CENTRAL SIERRA — After months of warm weather and little precipitation, winter finally arrived yesterday in the form of several inches of snow, and temperatures dipping into the teens in some areas. More snow fell overnight and that, combined with low temps, created black ice in many spots and very hazardous driving conditions all across the mountain area. Beginning Thursday ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite Conservancy invites you to share your passion for Yosemite, connect with other nature-lovers and make a lasting impact in your favorite park. “Our volunteers provide crucial services welcoming visitors and helping them enjoy Yosemite’s natural beauty,” says the Conservancy on their website. “Sign up now to join this rewarding experience.” Conservancy volunteers develop an even deeper connection ...

COARSEGOLD — Two individuals were arrested yesterday after allegedly stealing a bag of electronics from an individual at the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. Around 1 p.m. on Feb. 21, Madera County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a theft at the casino. Deputy Michael Murphy responded to the location and took a report from the victim detailing the property ...

OAKHURST –  Lawson Studios, which recently acquired Idea Print Work, is excited to announce their new location at 40091 Enterprise Drive, Suite A, in Oakhurst, catty-corner from Oakhurst Feed and Pet Supply. “The new location is perfect for our needs and we are excited to create a space that reflects our creativeness and artistic personalities,” said partner Heather Lawson. You’ll ...

YOSEMITE — Officials are asking for the public’s help in locating a man missing from Yosemite National Park. Alan Chow was last seen on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 17, at the entrance of Hetch Hetchy Trail at Yosemite National Park in Yosemite, Calif. He was planning to hike the Hetch Hetchy trail. He failed to check out on Feb. ...

YOSEMITE — Skiers and snowboarders of all ages have been looking to the sky for months, waiting for those snow flurries that would mean that Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area (Badger Pass) would open soon. Unfortunately, those snow storms have not materialized, and this message has now been posted on the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area’s website: Thank you, everyone, ...

YOSEMITE – Tuolumne Winter Rangers Laura and Rob Pilewski have posted their latest blog on conditions at Tuolumne Meadows. Be sure to follow them every week for up-to-date reports. New snow: 4 inches Total settled snow depth: 9 inches (at 8,600 feet) High temperature: 50°F (February 17) Low temperature: -14°F (February 20) Ski Conditions and Weather: Well, we sure jinxed ...

MADERA — There is a treasure trove of images, magazines, films and even home movies from the Madera/Mariposa area available online for the public to access, thanks to the Madera County Library’s specialized History and Family Research room and their work to preserve historical records. There is film of the Hildreth Rodeo in the 1940s and the Madera County Old ...

BASS LAKE — After two weeks of testimony in the murder trial of Ahwahnee resident Craig Anthony Fetty, the jury has reached a verdict. Fetty, 30, was found guilty on all charges in Bass Lake Superior Court today, for beating and stabbing to death Dennis Dolan, 68, also of Ahwahnee. The jury found him guilty of first degree murder with ...

OAKHURST — For the second time in two days, Madera County Sheriff’s Mountain night deputies have recovered a stolen vehicle to be returned to its rightful owner. On Feb. 19, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received information from Colusa Police Department that a vehicle reported stolen from their jurisdiction was in the Oakhurst area. Sheriff’s deputies promptly began following leads ...