COARSEGOLD — Forty years of philanthropy in the form of friendship, community service, and untold labors of love around Yosemite Lakes Park are what define the original LOL — Ladies of the Lakes. You may know them from their annual Rigatoni Dinners to benefit the volunteer fire department, or perhaps you’ve shopped at their holiday boutique. Maybe you’ve even donated ...

By Bob Labozetta, Master Gardener —  MOUNTAIN AREA — Now is a great time to plant bare root fruit and nut trees, although anytime from January through March works. At this time there should be a wide selection of cultivars that are much less expensive than containerized specimens, making it easier to transport. The process of planting bare root fruit ...

BASS LAKE — It’s not just big kids who want to celebrate the new year — families may be looking for a way to make the day and night special for everyone. The Pines Resort is hosting a New Year’s Eve Magic Show at Ducey’s Bar & Grill on Sunday, Dec. 31, with two shows by Kenny B. The cost ...

OAKHURST — Organizers behind the New Year’s Eve bash at Yosemite Gateway Restaurant say it’s going to be one of epic proportions, featuring live music, an enticing raffle (hello, big TV), and a little something called Mountain Idol — Episode 2. Guests will be treated to a a glow-themed after-party complete with live DJs and a massive sound system YGR ...

YOSEMITE — What’s the latest from Yosemite National Park? For one thing, Tuolumne Winter Rangers Laura and Rob Pilewski are celebrating their seventh season in the park. Here’s their first blog post of the season. New snow: 3 inches Total settled snow depth: 6 inches (at 8,600 feet) High temperature: 58°F (December 14) Low temperature: 17°F (December 19) Ski Conditions ...

COARSEGOLD — On Wednesday, Dec. 6, grants from the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino made a positive difference in the community by donating $43,600 to 14 deserving local nonprofits – the most in Chukchansi’s history, they say – as part of its Chukchansi Cares program. Throughout the past two months, each nonprofit had the opportunity to spin the “Wheel of Cash” ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Do your kids want to keep an eye on the big guy in the red suit this holiday season? Here’s how: The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 62nd Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey!  The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, launched Dec. 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, ...

OAKHURST — The room was full and so were the hearts, as teachers and school representatives gathered by request to celebrate one of the year’s highlights in giving: Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis Mini-Grants for education. Local Kiwanis and others convened on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at El Cid Mexican Restaurant to give and receive money in support of projects and products that ...

COARSEGOLD — People are invited to celebrate New Year’s at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino with an all-night party inspired by the vintage glamour of old Hollywood, say organizers, taking you into the wee hours of 2018. “Don your best celebration attire and get ready to feel like a star as you walk the red carpet on this special evening.” Complimentary ...

OAKHURST — Highway 41 in the vicinity of Road 630/Sugar Pine is currently closed due to law enforcement activity. Just after 8 p.m. tonight, CHP was in pursuit of a vehicle that was speeding and swerving erratically when the driver refused to yield. The driver crashed off the west side of the road at approximately 8:20 p.m. near Road 630/Sugar ...