MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–Every year I hear the same questions about chain controls in our communities. Do I have to carry chains? What do R1, R2, and R3 mean? My vehicle is four-wheel drive, do I still need chains? Keep reading for the answers to these questions and more. During the winter months, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain ...

COARSEGOLD –The California Highway Patrol is reporting a motor vehicle accident that has occurred on Highway 41 near Cavin Road. Two vehicles are involved and there is an ambulance en route. This is a head-on collision and some lane blockage exists. Please avoid the area if possible. We will update this article as more information is available.   Update 12:45pm The ...

Effective Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 08:00 am the SRA land hazard reduction burn permit suspension in Fresno and Kings Counties, will be lifted. FRESNO COUNTY — CAL FIRE Fresno-Kings Unit Chief Dustin Hail is formally canceling the hazard reduction burn permit suspension and advises that those possessing current and valid hazard reduction burn permits can now resume burning only ...

Guest Wins $1,137,500.60 Playing Wheel of Fortune® Slot Machine by IGT  COARSEGOLD, CA – A lucky Chukchansi Gold Rewards Club member hit a $1.13 million jackpot at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino last week marking one of the largest payouts in the region. The player bet two credits and hit the progressive jackpot on Chukchansi’s Wheel of Fortune® slot machine by IGT after placing ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–Effective Monday, November 7 at 8:00 AM debris burning will be allowed in Madera, Mariposa and Merced Counties. Residents possessing current and valid residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissive burn days. While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire, we are still suffering the effects of an extended drought. Property owners and residents ...

O’NEALS–A motor vehicle accident is being reported on Highway 41 at Jewel Vista Court in the O’Neals area. Two vehicles are involved and injuries are being reported. This is a head on collision and both lanes of the highway are currently blocked. California Highway Patrol (CHP) is on scene along with first responders. Please avoid the area if possible. We ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY–The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office served a warrant on an individual living at the homeless encampment on Frank Wilson Way Tuesday, November 1st, 2022. The individual was found to be in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine. The Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators served the warrant on a makeshift residence which consisted of a broken down vehicle covered in ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–Now that we’ve had a taste of rain and cooler weather we know that winter is on the way. For our communities this can mean flooded roads, power outages, downed trees, and other emergencies. Continue reading the rest of this article for tips on ways to keep you and your family safe this winter. As always, Sierra News Online ...

SACRAMENTO–The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced today the addition of a new demonstration state forest and more than 1,200 acres to its demonstration state forest system. Acquisition of these areas continue to increase opportunities for forest restoration, critical research, and public recreation, and build upon the valuable role of California’s demonstration state forest system to ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–The National Weather Service Hanford Office is predicting the first significant storm of the season will impact Central California Tuesday through Thursday. Heavy snow is possible in the Sierra Nevada mainly north of the Kings River above 5,000 feet, especially Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday night. Snow levels will begin at around 7,000 feet on Tuesday , before falling to ...