Submitted by Sharon Fitzgerald — OAKHURST — The EMC SPCA would like to invite you to make a contribution to mountain area animals by volunteering to help with local projects. At this time we are establishing a larger foster program and will be holding meetings over the next couple of months to provide information about how to become a foster. ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, July 17, to Sunday, July 23, 2017: North Fork burglary On Monday, July 17 at 5:49 a.m. a burglary was reported in the 56000 block of Shinn Cabin Lane. During the investigation one female was taken into custody and booked at MCDOC. ...

MADERA COUNTY — Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary, Chawanakee, Raymond-Knowles Union Elementary and Yosemite Unified School Districts announce their policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under the applicable National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and/or Afterschool Snack Programs. Effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, July 10, to Sunday, July 16, 2017: Coarsegold trespassing On Monday, July 10, at 11:58 a.m. deputies were dispatched to a property in the 33000 block of Skyline Ridge Trail in regards to a trespassing call. The suspect is later contacted. Statements ...

UPDATE: July 19, 2017 from HOW organizers: Due to the evacuations from Mariposa and the fallout from the fire, we are postponing tonight’s dinner. We will be honoring Sharlene Williams next month instead. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you all next month.  AHWAHNEE – The nonprofit women’s group Helping One Woman (HOW) is meeting on ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, June 26 to Sunday, July 2, 2017: Coarsegold Coroner’s report On Monday, June 26, a deputy responded to a delayed Coroner’s case with the primary physician stipulating to the decedent’s cause of death. This is a natural death case involving only a ...

OAKHURST — A fire behind a local church caused resources to be diverted from the Ben Fire, burning not far away in Mariposa County. Punishing drops from the air helped crews on the ground get a handle on the situation in short order. Just after 1:30 p.m. today firefighters were called to respond to reports of a fire burning behind ...

OAKHURST — Just after 1:30 p.m. today crews were called to respond to reports of a fire burning behind Sierra Pines Church in the Oakhurst/Ahwahnee area, off of Highway 49 at the cross of Vista del Rio. First engine on scene reported the fire at five acres with a moderate rate of spread. Structures out in front are threatened, and ...

AHWAHNEE — The local chapter of the nonprofit organization Helping One Woman (HOW) will meet on Wednesday, June 21, at The Hitching Post, in support of Annette Carpenter. Annette’s husband Rick passed away in September of 2016. After spending some time in Mexico working with an orphanage that Annette and Rick used to volunteer for, she has returned home to Coarsegold and ...

AHWAHNEE — The Sierra Shadow Casters motorcycle club is holding its very popular Sierra Memorial Poker Run through Yosemite on Saturday, June 24. Proceeds from the 8th annual event will go to local charities which benefit children’s causes. The ride begins in Ahwahnee at the Hitchin’ Post, with registration from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and kickstands up at 9:45. Riders ...