MADERA COUNTY — The 2017 Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign in Eastern Madera County has begun with the placement of toy donation boxes and cash donation jars in over five dozen schools, businesses and agencies. Dennis Osantowski, in his 4th year as Toys for Tots Coordinator, says that this may be one of the toughest years for the program ...

Submitted by Nikki Van Velson — COARSEGOLD — Soroptimist International of The Sierras held their inaugural Gold Country Chili Cook-Off fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Coarsegold Community Center and it turned out to be a resounding success, say members of the nonprofit organization. Six chili experts participated in the cook-off, with those attending the event voting for their ...

Submitted by ICES — MARIPOSA COUNTY — As the season of gratitude approaches, we at Infant/Child Enrichment Services (ICES) would like to suggest taking a moment of grateful reflection for child care providers in our county. These hard working individuals allow parents to work, worry-free, with the knowledge that their children are safe and well-cared for. When parents can focus ...

COARSEGOLD — After 18 months of hard work and good planning, members of the local organization, Caring Veterans of America, Inc., invite the community to attend the unveiling of their very special Veterans Memorial, situated in a prime location at the Coarsegold Historic Village. Fittingly, the reveal takes place on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11 at the northwest corner of ...

A School, A House, A Home — This is the photo of the first house that Grover and Dorothy Whitener bought. The building was located along the South Fork of Willow Creek just east of the town of North Fork, and was formerly a schoolhouse before it became a residence. The Mystery — What was the name of that school? ...

OAKHURST — “When the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be ‘retired’ with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation’s flag,” according to the Boy Scouts of America. “The traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag.” ...

MADERA COUNTY — The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a few good people interested in serving their community, to join the Sheriff’s Citizens on Patrol (COP) Team. COPs is a community volunteer organization created and formed by the Madera County Sheriff Office. The program operates countywide, under the supervision of a Madera County Community Service Officer and Patrol ...

OAKHURST — Veterans Day will be observed at the Little Church on the Hill in the Oakhill Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a 10 a.m. service. This service will give thanks for the sacrifice of thousands of men and women and will include patriotic hymns, a short message, prayers and readings. The public is invited to attend. Rev. David ...

OAKHURST — The Yosemite High School Theater Arts Department presents the classic coming of age story told during World War II, from a young girl’s perspective, in The Diary of Anne Frank. The production will be presented in a Living Museum theatrical format, says Department Chair Lars Thorson. That will include live music, video projections, and a degenerate art show ...

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The Internal Revenue Service is warning people to beware of a new scam, where fraudsters call to demand an immediate tax payment through a prepaid debit card, or you will be arrested. This scam is being reported across the country, and with reports that many in the Central Sierra are being targeted, taxpayers should be alert to ...