OAKHURST – After years of record-breaking participation in the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) annual Relay for Life event in the foothills, it’s time now that our mountain area canines get in on the uplifting action.

COUNTY – Wildlife vs. vehicle collisions are a threat to wildlife and public safety throughout the world, including in our highly-valued national parks, and mountain drivers are sadly familiar with seeing animals that have been hit by cars on Highway 41. Now, through the efforts of local conservationists, researchers and agencies, those roadkill sightings between Oakhurst and Yosemite can be ...

OAKHURST – Steve’s Tropical Fish and Pet Supply is gearing up to give away over $1,000 worth of free product to some lucky customers, as the Batemans offer up a one day blow-out sale to celebrate their four years in business.

Submitted by Anne Driscoll OAKHURST – Two local authors will be on hand at Branches Books & Gifts in Oakhurst this week, touting new works that hit home for fans of Yosemite area history, and Sierra National Forest Firefighters and firefighting. Historian and author Leroy Radanovich will be at the bookstore on Sunday, Mar. 29, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., ...

MADERA COUNTY – Looking for a little inspiration for your garden? The Madera County Master Gardeners are now selling tickets for the 9th Annual Glorious Garden Tour set for Saturday, Apr. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing four local glorious gardens and raising funds to benefit the Three Sisters Demonstration Garden and other Madera County Master Gardener projects.

Submitted by Joy Judd OAKHURST – We had an amazing turnout for the MOPS Community Baby Shower last weekend, as we basically doubled our number from 80 families served last year to 156 families for 2015. Thanks to all who helped out!

OAKHURST – Mountain area residents are invited to take it easy this Friday night and let a couple of teenagers do all the dinner work. Katelyn Suderman and Jesse Villa-Martinez are hosting a Drive-Thru BBQ Tri-Tip Dinner on Friday, Mar. 27, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., in the Sierra Star parking lot on Road 426. The meal includes delicious tri-tip, ...

OAKHURST – Area author Kimberly Knight will be signing her newest romantic novel at Branches Books and Gifts in Oakhurst on Thursday, Mar. 26, from 6 – 8 p.m. at an author’s event billed as Ladies Night Out. Kimberly Knight’s newest book is Angels & Whiskey. Here’s a taste: “United States Army Captain Gabriel Hastings knew he would always follow ...

FRESNO – Local educator and activist Karen Adell Scot will serve as Keynote Speaker at the Lavender Convention, set to take place on Saturday, Apr. 11 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Fresno. The Lavender Convention is an inclusive day-long event for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and allies in the community to join in the celebration of ...

AHWAHNEE – Calling all golfers and supporters of elementary education in the foothills: the PTA and kids of Coarsegold Elementary School invite duffers and others in the community to participate in the annual Cougar Classic Benefit Golf Tournament and dinner, on Saturday, Apr. 18, at Sierra Meadows Country Club. The tournament begins with a bang: “shotgun” start at 10 a.m. ...