Latest Articles
Man Points Gun At Baby During Robbery; Gets 20 Years
Gregory Garcia sentenced for Armed Robbery under “Use a Gun and You Are Done” MADERA – A Madera man who pointed a gun at a seven month baby was convicted by a jury of armed robbery with the use of…
Chores
Yesterday began with a morning job, meant to be finished before it got too hot outside. It ended up with a realization. Chores do that, sometimes. Our first spring in the foothills, we got chicks and I became sort of…
Lots Of Smoke From 'Victoria' Fire
Just as crews were finishing up with a fire at the intersection of Roads 415 & 416 southwest of Coarsegold, another fire broke out in the area, this one just off Highway 41 near Victoria Lane. The call came in…
Coarsegold Area Fire Under Control
A fire that started in vegetation at the intersection of Roads 415 and 416 has been stopped just short of 5 acres. Crews were called out at 12:35 p.m. Sept. 11, to the “Gold Fire,” about 4 miles southwest of…
A Different View Of A Familiar Site
MADERA COUNTY — You undoubtedly have traveled Highway 41 from Fresno to Oakhurst many times. When traveling along the open pastureland between Avenue 15 and Highway 145, there is more to see and think about than the olive and pistachio…
'Run For The Gold' Classic Car Show In Photos
The Oakhurst Community Center was awash with color, style and nostalgia on Saturday as the 10th Annual “Run for the Gold” Classic Car show returned to Oakhurst, sponsored by the Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis Club.
Donald Mckenzie Convicted of Possession and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
MADERA – Donald Kevin Mckenzie, 43, of Ahwanee has been found guilty by a Madera Superior Court jury of felony possession of methamphetamine, and two misdemeanors for being under the influence and driving under the influence of a drug.
High-Flying New Business Zips Into Town
Typically I start my day with a cup of coffee, quick check for important emails and at least a glance at the morning news. This last Friday was totally atypical. Of course it started with coffee, but from there it…
"Before I Fall" by Lauren Oliver
●●●●● A Definite Must read!○○○○ Really good. You should read it!○○○ It was okay, I finished it. Something was missing.○○ Read if you’ve already read the cereal box, twice.○ Time I’ll never get back. Probably didn’t finish it. Before I…
Take The North Fork Survey
Let the merchants in North Fork know what matters to you – The North Fork Chamber of Commerce is conducting a survey to evaluate the services and capabilities of the North Fork community to improve resources & opportunities for everyone….
Paris In The Rain
After a month driving around France this June (we did the opposite loop direction in 99), we spent our 50th wedding anniversary in Paris, where we met old graduate student friends from the sixties for dinner and drinks. I’ll spare…
Crab Cakes Relocates – Community Rejoices
New Sunday hours and lots of parking – Crab Cakes Restaurant is moving to a new location at 49271 Golden Oak Loop, Oakhurst (across the street and north, just a little bit). I recently had an opportunity to sit down…
No New Bridge At Fine Gold Creek?
For those of you looking forward to the nice, straight road between O’Neals and North Fork with the completion of the Road 200 project, there will still be one little snag in your commute. The bridge over Fine Gold Creek…
Grizzly Century Bike Rally Celebrates 20 Years
On Saturday, Oct. 6, grab your bike and join the Griz for the 20th anniversary of the North Fork Fall Festival! Which Griz? The Grizzly Century bike rally, of course! Many organizations in North Fork, Calif., will be cooperatively celebrating…
Bass Lake Home Tour Wows
If you like to look at properties and tip-toe around people’s houses, you’ll want to know about the 2012 Bass Lake Home Tour, taking place this Saturday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event, now in…
Third Victim Dies From Hantavirus In Yosemite
YOSEMITE – Another person has died from the outbreak of hantavirus in Yosemite National Park. This is the third death from the rodent-borne illness, and five more people known to be infected with the virus are either improving or recovering….
Patriot Day Rifle Raffle & Tri-tip BBQ
American Legion Post 110 is honoring the five branches of the U.S. Military with a Henry Golden Boy “Military Service” Tribute Edition Rifle. The rifle will be raffled off during the Patriot Day celebration on Sept. 11 in Oakhurst. Five…
Time To Dispose of Unwanted Prescriptions
Do you have a bunch of un-needed or outdated prescriptions in your medicine cabinet? If so, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department would like to take them off your hands. On Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., MCSD…
Save A Life – Donate Blood At Sierra Tel
OAKHURST, CA – The management and staff at Sierra Telephone in Oakhurst invite you, your family and friends to help save lives by participating in a blood drive on Thursday, Sept.13.
