Walter Ford
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Articles by Walter Ford
‘All of it is on the table’: Battle-tested Miners look to finish strong
Coming into the season Nevada Union’s boys basketball team had just three returning players from last year’s playoff team. The way NU head coach Mark Casey put it, “we had to grow up in a hurry.” The Miners would do just that as they opened the season with six wins in their first seven games. “It’s a really connected group,” said Casey. “They are a pleasure to coach. There is a lot of good chemistry, and these guys will compete. These guys are dogs.
Jr. Miners advance to Division Championship
Behind a balanced offensive attack and a gritty defensive effort, the Nevada Union 14U Jr. Miners earned an extra week of football after a hard fought, 22-16, first round playoff victory over a formidable Bear River Jr. Bruins squad on Saturday. Bear River, the No. 4 seed, responded in the second quarter, reaching the end zone on a 16-yard run to knot the game, 8-8. The Jr. Miners jumped back ahead a short time later when Hunter Lampe barreled into the end zone from 3-yards out.
'Hardworking and dedicated': Jr. Miners shine on gridiron, send 4 teams to playoffs
Sacramento Youth Football’s postseason kicks off Saturday, and all four Nevada Union Jr. Miners teams are ready to dig in. “We have an incredible group of kids this year on and off the field,” NUJM Board President Jason Tipton said. “They are hardworking and dedicated.
Jr. Miners power past Pondo
It was a happy homecoming for the Nevada Union Jr. Miners Youth Football Program as it took three of four contests against the visiting Ponderosa Jr. Bruins, Saturday at Hooper Stadium. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. With a potent aerial attack, stellar special teams play and a bit of Miner Magic, the 14U Jr. Miners pulled off an improbable comeback.
Jr. Miners power past Placer
Hooper Stadium was roaring Saturday afternoon as the Nevada Union Jr. Miners kicked off Sierra Foothill League play with a clean sweep of long-time rival Placer. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. After what had been a day of lopsided victories for the Jr. Miners’ younger programs, The 14U contest was a thriller that came down to the final play.
Jr. Miners win 2 in clash with Jr. Rams
The Nevada Union Jr. Miners traveled to Orangevale Sunday and locked horns with the Casa Roble Jr. Rams in a final tune up before league play begins. 12U: JR. MINERS 36, JR. RAMS 0 Nevada Union’s 12U squad slammed the Jr. Rams Sunday, scoring by land and air on offense while dominating on defense. The Jr. Miners (2-2) broke free from a 0-0 stalemate in the second quarter when running back Jordan Lostrie raced into the end zone from 17-yards out.
Jr. Miners win 2 at River Valley
The Nevada Union Jr. Miners hit the road for the first time this season, battling it out with the Jr. Falcons on the gray turf at River Valley High School Saturday Sept. 6 in Yuba City. 14U: JR. MINERS 18, JR. FALCONS 0 With a stifling defense and a second half scoring spree, the 14U Jr. Miners downed the Jr. Falcons and improved to 2-1 on the season.
Jr. Miners split bouts with West Sac
The Nevada Union Jr. Miners and West Sacramento Bears battled it out Saturday at Hooper Stadium, and when the dust settled the youth football programs ended up splitting the four contests. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. With great determination and resiliency, the 10U Jr. Miners earned a gritty victory over the visiting Bears.
Jr. Miners kickoff season with sweep
The Nevada Union Jr. Miners struck gold at all four levels Sunday at Hooper Stadium, earning a clean sweep of the visiting Christian Brothers Jr. Falcons. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The 8U Jr. Miners surged past the Jr. Falcons behind a strong defensive effort and a pair of second half scores. After battling to a 6-6 halftime score, NU broke the tie in the third quarter with a 62-yard scoring sprint by Adam Cordery.
Labworks USA Expands Nationwide Partner Program, With New Revenue Opportunities for Transportation-Focused Businesses
Labworks USA Expands Nationwide Partner Program, With New Revenue Opportunities for Transportation-Focused Businesses PORTLAND, OR, UNITED STATES, May 15, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Labworks USA, a leading DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing consortium, is proud to announce the expansion of its nationwide Partner Program.
