YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–Yosemite officials have announced that on April 15, a large rockfall occurred from the slope above the John Muir Trail. The rockfall happened between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall, sending hundreds of boulders onto the trail. In the current state of the trail, boulders, trees, and other debris, spanning approximately 1,000 feet, obstruct the trail. ...

FISH CAMP—Since its beginnings in 1965, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (YMSPRR) has been a staple of our mountain community—and the world. Folks come from all over the world during the season for a chance to ride one of the few remaining narrow-gauge railroads in existence. Local residents enjoy it just as much. Snow melts and spring blooms mark the ...

NORTH FORK—This article is a continuation of last week’s “Noma Resort: Hidden Oasis on Yosemite’s Doorstep.”   Noma Resort sits near the entrance to the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, at the historic apple orchard near Clearwater Fire Station. It’s one of the loveliest areas of the Byway, especially since the devastating forest fires of the last several years. The Leyva Brothers, ...

NORTH FORK—Most people who have visited the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway enjoy its peace, unlike the national park to the north.  Likely they consider it an island of tranquility in the midst of a busy world. Noma Resort strives to be part of that serenity. A Partnership of Brothers That’s how the three Leyva brothers (of six total) who partner ...

COARSEGOLD—There’s a new kid coming to town in Coarsegold Historic Village. Owner Rose Morgan has scheduled the grand opening of Rooted The Farmers Market Collective for Friday, March 1, 2024. This fulfills a dream she says she’s had for many years. She’s always wished for a local collective of farmers and crafters who provide traditionally-created foods and products in a ...

NORTH FORK—A near-record crowd filled the North Fork Scout Building the evening of Tuesday, February 13, 2024. They gathered for the annual general meeting of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Association (SVSBA). Perhaps even more, they came to hear reports from U. S. Forest Service (USFS) personnel on the status of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway (SVSB). The Byway consists ...

OAKHURST—As part of his Town Hall series, District 5 Supervisor Robert Macaulay held a meeting at the Oakhurst Elementary School Multipurpose Room on January 22nd. He and other Madera County officials laid out plans for a potential evacuation route to serve the John West/Jean Road area of Oakhurst. The area is one of several in the eastern Madera County area ...

OAKHURST—On January 9, 2024, Cody Bulow Brown, 19 years old, received the Madera County Sheriff’s Citizen Award from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. MCSO granted the plaque for services he and his company, CB Hauling, rendered during the major snowstorm Madera County experienced in March 2023. Lt. Ian Weaver handed the award to him at the Sunrise Rotary Club meeting ...

NORTH FORK–– The long-planned casino project of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California (“Tribe” or “NFR”) reached another key administrative milestone with approval of the Management Agreement between the Tribe and its development partner, SC Madera Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Red Rock Resorts, Inc. which owns Station Casinos LLC and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. ...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–Yosemite National Park officials are announcing a pilot “Peak Hours Plus” 2024 vehicle reservation system.  It will be for park entry on select days between April 13 and October 27, 2024. It is for those driving into or through Yosemite National Park between 5 am and 4 pm. Reservations will be required as follows: April 13 through June ...