Got Blood? Give A Little
Real Goods Solar offers gifts Friday for your gift of blood CLOVIS – It takes between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of residents in the Central Valley. Can you help meet that goal?…
Great Sierra River Cleanup This Saturday
The Great Sierra River Cleanup is coming to the foothills for the fourth year and there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to join in on the fun while cleaning up our rivers. Food, drinks, prizes, tools, and equipment will…
Fresno Man Convicted of Grand Theft
MADERA – A Madera Superior Court jury on Aug. 30, convicted Samie Jamil Mahmood, 49, of Fresno, of felony grand theft in a case that has taken three years to come to a conclusion.
Sierra Tel Invites Community to Patriot Day
9/11 remembrance includes music, speakers, military honors and lunchEveryone is invited to Sierra Telephone’s 11th annual Patriot Day at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, outside the Sierra Tel offices at 49150 Road 426 in Oakhurst. The event is being…
Bloomer Byline
By Sandee Scott
Realty Concepts
By Sharlynn Chabot
Keith Sauer's Blog
By Keith Sauer
Fire On Scenic Drive Keeps San Diego Crews Busy
Cal Fire crews from the San Diego area have been keeping busy during their detail to the mountain area. Five engines and a strike team leader from the southern end of the state have been stationed around the Eastern Madera…
I Have IC, But IC Doesn't Have Me!
My name is Amanda, I have Interstitial Cystitis, but Interstitial Cystitis doesn’t have ME. Once I thought that. I would like to take this opportunity to share my story with you, on my journey through diagnosis and my daily life…
Proximity
Green Acres: Mountain Living At Its Finest – PROXIMITY One of the great and not-so-great things about living in a smallish town is that you may know everybody and everybody probably knows you. Give an errant driver the one-finger salute…
Driver Arrested In Road 426 Accident
OAKHURST – Tawney Jeffries, 44 of Oakhurst, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 31, and charged with felony DUI while causing injuries to others. According to the CHP report, Jeffries, who was impaired by alcohol, was traveling westbound on Road 426…
Coarsegold Woman Releases First CD at 75
‘Music of the Senses’ Celebrates Eastern Mantras, Mother Nature – Barbara Ulman was born with an ear for music and poetry. She was also born with a love of being active in the great outdoors, and of taking time to…
Victim Airlifted From Motorcycle Wreck
What started as a day of celebration and a motorcycle ride to the mountains ended with two people being transported to the hospital. Augie, 52, and Connie Colmenero, 42, of Fresno, along with his brother Joseph and five others, headed…
Visitors Bureau Rewards Volunteers
Local charities receive almost $1,300 from Visitors Bureau – OAKHURST – Proceeds from the Bass Lake Classic Triathlon and 5K run, held on June 2, were awarded to local not-for-profit organizations that provided the much-needed volunteer group to ensure the…
Classic Cars Roll Into Oakhurst Friday
This weekend’s car show at the Oakhurst Community Center is shaping up to be a good one. It will bring at least 120 classic cars and their owners to the area. More than 50 special class awards will be given…
Got Mangoes? Read This Before Eating
CDPH Warns Not to Eat Daniella-Brand Mangoes SACRAMENTO – Certain mangoes imported from Mexico may be contaminated with the potentially deadly Salmonella bacteria, and should not be eaten, according to California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health…
Jaquez Guilty of Felony Child Molestation
August 30, 2012 MADERA — A Madera County Superior Court jury found David Gary Jaquez guilty Wednesday, Aug. 29, of four felony counts of child molestation, according to Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz.
Wreck On 426 Causes Serious Injury; Arrest Made
OAKHURST – A head-on collision on Road 426 in Oakhurst on Friday, Aug.31, resulted to injuries to three children and two adults. All were transported to Fresno area hospitals, and one young girl was air-lifted by Skylife to Community Regional…
Fire At Art's Mini-Storage
Art’s Stagecoach Mini Storage was the scene of a structure fire this morning, that so far has involved nine storage units at the facility on Greenwood Way in Oakhurst.
