Written by Abby Williams FISH CAMP – In May, the fifth grade students from Oakhurst Elementary School went on a field trip to Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite. We had an awesome time and went on a scenic hike. I loved it! First, we walked in a large loop. We saw huge trees, like Cedar and Sugar Pines. There were also ...

OAKHURST — As adults, we drag ourselves out of bed every single morning, even on days we’re not feeling ourselves, to get to work on time. As adults, we know that attendance matters, particularly with our employers. Now, imagine a child doing this every single day throughout the school year.

PRATHER – There will a town hall meeting tonight in Prather to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to designate some 2 million acres of the Sierra Nevada as critical habitat for the yellow-legged frog and Yosemite toad. Opponents of the move cite the possible closure of vast areas in 14 counties and 9 National Forests to such ...

NORTH FORK – When wildfire threatens, those who own large animals are faced with decisions that go beyond what they will do to protect their family and their home. Evacuating horses presents a completely unique set of problems. Equine Emergency Evacuation (Triple E) is an all volunteer organization of mountain area residents who have come together to provide emergency evacuation ...

OAKHURST – In response to the recent onslaught of fires, Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. “While we are hoping and praying that there will not be injuries, we feel that this is one way we can help by making sure we are prepared,” says Lori Prentice, ...

MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson announced moments ago the successful rescue of an injured kayaker who was hoisted out of the high country at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. Michael Tate, 33, of Sacramento, was kayaking down the San Joaquin River late Tuesday afternoon, June 18, when he reportedly went over a 10 foot waterfall, injuring himself as ...

MARIPOSA – “Oak trees are one of the iconic symbols of California open space. Dark-green oaks scattered across spring-green or summer-golden hillsides give Sierra foothill residents our sense of place,” says Becky Miller-Cripps, a representative of UC’s Natural Resources Program who works out of Tuolumne County. She will present a free public workshop on oaks July 20, from 10 a.m. ...

OAKHURST – Poke your head under the sink, check your garage and peek into your storage shed. If you see empty cans of paint, old oil filters, solvents, needles or any of a host of hazardous materials and want to get rid of them, you’re in luck. You can shed much of your excess household toxic waste on Saturday, June ...

YOSEMITE LAKES PARK – Cal Fire Unit Chief Nancy Koerperich and staff will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse in YLP. This will be a chance for residents and concerned citizens to ask questions and get updates on the recent fires in the area, and learn what they can do ...

CALIFORNIA – The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help reunite families. Think “private eye meets helper of humankind.” Here is your opportunity to make a difference. The chaos and confusion that accompanies war and disaster can separate families when they need each other most. When this happens, the Red Cross joins the search across international borders, offering ...