MADERA — A new master planned community an L.A. developer wants to build along Highway 41 took its first official step forward last week. On Tuesday, May 14, the Madera County Board of Supervisors OK’d an agreement that will allow a consultant working for the county to do an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the proposed 281-acre mixed-use project just ...

OAKHURST — A movie crew took over Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park on Saturday to shoot scenes for a new movie called “Ride to Iron Mountain.” The movie is being directed by Brian Anderson, a former professional musician turned film maker, whose previous credits include a six-and-a-half hour, 10-part documentary available on Facebook called “Biker America: God and Country.” ...

I had never gone birding. I don’t know why. I just never did it. I had never been to Clark’s Valley, not far from Jerseydale, but I had seen it on a map. The Sierra Foothill Conservancy was offering a class with both of these new adventures and I headed out on their Docent-led hike to learn something new. I ...

COARSEGOLD – A roadside memorial for a young woman who lost her life in a tragic auto accident has disappeared — and a Bass Lake mother is grieving all over again. But Ramona Ewell is also using the apparently heartless theft as an opportunity to celebrate the life of her daughter O’Neill. “The only person who wouldn’t be upset by ...

BASS LAKE — We’re in for another exciting weekend as the annual Bass Lake Antique and Classic Boat Show returns to the The Pines Marina for its 29th incarnation, sponsored by the Bass Lake Lion’s Club and Bass Lake Watersports. Somewhere between 40 and 60 of the finest preserved and restored watercraft to be found on the West Coast are ...

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 ...

BASS LAKE — The 34th Annual Elegant Auction is just around the corner on May 18, as part of The Pines Resort is transformed into a Vintage Circus for this grand event to benefit Oakhurst Community Park. The Elegant Auction is the main fundraiser for the Oakhurst Community Park and is the life blood of the funds needed to maintain and ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — From atop the mountain perch overlooking a vast expanse of green, eyes are carefully trained to spot the early tell-tale signs of forest fire. A wisp of smoke triggers a series of actions that can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. Want to be a fire lookout or know someone who does? Volunteers are now ...

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 ...