MIDPINES – Prepare to look your Sinatra-style best and show some sassy moves on the dance floor, as the folks at Mountain Crisis Services invite all to their annual fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort in Midpines. They’ve got a lot of fifties-themed excitement in store at the event they’re calling “Come Dance with ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – With temperatures expected to continue below freezing for the next three nights, it’s still not too late to insulate exposed plumbing and execute other measures to keep the disaster of burst pipes at bay. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory for the foothills and an official wind warning for Yosemite National Park, where ...

CALIFORNIA – A new bill passed by the California State Legislature makes important changes to the Rural Fire Fee imposed on certain property owners across California in 2011. AB 2048, which was approved and filed on Sept. 30, 2014, makes substantive changes to the law, including allowing Cal Fire to consider any appeal/protest to the fee that was submitted after ...

YOSEMITE – The concession company that runs Yosemite National Park has quietly informed the National Park Service that it owns the names of some of the park’s most famous spots, including the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge and Badger Pass, according to documents filed with the Park Service. NBC Bay Area is reporting that Delaware North is claiming ...

MADERA – Though the subject of human trafficking may sound like something out of a third world country, it is a huge and growing problem in California and all across the United States. On Jan. 20, Madera County Supervisor Rick Farinelli will bring community leaders together to discuss two problems facing youth – the broken home and child trafficking.

NORTH FORK – Back by popular demand, the North Fork Studio is hosting the third annual Jazz Jam fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. This year’s event will feature clarinet, flute, bass, guitar, drums, voice and ukulele. This is a potluck so bring your favorite dish. Come and enjoy great music, delicious food, good friends, and ...

AHWAHNEE – The new season of top-flight concerts at the Coolwater Ranch kicks off with Grammy-winning guitarist Mike Dowling on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. Dowling draws inspiration from American roots guitar. Bottleneck blues, vintage swing and ragtime are just a few of the styles in which he is fluent. With his self-deprecating wit and elegant interpretations of an ...

CHOWCHILLA – The newly elected Sheriff of Madera County has been chosen by the Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year. Jay Varney will be recognized along with six other honorees on Saturday, Jan. 17, as the Chowchilla Chamber hosts their Community Awards Dinner at Farnesi’s Steakhouse.

OAKHURST – Yosemite High School sophomore Joel Bradshaw was chosen recently as Student of the Month by Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary. Nominations are based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, character, community service, extra-curricular program participation and leadership. Bradshaw was nominated by YHS History teacher Rebecca Hardison.

FOOTHILL COMMUNITIES – As extreme winter weather approaches with the threat of flooding, especially in areas affected by recent fires, the Sheriff’s Offices in Madera and Mariposa Counties are letting residents know where they can obtain sand and sandbags to protect their property. Residents must provide their own shovels. It is best to call ahead for Fire Stations, in case ...