Anyone with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the armed forces, is being warned about the dangers of a free iPhone app available at the Apple App Store. Program officials on the TSP website caution that this app could pose a security risk, and is not sanctioned ...

AHWAHNEE – This morning the Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary Club honored two outstanding local students. For several years now, on a monthly basis, the club has recognized two outstanding students for their academic and extra curricular achievements. This month the club honored Hanna Wimer from Rivergold School and Jayda Grossi from Yosemite High School.

MADERA COUNTY – Janice Aguilar, 39, of Oakhurst, was convicted of felony cruelty to animals last week in the Sierra Division of the Madera Superior Court at Bass Lake. On Aug. 29, 2012, Aguilar was observed by neighbors in Oakhurst beating a puppy and banging it on the ground, punching it repeatedly with her fist until its eye was dislocated ...

NORTH FORK – The Chamber of Commerce celebrated St. Paddy’s Day and raised a toast to recent and upcoming North Fork projects at the Pizza Factory on Saturday, Mar. 16. Greg and D.J. and the crew served up green beer, green pizza and salad, while Christina DeGracia and her students from the The Dance Club showed off their fancy footwork, ...

MIDPINES – Jean Butterfield will be performing tonight at the Yosemite Bug in Midpines. Jean is well known in the mountain area as a talented singer, songwriter and musician. Her heartfelt vocals tell stories of angels, farmers, loggers, hobos, the 1930’s Dust Bowl, nature and daisy wine.

CALIFORNIA – In October 2012, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) filed a lawsuit against several California agencies, arguing that what has become known as the “Rural Fire Fee,” was an illegal violation of Prop. 13. Assembly Bill 29×1 required over 800,000 property owners in State Responsibility Areas to pay $150 per habitable structure for what was called a “fire ...

MADERA COUNTY – Two Madera men are facing grand theft and drug charges after a Madera County Sheriff’s Leiutenant catches the pair stealing roughly 125 feet of copper wire during rush hour near Highway 99. Lt. Patrick Majeski was driving to work in an unmarked sheriff’s vehicle, when he witnessed Jimmy Costa, 38, and Pablo Gutierrez, 28, snatch a spool ...

MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson is hoping someone can identify two men who broke into the La Vina Market, located on Avenue 9, shortly after 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 6. Video surveillance shows a dark colored truck pull up in front of the market. One of two passengers exits the truck and is seen trying to pry open ...

O’NEALS – Minarets High School is holding a blood drive on Thursday, Mar. 7 in the gym at the O’Neals campus. Donations will be accepted between 2 and 7 p.m.

YOSEMITE – If you want to climb Half Dome this summer, you will need to make reservations, and now is the time. Half Dome Cables Day Use permits for the 2013 hiking season are available for reservations Friday, Mar. 1, through Sunday, Mar. 31. Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week and ...