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 ...

FRESNO — One defendant was sentenced and one pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to cultivate marijuana in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County with the intent to distribute, announced Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. Francisco Javier Gomez-Rodriguez, 38, of Pihuamo, Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to three years ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – In light of the major wildland fires the county experienced last summer, expectations for another long hot summer, and the serious drought conditions we have been facing, Sheriff Varney says it is imperative for all people who live or work in Madera County – especially those in the foothills – to register or update their information for ...

OAKHURST — Firefighters got a bit of a different assignment today when they were called out to convince a deer to get out of an in-ground pool on Road 426. Those who travel along Road 426 between Oakhurst and the Llama Ranch are very aware of the large population of deer who make a habit of grazing the lawns along ...

NORTH FORK — Law enforcement officials have just completed three days of marijuana eradication operations in the North Fork area, destroying over 73,000 plants being grown, for the most part, on public lands. A joint effort between the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, BLM and the California National Guard started on Monday, wrapping up ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Those headed to the mountains for the holiday weekend should be aware that fire restrictions are now in place for the Sierra National Forest. Higher temperatures, drier fuel conditions, a large number of dead and dying trees, and an increase in fire activity within Region 5 has led to this decision. Fire Restrictions Prohibit: • Open ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates a very busy Fourth of July weekend and visitors are urged to arrive at the park very early to avoid potential traffic congestion and difficulties with parking. Visitors should plan on arriving at the park entrances by 9 a.m. each day. Parking in Yosemite Valley is expected to be especially challenging and visitors should ...

YOSEMITE — Bears emerged from their dens in March this year and have been active throughout the park ever since. Recent observations have included bears grazing in roadside meadows and along hiking trails. Bear incidents this week have centered on activities by backpackers. Two incidents occurred in the Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Campground when bears got into food left unattended in ...

CALIFORNIA – With the 4th of July weekend fast approaching, everyone needs to be aware that fireworks are banned in all State Responsibility Areas (SRA) throughout California. SRA is the area of the state where the State of California (Cal Fire) is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires. SRA does not include lands within city boundaries or ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Anyone wishing to participate in the planning process is reminded that we are well into the 90-day public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Forest Plans for the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. During this time, the USFS is holding public meetings, tribal forums and a webinar to engage with ...