MADERA COUNTY — Sheriff Jay Varney and the Madera County Sheriffs Office welcomed seven new Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteers to the force on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Sheriff Varney administered the Oath of Office to Janice Guthrie, Lloyd Green, Jarrett Dean, Hal Parks, Chris Reese and John Arredondo during a graduation ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Office in Madera. Jon ...

We like to hike with our dogs, so where are those great dog hikes in our area? You have seen my dog Sally tagging along with me on some of our hikes. Now is your turn to share your favorite dog hikes for inclusion in dog hikes in our area. I envision a living document that we can add more ...

BASS LAKE — A Labor Day vacation for a Southern California family turned into a dangerous rescue at Angel Falls in Bass Lake on Saturday. Angel Falls is a well-known destination along Willow Creek where many locals and visitors go to hike and play in the water. The Madera Sheriff’s Office was notified about 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, ...

AHWAHNEE – Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary tees up on Saturday, Sept. 24 for the Dale Miller Memorial Golf Tournament at River Creek Golf Course. It’s the 26th year Rotary has sponsored the golf tournament in this area. Click on flyer to enlarge. Money raised will go to Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary to support local charities, say organizers. Sponsors for the tournament include ...

SACRAMENTO – In the past two months, California has experienced a rash of large and damaging wildfires and in almost every single case, the fire was preventable. It’s true — 95 percent of all wildfires are caused by the activity of people! Cal Fire is asking, especially with the holiday weekend, that all Californians do their part now to help ...

OAKHURST — Thanks to a retired archaeologist who loves to sing and strum and is always willing to dig up the right kind of talent, there’s a couple of places every week where singers, songwriters, poets and others can express themselves. Stephan Baldwin has lived in Oakhurst for eight years, but he’s been playing guitar and singing folk songs for over 50 years, ...

OAKHURST – Just saying the words “Cedar Valley Deep-Pit BBQ” can make the mouth water. Fortunately, the much-anticipated Cedar Valley Fire Department Deep-Pit BBQ and Raffle is this weekend, so you won’t have to wait much longer to indulge. The event is on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and everyone is invited. This is an important fundraiser ...

O’NEALS — What’s the best way to show the progress of an effective education? That’s a loaded question. Some people believe it’s through test scores, while others are convinced that proof of learning is in the action or activity that results from the students’ work. Chawanakee School District’s Minarets High and Minarets Charter are finding a way to answer the ...

MADERA COUNTY — Oakhurst’s Robert Brosi, D.D.S. received a Crystal Tower Award Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the 13th Annual Business and Education Shareholders’ Luncheon hosted by the Madera County Compact. Both Dr. Brosi and Madera Agricultural Services were recognized for their partnership with Madera County schools in front of more than 175 business and community leaders. Each exemplifies the Madera County Compact’s mission, ...

BASS LAKE — (Not Just) Jazz on the Lake concerts are bringing the crowds to Bass Lake on each first and third Fridays of the Summer, and there is just one concert left this season. The first (Not Just) Jazz on the Lake event of the month took place on July 1, as a kick off to a busy holiday weekend and ...