FRESNO — The second of four defendants charged with growing marijuana on public lands in Madera County pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court. Francisco Javier Gomez-Rodriguez, 38, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana grown in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County. According to court documents, co-defendant Humberto Ceballos-Rangel, ...

AHWAHNEE – The Oakhurst chapter of nonprofit organization Helping One Woman (HOW) will meet to honor longtime mountain-area resident Kathy David at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 16, at the Hitching Post in Ahwahnee. Kathy is not only facing overwhelming medical needs for herself, say organizers, she has also had to face those with her husband, John. “These needs began ...

MADERA COUNTY – When someone needs help contacting a County department for non-emergency assistance, they need only know one number – 311. Their call will be answered by a live operator who will address their questions and direct them to the appropriate department for assistance. Based on the success of this program, the County of Madera will apply for a ...

RAYMOND — Everyone is invited out to the Pleitez Ranch in Raymond for the first annual Giving Trail Memorial 10K Run on Sunday, Mar. 20. The cross-country run winds through the beautiful foothills of the Sierra and the historic town of Raymond at approximately 1,000 ft. elevation with gentle slopes and a well defined trail. Registration begins at 7 a.m. ...

COUNTY — The 2016 Madera County Academic Pentathlon culminated with the Super Quiz and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Mar. 10, naming North Fork School this year’s champion in both the 7th and 8th grade competitions. The North Fork 7th grade team included Moises Agundez, Lauren Bryant, Thor Goodman, Ryan Hough, Vincent Mellana, Kaia Owen, Jeremiah Stott, and Josiah Waltner. The ...

Guest Column written by Bill Ritchey —  NORTH FORK – Sitting at the end of the cul-de-sac of Chipo Poyah Road in Teaford Lakes Meadow stands a 3-story house that 87-year-old retiree George Hathaway has called home since 1986. Like other homes in the cozy neighborhood, Hathaway’s sits nestled among dozens of dense pines. Similarly as well, many of his ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — One of the most important jobs here at SNO is letting you know when breaking news happens. When a major accident delays your commute, when a downed tree blocks a roadway, or when a wildfire threatens, we let you know in real time on our Facebook page. To receive up-to-the-minute information on news that impacts your day, ...

OAKHURST – Visit Yosemite Madera County is pleased to announce the addition of Therese Williams to their team as the new director of public relations and sales. Therese was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, but it was the bright lights of New York City that caught her attention to study for her master’s in international communications and public relations. ...

Submitted by Yosemite Colts — MOUNTAIN AREA — Yosemite Baseball Boosters are continuing their decade long support of youth baseball. We will once again be sponsoring the Yosemite Colts 14U baseball program. Players interested in trying out can register by calling (559) 676-2793 or email ybb@sti.net. If you are interested in coaching, please call or email to request an application. ...

Submitted by Michele Shockley and Nikki Van Velson OAKHURST — Prepare yourself for wearin’ of the green and a delightful day out, as women of Soroptimist International of The Sierras invite the community to their semi-annual Soroptimist Soup & Salad Luncheon. This year the event is held on lucky St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, Mar. 17. The feast and festivities will ...