OAKHURST – Visit Yosemite Madera County reports that tourism was instrumental to the County’s success in 2017, with visitor spending reaching $283.7 million in Madera County. According to the Dean Runyan Associates report released today by Visit California. The tourism industry supported 4,040 jobs and generated $25.8 million in local and state tax revenue last year. Statewide, visitors spent a ...

SACRAMENTO — California’s wet winter created a sizable crop of new growth grass, but don’t let the wet weather fool you as the abundant grass dries into fuel-ripe tinder. Now is the time to act to prevent wildfires. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. declared May 6-12 “Wildfire Awareness Week” to urge homeowners that Fire Defense is Self Defense, Get Ready ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Want to listen to your news on SNO? Across the Bridge airs regularly on KRYZ Community Radio 98.5 in Mariposa. Hosted by Kellie Flanagan, Managing Editor of Sierra News Online, the community service segment features news and information of interest to the people of the Central Sierra. The program is engineered and produced by Ron Iudice. You ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of several phone and email scams circulating throughout Madera County. Though specific details may vary, these scams typically contain one or more of the following characteristics: Informing people they are eligible to receive a financial grant/payment, but must pay a fee over the phone (via iTunes, Green Dot ...

OAKHURST – A Coarsegold woman has been arrested on charges of embezzling more than $40,000 from an Oakhurst business. In November 2017, Madera County Sheriff’s detectives were contacted by the owner of Fullmer’s Appliance Repair, a local family-owned business in Oakhurst, regarding possible embezzlement. After a lengthy investigation, Sheriff’s detectives positively identified the suspect as Heather Marie Stieler, who was ...

OAKHURST — Come out and support your local first responders as the 17th annual North Valley Battle of the Badges Blood Drive takes place on Friday, May 4 in the Old Mill Village (Vons parking lot) from 2 – 6 p.m. At Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, donors have the opportunity to support a favorite agency by giving on ...

COARSEGOLD — As a cherished tradition within the Coarsegold Rodeo community, the Exceptional Kids Rodeo returns to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds this year on Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. Families from the special needs community are invited to attend a unique program which enables exceptional kids of all ages to take part in rodeo-themed games and activities, before the ...

COARSEGOLD — As Grand Marshals for the Coarsegold Rodeo, Randy and Rhonda Shockley bring experience and awareness to the venerable position, and they say they’re surprised and honored to be recognized in this manner. The Shockleys love the local rodeo, which Randy has been attending since 1974. Together, they’ve been involved in the event for six years, volunteering their time ...

MADERA COUNTY– Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Apr. 23 to Sunday, Apr. 29, 2018. Oakhurst theft of gasoline On Monday, Apr. 23 at 7:12 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the 49000 block of Golden Oak Loop for the theft of fuel and a gas cap from a van. There ...

This month’s mystery is one I am often asked about. When and where did President Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir first meet on their trip to Raymond and on to Yosemite? They traveled in May of 1903 so we celebrate the historic trip 115 years later. There are several theories, so it will be fun to see what folks come ...