Written by Dave Hubbard — Tioga road history is fascinating! First established by the animals of the region, Indians soon followed the animal trails and eventually established “trade paths” of their own over the difficult terrain. The Sierran range provided an effective natural barrier rising to over 13,000 feet and challenging both animal and human travelers with dangerous obstacles and ...

MADERA COUNTY — Caltrans will be having a look at whether or not there are Swainson’s Hawks in the Highway 41 project area, where passing lanes are being added along 1.7 miles just north of the 22 Mile House. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has asked that Caltrans “cease all activity in Drainage Systems 1, 3-13, until ...

MADERA – The Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office will conduct an online tax sale from July 30 to Aug. 2, at www.bid4assets.com. This sale will be re-offering unsold parcels from the previous online tax sale conducted on May 23. “Our annual online tax auction concluded Monday, May 23, 2016,” says Madera County Tax Collector-Treasurer Tracy Kennedy, “but unfortunately not all ...

MARIPOSA — Explore mining tunnels, browse the stunning display of gems and minerals, and enjoy appetizers and refreshments, all while supporting a state treasure in Mariposa. Everyone is invited to experience a “Night at the Museum” on Wednesday, June 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. as the California State Mining and Mineral Museum opens its doors for what is sure ...

AHWAHNEE — Richard Smith will be playing a Sunday evening show, June 12, at the ranch to close out the Coolwater Season. If you’ve seen a Richard Smith show, you already know he is one of the the absolute greats. If you have not, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Richard started playing the guitar at age 5 and ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park announces a pilot program where visitors will be able to reserve a guaranteed parking space on two upcoming weekends. Visitors to the park will be able to reserve a parking space in Yosemite Valley for the weekend of June 25-26 and July 2-4. The reserved parking program is intended to benefit visitors by ensuring access ...

BASS LAKE — Get to know your local law enforcement while enjoying breakfast overlooking the lake at Miller’s Landing this Saturday. Sheriff Jay Varney and deputies from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the CHP, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service will be available on Saturday, June 11, from 8 to ...

To the Editor: I would like to thank the voters for supporting Measure C in the June 7, 2016 election. You are true champions for higher education and access to a quality community college education. With the passage of Measure C, State Center Community College District (SCCCD) will invest in keeping our technology, educational and training facilities up to date ...

Written by Bill Ritchey —  “Structure Day” — It had been an intense 200 hours, spread over the last three months for twelve recruits of Madera County Fire Department’s (MCFD) Basic Skills Academy for Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs). On April 10, the recruits gathered at Madera City Fire Station 6, where they would undergo their last training drill, simply called ...

Written by Mary Schmidt Odell — I am NOT your mother and I shouldn’t have to clean up after you. Take your trash home. Members of the Sierra Freepackers Unit of BCHC (Backcountry Horsemen of California) spent Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5 at the Snow Play Area just north of Fish Camp, working and playing.  Backcountry Horsemen are a ...