MADERA COUNTY – Former Chukchansi Tribal Chairman Tex McDonald appeared today in Madera Superior Court for sentencing. On May 1, McDonald agreed to plead guilty to the felony charge of false imprisonment, for his part in the armed takeover attempt of the Chukchansi Gold Casino in Coarsegold, in early October 2014. The judge sentenced him to 485 days, but he ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – With the 4th of July weekend fast approaching, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) would like to remind everyone that fireworks are banned in all State Responsibility Areas (SRA*) throughout California. Fireworks stands are now open in numerous locations within Madera and Merced Counties. State law and county ordinance prohibits ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – As of today, June 30, fires of any kind are banned on the Sierra National Forest, except as listed below. With thousand hour fuel moisture at less than 14 percent and a drying trend predicted, Forest Supervisor Dean Gould has declared these prohibitions effective immediately. The Order reads as follows: Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and ...

NORTH FORK – When the fire came racing toward their house, destroying everything in its path, the family grabbed what they could, loaded their pets and raced down the driveway ahead of the flames. They watched from a distance as it flashed through their property, trees torching out ahead of the wall of fire. Days later when they returned to ...

OAKHURST – The Sky Fire, that started on Thursday, June 18, near Oakhurst, is now 96% contained and was last reported at 500 acres. Due to suppression efforts, dangerous trees in the area, and heavy equipment working along the roadway, the Sierra National Forest deemed it necessary to close Road 632 (Sky Ranch) for the safety of the public. As ...

EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team for the Sky and Corrine Fire is working to complete its assessment and recommendations to lessen immediate hazards to public resources from the effects of the fire. The team is led by geologist Alan Gallegos from the Sierra National Forest. The BAER team is made up of specialists from ...

MADERA COUNTY – Area residents anxious to begin curbside recycling will have to wait a little longer than previously anticipated, as Emadco Disposal Service has announced their plan to implement the service for customers will start at the top of the fourth quarter this year. Reports previously indicated the service would begin this summer, but logistics including confirmation of contract ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone of the Proclamation issued by Cal Fire regarding suspended burning permits and other uses of open fire, campfires and outdoor smoking. On June 11, 2015, per section 4423.1 of the Public Resources Code, Nancy Koerperich, Unit Chief of the Madera-Mariposa-Merced CAL FIRE unit issued the following: Due ...

COUNTY – In light of potentially dangerous conditions caused by the ongoing drought, Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney wants to remind everyone that no fireworks are allowed in Eastern Madera County; not even “Safe and Sane” fireworks are permitted north/east of the Madera Canal. Fire safety officials also urge that everyone in the community do their part to keep the ...

CALIFORNIA – With current drought conditions and everyone on high alert, attention to wildland firefighting has been heightened for many residents in the foothills and mountain area. We all see the engines, water tenders and crews rolling in to fight these fires, but perhaps the most spectacular sight from the vantage point most of us have, is the work of ...