OAKHURST – Firefighters have made significant progress on the Junction Fire, and residents are being allowed to return to their homes and businesses in the main part of town. Cal Fire warns that the potential still exists for critical fire behavior, and also cautions motorists to be aware of fire equipment and personnel working in the area.

OAKHURST – The Junction Fire, now burning just west of Oakhurst, appears to have been fairly quiet this morning, as crews made good progress overnight on containment lines. Firefighters were assisted by low temperatures, higher humidities and calmer winds in battling the 1,200 acre blaze.

OAKHURST – The Junction Fire, which started along Highway 49 in Oakhurst at 1:50 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, has now burned some 1,200 acres and crews made good progress on the lines overnight. Nearly 500 personnel are battling the blaze that swept through Oakhurst yesterday afternoon, after it was reported as a small vegetation fire near Capitol Pipe.

OAKHURST – The Junction Fire, which started just before 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, has burned more than 1,200 acres with 0% containment, and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents so far. The fire was initially reported behind Capitol Pipe on Highway 49 in Oakhurst, at about 1/4 acre, and quickly spread through the bone-dry vegetation.

MADERA – The reality is that many businesses are not able to qualify for a traditional commercial loan from a bank. The Valley Small Business Development Corporation is hosting a workshop that will present strategies, options and alternative sources for you to consider in your pursuit of business financing. This workshop is designed for businesses that are up and running. ...

CLOVIS – Sierra Joint Union High School graduates of the Class of 1984 are invited to “Journey Back to the 80’s” at the 30 Year Class Reunion on Saturday, Nov. 1. Join your fellow Chieftains for an fun evening of reminiscing and dancing the night away to the music of Midnight Run, the Sounds of Journey, a local Fresno band.

MADERA – Madera County Master Gardeners will host a free workshop on water conservation techniques for home gardeners and plant lovers in August. You can have a beautiful garden and landscape despite drought and water restrictions.

Submitted by Jon Bock – The Sierra Art Trails 2014 catalog is now available online and at select locations in the Foothills and Central Valley. The Central Sierra has always attracted artists. Poets, writers, painters and photographers have been drawn to the majestic landscapes and natural wonders of the region for nearly 200 years.

Submitted by Jon Bock – The Sierra Art Trails 2014 catalog is now available online and at select locations in the Foothills and Central Valley. The Central Sierra has always attracted artists. Poets, writers, painters and photographers have been drawn to the majestic landscapes and natural wonders of the region for nearly 200 years.

MADERA COUNTY – A Coarsegold couple was sentenced today in Madera Superior Court to a combined 41 years behind bars, after being convicted of setting dozens of fires in the Yosemite Lakes Park area in May and June of 2013. Kenneth Jackson, 41, and Alice Waterman, 47, both of Coarsegold, were convicted on May 1 of a combined 27 counts ...