Yosemite High School senior Evan Ewert is not shy when asked how the marching band is doing.

"This year's band might be the best in the history of the school," said the new band drum major. "We have new members and a new field show and we are pumped for this season of marching and performing for this wonderful school and community."

With plans to unveil a strong running game behind 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior Cody Essary and last year's second team all-league runner, and 5-foot-9, 165-pound senior Trevor McConnell, Yosemite High's Aaron Eames begins his 15th season as the Badger's head varsity football coach.

The Badgers open their 34th season under the big lights Friday, hosting the Stallions of Madera South High School.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians' proposed $350 million casino and hotel project on 305 acres at Avenue 17 and Highway 99 is available at northforkeis.com.

The massive report, more than 6,500 pages that begins with a 14-page table of contents, is contained in five binders, and is also available at the libraries in Madera and Chowchilla.

The Madera County Board of Supervisors accepted the submission of 14 Chukchansi Community Grants for 2010 totaling $1 million Tuesday, but not without comment.

Supervisors were not totally happy with Chukchansi's list because they felt some organizations and programs were overlooked due to the large amounts given to five groups on the list.

The 2010-2011 tentative county budget of $186.5 million, with a shortfall of $7 million, was approved by the Board of Supervisors last Thursday.

Eric Fleming, acting county administrative officer, recommended the board continue the furlough program and hiring freeze from last year and said further cost cutting measures will be necessary.

Amanda Rudd and Jordan Keyser will bring plenty of talent and experience to this season's Yosemite High School girls golf team, as the Badgers are favored to win their fourth consecutive league title.

Rudd, a senior, finished the season last year ranked third in the league. Her game of the year came during the CIF Central Section Team Championship Tournament, coming in with the lowest individual score of 75, beating Asia Adell of Clovis West, who was ranked No. 1 in the Valley at the time.

Thacker coaches 10th season

Championship volleyball has become the norm at Yosemite High School and this season looks to be no different.

90% say yes to new agreement

Teachers in the Yosemite Union School District showed solidarity Aug. 12 as more than 90% voted yes to the revised contract offered by the district.

The Oakhurst Community Center was transformed into a mini casino last Saturday as 160 people came out to try their luck at gambling while supporting the Eastern Madera County S.P.C.A. building fund.

Following "Yappy Hour"and dinner, catered by Crab Cakes Restaurant/Yosemite Catering, players with their $200 in scrip, were invited to play black jack, Texas hold 'em, craps and roulette.

Oakhurst Art Hop is held the second Saturday of every month

Artists came from Aptos, Mariposa and Clovis last Saturday to participate in the monthly Art Hop at Oakhurst's Williams Gallery West.