NORTH FORK — Welcome the Spring Equinox with a special celebration at the North Fork Studio on Saturday, Mar. 19, from 6 – 9 p.m. “Fire In The Belly” celebrates creative expressions by women, and features arts, crafts, music and dancing throughout the evening. Events include: 6:15 pm – Belly Dancing by Tina Vosburg and her troupe 6:30 pm – ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — One of the most important jobs here at SNO is letting you know when breaking news happens. When a major accident delays your commute, when a downed tree blocks a roadway, or when a wildfire threatens, we let you know in real time on our Facebook page. To receive up-to-the-minute information on news that impacts your day, ...

OAKHURST – Visit Yosemite Madera County is pleased to announce the addition of Therese Williams to their team as the new director of public relations and sales. Therese was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, but it was the bright lights of New York City that caught her attention to study for her master’s in international communications and public relations. ...

NORTH FORK — The firefighters of Madera County Station 11 will be the beneficiaries of a generous donation from the Siderman Family Camp and Conference Center, formerly the Putney Ranch. Rabbi Shlomo Menkes and Batsheva Williamson presented a check for $500 to the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary last Monday, a portion of the proceeds from last year’s Fall ...

MADERA — Madera Master Gardeners’ 10th annual fundraiser, Glorious Garden Tour X, will be held Saturday, Apr. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mark your calendar and don’t miss this tour which will showcase four local private gardens and the Garden Shoppe at Three Sisters Demonstration Garden. Funds from sales will benefit the Three Sisters Demonstration Garden and other ...

Guest column by Bill Ritchey — RAYMOND – It was said by Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the United States, “If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” In agreement with President Wilson is Raymond resident, Betty Fisher, an accomplished dog trainer and expert in ...

BASS LAKE – Voted Cycle California! Magazine’s Best Olympic Distance Triathlon for 2015, The Bass Lake Classic Triathlon returns in 2016 with a new name and a new challenge. “Yosemite National Park is Bass Lake’s playground and our course reflects the beauty of the area,” said Jonathan Grinder, owner of Tucson Racing. “We wanted the name of the triathlon to ...

NORTH FORK — Since losing her home and all her belongings in a devastating fire on Feb. 25, Sally Swiecki has been making plans for the next chapter of her life. Sally’s home of over 30 years on Road 226, burned to the ground, leaving her with only the clothes on her back and the car she saved from the ...

Submitted by Cara Goger MARIPOSA — It’s the time of year when storytellers and their rapt listeners gather in the historic communities of Mariposa and Yosemite, California for good old-fashioned fun. We hope you will come to the Mariposa Arts Council’s 29th Annual Storytelling Festival, taking place Mar. 11 through 13. And for the first time you can order your ...

MADERA COUNTY — Sheriff Jay Varney is proud to announce the promotion of two Sheriff’s Commanders. Lieutenants Tyson Pogue and Bill Ward were selected to fill the newly formed positions effective Mar. 1. Commander Tyson Pogue will oversee the Field Operations Division, which includes Patrol, Emergency Services, and Specialized Services. Commander Bill Ward will oversee the Investigations and Administration Division, ...