Contributed by Len McKenzie, YAAS — The rolling foothills of the western Sierra Nevada encompass a richly diverse and scenic natural and cultural heritage. The Sierra Foothill Conservancy (SFC), a local land trust founded in 1996 in Fresno County, now plays a significant role in protecting the natural resources, working lands, cultural traditions and rural character of this area’s expansive ...

OAKHURST — The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce is in the beginning stages of an organizational restructure, according to its board of directors. “The goal of the Oakhurst Chamber is to support and promote local business,” the Chamber announced today. “The decision to reorganize the current chamber structure was not made lightly, and is being carried out with thoughtful analysis of ...

OAKHURST — A fire that reportedly started in a travel trailer this evening was stopped before spreading to the home just feet away, thanks to the quick work of firefighters. Just before 9:45 p.m., crews were dispatched to an address in the 40800 block of Road 425A for reports of a microwave catching fire. Madera County Engine 12 and Water ...

OAKHURST — Scores of people donned shades of emerald and descended on the Oakhurst Community Center for Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis annual spring bingo Saturday night, one of the nonprofit organization’s primary fundraisers for their charitable work to improve the lives of children throughout the foothills. Students from the high schools’ Key Clubs were present to facilitate dinner and clean-up, and many Kiwanis ...

OAKHURST — Just about time to dust off your dirndl or lederhosen, as the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce says the 5th Annual German Fest is set for March. The dinner costs $35 per person for an authentic four-course German style dinner. The menu includes deutschesbrot (bread), gurkensalat (cucumber salad), graupeneintopf (barley stew), sauerkraut (red cabbage), kartoffel kasserole (potato), bratwurst and ...

OAKHURST – Oakhurst Community College Center (OCCC) will host a community feedback forum for residents interested in providing recommendations for the educational goals and/or physical facility features they would like to see considered for the proposed new campus. Participants will have the opportunity to provide direct feedback on the expansion of instructional programs, student support services, community use and facility ...

OAKHURST – Home to events including official elections, dance workshops, SRO bingo and emergency services response, the Oakhurst Community Center (OCC) pulses with the heartbeat of its town. This Saturday, Mar. 4, Mountain Community Women (MCW) invite the community to support the community center by attending their annual Mardi Gras Luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oakhurst Community ...

OAKHURST — A single vehicle rollover blocked the southbound lane of Highway 41 for over an hour this morning and sent one woman to the hospital. Just after 10 a.m. a 74-year-old Oakhurst woman was southbound near Bay Leaf Lane in a 2005 Ford Escape. She told the investigating CHP officer that she hit something in the road and lost ...

OAKHURST — The Workforce Development Board of Madera County invites businesses to participate in the upcoming Eastern Madera County Job Fair. The job fair is on Thursday, Mar. 23, at the Oakhurst Community Center, located at 39800 Road 425B. Looking to fill immediate vacancies? Looking to build a pool of applicants for future job openings? Interested in the resources and ...

Contributed by Len McKenzie — Californians, particularly in rural areas such as the Sierra foothills, are generally familiar with the pleasures and the challenges of living with wildlife. While viewing animals at close range, especially species not commonly seen, is usually exciting, some critters who live or venture close to our homes can become “problem” animals or nuisances, and occasional ...