Latest Articles
Head-On Collision Closes Highway 41
Traffic was stopped in both directions for nearly two hours on Tuesday, Oct. 30, after two vehicles collided head-on in a narrow part of Highway 41 just south of Chukchansi Casino at Mecca Lane. The call came in at 3:09…
Minarets FFA Students Bring Home National Honors
O’NEALS – Six students returned home to Minarets High School as National Champions, after reaping top honors at the prestigious Future Farmers of America (FFA) competition in parliamentary law and procedure, Parli Pro, held over three days in Indianapolis, Indiana….
Walking Where We Lived: Memoirs of a Mono Indian Family
Gaylen D. Lee has written an account of the personal history of his North Fork Mono family. In his book he covers six generations and their struggles with the treatment, problems and survival of the North Fork Indians. [From the…
Escape from Kuna: Part One
It was a great hike up into the Kuna Crest, one of our favorite places, yesterday, temperature in the mid 30’s as we started out on the Mono Pass trail. I’m posting more people pics than usual just to give…
And The Wall's Still Tumblin' Down
COARSEGOLD – Residents of this little village along Highway 41 have been trying for years to get something done about the eyesore and potentially dangerous “Great Wall of Coarsegold,” as it has become known. Throughout the various stages of its…
Dorian Michael & Kenny Blackwell Concert at Coolwater Ranch
What a fun night we experienced, with top flight musicians and entertainers at a packed house concert at Coolwater Ranch. Dorian Michael and Kenny Blackwell teamed up for a lively night of music with guitars and mandolins, 6 in total!
Gaylor Lakes & Great Sierra Mine Hike: Part 2
Although prospecting efforts were made in the Tioga area as early as 1860, it was not until 1878 when claims were made and the Tioga Mining District was formed. The City of “Dana” received a Post Office in 1880. In…
Madera Man Gets 4 Years For Felony Vehicular Manslaughter
MADERA – Morrie William Kiseloff, 38, of Madera, was sentenced in Madera Superior Court to four years in state prison on Oct. 26, announced Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz.
Dodgers Pitcher Ted Lilly Talks Life & Baseball
Yosemite High School graduate Ted Lilly gives back to local baseball. AHWAHNEE – I grew up on Dodger baseball. Dad used to get seats along the third base line and I spent my youth rooting for the likes of Davey…
Purple Cow Owner Is Perplexed
Guest columnist Cowboy Charlie wonders where everyone is going in such a hurry – I was pondering . . . something any Cowboy could tell you could be trouble. I was sitting in front of my shop watching the world…
Blood Donors Get Major Discounts At Jamba Juice
All donors receive a free smoothie and Fresno Monsters game discounts OAKHURST – Jamba Juice in Oakhurst invites the community to help save lives by donating blood on Saturday, Nov. 3. A Central California Blood Center bloodmobile will be parked…
Rowdy Old Oakhurst 100 Years Ago
Final ‘Friday at Fresno Flats’ this year with local historian Bill Coate OAKHURST – Join with friends, neighbors and a noted historian for the last in this year’s series of dinners and talks, “Friday at Fresno Flats,” at Fresno Flats…
'Monster Soup' Plays One More Weekend
NORTH FORK — You still have a chance to catch Squirrel Cage Theatre’s “Monster Soup” this weekend, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 & 3, at the North Fork Town Hall. Tim Kelly’s ghoulish hit is full of surprises. It’s the…
Lawsuit Against County And DA Has Been Settled
MADERA COUNTY – A lawsuit filed by a former deputy district attorney against the County of Madera and the District Attorney’s Office has been settled, announced Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz on Friday, Oct. 26. The lawsuit alleged…
Local Matters – Vintage Chic Boutique
Passion Drives Vintage Chic Boutique – Owner Follows Her Dreams OAKHURST – Cross the threshold into Vintage Chic! Boutique in Oakhurst and you may feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. It’s hard to determine what time, exactly, as…
So Your Teenager Wants A Driver's License?
