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 ...

SACRAMENTO – Three agencies in Madera and Mariposa Counties that are dedicated to fire safety and resource conservation have been awarded over half-a-million dollars in grants for projects designed to address the massive tree mortality across the area. Cal Fire announced Monday it has awarded 19 State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund grants in six counties that have been greatly ...

NORTH FORK — Plan now for an elegant evening as the North Fork Studio presents their 4th annual Valentines Dinner & Dance on Sunday, Feb. 14. Don your finest attire, make a date with your valentine, and dance to the music of the Sierra Jazz Band. Everyone is invited to gather at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m., ...

CALIFORNIA — If you have a collection of rusty treasures, or know someone who does, here’s the perfect opportunity to be “picked” by the best! California is excited to welcome Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and Antique Archeology to the area. The team will film episodes of their hit series American Pickers throughout California. Filming is scheduled for March 2016. American ...

Submitted by Jill Gamble O’NEALS – Join the Minarets art club as we present the 3rd annual Up-Cycled Art Hop on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. This year our theme is a life sized Candy Land board game that you can walk through. There is a $5 admission which includes food and beverages, along with the opportunity ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — A winter storm warning and hazardous weather conditions could mean up to two feet of snow in the high country, while rain, possible thunderstorms and snowfall are anticipated in the lower elevations this weekend. A flash flood watch issued for the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills has been canceled as of mid-morning Saturday, Jan. 30. Click on ...

By Daniel Ching O’NEALS — Minarets will celebrate its fifth graduating class this year. From the beginning with just 30 students on the Spring Valley Elementary campus to now with five hundred students, Minarets has continued to stay true to the mission and vision that was created from the beginning. The high-tech, project-based, relationship focused culture that was established from ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Hanford is reporting that our next storm system will start to hit the Central California Interior beginning late Friday and continue into the weekend. The exact track and timing are still uncertain, say the experts, but this system has the potential to bring hazardous impacts to the region. Snow is likely ...

Submitted by Lawna Porter OAKHURST — Did you get an iPhone or iPad for Christmas and would really like to to know how to use it more efficiently? Well, Adult Ed has the class for you and it’s free! Adult Ed is offering an IOS Fundamentals and Basics Class starting Monday, Feb. 1, from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. in ...

Submitted by Barbara Leath OAKHURST — Attention, caregivers! Are you a caregiver of an elderly loved one and need a break? We have several openings at our respite group. The Caregiver Respite Group meets every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to – 1:30 p.m. at the Sierra Senior Center, located at 49111 Cinder Lane in Oakhurst. The respite group will provide ...