OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2014 Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Business of the Year, and Executive Director’s awards. “The entire Eastern Madera County mountain community is invited to join us as we celebrate and honor the 2014 award recipients, recognize the 2014 outgoing chamber board ...

MADERA/MARIPOSA COUNTIES – Recent rains and cooler temperatures across the region have lowered the threat of wildfires allowing Cal Fire’s Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) to transition out of fire season effective Monday, Dec.15, at 8 a.m. in Madera, Mariposa and Merced Counties. Cal Fire MMU Chief Nancy Koerperich reminds citizens that this has been an especially devastating fire season for our ...

MADERA COUNTY – After a notice went out from the Sheriff’s Office yesterday concerning a U-Haul type truck possibly scoping out neighborhoods to steal UPS packages left on people’s doorsteps, Oakhurst resident Ron Fisherman was shocked to receive a message from a friend telling him that his truck was being considered the suspect vehicle.

If you have never visited a national wildlife refuge before, one of the fee-free days would be the perfect opportunity to see what you’ve been missing, like this sandhill crane at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Get outside and enjoy some of the country’s most magical places – America’s national wildlife refuges – and get free admission on these days ...

MADERA COUNTY – Late this afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a suspicious U-Haul truck that appears to be canvassing neighborhoods, looking for packages left on doorsteps. The truck was seen at around noon on Monday, Dec. 15, on Little Lake Road in Oakhurst. According to the Sheriff’s Office, there were two white males inside the truck. One ...

AHWAHNEE – Staff at Sierra Meadows Golf and Country Club are reporting they’ve received good news: the club will stay open for the near future after members voted on a proposal that will have them paying a little bit more to play a whole lot longer, they hope. Last month Sierra Meadows owner Robert Bard sent out a letter telling ...

OAKHURST – Madera County Sheriff’s office is reporting that a popular Oakhurst thrift store that donates its proceeds to support animals, was found vandalized, with nearly $1,000 worth of donated Christmas items discovered missing or destroyed. When the owner of A Cause 4 Paws located on Highway 41 arrived at her thrift store yesterday, she found the property had been ...

FOOTHILL COMMUNITIES – As extreme winter weather approaches with the threat of flooding, especially in areas affected by recent fires, the Sheriff’s Offices in Madera and Mariposa Counties are letting residents know where they can obtain sand and sandbags to protect their property. Residents must provide their own shovels. It is best to call ahead for Fire Stations, in case ...

OAKHURST – Sheriff John Anderson was honored today by a room full of Citizens on Patrol (COPs) Volunteers – one of many programs he created as Sheriff, and one of numerous programs for which he will be best remembered when he retires next month. Forty volunteers surprised Sheriff Anderson with private farewell luncheon at El Cid in Oakhurst.

First, a little back-story. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a medical issue that forced me to quit my job and seek other means of employment. My previous job involved vigorous walking, and the illness would no longer allow me to continue walking as far on a day to day basis. Suddenly, deluged with a plethora of time, ...