MADERA COUNTY — The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously during a special meeting today to approve the Draft Sales Tax Expenditure Plan aimed at putting a public safety tax measure before the voters in March 2017. This is the next step toward putting a one-cent sales tax measure on the ballot, revenues from which would be specifically designated ...

Written by Ashley Pinkerton — NORTH FORK — I have been given the opportunity to publish my first book, Spiraling Forward, featuring a personal collection of poems, all of which have been inspired by, and reflect, my own Spiritual journey and awakening. Spiraling Foward is set for release at the beginning of 2017. My main intention is to connect with readers and ...

OAKHURST — Ever wondered what there is to do around the mountain area? Come to the Oakhurst Branch Library to hear Judi Hussain explain the plethora of activities this marvelous area has to offer. Judi has been the Visitor Center Coordinator at Yosemite Sierra Visitor Center (now called Visit Yosemite | Madera County) for the past five years, and this weekend she’ll ...

Written by Jennifer Moss —  MOUNTAIN AREA — Yes, it’s a fad, but it’s all the rage, and many businesses are taking advantage of this crazy craze! First off, let’s define Pokémon Go: Pokémon Go is a video game played on a cell phone that places the fictional game in and around the real world, so players have to find ...

OAKHURST — The State Center Community College District-wide Extreme Registration event is a one-stop shop to assist students in completing registration for the upcoming Fall 2016 semester. All new and returning students are encouraged to take advantage of the services offered. Extreme Registration will be held on Friday, July 29, from 2 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, July 30, ...

MADERA COUNTY — After months of rigorous training, both in the field and in the classroom, 29 new volunteers have graduated from the Madera County Search & Rescue Academy, and joined the ranks of those ready to respond. During a swearing-in ceremony at the main Sheriff’s Office in Madera on Friday, 24 graduates raised their right hand to take the ...

SACRAMENTO — Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any weirder, the California Attorney General today issued a consumer alert advising citizens to use care when playing location-based virtual games, such as the Pokémon Go treasure hunt app. Just released this month, Pokémon Go is an augmented reality application that generates a virtual treasure hunt taking place in the real ...

NORTH FORK — Once again, the Grace Community Church has been the victim of damage done by someone who has not been identified. Last Thursday, July 14, somebody backed a pickup into the front of the church, damaging the front entryway, and possibly causing structural damage. They then left the scene, leaving the church community with yet another major expense ...

MADERA COUNTY — It was standing room only as supporters and opponents of Vulcan Materials’ proposed Austin Quarry packed the Board of Supervisors chamber and the overflow areas last night ahead of the Planning Commission’s vote on the project. When the 6 p.m. meeting finally adjourned well after midnight, the Commission voted 3-2 to approve the 671-acre project, planned for ...

CALIFORNIA —  Removing dead and dying trees has become part of every property owner’s reality, and there are important things you need to know before proceeding with any tree removal project. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has issued these guidelines and answers questions about what you need to know before you remove — or hire ...