AHWAHNEE — It’s a reasonable question. “Because Arco is so smart, can he speak human?” That’s what was on one student’s mind at Wasuma Elementary School on Friday, Feb. 10, when Madera County Sheriff Deputy Drew Kirchert and Sergeant Jim Bernardi brought their K-9, Arco, for a demonstration. Arco is a Belgian Malinois, born and raised for his first two years in France. ...

O’NEALS — With the school year rushing by, eighth graders throughout the Central Valley are preparing for a daunting event: freshmen year. As a way to help and support the seventh and eighth graders at Spring Valley and North Fork Elementary Schools during their transition into high school, Minarets has implemented Link Crew as a part of the Leadership class ...

OAKHURST — It was a landmark day for local girls and women as Soroptimist International of The Sierras held their 3rd Annual ‘Dream It – Be It’ Career Conference on at the Oakhurst Community Center, with more than 60 registered from 8th to 12th grade for the free all day event. “The positive response to this year’s Dream It, Be ...

FRIANT –  North Fork resident Michael Olwyler will hold a book signing event in Friant on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., for the recently published book, San Miguel de Allende & Its People, featuring photographs by his father, Peter Olwyler. The black-and-white photographs are from Peter’s Early Mexico Period between 1955 and 1971. These images are historically ...

NORTH FORK – The North Fork Lions Club Speakers Contest was held last night at the Scout Building, with Aaron Hall taking top honors. Five speakers participated in the 81st annual competition, speaking on the topic, “Integrity and Civility Play What Role in Today’s Society?” Each student is allotted 10 minutes for their presentation, and are judged on the their ...

OAKHURST — Four-hundred-plus kids and you couldn’t hear one of them. In what’s referred to as “the ultimate game of hide and seek,” that’s how we want it. At Oakhurst Elementary School (OES) last week, students in grades K-5 were called to the expansive multi-purpose room for a singular purpose: to practice a safety drill in which they would shelter ...

NORTH FORK — The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California is developing a Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan for approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to ensure that all citizens of North Fork are prepared to deal with natural disasters. The Tribe has hired Jamie Caplan Consulting LLC to lead the effort in developing the plan. “This firm ...

It’s time to discuss a very serious topic: Suicide. It goes without saying that there are many stressful things we go through in life and it can be especially hard for teenagers in high school. With all of life’s difficulties, everyone goes through low points in their lives, even if it’s not the same for each and every person. Stress, ...

Written by Karen Kale —  MOUNTAIN AREA — We are in need of more volunteer drivers in Madera County, especially from the foothill communities. It is estimated 600 residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year in Madera County, and for many of them getting to treatments can be their biggest roadblock. A successful transportation assistance program can be a ...

OAKHURST — Women of Soroptimist International of The Sierras invite the community to their Spring Soup and Salad Luncheon on Thursday, March. 15. The fundraising feast and festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Oakhurst Community Center. Click on image to enlarge. All are welcome to join the luncheon which includes a salad bar, fresh fruit, a variety ...