YOSEMITE —  As Yosemite National Park officials work to protect bears by reducing the number of incidents between bears and humans, bear activity in Yosemite National Park continues to decrease. Compared to this same week in 2017, the lowest year on record, bear incidents in 2018 are down by 43 percent and damage amounts in dollars are down by 64 ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Nov. 12, to Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. Ahwahnee trash dump and vandalism to residence gate On Monday, Nov. 12 at 8:57 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the 45000 block of Sno Flake Lane for a report of a trash dump and ...

The Animal Compassion Team (ACT) foster and adoption Dog of the Week for SNO is a super-sweet pit bull named Chip. “Aren’t I the cutest? Just like you need chocolate chips in your cookies, you need me in your life! “I’m a wiggly, happy youngster, about nine months old, weighing about between 55 – 70 pounds. I’m good with other ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Nov. 5, to Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. Oakhurst report of suspicious vehicle leads to arrest at condemned house On Monday, Nov. 5 at 6:43 a.m. deputies responded for a report of a suspicious vehicle driving up the driveway of a condemned house ...

FISH CAMP — The covered ice rink at Tenaya Lodge opens for the season this month, giving skaters the best of both worlds — shelter from the elements, yet still open to the great outdoors — and auspiciously close to bonfire, delicious food and tasty beverages for kids and adults, as well. Tenaya’s sparkling white ice rink measures an expansive 80-feet ...

MADERA COUNTY — As the holiday season begins to draw near, our local Marine Corps League Detachment 1121 members gear up for the annual campaign that has been making Christmas wishes come true for needy children since 1947. Now, the 2018 Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign in Eastern Madera County has begun with the placement of toy donation boxes ...

By Eileen Holladay —  OAKHURST — Laurel Duckworth says she became a teacher because she wanted to spend as much time as possible with her sons, Shane and Ian. Inspired by her own mother, also an educator, Mrs. Duckworth has been teaching for 20 years; this is her ninth year at Oak Creek Intermediate. She enjoys teaching math and PE, ...

Written by Sarah Bolton – MADERA COUNTY – Hello Madera County Residents! Welcome to the Tree Mortality Community Column. Our company, Blue Ridge Services (BRS), is partnering with Madera County to oversee and implement their tree mortality mitigation project. This week, we are highlighting one of our safety officers, Zak Souders. Zak works to ensure the safety of the tree ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Oct. 29, to Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Coarsegold felony warrant arrest On Monday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. a deputy responded to the 44000 block of Road 415 in the attempt to make contact with a male subject who had an outstanding ...

By Francine Soliz — O’NEALS — Originally a musical but taken into the hands of directors, “Mamma Mia” has been entertaining romantics around the world. Being the media-driven school we are, of course we invested time in producing “Mamma Mia” in all its glory. Kayla West, the director for our high school drama club, is jumping with joy. “It is a fun ...