AHWAHNEE — A graduating class of local middle school students is anxiously awaiting news that portable solar power units they made themselves are delivered more than nine thousand miles away to kids they haven’t met, but hope to help. They’re excited because they know they’re making a difference. Eighth graders at Wasuma Elementary School are still talking about the Solar ...

OAKHURST — There’s a new superintendent in town when it comes to Yosemite Unified School District. Last month, after a thorough search and participation by staff, students, parents and administration, the Board of Trustees appointed Glen Billington by unanimous vote. “Mr. Billington comes to us with more than twenty-five years’ experience in public education,” notes Interim Superintendent Mike Berg. “He was ...

By Kathleen Murphy — OAKHURST — “These picnic tables are huge!” exclaim dozens of kindergarten students at Oakhurst Elementary School. The students are enjoying their new playground picnic tables purchased by the Oakhurst Elementary Parent/Teacher Club (PTC). “We love our new picnic tables,” shares kindergarten teacher Karen Forbes. “The students use them for morning snack time and to chat with their ...

By Joseph Langely —  O’NEALS — Life is fraught with obstacles and delays, as unforeseeable setbacks slam into hopes and dreams without warning. This is the nature of life but, despite the grim countenance of the saying, it makes the final achievement of goals that much sweeter. The trip that Minarets’ AP US History (APUSH) and pre-AP US History classes ...

OAKHURST — Already this month, Yosemite High School (YHS) students on the wrestling team have competed in the Dinuba Invitational, a 4 way dual, and the Westside Invitational. Now, YHS wrestling provides an update, courtesy of wrestling Booster, Anne Guynn: Dinuba Invitational Eight Yosemite High School wrestlers competed Friday, Jan. 5, at the Dinuba Invitational, with three advancing to Saturday. ...

By CFC Collins and Cadet Webb —  OAKHURST — Oak Creek Intermediate school (OCI) welcomes the California Cadet Corps (CACC), in which participants learn about discipline, respect, commitment, problem solving, and teamwork. We are a military based program which helps build character, personal strength, and patriotism. The Cadet Corps motto is essayons, meaning “let us try.” The CACC has helped students improve ...

OAKHURST —  Soroptimist International locally presents their fourth annual “Dream It – Be It” Conference for high school girls. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Oakhurst Community Center. Registration is from 8:30 – 9 a.m., followed by the conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to those attending. The one-day conference will focus ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — While you’re snuggled on the couch New Year’s day, sporting new moose pajamas and fuzzy slippers, hot cuppa in hand and watching the Rose Parade on NBC or ABC at 8 a.m. — know that our local foothills are nicely represented by the efforts of a local service club, a group of students, and their chaperones. On ...

By Greta Zeigler — O’NEALS — For the first time in school history, the Minarets varsity football team made it to the Division 6 Central Section playoffs. Although the boys fell to Orange Cove in the final game, the football team is now part of several Minarets teams such as volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, and ...

OAKHURST — Students at Oak Creek Intermediate school brought in just shy of 500 canned and non-perishable food items to benefit Manna House, says Principal Brad Barcus. “Classrooms were challenged to bring in items as part of a class competition,” he explains. “Mrs. Duckworth’s class brought in the most items with 174. Mrs. Bodine’s Class brought in the highest percentage ...