NORTH FORK – Cal Fire is reporting that the vegetation fire that started along Road 200 this evening is now contained at one-and-a-half acres. They anticipate the roadway will be reopened at about 1 a.m. after being closed since 6:30 this evening due to hazardous conditions as crews battled the blaze.

NORTH FORK – A single vehicle rollover on Road 200 just south of Fine Gold Creek bridge that started a vegetation fire and closed the road, appears to have been caused by a distracted driver. Just after 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 19, Luis Cisneros, 19, of Fresno, was southbound on Road 200 with two male passengers in the vehicle.

NORTH FORK – A community meeting on the North Fork Bioenergy Project will be held on Wednesday, Apr. 29, at Fire Station 11 on the Old Mill Site, 33400 Douglas Ranger Station Road from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This event is hosted by the North Fork Community Development Council and coordinated by the Sierra Resource Conservation District.

NORTH FORK – One of the favorite events of the spring in North Fork is the annual Tri-tip BBQ put on by the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. It is scheduled this year for Saturday, Apr. 25. This is the major fundraiser for the Auxiliary, who work hard all year to provide funds necessary to outfit Station 11 firefighters ...

Submitted by Jeff Blalock MARIPOSA – The whole town is gearing up for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, being held on May 2nd and 3rd in downtown Mariposa. This year’s music and entertainment lineup for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival is sure to be a hit. The Arts Park stage will be moving and grooving all weekend long.

MADERA COUNTY – On Thursday, Sheriff’s detectives arrested the co-owner of Smith Manor Grace Chapel in Madera, on numerous counts of fraud. The arrest of Sharlane Smith follows several weeks of investigation into allegations that Smith Manor was intentionally over-charging the County of Madera for Coroner’s Services.

MADERA COUNTY – A three-vehicle collision on Highway 41 yesterday has claimed the life of a Coarsegold man, and caused injury to two others. Ronald Lee Wells, 73, was southbound on Highway 41 just north of the 22-Mile House just after 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 15, near an area known locally as the Rocky Cut. For unknown reasons, Wells ...

AHWAHNEE – Students at Wasuma School were treated to a very special day last Friday. Not only did they get to explore fire engines, a bulldozer and a helicopter, and visit with Smokey Bear, they got to learn about some very interesting careers they many someday choose.

BASS LAKE – Snag a fish during the 35th Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby for a chance to win a portion of the $55,000 prize money swimming through the clear mountain waters on May 2 and 3. Sponsored by the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce, this fun and competitive fishing event kicks off the summer season at the popular Bass ...

MADERA COUNTY – A fatal crash near what is known locally as the “rocky cut” just north of the 22-Mile House on Highway 41 closed down traffic in both directions this afternoon. Just after 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 15, reports came in to 911 of a 3-vehicle accident blocking both lanes with several injured and one person pinned inside ...