Laces were tied, backpacks were zipped, lunches were packed and perhaps even some tears were shed as mountain area residents got kids ready to return to school today, Monday, Aug. 17. Many noted on social media that it was a cruel coincidence Starbucks in Oakhurst is closed this week for a remodel. Undaunted, the community united and carried on despite ...

OAKHURST – They’ve been the subject of at least one sonnet, and the gift to kings. Yet, common questions about the creature include, “where’s the saddle,” and “how much does it poop,” along with “do you use a shovel?” Throughout her time loving and owning Irish Wolfhounds, Gail Hawksworth has heard it all, and has continued to help people separate ...

OAKHURST – Celebrating artists and artisans, fostering art education, bringing locals and visitors together for a weekend experience unlike any other in the region: these are the days of Sierra Art Trails open studio tour. Now in its 13th year, Sierra Art Trails (SAT) is set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2, 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally during the week of Monday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug 9, 2015. North Fork Burglary Deputies responded on Monday, Aug. 3 at 12:05 a.m. to the area of the 33200 block of West Vista Dr. for a burglary report at a vacation home. The ...

By Scott Lange — The 2015 Perseid meteor shower is upon us, and this is a great year to view the show because it falls at the same time as the new moon, meaning the sky will be very dark so the meteors are easier to see.  At its peak, the Perseids can rain down up to 100 meteors per ...

AHWAHNEE – The people who make up the Wasuma PTA have put together a fundraiser for the whole family. It’s Hot Wasuma Nights, scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 22 at Wasuma Elementary School, located at 45109 Highway 49. The public is invited and entrance to the event is free. Registration for cars is $25. Hot Wasuma Nights is a Hot ...

OAKHURST – Services have been announced for beloved area resident Dale Miller, now set for Saturday, August 8 at Mountain Christian Center at 2 p.m. A reception will immediately follow at the Oakhurst Community Center Pavillion Room. Proud American, dedicated firefighter/fire battalion chief, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Dale Dewey Miller, passed away on July 20, 2015, at the ...

COARSEGOLD – The Coarsegold Rodeo Association (CRA) wants to let the community know about the availability of grant applications for — donation or funding — open to any local nonprofit youth group, or individual kid. The CRA calls the mini-grants “bump bids,” and young people don’t necessarily have to be affiliated with the rodeo to receive one. “Every year we ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally during the week of Monday, July 27 through Sunday, Aug 2, 2015. Bass Lake Burglary A deputy responded to a radio call on Monday, July 27 at 7:38 a.m., arriving at the 54000 block of Road 432 for report of a commercial burglary. An ...

COUNTY – Two wildfires, Willow Fire in Madera County and Cabin Fire in Tulare County, have prompted local air officials to issue a health cautionary statement for smoke impacts throughout the eight-county air basin: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the Valley portion of Kern counties. As any local resident can attest, currently smoke impacts are concentrated ...