MADERA COUNTY — The 2017 Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign in Eastern Madera County has begun with the placement of toy donation boxes and cash donation jars in over five dozen schools, businesses and agencies. Dennis Osantowski, in his 4th year as Toys for Tots Coordinator, says that this may be one of the toughest years for the program ...

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The Internal Revenue Service is warning people to beware of a new scam, where fraudsters call to demand an immediate tax payment through a prepaid debit card, or you will be arrested. This scam is being reported across the country, and with reports that many in the Central Sierra are being targeted, taxpayers should be alert to ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Oct. 30  to Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017. Oakhurst lost medication On Monday, Oct. 3o at 2:18 p.m. a deputy was dispatched to the 51000 block of Ponderosa Way in regards to a report of lost medication. Case to be closed. Oakhurst warrant ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Friday night, Nov. 3, through Sunday afternoon, Nov. 5, according to the National Weather Service. The Winter Storm Watch is for the high country above 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite to Kings Canyon County. Heavy snow is possible, and difficult travel conditions are expected as ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Oct. 23  to Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. Coarsegold stolen Ford F350 truck On Monday, Oct. 23, at 4:44 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to a business located within the 35000 block of CA-41, regarding a report of a possible burglary in progress. ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s almost the scariest night of the year for you and your pet, says the Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT). They recommend taking preventative steps and precautions this Halloween to keep your pet safe all the way through the celebrations. Keep your pets safely indoors, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. Make sure that all ...

MADERA — Yosemite High and Chawanakee Academy decathletes will join students from throughout California for the Madera County Academic Decathlon Lecture Day on Thursday, Oct. 26.  Valley experts will lecture on six subject areas to more than 600 students from throughout the state. “For 11 years we have been able to bring this wonderful event to Madera,” says Dr. Cecilia ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — With Halloween just around the corner, children will soon be out in costume trekking through festive displays in search of candy. However, more than ghosts could be lurking amongst the mid-fall fun, as Halloween costumes and decorations present a number of hidden fire hazards. Fortunately, with a few precautions taken, you can make the holiday safer. Here are ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — A cold front is expected to move onshore into the Pacific Northwest this evening as a strengthening upper-level trough approaches the West Coast, according to the National Weather Service.  An active fall storm pattern brings areas of heavy rain and high elevation snow, they say, while Northern California will benefit from rainfall this week, aiding the firefighting effort ...

MADERA COUNTY — Stand by homeowners, property owners and others, as secured property tax bills for 2017-18 are currently being dolled up and doled out, according to officials. “It’s that time of year again,” reports Tracy Kennedy, Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector.  “We have just begun the 2017-18 tax season by printing and mailing our property tax bills.” Over 56,000 tax ...