MADERA COUNTY — Yesterday we reported on H.R. 5079, which was introduced on Apr. 27 in the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to “amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to require that, in California, certain off-reservation gaming proposals shall be subject to the full ratification and referendum process established by California State law, and for other purposes.” The bill is ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — The Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has restricted all burning below 1,500 feet in Mariposa County to the hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on permissive burn days only, effective Thursday, May 12, at 8 a.m. Additional information may be obtained at your local Cal Fire station or ...

MADERA COUNTY — After a dozen years of planning and court battles, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians are once again the target of actions that could jeopardize progress on their Class III casino, planned for 305 acres of land near Madera, and County Supervisors are mad. H.R. 5079, which was introduced on Apr. 27 in the U.S. House ...

MADERA COUNTY — Madera County residents can now welcome more than two dozen new volunteers to the ranks of those who are ready, willing and very able to respond to Search & Rescue missions. Twenty-nine individuals completed the arduous four-month training to become Madera County Search & Rescue (MADSAR) team members, and proved their mettle on Saturday in a mock ...

COUNTY — The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reminds local drivers that blasting operations on State Route 41 have resumed this week and will continue periodically Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists should expect delays of up to 20-30 minutes, however, delays could be shorter or longer depending on the amount of ...

CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies will be joining Cal Fire for a series of events across the state to celebrate Wildfire Awareness Week, May 1-7. Despite near-normal rain and snowpack in some areas, long term drought conditions continue to affect large parts of the state, including many of California’s 18 national forests. Jeanne Wade Evans, ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY —  The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) has announced that effective at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 1, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in Mariposa County. Permits are required year round in Madera County. The following guidelines are required when conducting a hazard reduction burn: Property owners conducting hazard ...

MADERA COUNTY — The drive to raise money for the K9 Unit at the Madera County Sheriff’s Office got a big shot in the arm last Tuesday when an angel donor gave over $57,000 to the cause, allowing the S.O. to double their expectations for new deputy dogs. Sheriff Jay Varney and Chief Civil Deputy Mike Motz appeared before the ...

BASS LAKE — Getting a permit for your boat or jet ski at Bass Lake this summer will be a breeze thanks to an agreement between the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and the anchor businesses at the lake – Miller’s Landing, The Forks Resort and Bass Lake Boat Rentals at The Pines. In years past, boating permits were sold to ...

CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District will have bare root one-year-old ponderosa pine seedlings available for adoption to the residents in the North Fork/Oakhurst/Mariposa area. Member of the public wishing to adopt seedlings may obtain five or more by visiting the Bass Lake District Office in North Fork. The office is open Monday through Friday from ...