By Bob Labozetta —  This final part of a three-part series on growing tomatoes in our hot, dry climate details proper cultivation techniques. In areas with no natural shade use shade cloth to cool tomatoes during the hours of most intense sunlight — usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Orient the shade structure so it is open to the ...

I had never gone birding. I don’t know why. I just never did it. I had never been to Clark’s Valley, not far from Jerseydale, but I had seen it on a map. The Sierra Foothill Conservancy was offering a class with both of these new adventures and I headed out on their Docent-led hike to learn something new. I ...

By Sal Maccarone — Within the realms of art and architecture the word style can refer either to the values followed while considering what will be created, or to the physical techniques employed during the actual process. In order to begin a study of the Mission style, one needs to go all the way back to 18th century Spain. At ...

Written by David Novell – All the 3rd grade kids knew that Alice smelled bad. Everyone would always jockey for position in line to avoid having to stand near her. Until one day Bobby G. stood up for her – right to Orangie’s face – and said (so that Alice and the other kids nearby could hear), “I’m not afraid ...

O’NEALS – A 17-year-old student from Minarets High School is in stable condition at Valley Children’s Hospital after quick action by students and staff likely saved his life. Chawanakee Unified School District Superintendent Darren Sylvia says the lunch hour was just winding down yesterday at the Minarets campus, and food service personnel had begun clearing the cafeteria as some students ...

Written by Karen Bauer – MADERA – Jennifer Snyder of Oakhurst picks up three tiny little kittens who are mewing for their mamma and some food. There’s no mamma – but the food comes via a bottle every five hours. With all three in her arms, Jennifer passes the bottle between each one, making sure they have had enough. Your ...

This is one of those hikes that is not open to the public and you can only go on the property with the Sierra Foothills Conservancy. Since they don’t offer hikes here very often, I jumped at the chance to see some new country to me, learn more about native grasses, wildflowers and the drought tolerant blue oak. The Catheys ...

Written by David Novell – By far the most beautiful girl at Orangie’s school – Polk Elementary – was Diane Harrrison, whose soft brown shiny hair, dimpled smile, and big blue eyes made Orangie go sort of crazy whenever he was around her. In fact, she was so beautiful that Orangie had never yet been able to speak one single ...

OAKHURST — A college graduation is important to celebrate for any family. Perhaps in this case, there was extra cause for jubilation, as the graduate in question has unquestionably overcome some of life’s challenges with grace and perseverance beyond the usual proportions. Despite being born blind and having been diagnosed early on with autism, Oakhurst native Brittany Donley graduated from ...

BASS LAKE – Centered around breathtaking vistas on the Bass Lake Ranger District, the 5th Annual Yosemite Half Marathon race will take place on Friday and Saturday May 10-11, produced by Vacation Races. New this year is a free shuttle around the Oakhurst area on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., sponsored by Visit Yosemite | Madera County, so ...