Labworks USA Solidifies Position as a Leading DOT Consortium with Nationwide Expansion and Enhanced Digital Services
Labworks USA Solidifies Position as a Leading DOT Consortium with Nationwide Expansion and Enhanced Digital Services PORTLAND, OR, UNITED STATES, May 15, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Labworks USA, a premier consortium third-party administrator (C/TPA) specializing in Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, proudly announces its continued growth and commitment to providing comprehensive drug and alcohol testing services across the United States.
Jr. Miners stifle Sutter
Behind a stellar defensive effort and clutch playmaking down the stretch, Nevada Union’s 10U Jr. Miners surged past the Sutter Jr. Huskies, 12-6, Saturday. “That was a great team win for the boys,” said Nevada Union head coach Adam Hall. “They faced tough competition and didn’t give up.
The Fellas win NevCo Flag Football title
Submitted to The Union Behind a high-powered offensive attack and a staunch defensive effort, The Fellas carved through the competition on Saturday and claimed the first-ever NevCo Flag Football Club Championship. “We showed up and we showed out,” said The Fellas quarterback Dustin Philpott. Facing top-seed Team Brooke in the title game, The Fellas jumped in front early and never looked back en route to a 38-16 victory at Scotten Multiuse Field in Grass Valley.
Miners rise above East Union: NU grabs 1st playoff win in 13 years; to face West Park in 2nd round
This win was more than a decade in the making. Nevada Union’s football team earned its first playoff victory since 2009 on Friday, beating East Union of Manteca, 33-28, in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs.
Miners pound Pondo; earn playoff spot
The Miners are headed to the playoffs. After earning back-to-back victories to close out the regular season, Nevada Union (4-6 overall, 2-3 Foothill Valley League) grabbed the No. 11 seed in the Sac-Joaquin Section’s Division IV playoffs and will face No. 6 East Union in Manteca on Friday. With the announcement of its at-large playoff bid, the Nevada Union football team has now made the playoffs three times in the last four seasons (2019, 2021, 2022).
Gold blood, blue collar: NU seniors dig in at Hooper Stadium for final home game
Bonds formed on the gridiron are not easily broken, and can often last a lifetime. “This is the most family of a team I’ve ever had,” Nevada Union senior Maddox Graves said earlier this season.
Ready to take the next step: Miners set to dig into 2022 season
Head coach Brad Sparks said he started to see it a season ago. The culture around the program was changing. The Miners on the field had fully bought in. They believed in their training, in their abilities and in each other. He saw it when the Miners battled back from a big first half deficit against Placer, but eventually fell short. A week later, the Miners stormed out of a 14-0 hole to knock off Oakmont on the road. Then came the triple-overtime victory over Ponderosa.
The road ahead: Breaking down Nevada Union’s 2022 football schedule
The local high school football season officially kicks off in a week, and the Nevada Union Miners are eager to dig into their 2022 campaign. “They’re a great group,” Nevada Union head coach Brad Sparks said of his team. “They’re excited.” The Miners are coming off a 2021 campaign in which they went 6-5 overall, 3-2 in Foothill Valley League play and reached the postseason for the second time in three seasons (2019, 2021). There were no playoffs held in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Beat the Experts: Experts close season with predictably average showing
With The Union’s 2021 Beat The Experts Football Pick ‘em contest coming to a close, it’s only fitting the “experts” finished the season with yet another lukewarm performance. After an unpredictable and confounding weekend of football, the The Union’s experts (Walter Ford and Brian O’Brien) pieced together a very predictable 6-5 showing across the 11-game slate. And with that, we conclude the 10-week season with a 61-58 overall record. Not bad, but far from good.
Beat the Experts: Experts limp into final week of pick ’em contest
As we enter the final week of the The Union’s Beat The Experts Football Pick ‘em contest, we’ve learned a few things from the previous nine weeks. Even the bad NFL teams have enough talent to win on any given Sunday, the 49ers are terrible at home, and you can count on The Union’s so-called “experts” turning in a humdrum performance week in and week out. Week nine was another predictably poor showing for The Union’s experts (Walter Ford and Brian O’Brien), who went 5-7 across the 12-game slate.
