COARSEGOLD — Firefighters were called out to a report of several fires along Highway 41 near the Black Hawk Lodge at approximately 1:44 p.m. today. First at scene was local Assemblyman Frank Bigelow, longtime volunteer firefighter out of O’Neals, with Madera County Engine 17 and Water Tender 17, reporting a small spot fire at one-quarter of an acre on the ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Even as the summer sun beats down on the trees and grassland, fawns are being born to mule deer in the foothills and higher elevations, and stumbling around sleepy-eyed in their first few weeks of life. The small, spotted, delicate creatures are vulnerable to predators and, as it turns out, humans are among the species that can be dangerous to ...

FRESNO — The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is holding two Public Participation Hearings in Fresno on PG&E’s 2017 General Rate Case request to increase its rates effective Jan. 1, 2017. These two free public meetings will be on Tuesday July 12, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Fresno City Council Chambers, 2600 Fresno Street. If PG&E’s rate ...

AHWAHNEE — Organizers behind the monthly charitable dinner, Helping One Woman (HOW) have announced that the July dinner will benefit Joan Alderson. The event is set for the Hitching Post on Wedneday, July 20, at 6 p.m. “Joan has spent the last few years giving of her time, energy, and finances to loved ones and is in need of replenishment,” ...

OAKHURST — In just two hours, teen drivers can learn enough to save a life by using safer practices behind the wheel. Newly-licensed or soon-to-be-licensed teenage drivers between 14-19, and a parent or guardian, are invited to participate in a free two-hour Start Smart interactive safe driving awareness class scheduled at the Oakhurst Branch Library. From 10 a.m. to noon ...

Written by Virginia Eaton — Several weeks ago I was talking with a client about the need to focus on oneself in order to have the physical and emotional wherewithal to support others. In all her wisdom, my client replied, “Of course! It’s like when you’re on an airplane and they tell you to put your oxygen mask on first ...

OAKHURST — The Oakhurst Branch Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Summer Reading Program starts Wednesday, June 15 and continues on Wednesdays through July 27. The program takes place in the library community room from 10 – 11 a.m. for kids ages 4 through 4th grade, and from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. for kids in grades 5 – 12. On the docket ...

BASS LAKE — It’s time to register for the Smokey Bear Run / Walk, returning to the shores of beautiful Bass Lake on Saturday, Sept. 24. This year’s Race Chairman, Sheriff Jay Varney, invites all runners and walkers to join in the celebration of the 29th running of this popular event. This year’s proceeds will benefit Cal Fire and the ...

OAKHURST — Launched by NASA in 2011, spacecraft Juno arrived at its target, Jupiter, on Wednesday, July 6. During July, the spacecraft will perform an orbit insertion burn to slow it down enough to be captured in the planet’s orbit. When the mission concludes in 2018, it will have completed 37 informational gathering orbits of the planet. These facts and ...

COUNTY — Some people may have questions about the Austin Quarry, currently proposed for the southwest corner of Highway 41 and Road 145. If so, here’s an opportunity to get answers straight from the source. The public is invited to meet face-to-face with representatives of Vulcan Materials and the Austin Quarry, who invite the public to an informational open house on Wednesday, ...