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Proudly Serving Madera County
Since 1957

• Monster Rummage Sale
• Ivy Kramer named First Chair
• Coarsegold history presented at Fresno Flats

Vegetation fire in Oakhurst

Firefighters battled a blaze behind Hoof ‘N Paw on Tuesday. The fire was started by a power line rubbing against a tree limb. The line snapped and set the dry grass ablaze.

Two mountain lions euthanized
in Yosemite National Park

     YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - Two mountain lions, an adult female and a sub-adult, were euthanized late Monday night by wildlife biologists in Yosemite Park. The lions had shown threatening behavior and were routinely sighted by visitors and employees alike in the developed part of eastern Yosemite Valley.
    The lions were trapped and then euthanized by lethal injection.
    They had been seen, often hunting as a pair, in Curry Village, Yosemite Village and near the Ahwahnee Hotel during the last three weeks. A large population of raccoons in this area, drawn to an abundance of available human food, had been used as prey by the lions.
    Wildlife biologists began to track the pair and used adverse conditioning to try to keep the animals away from developed areas. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful.
    Biologists became concerned that the lions were spending so much time in developed areas of the valley and were displaying no fear of the people around them. The situation grew more serious when one of the lions showed stalking behavior toward humans.
    Park management decided to take action to ensure visitor safety in Yosemite Valley. This section of the valley has high visitation, including families with children and youth groups. After consideration of all the factors, it was determined that immediate action needed to be taken.

FULL STORY

President of Ponderosa Telephone honored

    O'NEALS - Luanne Silkwood, President of Ponderosa Telephone, was recognized along with nine other outstanding women in Central California during a benefit luncheon last Wednesday at the Fresno Convention Center.
    Honors were presented at the Top 10 Business and Professional Women fundraiser, in its 21st year, which benefits the Marjarie Mason Center, a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
    Following a series of extraordinary stories of personal triumph and dedication by women in their communities, Luanne, in her unique style, lightened the mood to laughter with her easy humor and casual down-home country manner. She had a community of supporters to cheer her success, all of whom she personally introduced, including her attorney and her award-winning gardener. Luanne called the experience "an exciting time for a country girl.
    "Luanne presents a role model of inspiration to women of all ages. She is a diverse and accomplished business woman, an active supporter of family and community, devoted to her spiritual faith, and practices enduring values in business, stated Matt Boos, General Manager, who secretly submitted the nomination on her behalf. "She deserves to be recognized for her unique success story.
    In her closing comments, Luanne shared one of her secrets for success with a confident smile. "Reach for the stars and you just might catch one.

FULL STORY

Radanovich announces passage of Yosemite Bill

    WASHINGTON - Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) announced today that the House Resources Committee passed H.R. 2715, a bill to improve and restore facilities at Yosemite National Park, after the markup held in the full committee.
    "This bill makes sensible changes to the Yosemite Valley Plan to ensure the public's access to the park, Radanovich said. "The National Park Service has shortchanged families by refusing to reinstate affordable low-impact campsites to the Upper and Lower Campsites -- something this legislation will change.
    The provisions of the bill include:
    • Restoration of the low-impact campgrounds at the upper and lower river sites damaged by floods in 1997.
    • Adding more parking at Camp 6.

FULL STORY

YLP directors meet
with County Planning

    Larry Nunes, president of the Yosemite Lakes Owners Association, and three other YLP residents met with representatives of the Madera County planning department Monday [Oct. 27] to legally object to a YLP resident who wants to add a sink and a bathroom to the workshop on his property. They contend that the addition turns the shop into a guest house.
    The resident, Eugene F. Rollins, apparently believes he can add the facilities under the recently passed AB 1866 which allows denser building in residential zones. However, the law also allows homeowners' associations to determine whether such additions are acceptable.
    "We've been fighting this situation in YLP for a long time, Mr. Nunes said.

FULL STORY

The Sierra Star
49165 Crane Valley Rd [426] • PO Box 305 • Oakhurst, CA 93644-8621
Phone (559) 683-4464• Fax (559) 683-8102

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