SAN FRANCISCO — Last year, metallic balloons striking electric lines caused 429 power outages in PG&E’s service area alone, disrupting electric service to more than 200,000 homes and businesses. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, PG&E reminds customers that sparks – and not just the romantic kind – can fly on February 14 if improperly secured helium-filled metallic balloons come in contact ...

Written by Minarets students — O’NEALS — The current Minarets soccer team is now the winningest team in Minarets High School history. Sitting at 7-9-1 overall (wins, losses, ties) the varsity boys have hopes to make the playoffs this year. A major part of this success is owed to the great chemistry between the boys. On the field they operate ...

MADERA COUNTY — Bill Ritchey is serving as chairman of the Citizens, Firefighters and Citizens for Measure L 2017 committee. He has spent the past several years working with residents, firefighters and County officials to identify the challenges faced by the Madera County Fire Department and the Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs or volunteers), and has been involved in formulating a ...

MADERA COUNTY — John Pero is a member of the ad hoc committee that is opposing Measure L — the proposed Public Safety Sales Tax scheduled for the Mar. 7 ballot. He is also the leader of the Oakhurst/Coarsegold Tea Party, but says the No on Measure L effort was not organized or written by the Tea Party organization, “it’s ...

OAKHURST – The local chapter of the nonprofit organization Helping One Woman (HOW) will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Elks Lodge, in support of Coarsegold resident Martha Medina and family, on behalf of son, Nicolas. Nic was in an auto accident on Oct. 28, 2016. He sustained traumatic brain injury and was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center and, much later, ...

BASS LAKE — Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ducey’s on the Lake? Whether local or from out-of-town, patrons may enjoy a special four course dinner prepared by the Executive Chef Johnathan Frabotta. Dinner on Tuesday, Feb. 14 includes appetizer, starter, choice of entree and dessert. Prices vary depending on the entree selection, ranging from $55-$68. Reservations are requested for dinner by ...

NORTH FORK — Four students at North Fork School are doing their part to restore some of the many trees lost over the past few years. Because of the massive death of our pines due to the drought and bark beetles, the Fantabulous 4 Diva Dibblers have planted Ponderosa Pine seedlings in the yards of those who requested trees. They ...

MADERA COUNTY — The public forum on Measure L scheduled for tonight in Yosemite Lakes Park has been cancelled due to flooding at the YLP Clubhouse. The meeting will be rescheduled. There are several public meetings scheduled over the next two weeks that will allow residents to learn more about the proposed Public Safety Sales Tax known as Measure L: ...

Little teapots with long spouts have become a fixture in many homes to flush out clogged nasal passages and help people breathe easier. Along with other nasal irrigation systems, these devices — commonly called neti pots — use a saline, or saltwater, solution to treat congested sinuses, colds and allergies. They’re also used to moisten nasal passages exposed to dry ...

MADERA COUNTY — It’s back! In a battle of wits, Yosemite High School triumphed for the 22nd time in 23 years, making them the champions of the 35th Madera County Academic Decathlon. Yosemite will advance to the state competition Mar. 23-26 with a score of 36,172.90 to compete against the best teams in the state. Seven schools competed Saturday in ...