By Tim Sheehan, The Fresno Bee, Calif. Jun. 20--VISALIA -- The U.S. Department of Transportation has chosen Great Lakes Aviation -- again -- to provide airline service to Visalia and Merced, bolstered by a $3 million-a-year federal subsidy.

By Tim Sheehan, The Fresno Bee, Calif. Jun. 17--VISALIA -- The same airline that's been unable to get its service off the ground since October is the only company offering a new bid for a subsidized federal contract to serve Visalia and Merced.

By Tim Sheehan, The Fresno Bee, Calif. May 16--VISALIA -- The abrupt announcement Wednesday by Air Midwest that the airline will cease service to Visalia and Merced by the end of this month is leaving passengers wondering what will become of tickets they purchased in advance.

By Tim Sheehan, The Fresno Bee, Calif. May 15--Air Midwest is ending passenger air service from Visalia and Merced to Las Vegas on May 31, folding its wings more than a year after the company said it wanted out of its federal contract to serve the Valley markets.

By Tim Sheehan, The Fresno Bee, Calif. Oct. 6--VISALIA -- Federal transportation officials have tabbed a Wyoming company to provide airline service in Visalia and Merced to Las Vegas.