OAKHURST — While officials from Madera County and Cal Trans continue to work out the details of a formal plan to connect the town’s three new hotels to the main sewer line beneath Highway 41, negotiations are currently taking place that could allow one of the hotels to open later this year using the existing sewer system infrastructure. “We’re doing ...

OAKHURST — As of this week, Oakhurst is no longer home of the Whopper. Fans of Burger King’s signature sandwich now have to travel out of town to get their favorite burger after the store’s franchisee suddenly closed the doors and ceased operations Sunday evening. At a little after 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, Burger King employees posted a ...

OAKHURST — After two decades of trading stitches and stories, Bear Paw Quilts & More – Oakhurst’s only specialty sewing and fabric store – is shutting its doors. Local seamstresses, quilters and other needle-and-thread hobbyists are hoping the closure is not permanent. “The store will be closed after Saturday [June 29], at least until a new buyer steps in,” says ...

OAKHURST – Visit Yosemite | Madera County has awarded $20,000 in grant money to five Madera County nonprofit tourism partner businesses. Each organization applied for the 2019 VYMC Tourism Improvement Grant to enhance visitor experience and was awarded up to $5,000. “A boost in local tourism produced additional funding, so we thought a great way to spend it was to share ...

OAKHURST — The Sweetwater Steakhouse has served up its last steak. The restaurant, in operation for fifteen years, quietly closed its doors last month. Owned and operated by David DeSanders since 2005, the restaurant was known for its prime cuts of grilled steaks and chops, “raw” seafood bar and “loaded” baked potatoes. But business at the steakhouse apparently went from ...

OAKHURST — McDonald’s is getting a McMakeover — and one of the biggest changes under Oakhurst’s golden arches is double drive-thru lanes. With interior and exterior renovation work at the popular fast food outlet nearly complete, the restaurant will hold its official “Grand Re-opening Celebration” on June 1, according to Stephanie Chan, a spokesperson for the company. The lobby closed ...

OAKHURST — Camarena Health is on track to open its new urgent care clinic in Oakhurst “in mid-to-late August,” according to the organization’s CEO. “We aren’t exactly sure of what our hours will be, but we plan to be open in the evenings and on weekends to assure that the community has access to immediate care during the days and ...

OAKHURST — Next week, Steve Vinson will punch in for his last shift at the Sierra Tel Business Center, which is closing its doors after 23 years. But the demise of the long-time local business has led to the birth of a new opportunity for Vinson, who has decided to become his own boss. An Oakhurst resident who worked for ...

OAKHURST — The former homes of two prominent local businesses — the Purple Cow and Mike’s Iron Horse Barbecue — were demolished Thursday. Crews using heavy equipment leveled both dilapidated structures this week as the first stage of a redevelopment project off Highway 41 and Royal Oaks Drive. California Paving handled the demo work, removing everything on the property — ...

OAKHURST — Set on a secluded, lushly landscaped 9-acre hillside, the Estate by the Elderberries is an elegant oasis of “aah,” bringing the old-world charm and classic beauty of the Provencal region of France to central California. Carina Stephens, the general manager of the world-renowned property, says the Estate is a gem “to be enjoyed by all.” “It’s surprising but ...