To the Editor: Both supporters and opponents of Measure L agree there is a need for improved safety—fire and Sheriff’s protection—in Madera County. They differ on how to fund this improved safety. Supporters want a 1% sales tax in the unincorporated parts of Madera County. Opponents contend there is enough money already in the County budget but it is being ...

NORTH FORK — Have you dreamed of becoming a proficient painter in oils, acrylics, watercolor, or pastels? Here is your chance to learn from an accomplished artist. Trowzers Akimbo will give expert instruction in your medium, at the Artists’ Loft in the North Fork Studio. All levels of proficiency are welcome — even beginners are great for this workshop. “We may ...

FDA Consumer Update Thought there was no hope for treating your migraine headaches? Don’t give up. Adults who don’t tolerate migraine drugs well might find relief from a prescription device. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has allowed the marketing of two such prescription devices: the Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator and the Cefaly transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device. Both devices ...

OAKHURST — A licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist is helping to heal minds at Adventist Health / Community Care in Oakhurst. Nina Farley-Bates is a native of Kingsburg who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fresno. After earning her degree, she went on to earn a Master of Social ...

Submitted by Bodhi Oak Zen Center — OAKHURST — The Silver Creek Center has a new sign: “Bodhi Oak Zen Center.” Downstairs, on the far left corner, Suite 1-I is a small center dedicated to the study of Zen meditation and mindfulness. Zen is a Japanese word that simply means “meditation,” but in the United States, “Zen” has an exotic ...

By Samantha Clay and Hannah Flanagan —  O’NEALS — Minarets High School has started expanding again with many new solar panels, a farrowing house at the farm, and a brand new softball field. There are so many different advantages coming from these new additions, we are all very excited for the future of our young school. Minarets High School has ...

By Jazmin Neri, Claudia Vazquez, and Marissa Alvarado —  O’NEALS — Minarets Key Club is part of a larger service organization that has supported millions of lives around the world since founded in 1925: Kiwanis. We and other students are part of this high school club, learning lifelong skills and experiences to take with us into the real world. We’re committed ...

By Bree Lewis — Before recently, I had never been out of the country, not even to Mexico, or even on a plane for that matter. So, when I received an email saying “Volunteer in Thailand this Winter Break for Only 500 Dollars,” it was like winning a fake free cruise on one of those pop-up links: you never actually ...

By Shane Hogg — O’NEALS — For the first time in its history, Minarets High School boys varsity soccer team has qualified for playoffs. The game will be at Minarets on Wednesday, Feb. 15 vs. Frazier Mountain at 5 p.m. This year’s team finished the season in second place in the West Sequoia League, the highest finish in its history. The ...

To the Editor: 13 Reasons why I’m voting “No” on Measure L, the Safety Tax 1. The County continues to pursue an OHV park for a special interest group that wants to drive fast on dirt. Estimated cost to taxpayers for getting the park operational: $1.2 Million. Approximate additional cost to tax payers if park does not meet the operating ...