MOUNTAIN AREA — Free income tax return preparation and electronic filing, for both California state and federal returns, will be available again this year for mountain area residents, offered by the AARP Tax-Aide program. Services are provided free of all costs and charges, to low and moderate income taxpayers of all ages. Tax returns are prepared by specially trained and ...

NORTH FORK — Friends, family and the entire community of North Fork are mourning the loss of a much beloved citizen, Zelda Whitener. According to friend Mary Lou Barr, Zelda passed away this afternoon after a battle with cancer. She was 87 years old. “She was a faithful worker in the Thrift Shop at Grace Community Church, and was a ...

TOLLHOUSE — In the midst of tragedy, friends and family of Josh Miller want to send a message about the effects war can have on the human spirit, and the subsequent risks for those who suffer from depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A 2016 study released by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) confirms that an average of 20 veterans commit suicide every ...

OAKHURST – Do you know a group of crabs is called a cast? It’s true. Now, it’s time to cast your eyes toward one of the best dinner events the area has to offer, as the annual Rotary Club of Oakurst Sierra Crab Feed returns to town on Saturday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 5 p.m. Ticket to the big crab ...

Bobby Gene Mayn died December 14, 2016 at the age of 79. He was born September 15, 1937 in Durango, Colorado. He served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA. Bobby worked as an Electronic Engineer in the Bay Area and moved to North Fork when he retired 19 years ago. In North ...

MARIPOSA – To get the best out of your fruit trees, you need to give them the best care with the right tools at the right time of the year. That right time is now. Mariposa Master Gardeners present a free workshop on pruning presented by Emeritus Fruit, & Nut Advisor Maxwell Norton on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. ...

SACRAMENTO – Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) has been nominated to serve on a handful of Senate Committees for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, including Agriculture, Insurance, and the Senate Rules Committees. In addition, the Senator’s responsibilities will include serving as Vice Chair of the Governmental Organization Committee as well as the Human Services Committee. “Families and businesses in rural California face ...

OAKHURST – Adventist Health / Community Care – Oakhurst is excited to now offer OB-GYN services to women in the foothills region. On Jan. 1, 2017, Dr. Jonathan J. Mayer will join Dr. Stephen DeSantis – board-certified general surgeon – in offering specialty care at the clinic along Highway 41 south of Oakhurst. Both physicians are also members of the ...

SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) was named Assistant Republican Leader by Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes. “I’m honored to be named an Assistant Republican Leader for the 2017-2018 legislative session,” says the lifelong local rancher. “The Leadership Team shows the diversity of California and highlights our members’ real-world experience. We look forward to tackling tough issues and working to ...

By Michael Vaughan — OAKHURST — Minarets boys soccer earned a hard fought 1-0 win at Yosemite on Thursday, Dec. 22. The physical game was knotted 0-0 at halftime with neither team able to capitalize in the final one-third of the field. In the second half, Minarets looked much more threatening. Junior captain Jacob Cullen, also the Mustangs’ Varsity quarterback, broke ...