Written by Virginia Eaton — There’s a lot of research studying the care and feeding of the bacteria in our gut. Researchers have found numerous links between the health of the gut microbiome (the colonization of bacteria that live in our intestines) and the immune system, autism, depression, autoimmune diseases and conditions in the bowel. This includes inflammatory bowel disease, ...

MARIPOSA – While recent rains this winter and spring have been a welcome sight in California, drought conditions continue to increase fire danger in the region prompting Cal Fire to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Madera, Mariposa and Merced Counties. This suspension took effect June 17, and bans all residential outdoor ...

OAKHURST — We’ve all enjoyed the recent bout of cooler weather, and now we need to prepare for the real deal as temperatures hit three digits before long. While the National Weather Service in Hanford forecasts that the foothills on Saturday, June 18 will hit a high near 84 degrees, and a low around 50, by Sunday, June 19, the temps are expected to ...

OAKHURST — If you don’t have your young ones squared away for the next couple of weeks and you’re still looking for opportunities, take heart. Vision Academy of the Arts camp will run for two more weeks at Oakhurst Elementary School. Camp this year runs the weeks of June 20 – 24 with Harmony High. June 27 – July 1 is On the Radio. ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Prepare for some delays when traveling through Coarsegold and Oakhurst early next week, as crews will be out striping the road. On Tuesday and Wednesday, June 21 and 22, Caltrans will be painting on Highway 41 between Road 417 in Coarsegold, over Deadwood, to Highway 49 in Oakhurst. Painting will take place from approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drivers are urged to allow extra time ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates an extremely busy weekend, as record visitation continues and the park prepares for President Obama’s historic visit to Yosemite June 17 – 19. The White House announced last week that the President and First Family will celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a family trip to Carlsbad Caverns and Yosemite National Parks. “We are honored ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Team Mountain Mayhem 8 and under are part of the All Star division in the Yosemite Girls Softball League, recruiting from the foothills, including Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Coarsegold and North Fork. “Mountain Mayhem recently took 3rd place in the Summer Sizzle Tournament and participated in the Fresno Rage Memorial Classic tournament in Clovis,” says parent Jachie ...

OAKHURST — Local photographer, well-known teacher and beloved community member Brian Wilhite recently had the rug of health pulled out from under him when he was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer. One minute the outdoorsy artist, 73, was flying joyfully down the slopes during an extended ski season and the next, it seems, he was digesting the sort of ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Sunday, June 5 to Sunday, June 12, 2016: North Fork assault On Sunday, June 5 at 1:31 a.m. a deputy responded to the 55000 blk of Wilcox Drive for a report of an assault. After conducting an investigation, a suspect was identified but ...

YOSEMITE – The Merced River pushes past spectators with enormous gusto, as a wide area is cordoned off under the trees at Happy Isle Bridge. Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) teams are preparing to demonstrate swift water rescue techniques in order to convey a crucial message to the visiting public: stay safe out there. Click on images to enlarge. A ...