Written by Bill Ritchey —  “Structure Day” — It had been an intense 200 hours, spread over the last three months for twelve recruits of Madera County Fire Department’s (MCFD) Basic Skills Academy for Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs). On April 10, the recruits gathered at Madera City Fire Station 6, where they would undergo their last training drill, simply called ...

Written by Mary Schmidt Odell — I am NOT your mother and I shouldn’t have to clean up after you. Take your trash home. Members of the Sierra Freepackers Unit of BCHC (Backcountry Horsemen of California) spent Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5 at the Snow Play Area just north of Fish Camp, working and playing.  Backcountry Horsemen are a ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Firefighters made excellent progress on the Dove Fire overnight, and officials now report the fire is 100 percent contained at an estimated 50 acres. Crews will continue to work on hot spots throughout today and tomorrow. Heavy timber and down fuel will require substantial mop-up work. There are no aircraft over the fire today. Approximately 100 personnel ...

MADERA COUNTY — Voters across the State Center Community College District (SCCCD) have thrown their support behind Measure C, which will address District needs at Oakhurst Community College Center, Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, and Madera Community College Center, and improve its aging school facilities. The measure was approved by voters in Tuesday’s primary election, garnering about ...

MADERA COUNTY — The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has released the most recent blasting schedule for the passing lanes construction project on CA-41. For Wednesday, Jun. 8, Caltrans spokesperson Cory Burkarth says three blasts will take place. The first blast is scheduled to take place shortly after 9 a.m. Motorists should be prepared for delays that may last up to ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — SNO reader Brian Bissmeyer was standing at the Jerseydale Fire Station as smoke from the Dove Fire was billowing up from the mountain in the early moments of the incident. Brian sent us this 50 seconds of video footage from before any response was in the air. As of 4 p.m. there are 100 personnel assigned to ...

BASS LAKE — After posting our story on an elderly man who fell some 150 feet down to the rocky banks of Willow Creek on Sunday, we were contacted by one of the amazing young men who rendered aid and stayed by his side until help arrived. “My name is Davis Young and I was the young man in the ...

MADERA COUNTY — Two separate crashes on Highway 41 today caused traffic delays and detours, one road closure and one arrest for driving under the influence. At about 1:15 p.m., CHP received reports of a white SUV weaving in and out of traffic northbound on Highway 41 from SR-145. Just minutes later, new reports began coming in — this time ...

BASS LAKE — Road 274 along the northwest end of Bass Lake was closed for over a hour this afternoon as firefighters and Madera County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (MADSAR) worked to save a fallen hiker. At about 5 p.m. reports came in that a 92-year-old Bass Lake man was on a very steep trail just south of the Willow ...

MADERA COUNTY — There’s a lot at stake for the foothills when citizens head to the polls on Tuesday, June 7. One of the big issues on the ballot for this primary is Measure C. If at least 55 percent of voters mark their ballots “yes” on Measure C, the proposed bond will generate $485 million to address improvements and other needs for community ...