MARIPOSA — After tireless work by Caltrans maintenance crews and partners, District 10 and the California Highway Patrol have reopened State Route 140 in the area of the Ferguson Fire burn scar as of noon on Friday, Nov. 30. The roadway closure began overnight at 2 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, and is still in place for now, say authorities. ...

MARIPOSA — With portions of Highway 140 closed for public safety during the current storms, Caltrans says crews are working tirelessly to patrol, clear, maintain, and eventually re-open the roadway in the Ferguson Fire burn scar in Mariposa County. Midpines Maintenance Supervisor Jess McCoy provided these photos of his crew at work as mud, rocks, vegetation and other materials cover ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park has announced the release of the Big Oak Flat Welcome Center Complex Environmental Assessment (EA). The public comment period for the EA is open until Dec. 20. The EA describes and analyzes one action alternative to improve visitor experience, address deferred maintenance, improve safety, and increase operational efficiency at the Big Oak Flat Welcome Center ...

YOSEMITE – The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in Yosemite National Park will close to all vehicular traffic beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20, due to incoming winter weather. The road will reopen as weather and road conditions permit. This is not necessarily a seasonal closure. A series of winter storms are expected to pass through the Yosemite ...

CALIFORNIA – The deadliest fire in the state’s history continues its path of destruction through Butte County in northern California as the death toll rises to 48 in the Camp Fire. Meanwhile, firefighters continue their battle against the Hill and Woolsey Fires on the southern end of the state. There are currently more than 9,300 firefighters assigned to these three ...

CALIFORNIA – Over 8,000 firefighters from throughout the state continue to battle three large wildfires in California. There are currently 1,035 fire engines, 141 dozers, 166 hand crews, 80 water tenders, 42 helicopters and numerous firefighting air tankers assigned to the incidents, and out-of-state resources continue to arrive. The Camp Fire in northern California has claimed the lives of 23 ...

YOSEMITE — In honor of Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 11, the entry fee to Yosemite National Park is waived for all visitors. This fee free weekend is offered to all park visitors in honor of current members, retired members, and reserve members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The National Park Service has honored Veterans Day ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is beginning an emergency project to rehabilitate and make repairs to State Route 140 from Briceburg to Yosemite National Park. The work is needed after the Ferguson Fire burned through the region. Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Nov. 13, and will occur during both day and night hours into April ...

CALIFORNIA – Though we are well into the fall season and cooler temperatures, the wildfire season is far from over. Cal Fire reports that over 6,000 firefighters are currently battling six large wildfires in California, the two most dangerous being the Camp Fire in Butte County, and the Hill Fire in Ventura County. These wind-driven fires have destroyed more than ...

OAKHURST — Foothill residents may have been awakened last night by the jolt of an earthquake not far from Oakhurst, which was alternately described by readers as a crack, a boom, rolling, rumble, shock, shake and a jerk. We heard it was felt from Mariposa to Prather, if not farther. Now, the U.S. Geological Survey says that a 3.1 magnitude earthquake has ...