MADERA COUNTY — There are several public meetings scheduled over the next two weeks that will allow residents to learn more about the proposed Public Safety Sales Tax known as Measure L. With so much discussion about the measure, these are important meetings for voters wanting to learn the facts and have their concerns addressed. Mark your calendar for a ...

NORTH FORK — The tree mortality epidemic has many residents wondering what to do with debris left behind by dead trees. For a limited time, Cal Fire will have an Air Curtain Burner available to help residents dispose of unwanted brush, tree limbs, stumps and logs. The service is free of charge and is limited to natural vegetation. No processed ...

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa Biomass Project (MBP) has achieved several milestones toward its goal of building a 2 Megawatt biomass facility in the town of Mariposa. On Jan. 12, the MBP closed escrow on two parcels in the Mariposa Industrial Park, marking the final requirement to qualify for Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) funding. The project is aimed at creating ...

MADERA COUNTY — On March 7, citizens of the unincorporated areas of Madera County will vote on whether to implement a one-cent sales tax to fund the Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office. To ensure that voters can make an informed decision about the proposed Public Safety Sales Tax known as Measure L, VRPA Technologies, Inc., has been contracted by ...

OAKHURST — About 40 people gathered last night to participate in a Strategic Planning Alliance meeting, geared toward figuring out how millions of dollars will be spent on a new college facility in Oakhurst. Oakhurst Community College Center is part of Reedley College, which operates under the umbrella of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD). In June, voters approved Bond Measure C, which gives ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Commuters are reporting extreme delays over Deadwood today between Oakhurst and Coarsegold, particularly in the northbound lanes, where one driver said traffic inched along on Highway 41 just north of the old Broken Bit Restaurant for about 50 minutes before it cleared. Caltrans PIO Cory Burkarth explains that contractors are doing emergency maintenance work today, repairing a mudslide near ...

MADERA COUNTY — In a vote of 5-0, the Madera County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a resolution to raise the pay of Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs) to a base of $15/hour, and Paid Call Driver Operators to $18/hour, effective Jan. 1, 2017. PCFs, or volunteer firefighters, in Madera County are currently paid minimum wage, now set at $10.50/hour ...

YOSEMITE — Highway 41 from Wawona to Yosemite Valley has been reopened, according to an alert from the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. The roadway was closed yesterday morning due to the large accumulation of snow, and plows have been working since to clear the road. Visitors to the park are reminded to always carry tire chains and be prepared to ...

OAKHURST — As of 9 a.m., Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is reporting 11 power outages in the Oakhurst/ Bass Lake area, affecting 3,881 customers. Heavy snow is bringing down trees and power lines across the area, blocking roads and causing major traffic problems. Chain control is in place over Deadwood on Highway 41 just south of Oakhurst. Restrictions are ...

YOSEMITE — The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office has issues an alert advising that Highway 41 is temporarily closed between Wawona and Yosemite Valley due to snow accumulation. Yosemite West residents and visitors and advised not to leave during closure. The road between the south entrance and Wawona is reportedly open, and R2 chain restrictions are in place throughout the park. ...