OAKHURST–It’s going to be an awesome week. Temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s, mostly clear skies, a free-admission day to Yosemite National Park as well as a whole host of activities to feed mind, body and spirit. Enjoy the week. Be sure to check on events listed to make sure they will take place. A number of events are being ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — We made it! The past two weeks have been very busy with the holiday season and a rare winter storm with very low elevation snow.  There have been traffic collisions, hazards and many disabled vehicles on our roads.  There were also some power outages sprinkled in too.  For me this has meant that I’ve been furiously posting ...

OAKHURST — To artist/sculptor Norma Rogers, turning 90 doesn’t mean she plans to slow down any time soon. In fact, she may just be hitting her stride. Norma is the apex of what so-called “seniors” can achieve when they have the drive. After all, at 68, she entered California State University Fresno’s art program at 68 and earned a master’s ...

OAKHURST–Included in this week’s events writeups are events taking place in Yosemite National Park. For us locals, this is arguably the best time of the year to visit our neighbor to the north–fewer crowds, spectacular vistas and the majesty of the valley ringed by snowcapped mountains. Who knows? You might even get to see some frazil ice if the conditions ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform various operations on State Route 49 next week in Mariposa County. Work is scheduled to be performed as follows on Route 49: Single-lane closure from Moccasin Switchback Road to Bear Valley Road for shoulder work beginning Mondy, January 10, through Friday, January 14, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:0 ...

Mountain Communities – In continued preparation for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) adoption of 988 as the new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, 11-digit dialing is being implemented. However, callers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Mental Health Crisis Lifeline until July 16, 2022. For 988 ...

Mountain Communities – Year-end summary of homes sold in our mountain area in 2021 taken from California Regional Multiple Listing Service Statistics shows an increase over 2020. We had 731 homes (single-family residential properties) in 2021, up from 711 in 2020. Our local median selling price was $400,000 compared to $345,000, up 15%. Prices ranged from $100,000 to $3,850,000. The ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The ushering in of a new year brings with it the anticipation of a fresh start, positive changes, and healthy resolutions.  What it should not bring are headlines of tragedies caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To encourage safe travel for those who are out on the road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) ...

Leonard H. Brown, 86, passed away on December 25th, 2021, after a long illness. Leonard was a long-time resident as well as a dedicated educator committed to his community with a deep love of family. A celebration of his life will be held on January 8th at 2 p.m. at the Wasuma School.

MADERA COUNTY — The Madera County Fire Department is the recipient of a $70,000 grant to purchase new extrication equipment referred to as “the jaws of life.” The grant funding was provided through the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Madera County Fire Department Assistant Chief Matthew Watson stated that “This new equipment will ...