YOSEMITE – The first free-admission day to Yosemite National Park this year is on Monday, Jan. 16, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In honor of the day, the United States Department of the Interior has declared all entrance fees for all public lands be waived. Yosemite has experienced an abundance of snowfall already this year throughout the ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Delays on Highway 41 around the Broken Bit in Coarsegold this morning had drivers waiting up to an hour, reportedly, for tree work in the area. We checked in with Caltrans spokesman Cory Burkarth who gave us the answers commuters may be looking for regarding the massive hazard tree removal project that’s expected to continue for quite some ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The foothills are under a continual threat of flooding through Wednesday afternoon, says the National Weather Service, with the high country facing the possibility of more flooding as the winter storm warning remains in effect. The next storm is expected to bring heavy rain locally, with the chance of significant rises along small streams and rivers for Tuesday ...

OAKHURST — A 16-year-old girl lost her life last night when the vehicle she was driving rolled into a creek along Road 426. According to the Madera County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, the young woman has been identified as Shania Faith Costella. The accident happened on Road 426 at China Creek, just before 11 p.m., west of Road 425B. Shania’s 17-year-old sister, who ...

OAKHURST — At 10:52 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, emergency crews responded to reports of a vehicle that had driven off the side of the road, and overturned into the swift moving water of China Creek. According to CHP at the scene, the SUV was traveling eastbound on Road 426 approaching Road 425B when, for unknown reasons, it left the ...

TOLLHOUSE — In the midst of tragedy, friends and family of Josh Miller want to send a message about the effects war can have on the human spirit, and the subsequent risks for those who suffer from depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A 2016 study released by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) confirms that an average of 20 veterans commit suicide every ...

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 ...

SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) was named Assistant Republican Leader by Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes. “I’m honored to be named an Assistant Republican Leader for the 2017-2018 legislative session,” says the lifelong local rancher. “The Leadership Team shows the diversity of California and highlights our members’ real-world experience. We look forward to tackling tough issues and working to ...

YOSEMITE — Good news if you want to head down into the valley for some truly classic wintertime activity. The Half Dome Village Ice Rink is now open for the 2016-17 season. The new seasonal ice rink is located on the eastern section of Half Dome Village in the main parking area, with stunning views of Half Dome. According to ...