Learning to drive is a challenge, one that begins before teens ever put foot to pedal. The process of getting a license to operate a motor vehicle may be confusing, and requires navigating a series of steps in the proper…
Oakhurst Library Adds New Community Room
Goodbye old Fire Station, hello new community room – OAKHURST – Good news in a time of budget cuts – the Oakhurst Branch of the Madera County Library is expanding, thanks to Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library (FOBL), the…
Marijuana Raid Nets Pot, Weapon And 11 Suspects
MADNET agents arrest 11 suspects, seize pounds of pot and a stolen weapon MADERA COUNTY – Eleven people are behind bars facing felony drug charges following two simultaneous raids in the Madera area on Thursday, Oct. 25. Madera County Narcotics…
'Tater Lovers Gather In Support Of Oakhurst Community Center
OAKHURST – Spuds and fancy table duds are elevated to new heights as Mountain Community Women (MCW) invite the public to gather for the 23rd annual Tables and Taters charity luncheon, planned for November 5 at the Oakhurst Community Center….
Madera Man In Custody Suspected Of Stealing Steel Beams
MADERA COUNTY – Daniel Keith McGrew, 42, of Madera, is behind bars after selling nearly a half-dozen stolen steel beams to a recycling shop, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Coolwater Concerts Are A Labor Of Love
AHWAHNEE — When Robin Ralston moved to the mountains from the big city, there was only one thing she missed – an abundance of really great live music. “Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of fantastic musicians here,”…
Man Faces Life In Prison For Sexual Assault
MADERA — Victor Yslas, 32, of Fresno, was convicted on Oct. 16, of seven felony counts, including kidnaping, sexual assault and possession of pornographic photographs of a child under the age of 14, announced Madera County District Attorney Michael R….
Family-Oriented Fall Festival Benefits North Fork School
NORTHFORK – Families are invited to a fabulous Fall Festival at North Fork School on Friday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. in NFS Kennedy Hall. Admission is free and tickets for attractions and concessions will be sold at…
Night Of Terror At Camp Pacifica
AHWAHNEE – Prepare to be scared as the creaky doors open at Camp Pacifica, summoning ghouls and ghosts to the sixth apparition of the Oakhurst Mountain Lions’ Haunted House and Night of Terror. Horrible hosts welcome all specters, 13 up,…
People Make A Difference
Guest Columnist Susie Tomlinson invites everyone to “Keep Our Mountains Beautiful – Our country is a very special place. We have many natural resources, freedom, and opportunities. Despite these great attributes, many of us take them for granted. Recently I…
Stranded Hiker Rescued From El Capitan
High Angle Rescue of stranded climber in snow storm successful YOSEMITE VALLEY — A stranded Canadian climber at risk for hypothermia, was pulled to safety by Yosemite National Park Rangers and Search and Rescue personnel during a high angle, high…
Mariposa Co. Sheriff's Officers Earn Promotions
MARIPOSA — Two detention officers have been promoted to fill vacancies at the sergeant and lieutenant levels at the 58-bed maximum security Mariposa County jail.
North Fork Chili Cookoff Winners
NORTH FORK — The much-anticipated chili cookoff at the North Fork Town Hall brought folks from all over the area to sample a wide variety of spicy delights. The North Fork Women’s Club sponsors this event every year, and it…
Recent Rain Doesn't Mean You Can Burn
Cal Fire lifts statewide outdoor burn ban – local bans still in effect. SACRAMENTO – California’s first significant rainfall of the season, combined with cooler temperatures, has allowed Cal Fire to lift the statewide burn ban effective Monday, Oct. 22….
