Written by Dalilah Ybarra — O’NEALS — A small public high school located within downtown O’Neals is most likely the friendliest campus in the Central Valley. Minarets is filled with joyous students, not to mention kind and caring teachers. Questions or concerns that students may possibly have about assignments are always met with helpful answers. Students aren’t ever afraid when it comes ...

Written by Nicholas Hunt O’NEALS — What is Show Band, and why is it not in other schools? The Minarets Show Band is a new program developed as a CTE (Career Technical Education) oriented course, designed for top performers from all music classes offered at Minarets. That includes Guitar 1, Guitar 2/Recording, Rock Music Performance, Singer-Songwriter, Concert Band, Chorus, and Percussion. Show Band ...

NORTH FORK — Have you ever thought of being a comedian? Friday night in North Fork you’ll have a chance to take your comedic self seriously, as the community is invited to The Studio for an evening of comedy and stories. The event comes on the heels of a triple grand opening of new stores in town. “If you ever ...

Written by Lluvia Moreno — NORTH FORK — There has been a lot of buzz around town about the Grand Opening of several businesses on Friday, Apr. 1, including A Bit of Everything, owned by North Fork resident Christina DeGracia. A Bit of Everything offers just what the name suggests, from items such as camping gear and sporting goods, to ...

OAKHURST — The Cool Bean Cafe was buzzing this morning as folks dropped in to chat or have coffee while getting to know their local CHP officers. Coffee With A Cop is a program near and dear to the heart of Oakhurst Area CHP Commander Lt. Jason Daughrity. The purposed is to bring together police officers and the community members ...

NORTH FORK — Friday, Apr. 1, will be a day of celebration as three new businesses open in downtown North Fork. One of the stand-outs is Willow Creek Catering. Owner and culinary expert of Willow Creek Catering, Dawn Pliche’, has been a Head Chef in the Yosemite, Oakhurst and the central Sierra mountain area for over 15 years. Dawn has ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — There are still a few spots left for Thursday’s Age Well-Drive Smart class for seniors, hosted by the Oakhurst Area Office of the California Highway Patrol on Mar. 31, from 10 a.m. to noon. Please note that the CHP Office will be closed on that date due to the State holiday, but Officer Kaci Lutz will still ...

Written by Beth Wilson Spring Poem Rain beats against the windows, cascading down from overcast skies. You can hear the baying of the wind as it streaks through your hair. The chill settles in your bones, a lingering companion to your days. Waters rise, filling up the valleys that you once drifted over. But just as you close your eyes, ...

OAKHURST — A few hours spent in the park last Saturday left many of us thinking “I want one of those!” “Those” are the amazing dogs who partner with deputies to ensure their safety and help them do their jobs at a level that could never be achieved without the dedication, training and noses of those K9 partners. Saturday’s event ...

MADERA COUNTY — Now is the time to learn CPR before summer activities take friends and family into vacation spots that may be far from medical help. The Madera County Public Health Department is sponsoring free CPR & First Aid training in Oakhurst and Chowchilla, and the public is encouraged to attend. The first class will take place on Saturday, ...