By Virginia Eaton — I have the best job in the world! I work with some amazing men and women who are improving their health, their fitness and their outlook on the world. Life is an amazing, twisty-turny roller coaster ride and, if you’re lucky, it’s full of crazy adventures with endings that give you a greater appreciation for your ...

Submitted by Nikki Van Velson OAKHURST — Soroptimist International of the Sierras hosted the first Career Support day for girls on Saturday, Jan. 23. The all-day conference Dream It – Be It included several speakers on topics such as self-esteem, exploring careers, turning failure into success, rising above obstacles, balancing your stress, being mentors, and putting dreams into action. In ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — A winter storm warning and hazardous weather conditions could mean up to two feet of snow in the high country, while rain, possible thunderstorms and snowfall are anticipated in the lower elevations this weekend. A flash flood watch issued for the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills has been canceled as of mid-morning Saturday, Jan. 30. Click on ...

Submitted by Bailey Sampler O’NEALS — Minarets senior Shyann Mattes will host an FFA Parliamentary Procedure and Creed Speaking Contest for her Senior Legacy Experience (SLE), as part of the O’Neals-Minarets chapter offerings. When asked about her event, Shyann said, “It’s an awesome opportunity for members to practice speaking and presenting in front of others. The invitational is simply a ...

By Daniel Ching O’NEALS — Minarets will celebrate its fifth graduating class this year. From the beginning with just 30 students on the Spring Valley Elementary campus to now with five hundred students, Minarets has continued to stay true to the mission and vision that was created from the beginning. The high-tech, project-based, relationship focused culture that was established from ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Hanford is reporting that our next storm system will start to hit the Central California Interior beginning late Friday and continue into the weekend. The exact track and timing are still uncertain, say the experts, but this system has the potential to bring hazardous impacts to the region. Snow is likely ...

Submitted by Kristi Winter MADERA COUNTY — The 34th Annual Madera County Academic Decathlon competition begins on Friday, Jan. 29, as local high school students will compete in the interview and essay competitions at Madera County Office of Education. Yosemite High School, Chawanakee Academy, Chowchilla High, Liberty High, Madera High, Madera South High and will be competing to be named ...

Submitted by Lawna Porter OAKHURST — Did you get an iPhone or iPad for Christmas and would really like to to know how to use it more efficiently? Well, Adult Ed has the class for you and it’s free! Adult Ed is offering an IOS Fundamentals and Basics Class starting Monday, Feb. 1, from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. in ...

Submitted by Barbara Leath OAKHURST — Attention, caregivers! Are you a caregiver of an elderly loved one and need a break? We have several openings at our respite group. The Caregiver Respite Group meets every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to – 1:30 p.m. at the Sierra Senior Center, located at 49111 Cinder Lane in Oakhurst. The respite group will provide ...

BASS LAKE — Another area homeowner was shocked and saddened recently when he walked up to the detached garage at his Bass Lake cabin to find the lock cut, now dropped on the ground, garage still latched closed. He knew this was trouble, and when Chad Gregerson opened the garage door, what he didn’t see confirmed the bad news: his ...