Christmas Tree Auction Spreads Holiday Cheer To Local Charities
Boys & Girls Club announces 11th Annual Christmas Tree Live Auction partners OAKHURST — This year’s premiere holiday event, benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst and other local charities, will be held on Sunday Dec. 2, in Bass…
Meet Your Hairy-Legged Neighbors
Tarantula Season In The Foothills COARSEGOLD – A little rain goes a long way towards coaxing hairy eight-legged creatures from their holes and onto trails in search of mates. Fall precipitation in the foothills usually brings about the appearance of…
Burglary At Oakhurst Door And Millwork
OAKHURST — When the crew at Oakhurst Door and Millwork showed up for work on Monday, Oct 15., they were not really able to get to work. Someone had entered the business overnight and stolen their computers. “We’re pretty sure…
"Radio Free Oakhurst" with Michael Moore at the Met
Guest Colmnist Peter Cavanaugh invites everyone to the movies – Even as a banner headline on the front page of Sunday’s (10/14/12) Fresno Bee alarmingly proclaimed, “Super rich Kochs aim to save America,” the Democratic Club of Oakhurst had completed…
Keep The Good Guys In Your Garden Happy
How to Attract Beneficials and Create Wildlife Habitat MARIPOSA — Humans are not the only creatures who love the mountains. We share the county with a plethora of critters, from beautiful butterflies to less-beautiful toads. Mariposa County Master Gardeners will…
Gaylor Lakes & Great Sierra Mine Hike: Part 1
Fresh fallen snow created incredible views of the Tioga Pass area for us, revealing snow covered mountains hiding in clouds that reflected in the high mountain lakes. As we explored the old abandoned Great Sierra Mine, we got a small…
Fraud Alert – A Distant Relative Has Left You Money
MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson is issuing a fraud alert concerning letters naming the recipients as inheritors of a trust account, purportedly belonging to a recently deceased distant relative.
Sheriff's Office Investigating Double Stabbing
Two remain hospitalized after stabbing on Sunday night – MADERA COUNTY – The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a double stabbing near the corner of Avenue 15 ½ and Watson Street, just east of the city of Madera. Sunday night,…
Oak Creek Intermediate Holds Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Written by Virigina Lazar OAKHURST — The Oak Creek Intermediate Parent Teacher Club ensures that field trips, choir, science and physical education remain part of their student’s learning experience, by raising the money that has been cut from their budget….
Update On Nikki And Indiana Jones
NORTH FORK — So many of our readers have been responding to the story of Nikki Johnson and her horse Indy, we wanted to update you on what’s going on with them. In an attempt to get back home, Indy…
Nikki Johnson's Essay About Her Horse Indy
When Nikki Johnson’s parents told her that her rescue horse Indy couldn’t stay with them anymore, she was devastated. Nikki’s teacher encouraged her to write an essay about this very difficult situation, and Nikki wants to share it with everyone…
'River Fire' Burns Near Homes In Oakhurst
OAKHURST — Many driving through Oakhurst this afternoon wondered about the column of white smoke rising from just below Matthews Fine Furniture on Highway 41. At 12:37 p.m. a full dispatch was ordered to the “River Fire,” burning in vegetation…
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra Season Premier
MARIPOSA — If you didn’t know that Mariposa has a symphony orchestra, consider this your invitation to enjoy one of the best-kept secrets in the mountains. Mariposa is the actually the smallest town in the United States with its own…
The Stage Route Tour
Ever wonder about the history of eastern Madera County? This area is simply rich with wonderful stories by and about the “characters” and events that made up that history. The Coarsegold Historical Society has produced two volumes that relate the…
Artist Spotlight: Madeline Jacquot
North Fork artist Madeline Jacquot worked her way through quite a few different media before she found the one she really loved. “I’ve done photography, oils, watercolors, ceramics and stained glass – I still do, sometimes. They were all good,…
Body of Chowchilla Teen Found in Corn Field
Authorities believe it was murder MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson has launched a murder investigation after a teenager’s body was discovered in a corn field near Chowchilla. The remains of a decomposing body were found Monday, Oct. 15, in…
Fish Camp Post Office Saved From Closure
FISH CAMP – The residents of Fish Camp and Wawona are relieved and delighted to learn that their local post office will remain open, though with reduced hours. At a meeting at the Tenaya Lodge on Tuesday, Oct. 16, more…
Students Bake To Help Cats and Dogs
