NORTH FORK – A fire this morning in North Fork completely destroyed the home of Steve and Pam Payne on De Na Lane. The Paynes, who used to own the Mountain House Restaurant, live on the property along with Pam’s mother Victoria Monson. There are two homes on the parcel, and Victoria’s home survived intact, while Pam and Steve’s was ...

Submitted by Kristi Winter MADERA COUNTY – Wasuma Elementary School took top honors at the 2013 Academic Pentathlon on Saturday, Mar. 16, winning the 8th grade competition. The Ranchos Middle School also finished on top, defended their title and winning the 7th grade competition. More than 350 students participated in this year’s five-event academic competition, held over two days. Math ...

Written by Robyn Flory NORTH FORK – Opening night is approaching for the 24th annual 8th Grade Play at North Fork School. This year’s play is “Beast of the Baskervilles”, a spoof on the “Hound of the Baskervilles featuring the detective Sherlock Holmes.

OAKHURST – There was a packed house Thursday night, Mar. 14, at the Oakhurst Senior Center as people came out to learn and ask questions about changes coming to Yosemite National Park. With the designation of the Tuolomne and Merced rivers as Wild and Scenic in 1984 and 1987 respectively, the National Park Service (NPS) has been working to identify ...

CALIFORNIA – Each year the American Red Cross honors “Real Heroes” at Red Cross chapters across the country. The benevolent acts of these heroes embody the true spirit of the mission of the Red Cross: prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. In your darkest hour, a stranger comes to your rescue; the quick steps of a ...

BASS LAKE – A single vehicle accident near Bass Lake today sent first reponders packing up and down a very steep bank to rescue a woman trapped in her wrecked vehicle. At about 3:23 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 13, Donna Gould, 76, of Bass Lake, was eastbound on Road 222 just past Pettitt Drive in a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer. According ...

COARSEGOLD – Preparations for the 61st annual Coarsegold Rodeo have begun, with Royalty Orientation on Feb. 23. Twenty ladies interested in vying for the titles of Miss Coarsegold Rodeo Queen, Princess and Little Princess came out to the Historical Museum to sign up for this year’s event.

MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson credits a call from a vigilant citizen in the apprehension of a Kerman couple now facing narcotics and grand theft charges.

MADERA COUNTY – A Chowchilla woman wanted for prison escape in Nebraska is back behind bars after being captured in north Madera last night. Connie Torres, 23, aka Connie Marquez, was taken into custody shortly before 10 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 11, following a traffic stop near Sonora and Adell Streets.

FISH CAMP – An afternoon hike from the Tenaya Lodge could have ended badly, but thanks to the efforts of the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue, a father and son were returned safely after getting lost in the forest. On Friday, Mar. 8, at about 8 p.m. the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an overdue ...