Robert (Bob) Bartholomew of Mariposa, passed away suddenly in his home from natural causes. Our treasured Father, Grandfather, loving partner, loyal friend, and dedicated public servant was born in Dallas, Texas, to Grant and Maureen Bartholomew on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1941. Bob was a joyful, charismatic, high energy individual with a huge heart and the gift of gab. ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – On Monday, Aug. 7, Sierra National Forest (NF) fire crews first responded to the Butte Fire, a lightning-caused fire burning between Cargyle and Stairway Creeks in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Initial suppression actions have been successful in channeling the direction of the fire, despite active burning in steep, rugged terrain, with difficult access. As of this ...

YOSEMITE — The Empire Fire in Yosemite is now estimated at 412 acres. The lightning-cause fire was first reported on July 31. It is burning in the wilderness area in a red fire forest, approximately one mile south of the Bridalveil Campground east of Alder Creek drainage and west of Bridalveil Creek drainage, and is being managed for both resource ...

NORTH FORK — Just minutes after the Rancheria Cal Fire engines were released from the Lark Fire on Road 225, another vegetation fire was reported, this one on Road 221 just north of the stop sign at Road 223. The first engine at scene reported it at about a 50 x 50 spot, burning on the east side of the ...

OAKHURST — Sheriff’s detectives continue their investigation into the death of an Oakhurst man last night. Today, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant in the 52000 block of Road 423 at the location of a homicide which occurred on Monday night. An illegal outdoor marijuana operation was located on the property. Two separate grow locations were discovered ...

NORTH FORK — A group of North Fork citizens spent the weekend sprucing up for one of most anticipated events of the summer — Hot August Night, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12. Organized by the North Fork Chamber of Commerce, the clean-up event brought out employees from Central Sierra Pest Control, Chamber members and willing citizens who volunteered their time ...

OAKHURST — The man who was shot to death last night in a dispute over a marijuana grow on Road 423 has been identified by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Timothy Fadgen, 49, was killed when he reportedly got into a confrontation with individuals who were growing pot on his property, and things escalated, according to Cmdr. Bill Ward. Multiple ...

YOSEMITE — All visitors, employees and residents are invited to enjoy the morning in Yosemite National Park at an apple picking party. This is an annual event that was started as part of efforts to help reduce bear-human contact in the park, and to “Help Keep Yosemite’s Bears Wild.” The event will take place Wednesday, Aug. 9, in the Curry ...

OAKHURST — Detectives and crime scene investigators have been arriving for the past couple of hours at a home in the 52000 block of Road 423, following a fatal shooting. According to Sheriff Jay Varney, there was a trespass marijuana grow on the residents’ property, where they had lived for several years. Shortly after 7 p.m. this evening, an argument apparently ...

OAKHURST — Madera County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that one man is dead in Oakhurst this evening, as the result of an apparent gunshot wound. Just before 7:30 p.m. deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the 52000 block of Road 423, just off Road 426. No other information is confirmed at this time. We will update as more ...