MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service is reporting that heavy rain and gusty winds will develop over much of central and southern California by Monday, Jan. 7, which may result in debris flows and mudslides due to the recent wildfires. Winter Storm Warning  In Yosemite, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 to ...

CALIFORNIA — NBC television host Ellen DeGeneres is inviting local firefighters to attend a taping of her show as a way to say “thank you” for the service they provide, statewide. Ellen took time in her first broadcast of the new year to thank the people who responded to fires that threatened the Santa Barbara-area home she shares with Portia ...

OAKHURST — A growing group of locals from towns around the foothills are meeting monthly for a vegan potluck dinner, and all those who wish to participate are welcome. “Anyone who is curious at all about healthier eating or ‘what does a vegan eat,’ or anyone who is slightly open to being exposed to something different than the status quo ...

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MOUNTAIN AREA — If you have a taste for the sweet or the savory, or the hoppy, you’ll be happy to know that Visit Yosemite Madera County has deemed January to be Restaurant Month, and a host of local eateries are celebrating. For instance, Ducey’s on the Lake in Bass Lake is offering a prix fixe menu with great value, in ...

OAKHURST — An Oakhurst woman was arrested after she reportedly damaged three vehicles, then fled the scene after a long wait at the drive-through at the Oakhurst McDonald’s last Friday. At about 5 p.m. on Dec. 29, CHP was notified by McDonald’s employees that a woman who ordered at the drive-up window appeared to be intoxicated. After taking her order, ...

MADERA COUNTY– Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Dec. 25 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. North Fork burglary On Monday, Dec. 25 at 9:19 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the 56000 block of Road 200 in regards to a commercial burglary investigation. Statements were obtained and a report was written. ...

MARIPOSA — Like to ride? All area motorcycle riders are invited to the Sierra Shadow Casters Motorcycle Club (SSC, MC) annual “Get to know the SSC” luncheon. “The SSC, MC is seeking new members who want to ride and have fun as well as help do charitable events for our communities,” organizers say. “Come learn the history of the SSC, what ...

OAKHURST — The Oakhurst Area CHP Office invites the public to an Open House on Tuesday, Jan. 9, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. There will be coffee, donuts, and delicious baked goods provided by the CHP Senior Volunteers. “If you have ever wondered about this beautiful facility, now’s the time to come tour,” says CHP Public Information Officer Kaci Lutz. ...

Contributed by Len McKenzie — Brazil evokes many images among Americans–Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon, tropical rainforests and abundant, exotic animals, especially its stunningly colorful birds. Occupying almost half of South America (geographically the fifth largest country in the world), Brazil is home to an immensely rich diversity of avifauna—upward of 1,800 species of birds, more than 200 of them ...