NORTH FORK – The size of the Corrine Fire, burning just south of North Fork, as been reevaluated and is now being reported at 700 acres, still with only 5 percent containment. Road 222 is still closed between Road 200 and the San Joaquin River, and Road 225 remains closed between Cascadel Woods Road 233 and the Indian Creek Trailer ...

OAKHURST – The fourth day of Discovery Camp started out beautifully at Calvin Crest, where kids age 5-10 were set for a fun-filled morning and afternoon of activities on the charmed property nestled in the Sierra National Forest. “Our first session of Discovery Day Camp is underway,” wrote counselors on the organization’s Facebook page. “What a joy it is to ...

NORTH FORK – A three vehicle accident on Road 200 just east of the Bass Fork Minit Market reduced traffic to one lane for nearly two hours, but no one was seriously injured. At about 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, Paula Dickison was stopped in the roadway eastbound, in a Honda del Sol, waiting for oncoming traffic so she ...

Would you rather pay a huge increase in your homeowner’s insurance, or a half-cent sales tax that would build out fire department services in Madera County? That is the conversation taking place at the Board of Supervisors. With homeowners across the area experiencing huge bumps in their insurance rates due to Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, Madera County is exploring ...

Written by Roger Maybee MADERA COUNTY – Are You Ready for Wildfire? The 2015 fire season here in Eastern Madera County looks dire. The coming fire season appears to be on track to be even more severe than the 2014 season. A look to the hillsides and one can’t help but notice the dead and dying trees in the landscape. ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – When Patrick called yesterday to tell us the story of his cat Linus, who had been stuck up a tree for over five days, we wanted to help and immediately posted the sad saga, hoping someone would be able to rescue the yellow Tabby from a very tall tree. As soon as the story went up, Patrick’s ...

OAKHURST – It’s one of those “where were you when…” moments: where were you when the Courtney Fire started? In the midst of a dreamy nap on Sunday, Sept. 14, a phone call came alerting us to a fire that would ultimately destroy 30 homes and leave hundreds of residents displaced. The Courtney Fire tore through neighborhoods with destructive force, ...

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 – 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 ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Courtney Fire, Junction Fire, and the French Fire serve as critical reminders to everyone to be prepared before disaster strikes. Sheriff John Anderson reminds all residents to register for MCAlert and to be aware that disaster can strike within seconds. Be it natural or man-made, everyone should always keep a to-do and what-to-take list at hand. ...