Contributed by Len McKenzie – Birdwatching, or birding, has been soaring in popularity in recent years, becoming one of the fastest-growing pastimes in North America. Among the myriad reasons for its widespread appeal, across demographic as well as geographic boundaries, are the fascinating behaviors birds display in their daily habits, seasonal patterns and social inter-actions. Many of those behaviors, embedded ...

MARIPOSA — Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable. So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally – it’s important to pay attention to both your physical health and your mental health, which can help you achieve overall wellness and set you on a path to recovery. May ...

OAKHURST – Firefighters and their families turned out in big numbers for the annual Madera County Fire Department Paid Call Firefighter (PCF) Appreciation Luncheon on Sunday, Apr. 29, at the Oakhurst Community Center. Every year, Cal Fire firefighters serve up a BBQ lunch of tri-tip and chicken, and mark the achievements and milestones of members of the Madera County Fire ...

OAKHURST — Does the idea of turning on a computer send a chill down your spine, or maybe setting a password makes you want to pass out? Take heart: beginning Wednesday, May 2, the Oakhurst Branch Library will once again offer a free basic computer skills class, and members of the community are invited to sign up now. It’s basically ...

OAKHURST — Register now for a free class to get your California Boater Card. The class will be taught by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on Saturday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Oakhurst Grill banquet room. Study materials and tuition are free for this class only. Please reserve your spot ASAP as seats ...

By Ashley Davis — O’NEALS — No spring is complete at Minarets High School without the annual Keep It Native Day. Not familiar with the event? It first started as a youth conference six years ago, which turned into a mini-pow wow and conference for teens and children. In 2013, Brandon Lourence named it as Keep It Native, which has ...

OAKHURST — La Sierra Guild is celebrating their 20th Annual Cinco de Mayo Luncheon and Basket Raffle on Friday, May 4, with all proceeds to benefit Valley Children’s Hospital. This year’s event will be held at the Oakhurst Community Center from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and El Cid Restaurant is preparing delicious food for the luncheon. The meal includes ...

NORTH FORK – One of the most anticipated events of the spring in North Fork is the annual Tri-tip BBQ, put on by the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. It is scheduled this year for Saturday, Apr. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the North Fork School. This is the major fundraiser for the Auxiliary, who work ...

By Jazmin Alba and Ally Martin O’NEALS — The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and Ag is booming! Keeping up with one of Minarets most popular days of the year, Spring Ag Day will be held on Wednesday, May 2 at Minarets — on the soccer fields, all day long. Minarets has invited many local elementary school students to come and ...

June Barnum Richie was born Oct. 28, 1921, and passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of Dec. 31, 2017. She enjoyed 96 full, good years. Quiet Sunday mornings were spent reading the Fresno Bee while she enjoyed her waffles and coffee. Her favorites were the comics celebrating the joys of life and the obituaries, celebrating lives ...