CURRENT WEATHER
REPORTERS & COLUMNISTS
Willow Bridge Books at new location
Willow Bridge Books has moved to a new, expanded location across from Days Inn off Highway 41 between the Talking Bear and Todd's BBQ and between Wonderful Treasures Thrift Store and Artifacts.
The bookstore is adding a coffee bar and, with a bigger building, there will be more space for reading or chatting about books.
Special events will start again in February and the new schedule will include some Friday night events with popular local authors and speakers.
Details: (559) 692-2665.
Burn suspension lifted
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection lifted the suspension of burning on private lands within Madera and Mariposa Counties. Open burning will be allowed on permissive burn days as established by the Air Pollution Control District in Mariposa County.
Call (209) 966-1200 before burning. Fire weather will be monitored and, if the need arises, restricted burning hours or suspension will be reissued.
Cal Fire is not requiring burn permits at this time. The recent rainfall and the projected forecast for more rain improves the conditions for burning vegetation created by working on 100 foot defensible space. Clear all flammable material and vegetation from the outer edge of the pile, keep a water supply close to the burning site. Do not burn household or commercial trash, tires, plastic or other garbage.
"Even if it is a permissive burn day high, gusty winds are not safe conditions to conduct a burn project," said Madera Mariposa Merced Unit Chief Nancy Koerperich reminds. "It is critical that the person conducting the burn keep close watch on the fire at all times. If the fire gets away, that person can be held liable for the damage and suppression costs."
Helpful safety tips:
Never dump hot or warm ashes from fire places or wood stoves onto dry vegetation, into a dumpster or trash container.
Although burning is an effective tool in the reduction of wild land fuels, if a homeowner has a fire escape their control they can be issued a citation (misdemeanor) and be required to pay fire suppression costs.
Homeowner's conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for calling the Mariposa County Burn Day Information Line at (209) 966-1200 to determine if it is an approved burn day. Details: fire.ca.gov or ReadyForWildfire.org
Public workshop Thursday on Oakhurst area water/sewer/roads
Madera Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will host a public workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Oakhurst Community Center -- 39800 Fresno Flats Road (425B) -- to discuss quality, cost and overall effectiveness of water, sewer and road maintenance systems, both county-operated and private, within the Oakhurst area.
Details: To view the agenda and staff report, visit madera-county.com rms/lafco/lafco--agendas.html.
"Food, Blues and Brews" Thursday to benefit Chance Gaal
Sierra Sky Ranch will host "Food, Blues and Brews" from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26. with all proceeds going to benefit Oakhurst Marine Cpl. Chance Gaal, a Yosemite High School graduate and former YHS basketball player who lost both legs June 26 after he was hit by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
The event is $20 and included tasting from Idle Hour Winery, Mammoth Brewing Company, San Joaquin Valley Winery and more.
Music headliner is A.C. Myles and there will also be a jam session of local talent.
Details: For more information, call Sierra Sky Ranch at (559) 658-2644.
Mammoth fossil displayed in Chowchilla
A mammoth fossil display was unveiled Jan. 20 as the latest installment at the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County in Chowchilla.
The mammoth exhibit was purchased with a $100,000 donation from Gerald and Judith McDougal. Gerald is vice president of the board for the nonprofit that operates the center, the San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation.
Details: (559) 665-7107, maderamammoths.org.
Five crapemyrtles from nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is giving five free crapemyrtles trees to anyone that joins the foundation during the month of January.
The free trees are part of the non-profit's "Trees for America" campaign.
To receive the free trees, send a $10 membership contribution by Jan. 31, 2012 to 5 CRAPEMYRTLES, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410. California residents can join online at arborday.org/january.
The crapemyrtles are guaranteed to grow or will be replaced free of charge. The six to 12-inch-tall trees will be shipped at the right time for planting, between Feb. 1 and April 3, with enclosed planting instructions.
Arbor Day Foundation members receive a subscription to the foundation's bimonthly publication "Arbor Day" and "The Tree Book" which includes information about tree planting and care.
Exhibit opening at Burning Brush
The "Black and White Show Plus" exhibit will show Feb. 1-29 at Burning Brush Art Gallery, 40571 Highway 41 in Oakhurst.
An Artists' Reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. There will be 19 artists exhibiting drawings, paintings, photography, glass, gourds, jewelry, and plates at the show. Five percent of sales will benefit the Golden Chain Theatre.
Details: (559) 641-2225.
Alcohol not a factor in Hwy. 41 crash
California Highway Patrol stated alcohol was not a factor in the car accident Hannah Cunnings of Madera was involved in Jan. 14 on Highway 41.
Cunnings was still at Community Regional Medical Center Monday with serious head and neck injuries after she ran a red light at Road 200 and crashed into a vehicle driven by Coarsegold residents Kathleen, 63, and Anthony Tucker, 62, who were also taken to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries. Anthony was reportedly released soon after he arrived and Kathleen suffered a broken leg.
Grannies will perform in Madera
The Grub Gulch Grannies, favorites at the Golden Chain Theatre, will perform between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday at the Frank Bergon Senior Center, 238 South D St. in Madera to raise money for the Master Gardeners of Madera County butterfly garden. Tickets for the tea, silent auction and entertainment cost $20 and must be reserved by Jan. 27 by calling (559) 706-4926.
The Grannies, in full costume, will sing and dance to "Only a Little Petunia" and "Cows." The group typically performs between acts at the Golden Chain Theatre, now celebrating its 45th season of non-profit, all-volunteer theatre in Oakhurst.
The performance is sponsored by Friends of the Three Sisters, a group that raises money for good causes.
Master Gardeners are people who, through extensive academic training run by the University of California, work under the leadership of the California Cooperative Extension adviser. They help the public find answers to home-gardening dilemmas, present workshops and pursue continuing education in all aspects of home gardening practices.
The Madera County group has a demonstration garden project at State Center Community College, 30277 Ave. 12, and is developing an area for plants that attract butterflies.
