NORTH FORK — As always, the North Fork Boy Scout Troop 357 has had a busy winter. In January, the Scouts spent the afternoon at Boomers! in Fresno, and before returning to North Fork, stopped at In-N-Out for dinner. In February, the Scouts headed up to Shaver Lake for a day in the snow, and in March, traveled to Morro ...

NORTH FORK — The public is invited to attend a presentation by well-known wildlife biologist Phil Bartholomew on Wednesday, Apr. 19, at the North Fork School. The presentation will be part of the annual Sierra Vista Scenic Byway meeting. In 1928, Orland Bartholomew made a 300-mile trek in mid-winter from Yosemite to Mount Whitney, which included the first winter ascent ...

BASS LAKE — Last week, the County of Madera hosted its two-day Management Workshop in Bass Lake, Calif., which was titled, “United into the Future.” The annual workshop, held this year on Apr. 5 and 6, gives County staff a chance to share the challenges and successes of the past year, and plan the way forward in providing better service ...

NORTH FORK – It’s just about time for a dose of Good Medicine, as the much-loved local band plays a special concert to benefit the North Fork Library. The event on Saturday, Apr. 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. includes foot-stomping music and hors d’oeuvres, say organizers. Good Medicine has been entertaining audiences from the foothills to the coast for more ...

NORTH FORK — The community of North Fork will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, Apr. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Fork Elementary School. “Come to the exact center of California to learn how to keep our planet healthy,” say organizers. “This will be a time to socialize, network and learn from various exhibitors.” Eco products, recycling techniques, rummage sale ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Apr. 3 to Sunday, Apr. 9, 2017: Oakhurst theft On Monday, Apr. 3 at 12:07 p.m., a deputy at the Oakhurst substation was dispatched to speak to a reporting party concerning a petty theft, said to have taken place on the 47000 Block of Road 620. ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Volunteers are now being recruited for the season to serve as fire lookouts on Miami Mountain. Miami Lookout is a lookout tower located just east of Nippinawasee and is staffed throughout the fire season by Forest Service Volunteers. The tower is a great asset to our mountain community because it is located in a prime location ...

NORTH FORK —  Residents who would like to take advantage of the Air Curtain Burner located at the Old Mill Site to dispose of woody slash materials are encouraged to do it sooner than later. Cal Fire will be suspending the acceptance of material on Saturday, Apr. 29. The Air Curtain Burners are available to help residents dispose of unwanted ...

NORTH FORK  – The Bass Lake Ranger District is set to begin the 2017 reforestation program, and will have seedlings for you to adopt. During the next two months, contract and Forest Service crews will be planting approximately 235 acres with up to 70,000 seedlings addressing areas impacted by the 2014 French and Courtney Fires. Approximately 250 to 350 seedlings ...

CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest (SNF) is now selling Personal Use Wood Cutting Permits for the Apr. 1 through Nov. 30 period. Forest Service offices in North Fork, Prather and Clovis began selling permits on Monday, Apr. 3. All permits will be valid only for the Sierra National Forest lands and do not include private property. The forest will ...