MADERA COUNTY – A North Fork man accused of unlawful sexual contact with a minor was back in count today for a bail review hearing and to set the date for trial. Ed Lyons, 85, was arrested on Feb. 28 and was held to answer on 9 counts of child molestation after a preliminary hearing on Mar. 14. An amended ...

MADERA – The Madera man responsible for the deaths of Gary and Laura Smalz in May, 2012, was sentenced today in Madera Superior Court. On Feb. 19, Gary Ragsdale, 43, entered a plea of “no contest” to one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one special allegation of personally inflicting great bodily injury in the commission of a ...

Written by Theresa Catlin What do gardening, raising chickens and designing a greenhouse have in common? They all fall under the definition of “permanent agriculture” or Permaculture. Bill Mollison, an Australian and one of the founders of permaculture, describes it this way: “Permaculture is a philosophy of working with rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than ...

OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Community Center was filled with the friends and families of Madera County’s volunteer firefighters on Sunday, Apr. 27, as current members were honored for their service and new volunteers were welcomed to the ranks. For over 25 years, Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs) in Madera County have been recognized with a luncheon, prepared and served by Cal ...

Written by Theresa Catlin What do gardening, raising chickens and designing a greenhouse have in common? They all fall under the definition of “permanent agriculture” or Permaculture. Bill Mollison, an Australian and one of the founders of permaculture, describes it this way: “Permaculture is a philosophy of working with rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than ...

NORTH FORK – With the shortage of volunteer firefighters across the country, it was encouraging to see some 35 new recruits participate in a training day at the North Fork Mill Site on Apr. 13. The day’s trainees included students from Glacier High who completed the EMT training earlier this year, young people from the Explorer program and even a ...

SACRAMENTO – Fatal collisions involving motorcyclists have been increasing in California over the past few years. ln an effort to change this disturbing trend, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are hoping to save lives through a month-long motorcycle safety and awareness campaign during May.

MADERA COUNTY – After three months of testimony and five days of deliberation, the jury in the Kenneth Jackson/Alice Waterman arson and conspiracy trial has reached its verdict. Jackson was found guilty on 21 counts of arson, one count each of assault on a peace office and resisting arrest. Waterman was found guilty on 6 counts of arson. Both defendants ...

MADERA COUNTY – A Coarsegold man on parole for vehicular manslaughter in Arizona, is behind bars facing felony narcotic charges and vehicle theft. Brandon Carl Whetten, 36, remains jailed on a no-bail hold after his arrest on Monday, Apr. 28, during a mountain probation search at his home on Wells Road.

YOSEMITE – The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will open for the season on Friday, May 2, at noon for all vehicular traffic. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada. Vault toilets are available in several locations along the road. Limited visitor services will be available ...