OAKHURST – A single-vehicle crash just south of Oakhurst on Highway 41 yesterday ended with one person being arrested for driving under the influence. Just after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, Kristina May Tallent, 34, of Oakhurst, was southbound just past Victoria Lane at the 40 mph corner when she drifted off the right side of the road, hit ...

MADERA COUNTY — After months of rigorous training, both in the field and in the classroom, 29 new volunteers have graduated from the Madera County Search & Rescue Academy, and joined the ranks of those ready to respond. During a swearing-in ceremony at the main Sheriff’s Office in Madera on Friday, 24 graduates raised their right hand to take the ...

COARSEGOLD — Being distracted by a ringing cell phone was a contributing factor in a single-vehicle rollover accident on Road 415 this afternoon, according to CHP at the scene. Just before 3 p.m., a 20-year-old female driver was eastbound headed into Coarsegold approaching Trabuco Road when her cell phone rang. The driver told officers she did not answer the phone, ...

COARSEGOLD — As firefighters continue to strengthen firelines and do mop-up on the Serpa Fire, many are being released to be available for any new incidents. The fire is reported at 80 percent containment this morning, with the size re-estimated at 77 acres. All restrictions were lifted as of 5 p.m. yesterday, and the public is allowed to access all ...

BASS LAKE – What was supposed to be a nice outing to the mountains for a group of four young people turned into a Search and Rescue mission near Bass Lake this afternoon. The group of two young women from Fresno, and two young men — one from Sanger and another from New York — arrived in the Angel Falls ...

COARSEGOLD — The Serpa Fire is now 70 percent contained and all restrictions have been lifted for the public to travel in and out of the areas along Cavin Lane and Mattie Fhy roads, according to Cal Fire Public Information Officer Jaime Williams. The fire is still holding at 80 acres, and crews continue to strengthen firelines, check for hot ...

COARSEGOLD — Firefighters made very good progress overnight on the Serpa Fire, burning just east of Highway 41 north of Coarsegold. The fire is holding at 80 acres with 50 percent containment. Crews continue to work hot spots, strengthen firelines and do mop-up. There are currently 26 engines, 5 dozers and 6 water tenders working the fire. Helicopters are operating ...

COARSEGOLD — As firefighters continue their work on the Serpa Fire, officials have lifted all evacuations for the remaining areas south of Road 420. As of 9 a.m., residents are being allowed to return home to the Cavin Lane/Mattie Fhy areas, plus Snyder Road and Paulsen Lane. Only residents will be allowed into the area, so please have IDs ready. ...

NORTH FORK — Once again, the Grace Community Church has been the victim of damage done by someone who has not been identified. Last Thursday, July 14, somebody backed a pickup into the front of the church, damaging the front entryway, and possibly causing structural damage. They then left the scene, leaving the church community with yet another major expense ...

COARSEGOLD — The Sheriff’s Office has announced that they are allowing some of the residents evacuated due to the Serpa Fire to return home as of 10 p.m. tonight, Thursday, July 21. All residents living along Road 420 and the roads adjacent are now being allowed to return home. Only residents will be allowed in, the area is still closed ...