NORTH FORK – As the community of North Fork welcomes a biomass energy plant at the old mill site, residents are being asked to voice their opinions on the project. Henry Swisher, a master of arts student at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, is conducting a research thesis on community-scale renewable energy projects as part of his M.A. ...

OAKHURST – Whether you’re looking for employment or hiring for staff positions, make note of the upcoming job fair in Oakhurst to find the latest information and best new career opportunities all under one roof. The Madera County Workforce Assistance Center invites individuals seeking jobs and businesses seeking employees to participate in the upcoming Eastern Madera County Job Fair, set ...

OAKHURST – The world famous Talking Bear at the corner of Highway 41 and 426 is staying right where he is, while the ground around the iconic statue will soon be transformed. Owners of the property where the bear stands plan to remove the existing fading, water-guzzling grass with synthetic turf, in a move that will save precious water during ...

OAKHURST – Despite news that retail electronics franchise Radio Shack filed for bankruptcy on Thursday, Feb. 5, the local Radio Shack store in Oakhurst is reported to be staying open. It’s no surprise that Radio Shack has filed to reorganize under Chapter 11. The corporation has endured 11 consecutive quarterly losses and a stock-drop of about 90% over the last ...

NORTH FORK – After years of focused effort by local organizations, the North Fork biomass plant is now one giant step closer to reality. The North Fork Community Development Council (NFCDC) has announced conditional approval for a nearly $5 million grant sought to build a 1 megawatt (MW) bioenergy generation facility at the town’s former mill site.

MADERA COUNTY – Emadco Disposal Service has announced they plan to implement residential curbside recycling for customers beginning this summer. Ashley Smith is Recycling Operations Manager for the Oakhurst-based company, and explains the new curbside recycling program will be available at existing pick-up locations every other week starting July 1, 2015.

OAKHURST – Oakhurst resident and community liaison Rima Runtzel has launched a new company which combines her affinity for social media and love of networking to benefit independent business owners in the local area. Local Social, a social media marketing agency, launched in December 2014 and announced its first partnership with Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply this month.

COARSEGOLD – The Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce has selected Dave Wolin as its 2015 president and named its new Board of Directors for 2015. The board consists of Wolin as President; Laura Young, vice president and president elect for 2016; Janet Stanovich, Secretary; and Deniece Busse, Treasurer. Additional directors are Diane Boland, Chrissy Buckles and Marty Owen.

COARSEGOLD – Since his family purchased the once-popular Broken Bit earlier this month, Tanner Tweed has been on the move, making plans for the immediate future of the property, while making discoveries about its past. The public has been instrumental, helping to fill in the blanks on local lore.

COARSEGOLD – Gabby the Miner is a silent wooden sentry kneeling at the entrance to the Broken Bit, holding his precious nugget to the sky and keeping an eye on Highway 41 traffic. He’s seen the once-promising business nestled on the property flourish under the guidance of previous owners, and Gabby has seen it fail with seemingly insurmountable building requirements ...