SIERRA FOOTHILLS — As cooler weather rolls in, the urge to torch off those burn piles is only natural. However, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Troy Cheek warns that the fire danger has not been mitigated, and a burn ban remains in place. “We don’t foresee the ban being lifted until well into November or December,” says Cheek. “We’re going to ...

MADERA COUNTY — With a Public Safety Tax proposed for a special election in March 2017, efforts to educate the public and gather feedback are well underway. Last night at a Town Hall meeting in Ahwahnee, Georgiena Vivian of VRPA Technologies, made a presentation about the proposed tax, why it is needed, and how the funds would be collected, administered ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — As the first storm of the season moves toward Northern and Central California packing rain and gusty winds, PG&E is urging all their customers to be prepared, have a plan and prepare for potential power outages, and above all, be safe. With the severe tree mortality in the Central Sierra, residents in foothill communities face serious dangers ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – Got a goal in mind? Join the co-ed mountain area soccer league. Registration is open to all adults (18+).  Just go to Oakhurst Adult Soccer online and join one of six teams. Rules:  11 vs. 11.  30 minute halves.  Maximum 2 male and female players under 30 on the field at any time excluding goalie.  This keeps games competitive ...

NORTH FORK — Scouts of North Fork’s Troop 357 have continued to remain busy since their August backpack trip to Cora Lake. Mid-September found the troop on its annual trip to Yosemite National Park, where they spent the weekend. After setting up camp in the Wawona campground Saturday morning, the troop, along with their bicycles were transported to Yosemite Valley ...

O’NEALS — Senior year is one of the most memorable years for a high schooler. It gives us, the students, a chance to transition from the classroom into the world. We finally get to decide what path we are going to take and get a glance of what we are going to become after graduating. As many high schools do, Minarets ...

MADERA — Employers will be recruiting for various positions including teachers, clerical staff, teachers’ assistants, custodians, counselors and bus drivers, among others. If you’re looking for work with one of the many schools in Madera County or Mariposa County, or know someone who is, plan to attend this job fair and please spread the word. Participating employers include Chawanakee Unified School ...

MADERA COUNTY — The Madera County Fire Department benefited from several actions taken during Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors. First was a vote to accept a donation from the Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs) at Station 12 in Oakhurst of a 2017 F-450 Chassis XL 4×4 SD Super Cab truck purchased for $44,338. The vehicle will replace their current ...

NORTH FORK — On Thursday Nov. 3, North Fork Community Power (NFCP) and Yosemite/Sequoia RC&D Council will be hosting a ground-breaking ceremony for the NFCP Bioenergy Facility at the Old Mill Site starting at 11 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. The event will kick off with statements from government leaders and key project partners followed by a brief tour of ...

NORTH FORK — One of North Fork’s most delicious events is fast approaching — the Women’s Club will host its 9th annual Chili Cook-Off and Pie & Cake Bake-Off on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bandit Town. Everyone is invited to taste and vote for their choice of best original chili, pie or cake in ...