SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST—The Sierra National Forest, in conjunction with the Miami Lookout Group, is soliciting for volunteers to staff the Miami Mountain Fire Lookout for the remainder of the 2022 fire season. The opening of the lookout for the 2022 season was delayed 2 months due to damage to the building caused by severe wind storms in 2020 and 2021 ...

MARIPOSA — The UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County honors 70 dedicated, UC-trained volunteers who provide research-based information to home gardeners and landscapers. Volunteers are recognized annually for hours of dedicated service in their community. Michele Minniear and Kathi Whitson achieved 100 service hours. Amanda Grissom, Bob Labozetta and Linette St. Vrain have dedicated more than 250 volunteer hours. Melinda ...

MADERA COUNTY — A local hero was recognized by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) as George Stillman retired from Madera County Search and Rescue last week after 18 years of volunteer service. “Affectionately known as ‘SAR George’ by other team members, he has served in a variety of capacities throughout the years,” said MCSO in a public statement. “He ...

AHWAHNEE — How many thirteen-year-olds know how much renters’ insurance costs, or the price of an average car loan payment? Well, thirty-three of them do now, thanks to an event at Wasuma Elementary school recently that aimed to teach eighth graders about the cost of living. Entitled ‘Life 101,’ the program was developed by volunteers Sarah Persson and Barbara Irion ...

OAKHURST — Not far from Yosemite, one of the area’s most treasured other parks is celebrating its golden anniversary this year. At Fresno Flats Historic Park, stakeholders behind the scenes have chosen the milestone as the perfect time to bring new life to the landmark establishment. The official birthday party is on Heritage Day and will be marked by an ...

OAKHURST — Some 20 healthcare professionals volunteered their time to conduct required sports physicals for students at Yosemite High School (YHS) last week, with more than 120 athletes seen in under two-and-a-half hours. With the low-cost physicals and the volunteered time, over $2,000 was raised for the YHS Athletic Training class, which will help cover cost for a new concussion ...

NORTH FORK – The North Fork Chamber of Commerce held a special celebration at Bandit Town on Feb. 23 to thank all those who volunteer at the Visitors Center. Jenny Pearson, coordinator at the North Fork Visitors Center, said this special appreciation luncheon was to honor the 23 people who donate so much of their time. “Most of these folks ...

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa County Master Gardeners recently held their annual Awards Banquet to recognize significant community contributions from various Master Gardeners. Prior to awarding the deserving recipients, Mariposa Master Gardeners President Ingrid Angelini held a general meeting for in-house business and discussed future community-purposed events. Heads up, these free and open to the public upcoming events include: ● 1/19/19 Fruit ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Nearly 50 percent of cancer patients in Madera and Mariposa counties need assistance with transportation to and from their cancer treatment appointments at cCARE Cancer Center in Fresno. Now, a grant from the American Cancer Society will help fill this gap and give cancer patients locally a fighting chance to access the care they need to beat the disease. ...

YOSEMITE — Dozens of volunteers have willingly descended on trails and walkways in one of the country’s busiest national parks to make sure that Yosemite remains pristine and beautiful through the government shutdown. Park employees, residents and volunteers from around the area turned out in droves today to pick up trash all along the public areas, even as park officials announced ...