OAKHURST — Construction appears poised to begin on the mountain area’s first Tractor Supply Co. store, the popular farm and ranch retailer that announced six months ago it was coming to Oakhurst. While some unexpected delays in closing the deal have had project developers tight-lipped recently, SNO has learned that plans for the new location remain in place — with ...

MADERA — Supervisor Tom Wheeler is promoting a proposal which he says could help provide local home owners some relief from sky-high insurance costs. The plan, Wheeler adds, could also help reduce fire risk. The proposal comes at a time when many in the mountain community are struggling to pay for and maintain homeowners’ insurance — and concern is only ...

OAKHURST — The former home of the Whopper could become the area’s first Chipotle or Panda Express — that’s if the real estate broker currently marketing the now-vacant building can attract a top-tier “fast-casual” new restaurant operator to the area. “I’ve had some interest in the property from several clients I’ve worked with in the past,” said Troy Mathias, a ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — With power slowly returning to parts of eastern Madera County, including sections of Oakhurst and Yosemite Lakes Park, area residents remained confused as to whether another Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may occur Tuesday — with high winds predicted and PG&E warning it may have to pull the plug again. Meanwhile, areas hit by high winds Sunday ...

By Sarah Jackson Special to Sierra News Online MOUNTAIN AREA — Shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday, PG&E began powering off eastern Madera County. PG&E customers from North Fork to Oakhurst to Yosemite Lakes Park began reporting their power was out between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m. According to PG&E’s website, as many as 16,675 PG&E customers around eastern Madera County could ...

NORTH FORK — Construction of a long-awaited biomass plant remains on hold as project proponents continue to grapple with financing issues related to PG&E’s bankruptcy. “We’re in no better or worse shape than we were several months ago,” said Greg Stangl, CEO of Phoenix Energy, one of the project’s developers along with the North Fork Community Development Council (CDC). The ...

OAKHURST — Ron Greenwood, Sr. and Louis Greenwood, of Greenwood Enterprises Heating and Air Conditioning, are open for business to serve Oakhurst and the mountain areas. Greenwood Enterprises Heating and Air Conditioning is operating a complete business, offering service and installation. Louis is Ron Jr.’s brother and is also doing business in Southern California. Ron and Louis look forward to ...

OAKHURST –The Snow Line, one of the area’s most storied watering holes, has reopened. The tequila has been flowing since mid-September, says owner Jennifer McMillan, who purchased the iconic bar and grill property a year ago after it had been shuttered for a number of years. McMillan has rehabbed the Snow Line as an upscale country bar, complete with live ...

By Sarah Jackson Special to Sierra News Online COARSEGOLD – How does a serious car accident turn into the American Dream and end in a beautiful winery? The answer is found in Ralph Fasi’s ability to recognize opportunity. Longtime Madera County businessman and entrepreneur Fasi seems to have a history of seizing chance and staying ahead of trends. And a ...

By Sarah Jackson Special to Sierra News Online OAKHURST – Over the years the mountain area’s annual celebrations have evolved and changed but one theme remains the same: supporting a healthy, thriving community. That was certainly the case Saturday when the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 27th annual Fall Festival in Oakhurst Community Park. The annual, three-day event ...