MARIPOSA COUNTY – Fireworks are illegal in Mariposa County, and those who violate the fireworks laws are subject to a maximum of $1,000 fine and up to one year in county jail. However, if you possess large quantities of dangerous fireworks, prosecutors could charge you with a felony, punishable by up to three years in California state prison and fines up ...

YOSEMITE – Due to current and predicted fire conditions and possible active fire behavior, Yosemite National Park has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions until further notice. Yosemite National Park is experiencing very high fire danger along with continued hot and dry weather patterns. By order of the Superintendent Yosemite National Park: No building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Sheriff’s Office has learned that Kyle Snipes, who was wanted for questioning in connection with an officer-involved shooting near Millerton Lake last week, was arrested by the Roseville Police Department last night. Snipes was taken into custody on a parole hold and a Fresno County warrant for narcotics and weapons charges. Snipes was wanted for questioning ...

COARSEGOLD – CHP officers from the Oakhurst Area Office checked over 600 drivers for valid licenses and signs of impairment during a Sobriety/Drivers License checkpoint in Coarsegold on Saturday, June 27. Just over 1,000 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and 609 cars were actually stopped.

MARIPOSA COUNTY – On June 6, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office received information about possible illegal marijuana gardens in the Dog Town Road area of Greeley Hill in Mariposa County. Several Hispanic males were reportedly seen in the area with a semi-truck full of dirt and tractor equipment.

CENTRAL SIERRA – With the 4th of July weekend fast approaching, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) would like to remind everyone that fireworks are banned in all State Responsibility Areas (SRA*) throughout California. Fireworks stands are now open in numerous locations within Madera and Merced Counties. State law and county ordinance prohibits ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – As of today, June 30, fires of any kind are banned on the Sierra National Forest, except as listed below. With thousand hour fuel moisture at less than 14 percent and a drying trend predicted, Forest Supervisor Dean Gould has declared these prohibitions effective immediately. The Order reads as follows: Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and ...

NORTH FORK – A hiker who went missing on Friday, June 26, near Clover Meadow was located by Search & Rescue teams after spending the night alone in the forest. Searchers were called out on Friday afternoon after the man failed to return to where he was camping with a friend. The 62-year-old man from Wood Acre, Calif., was reportedly ...

MARIPOSA – A Mariposa area man has been arrested after wielding a gun and threatening people at a church in Mariposa. On Friday, June 24, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatch received a 911 call from the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The caller stated there was a man threatening people with a shotgun at the ...

BASS LAKE – After further investigation following the fatal accident at Bass Lake on Saturday, where a young teen was killed, Sheriff’s Investigators have determined that the two juveniles, as well as the boy’s father, were riding on an inflatable tube behind their pontoon boat when they were struck by the jet ski. No caution flag was raised or required ...