MOUNTAIN AREA — If you’re talking on your cell phone, putting on makeup or reaching for something in the back seat, you are guilty of distracted driving, and the CHP will be on the lookout for you. The month of April has been designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will use this opportunity to ...

A Message from District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler’s Office —  MADERA COUNTY —  Supervisor Wheeler has been working non-stop on the tree mortality issues that we face in Eastern Madera County. Now, he is organizing a Tree Mortality Resource Fair for constituents to get one-on-one time with key partners that may be able to provide resources or educational information. The ...

MARIPOSA — Have you ever wanted to be on the radio, or go behind the scenes in a public radio station? Here’s your chance to learn. KRYZ Mariposa Community Radio, which broadcasts locally in and around Mariposa at 98.5 FM, and streams over the internet at www.kryzradio.org, invites the community to a launch party on Friday, Apr. 1 starting at ...

OAKHURST — It’s hard to believe that Steve’s Tropical Fish & Pet Supply is celebrating five years in business this weekend, but it’s true. Steve and Kristin Bateman have managed to successfully grow a small mom and pop business, while growing their family at the same time. At this stage, the future is bright. “It certainly has gotten easier now that the ...

MADERA COUNTY — Sheriff Jay Varney is warning residents of the latest scam designed to gather personal information from unsuspecting citizens. Over the past few weeks, residents in Fresno, Tulare, Sanger, and Madera Counties have been receiving phone calls from a person claiming to be with the Madera County Department of Social Services (DSS). The phone number appearing on their ...

Written by Lizz Wiles — O’NEALS — At the first home game of the season, Minarets JV and Varsity Baseball played against Lindsay on Tuesday, Mar. 15. The Varsity Mustangs won with a score of seven to one in favor. “It was an all around good game with great defensive plays, great pitching from Aaron Hall, tons of strikeouts, and ...

COUNTY — The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in cooperation with Teichert Construction will commence one-way traffic control on State Route 41 in Madera County, as part of the ongoing passing lanes installation project near the 22 Mile House. The following one-way traffic control will be in effect starting next week, weather permitting, Caltrans reports. Beginning Sunday, Apr. 3 at 9 ...

Written by Rachel Hooker — O’NEALS — Digital Publishing/Creative Writing at Minarets High School is a good class that is a great beginning way to be published if you ever want to be a writer. Digital publishing provides young writers with a forum to share their work. We do creative stories, school-related articles, and children’s books. Already this year, several ...

Written by Evana Holevas — O’NEALS — Minarets High School provides both an innovative and friendly environment. From the affable students and teachers to the students’ freedom to research and share, Minarets truly is a special place. Unlike most schools, social media and phone use are encouraged at Minarets. Students are taught to utilize these important outlets to promote their ...

Written by Rachel Hooker — O’NEALS — I am a senior at Minarets High School, and have enjoyed my time at Minarets. During each year of high school I’ve learned that I can be brave, and have grown as a person and a learner. When I first came to Minarets, I was expecting it to be just a normal high school: heavy ...