BASS LAKE – Multiple agencies were out in force today clearing hazard trees from Road 274 on the north side of Bass Lake. The 3-day project is a cooperative effort between Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, the Madera County Fire Department, County Roads and the Sheriff’s Office. Some 1,200 trees have been identified as posing a hazard to motorists ...

NORTH FORK – The sounds of Christmas will fill Kennedy Hall this Saturday, Dec. 5, as the Squirrel Cage Theatre Co. presents its annual “Songs of the Season.” As always, the show will feature the North Fork Community Choir, conducted by Gina Clugston, and the Sierra High Mountain Chorale from Sierra High School, directed by Bruce Weinberger. Also on the ...

BASS LAKE — With winter weather approaching, bringing the potential for high winds and heavy snows, the dangers posed by dead trees along mountain roadways has become very real. Cal Fire, in conjunction with the US Forest Service, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and County Roads, is getting out ahead of this dangerous situation by removing hazard trees that threaten ...

NORTH FORK — It’s time to get a good start on your holiday shopping as the Christmas Bazaar returns to the North Fork Town Hall. Dozens of local artisans, vendors, and creators of delicious jams, jellies and other holiday delectables will be set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. This is the perfect opportunity to ...

Submitted by Susan Joy NORTH FORK — Early in the summer of 2015, Marij Bouwmans, a prominent artist residing in North Fork, had a vision. Inspired to manifest an ambitious project, involving 20+ artisians, she put out a calling for knitters and crocheters. With much foresight, Marij began the journey to hand-craft a magnificent dress of grand proportions. Time was ...

MARIPOSA — Defenders of Wildlife, a national conservation organization founded in 1947, has a singular mission: “…the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.” Dedicated solely to wildlife and habitat conservation and to safeguarding North America’s biodiversity, Defenders holds a vision of diverse wildlife populations that are “…secure and thriving, sustained by a network of healthy ...

NORTH FORK — The North Fork Scout Fund’s annual Christmas Tree Sale will begin on Saturday, Dec. 5. Fresh, locally grown red fir (silver tip) in a variety of sizes through at least 14 ft. will be available. Tree sales will begin at 9 a.m. on Dec. 5, and continue daily until sold out. The Christmas tree lot, located behind ...

YOSEMITE – The Curry Village Ice Rink opens for the season on Friday, Nov. 20, at 3:30 p.m. Located in the heart of Yosemite Valley with stunning views of Half Dome, the Curry Village Ice Rink has been a Yosemite tradition since the 1928. In addition to ice skating, Curry Village Ice Rink features a large fire pit with bench ...

SACRAMENTO — Have you ever dreamed of working for one of the largest firefighting agencies in the world? Now is the time to apply. Cal Fire is currently accepting applications for seasonal firefighter and defensible space inspector (forestry aide) positions throughout the state for 2016. “Working for Cal Fire can open the door to many exciting opportunities for someone interested ...

Submitted by Robin Bell MADERA COUNTY — Madera County shelter dogs are all set to be part of the largest animal rescue airlift of all time, says Transport Coordinator Robin Bell. At least 40 dogs from the Madera County Animal Shelter will be taking flight on Nov. 20, joining the Annual Wings of Rescue Holiday Airlift in a record setting ...