Opening day at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (Badger Pass) and that meant that the nordic trails were open, groomed and begging us to dig our snowshoes out to feel the snow squeak and see the fabulous snow blanketed high country. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 7.49 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevational Range: 7,237′ to 7,380′ Date: December 20, 2018 Map: ...

My father is American and was in the military during the Korean War. He wanted to go to Israel, where he met my mother. My mother was a Holocaust survivor. She’s still alive, thank God. She grew up in Warsaw and I mean, if you want an interview that’s interesting, she’s interesting. My mother, she should live and be well, ...

OAKHURST – The staff at Sierra Tel was joined by many of our first responders today as they unveiled their 2019 telephone directory at the Mariposa County Courthouse and at their Headquarters Office in Oakhurst. Sierra Tel serves both Eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties. The 392-page directory pays tribute to, and shows appreciation for, the first responders in our local ...

This is my favorite time of year to hike up to Chilnualna Falls, when a little snow has fallen and the creek is decorated with ice. The hike has a lot of “up” in it, one reason that I like to pick a cool day to do it. After reaching Chilnualna Falls, we headed upstream a bit to a very ...

MARIPOSA — Local Rotarians Richard and Ophelia McInturff traveled to Pakistan recently to team up with other Rotarians and join in the fight to eradicate polio. In the process, they gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and touched deeply upon the great secret of service to humanity: you get much more than you give. “Everyone wants the same things for their ...

MADERA – For 38 years, Augie Capuchino has been the face many people see when firefighters are called out, when they are in need of rescue, are suffering a medical emergency, or are involved in an accident. After nearly four decades of combined service to Madera County and the Sierra National Forest, Agustin Capuchino has retired and was honored today ...

Mom and I had been looking forward to seeing Disney’s The Lion King but we also couldn’t wait to eat lunch at Chef Paul’s before the big event. We had planned on eating there last year when we saw Shen Yun but were so sad to find out that they were closed for the holidays on that adventure. Not this ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — For the second year in a row, one local student is busy organizing an effort to put shoes on the feet of those who need them. Minarets freshman Erika Hafkey is committed to her project, No Más Niños Descalzos, or No More Barefoot Children, which began last year. Erica is the older daughter of Adriana Armenta and Mark Hafkey, and ...

YOSEMITE — Here are some good dates to add to your calendar for the coming year: the National Park Service says it will waive entrance fees at Yosemite National Park and other locations on five days in 2019. “The entrance fee-free days hosted by the National Park Service are special opportunities to invite visitors, volunteers and veterans to celebrate some ...

This photo is in the collection of the Sierra Mono Museum. The photograph was taken by Alexander Hood. The man with the baby is Mike McDonald holding his son Wally. Any help with identifying the woman and children in the photo would be appreciated. Thank you, Christina McDonald Sierra Mono Museum   Follow-Up on The History Mystery #69 We were ...