YOSEMITE – Beneath stunning clouds and deep blue skies, gazing out on a magnificent and iconic vista, it was a delightful day to become a citizen of the USA. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, forty-five people from across the globe became naturalized United States citizens at Yosemite’s famous overlook, the Glacier Point amphitheater.

NORTH FORK – The town of North Fork comes alive with activity this Saturday, Oct. 4, with the Fall Festival and the return of the Grizzly Century Bike Ride along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway and Bass Lake. It looks like near perfect weather for this weekend’s Grizzly. There was a refreshing rain over the weekend to settle the dust, ...

POT LUCK DINNER Neighbors helping neighbors: Shannon Cole and others are organizing a potluck dinner for Courtney Fire area residents and responders on Sunday, Sept. 21, starting at 5 p.m. at the Oakhurst Elks Lodge, located at 42484 Road 41 in Oakhurst. The Elks have donated the facility, explains Shannon.

OAKHURST – Did you know that Oakhurst was once home to one of the world’s largest video game developers? If you remember Sierra Entertainment or perhaps worked there or know someone who did, there’s a writer who would like to talk to you. Laine Nooney, a media studies researcher and cultural historian of technology, will be visiting Oakhurst from Sept. ...

YOSEMITE – The Meadow Fire, burning in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park is now 4,772 acres and 80% contained. All roads and visitor facilities in the park remain open. There are currently 328 personnel assigned to the incident and two injuries have been reported. Estimated date for containment is Sept. 21. The suppressions costs to date are $4.9 million.

OAKHURST – The Courtney Fire, which started on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 1:36 p.m. has now burned over 320 acres with an estimated 20% containment. The fire started on Courtney Lane, just off Road 426, and quickly spread north and east, racing through the tinder-dry grass and brush toward the Bass Lake Heights neighborhood at the top of Road 426.

MADERA COUNTY – All the fires affecting the mountain area this summer have been a stark reminder of just how important it is to register to receive emergency alerts from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office when disaster strikes. The Sheriff’s Office will be hosting events in Oakhurst in the next few weeks to provide residents the opportunity to register for ...

NORTH FORK – Fire crews were called out and quickly extinguished a fire in North Fork which began today at approximately 10:30 a.m., burning in vegetation near a private residence. No structures were damaged in the one-quarter to half-acre fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire was burning in grass and brush between Goodwin Lumber and the North Fork ...

OAKHURST – With more than 200 people seated and standing under shady trees at the Oakhurst Community Park, Patriot Day brought the mountain area community together on Thursday, Sept. 11, much as the country was united in the aftermath of the tragic events which took place on Sept. 11, 2001. Special thanks to Virginia Lazar for photography. Click on images ...

YOSEMITE – The Half Dome Cables in Yosemite National Park will reopen to the public on Saturday, Sept. 13. The cables have been closed since Sunday night, Sept. 7, due to a wildfire. The Meadow Fire, located east of Half Dome and near Little Yosemite Valley, is currently at 4,906 acres and is 23% contained.