NORTH FORK — For a limited time, Eastern Madera County has access to two air curtain burners to dispose of woody slash materials, says Justine Reynolds, Program Development Manager of Yosemite/Sequoia RC&D Council. The burners were purchased by Cal Fire to travel throughout the Governor’s pre-identified High Hazard Counties. Air curtain burners are currently the best alternative to open burning, ...

OAKHURST — Yosemite High Athletics will offer live streaming of varsity athletic events this year, through a new partnership with NFHS Network online. “Through generous donations by Adventist Health and Sierra Tel, the Sports Marketing and Business Management Class at Yosemite will be producing as many home games as they can this year,” says YHS Athletic Director Rusty Oetinger. “This gives ...

OAKHURST — Holiday revelers, prepare to engage all senses, as Sierra Pines Church presents A Charlie Brown Christmas Feast for two nights and one matinee only, all happening this weekend. The evenings include dinner, the matinee features treats, and all three performances of the show are directed by Heather Sconce. “Come ring in the Christmas season with this iconic story, ...

OAKHURST — When searching for the daily necessities to outfit family or that gift for someone special, and you want to shop locally, look no further than Sierra Mercantile. From sophisticated and classic to contemporary mountain style, customers think Sierra Mercantile is a great place to shop, and the two sisters who run the store agree wholeheartedly. Paula Henry, 64, and ...

MARIPOSA — The Central Valley Burn Prevention Coalition is introducing a new program geared toward senior citizens, and will schedule an event for seniors in your area upon request. The Remembering When program, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is centered around 16 key messages aimed at fire and fall prevention to help older adults live safely at ...

WASHINGTON – As tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers there are things they should do now to get ready for filing season. For most taxpayers, Dec. 31 is the last day to take actions that will impact their 2016 tax returns. For example, charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. Donations charged to a ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — PG&E forecasters have issued an advisory to their crews in the Yosemite, Fresno and Kern Divisions that strong winds and heavy rain are likely to occur beginning around midnight tonight and continuing until midday Friday. This storm has the potential to cause power outages for PG&E customers, particularly in mountain communities. Localized flooding is also possible. Everyone ...

  OAKHURST —  A Coarsegold man is in custody after leading law enforcement on a chase through the Vons parking lot and down into the Fresno River this morning. Kirk Yeterian, 34, was arrested after allegedly climbing up on the roof and vandalizing the United Security Bank and Big 5 building, then fleeing when sheriff’s deputies showed up. Just before ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The season of giving makes its merry way in the busy days remaining before Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 25. Again today, we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local nonprofits and the people behind them who are making a difference. For our second spotlight, we feature an organization that serves mountain area youth with outstanding low and no-cost programs ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s looking wet and wild for the next couple of days, with a winter storm warning for the high country and flash flood warnings in the lower elevations. A Pacific storm system will make its way over central California on Thursday, Dec. 15 and stay through Friday, Dec. 16., according to the National Weather Service in Hanford. Rain ...