North Fork Rancheria Casino Approved
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today concurred with the Department of the Interior’s decisions to allow 305 acres in Madera County to be placed in trust for the North Fork Rancheria Band of Mono Indians for the purpose…
Oakhurst Chamber Prepares For Fall Events
Thursday evening about eighty community and business leaders gathered at the Oakhurst Community Center to enjoy a wonderful tri-tip dinner with all the fixings. The dinner was hosted by the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce and was an opportunity for…
Featured Artist- Courtney Lynn
To describe Courtney Lynn, as an artist, and mother, is accurate but perhaps limiting. She allows time to play daily, strives for balance, appreciates the complexity and simplicity of a life lived abundantly and self identifies herself as obsessed with…
Chamonix
Chamonix, near Mont Blanc. We were pleasantly surprised at how attractive it was. I guess that’s because I had only read accounts by mountaineers and climbers, and they emphasized how touristy it is and how the French climbers are so…
Become A Tutor, Make A Friend
M.A.L.Co. invites you to make new friends, help new neighbors learn Written by Barbara Hodgson Mountain Area Literacy Council, aka M.A.L.Co began in October 1987, born and nurtured by two dedicated ladies, Sue Rhu and Virginia Dane, at Oakhurst. Twenty…
Beware Of Email Claiming To Be From UPS
The folks at Pak & Page in Oakhurst are warning residents about an email scam that could seriously damage your computer. These emails have been circulating for many years, and the most recent version, according to sources at Pak &…
New Hantavirus Case Prompts Closing Of Curry Village Cabins
Park officials close tent cabins indefinitely while investigation continues CURRY VILLAGE – Once again the Hantavirus has been identified in someone who stayed in the “Signature Cabins” of the Boystown area of Curry Village in Yosemite National Park, prompting park…
Divorcing Without Damaging The Children – Is It Possible?
Divorce is painful. Even when one thinks it’s the best decision for all involved, it’s still painful. In my career as a mental health provider and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, what I’ve found especially troublesome is when the divorcing…
See You At The Fair
This weekend the mountain area holds the event I wait for all year – the Mariposa County Fair. Nothing beats a good old fashioned county fair! The fair always brings back wonderful childhood memories for me. The smells, the rides,…
Spend A Year In The Sierra
AmeriCorps Applicants Needed! Do you love the Sierra? Would you like to help restore and protect the Range of Light? Apply today to become one of the 27 members of the 2012 Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP)! The SNAP program…
‘American Pickers’ is Searching For You!
If you’ve got a barn full of old bicycles, or you’re a collector with lots of odd things in your shed, the producers of “American Pickers” are looking for you. The History Channel’s big hit, with Mike Wolfe and Frank…
New Life For The ‘Mountain House’
The whole town has been buzzing since word got out that someone bought the Mountain House. The Mountain House restaurant, located at Highway 41 and the Bass Lake turnoff (Road 222), had been a favorite of locals and visitors alike…
Annecy, France
A few nights in the attractive city of Annecy left us wishing for more. Sometimes called the Venice of France it has canals, a lake, castles, great food, dungeons and more.
SNAMP
GREEN ACRES: Mountain Living at its Finest SNAMP Riding shotgun in the big truck on a bumpy forest road, I kept the window down. The smell of incense cedar warming up in the morning sun: that’s a great whiff. For…
Dollar Tree Helps Strapped School
Store donations fill classrooms with supplies O’NEALS – The first week of school was a little extra special this year for students in grade K-3 at Spring Valley Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation from the Dollar Tree store…
Two Injured In Deadwood Rollover – Update
OAKHURST — Two people were transported to Community Medical Center in Fresno after a single-vehicle accident on Deadwood closed Highway 41 for about an hour. Jean Smith, 62, of Oakhurst was driving her black Chevy Suburban south on Highway 41…
Crane Valley Dam Project Nears Completion
Hikers and bikers look forward to the re-opening of the trail across the dam at Bass Lake “By the first of the year the Crane Valley (Bass Lake) dam should be open for foot and bicycle traffic across the dam,”…
Why Buyers No Longer Dominate
With record low interest rates and distressed properties at super low prices, there has never been a better time to buy real estate. This has been a huge motivating factor for mom and pop investors, first time buyers and move-up…
Rotary, VFW Support Spring Valley School
Club donations include backpacks and flags O’NEALS – Once again, Spring Valley Elementary School has benefited from the generosity of area residents who care about their schools.