OAKHURST – Two Glacier High School Charter students are helping rescued animals in the mountain area by holding a bake sale fundraiser for the Eastern Madera County SPCA (EMC SPCA). On Friday, Oct. 19, a table laden with delightful confections…
Danger Ahead: Fire Season Is Not Over Yet
Fire season in the Sierra foothills – and even at higher elevations – is not over just yet. Because of dry conditions, pile burning restrictions remain in effect throughout Yosemite National Park, according to a news release from Yosemite Fire…
Come Hungry, Bring A Friend
Heifer Pancake Breakfast Benefits Families NORTH FORK – Can eating a big plate of pancakes help another family to survive? Find out why the answer is yes at the Annual Heifer Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 21, at Grace Community…
Mirror Lake Loop Hiking Trail Reopens
YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park will reopen the Mirror Lake Loop hiking trail on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 5 p.m. The five mile loop that follows Tenaya Creek around Mirror Lake in Yosemite Valley has been closed since March 28,…
Squirrel Cage Theatre Presents A 'Monster' Of A Show
Written by Robyn Flory “Monster Soup” Spends Halloween Week in North Fork Rehearsals are under way for this year’s Fall Follies, which will take place Oct. 26-27 and Nov. 2-3, at the North Fork Town Hall. The evening will be…
Evans Named State's Law Enforcement Volunteer Coordinator of the Year
LODI – Joann Evans was honored Tuesday as California’s Volunteer Coordinator of the Year during the 13th annual Law Enforcement Volunteer & Coordinator Conference held in Lodi. Evans, Madera County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Service Officer, “was chosen to receive this…
Gretchen Lee – From Garden To Gallery
For the past decade or so, Gretchen Lee’s gourds have taken her from garden to gallery. They begin as seeds scooped from last year’s projects and end as works of art. “It’s an organic process. That’s part of what I…
YNP Utilizes New Methods to Study Great Gray Owls
YOSEMITE — Among the diversity of wildlife in Yosemite National Park, approximately 150 Great Gray Owls call the park home. This is approximately 65% of the Great Gray Owl population in the state of California. The Great Gray Owl is…
A Girl And Her Horse And The Rule Of Law
NORTH FORK — When Nikki Johnson brought home her new best friend, retired race horse Indiana Jones, she had no idea that it would spark such controversy in the neighborhood. The community of Cascadel Woods has been embroiled in a…
Children's Museum Hosts a Halloween Festival
OAKHURST – Children will get the chance to learn pumpkin-carving skills, make Halloween decorations and more at a special event at the Children’s Museum of the Sierra on Saturday, Oct 27. Members of the Sierra Woodcarvers and will be on…
Funeral Services for Debbie Kathleen Walser
The family of Debbie Kathleen Walser announces the passing of their beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Mrs. Walser, 61, of North Fork, was most recently a homemaker and held many jobs over the years in North Fork. Friends are…
Minarets Car Show Helps Students Get to Europe
Students move closer to their goal in fundraising for European trip O’NEALS — Students, parents and teachers have been working hard over the past several months raising money for what is sure to be a life-changing experience for some 25…
Authentic Yokuts Lodge At Fossil Discovery Center
CHOWCHILLA – The Fossil Discovery Center has a new exhibit that shows what life was like in California’s San Joaquin Valley thousands of years ago. At the center of the installation is a model lodge, a permanent dwelling known to…
Town Hall Meeting In Coarsegold Thursday
COARSEGOLD — Madera County Supervisor Tom Wheeler will host the latest in his series of town hall meetings on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Coarsegold Community Center. This is your opportunity to talk to your…
Will Fish Camp Lose Its Post Office?
Does Fish Camp need a post office? If so, how many hours a day should it be open? The results of a recent survey of residents who use the Fish Camp Post Office will be shared by United States Postal…
Coarsegold Historical Society Loses Beloved Founding Member
Marjorie Jane Jackson passed away on Oct. 6, 2012, at 3:55 p.m. at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her son Stephen Jackson, daughter-in-law Susan Jackson, granddaughter Stephanie Jackson, grandsons K. P. Morgan Jackson and six great-grandchildren….
Artist Spotlight: Norma Rogers
Ahwahnee artist Norma Rogers knows it’s never too late to learn something new. After all, she enrolled in California State University, Fresno’s graduate art program at age 68, and earned a master’s degree at 73. Rogers says her artistic sensibilities…
Do You Know Where This Church Was Located?
