Hi there, I’m Leon! You met Bella last week…I am her best buddy. As you can see, I am ready, willing, and able to give you lots of hugs and kisses. Mom is in assisted living and we are outside in a kennel. And yes, it’s very cold! Brrrrrr! Please call 559-683-1266 if you have a place in your heart ...

OAKHURST — A new book is out by local poet Jeannie O. Harsha and photographer Tricia Nickerson. Harsha and Nickerson have combined their respective talents as well as their shared passion for nature into a photo/poetry book titled Wandering Off: Nature’s Notable Nourishments. A book launch is scheduled at Branches Book Store in Oakhurst (near Vons) for Saturday, Nov. 30. ...

NIPINNAWASEE — A powerful early season storm pounding California was causing hazardous travel conditions across the mountain area Friday morning, making roads wet and slushy — and in some cases very slick. “Vehicles are sliding all over the roadway,” one person reported to CHP after a collision just off Highway 49 near Nipinnawasee pitted a Kia Optima against a very ...

COARSEGOLD – A Thursday afternoon collision on Highway 41 involving a motor home and late model Chrysler 200 sedan proved fatal for the driver of the sedan, who reportedly was coming from a Thanksgiving gathering. The accident occurred shortly before 1:30 p.m. near Road 416 about a mile south of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. According to preliminary reports from ...

OAKHURST — Camarena Health’s Oakhurst clinic is now offering new walk-in weekend and evening hours. And according to the Madera-based community health center’s chief executive officer, Camarena’s brand new urgent care clinic should be open very soon. Paulo Soares, Camerena CEO, said his organization is awaiting final approval from state licensing agencies before opening the urgent care clinic, which is ...

OAKHURST — Winter can be hard for those less fortunate, especially in mountain area communities when the temperatures drop and the snow starts flying. So in the spirit of the holidays, two community partners are teaming up in an effort to spread some warmth — literally. During the month of December, students and staff at  Yosemite High School together with ...

OAKHURST — After 34 years in business, eastern Madera County’s oldest established fine arts gallery is closing its doors. The decision to shutter the popular Timberline Gallery was confirmed this week by Wendy Denton, president of  Timberline’s board of directors. “After much brainstorming and soul searching,” Denton stated, “it has become obvious that Timberline Gallery will have to close. Although ...

COARSEGOLD – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has made two arrests in connection with a local heroin overdose death. The victim – 29-year-old Wade Daltyn August of Coarsegold – was found unconscious by his mother in the early morning hours of August 22. Emergency medical services responded but were unable to revive him. The victim’s mother subsequently located numerous ...

OAKHURST – At Sierra Ambulance’s office in Oakhurst on Thursday (Nov.21) four checks totaling $19,000 were presented by Cedar Valley, Ahwanhee, North Fork and Oakhurst Volunteer Fire Stations – bringing the total amount donated to $80,000, which Sierra Ambulance needed to raise in order to purchase an oxygen generator. Edward Guzman, general manager of Sierra Ambulance, said he’s been touched ...

OAKHURST — Doctors Rodney Peter, Dennis Jones, Robert Brosi, Ryan Franklin, as well as their hygienists, assistants, and front office staff, will be volunteering their time and services for free dental treatment. The treatment is offered to adults and children who do not have dental insurance or cannot afford to see a dentist. Adults and children will be seen for a ...