Madera County Cattlemen honored at annual dinner
The Madera County Cattlemen’s Association annual dinner was held at the historic Buchenau Ranch before a sold out event with 250 in attendance. This annual dinner began 61 years ago, honoring the first Cattleman of the Year in 1963, Will Gill, who is still living. Steve Franco was honored as Cattleman of the Year, Tony […]
Mountain man’s Christmas tradition brings joy to community
For decades, John Baker, affectionately known as the “Mountain Man,” has brought Christmas magic to Coarsegold with his dazzling holiday display. Now 77, Baker reflects on a tradition rooted in childhood inspiration, perseverance, and a commitment to spreading joy. Growing up in Monterey Park, Baker admired his best friend Ralph’s family, who transformed their home […]
MCSO recognizes employee service
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office announced its 2024 Service Awards honorees. “It is our distinct honor to recognize these outstanding individuals who have dedicated their careers to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, serving our community with pride and enthusiasm. Please join us in congratulating them on their achievements,” MCSO said in a statement. 5 Years […]
Opinion: Planning ahead — tariffs and war
Tariff. To at least one person (I’m not a name dropper), this is “the most beautiful word” in the dictionary. A tariff is a surcharge on certain imported goods from certain countries. Theoretically, it’s paid by the country of manufacture or production, but — in reality — it’s paid by the importer. That cost is […]
Some things we just know
A few days ago, I was driving to a location where I had never been, I had gotten directions from a resource many of us use now, Google. Since I don’t have a navigation system in my car, I generally look up an address on my phone. I usually do that before I begin driving, […]
How an arrow wound kept Dr. Leach in the Valley
For thousands of years Native Americans held a monopoly on the land that is now the San Joaquin Valley and the foothills that border it on the east. They were free to hunt, fish, and grind acorns pretty much wherever they pleased. Then came the Europeans, and almost overnight life radically changed for the Indians. […]
Going nuts? Enjoy it
It never fails that every late fall, and all through winter, I get a craving for nuts. But they must be the kind that are still in their shells, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios and Brazil nuts. I might as well add chestnuts, as I have always had a near-addiction for them, even […]
Attempted kidnapping suspect arrested
The Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call reporting a potential attempted kidnapping near the 39000 block of Wyle Ranch Road in North Fork. The caller stated an unidentified male pulled up in a vehicle next to his 15-year-old son during his walk to the bus stop and told him get into the car […]
Passing in the fog not worth it
A driver thought it would be a good idea to pass traffic in the fog. While traveling westbound on Avenue 12, near Road 17 3/4 on Friday, the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado thought it was clear, and entered the eastbound lane to pass the vehicle ahead. An oncoming vehicle traveling eastbound, with its front […]