NORTH FORK — Some time back, the North Fork History Group was presented with this photo of a church that is purported to have once stood in or near North Fork. However, the history group has not been able to…
'Helping One Woman' Helps Entire Family
Women’s Group Helps Mom of Cancer-Stricken Baby OAKHURST – Glasses will be raised and tears shed over a shared story as mountain area women are invited to attend a Helping One Woman (H.O.W.) dinner and fundraiser at the Queen’s Inn…
'Holes' Plays This Week At YHS Theater
OAKHURST — The Yosemite High School Theater Arts Department is proud to present “Holes,” a stage version of the award-winning novel and film by Louis Sachar, at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 – 17, in the YHS Performing Arts Center. The…
Warming Communities One Coat At A Time
Written by Leigh Fisher Local Girl Scout coat drive helps area residents in need stay warm COARSEGOLD — The need has never been greater and it’s never been easier to make a difference in our mountain community. Here is your…
Madera County Is Looking For COPs
MADERA COUNTY — Madera County’s hugely popular Citizens On Patrol (COPs) is looking for volunteers to join the county’s team of citizens in law enforcement. JoAnn Evans, community service officer for the Madera County Sheriff’s Department, addressed the North Fork…
2 Construction Projects Will Slow Traffic In The Area
Two road impovement projects are under way in the area, and motorists need to prepare for delays. Drivers headed north out of Oakhurst should expect traffic delays on Highway 41 between Cedar Valley and Fish Camp. From Oct. 15 through…
Tip Leads Deputy To Third Burglary Suspect
MADERA – A third suspect is behind bars tonight following his arrest in connection with a residential burglary in Chowchilla last week. Sheriff John Anderson said in a press release that he credits local media for helping reach Madera County…
Fraud Alert – The FBI Doesn't Email Citizens
Sheriff issues fraud alert about emails claiming to be from FBI. MADERA COUNTY – Anyone who receives an email claiming to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation should delete it immediately, according to Sheriff John Anderson.
Melvin Lewis Convicted on Felony Drug Charges
MADERA – A Madera County Superior Court jury convicted Melvin Lewis on Oct. 10, of two felony charges of possession of rock cocaine for sale and transportation of rock cocaine, Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz announced.
Minarets Filmmakers Learn History From Those Who Served
Written by Daniel Ching O’NEALS — The time has come to celebrate our veterans once again. This year Minarets High School will be hosting the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Dinner in the Minarets Gym. Last year was extremely successful in…
Are We Going To Water Down "Three Strikes And You're Out?"
Guest Columnist and District Attorney Michael Keitz has something to say about Proposition 36. As we approach the general election on November 6th, there are numerous initiatives to consider. Notable among them is Proposition 36, which is touted as a…
Give The Gift Of Life – Give Blood
All donors receive a free vintage T-shirt BASS LAKE – Everyone is encouraged to help save lives by donating blood when the bloodmobile from the Central California Blood Center comes to park outside Bass Lake Realty between 11 a.m. and…
Neighborhood Volunteers Target Roadsides This Weekend
Miller’s Landing donates grand prize EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – Volunteers with Keep Our Mountains Beautiful (KOMB) will be rolling up their collective sleeves at Roadside Litter Cleanup day on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8 a.m. until noon. If you choose…
Missing Employee Found Alive in Yosemite National Park
Jessica Garcia found in South Fork Drainage of Merced River – YOSEMITE — Jessica Garcia, an employee of DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., has been located alive after she was reported missing when she did not show up…
Kim Bethel Spins Fleece Into A Beautiful Life
NORTH FORK — Local resident Kim Bethel is a very busy person these days with the new business she started this year, Down Home Hand Spun Fibers. Kim has a Belfast mini fiber mill housed in a converted carport and…
Master Drummer Wadaba Performs At Harvest Festival
