BURSON, CA – April 14, 2017 - The Society for the Preservation of West Calaveras History has presented Nick Baptista and Vip Hale with its 2017 Richard Taylor Pioneer Award.  Honoring individuals who have contributed to the preservation of local history, this year’s award applauded Baptista and Hale for “their support for educating the community about the history of West Calaveras through The Valley Springs News.”  Baptista is the editor and publisher of The Valley Springs News; Hale had been co-publisher until last year.  The previous Pioneer Award honorees have been Tom Duke, Mervyn Kirk, David Earl Evans Jr., Shannon Van Zant, and Judith Marvin. (Photo by Melinda Gardner.) #lovingcalaveras