MARIPOSA — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mariposa County Arts Council is modifying its annual Music on the Green Summer Concert Series — which this summer will be called “Music on the Screen.” “To minimize any possible risk to Mariposa County residents, local and traveling bands, and visitors, we won’t be holding live public concerts at the Mariposa Art ...

MADERA — COVID-19 cases around Madera County rose by 10 percent Monday as the Department of Public Health (MCDPH) reported seven new coronavirus victims, five females and two males, bringing the total number of cases countywide to 78. The source of transmission of all of the latest cases is “under investigation,” according to MCDPH.Madera County health officials also reported Monday ...

NAPA — California will loosen key standards for counties seeking to reopen their economies faster, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday.All but five of California’s 58 counties — including Madera County — will qualify for a variance from the statewide stay-at-home order through the new rules, though not all may choose to seek one, the governor said. Madera County officials sent ...

MADERA — A female in her 30s is the latest confirmed case of COVID-19 in Madera County, according to the Madera County Department of Public Health (MCDPH).Sunday’s latest case brings the total countywide to 71.Health officials say the woman, who is in home isolation, contacted the virus via community spread, the first new case of community spread in 10 days.Madera ...

BASS LAKE — A Fresno man died Sunday afternoon (May 17) while trying to cross Willow Creek near Angel Falls.The Madera County Sheriff’s Office confirmed late Sunday afternoon that Marcos Moreno, 30, of Fresno, drowned in what was initially reported to be a “medical” rescue off Road 274 at Willow Creek.The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. above Bass Lake.Law enforcement ...

BASS LAKE — A “medical” rescue is reportedly underway Sunday at Angel Falls off Road 274 at Willow Creek. SNO is awaiting more details about the incident, which reportedly happened about 12:30 p.m. above Bass Lake. Law enforcement officers — and a medevac air ambulance — were en route to the scene after authorities received reports of an individual submerged ...

NORTH FORK – The board of directors of the North Fork Boosters Club announced last last week that the 2020 edition of the Mid-Sierra Loggers Jamboree, one of the mountain area’s most popular annual events, is being cancelled due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.“This is tough!” said a post on the Boosters Facebook page. “For sixty straight years ...

By Johanna Ziegler, student journalist for Minarets Press O’NEALS — Minarets may still be a young school, but it has already established itself as a champion for its Media Program. This reputation is reaffirmed following the recent announcement of the SlickRock Student Film Festival’s annual “Final Fives.” Slickrock is a student-oriented film festival with over 14 categories available for high ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a winter storm warning for the central Sierras, including higher elevations in Madera and Mariposa counties.The warning, issued early Sunday morning, is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday until 4 p.m. Tuesday.According to NWS forecasters, as much as a foot of snow is likely at elevations above 7,000 feet.“Expect ...

MADERA — The Madera County Board of Supervisors plan to honor California Highway Patrol Officer Brent Donley this week (May 19), awarding a “Certificate of Recognition” after Donley saved a man trapped last weekend in a raging whirlpool above Bass Lake.Donley’s impromptu heroics took place at Angel Falls in the Sierra National Forest.On a hike while off duty last Saturday, ...