WASHINGTON – As tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers there are things they should do now to get ready for filing season. For most taxpayers, Dec. 31 is the last day to take actions that will impact their 2016 tax returns. For example, charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. Donations charged to a ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — PG&E forecasters have issued an advisory to their crews in the Yosemite, Fresno and Kern Divisions that strong winds and heavy rain are likely to occur beginning around midnight tonight and continuing until midday Friday. This storm has the potential to cause power outages for PG&E customers, particularly in mountain communities. Localized flooding is also possible. Everyone ...

  OAKHURST —  A Coarsegold man is in custody after leading law enforcement on a chase through the Vons parking lot and down into the Fresno River this morning. Kirk Yeterian, 34, was arrested after allegedly climbing up on the roof and vandalizing the United Security Bank and Big 5 building, then fleeing when sheriff’s deputies showed up. Just before ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The season of giving makes its merry way in the busy days remaining before Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 25. Again today, we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local nonprofits and the people behind them who are making a difference. For our second spotlight, we feature an organization that serves mountain area youth with outstanding low and no-cost programs ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s looking wet and wild for the next couple of days, with a winter storm warning for the high country and flash flood warnings in the lower elevations. A Pacific storm system will make its way over central California on Thursday, Dec. 15 and stay through Friday, Dec. 16., according to the National Weather Service in Hanford. Rain ...

MADERA COUNTY – The man accused of the stabbing death of a young woman in Oakhurst on Nov. 15 was arraigned today in Bass Lake Superior Court and pleaded not guilty on all charges. George Taylor-Windsor, 26, faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted on the charges of first degree murder and attempted murder. Taylor-Windsor is charged in ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — Bird lovers, photographers and anyone interested in the enjoying the variety of bird species in the Central Sierra are invited to join the National Audubon Society’s 117th Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC is an annual international bird census that began on Christmas Day in 1900, and now takes place in more than 1,500 locations throughout the ...

MADERA COUNTY — Yosemite High School’s prosecution and Liberty High’s defense teams competed in the championship round of the 2016-2017 Honorable Edward P. Moffat Madera County Mock Trial. Click on image to enlarge. Competing earlier were Madera and Madera South. Liberty won the competition and team members will attend the State Mock Trial on behalf of Madera County. Madera County will be sending ...

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE — Maybe you’ll feel it even if you can’t see it. The third and final supermoon of the year will rise today, while the Geminids meteor shower peaks, tonight. Rain is expected for late Wednesday and overnight through Thursday, with heavy snow anticipated in the high country. Known as the Cold Moon, the December moon is full on ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — For many, this is a season of giving. In the dozen busy days leading up to Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 25, we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local nonprofits and the people behind them who are making a difference. We start with a locally broadcast and internet streaming source of news and entertainment playing great music ...