MARIPOSA — The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) annual “Independence Day Spectacular!” concert will be held on Saturday, July 2, at 7 p.m. in the Mariposa County Park Amphitheatre, located at 4998 County Park Road in Mariposa. This year’s concert will feature regional favorite The Sierra Riders in concert with the MSO. The band, led by Fiddler/Guitarist Tim Johnson, also includes ...

OAKHURST — Firefighters got a bit of a different assignment today when they were called out to convince a deer to get out of an in-ground pool on Road 426. Those who travel along Road 426 between Oakhurst and the Llama Ranch are very aware of the large population of deer who make a habit of grazing the lawns along ...

CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest has released a correction on the status of campgrounds in the area, including those at Bass Lake. Little Denver Church and Denver Church picnic area on the Bass Lake Ranger District will remain closed due to hazardous tree removal projects that are still being completed to make the campground safer for the public. Gigantea ...

OAKHURST — One of the favorite events of the July 4th weekend is the Cedar Valley Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, held beside the lake at the Cedar Valley Fire Station this Saturday from 7 to 10 a.m. Not only does one get to enjoy a fantastic pancake breakfast with ham and sausage, eggs, juice and coffee, you are supporting ...

MARIPOSA — Music on the Green has one free concert in the ongoing series this holiday weekend, featuring DeWitt and Franklin on Friday, July 1. The Art Park stage goes dark on Sat. July 2, shining a light on the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra’s performance at the Mariposa County Amphitheater, featuring The Sierra Cowboy Riders. Formed in 2007, playing original music ...

O’NEALS — Anyone who travels on Road 200 in the O’Neals area has gotten a good laugh, a moment of “Aaah, isn’t that sweet,” or has turned around to go back for pictures of the little Minions in the field at Ryan and Staci Smith’s house near Ponderosa Telephone. The Minions — or Sminions, as the Smith’s have dubbed them ...

NORTH FORK — Take a nostalgic trip back in time 45 years, to the 12th annual Mid-Sierra Loggers Jamboree. Dianne Conway shared a Jamboree program from 1971, and after scanning every page, we have shared the album on our Facebook page. Click here to see what life was like back in the days with logging was an integral part of ...

NORTH FORK — Law enforcement officials have just completed three days of marijuana eradication operations in the North Fork area, destroying over 73,000 plants being grown, for the most part, on public lands. A joint effort between the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, BLM and the California National Guard started on Monday, wrapping up ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Those headed to the mountains for the holiday weekend should be aware that fire restrictions are now in place for the Sierra National Forest. Higher temperatures, drier fuel conditions, a large number of dead and dying trees, and an increase in fire activity within Region 5 has led to this decision. Fire Restrictions Prohibit: • Open ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates a very busy Fourth of July weekend and visitors are urged to arrive at the park very early to avoid potential traffic congestion and difficulties with parking. Visitors should plan on arriving at the park entrances by 9 a.m. each day. Parking in Yosemite Valley is expected to be especially challenging and visitors should ...