MARIPOSA – During this hectic time of year, it’s important to remember that fire knows no holiday. While the danger of wildland fire may have been mitigated by recent rains, a house fire can ruin your holidays, so please be cautious with your decorations, fireplace, wood stove, Menorah and Christmas tree. Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit would like to remind the ...

The Animal Compassion Team (ACT) foster and adoption Dog of the Week for SNO is an adorable puppy who’s a little shy, at first. “Hi, I’m Holly — a five-month-old Lab and Shepherd mix pup who has the funniest ears! My foster mom says I have a kind heart and am good with all dogs and cats, too. I’m crate-trained and ...

BASS LAKE – Three people were forced out into the cold in the early morning hours today as a fire destroyed their home at Bass Lake. Just after 2:30 a.m., firefighters were called out to a structure fire in the 39000 block of Duck just off Road 432 on the north shore of the lake. Cal Fire Engines 4255, 4275, ...

MARIPOSA – Cooler weather and recent rains have prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) to transition into winter staffing levels as of Monday, Dec. 17, at 8 a.m. The transition to winter preparedness allows Cal Fire to release some seasonal firefighters, reduce staffing on fire engines and close certain wildland fire stations. ...

With so many special events and activities taking place over the next few weeks, we thought it would be helpful to compile a timely list of all the entertainment-related and community-oriented holiday happenings in the mountain area between now and December 25. If we missed anything, let us know and we’ll gladly add it to the Big Local List of ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Dec. 3, to Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018. Coarsegold narcotics found in traffic stop On Monday, Dec. 3 at 5:33 a.m. a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Road 415 and Mill Creek Way for a vehicle that passed another ...

OAKHURST — What makes third graders so thankful? They are thankful for the incredible and fun activities going on at Oakhurst Elementary School (OES). The terrific third graders of OES have been busy with lessons on kindness, exploring learning through STEAM projects, and getting physical with PE. Mind-Up curriculum is designed to help students learn skills that help them focus ...

By Anne Guynn —  OAKHURST — Yosemite Badger Wrestlers are on the mat! Yosemite Badger Youth Wrestling includes kindergarten through high school senior athletes. After traveling to Lodi, Dinuba, and Morro Bay, the Yosemite High School team duals at neighboring Mariposa this Tuesday, Dec. 11. “Most of our high school team are new to wrestling and are gaining experience,” says ...

The Animal Compassion Team (ACT) foster and adoption Dog of the Week for SNO is a royally charming Prince. “Hi! I’m Prince and my foster mom says I’m an adorable Cairn Terrier and wire-haired dachshund mix. I’m about four years old and weigh about 12 pounds. “I’m a sweet, friendly and happy boy who’s good with all dogs, people and ...

OAKHURST — Stop by Yosemite High School for some merry-making this week, as the Theater Arts Department presents Holiday Shenanigans, a one night comedy variety show that features 25 students from YHS’s Advanced Theater Arts class. “It’s a celebration of the holidays and a chance to laugh and enjoy the spirit of the season with family and friends,” says department chair Lars ...