SAN FRANCISCO — As woody debris piles up from dead trees killed by drought and bark beetle infestation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has launched an expanded debris management program to support its customers in 10 counties severely impacted by California’s growing tree mortality emergency. PG&E is offering the expanded debris removal program to customers in Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, ...

BASS LAKE — Madera County District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler will host the next in his series of Town Hall meetings on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake. Presentations will include Bass Lake District Ranger Denise Tolmie and Fuels Specialist Burt Stalter, Board Member of the Coarsegold Resource Conservation District Anne ...

Written by Sandy Brinley — OAKHURST — Sierra Historic Sites Association will be celebrating the 20th year of Mountain Heritage Days at Fresno Flats Village and Park on School Road in Oakhurst. The event will run from Friday, Sept. 16 through Sunday Sept. 18. Along with vendors, great food, music, raffle, and many other events, the annual parade will be held on Saturday, Sept. ...

OAKHURST — Ever wondered what there is to do around the mountain area? Come to the Oakhurst Branch Library to hear Judi Hussain explain the plethora of activities this marvelous area has to offer. Judi has been the Visitor Center Coordinator at Yosemite Sierra Visitor Center (now called Visit Yosemite | Madera County) for the past five years, and this weekend she’ll ...

Written by Jennifer Moss —  MOUNTAIN AREA — Yes, it’s a fad, but it’s all the rage, and many businesses are taking advantage of this crazy craze! First off, let’s define Pokémon Go: Pokémon Go is a video game played on a cell phone that places the fictional game in and around the real world, so players have to find ...

FISH CAMP – The Mariposa County Fire Safe Council is again offering free chipping of brush, limbs and small trees that have been cleared from properties by residents clearing defensive space around their homes. Chipping dates will be Tuesday, Sept. 6 and Wednesday, Sept. 7. You must contact the Fish Camp Volunteer Fire Association at donnatyosemite@sti.net to be put on ...

MADERA COUNTY — After months of rigorous training, both in the field and in the classroom, 29 new volunteers have graduated from the Madera County Search & Rescue Academy, and joined the ranks of those ready to respond. During a swearing-in ceremony at the main Sheriff’s Office in Madera on Friday, 24 graduates raised their right hand to take the ...

MADERA COUNTY — Robert Brosi, D.D.S. will receive the Crystal Tower Award for his exemplary partnership with schools in Madera County at the 13th Annual Business and Education Shareholders’ Luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Also being honored with the Crystal Tower Award is Madera Agricultural Services. Robert Brosi, D.D.S. was nominated for the Crystal Tower Award by Jeanne Ratchford, secretary at Yosemite ...

COARSEGOLD — Ladies of the Lakes and the Central Valley Blood Bank will host a Blood Drive at the Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse on Saturday Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone planning to donate is reminded to hydrate well and eat prior to giving blood. Donors are then invited to sit for a while in the resting ...

MADERA COUNTY — While the eyes of the country may be focused on Washington D.C., note that important local elections will take place during the presidential general elections, held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. Among them, a total of five school board trustees in two Madera County districts will be up for re-election, and now is the time for any ...