego, according to realtor.com®.

However, inventories of homes for sale remain far below last year’s level in markets such as Boston (down 35.1 percent), Denver (down 30.1 percent), Detroit (down 25.7 percent), Seattle (down 23.2 percent), and San Francisco (down 21.7 percent).

Realtor.com® also reports that median asking prices climbed 0.5 percent in June from May, reaching $199,900. Median asking prices are up by 5 percent over last year.

Source: “Housing Listings Multiply in June,” The Wall Street Journal (July 15, 2013)

Please help to keep this blog going
Let us Sell or help you buy your new home or land

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
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DRE#00669941

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There’s Still Time to Enter Your Exhibits in the Nevada County Fair

Winner of the 10th annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Country Christmas Faire Best of Show winner Wanda Dunn of Penn Valley
Winner of the 10th annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Country Christmas Faire Best of Show winner Wanda Dunn of Penn Valley

 

Want to enter something in the Nevada County Fair? There’s still time! The deadline for submitting paper entry forms or to enter on-line using the Fair’s on-line entry system is July 19 at 4 pm.  There are no entry fees for most categories, so simply visit the Fair Office on McCourtney Road or log-on to the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com to complete the entry process.

Join the thousands of Nevada County residents who enter exhibits each year in the more than 300 available categories. If you can make it, bake it, grow it or show it, we have a category for you! Don’t delay – enter now!

Complete descriptions of all categories are available in the Fair’s Competition Handbook, which is available on the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com or at the Fair office.

The 2013 Fair is August 7 – 11. For more information, call (530) 273-6217 or visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Wendy Oaks

Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds

(530) 273-6217

wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 7 – 11, 2013

Draft Horse Classic                            September 19 – 22, 2013

Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 26, 2013

Country Christmas Faire                  November 29 – December 1, 2013

For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email John J. O’Dell

DRE# 00669941

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Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise

http://onepicinspires.blogspot.com/2013/01/strange-and-unusual-houses-around-world.html
Photo credit: http://onepicinspires.blogspot.com/2013/01/strange-and-unusual-houses-around-world.html

Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey(R) (PMMS®), showing average fixed mortgage rates continuing to trend higher for the week on more market speculation that the Federal Reserve will reduce future bond purchases following June’s strong employment report.

News Facts

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.51 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending July 11, 2013, up from last week when it averaged 4.29 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.56 percent.
  • 15-year FRM this week averaged 3.53 percent with an average 0.8 point, up from last week when it averaged 3.39 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 2.86 percent.
  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.26 percent this week with an average 0.7 point, up from last week when it averaged 3.10 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.74 percent.
  • 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.66 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, unchanged from last week. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 2.69 percent.

Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following links for the Regional and National Mortgage Rate Details and Definitions. Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.

 

Thinking of selling or buying a home or land?
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

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