Written by Kris Casto – MARIPOSA — Cattle roping has a long and storied history in California. From the days of the sprawling Spanish Rancheros to today’s modern cattle operations, roping has been an essential element of working cattle in a safe and expedient manner. Experience this facet of the Old and New Cattle Ranching West during the Mariposa Farm ...

MADERA COUNTY — On Saturday, Sept. 30, the County of Madera will host a special joint meeting with the City of Chowchilla and City of Madera to talk about shared goals and how they can be put into action. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at the Madera Municipal Golf Course, 23200 Avenue 17 in Madera. ...

YOSEMITE — Anyone visiting Yosemite National Park is likely hoping for the chance to see bears. A recent trip up to the Empire Fire provided a delightful encounter with two bear cubs along the Glacier Point Road. It was about 2:30 on Thursday afternoon, as I headed down from Bridalveil Campground. Just a mile or two west of the Yosemite ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Climbing Association invite the public to participate in the 14th Annual Yosemite Facelift, an event held each fall to clean up trash and debris from around the park after the busy summer season. Volunteers are needed to help pick up litter at various locations in the park, including roadways, in the river ...

FISH CAMP – After more than three weeks without the sounds of the steam locomotive whistles in the forest south of Fish Camp, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will open the gates this Saturday, Sept. 23. When the Railroad Fire started on Aug. 29., just across the road from the popular destination, everyone was forced to evacuate with just ...

UPDATE: Please call 209-372-0200 (press 1 then 1) for current road conditions in the park. YOSEMITE — The Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park has been temporarily closed due to a snow storm overnight. For the most current road conditions within the park, call 209-372-0200 (press 1, then 1). For roads outside the park, call 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Remember that ...

RAYMOND — Firefighters responded this morning to a vegetation fire burning just south of the community of Raymond. At 11:25 a.m., crews were dispatched to reports of a fire on Road 600 near Road 407. Nine engines, two hand crews, one dozer and a water tender responded, along with Air Attack, two air tankers and two helicopters. The first unit ...

BASS LAKE — For the 30th year, beautiful Bass Lake is the setting for the annual Smokey Bear Run/ Walk, happening this Saturday, Sept. 23. There are races for the entire family to come out and enjoy. Race day features all types of activities for everyone’s fitness level. There is a 2-mile walk, a 2-mile run, a 10K run (6.2 ...

OAKHURST — A motorhome was completely destroyed in a fire just off Road 425B in Oakhurst this morning. Just before 6:30 a.m., firefighters were called out to to reports of a motorhome on fire in a driveway at the end of Chapel Hill Drive. The first unit on scene reported the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, and incoming crews were ...

MADERA COUNTY — Property owners who have been affected by the recent fires in Madera County, or have suffered a disaster or calamity as defined in Revenue and Taxation Code Section 170, such as fire, earthquake, flood or accident – may be eligible for property tax relief. To qualify for property tax relief, you must file a claim with the ...