OAKHURST — At about 1:15 p.m., CHP responded to an accident on Highway 41 just south of Victoria Lane due to a boulder falling onto a semi-truck. Reports are that another big rig was hit by the truck after it was struck by the boulder. Both lanes were blocked, and remained closed until about 2:20 p.m, when the roadway was ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park is making preparations for visitor and employee safety in response to weather reports predicting significant precipitation, and possible flooding, over the next several days and through the weekend. The predictions for significant rainfall in Yosemite Valley, well above flood stage on the Merced River, could prompt the park to be closed in the next few ...

CALIFORNIA — Most people would not know what to do in the event of a vehicle accident that involves live power lines. Understanding the dangers and taking specific precautions could save your life. PG&E urges motorists who are in an accident involving power lines to follow these important instructions. If your vehicle comes into contact with a downed power line: ...

BASS LAKE — An Oakhurst woman who crashed her car off the side of a winding road at Bass Lake today has a group of tree workers to thank for rescuing her from the overturned vehicle. At 3:20 this afternoon, the 44-year-old woman was westbound along Road 432 “hurrying to get back to work,” according to her rescuers. As she ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 to Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017: Coarsegold assault On Monday, Dec. 26 at 2:38 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the 31000 block of Apache Road regarding an assault. During the investigation a suspect was identified and a warrant was placed for ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — A flash flood watch remains in effect from this afternoon through Thursday afternoon in the Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County Foothills from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford. Heavy rainfall is expected during this period resulting in rapid rises along small streams and rivers and the threat of flash flooding. Rainfall ...

CALIFORNIA — We’ve covered laws from the DMV including those pertaining to use of wireless electronic devices, child car safety seats, motorcycle lane-splitting and related others in an earlier report that’s available for review at this link. Governor Jerry Brown signed over 800 California laws in 2016. Here are a handful that go into effect Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, unless otherwise noted: ...

WASHINGTON — As tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service, the states and the tax industry reminded taxpayers to be on the lookout for an array of evolving tax scams related to identity theft and refund fraud. Every tax season, there is an increase in schemes that target innocent taxpayers by email, by phone and on-line. The IRS reminds taxpayers ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Residents and visitors were rattled just after midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 28 as an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 near Hawthorne, Nevada, was discernible throughout the region. The first quake was felt at approximately 12:18 a.m., with multiple aftershocks reported and confirmed through the USGS Nevada Seismological Laboratory. According to experts, the initial quake’s epicenter was ...

MADERA COUNTY — Commuters and others will want to know that delays are expected for Wednesday, Dec. 28 on SR-41, as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled some traffic control to accommodate maintenance. Caltrans says traffic will be reduced to one lane on SR-41 between Road 208 and Road 406 during the daytime hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for paving ...