O’NEALS – A driver who was involved in a hit and run near the Chukchansi Casino was apprehended just south of Road 200 on Monday, July 29. The incident which involved CHP from both the Oakhurst and Madera units, began when a driver apparently sideswiped a Toyota Corolla near the intersection of Highway 41 and Lucky Lane.

EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – As crews on the west side of the San Joaquin River continue to keep a sharp eye on the Aspen Fire, making sure it doesn’t jump the canyon, the fire has grown to 14,147 acres. There are now 1,792 personnel assigned to the fire, and road and campground closures remain in effect.

HUNTINGTON LAKE – As the Aspen Fire continues to chew through the forest in the High Sierra District of the Sierra National Forest, it leaves in its wake the seeds of renewal. Though many may feel that this fire is a tragedy, and that nature is being destroyed and creatures are perishing, it is actually the regeneration of life.

O’NEALS – Anyone wishing to earn their qualifications as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is encouraged to attend training, starting Aug. 19, at Minarets High School. “This is a great opportunity for anyone just starting out, or wanting to make a career change,” says Gina Hartley, local EMT who teaches the course along with paramedic, husband Bill. “The medical field ...

FRESNO COUNTY – The search for four women in the Sierra Mountains near Lake Italy has been suspended, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. On July 24, Search and Rescue mountaineers made contact with hikers who had been in contact with the four females on the John Muir Trail near Silver Pass.

OAKHURST – An Oakhurst woman who was released from jail after being charged with burglary, is back behind bars once again, arrested for allegedly committing the same crime. Janice Marie Mossman, 40, who also goes by the names Janice Marie Yale and Janice Marie Aguilar, was released on July 11, and was re-arrested on Sunday, July 28.

MADERA COUNTY – Shane Anthony Shaffer, 35, of North Fork remains jailed at this hour, accused of trying to bury a stolen car. He was taken into custody Sunday afternoon, July 28, after authorities received a tip at around 12:30 p.m. The anonymous caller stated subjects at a residence on Wyle Ranch Road in North Fork were trying to bury ...

EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – After days of listening to the radio traffic on the Aspen Fire, I decided to take a drive up the mountain and see for myself what it looks like from the west side of the river. The fire is now 11,019 acres, and 20% contained. The total containment date has been pushed out to Aug. 10. ...

EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – Residents of Eastern Madera County have been holding their breath, sometimes literally, for the past week as heavy dense smoke blankets the area, and the potential for the Aspen Fire to jump the river keeps people on edge. The fire has grown to nearly 9,000 acres, with 15% containment, and has so far remained on the ...

BASS LAKE – When we caught up with Taylor Brown, he was busy at Bass Lake, cleaning up the day use areas along the shore. But his regular gig is Camp Host at the Mammoth Pool Campground. When the Aspen Fire blew up on Wednesday, Taylor, an employee of California Land Management (CLM), was notified by Forest Service personnel that ...