MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service (NWS) says a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Central Sierra above 6,000 feet from 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 through Sunday, May 19 at 11 p.m. Unsettled weather continues over the next few days with areas of rain, snow, and wind across central California, according to the NWS. A ...

By Colby Jobinger — O’Neals — Playoff baseball is in full swing at Minarets High School. On Wednesday, May 15, the semifinal game between the Minarets Mustangs and the Caruthers Blue Raiders was a high intensity matchup. Both teams’ starting pitchers pitched extremely well and the stakes were high going into the later innings. During the third inning Senior Chris ...

SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) meteorologists are forecasting that spring storms will impact its service area today and Thursday. PG&E meteorologists forecast a late spring storm moving into the service area beginning this afternoon, and they urge customers to take the necessary steps to be prepared and stay safe. Moderate to heavy rain is forecast to ...

By Colby Jobinger and Jordan Tuttle O’NEALS — In order to grow their leadership skills and wrap up their year, Minarets FFA members traveled to the State FFA Leadership Conference. Members attended sessions where they heard the inspirational retiring addresses of FFA State Officers, along with speeches from Alex Sheen, creator of Because I Said I Would, a ‘social movement ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Remember all that rain we wished for all those years? We’re getting it, says the National Weather Service (NWS), as a disturbance will impact our area starting tonight, Wednesday, May 15, through Friday morning, May 17, bringing rain to the foothills and valley and snow to the mountains. Then, a series of storm systems arriving on Saturday ...

MADERA – The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to close two county fire stations and consolidate staff and equipment with others nearby. Madera County Fire Station 16 in Ahwahnee will be closed, as will Station 17 in O’Neals. Madera County Assistant Fire Chief Matt Watson told the board this morning that while “the concept of consolidation may ...

MADERA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) has announced that effective 8 am. on Monday, May 13, hazard reduction burning in Eastern Madera County is restricted below 1,000 feet in elevation. Hazard reduction burning above 1,000 feet is allowed on permissive burn days with a valid permit from San Joaquin Valley Air ...

O’NEALS – A 17-year-old student from Minarets High School is in stable condition at Valley Children’s Hospital after quick action by students and staff likely saved his life. Chawanakee Unified School District Superintendent Darren Sylvia says the lunch hour was just winding down yesterday at the Minarets campus, and food service personnel had begun clearing the cafeteria as some students ...

Written by Karen Bauer – MADERA – Jennifer Snyder of Oakhurst picks up three tiny little kittens who are mewing for their mamma and some food. There’s no mamma – but the food comes via a bottle every five hours. With all three in her arms, Jennifer passes the bottle between each one, making sure they have had enough. Your ...

FRESNO – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared May 11 as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. This declaration stresses the importance of making advance plans to protect your pets if disaster strikes. “A majority of pet owners consider their pets to be family members,” say Naomi Tobias, founder and CEO of the Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT). “When ...