YOSEMITE — After being closed overnight due to winter storm warning and flood watch, all roads in Yosemite have been reopened as of 9 a.m. today, say Park officials. Tioga Pass and Glacier Point remain closed for the winter. The Merced River crested below flood stage early this morning, resulting in no major damage to park roads or operations. All roads leading into ...

NORTH FORK — In a clear case of local guy makes good, Eric Griffin, 28, has been named Principal of Stephens Elementary School in Chowchilla. The Sierra High and Cal Poly SLO graduate lives in Clovis now, but he was raised in North Fork, and his parents are local teachers, as well. Principal Griffin’s first day on the job at ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — ‘Tis the season for readers to join in celebrating twelve local organizations and nonprofits, and the people behind them, making a difference in our communities. For our fourth such close-up, we look at Yosemite Western Artists. Day #4 Yosemite Western Artists What is it? YWA is association of artists and art patrons working in all disciplines, dedicated to promoting the visual arts ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The season of giving continues and we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local community organizations and nonprofits, and the people behind them who are making a difference. For our third spotlight, we focus on a theater company with a mission to entertain and contribute to the community, the arts, and education. Day #3 Squirrel Cage Theatre Co. What is ...

OAKHURST — SNO community partner Sierra Seafood, for a limited time, offers Sierra News Online members a ten percent discount on purchase. For the next four weeks, from Thursday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Jan. 11, 2017, just let the folks at Sierra Seafood know that you’re a Sierra News Online member and you’ll receive the 10% discount on your purchase. Some restrictions may ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The season of giving makes its merry way in the busy days remaining before Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 25. Again today, we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local nonprofits and the people behind them who are making a difference. For our second spotlight, we feature an organization that serves mountain area youth with outstanding low and no-cost programs ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s looking wet and wild for the next couple of days, with a winter storm warning for the high country and flash flood warnings in the lower elevations. A Pacific storm system will make its way over central California on Thursday, Dec. 15 and stay through Friday, Dec. 16., according to the National Weather Service in Hanford. Rain ...

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE — Maybe you’ll feel it even if you can’t see it. The third and final supermoon of the year will rise today, while the Geminids meteor shower peaks, tonight. Rain is expected for late Wednesday and overnight through Thursday, with heavy snow anticipated in the high country. Known as the Cold Moon, the December moon is full on ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — For many, this is a season of giving. In the dozen busy days leading up to Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 25, we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local nonprofits and the people behind them who are making a difference. We start with a locally broadcast and internet streaming source of news and entertainment playing great music ...

O’NEALS — Minarets student Tiana Freeland, 17, is busy planning an important event as part of her Senior Legacy Experience, as she prepares to put on a prom for special needs youth. “All seniors at Minarets are required to put on some sort of project that benefits the community,” says Tiana, explaining the SLE program. “Because my two younger sisters have disabilities, ...