MADERA COUNTY — As the County struggles with ways to replace the aging fleet of fire engines and water tenders and address the crisis in Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs) needed to drive them, the Board of Supervisors today considered the expenditure of over $500,000 to purchase two water tender/fire engine hybrid units to be put in service at Stations 12 ...

TUOLUMNE COUNTY — A group outing to Yosemite yesterday ended with a Search and Rescue mission for the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office and CHP, and a harrowing night for three women who crashed their SUV down a steep embankment. On Monday morning, a group of 10 German tourists left San Francisco for a day of sightseeing in Yosemite National Park. ...

CALIFORNIA — Over 10,000 firefighters are battling 6 large wildfires in California. This morning firefighters were able to contain the destructive Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County which has been burning since Aug. 12. The Blue Cut Fire burned an estimated 321 structures, including 105 homes, making it the 20th most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Last week firefighters ...

BASS LAKE — Stand up paddle boarding is a fast growing sporting activity that provides a host of health benefits, including strength building and reducing stress. Summer isn’t over, so consider starting your morning off with paddle board yoga in the marina at Miller’s Landing at Bass Lake. The fun and relaxing practice takes place on Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m., and continues all ...

CLOVIS – The Fresno County/Madera County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is seeking applications from interested citizens who would like to join a committee to provide guidance for Federal dollars to be used in each of the two Counties. President Clinton signed into law the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000. This Act was designed to restore ...

MARIPOSA — Lovely Film’s documentary on the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) Our Nation’s Nature tour is now available for free viewing online. Our Nation’s Nature is an evening-length symphonic cycle of orchestral works composed by MSO Founder/Conductor Les Marsden. The project was awarded a major grant by the California Arts Council to help fund the orchestra’s seven-concert tour of the ...

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa Community Foundation announces the opening of Community Enrichment Grants for 2016. A limited number of grants up to $1,000 each are available, and applications are invited from Mariposa County nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations are Mariposa-based and provide services that improve the quality of life for the communities and residents of the county. They must be recognized ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — As hunting season begins, the Forest Service prepares for the arrival of hunters from all over California. Archery season for deer begins Aug. 20 and will run until Sept. 11. General hunting season begins Sept. 17 and ends Oct. 30. For more information regarding hunting please visit https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/. Currently the Sierra National Forest has fire restrictions ...

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers against telephone scammers targeting students and parents during the back-to-school season and demanding payments for non-existent taxes, such as the “Federal Student Tax.” People should be on the lookout for IRS impersonators calling students and demanding that they wire money immediately to pay a fake “federal student tax.” If the person ...

OAKHURST — A man who crashed into a power pole on Road 425B yesterday, knocking out power to over 500 residents, was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Michael Womack II, 27, of Coarsegold, was just west of Stillmeadow Drive in a 1997 Toyota Camry at a stated speed of 30 mph when, due to his high level of intoxication, he ...