MADERA – Staff has been busy at the Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office processing property tax payments, including a surprising number of over-payments by many taxpayers. “We collected over $79 million, consisting mostly of first installments and some second installments of property taxes,” reports Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector Tracy Kennedy Desmond.

MARIPOSA – Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a good time, as two ballroom events – one in Oakhurst and one in Mariposa – are coming to the mountain area in January. On Friday, Jan. 10, the Elks Lodge Oakhurst will host their monthly dinner and dance, open to anyone who likes to “cut a rug.” Dinner ...

OAKHURST – There’s a new currency in town, expected to become a valuable asset to consumers and local vendors alike. Mountain Bucks Gift Certificates are easy-to-use and designed to keep shopping dollars in Eastern Madera County. Anyone can purchase Mountain Bucks gift certificates, available from the Oakhurst Area Chamber Office with payment in cash or by check. The certificates can ...

YOSEMITE – The National Park Service (NPS) at Yosemite National Park has announced that the Record of Decision for the Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Final Environmental Impact Statement (Mariposa Grove Final EIS) was approved by the Regional Director on Dec. 10, 2013.

YOSEMITE – The Curry Village Ice Rink is open now through March 2, 2014. Located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, the Curry Village Ice Rink is a winter destination and holiday favorite for park visitors. Families enjoy this outdoor winter activity suitable for all ages in one of California’s most spectacular winter landscapes.

YOSEMITE – Badger Pass Ski Area, operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, began its cross-country ski and snowshoe services Friday, Dec. 20. Badger Pass Ski Area requires additional snow to open the downhill and tubing section of the ski area.

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park’s Badger Pass Ski Area has announced new season pass benefits for the 2013-14 season. Adult season passes for California’s original ski area start at $149 and the new season pass benefits include discounts on lodging, meals, retail items and summer activities. In addition, new hotel packages include two free lift tickets with a midweek, two ...

SACRAMENTO – As Californians ready for their holiday travels, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) plans to make sure yours aren’t ruined by a drunk driver. CHP is set to begin its annual Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). The two-day holiday enforcement effort is designed to help ensure the safety of the motoring public during a time when celebrations are in ...

MARIPOSA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) has announced that effective Friday Dec. 6, hazard reduction burning in Eastern Madera County will be allowed with a valid San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District permit. The following guidelines are required when conducting a hazard reduction burn:

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in tracking down a woman caught on tape swiping a UPS parcel in broad daylight. The crime occurred on Blanca Avenue, near Highway 145 and Road 36 in the Bonadelle Ranchos.