O’NEALS – Ponderosa, formerly known as Ponderosa Telephone, is looking for just the right image, representative of their coverage area, to grace their new cover. Your artwork or image could be in the home of everyone served by Ponderosa, right on the front of the Ponderosa 2014 Directory. This family-owned company, now into their fifth generation, has always sought out ...

Local Business Receives Crystal Tower Award for Exemplary School Partnerships OAKHURST – Round Table Pizza was recognized for their partnerships with Madera County schools in front of more than 150 business and community leaders at the 10th annual Business and Education Shareholders’ Luncheon on May 8, hosted by the Madera County Compact. Accepting the award for Round Table Pizza were ...

MADERA COUNTY – Madera County will be holding its 6th annual Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, at Courthouse Park in Madera at 12 noon. Madera CHP Commander David Paris is hosting the event which will consist of remarks from local law enforcement and government leaders, as well as an honor guard and a 21-gun salute. The assembly ...

MARIPOSA – Due to the lack of rainfall and higher than normal temperatures this past spring, fire danger is above average across the Central Sierra. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) has transitioned into fire season preparedness levels with increased staffing at all CAL FIRE stations as of Saturday, May 4. The chance ...

MADERA COUNTY – A fire next to Highway 41 in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 5, caused the temporary closing of northbound lanes while firefighters put equipment in place. Just before 1 a.m, a motorist reported that he had lost a tire off his Chevy pickup, and that it started a grass fire just off the east side ...

OAKHURST – Over 100 firefighters and their friends, family and supporters gathered at the Oakhurst Community Center Sunday afternoon to honor and acknowledge the Paid Call Firefighters in Madera County. Paid Call Firefighters are volunteers who serve their communities by answering dispatches to everything from traffic accidents to medical emergencies, but are only paid when something is actually on fire. ...

O’NEALS – Fire season got off to a roaring start when dozens of firefighters, plus engines and equipment from all over the area and the state were dispatched to a fire near O’Neals on Tuesday, Apr. 30. Cal Fire reports that the Gold Fire grew to about 274 acres, and is now 100% contained. As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, ...

Burn Permits Required – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) reminds residents that hazard reduction burning in Eastern Madera County must be conducted with a valid San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) permit. Permits are available at the following Eastern Madera County fire station locations:

Submitted by Michelle Sonoqui Gillette – Sierra Art Trails is “Calling all Artists and Artisans…for the the 11th annual Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour for 2013.” Only one more week for artists to send in their application! Now in its 11th year, Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour has earned a reputation for excellence, and is highly anticipated by ...

MADERA COUNTY – Oakhurst resident Jean Newman was honored Saturday evening when Sheriff John Anderson announced her selection as Citizen On Patrol (COP) Volunteer Of The Year. Newman was recognized for volunteering more than 400 hours of service to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Madera County in 2012. “She demonstrates a strong work ethic, with great enthusiasm,” said ...