MOUNTAIN AREA — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) says that one-way traffic control will will cease on State Route 41 north of Oakhurst, as crews get a holiday break during the massive tree removal project taking place in Madera and Mariposa counties. Typically, one-way traffic control takes place each day from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at various locations along the corridor, with closure zones ...

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE — Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, with the longest night, marking the point during the year when the Northern Hemisphere is the most inclined away from the Sun. The day is the official start of winter and yet each day from now will grow ever-so-gradually longer as the sun returns. On Winter Solstice, the ...

OAKHURST — The Yosemite Adult School in cooperation with the State Center Adult Education Consortium are pleased to announce there will be a Pre-Apprenticeship training class in Oakhurst beginning Jan. 17, 2017. This may be a good opportunity to start a career in one of the building trades, such as plumbing and pipe-fitting, electrician, carpentry, sheet metal working, and general labor. ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The season of giving continues and so far, we’ve profiled an educational foundation, a theater company, an artists’ coalition, radio station, and more, as we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local community organizations and nonprofits, and the people behind them who are making a difference. For our eighth spotlight, we focus on the Yosemite Area Audubon Society, a group ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016: North Fork vandalism to mailboxes  On Monday, Dec. 12 at 6:37 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to Road 200 and Wyle Ranch Road regarding a vandalism to a community mailboxes. A report was taken and ...

OAKHURST — Monday morning at Sierra Seafood has gotten off to a very rough start, as one of their four trucks has been reported stolen from their loading dock at at 40134 Enterprise Drive in Oakhurst. According to owner Joe Sweat, the day began routinely. By about 8:30 a.m. the 2015 Dodge 4500 truck was warming up in the loading dock to get its ...

OAKHURST – The community is invited to a free Christmas dinner on Friday, Dec. 23 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Oakhurst Community Center. Organizers promise food, fun, and fellowship, throughout an afternoon and evening that is perfect for the whole family. This will be the eighth year for The Outpouring, a free community feast open to everyone. Individuals and groups ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — For many, this is a season of giving. In the busy days leading up to Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 25, we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local nonprofits and the people behind them who are making a difference. For our sixth day, we look at Vision Academy of the Arts, Day #6 Vision Academy of the Arts What ...

OAKHURST — Sierra Chamber Singers will perform their annual Christmas concert, “Our Wish for the World,” on Sunday, Dec. 18 at New Community United Methodist Church. As always, the concert is free, and all donations benefit the Vision Academy scholarships fund. The program starts at 2 p.m. and the Methodist church is located at 49223 Road 426 in Oakhurst. Concert-goers may wish ...

BASS LAKE — The EMC SPCA has a question for you. “While you were in the garage looking for Christmas decorations, did you notice that big old ice chest you are no longer using?” It turns out, the EMC SPCA just might have a use for it. They recently received permission from The Pines Resort owners to trap, neuter and return all ...