Prep football: Miners bounced from playoffs (VIDEO/PHOTO GALLERY)
By Walter Ford | Sports Writer Nevada Union wide receiver Andrew Webster fights for extra yards during Friday’s first round playoff loss to the Will C. Wood Wildcats. Photo: Elias Funez Nevada Union had its football season come to a close Friday night in Vacaville. Playing nearly 100 miles from home, the No. 9 seeded Miners couldn’t keep pace with the No. 8 seed Will C. Wood Wildcats, falling 39-27 in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs.
Prep volleyball: FLC Falcons soar into title game; Bruins fall in semis
The Forest Lake Christian Falcons rose above Sac Country Day on Tuesday night, and are now one win away from claiming the Sac-Joaquin Section’s Division VI Girls Volleyball Championship. Facing No. 2 Sac Country Day on the road, the No. 3 seed Falcons dropped the first set before clawing out the next three to earn the semifinal victory, 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-21. Leading the FLC attack was junior Sadie Whaley, who knocked down a team-high 17 kills, along with three aces.
Beat The Experts: Backup QBs shine, ‘experts’ continue run of mediocrity
Week eight of the NFL season belonged to backup quarterbacks as the likes of Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys), Trevor Siemian (New Orleans Saints) and Mike White (New York Jets) put the clipboard down, their helmet on and led their respective teams to victory.
Prep football: Miners open playoffs on the road
Nevada Union on Friday will kick off the postseason when it faces off with Will C. Wood in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs. The Sac-Joaquin Section’s high school football playoff brackets were released Sunday, and the Miners’ path through the postseason starts in Vacaville against the Will C. Wood Wildcats.
Prep football: Miners fall to Lincoln (PHOTO GALLERY)
Nevada Union wide receiver Clay Renner drags a Zebra defender down the field during Thursday’s loss to Lincoln High School. Photo: Elias Funez Nevada Union’s football team came into Thursday night’s bout with Lincoln still in the hunt for a share of the Foothill Valley League championship. The Fighting Zebras from Lincoln were not in a sharing mood.
Beat The Experts: Experts starting to find stride … they hope
Week seven of The Union’s 2021 Beat The Experts Football Pick ’em contest is in the books, and a few things are starting to become clear. The Pac-12 is not what it used to be, the Raiders are going to be just fine without Jon Gruden, and Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t good in the rain either. When the clouds parted on the weekend’s slate of games, the so-called “experts” in The Union’s 2021 Beat The Experts Football Pick ’em contest were actually much better than they’ve been for much of the season.
Prep football: Miners win OT thriller over Ponderosa (VIDEO)
By Walter Ford | Sports Writer Nevada Union defensive lineman Clay Renner and Brayden Dearman force a Ponderosa Bruins fumble and jump on the ball to take possession for the Miners during a fourth quarter comeback that ended in triple overtime Friday night at Hooper Stadium. Photo: Elias Funez After Friday night’s thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory, it looks like the Miners may have found their magic once again. “They’re a dedicated group of kids.
Prep volleyball: ‘Peaking at the right time’
Bear River’s girls volleyball claimed the Pioneer Valley League championship Wednesday after topping Lindhurst at home. The Bruins went 10-0 in league play to claim their first PVL banner since 2015. Submitted to The Union Like most teams, Bear River girls volleyball faced its fair share of adversity this season. But, with a keen ability to adapt, strong team cohesion and unrelenting perseverance, the Bruins rose above the obstacles and claimed the 2021 Pioneer Valley League championship.
Prep football: Bruins drop hard-fought bout with Titans
By Walter Ford | Sports Editor Bear River running back Anders Torgerson (5) follows a pair of Bruins blockers during Friday night’s contest with Luther Burbank High School. Torgerson finished the night with a team-high 70 yards and a touchdown pass. Photo: Elias Funez It was a slugfest at J. David Ramsey Stadium Friday night.
Prep volleyball: Bear River roars past Marysville on Senior Night (PHOTO GALLERY)
It was Senior Night for the Bear River girls volleyball team Thursday at Jack R. McCrory Gymnasium. From left: Arden Franks, Molly Fowler, Jordan Foster, coach Matt MacDonald, Liah Fuller, Heaven Lafata and Lauren Richert. By Brian O’Brien Behind a strong defensive effort and a balanced attack, the Bear River girls volleyball team powered past Marysville in straight sets (25-15, 25-14, 25-19) on Senior Night.
