MADERA COUNTY – Phone scams, cyber scams, mail scams … they’re a nuisance and especially menacing during the holiday season. Since the beginning of this year, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office has received 150 fraud complaints. During the same time frame last year, Jan. 1 to Nov. 20, they received 216 fraud complaints. The decrease in the number of cases ...

YOSEMITE – A group of high school students from across California, who dubbed themselves “The Triumphant Turtles” for their slow and steady approach to achieving goals, credit the Adventure Risk Challenge program in Yosemite National Park for fueling a passion for conservation, improved leadership and literacy skills, and forging trails of opportunity to higher education.

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park and Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany have signed a sister park arrangement. The formal arrangement outlines the commitment from both parks to foster international cooperation in preserving these protected areas. The arrangement was signed by Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher and Dr. Michael Vogel, Berchtesgaden National Park Director, in October, 2014.

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – The Sierra National Forest Fire Management Officer announced earlier in the week that fire suppression resources would be transitioning from full fire season staffing to winter staffing levels. “With a change in the weather due to rain to date, cooler temperatures, and shorter days, the potential for large fires has been reduced on the forest,” said ...

MARIPOSA – The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible suicide that occurred near the highway just north of town on Sunday. On Nov. 16, at approximately 9:06 a.m., deputies responded to the 5000 block of Highway 140 just north of the Highway 49 North intersection regarding a possible deceased person. Upon arrival, deputies met with the reporting party ...

Submitted by Cindy Muehlenbeck OAKHURST – Soroptimist International of The Sierras will be sending free holiday gift packages to men and women who are in the armed services. Included in the packages are homemade goodies, gum, candies, a Sierra Star newspaper and a holiday card from members of the organization to remind our service personnel how much they are appreciated.

MADERA/MARIPOSA COUNTIES – Following recent rain, Cal Fire’s Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit has lifted the suspension of burning within State Responsibility Area (SRA) within Eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties effective Monday, Nov. 17. Hazard reduction burning in Eastern Madera County will be allowed with a valid San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District permit. While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the ...

OAKHURST – A single vehicle rollover on Highway 41 near Oakhurst blocked traffic for about 40 minutes this evening just north of Cedar Valley. Just before 6:30 p.m., a 48-year-old Santa Cruz man was southbound on Highway 41 while apparently under the influence, and traveling at unsafe speeds, according to CHP.

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Workforce Assistance Center is offering valuable services, resources and information for Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino employees who have been laid off. They are inviting all affected employees to attend one of two scheduled orientations and hear about the services available.

MADERA COUNTY – Accounts have been set up for the family of Sophia Ruiz, a young woman who lost her life in a tragic accident on Monday night. For those wishing to support Sophia’s mother, Carol Cardinale, as she deals this tragedy and the expenses that come with it, there are two ways you can help.