MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson has announced six significant personnel changes in the Sheriff’s Office. Six native sons, all familiar faces, were sworn in or promoted to new positions on Wednesday, May 1. Four men were sworn in as deputies, one deputy moved to the ranks of detective, and a mountain detective was promoted to rank of Sergeant.

O’NEALS – Fire season got off to a roaring start when dozens of firefighters, plus engines and equipment from all over the area and the state were dispatched to a fire near O’Neals on Tuesday, Apr. 30. Cal Fire reports that the Gold Fire grew to about 274 acres, and is now 100% contained. As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, ...

O’NEALS – Crews have been called out to a fire on Road 210 about 3 miles west of O’Neals. The fire, dubbed the Gold Incident, was called in shortly after 1 p.m. this afternoon It is now at 150 acres burning in farm land and up a steep hill. At this hour, the fire is 25% contained. There are several ...

Burn Permits Required – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) reminds residents that hazard reduction burning in Eastern Madera County must be conducted with a valid San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) permit. Permits are available at the following Eastern Madera County fire station locations:

COARSEGOLD – A woman suspected of driving while intoxicated drove off the road and through a fence yesterday just north of Yosemite Springs Parkway on Highway 41. Patricia Blauvelt, 45, of Fresno, was northbound on Highway 41 in a 1995 Toyota Camry at about 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 24, at what she later told CHP was 55-60 mph. Due ...

Submitted by Michelle Sonoqui Gillette – Sierra Art Trails is “Calling all Artists and Artisans…for the the 11th annual Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour for 2013.” Only one more week for artists to send in their application! Now in its 11th year, Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour has earned a reputation for excellence, and is highly anticipated by ...

Sheriff Issues Credit Card Fraud Alert – MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson is issuing a credit card fraud alert to all cell phone users. Sheriff Anderson was advised by local bank officials today who reported that at least two customers so far have received one of two text messages on their cell phones: “Visa Cards has been blocked,” or ...

MADERA – Jesus Reynoso Flores and Jose Antonio Flores-Ventura were each convicted of first degree murder with special circumstances, and a second count of attempted murder by separate Madera Superior Court juries on Tuesday, Apr. 23.

MADERA COUNTY – During a news conference Monday, Apr. 22, Sheriff John Anderson announced a disturbing local trend among teenagers and young adults who continue to organize huge underground parties that are turning deadly. In the past two months, two young men have died while attending “Fusion Parties,” a title coined by teenagers for underground parties, organized through social media ...

OAKHURST – The 25-mph corner near the Llama Ranch on Road 426 was the site of yet another accident this afternoon. Kaitlin Phillips, 20, of Oakhurst, was westbound on Road 426 near Oak Ridge Drive at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 21, when, for unknown reasons, she lost control of her 1991 Mustang as she approached a sharp curve.