FRESNO — Open auditions for over 120 student roles in Fresno Ballet Theatre’s 2016 production of “The Nutcracker,” sponsored by Valley Performing Arts Council, will be held Saturday, June 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the dance studio of the music building at California State University, Fresno. Roles are available for male and female dance students of all ...

BASS LAKE — Residents and visitors to Bass Lake this morning heard a helicopter working in the area, and were understandably concerned, considering the high fire danger. Just after 9 a.m., reports came in of a smoke between Bass Lake and Central Camp. Sierra National Forest crews had to hike in to the location, where they found a 10 x ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for a missing person who apparently abandoned her vehicle near Road 206 and Friant Road. Shannon Rohlfes, 33 years old, was last seen in Clovis on Tuesday, June 7. Her vehicle has apparently been abandoned for several days. Shannon is considered at risk due to medical conditions. Madera County ...

HENSLEY LAKE — Firefighters quickly took care of a vegetation fire in the Raymond area this afternoon, having it fully contained within less than 20 minutes of dispatch. At about 3:25 p.m., crews were called out to a fire on Road 400 in the Buck Ridge Day Use Area at Hensley Lake. First engine at scene at 3:36 p.m., reported ...

MADERA COUNTY — Caltrans will be having a look at whether or not there are Swainson’s Hawks in the Highway 41 project area, where passing lanes are being added along 1.7 miles just north of the 22 Mile House. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has asked that Caltrans “cease all activity in Drainage Systems 1, 3-13, until ...

YOSEMITE — The White House has announced that President Obama and the First Family will visit Yosemite National Park next week, some time between Friday and Saturday. The president’s visit will celebrate the 100th anniversary of America’s national park system, and the trip will also include a visit to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. A post on the White House’s ...

MADERA – The Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office will conduct an online tax sale from July 30 to Aug. 2, at www.bid4assets.com. This sale will be re-offering unsold parcels from the previous online tax sale conducted on May 23. “Our annual online tax auction concluded Monday, May 23, 2016,” says Madera County Tax Collector-Treasurer Tracy Kennedy, “but unfortunately not all ...

MARIPOSA — Explore mining tunnels, browse the stunning display of gems and minerals, and enjoy appetizers and refreshments, all while supporting a state treasure in Mariposa. Everyone is invited to experience a “Night at the Museum” on Wednesday, June 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. as the California State Mining and Mineral Museum opens its doors for what is sure ...

AHWAHNEE — Richard Smith will be playing a Sunday evening show, June 12, at the ranch to close out the Coolwater Season. If you’ve seen a Richard Smith show, you already know he is one of the the absolute greats. If you have not, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Richard started playing the guitar at age 5 and ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park announces a pilot program where visitors will be able to reserve a guaranteed parking space on two upcoming weekends. Visitors to the park will be able to reserve a parking space in Yosemite Valley for the weekend of June 25-26 and July 2-4. The reserved parking program is intended to benefit visitors by ensuring access ...