MADERA COUNTY — When that Christmas tree comes down, where’s it going to go? They are pretty crispy at this point and, potentially, a fire hazard. Emadco Disposal customers may wish to note that EMADCO will be picking up Christmas trees on their regular routes from Jan. 2 – 15, 2018. New Year’s Day customers will be picked up the day ...

MADERA COUNTY — Madera County Department of Child Support Services wants to assist people in need of help to start 2018 off right by getting child support cases back in good standing. In conjunction with Madera Superior Courts, the Madera County Department of Child Support Services will offer modifications, rescheduling of court, dismissal of charges, and/or discussion of license release at a special ...

By Bob Labozetta, Master Gardener —  MOUNTAIN AREA — Now is a great time to plant bare root fruit and nut trees, although anytime from January through March works. At this time there should be a wide selection of cultivars that are much less expensive than containerized specimens, making it easier to transport. The process of planting bare root fruit ...

O’NEALS — The Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and money for patients affected by cancer, patients’ families, and research. The LLS chooses students from all throughout the Central Valley based on the leadership skills they demonstrate. I was lucky enough to be nominated as the LLS Student Of the Year, which means I will ...

BASS LAKE — It’s not just big kids who want to celebrate the new year — families may be looking for a way to make the day and night special for everyone. The Pines Resort is hosting a New Year’s Eve Magic Show at Ducey’s Bar & Grill on Sunday, Dec. 31, with two shows by Kenny B. The cost ...

O’NEALS — In case you missed it, Friday, Dec. 22, was the second annual Community Day at Minarets High School. It’s a school-wide event held on the last day before the Winter Break and consists of Minarets staff selecting activities and/or trips that will somehow benefit the community or school. ​Miss Morgan, a social science teacher, organized time for students ...

BASS LAKE —  A woman in the Bass Lake Annex had her car stolen this evening, only to find that it had been wrecked less than half-mile from her house. Just after 7:30 p.m., residents along Road 222 just south of the Annex heard the sound of squealing tires, followed quickly by the noise of a crash, and called 911. ...

The Animal Compassion Team (ACT) foster and adoption Dog of the Week for SNO has a name you won’t soon forget. “Hi! My name is Kitty and my foster mama says I am a very social one-to-two year old Chihuahua. She also says I am very pretty. I think I am, too — I mean, when do you see a ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Do your kids want to keep an eye on the big guy in the red suit this holiday season? Here’s how: The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 62nd Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey!  The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, launched Dec. 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, ...

OAKHURST — The room was full and so were the hearts, as teachers and school representatives gathered by request to celebrate one of the year’s highlights in giving: Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis Mini-Grants for education. Local Kiwanis and others convened on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at El Cid Mexican Restaurant to give and receive money in support of projects and products that ...