MADERA COUNTY – The County of Madera has established the following locations as Cooling Centers during times of extreme summer heat. The Centers will be open the days and times as indicated on the list below. Other Centers may be opened on an “as needed” basis and will be announced through the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.

CALIFORNIA – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Special Weather Statement, alerting residents of an excessive heat warning and the chance for thunderstorms across the Sierra Nevada. Strong high pressure building across the region will result in very hot temperatures later in the week with record high temperatures likely at many locations on Friday and Saturday.

MADERA COUNTY – All burning has been suspended in the State Responsibility Area of Madera County as of Saturday, June 1, according to The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) in cooperation with Madera County Fire Department The burn suspension is necessary due to the lack of rainfall and higher than normal temperatures the ...

MADERA – Madera County Master Gardeners will host two free events for home gardeners in June. • On Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, attend a workshop on home irrigation systems, presented by Master Gardeners Barbara Mattice and Jim Espinola. Learn to keep your garden green while saving water, time and money on your water bill.

YOSEMITE LAKES PARK – On Wednesday, May 29, at 11:30 a.m., the residents of Yosemite Lakes Park had reason to celebrate. The bridge near the east entrance to Yosemite Springs Parkway was open for business. For nearly a year, the bridge has been one lane only, with a stop light requiring motorists to wait up to 3 minutes to cross, ...

MADERA COUNTY – Ceremonies were held all over the mountain area yesterday in observance of Memorial Day, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. The Oakhurst Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8743 began the day early at the Oakhill Cemetery, where they, along with the American Legion and the Marine Corps League Griswold Mountain ...

AHWAHNEE – Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all ...

MARIPOSA – Walk around your house, imagine a wildfire heading to your house, are you prepared? Will your house survive? Do you have an evacuation plan for your family and your pets? If the answer is no, please take the time to create a plan, share it with everyone that lives in your home. Remember – get ready, get set, ...

MADERA COUNTY – Two members of the Madera County Sheriff’s Office have been selected as employees of the year for their dedication and service to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Madera County in 2012. Deputy Sheriff Richard Gonzales was tapped “Deputy of the Year.” It is the second time for Deputy Gonzales to be recognized for his outstanding ...

MADERA COUNTY – U.S. Forest Service – Sierra National Forest personnel along with other federal agencies invested their time this Mother’s Day weekend fighting wildland fire on the Sierra National Forest. Over 180 inter-agency personnel responded to the Chiquito Fire, located north of Beasore Creek and approximately three miles off of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway.