SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Watch out! Falling trees are a hazard when traveling in the forest, and this year’s die-off will require visitors to be on their guard even more than usual. While it may seem incredibly obvious on its face, reminding ourselves to practice good situational awareness is important. It’s easy to become complacent. The Sierra National Forest warns ...

Guest Column written by Bill Ritchey — It is 2 a.m. in the dead of winter. You’re asleep in the comfort of your own bed, and are suddenly jarred awake by the insistent piercing alert and dispatch tones from a pager. Your heart reflexively pounds in your chest… the “pressure” of an adrenalin surge. You can’t control it, no time ...

Written by Therese Williams — OAKHURST – Excitement is building up as preparations are under way and registrations are being accepted for the sixth annual Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon, set for Saturday, June 4. Bass Lake is located in the Sierra National Forest about 20 minutes south of Yosemite National Park, and creates a picturesque triathlon rivaled by few. Triathletes ...

The History Mystery for May is presented by the Sierra Mono Museum in North Fork. We would like to know who the people are in this photograph, where they are, why they are all gathered, and any other interesting facts anyone may know. (click photo to enlarge) This picture is currently on display at the museum and we would like ...

NORTH FORK – First, we would like to clarify right off the bat that the item in question is not a totem pole. However, since the locals refer to it as such, we want everyone to know what we’re talking about. Residents are accustomed to seeing the beautifully designed and painted cultural monument at the intersection of Roads 274 and ...

Written by Dave Smith — NORTH FORK — A prolonged drought not experienced in many decades has resulted in highly significant conifer and oak mortality. Over the winter, in an effort to reduce hazards to the public, U. S. Forest Service crews felled dead conifers in the area around the Bass Lake boat ramp near the dam. Once these hazard ...

BASS LAKE — Saturday, May 14, sees the return of the Antique & Classic Boat Show to the beauty of Bass Lake, California. Sponsored by the Bass Lake Lions Club and Tommy & Tammy Tuso of Bass Lake Water Sports, the show will feature the finest preserved and restored watercraft to be found on the West Coast. The show is ...

No matter what you’re up to in life, one thing everyone needs is friends. They make the successes even more inspiring, and the struggles so much easier to bear. I want to personally thank each and every one of the many new True Friends who made a difference and became members during our SNO FriendRaiser. There are truly no words ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Sunday, Apr. 24 to Sunday, May 1, 2016: Bass Lake burglary On Sunday, Apr. 24 at 1:06 p.m., a deputy responded to the 50000 block of Smoke Tree Trail regarding a possible burglary report. During the investigation it was determined unknown subject(s) took ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — When news is breaking, you want the very latest, most up-to-date, accurate information, and we have just the thing! For breaking news with up-to-the-minute notifications, join our little group of 14,386 Facebook Fans (oops, I looked away, it’s now 14,390 fans) who follow us for news as it’s happening. While responding to a scene, getting a story ...