Local News Digest: October Week 4

Welcome to the fourth Local News Digest from Monica Franks, a weekly look at Merced County news this week: the community stories, business milestones, and development updates shaping life across Merced, Turlock, Chowchilla, Mariposa, and the wider Central Valley. This week's edition leads with momentum and celebration. Twenty-plus new businesses are getting ready to open in Merced, Turlock is hosting its first stationery festival, and Chowchilla is rallying around a hometown champion.

The most notable Merced County news this week is the October 23 report that more than 20 new businesses are slated to open in Merced, a sign of momentum that carries through the rest of the digest: Turlock debuts the inaugural Central Valley Stationery Fest, Chowchilla raises $17,000 at a charity golf tournament for homegrown star Asterisk Talley, the long-closed South Fork Merced River Trail near Mariposa is close to reopening, and family-friendly Halloween events are set across the region. Every story below links to the original reporting so you can read the full details.

Merced County News This Week: Five Stories Worth Sharing

More than 20 new businesses are slated to open in Merced

The Merced Sun-Star reported on October 23 that more than 20 new businesses are slated to open in Merced, ranging from coffee shops, restaurants, and discount retailers to car washes, with new developments taking shape across the city including the Gateway Marketplace project. The wave of openings adds jobs and shopping choices close to home for Merced residents, and it signals continued confidence in the city's growth from the downtown core to the east side.

Turlock to host inaugural Central Valley Stationery Fest

The Turlock Journal reported on October 21 that downtown shopkeeper Victoria Mires of Paper Moon Stationary and Art Supply helped organize the inaugural Central Valley Stationery Fest, set for Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stan State's University Student Center with more than 40 vendors. The first-of-its-kind gathering gives Turlock a fresh claim on the regional event calendar and offers independent paper and letterpress makers a welcoming stage to sell their work.

Chowchilla community raises $17,000 at annual Asterisk Open

ABC30 reported on October 26 that the Chowchilla community raised $17,000 at the annual Asterisk Open golf tournament at Pheasant Run Golf Club, where homegrown star Asterisk Talley, fresh off winning the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, returned to play her home course. The fundraiser turns hometown pride into charity dollars that stay in the community, and it celebrates one of Chowchilla's most accomplished athletes.

South Fork Merced River Trail near Mariposa is about to reopen

The San Francisco Chronicle reported on October 24 that Mariposa Trails and its volunteers are in the final push this fall to finish restoring the rugged 21.8-mile South Fork Merced River Trail along Yosemite's western edge, with the route close to reopening after nearly a decade of work. A reopened trail gives the Mariposa area a world-class riverside hiking destination that draws visitors, supports local businesses, and preserves public access to the Sierra backcountry.

Holiday events offer spooky fun for kids, adults

The Turlock Journal previewed on October 25 a lineup of Halloween happenings across the region, including the Turlock Police Department's safe Trick or Treat on October 29 at the Public Safety Center on North Broadway and area trunk-or-treat events at parks such as Whitmore Park in Ceres. These free, family-friendly gatherings give parents easy, low-cost ways to make the holiday special, and they spotlight the public agencies and community groups that organize them.

That is the week in Merced County. If you spot a story from your part of the Valley that deserves wider attention, a new shop worth celebrating in Atwater or Livingston, a milestone at a Winton school, or a development update in Catheys Valley or McSwain, please send it over. Tell your local agent, and your tip could make the next digest.

Past Digests

Missed an earlier edition? Read the Local News Digest: October Week 3, covering Merced's Costco move to Gateway Marketplace, Turlock's John Lazar Park grand opening, the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra's 25th season, and Atwater's Castle AirFest. Or go back further to the Local News Digest: October Week 2, covering Merced's Mercy Village groundbreaking, Turlock's remodeled Walmart, and UC Merced's mobile agtech trailers, and the Local News Digest: October Week 1, covering Merced College's new South Merced Center and bestselling author Katherine Center's Turlock library event.

More Local Reading

For the numbers behind Merced County's housing market, read the October 2026 real estate market update. For a closer look at the retail wave behind this week's top story, the New Business Openings: October 2026 roundup covers Gateway Marketplace and more, and the City Development Tracker: October 2026 lists new projects, road work, and council decisions countywide. With Halloween week ahead, the weekend guide for October 30 to November 1 plans your next few days out. You can explore the Merced, Turlock, Chowchilla, and Mariposa service area pages for a closer look at each community.