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 ...

Editor’s note: we’re three blogs in on Larry and Sue Langley’s epic motorhome adventure — 10 Weeks, 34 States, 14,000 Miles And Still Married. We pick up with the intrepid travelers as they leave Montana with their trusty pooch, Maggie May. Now, to Larry. We’ll cover our travel from Flathead Lake in Montana through North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Upstate ...

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE — Excitement in the sky coming your way soon, as Earth will experience the bright light of two supermoons in January. The first is on the first of the month, and the second is also a Blue Moon with a side order of total eclipse. Supermoon According to NASA, when the moon reaches its full phase at the closest ...

SACRAMENTO – With the new year just around the corner, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wants to inform the public of several new laws or changes to existing law that, unless otherwise noted, take effect January 1, 2018. Cannabis Use in Vehicles (SB 65, Hill): This law prohibits smoking or ingesting marijuana or marijuana products while driving or riding ...

The Animal Compassion Team (ACT) foster and adoption Dog of the Week for SNO is the smart and charming pup named Pip. Pip is an adorable Cattle Dog mix. She is ten-months old and weighs about 35 to 45 pounds. She is a very mellow and friendly girl who knows commands including “sit,” “down,” and “stay.” She also is pretty ...