YOSEMITE — Sad news out of Yosemite National Park, as Park Rangers have positively identified the remains of Alexander Joseph Sevier, a visitor who was last seen in Yosemite Valley on May 3, this year. Sevier, a member of the U.S. Navy, was staying in Housekeeping Camp and was witnessed going out on day hikes each day during his visit. ...

YOSEMITE — Better traffic flow, parking lot expansion, and the addition of new campsites are just some of the objectives for Yosemite National Park, as work gets continues to implement several roadway and campground improvements within Yosemite Valley. Extensive work is being conducted on Northside Drive, say Park officials, the road leading from Yosemite Village to Yosemite Falls and toward ...

CALIFORNIA — Cooling temperatures this week could help firefighters continue to make progress on 13 large wildfires burning in the State, while the number of fatalities due to fire has increased by one since our last report. The death toll rose to 42 yesterday, after authorities located another victim of the Tubbs Fire in Sonoma County. Meanwhile, the identity of a ...

OAKHURST — If you’re shopping around town on Saturday, Oct. 21, you may notice members of the Marine Corps League Griswold Mountain Detachment #1121, who will be stationed outside of Von’s, Grocery Outlet and True Value. It’s the day that the group promotes the Marine Corps League’s Flags And Roses campaign with a mission to preserve Marine Corps traditions, lend assistance to Marine ...

OAKHURST — The sun has set on the 25th Annual Oakhurst Fall Festival, warmly received by thousands, and organizers may now breathe a brief sigh of relief and take a short break before they begin planning the next quarter-century. Presented by the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, the two-day fest featured some 58 vendors, including a variety of delicious food, ...

MADERA COUNTY — Stand by homeowners, property owners and others, as secured property tax bills for 2017-18 are currently being dolled up and doled out, according to officials. “It’s that time of year again,” reports Tracy Kennedy, Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector.  “We have just begun the 2017-18 tax season by printing and mailing our property tax bills.” Over 56,000 tax ...

OAKHURST — Looking for a great bargain? Stop by the Oakhurst Elks Lodge for the annual Trash to Treasures Yard Sale. It’s organized by the Mountain Lady Elks for Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. They say you’ll find lots of great deals and you’ll be giving to a good cause while you’re at it. In the ...

CALIFORNIA — While progress continues to be made on fires burning in the state, with containment percentages on the rise and more evacuations lifted, one additional death is confirmed. A private water tender driver assigned to the Nuns Fire died in a vehicle rollover on Oakville Grade in Napa County, according to a statement from Cal Fire. That brings the total ...

OAKHURST — A vegetation fire on Deadwood between Oakhurst and Coarsegold caused the temporary closure of Highway 41 Sunday night. At about 9:17 p.m on Sunday, Oct. 15, firefighters were called out to respond to what the reporting party referred to as a “very large fire” on Highway 41 near Road 425C. The first engine on scene reported the grass ...

CALIFORNIA — Firefighters beat back flames on several fronts overnight, as crews worked to prepare for gusty winds. Some Red Flag Warnings have now been lifted, and containment numbers have dramatically increased on some of the fires, while crews continue the effort to locate and identify those who have perished. Tragically, the death toll has now risen to 40, and officials ...