MADERA COUNTY – The return of full-time status at the Bass Lake Courthouse will be a welcome convenience to residents of Eastern Madera County. Effective Jan. 30, 2017, the Madera Superior Court, Bass Lake Division, will return to full-time status, holding court Monday through Thursday, according to District Attorney David Linn. Jury trials will once again be scheduled and heard ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016: Coarsegold arrest on firearms charges Om Monday, Nov. 14, at 12:03 a.m., a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Road 415 and Road 416 for a vehicle that was driving to the ...

WASHINGTON – As tax filing season approaches, there are steps you can take now to ensure smooth processing of your 2016 tax return and avoid a delay in getting your tax refund next year. The IRS reminds taxpayers to be sure they have all the documents they need, such as W-2s and 1099s, before filing a tax return. You may ...

OAKHURST —  With the recent move of former Yosemite Unified School District (YUSD) Superintendent James Sargent to a position with the Madera County Office of Education, the search is on to fill the vacancy. Dave Long & Associates (DLA), a consulting firm specializing in assisting California school districts in hiring superintendents, has been retained by YUSD, District officials announced this ...

FRESNO — With winter weather on the way, one reality of driving in California’s Central Valley returns to challenge motorists — fog. The California Highway Patrol encourages motorists to prepare for fog and winter driving conditions. The fog season in the Central Valley typically begins during the month of November and continues through February. “Many collisions result from driving too ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — I see a reckless driver. Maybe he is driving under the influence. Do I call 911, or do I call the local CHP office? Call 911, says Oakhurst Area CHP Officer Kaci Lutz . People may worry they’re doing the wrong thing calling 911 because they’re not sure if seeing a drunk or reckless driver is an ...

NORTH FORK — A rollover accident on Road 200 blocked the eastbound lane about two miles west of the Bass Fork Minit Market on Walker Grade, slowing the evening commute for about an hour. At 6:15 p.m. this evening, a 17-year-old male from Madera was westbound on Road 200 in a 2005 Chevy SUV at what CHP describes as “a ...

MADERA COUNTY — The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to hold a special election on Mar. 7, 2017, to put the proposed one-cent public safety tax before the voters of the unincorporated areas of Madera County. Revenues from the tax would be dedicated exclusively to funding the Madera County Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office, split 80 percent to ...

NORTH FORK — Madera County’s newest K9 officer provided a demonstration last week for the group that helped to make his acquisition possible. On Wednesday, Nov. 9, members of the Friendship Circle at Grace Community Church in North Fork were honored with a special visit from Gastone, the 2-year-old Belgian Malinois whose purchase was made possible in part by the ...

BASS LAKE – The Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon has established itself as one of the “go to” triathlons in California. Excitement is building up as preparations are underway and registrations are being accepted for the 7th annual Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon, set in picturesque location rivaled by few. Triathletes are treated to a swim in clear mountain waters, followed by ...