Threatened by potential development or conversion to orchards, the 3,602-acre McKinney Ranch will forever remain a green space along Highway 145 in Madera County. The Sierra Foothill Conservancy has acquired a voluntary conservation easement for the scenic working cattle ranch less than seven miles from downtown Madera. "We celebrate all...
Madera Supervisor to Newsom: ‘Complete the Widening of Highway 99’
It was a brief encounter with Governor Gavin Newsom, but a productive one according to Madera County Supervisor Rob Poythress. Newsom made an unannounced visit to Madera County late Monday afternoon to visit a COVID vaccination clinic. Seizing on an opportunity to push Newsom on a priority project, Poythress didn't...
Newsom Drops by Madera Clinic Unannounced. More Vaccines Available Starting Wednesday.
After visiting a vaccination clinic in Arvin on Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom visited another clinic in Madera. "Today we visited a Madera County vaccination clinic that is serving communities disproportionately impacted by #COVID19. The site’s administering 450-500 doses per day & is currently vaccinating those 65+ years of age, teachers...
Evacuation Warning Issued in Madera County Ahead of Incoming Storm; Power Outages Possible
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an evacuation warning for Road 225 between Cascadel Road, including the area within Sierra National Forest, due to an incoming storm with possible debris & mud flow concerns. The weather event is expected to include gusty south winds, significant mountain snow and prolonged...
As COVID Vaccine Supplies Dwindle, Clinics in Fresno, Tulare, and Madera Counties Hit Pause
The messages about COVID-19 vaccine availability on public health websites up and down the Valley speak for themselves. Fresno County says, "All appointment times have been filled." Kings County says, "There are currently no vaccine appointments available." Tulare County says, "All Vaccine appointments at Tulare County Public Health Clinics are FULL." "We're...
Called Out for Nearly 500% Increase in COVID Cases, Madera County Pushes Back
A nearly 500% increase COVID-19 cases appeared so significant that the state of California singled out Madera County for being a virus hotspot in a media call. The state was referring to a jump in the county's daily count of cases from Nov. 1, when just six new infections were...
County Stays in ‘Red’ Tier for Reopening According to Fresh State Data
New data out Tuesday morning showed improvements in Fresno County COVID-19 metrics from last week, allowing the county to remain in the state's red tier for reopening. This means restaurants, churches and other businesses can continue to offer limited indoor services. There have been concerns in recent weeks that Fresno...
Did You Lose a Bag of Precious Family Photos Fleeing Creek Fire? Robby Found Them
Someone apparently fleeing the Creek Fire in Madera County put precious family photographs into a plastic shopping bag, along with other things near and dear to them, before heading out the door. But the black-and-white and color photos, including a framed photo of a grandmotherly woman and baby pictures, were...
Long Delayed Casino on Highway 99 Will Be Built, Tribe Says After High Court Ruling
A major new Indian gaming casino and hotel will be built adjacent to Highway 99 near Madera, North Fork tribal officials said Monday, following a decision by the California Supreme Court. “We are thrilled that the Court has finally decided this case in our favor,” said North Fork Rancheria Tribal...
State’s COVID Team Heads to Madera, Will Provide Fresno County Action Plan
After two solid days of meetings and tours, the state's COVID-19 support team is leaving Fresno County. But, that doesn't mean the county is in the clear. The team next travels to Madera County to assist COVID-19 efforts there before returning to Sacramento. Fresno County leaders expect to receive an...