MADERA COUNTY — After months of rigorous training, both in the field and in the classroom, 29 new volunteers have graduated from the Madera County Search & Rescue Academy, and joined the ranks of those ready to respond. During a swearing-in ceremony at the main Sheriff’s Office in Madera on Friday, 24 graduates raised their right hand to take the ...

Written by Virginia Eaton —  Inside Class, The Body Pastiche we have a library and encourage people to borrow any book that strikes their fancy. It may sound strange to have a library in a health and fitness business but my job as a health coach and owner is to empower people to make the changes that will lead to ...

SACRAMENTO — Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any weirder, the California Attorney General today issued a consumer alert advising citizens to use care when playing location-based virtual games, such as the Pokémon Go treasure hunt app. Just released this month, Pokémon Go is an augmented reality application that generates a virtual treasure hunt taking place in the real ...

COARSEGOLD — Firefighters made very good progress overnight on the Serpa Fire, burning just east of Highway 41 north of Coarsegold. The fire is holding at 80 acres with 50 percent containment. Crews continue to work hot spots, strengthen firelines and do mop-up. There are currently 26 engines, 5 dozers and 6 water tenders working the fire. Helicopters are operating ...

COARSEGOLD — As firefighters continue their work on the Serpa Fire, officials have lifted all evacuations for the remaining areas south of Road 420. As of 9 a.m., residents are being allowed to return home to the Cavin Lane/Mattie Fhy areas, plus Snyder Road and Paulsen Lane. Only residents will be allowed into the area, so please have IDs ready. ...

COARSEGOLD — The Sheriff’s Office has announced that they are allowing some of the residents evacuated due to the Serpa Fire to return home as of 10 p.m. tonight, Thursday, July 21. All residents living along Road 420 and the roads adjacent are now being allowed to return home. Only residents will be allowed in, the area is still closed ...

MADERA COUNTY — It was standing room only as supporters and opponents of Vulcan Materials’ proposed Austin Quarry packed the Board of Supervisors chamber and the overflow areas last night ahead of the Planning Commission’s vote on the project. When the 6 p.m. meeting finally adjourned well after midnight, the Commission voted 3-2 to approve the 671-acre project, planned for ...

CALIFORNIA —  Removing dead and dying trees has become part of every property owner’s reality, and there are important things you need to know before proceeding with any tree removal project. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has issued these guidelines and answers questions about what you need to know before you remove — or hire ...

MADERA COUNTY — Robert Brosi, D.D.S. will receive the Crystal Tower Award for his exemplary partnership with schools in Madera County at the 13th Annual Business and Education Shareholders’ Luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Also being honored with the Crystal Tower Award is Madera Agricultural Services. Robert Brosi, D.D.S. was nominated for the Crystal Tower Award by Jeanne Ratchford, secretary at Yosemite ...

NORTH FORK — Building on the success of last year’s “Hot August Nights Classic Car Show and Street Party,” the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center are revving up for another fun-filled event, set to include the hottest classic cars, plus a San Joaquin Antique Flywheelers exhibition, live music, prizes, special guests, a host of food and craft ...