MADERA COUNTY – District Attorney Michael Keitz has announced his plans to seek another four-year term. Keitz says he is optimistic about the future, although the recent recession, countywide budget cutbacks, and the early release of inmates through prison realignment has brought unprecedented challenges to his office. “Crime did not go down during the recent economic recession, in fact, it ...

MADERA COUNTY – You are invited to join a fabulous trip of history and beauty sponsored by the Coarsegold Historical Society and hosted by experienced travelers Jack and Kay Good. Leaving on Mar. 14, 2015, (not 2014) from Fresno and returning Mar. 25, the trip includes 10 nights on a deluxe river boat with visits to many historic towns and ...

Drought conditions lead to early need of Defensible Space around homes SACRAMENTO – In just the first three weeks of January, CAL FIRE has already responded to a significant increase in wildfires this winter due to the extremely dry conditions. As a result, CAL FIRE officials are reminding residents to ensure they are maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space; a ...

CLOVIS – The High Sierra Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest has been conducting a prescribed burn in the vicinity of Blue Canyon south of Shaver Lake. The extraordinary dry weather has brought this research burn back to life, creating the perfect opportunity for continuing the research being carried out with the Pacific Southwest Research Station. Prescribed burning is ...

MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson is issuing an alert to all Madera County PG&E customers about a scam that has surfaced in Central California. Customers are receiving cold calls from people claiming to represent PG&E. The caller informs customers that they are delinquent on their payment and that if the situation is not handled immediately their power will be ...

CLOVIS – The 2nd Annual Gilbert Marshall Memorial Team Branding will be held Saturday, Mar. 8, at the Blasingame Ranch. This is an annual event held for the purpose of raising money to give scholarships to graduating seniors in the surrounding mountain area pursuing an education in Agriculture and/or Forestry. The Gilbert Marshall Memorial Scholarship is made available in memory ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Public Health Department is reporting that laboratory results received today have confirmed that a Madera County woman has died from complications of Influenza A 2009 H1N1 infection. The 63 year-old female died at Madera Community Hospital on Jan. 18. She had other underlying medical conditions which increased her risk for severe H1N1 illness. Medical ...

MADERA COUNTY – The 32nd Annual Madera County Academic Decathlon (ACADEC) competition begins on Friday, Jan. 24. High school students will compete in the interview and essay competitions at Madera County Office of Education. Pictured are 2014 participants from Yosemite High School (YHS).

Optimizing Pasture, Supplemental Feed, and Managing Risk MARIPOSA – With the first part of the season being so dry, many ranchers are dealing with the shortage of forage on their rangelands by buying hay, culling livestock, and supplementary feeding, among other things. To address the issue of drought, UC Sierra Foothills Research and Extension Center is hosting a workshop addressing ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – Online registration is now open for Yosemite Girls Softball League (YGSL), and all girls ages 5 – 15 are invited to participate. No experience is required. The last day to register is Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. The organization is also currently seeking volunteer coaches, and has a player clinic coming up soon. Interested players are encouraged to ...