MARIPOSA – New MMU Unit Fire Chief Mike van Loben Sels has big visions for the three counties and five fire departments he now oversees. During his 26 years with CAL FIRE, van Loben Sels has served many communities but says he’s never lost sight of the “importance” of his own family. “They’ve been fully supportive of this whole job ...

OAKHURST – The Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future made special guest appearances at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park Sunday — along with a number of other traditional holiday favorites. Cool, rainy weather couldn’t put a damper on the popular community celebration as volunteers and attendees enjoyed the day’s festivities — which included holiday-themed demonstrations, craft-making and a ...

COARSEGOLD – A recent home invasion in Yosemite Lakes Park remains unsolved, leaving some YLP residents on edge, especially after a similar incident took place in the same general area less than a week earlier. On Nov. 6, the Madera County Sheriffs Office received a call regarding a potential burglary taking place at a residence on the 41000 block of ...

COARSEGOLD – Minarets students Rhett Samper and Tati Guerra made their senior project about helping their school and their community. On Sunday, the two produced a gymkhana at Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds to raise funds for the Minarets Equestrian Team and gather donations for Manna House of Oakhurst. The event drew an unexpected 62 horse and rider teams, raised $2,000 for ...

OAKHURST -Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney is spreading the message of preparation for the mountain community. “I urge foothill and mountain residents to finish their storm preparation on Monday. As with any first storm of the season, check your chains, food, medication status, and heating source so that you are safe and able to enjoy any snow accumulation through Thanksgiving. ...

COARSEGOLD – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has made two arrests in connection with a local heroin overdose death. The victim – 29-year-old Wade Daltyn August of Coarsegold – was found unconscious by his mother in the early morning hours of August 22. Emergency medical services responded but were unable to revive him. The victim’s mother subsequently located numerous ...

OAKHURST – At Sierra Ambulance’s office in Oakhurst on Thursday (Nov.21) four checks totaling $19,000 were presented by Cedar Valley, Ahwanhee, North Fork and Oakhurst Volunteer Fire Stations – bringing the total amount donated to $80,000, which Sierra Ambulance needed to raise in order to purchase an oxygen generator. Edward Guzman, general manager of Sierra Ambulance, said he’s been touched ...

  OAKHURST – Although Mariposa and Madera Counties are not included in the list of those slated for a round of Public Safety Power Shutoffs, the National Weather Service in Hanford has upgraded the Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning. To prepare for this incoming storm system, Yosemite National Park has closed Tioga and Glacier Point Roads. PG&E ...

SUGAR PINE – One person was killed and another injured in a two-vehicle collision this morning on Highway 41. The driver – and solo occupant – of the second vehicle was not injured. At 7:43 a.m., the California Highway Patrol received a call of a vehicle off the road following the crash. A 26-year-old male from Fish Camp was driving ...

FISH CAMP – The fresh perspective of a new general manager and marketing manager — and a host of new amenities — are behind the Tenaya Lodge’s new campaign to encourage local residents to enjoy the holidays at the popular mountain resort. From ice skating or mountain biking to spa days and holiday-themed events, Tenaya is opening its doors — ...