MADERA COUNTY — Thanks to the generosity of the Smokey Bear Run/Walk, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) is pleased to announce the distribution of carbon monoxide alarms to families of Eastern Madera County. Cal Fire and the Smokey Bear Run/Walk will be hosting distribution dates at the following locations: Cal Fire Station ...

CLOVIS — Beginning Monday, Feb. 22, the North Fork, Prather and Clovis Forest Services offices will have available free use personal firewood permits to allow the public to collect firewood in designated areas. “The Sierra National Forest, in cooperation with state and local organizations, is working hard to address the changing forest conditions,” said the SNF in a statement released ...

COARSEGOLD — Tom Wheeler will host his next Town Hall meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11, at Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse from 6 to 8 p.m. On the agenda for the meeting is a talk by the new District Ranger on the Bass Lake Ranger District, Denise Tolmie. There will also be a presentation by the president of Reedley College and ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Sunday, Jan. 30 through Saturday, Feb. 6: Coarsegold public intoxication On Sunday, Jan. 31 at 5:08 p.m. an adult male was contacted at a business located in the 46000 block of Lucky Lane. The male was subsequently arrested for public intoxication. He was ...

COUNTY — In a battle of wits, Yosemite High School released its tight grip on the Madera County Academic Decathlon championship, coming in second and leaving room for Chowchilla High School to triumph for the first time since 1992. Still, Yosemite took home 29 medals, including 9 gold, and tied for first place in the Super Quiz. Six schools competed ...

OAKHURST — The 2016-17 Reedley College Scholarship Application is now open to students who will be attending the Oakhurst Community College Center, Madera Community College Center (MCCC), or Reedley College (RC), or who will be transferring from one of the MOR campuses to a four-year college/university for fall 2016. The application deadline is Sunday, Apr. 3. There will be scholarship ...

OAKHURST — Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis recently awarded fifteen mini-grants to local schools for art, music, science and math supplies, and learning tools that are not covered in the general school budget. The mini-grants funded total $9,802. Schools are listed in alphabetical order. Chawanakee Academy teacher Becky Cairns was awarded a mini-grant to cover costs associated with the schools theater program, ...

This month’s History Mystery comes from Milt Wheeler (not related to Tom). Milt attended North Fork School as a boy, but he now resides in Hawaii. Milt and his brother played on the basketball team in 1955. He has a photo of the team, but cannot remember the names of all the players. Can someone help him out and tell ...

Submitted by Mountain Comforts MOUNTAIN AREA — Living in the Sierra foothills, heating your home with a wood burning stove or fireplace is a way of life for most of the residents. Coming in from the cold to absorb the warmth and seeing the friendly glow of a fire is one of the great things we love about our life ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Jan. 24 to Jan. 31, 2016: Oakhurst burglary On Sunday, Jan. 24 at 7:24 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the parking lot at the intersection of Highway 41 and Road 222 regarding a vehicle burglary. Report taken. Case to be closed. Oakhurst ...