COUNTY — The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reminds local drivers that blasting operations on State Route 41 have resumed this week and will continue periodically Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists should expect delays of up to 20-30 minutes, however, delays could be shorter or longer depending on the amount of ...

Written by Joanne Freemire —  NORTH FORK — With a 90 percent die-off of Ponderosa Pines and PG&E sub-contractors hard at work felling those that threaten power lines, my Cascadel Woods home feels and sounds more like a lumber mill operation than a residential community – chainsaws whining, huge pines crashing down, chippers and splitters roaring, burn piles smoking, and ...

COARSEGOLD — What’s a smile worth? It’s something many of us take for granted — the typically upturned corners of the mouth for a little grin, an amused expression showing pleasure, the joy we convey with a toothy laugh, without even thinking about it. One little girl in Coarsegold doesn’t take any of that for granted, because right now her smile lives only in ...

BASS LAKE — Paddle your way to cash and prizes on beautiful Bass Lake as Bass Lake Boat Rentals hosts their first annual “Paddle Palooza” on Saturday, May 7. “This is a great day for everyone who wants to have some fun on a paddle board — referred to as a ‘SUP’ in our biz — kayak or canoe,” says ...

COARSEGOLD — Without a hitch, the 2016 Coarsegold Rodeo hit the dirt over three days last weekend and organizers are extremely pleased with the results. “The rodeo was a huge success,” confirms Jill Satterfield, President of the Coarsegold Rodeo Association. Grand Marshals this year were Dennis and Kathy Creighton, who’ve both been a big part of the association for years . ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Watch out! Falling trees are a hazard when traveling in the forest, and this year’s die-off will require visitors to be on their guard even more than usual. While it may seem incredibly obvious on its face, reminding ourselves to practice good situational awareness is important. It’s easy to become complacent. The Sierra National Forest warns ...

Guest Column written by Bill Ritchey — It is 2 a.m. in the dead of winter. You’re asleep in the comfort of your own bed, and are suddenly jarred awake by the insistent piercing alert and dispatch tones from a pager. Your heart reflexively pounds in your chest… the “pressure” of an adrenalin surge. You can’t control it, no time ...

The History Mystery for May is presented by the Sierra Mono Museum in North Fork. We would like to know who the people are in this photograph, where they are, why they are all gathered, and any other interesting facts anyone may know. (click photo to enlarge) This picture is currently on display at the museum and we would like ...

Written by Dave Smith — NORTH FORK — A prolonged drought not experienced in many decades has resulted in highly significant conifer and oak mortality. Over the winter, in an effort to reduce hazards to the public, U. S. Forest Service crews felled dead conifers in the area around the Bass Lake boat ramp near the dam. Once these hazard ...

No matter what you’re up to in life, one thing everyone needs is friends. They make the successes even more inspiring, and the struggles so much easier to bear. I want to personally thank each and every one of the many new True Friends who made a difference and became members during our SNO FriendRaiser. There are truly no words ...