NORTH FORK – After weeks of cat-and-mouse games with a wanted fugitive, sheriff’s deputies cornered and arrested their suspect just after 4 p.m today. Brandunn Wilson, 20, was wanted on a no-bail warrant, and has eluded capture since leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase on Nov. 21, that started in North Fork, and ended when the fleeing vehicle smashed ...

O’NEALS – An accident involving a Sierra Ambulance unit backed up traffic on Highway 41 for about an hour this afternoon as first responders waited for a tow truck large enough to handle the vehicle. The ambulance was returning from Fresno, northbound just past Road 200 near the Blackhawk Lodge, when a car several vehicles ahead reportedly made a sudden ...

OAKHURST – The latest edition of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Guide has been released for 2015, featuring a cover photograph by noted Yosemite photographer Michael Ambrose. “We are excited to release our 2015 Visitors Guide,” says Rhonda Salisbury, CEO for Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. “Our theme this year is ‘dream big’ which coincides with California’s ‘dream big’ initiative for tourism. ...

MADERA – Though the subject of human trafficking may sound like something out of a third world country, it is a huge and growing problem in California and all across the United States. On Jan. 20, Madera County Supervisor Rick Farinelli will bring community leaders together to discuss two problems facing youth – the broken home and child trafficking.

MOUNTAIN AREA – Besides the stunning natural beauty of the foothills, another valuable resource is locally abundant: the volunteer spirit. We asked SNO readers on Facebook to help us compile a list of volunteer opportunities, and heard from schools, churches, law enforcement, libraries, theaters, campgrounds and more. Here are volunteer positions from which to choose; the list is updated frequently.

CLOVIS – To cap off the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Wilderness Act, the U.S. Forest Service will participate in the 126th Rose Parade in Pasadena on Jan. 1st. “The Forest Service entry will be a celebration of the Wilderness Act, the historic role of packers in supporting wild land firefighters and other back country operations ...

SACRAMENTO – With holiday celebrations upon us, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for this heavily-traveled time of year by educating the motoring public about safety on our roadways. As part of its upcoming Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) the CHP is reminding travelers to buckle up, adhere to the posted speed limit, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and always ...

NORTH FORK – A sharp corner, a bit of fog and an inexperienced driver led to a single vehicle accident this afternoon on Road 223. An 18-year-old driver, who was eastbound on Road 223 (Teaford Saddle) and not familiar with the dangerous curve just past Road 420 (Thornberry Road) crashed her Ford F150 off the right side of the road ...

CALIFORNIA – Trees are an essential part of California’s climate and are vital to improving air quality and conserving water. To help educate Californians on the value that trees provide to building successful, healthy cities and neighborhoods, the California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and California ReLeaf are announcing the annual statewide Arbor Week poster contest for ...

CHOWCHILLA – The newly elected Sheriff of Madera County has been chosen by the Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year. Jay Varney will be recognized along with six other honorees on Saturday, Jan. 17, as the Chowchilla Chamber hosts their Community Awards Dinner at Farnesi’s Steakhouse.