MOUNTAIN AREA — Free income tax return preparation and electronic filing, for both California state and federal returns, will be available again this year for mountain area residents, offered by the AARP Tax-Aide program. Services are provided free of all costs and charges, to low and moderate income taxpayers of all ages. Tax returns are prepared by specially trained and ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA – With a series of wet storms hitting Northern and Central California, now is the time to sign up for emergency alerts from the Sheriff’s Office. Residents are advised to do so now — it only takes a minute. In Madera County, MCAlert is used in the event of emergencies or natural disasters such as floods and severe weather, and ...

YOSEMITE — All roads leading into Yosemite Valley will close today at 5 p.m. in anticipation of a significant winter storm moving into the region early tomorrow morning, Saturday, Jan. 7. There will be no visitor services available throughout the storm. Visitors intending to visit Yosemite National Park are highly encouraged to monitor weather reports and check road conditions before ...

CALIFORNIA — Most people would not know what to do in the event of a vehicle accident that involves live power lines. Understanding the dangers and taking specific precautions could save your life. PG&E urges motorists who are in an accident involving power lines to follow these important instructions. If your vehicle comes into contact with a downed power line: ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 to Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017: Coarsegold assault On Monday, Dec. 26 at 2:38 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the 31000 block of Apache Road regarding an assault. During the investigation a suspect was identified and a warrant was placed for ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — A flash flood watch remains in effect from this afternoon through Thursday afternoon in the Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County Foothills from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford. Heavy rainfall is expected during this period resulting in rapid rises along small streams and rivers and the threat of flash flooding. Rainfall ...

This is the start of the fifth year for the History Mystery on Sierra News Online. We would like to thank SNO, our loyal readers, and all those who have submitted information regarding our History Mysteries. The six organizations that prepare these mysteries have gained much information that they can pass on to the public. We are all fortunate to ...

CALIFORNIA — We’ve covered laws from the DMV including those pertaining to use of wireless electronic devices, child car safety seats, motorcycle lane-splitting and related others in an earlier report that’s available for review at this link. Governor Jerry Brown signed over 800 California laws in 2016. Here are a handful that go into effect Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, unless otherwise noted: ...

SACRAMENTO – Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) has been nominated to serve on a handful of Senate Committees for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, including Agriculture, Insurance, and the Senate Rules Committees. In addition, the Senator’s responsibilities will include serving as Vice Chair of the Governmental Organization Committee as well as the Human Services Committee. “Families and businesses in rural California face ...

OAKHURST – Adventist Health / Community Care – Oakhurst is excited to now offer OB-GYN services to women in the foothills region. On Jan. 1, 2017, Dr. Jonathan J. Mayer will join Dr. Stephen DeSantis – board-certified general surgeon – in offering specialty care at the clinic along Highway 41 south of Oakhurst. Both physicians are also members of the ...