MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Oct. 10 to Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016: Oakhurst minor assaulted  On Monday, Oct. 10 at 9:44 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the 49000 block of Road 427 (School Road) regarding a report of a minor being slapped by an adult. Report taken, evidence ...

O’NEALS — The Minarets boys and girls soccer teams are hosting a Luncheon and Raffle Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11:30 a.m in the Minarets gym. All proceeds will go to helping expand our soccer program and buying much needed equipment. This is the first year that the girls and boys are going to host this event together. Also this ...

Sally and I followed the footprints of miners that lived in the towns of Lundy and the long gone town of Wasson to check out those gold producing mines. As we followed those old roads and trails, we took in the fall colors and reflections in the beaver ponds along the way. Where: Inyo National Forest, Hoover Wilderness Distance: 10.23 ...

SIERRA FOOTHILLS — As cooler weather rolls in, the urge to torch off those burn piles is only natural. However, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Troy Cheek warns that the fire danger has not been mitigated, and a burn ban remains in place. “We don’t foresee the ban being lifted until well into November or December,” says Cheek. “We’re going to ...

FRESNO COUNTY — Smoke is still visible across many surrounding communities as the Sacata Fire near Pine Flat Reservoir moves into its fourth day. The fire, which was reported at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, has now grown to 1,700 acres with 35 percent containment. Fire officials report that good progress has been made as crews work to strengthen ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — As the first storm of the season moves toward Northern and Central California packing rain and gusty winds, PG&E is urging all their customers to be prepared, have a plan and prepare for potential power outages, and above all, be safe. With the severe tree mortality in the Central Sierra, residents in foothill communities face serious dangers ...

OAKHURST — Our system is based on the My Classroom Economy program developed as a volunteer project by employees of Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management companies, in partnership with Rafe Esquith, an award-winning fifth-grade teacher who is the author of There Are No Shortcuts and Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire. Dawn Williams teaches 4th grade at Oakhurst ...

OAKHURST — It’s official: yoga is ubiquitous. Opportunities for practice seem nearly unlimited, it’s true, but what if you’re feeling limited in what you believe you can do with your body? If you wobble in Warrior pose or tend to get dizzy, like I do, in Downward Dog, or if for any reason you think yoga may not be right ...

NORTH FORK – The 3-way stop near the Mono Museum in North Fork will soon be completely redesigned and turned into a roundabout. On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Roads 274 and 225. The current 4-leg, 3-way stop allows for the eastbound, or ...

Sally and I hiked in the footsteps of miners who searched for their fortunes way up on the higher peaks in the Tioga Pass Area. The May Lundy Mine was one of the few gold mines in this area that paid off big. It paid off big for me because it is full of old mining stuff. Where: Inyo National ...