MADERA COUNTY — The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has entered into a settlement agreement with Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians that will help move them forward toward reopening their Coarsegold casino. In October, 2014, the NIGC Chairman issued a notice of violation and temporary closure order for all gaming activity at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino because the ...

SIERRA FOOTHILLS — The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a flash flood watch for Central California, including Madera, Mariposa and Fresno County foothills through Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 22. This advisory is mainly for the Rim Fire and El Portal fire burn areas, but extends from Yosemite to Kings Canyon. Heavy rain may cause areas of flooding and debris ...

SACRAMENTO – California Highway Patrol officers across the state will be giving up time with their families this Christmas to help ensure that your holidays are not marred by tragedy. The CHP’s wish this holiday season is for everyone to stay safe during their travels. They remind drivers to follow the posted speed limit, buckle up, avoid distractions while driving, ...

COLORADO — He sees you when you’re sleeping, and knows when you’re awake, but does Santa know that he’s been the subject of particularly watchful eyes for six decades? The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) out of Peterson Air Force Base is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey! The NORAD Tracks Santa website features Santa’s North ...

MADERA COUNTY – Former Sheriff John Anderson and his Public Information Officer Erica Stuart, are honored to announce that Madera County’s origination of the “Elder Orphan” program has been named semi-finalist by Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. In November 2012, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office launched a twice-daily telephonic welfare check for seniors living alone. ...

Lisbeth (Beth) Stauffer passed away on Nov. 20, 2015 at the age of 73. She was born June 20, 1942 in Fresno to Judge Denver and Betty Peckinpah. Raised in Oakhurst, Mrs. Stauffer graduated from Sierra High. She had a private practice in hypnotherapy for 25 years, and enjoyed collecting rocks and crystals, studying the Bible, reading, and playing poker. ...

BASS LAKE – Emergency personnel responded to reports of a single vehicle off the embankment along Road 274 near Fawn Point this evening. Just after 6 p.m., a Dodge Caravan was westbound along the north shore of Bass Lake approaching a sharp corner when, for unknown reasons, it went off the right shoulder and down a short embankment, coming to ...

Submitted by Robin Bell – Friends of Madera Animal Shelter  MADERA COUNTY — Foster homes needed to help dogs and puppies! An outbreak of distemper is affecting the health of many dogs at the Madera County Animal Shelter. This disease spreads easily through contact with bodily fluids including urine, vomit and nasal discharge from one dog to another. Madera County ...

OAKHURST — Another dining choice will soon be available in Oakhurst as Deli Delicious takes possession of the property at The Shops of Oak Hill, formerly occupied by Jamba Juice, says Coldwell Banker Premier Commercial agent Jesse Robichaud. “Renovation of the building has already started with an estimated opening date of March 1, 2016,” says Robichaud, whose company represents The ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — Commuters who use State Route 99 between Clinton and Ashlan will want to take advantage of the detailed information provided on the new California Department of Transportation (Caltrans-Fresno) website for the State Route 99 Realignment project in Fresno County. Caltrans and Granite Construction invite you to visit http://99realignment.blogspot.com. Readers can subscribe in order to receive the latest ...