YOSEMITE – Fire investigators have determined the cause of the Dog Rock Fire. Based on their investigation it is believed that the fire was start by sparks generated by hot metal fragments from a vehicle. This could be the result of several things such as trailer safety chains dragging on the pavement, vehicle brake parts generating a spark or other ...

COARSEGOLD – A Winton man wanted in Merced County is back behind bars, thanks to a commuter’s call alerting authorities to a fight during the morning communte in Coarsegold yesterday morning. Edward Arthur Zamora, 46, was wanted on three felony narcotic warrants, including special allegation charges. He was seen parked alongside the road, just off Highway 41 near Black Oak ...

OAKHURST – An Oakhurst man, claiming to be a transient, sits behind bars for the 47th time, after the sheriff’s office was alerted to a man peering into parked cars in Oakhurst yesterday. Citizens reported seeing a man, later identified as Bodie Press, 32, looking into cars in the parking lot at Oakhurst Park. Deputy Paul Chetwood later found the ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – A workshop to help residents protect their property from wildfire is being offered this Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Midpines Community Center. With wildfire activity increasing annually, the Mariposa County Resources Conservation District (MCRCD) and Partners will kick off the first annual Fire Ready Workshop.

YOSEMITE – The Dog Rock Fire, burning on the west side of Yosemite National Park, is now estimated at 245 acres with 10% containment. The fire is located along Highway 140 near the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite National Park east of El Portal. The highway will remained closed until the danger can be eliminated.

OAKHURST – On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., Barbara Ulman will play a piano recital in the Oakhurst Library. She will perform music from the Baroque to the present, concentrating on short compositions with lyrical and romantic melodies. Featured composers are Bach, Scarlatti, Mozart, Beethoven (including the well-known first movement of the “Moonlight” Sonata) Brahms, Chopin, Debussy (including “Clair ...

Submitted by Theresa Catlin MARIPOSA – Mariposa and Oakhurst are areas alive with avid, beginner and want-to-be gardeners. Witness any Wednesday Mariposa Farmers Market or Thursday afternoon Oakhurst Farmers Market and you will hear gardeners and vegetable enthusiasts chatting about what is growing well this year, when to harvest which vegetables and fruits, and exchanging recipes. And, of course, debating ...

YOSEMITE – Suppression efforts continue on the approximately 250-acre Dog Rock Fire in Yosemite National Park. Currently, there is no estimate on the fire’s containment; however crews continue to make significant progress. Air and ground attack has been aided by favorable weather conditions, which have resulted in minimal fire growth on the western boundary of the park near the Highway ...

YOSEMITE – Cal Fire officials today released the identity of the pilot killed in yesterday’s airtanker crash in Yosemite National Park. Geoffrey “Craig” Hunt, 62, of San Jose was a 13-year veteran pilot with Dyncorp International under contract with Cal Fire. “We continue to mourn the tragic loss of Craig,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director. “We know wildland ...

MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson is seeking help to locate relatives of a Chowchilla woman who passed away. Carol Ann Johnson, 77, of Chowchilla resided in a nursing home until her death on Sept. 30, 2014.