OAKHURST — The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the vandalism of the Oakhurst Library last week. With the help of several anonymous tips, Deputy Daniel Lutz was able to identify the suspect who vandalized the outside wall of the library and the large mural near it last week. The suspect is a Mariposa County juvenile, according ...

OAKHURST — Gather your daubers! It’s time for a little wearin’ of the green and perhaps even some winnin’ of the green as lucky people from across the foothils descend on the Oakhurst Community Center for the Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis traditional spring bingo night, in search of their pot of gold. The event is Saturday, Mar. 18 and doors open ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Mar. 6 to Sunday, Mar. 12, 2017: Coarsegold report of identity theft On Monday, Mar. 6 at 12:11 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to a call for service at the Oakhurst substation regarding identity theft. Report taken and case closed. Oakhurst report of child ...

FISH CAMP — Good news for residents, commuters, skiers and all Yosemite-lovers: the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reports that a stretch of Highway 41 that was closed back in February has been rebuilt and is open as of Sunday, Mar. 12. “State Route 41 north of Fish Camp is being paved now and will reopen to one-way traffic control sometime ...

COARSEGOLD — Cub Scout Pack 314 has rescheduled the long-anticipated Pinewood Derby Race to take place on Saturday, Mar. 25 in the gym at Minarets High School. Weigh-in starts at 11 a.m. and racing is at noon. Organizers plan to have pizza, chips, soda and water available for sale, as well as a large silent auction. The Pinewood Derby Race ...

By Connor Lusk —  The Coarsegold 4-H was recently given 32 cartoon paintings of barnyard characters from the Coarsegold Rodeo Association. These were all hand painted by a very creative and talented lady named Jeanne Darnell, who has lived in Bass Lake for almost 50 years. She was married to Don Darnell who used to be the Madera County Supervisor for ...

BASS LAKE — One of the year’s most anticipated events, the Smokey Bear Run / Walk will return to the shores of beautiful Bass Lake this fall for its 30th year. Organizers are already planning for a spectacular day, and early-bird registration is available. The 30th annual Smokey Bear Run / Walk is set for Saturday, Sept. 23, when runners and walkers of all ages will ...

MARIPOSA – Recently released research shows that in Mariposa County the availability of e-cigarettes and vaping devices has increased by 65% since 2013. This finding is part of new research released on the availability and marketing of tobacco products, alcohol, condoms and healthy and unhealthy food options in California stores that sell tobacco. Throughout California, health advocates held 13 press events ...

FRESNO — A new show opens this week at the museum, Arte Américas, located in the cultural arts district of downtown Fresno. It’s called Three Degrees Of Separation: An International Sisterhood of Women Artists. Some of the women whose work is represented are foothill artists, so my friends and I were especially excited to see the newest installation at one of our favorite venues. Click ...

SAN FRANCISCO — While recreational marijuana cannot be sold in California until January 2018, PG&E has announced that existing medical marijuana growers and future recreational marijuana growers will be eligible as of Mar. 1 for PG&E’s agricultural energy rate. The passage of Proposition 64 in November 2016 allows the state to license and regulate recreational marijuana cultivation and businesses. “Cannabis ...