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, ...

CALIFORNIA — While the Broken Fire in Coarsegold is 100 percent contained, there are over 3,600 firefighters battling 10 major wildfires across California. Mild temperatures have given firefighters the opportunity to gain the upper hand on containing five large fires over the past couple of days. Temperatures will continue to remain below normal, but high winds and low humidity is ...

O’NEALS — A series of fires today kept emergency responders busy and closed down a portion of Highway 41 and a section of Road 206. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Chris Christopherson says a total of 14 fires broke out this morning along Highway 41, in what is being referred to as the Canal Fire incident. Just before 10 a.m., CHP ...

OAKHURST — Do you have a new business, or plan to start one? If so, you may want to attend a free workshop sponsored by the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will address various resources available to businesses, including the 2016 Basic Sales and Use Tax seminars and Online Filing Clinics available through the California State Board of Equalization. The ...

OAKHURST — In a show of love and support for the family of Ruby Alvarez, a kid-friendly fundraiser is planned at Oakhurst Community Park on Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a blanket and enjoy an afternoon on the grass and playing on the swings, with live music and entertainment, food booths, a silent ...

OAKHURST — Great news for book lovers and anyone who knows the charm and versatility of Branches Books and Gifts. Soon, it’s getting bigger. Branches will be moving to a 1,500 square-foot storefront in the Vons Shopping Center on Thursday, Sept. 1, next to Big Kahuna Yogurt and North Shore clothing. Branches is currently located in the Junction Plaza Center ...

NORTH FORK — The competition was fierce at the North Fork Rec Center, but when the chips had settled, Nathan Hodges owned the title of Champion Logger for the 8th time. Nathan won the title four years in a row from 2005 to 2008, then again in 2011, 2013 and 2014. Here are the results from this year’s competition: Saturday’s ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – In light of the major wildland fires the county experienced last summer, expectations for another long hot summer, and the serious drought conditions we have been facing, Sheriff Varney says it is imperative for all people who live or work in Madera County – especially those in the foothills – to register or update their information for ...