The Media's Doomsday Message: Combating Information Spin
The media has put all kinds of ideas in the minds of buyers. 1) The market is terrible right now, and is continuing to decline. 2) Every home on the market is a foreclosure. 3) No one can meet lender…
Staging Your Home
Getting your home ready for sale can be a lot of work. However, a few small touches can make or break a space. First and foremost, presenting a clean and organized front as soon as it hits the market is…
Two Ways to Become Mortgage-Free Faster
Many home owners dream of one day being able to pay off their mortgage, but is it really possible?
I Have A Team For That
As you may have found in many aspects of life, sometimes a team of people can get can a job done faster, and more effectively. Real Estate is one of them.
I Have A Team For That
As you may have found in many aspects of life, sometimes a team of people can get can a job done faster, and more effectively. Real Estate is one of them.
Green Acres
Buyers are running for the hills. And why not? For some, this is the first time they have been able to afford a home with a little land to stretch out on. For others, it’s full filling the dream of…
First Time Buyer's Jitters: Yes, They Are Normal!
Buying your first home can be an animal all its own. It’s exciting, fun, stressful, uncertain but most of all, it’s a big decision! Like everything else in life, there is a system to follow that will help you reach…
Hantavirus Claims Second Victim
Officials warn about disturbing the air in potentially contaminated areas. Yosemite National Park health officials have confirmed that the deadly Hantavirus has been confirmed in four people who stayed in the park’s Curry Village in June. Two have died. “An…
Garden Project: Summer Reflections
Marianna Burrett (tendtheearth.net), Jamie, Danielle, Charlee, Kim (Zucchini smile) Jayden, Skyla, Rodney, Danielle, J. Doss (Unit Director) By: Marianna Burrett Beneath the towering giant mammoth sunflowers, children can be seen (and heard) discovering the perfect, ready to harvest cucumbers or…
"Ranch Fire" 100% Contained
Firefighters make progress on Road 200 fire – Update Tuesday, Aug 28, 5:30 p.m. The “Ranch Fire” which broke out around noon Monday, Aug. 27, on Road 200 near Finegold Creek, is now 100% contained. Crews are doing mop-up work…
Teen Injured On Jet Ski At Bass Lake
An 18 year old Fresno man was injured in a jet ski accident on Bass Lake Sunday afternoon, Aug. 26, at about 5 p.m. and had to be air-lifted to Community Medical Center. Witnesses report that the teen was on…
Cedar Valley 40th Annual Deep Pit BBQ
Support your local firefighters! Don’t miss the 40th Annual Deep Pit BBQ and Raffle this Saturday, Sept. 1, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. All you can eat beef, salad, beans, bread, cake, and coffee. Water, soda. wine and beer are…
Fire At Bass Lake
Area Firefighters Have Had Plenty To Do Firefighters have had a busy couple days, and fortunately made quick work of several fires in the area. Thursday, Aug. 23, a fire on E. Idyllwild in a neighborhood near Bass Lake’s Pines…
Nimoy Sings of Bilbo!
Dale would never actually subject someone to this…
2 Boys Convicted of Vandalism
Parents Held Responsible For Damages Caused by Juveniles’ Felonies MADERA – Two teenage boys were found guilty of felony vandalism and their parents ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution to a homeowner, according to Madera County District Attorney Michael R….
