Dr. Zafar Sheikh from Internal Medicine Associates Inc. in Madera is shown receiving the Covid-19 vaccine this week. Submitted photoHealth officials in Madera County continued to roll out Phase 1A of Covid-19 vaccine distribution, and the county’s case rate dropped from its record high the last two weeks. Nine deaths were reported in the past seven days, including those of […]
Local News


Bass Lake issue focus of town hall meeting
This sign inside Yosemite National Park near Wawona recently cautioned visitors with a suggestion of “Ice Ice Maybe,” which did grab the attention of motorists. Photo by Joelle Leder PhotographyAgencies and individuals met recently to discuss solutions to the myriad problems that surfaced last summer at Bass Lake, including issues with parking and other results of extreme congestion. The occasion […]


Foster is interim superintendent for Chawanakee School Districts
Dr. Stephen Foster returns to the interim superintendent position at Chawanakee Unified School District. Foster is shown here at the 2012 groundbreaking of Minarets High School. Submitted photoChawanakee Unified School District in Madera County has a familiar new interim superintendent after previous Darren Sylvia was released by the board of trustees. It was announced this week that Stephen Foster was […]
Woman dead following wreck, CHP said driver was intoxicated
New Year’s Eve revelry turned to tragedy when a driver lost control of a vehicle, leaving one dead, one severely injured and one under arrest for suspected DUI in Madera County. Authorities said the accident occurred east of Road 206 and south of Road 145 and the Millerton Lake area. Just before 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, Friant resident Ashley […]


Suspect in Golf Center burglary being sought
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public assistance in identifying an unknown suspect who was involved in a commercial burglary at the River Park Golf Center in November.The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an unknown suspect who was involved in a commercial burglary at the River Park Golf Center in […]


Online series to focus on wellbeing of families
Families of children ages zero to 5 in the Oakhurst and North Fork area are invited to join Madera First 5 and EPU Children’s Center for “Mountain Family Strong,” a series designed for the wellbeing of the family. The online series will take place on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom and is free to attend. First 5 Madera […]


Gonzalez newest county supervisor
New Madera County District 4 Supervisor Leticia Gonzalez, left, is shown being sworn in by Madera County Clerk Rebecca Martinez. Gonzalez is the third woman and first Latina to hold the position in the county’s 128-year history. Submitted photoBefore the Madera County Board of Supervisors, colleagues, friends and family, a torch was passed to incoming District 4 Supervisor Leticia Gonzales […]
Pre-K program now offered
Would you like to help your child get ready for kindergarten? From January through June, the Madera County Library will be offering a “Backpack Literacy Program” for parents and their children ages four to five who are not currently enrolled in an established Pre-K program in Madera County. This program will be provided virtually through all five branch libraries, including […]


Hiking in a winter wonderland
ROOM TO ROAMSilver Lake beneath Thunder Mountain provides a pleasant outing for beginning cross country skiers and snowshoers. Photos by Matt JohansonRecent snows have finally transformed the mountains into a winter wonderland and millions of pandemic-weary people yearn for outdoor adventure. No need to flock to a pricey ski resort, though. Parks and forests offer millions of acres of pristine cross-country skiing […]
Sierra National Forest announces closures
The Sierra National Forest (SNF) has announced the closure extension of select recreation sites, roads and trails. There are three orders officials have combined in the closures. The orders were issued to protect the public from hazards within the SNF as a result of the existing tree mortality and associated hazards due to the recent Creek Fire, the net result […]