PRATHER — Mamady ‘Wadaba’ Kourouma is a renowned local musician who lives with his wife, Keio Ogawa, in Three Rivers, California. Wadabe means ‘The Great Panther’, a nickname he was given because of his powerful ‘wild-cat-screaming’ sound on the djembe…
20th Annual Harvest Arts & Peace Festival
Music, local cuisine and all things nature at favorite area festival – PRATHER – Owners of Intermountain Nursery are once again opening their garden gates for the 20th Annual Harvest Arts & Peace Festival this weekend, Oct. 13-14. from 10…
Deputies Capture 3 Suspected Fuel Thieves
MADERA – A trio of suspected thieves from Fresno are now behind bars in Madera County. Bail has been set at $10,000 for each suspect, according to a Madera County Sheriff’s Department press release. Sheriff John Anderson believes the two…
Drowning Victim at Hensley Lake Identified
HENSLEY LAKE – The body of a man found submerged under eight feet of water at Hensley Lake Monday afternoon has been identified as 61-year old Tommy Katsuji Uyemaruko of Fresno, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Uyemaruko drowned…
Yosemite National Park Searching for Missing Park Employee
Jessica Rose Garcia, Employed by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., Last Seen in Wawona Area YOSEMITE –Yosemite National Park Rangers are searching for Jessica Rose Garcia, who did not show up for work at the Wawona Hotel Saturday….
Artist Spotlight: Barry Shrewsbury
“Intuitive chaos.” That’s how North Fork artist Barry Shrewsbury describes his mixed media art, his website and his method of painting. Shrewsbury said he often mixes latex household paint with acrylics to create his artwork. Sometimes he incorporates small objects…
Zombies Invade Mountain Town In Search Of Funds
OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Zombie Walk drags into town for the third consecutive year, on Saturday, Oct. 20, starting at Cause 4 Paws Thrift Store and ending with an “undead after-party” for participants who pay $5 to join in the…
Tables Are Set For Soroptimist Luncheon
OAKHURST – Soroptimist International of the Sierras invites mountain area women to the Annual Fall Soup & Salad Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center in Oakhurst. Lunch includes soups, salads, dessert…
Make A Family Plan – Have 2 Ways Out!
Written by Karen Guillemin National Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to plan your escape It’s 3 a.m. You and your family are sound asleep and awake to the beeping smoke alarm. You are tired and confused from the…
Fall Festival Comes to Spring Valley
O’NEALS –It’s fun for the whole family Friday, Oct. 19, when Spring Valley School hosts its annual Fall Festival and Fundraiser at the school, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Spring Valley School…How the West was FUN.”…
Help Oakhurst Kids Have Their Fun and Learning, too
Sponsorships and donations are needed for Christmas Tree Auction – OAKHURST — The Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst always needs a little more help to ensure that “great futures start here,” as their motto reads. Now that the children…
Area Organizations Plan For Halloween Fun
Halloween events are starting early this year, so The Wild Wonderful Women are gearing up for a silent auction during the Oakhurst Fall Festival on Oct. 13-14, to benefit the King’s Vintage Museum. The auction will include many items for…
North Fork Cell Tower Update
NORTH FORK – Ever since the Madera County Board of Supervisors approved the conditional use permit to allow the construction of a cell phone tower near Cascadel Woods, North Fork residents have been anxiously awaiting news of a groundbreaking. After…
East Side Colors- Part One
The fall colors on the east side were a little spotty this week, although still beautiful. We visited Twin Lakes, Virginia Lakes, the June Lakes Loop, Convict Canyon, McGee Creek Canyon, Lundy Canyon and Rock Creek Canyon, taking short hikes…
Columbus Day–Not!
Why do we celebrate Columbus Day? Supposedly we are celebrating the discovery of the New World by the first European to land here. But he’s not, and he didn’t.
Moonrise At Mono Lake
We’re just in from 3 nights on the June Lake Loop, looking for fall color. On the first night, Monday, we ate dinner on the deck of the Tioga Lodge on the shores (almost) of Mono Lake. I took these…
Lillian Lake Loop Hike
I found it! That elusive fall color that I have been searching for was not too far away and we had some beautiful high lakes thrown in as a bonus treat. On our hike this week we headed to the…