MADERA COUNTY – A Coarsegold couple accused of multiple counts of arson was back in Madera Superior Court today for a pretrial release hearing. Allison Waterman has been behind bars since July 29, charged with 10 counts of arson and 1 count of conspiracy. The court considered her evaluation from the Probation Department and heard arguments from her attorney Greg ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – Cooler weather has prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) to transition into fall staffing levels as of Monday, Nov. 11, at 8 a.m. Unit Chief Nancy Koerperich states the transition to fall preparedness allows Cal Fire to release some seasonal firefighters and reduce staffing on fire engines.

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Based on changing weather trends, increases in relative humidity and a decrease in average temperatures, the Sierra National Forest is lifting the fire restrictions that were put in effect July 2. Forest Visitors will still need to obtain a campfire permit when camping outside of designated campgrounds and follow all guidelines when having an open flame ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – Firefighters have been responding over the past few weeks to reports of smoke which turned out to be burn piles lit off by residents. These burn piles are illegal, as fire restrictions have not been lifted for any elevations in Madera and Mariposa Counties, or any areas in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

MOUNTAIN AREA – As fall temperatures inspire people to light a cozy fire in the woodstove, the instances of home fires increases. To help reduce the number of home fires, Cal Fire is reminding the public that all home heating equipment should be inspected. CAL FIRE is called to many home fires this time of year when the response could ...

AHWAHNEE — The Eastern Madera County (EMC) SPCA has announced a fun new way to help build a local animal shelter while you treat your furry friend to a tail-wagging treat. Cat and dog treat manufacturer Cloud Star All Natural Pet Products, whose motto is “wag more bark less,” says they will give the EMC SPCA $1 for every proof ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians announced nearly $1 million in community grants for 2013 on Tuesday, Nov. 5, during the regular meeting of the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Tribal Council Chairwoman Nancy Ayala announced the 30 grants before the board, awarding funds to 28 different organizations, many in the mountain area. This is the seventh ...

OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Community Center was packed on Tuesday, Oct. 29, as folks from all over the county gathered to learn more about creating emergency access routes in neighborhoods where there is only one way in and one way out. District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler hosted the meeting, along with Madera County Road Commissioner Johannes Hoevertsz.

OAKHURST — For students on independent study, the school day can be isolating and boring. We want to give them the opportunity to get out of the house and out of the classroom to take photos of the beautiful area we live in. So, I submitted a request for funding to a website called donorschoose.org. They help teachers get the ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Sierra National Forest will be continuing the prescribed burning that began on Saturday at the Batterson Station to complete the rest of the 50 acre project, on Monday, Nov. 4. “We are also planning to begin burning on the Kinsman burn starting on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and continuing through the week until the project is completed,” ...