MOUNTAIN AREA — When fire leads to evacuation, you may have only minutes to react. Notified via text or phone call, or even by a knock on the door, at that moment, you’re expected to grab and go. Quick — where are your pets? What do they need? A little advance planning will reduce stress and increase your chance of ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, July 17, to Sunday, July 23, 2017: North Fork burglary On Monday, July 17 at 5:49 a.m. a burglary was reported in the 56000 block of Shinn Cabin Lane. During the investigation one female was taken into custody and booked at MCDOC. ...

MADERA COUNTY — Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary, Chawanakee, Raymond-Knowles Union Elementary and Yosemite Unified School Districts announce their policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under the applicable National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and/or Afterschool Snack Programs. Effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household ...

O’NEALS — Firefighters responded to a vegetation fire in O’Neals up behind the Ponderosa Telephone Company this morning. Just before 8:30 a.m., reports came in of a fire off Road 200 near Lilly Mine Way. The first unit at scene reported the fire at about five acres, burning in open grass land with a moderate rate of spread. Nine engines, ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, July 10, to Sunday, July 16, 2017: Coarsegold trespassing On Monday, July 10, at 11:58 a.m. deputies were dispatched to a property in the 33000 block of Skyline Ridge Trail in regards to a trespassing call. The suspect is later contacted. Statements ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – In light of the disastrous tree mortality, the profusion of vegetation (fuel!) after the winter rains, and the large number of fires already this season, it is imperative for all people who live or work in Madera and Mariposa Counties – especially those in the foothills – to register or update their information for emergency contact. Madera ...

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY — A Heat Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Friday, July 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 8, for a target area that includes the San Joaquin Valley, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Temperatures are expected to range between 103 to 107 degrees at the height of the heat. A Heat Advisory ...

OAKHURST — Yosemite High School will host a Softball Clinic with YHS alum Josh Taylor. Taylor is currently the head softball coach for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, a NCAA Division 1 program. Assisting him will be former Team USA pitcher Brianne Durfee. This is a big deal for our community and program, says YHS coach Dave Maynez. “Josh ...

O’NEALS — Firefighters are quickly getting a handle on a vegetation fire burning in the O’Neals area just south of Spring Valley School on Road 211. Just after 5 p.m., firefighters responded to the fire initially reported at 4 to 5 acres, on the east side of Road 211. Air tankers out of Colombia and a helicopter out of Trimmer ...

O’NEALS — Just after 5 p.m. today crews were called to respond to a fire burning in vegetation on the east side of Road 211 in O’Neals. First engine on scene reported the fire at five to seven acres and running to the northeast. Access is difficult on the ground, while crews in the air watch for power lines and ...