Contributed by Len McKenzie — One of the pleasures of living in the western United States is our proximity to a rich abundance and diversity of wildlife, both large and small. While sharing outdoor space with some species can sometimes be challenging, and occasionally even threatening, for people, particularly in urban and suburban neighborhoods, opportunities to view wildlife in natural, ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Oct. 16  to Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. Bass Lake mail theft On Monday, Oct. 16 at 9:28 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to a telephonic call of mail theft that occurred at Malum Ridge Road and Marina View Drive. A report was ...

OAKHURST — Here’s what’s in the garage right now, all broken: a TV/VCR, a large fan, rice cooker, two modems, one pump, portable DVD player, radio/CD, and yes — a tire. Thank goodness it’s time for electronic and tire recycling day in Oakhurst, sponsored by the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Local Conservation Corps. It’s Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. ...

CALIFORNIA — After one of the deadliest and most destructive weeks in California’s history, firefighters are prepared for another significant wind event in Southern California. Some 4,300 firefighters remain on the front lines of 9 active wildfires, many of which are projected to be fully contained by the end of the week. Firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots and perform ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Cody Aleshire is 10 years old and he’s already made a choice in life to be supportive of others and work hard within the community. A couple of years ago, the Wasuma Elementary School student did a class project called American Heroes. That’s when things got really interesting for Cody and he began a successful, ongoing effort ...

By Cara Goger — MARIPOSA — At long last, Mariposa has its history play. Actually, The Story is intended by its author to be the first play in a cycle of theatre pieces about Mariposa’s past. Written and directed by Les Marsden, The Story stars an 11-member cast of local actors: Audrey Davis, Harve Dearing, Tina Dearing, Greg Dunn, Matty ...

I had been chasing fall colors at higher elevations on the eastern side of the Sierra, but I was curious what those fall colors were doing in Yosemite Valley, so I took a little drive to see how they were shaping up. I arrived before the sun came up and it was pretty smoky but there was still a lot ...

CALIFORNIA — Rain overnight and higher humidity today helped to reduce the State’s fire activity, with half-to-three-quarters of an inch falling in Northern California. Nearly 8,000 firefighters continue to battle nine active wildfires burning in California. The Tubbs Fire alone has broken the record as the most destructive wildfire in California’s history, and to date, 42 people have been confirmed ...

NORTH FORK — Tucked away in the exact center of California, the Sierra Mono Museum is conveniently located along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, open for visitors to catch a glimpse of Mono lifestyle, and treasures of yesterday and today. This year, Sierra Mono Museum is celebrating 50 years of leadership in the protection and preservation of Western Mono Indian ...

OAKHURST — Just before noon today, Jennifer Christenson was traveling south on Highway 41, leaving Oakhurst and heading up Deadwood toward Coarsegold. Just south of Victoria Lane, she saw what none of us ever wants to see. “There was a big plume of smoke and I thought, ‘Gosh what an idiot! Who’s doing the burn pile right now?” Jennifer was about ...