Body Of Missing Boy Recovered In Yosemite
Jacob Adams Missing Since Wednesday, August 15 Yosemite – The body of Jacob Adams, a six year old boy who was swept into the Merced River on Wednesday, Aug. 15, was recovered today. Yosemite Park Rangers located his body approximately…
Windows Broken At Purple Cow And Dollar Tree
A vandal may be loose in Oakhurst, and is targeting store windows. Two businesses were vandalized Saturday, Aug. 18, by having their large front windows broken. The first incident was reported around 10 p.m. Saturday, after a passerby noticed a…
After-School Hours Packed With Fun At BGCO
Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst prepared for school year Oakhurst, CA -Thousands of area children have headed back to school and the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst is ready with proven programs and fun activities that will help…
Flooring And Paint Store Moves West
When driving up Highway 41 from the center of Oakhurst, you might notice something is missing at the address that reads 40409. After 18 years in the same location, American Floors & Interiors—Kelly Moore Paints has moved. They are now…
Willow Bridge Books Closes Its Doors
When Willow Bridge Bookstore closed its doors on August 12, it saddened a lot of people. But none so much as the woman who put her heart and soul into it for the past six years, owner Monica McClanahan. “I…
Plans
We’d always intended to move to the country, whatever that meant. Long before we married, Rugged Husband built a small, two-story cabin at Twin Lakes, outside of Bridgeport, off Highway 395. This was his parents’ retirement hideaway. Wes and Eunie…
Madera Winery Wins National Award
Vya Vermouth is Quady’s claim to fame MADERA – Quady Winery is a real winner. It’s the winner of a 2012 American Treasures Award, announced last month by the nonprofit “Made: In America.” The Madera Wine Trail winery is well…
Valley Woman Dies Of West Nile Virus
An elderly woman died today in a Fresno County hospital from complications of West Nile Virus, according to the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District. This is the second death so far, from the 26 cases of the virus reported…
Oakhurst Man Arrested In Courthouse Bomb Threats
OAKHURST – Sheriff John Anderson announced the capture of an Oakhurst man believed to be tied to last week’s Bass Lake Courthouse Bomb Threat. Mountain Deputies captured William Shannon Reed, 42, shortly before 1:30 p.m. this afternoon. Reed, who sports…
Two Fires Keep Crews Busy On Tuesday
Two different fires keep crews scrambling today in Eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties. The “Highway Fire,” which started in vegetation next to Road 416 just south of the Chukchansi Casino off Highway 41, was called in at about 1 p.m….
What Is A Park Ranger?
Saturday celebration in Yosemite marks 96 years for National Park Service The big centennial bash is still four years off, but no matter. Yosemite National Park is celebrating anyway. In honor of the National Park Service’s 96th anniversary, Yosemite is…
Update – Alleged Drunk Driver Crashes Near Pines Resort
BASS LAKE — A suspected drunk driver traveling north on Road 274 near Fog Point failed to negotiate a turn and flipped his pickup about 2 miles south of the Pines Resort turnoff. The accident happened about 4:45 pm on…
New Oakhurst Clinic Opens Monday
OAKHURST – Eastern Madera County residents will soon have a new health-care facility, where medical services will be available to all, whether or not they have insurance. Camarena Health plans to open the doors of its new Oakhurst Health Center…
Jazz Festival Features L.A. Saxophone Player
The 2012 Jazz Festival Mini-Series rolls on with the return of L.A. area saxophone player Mark Monreal, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m., at the River Creek Clubhouse in Ahwahnee. If you didn’t catch Monreal’s performace at the Queen’s Inn on…
6 Escape Serious Injury In Deadwood Crash
A woman and her 5 young passengers escaped serious injury Saturday, Aug. 18, when the Ford Taurus sedan she was driving, southbound, crashed into the back of a pickup near the top of Deadwood on Highway 41, about two miles…
Search Efforts Continue for Missing Boy in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park Rangers continue to search for Jacob Adams, a 6 year old boy from Orange County, California. Jacob, visiting the park with an extended family group, hiked to the Vernal Fall Footbridge on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Jacob,…
Update On Wawona Road Delays
The paving operation on Wawona Road work continues and crews did not work last weekend as planned, however they will be working for two nights this weekend – Friday and Saturday nights (August 24th and 25th), between 11:00 PM and…
EMT Classes Offered By Sierra Ambulance
Sierra Ambulance in conjunction with Minarets High School is offering an Adult Ed EMT program commencing August 20th at Minarets High in O’Neals. This course will run approximately 18 weeks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings with some Saturday labs….
"Local DJ" Goes Digital
I am very excited about SierraNewsOnline and look forward to contributing a few items from time to time of a completely non-political nature. My wife, Eileen, and I moved to Oakhurst six years ago and haven’t been kicked out yet,…