How often does an 8-year-old have the chance to hear a symphony orchestra play music dreamed up by that child? In Mariposa, the answer is – once a year. The Mariposa County Arts Council and the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra (MSO) invite Mariposa County residents between the ages of 8 and 18 to enter their annual “Young Master Composers Celebration,” but ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park has released the Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Mariposa Grove DEIS) for public review and comment. The public comment period for the Mariposa Grove DEIS is open today through Tuesday, May 7. The document is available for public review on the park’s website.

New Highway Widening Project Will Deliver More Traffic Congestion Relief to State Route 99 FRESNO – Caltrans has begun work on a $68 million highway widening project that will reduce congestion and improve the movement of agricultural goods on Highway 99 in Fresno and Madera counties. “This is good for Fresno and Madera residents and will serve farmers for decades,” ...

Lyell Glacier Ceases Movement, Adjacent Maclure Glacier Moving at Historical Rate YOSEMITE – The Lyell Glacier, the largest glacier in Yosemite National Park, has stagnated, or ceased its downhill movement, according to a recent study conducted by scientists from the National Park Service and the University of Colorado. The adjacent Maclure Glacier is still moving at its historical rate, about ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park announces the release of two Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statements for the Merced River (MRP) and the Tuolumne River (TRP) for public review and comment. The public comment period for the MRP is open now through Thursday, Apr. 18. The public comment period for the TRP is open now ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is seeking family members of a man who recently died. 67-year old Roberto Mancilla Melendez (DOB 11-30-1945) was admitted to Madera Community Hospital on Dec. 31, 2012. He passed away on January 6, 2013.

CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest received two 2012 Regional Forester’s Awards on Nov. 28, for its outstanding contributions to reduce the Forest Service’s environmental footprint in the Northern Region.

MADERA – The Madera Superior Court has found defendant Jeronimo Ramirez Martinez mentally incompetent to stand trial, according to District Attorney Michael R. Keitz. Ramirez Martinez is charged with the murders of Fidel Hernandez, 20, and Delfino Hernandez, 41, on May 28, 2010.

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is hoping the public can help locate relatives of a 50-year old Madera man who passed away on Dec. 5. Dale Jenkins, a white adult male, had no known address in Madera County. It’s believed that he spent his adult years living as a transient in Madera County, but also spent time ...

YOSEMITE – The significant storm systems that passed through the Yosemite Area over the weekend resulted in an estimated five and a half feet of snow accumulation in Tuolumne Meadows. Due to this significant storm, the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in Yosemite National Park are closed for the season. These roads close each fall and remain closed throughout the ...