Beat the Experts: Experts bounce back in week of nail biters
After an atrocious showing in week one of The Union’s Beat The Experts football pick ’em contest, the so-called experts shook off a bit of their rust in week two and put forth a much more expert-like effort. I, along with my fellow expert Brian O’Brien, fared much better than our sub .500 showing in week one, going 9-3 across the week two slate of games. Two weeks into the 10-week season and we carry a 14-10 overall mark. Taking home the top spot in week two is Justin Morgan, who went 10-2.
Beat the Experts: Tough week for the experts
Week one of Beat The Experts is in the books, and it was a rough one for the self-described experts. I, along with my fellow expert Brian O’Brien, went a combined 5-7 this week. Bad for us, but good for those who played. Remember, all you have to do is beat us on any given week and you get an entry into the end of the season grand prize drawing for the 55-inch 4K UHD Smart Television with HDR and Wi-Fi, provided by Beam “Easy Living” Center in Grass Valley.
‘To finish is to win’: Penn Valley woman Nancy Martin, 66, completes Tevis Cup 100-mile ride in first attempt
Nancy Martin, left, along with Lindsay Fisher traverse the Tevis Cup trails in late July. Martin is riding Monk, and Fisher is riding Bucephalos, Monk’s father. Submitted by Lynne Glazer/Lynne Glazer Imagery Not every competition is about finishing first, or how well one fares in comparison to their peers. Some endeavors are more about the journey rather than the destination. Sometimes, simply finishing is winning.
Racing roundup: DiBenedetto continues late season surge
Matt DiBenedetto talks with other drivers before driver introductions at the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday in Brooklyn, Mich. Photo Associated Press With another strong effort on the track, NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt DiBenedetto continued his late-season push for a playoff spot. Competing at Michigan International Speedway for the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, DiBenedetto started fourth, led one lap and finished in sixth place.
Prep football: Miners blast Bella Vista in season opener
By Walter Ford | Sports Editor Nevada Union High School’s Gabe Baker straight arms Bella Vista High’s Caelan Sallander during the Miners 44-34 win over the Broncos Friday in Fair Oaks. The Miners are scheduled to play Sheldon High School out of Sacramento next Friday night.
Bear River, Truckee football game canceled
| The varsity and junior varsity prep football games between Bear River High School and Truckee High School have been canceled due to projected poor air quality, according to Bear River Athletic Director Jeff Bickmore.
Live, laugh, lift: Nevada City man Terence Plotsky, 80, sets powerlifting world records
A regular face around the South Yuba Club, Terrence Plotsky recently broke weightlifting records for his age and class. The 80-year-old Nevada County resident says he works out to get better and to “keep this cycle from closing.” Photo: Eilas Funez When you walk into the South Yuba Club, it’s not too difficult to find Terence Plotsky. He’s the long-haired, bearded 80 year old, cracking jokes with a British accent and lifting incredible amounts of weight.
‘A sobering feeling’: River Fire nears full containment as residents begin to pick up the pieces
The Kendall family lost their home, workshop, tool shed and several classic cars in the River Fire. Submitted by Mark Kendall Ten days after it began, the River Fire is nearing 100% containment. The blaze that started Aug. 4 and scorched 2,619 acres of land, destroyed more than 100 structures and caused four injuries in Placer and Nevada counties was 95% contained Friday afternoon, according to Cal Fire.
Big play potential: Nevada Union and Bear River football players to keep an eye on this season
Nevada Union running back Cameron Cormack (28) breaks away from the Placer defense during a 2021 spring game. Cormack is back for his senior season with the Miners. The 2021 fall high school football season kicks off in less than a week and local football teams are eager to pop pads against players in different colored jerseys.
Containment progress continues on River Fire
Nearly a week after the River Fire started, fire personnel continue to make progress on the blaze that destroyed more than 80 structures and forced thousands of people to be evacuated. As of Tuesday morning, the River Fire has been 78% contained, according to Cal Fire, and firefighters are leaving no stone unturned in an effort to fully stamp out the inferno that has already burned more than 2,600 acres in Nevada and Placer counties.
Junior golfer drives, chips, putts way to sub-regional round
Hank Sowell placed third overall at the Drive, Chip and Putt Competition held July 1 at Montreux Golf and Country Club in Reno. Submitted to The Union Hank Sowell’s introduction to the game of golf came early as a set of clubs was among the gifts he received on his very first birthday. His affinity for the sport has only grown from there.
