MARIPOSA – Cooler weather and recent rains have prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) to transition into winter staffing levels as of Monday, Dec. 17, at 8 a.m. The transition to winter preparedness allows Cal Fire to release some seasonal firefighters, reduce staffing on fire engines and close certain wildland fire stations. ...
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Early Morning Fire Destroys Home In Yosemite Lakes Park
COARSEGOLD – A woman in Yosemite Lakes Park has lost her home to an early morning fire, but both she and her cat were able to escape without injury. At 1:46 a.m., firefighters were called out to a home in the 29000 block of N. Lilley Way for reports of a structure fire. Cal Fire engines 4295, 4284 and 4255 ...
Read More »Two Separate Crashes Snarl Traffic Near Black Hawk Lodge
COARSEGOLD – Three vehicles were involved in two separate accidents that brought traffic to a stop on Highway 41 just south of Yosemite Springs Parkway this afternoon. Just after 2:30 p.m., a northbound Toyota Highlander, driven by a resident of Mariposa, slowed to make a left turn onto Road 207. That vehicle was rear-ended by a Scion hatchback driven by ...
Read More »Sierra Tel Awards $5,000 Grant To OCCC For Distance Learning
OAKHURST – Sierra Tel is proud to announce the award of a $5,000 grant to Oakhurst Community College Center from the Foundation for Rural Service. As a member of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association – Sierra Tel was able to endorse the OCCC project to improve the Center’s distance learning opportunities. The grant monies will be used to install ...
Read More »Augie Capuchino – This Is What Service Looks Like
MADERA – For 38 years, Augie Capuchino has been the face many people see when firefighters are called out, when they are in need of rescue, are suffering a medical emergency, or are involved in an accident. After nearly four decades of combined service to Madera County and the Sierra National Forest, Agustin Capuchino has retired and was honored today ...
Read More »Delays On Wawona Road For Ferguson Fire Repairs
YOSEMITE – Motorists headed into Yosemite on Highway 41/Wawona Road should be prepared for delays as work begins along the Ferguson Fire burn area. Weather permitting, crews will begin repairing the Wawona Road between Chinquapin Junction and the Rostrum on Monday, Dec. 10. During the project there will be single-lane traffic control with up to 30-minute delays, and park officials ...
Read More »Free Admission Days To National Wildlife Refuges
ARLINGTON, VA. – Across America, national wildlife refuges offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the great outdoors amid scenic beauty. And they do it on awe-inducing landscapes that range from Oregon’s rocky cliffs to Texas lagoons, from Maine wilderness to woods and fields inside the city of Philadelphia. Thirty refuges that normally charge entrance fees will offer free admission on these ...
Read More »Oakhurst Schools On Lockdown As Deputies Locate And Arrest Teen Suspect
OAKHURST – A teenage boy was taken into custody after an incident that prompted a lockdown on three Oakhurst school campuses this afternoon. At about 12:30 p.m., School Resource Deputy Melanie Hopper was advised by staff at Yosemite High School of a disgruntled male student on campus who may be armed with a weapon. Deputy Hopper responded to the student’s ...
Read More »North Fork Scouts Christmas Tree Lot Is Sold Out
NORTH FORK – Well, it’s great news for the North Fork Scout Troop 357, but sad news for anyone wishing to get a Christmas Tree at their annual sale. As of last night, the scouts had sold every single one of their trees in the lot behind the North Fork Library. Scoutmaster Dave Smith says this is the second year ...
Read More »Magical Birth Of The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra
MARIPOSA – On Thursday Dec. 19, 2002, an early-season snowstorm knocked out power to many areas of Mariposa County just two days before a very special event. Temperatures dropped, dark skies glowered and roads became icy. Though the town of Mariposa kept its lights on, it was touch-and-go for two days – could a musical infant still be born? Would ...
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