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 ...

This is the start of the fifth year for the History Mystery on Sierra News Online. We would like to thank SNO, our loyal readers, and all those who have submitted information regarding our History Mysteries. The six organizations that prepare these mysteries have gained much information that they can pass on to the public. We are all fortunate to ...

OAKHURST – Do you know a group of crabs is called a cast? It’s true. Now, it’s time to cast your eyes toward one of the best dinner events the area has to offer, as the annual Rotary Club of Oakurst Sierra Crab Feed returns to town on Saturday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 5 p.m. Ticket to the big crab ...

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: ...

SACRAMENTO – Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) has been nominated to serve on a handful of Senate Committees for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, including Agriculture, Insurance, and the Senate Rules Committees. In addition, the Senator’s responsibilities will include serving as Vice Chair of the Governmental Organization Committee as well as the Human Services Committee. “Families and businesses in rural California face ...

OAKHURST – Adventist Health / Community Care – Oakhurst is excited to now offer OB-GYN services to women in the foothills region. On Jan. 1, 2017, Dr. Jonathan J. Mayer will join Dr. Stephen DeSantis – board-certified general surgeon – in offering specialty care at the clinic along Highway 41 south of Oakhurst. Both physicians are also members of the ...

SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) was named Assistant Republican Leader by Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes. “I’m honored to be named an Assistant Republican Leader for the 2017-2018 legislative session,” says the lifelong local rancher. “The Leadership Team shows the diversity of California and highlights our members’ real-world experience. We look forward to tackling tough issues and working to ...

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 ...