AHWAHNEE — Firefighters are on scene of a vegetation fire on Road 600 just south of Ahwahnee, responding just moments ago. At 2:14 p.m., crews were dispatched to the address of 39420 Road 600. First engine at scene reported the fire at 3 to 4 acres with a moderate rate of spread. Text, email and phone alerts were sent out ...

MADERA COUNTY — The Madera County Planning Commission voted 3-2 on July 19 to approve the conditional use permit for the Austin Quarry, a 671-acre site to include a hard-rock quarry and aggregate processing facility, planned for the southwest corner of Highways 41 and 145. Those opposed to the project have filed an appeal, and a public meeting is planned ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Sunday, July 24 to Sunday, July 31, 2016: Oakhurst robbery On Sunday, July 24 at 1:55 a.m. a report was taken for a robbery which occurred in the 50800 block of Road 632. Evidence was collected and two suspects were identified. This case is ...

Written by Nicki Tempesta — MOUNTAIN AREA — Hinds Hospice is currently recruiting Patient Volunteers in the Coarsegold/Oakhurst and surrounding areas. The mission of Hinds Hospice is to uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of the terminally ill while supporting loved ones, and those who are grieving. At Hinds Hospice, we provide care in remote areas that are not ...

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to stay vigilant against an increase of IRS impersonation scams in the form of automated calls and new tactics from scammers demanding tax payments on iTunes and other gift cards. The IRS has seen an increase in “robo-calls” where scammers leave urgent callback requests through the phone telling taxpayers to call ...

MARIPOSA – Due to the “extreme menace of wildfire and its potential to destroy life, property and natural resources,” Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) Chief Nancy Koerperich has suspended certain activities within the State Responsibility Area (SRA), including campfires and outdoor smoking. Due to current and predicted fire weather, the lack of precipitation, the dryness of vegetation, and the increased fire activity, ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Yosemite Unified School District is offering a K-12 hybrid independent study program through Yosemite Falls Education Center. Interested families are invited to an orientation night at John Muir Academy on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. The District will provide a program overview, intake procedures, and address questions from those who are present. Questions? Call the registrar for alternative education: Lawnna Porter ...

OAKHURST — The mountain area will be bidding farewell to our local CHP Commander Jason Daughrity as he accepts a new position in Sacramento as CHP Academy Director. “I’ve never been one to sit still for very long,” says Cmdr. Daughrity, who will be reassigned to the CHP Academy on Sept. 1. “In fact, I remember my 7th grade math ...

COARSEGOLD – Prepare to be dazzled for two shows inspired by a man some people say was the biggest star that ever lived. Moonwalker: The Reflection of Michael takes the stage at Chukchansi Gold Casino & Resort on Friday, Aug. 19 and Saturday, Aug. 20. Doors open at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show. Moonwalker “takes the audience on ...

OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Office of the California Highway Patrol invites the community to be part of “National Night Out,” an annual event meant to bring together law enforcement officers, first responders, and the communities they serve in an informal setting. The festivities will take place in the parking lot of the old Blockbuster store in the Old Mill Shopping ...