Gridiron grind: Breaking down Bear River’s fall football schedule
Bear River quarterback (2) Gino Lorenzo drops back for a pass against the Truckee Wolverines during the spring 2021 season. The Bruins open the fall season at Truckee, Aug. 21. New season. New co-head coaches. Same expectations. “I’ve been in the program for 18 years and my expectations are the same as they’ve been every other year,” said Tanner Mathias, a former Bear River football player and assistant coach who was hired as co-head coach of the varsity program in May. “I expect to be physical.
Youth baseball: SN Elite Miners win World Series title
By Walter Ford | Sports Editor The SN Elite Miners 16U team won the NCS Ultimate World Series Championship in Sparks, Nevada, on Sunday. The team is comprised of Conor Hassfeld, Calvin Rhoden, Brenden Pinney, Jerry Andres, Grady Kamba, Chase Nye, Aidsen Broome, Caleb Hassfeld, Steele Witchek, Kyle Ensman, Aiden McKenna, Lucas Mackey, J.Z. Antonucci, Aaron West, Jonah Contreras, Keisen Hayden, Ryne Allen and Ryder Celenza. The team is led by coaches Justin Deme, Jeff Nye and Dave Rhoden.
Nevada County police blotter: Multiple callers report bear encounters
NEVADA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Friday 4:33 a.m. — A caller from Nancy Way reported someone for the last month has been driving in front of their address and yelling expletives between 4 and 4:30 a.m. 7:46 a.m. — A caller from Oak Street reported an 18 month old locked himself in a bedroom on accident and the reporting party couldn’t get them out. 8:54 a.m. — A caller from Golden Stair Way reported her landlord told her she needed to move out that day.
Nevada City Classic targets 2022 return
Nevada City Classic Men's Pro Racers make their way around one of the final turns of the Nevada City Classic race course in 2019. Photo: Elias Funez The Nevada City Classic, widely known as one of the most challenging and historic criterium bicycle races in the country, is targeting a return in June 2022. “At this point we’re looking at hitting a reset and going back to our normal June date, which will be either a week before, or on Father’s Day,” said race organizer Duane Strawser.
‘We’re all hungry’: Breaking down Nevada Union’s fall football schedule
Nevada Union quarterback Gabe Baker (15) keeps the ball on the option and attacks the Placer defense up the middle during a matchup in the spring. The Miners and Hillmen are scheduled to face off Oct. 8 at Hooper Stadium. Photo: Elias Funez After playing just two games in the COVID-shortened spring season, the Nevada Union Miners football team is ready to dig into its 2021 fall campaign. “It’s been a great summer.
Power of positivity: Family, friends, softball community mourn loss of Mike Milligan, who died Sunday
All-Star Auto veteran pitcher Mike Milligan, second from left, smiles into the camera during the playing of the National Anthem prior to a 2019 playoff game. Milligan would pitch this game, helping the team win the championship with a 9-8 victory. Photo: Elias Funez The hours kept passing by and Mike Milligan was still going strong. After all, If he was going to do something, he was going to do it right.
Auto racing roundup: Sweet stays hot, wins 3rd in a row
Grass Valley’s Brad Sweet won the Badger 40 held at Wilmot Raceway in Wisconsin. It was Sweet’s third straight World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series victory and 13th on the season. By Trent Gower/Courtesy of World of Outlaws Grass Valley’s Brad Sweet continued his hot streak, racing to his third straight World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series win Saturday at the Badger 40 held at Wilmot Raceway in Wisconsin.
‘Mission of care’: Barbara Schmidt Millar Triathlon set for Sept. 19, registration open
Triathletes trudge up Lake Lane after finishing the swimming portion of the 2019 Barbara Schmidt Millar Triathlon. The 2021 event is set for Sept. 19 and will be a duathlon due to projected low water levels at Scotts Flat Lake. Photo: Elias Funez The Barbara Schmidt Millar Women’s Triathlon and 5K is back on the Nevada County sports calendar and is open for registration. “When I think about the triathlon, I think about how it’s a mission of care,” said Event Director Danielle Scallin.
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