MADERA COUNTY — Yesterday we reported on H.R. 5079, which was introduced on Apr. 27 in the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to “amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to require that, in California, certain off-reservation gaming proposals shall be subject to the full ratification and referendum process established by California State law, and for other purposes.” The bill is ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — The Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has restricted all burning below 1,500 feet in Mariposa County to the hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on permissive burn days only, effective Thursday, May 12, at 8 a.m. Additional information may be obtained at your local Cal Fire station or ...

MADERA COUNTY — After a dozen years of planning and court battles, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians are once again the target of actions that could jeopardize progress on their Class III casino, planned for 305 acres of land near Madera, and County Supervisors are mad. H.R. 5079, which was introduced on Apr. 27 in the U.S. House ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Sunday, May 1 through Sunday, May 8. Coarsegold report of bullying On Sunday, May 1, a School Resource Deputy was informed by parent of an ongoing problem with bullying on campus and the bus. The campus is located at the 45000 block of ...

MADERA COUNTY — Madera County residents can now welcome more than two dozen new volunteers to the ranks of those who are ready, willing and very able to respond to Search & Rescue missions. Twenty-nine individuals completed the arduous four-month training to become Madera County Search & Rescue (MADSAR) team members, and proved their mettle on Saturday in a mock ...

COUNTY — The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reminds local drivers that blasting operations on State Route 41 have resumed this week and will continue periodically Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists should expect delays of up to 20-30 minutes, however, delays could be shorter or longer depending on the amount of ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — If you have yet to sign up for emergency alerts from the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, now is the time to do so. On Monday, May 16, the Sheriff’s Office will conduct several tests of the Emergency Notification System, NIXLE. The series of tests will allow residents to verify they are signed up properly and what methods ...

COARSEGOLD — A crash between a motorhome and a pickup on Thursday night resulted in one person being charged with driving under the influence, and two others with minor injuries. Just after 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, a family from New York was northbound on Highway 41 in a rented Cruise America RV just south of Coarsegold near Coyote ...

COARSEGOLD — A bust at a marijuana grow in the Coarsegold area on Wednesday resulted in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of thousands of plants. Just before 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, law enforcement officers from Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the D.E.A. and the Madera County District Attorney’s Office raided a pot grow near the 37000 ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Watch out! Falling trees are a hazard when traveling in the forest, and this year’s die-off will require visitors to be on their guard even more than usual. While it may seem incredibly obvious on its face, reminding ourselves to practice good situational awareness is important. It’s easy to become complacent. The Sierra National Forest warns ...