OAKHURST — One local photographer is not only intent on taking beautiful pictures, she’s got her mind set on changing the way women look at themselves and think about beauty. “A Moment in Time Photography started unofficially ten years ago when I did my first wedding,” explains owner Carrie Jenkins, who recently put up a cheerful shingle for the studio ...

OAKHURST — On Friday, May 13, we heard that Slim’s Koffee Shak would close its doors in two locations following news that an investor deal for expansion had fallen through. The community reacted swiftly, sharing the story with uplifting comments and positive feedback online, on social media, and over koffee. On Saturday, a friend approached Slim’s owner Scott Marsh and, ...

OAKHURST — Vision Academy of the Arts invites the community to a spring choir celebration of inspiration, with “Be the Change,” featuring a variety of songs designed to make a difference. Choir member and Vision Academy board member Shiela Adams says the program is intended to capture the spirit of change that starts with love. Songs include Ordinary Miracles, I ...

BASS LAKE — Get to know your local law enforcement while enjoying breakfast overlooking the lake at Miller’s Landing. Sheriff Jay Varney and deputies from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the CHP, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service will be available on Saturday, June 11, from 8 to 11 a.m., ...

AHWAHNEE — The nonprofit organization Helping One Woman (HOW) invites the community to a dinner in support of area resident Peggy Owens, at the Hitching Post on Wednesday, May 18 at 6 p.m. Peggy and husband Larry “lived in the Oakhurst area from 1988 – 1990 and loved ‘doing life’ here and homeschooling their five children, Jen, Daniel, Steven, Andrew ...

MADERA COUNTY — A coalition of Madera-area businesses, non-profits, citizens, and elected officials and the North Fork Rancheria met with Congressman Jim Costa this past Saturday, May 14, to provide an update on the status of and ongoing challenges to the planned hotel and casino resort north of the city of Madera. The coalition, with more than 40 members present, ...

MADERA COUNTY — The first phase of the District Attorney’s Office’s Veteran’s Court Plan will be launched at the Caring Veteran’s of America, Inc. Veteran’s Stand Down on May 21, at the Sierra Pines Church in Oakhurst from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with the first phase of the Veteran’s Court, the Stand Down will include free medical examinations ...

Written by Sarah Lingenfelter — NORTH FORK — The North Fork Library’s 2016 Summer Reading Programs will begin in June with two new added programs, one for toddlers and one for adults. The Summer Reading Program is an invaluable resource for kids of all ages who are encouraged to read while participating in exciting experiences in music, art, science, and ...

Submitted by Dave Smith —  NORTH FORK — North Fork Scout Troop 357 has been busy throughout this winter and spring. Along with weekly meetings where Scouts practice various skills such as first aid, fire building, and map and compass, the Scouts have participated in a number of weekend events. In January, the troop spent an afternoon at Boomers! in ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s the weekend. You’d love to be hiking or fishing, hanging out at the lake, or just relaxing with a good book. But with the overwhelming number of jobs that need doing around the house, you’re likely falling way behind on weedeating, hauling things away, sprucing up the property, and splitting up wood from all those dead ...