The first big snow of the season had fallen and we needed to check out the conditions. We were pleasantly surprised to find lots of fresh, virgin snow to snowshoe along the historic route that we know of as Old Glacier Point Road. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 5.59 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 6,071′ – 7,281′ Date: ...

Coffee alternates between being reviled and exalted for its health benefits. It’s loaded with antioxidants, gives a powerful energy boost and is a terrific appetite suppressant. As for its downside it can be quite hard on the stomach as it stimulates the release of stomach acids, which is why, if you are prone to acid reflux or heart burn your ...

MARIPOSA — Yosemite Area Audubon will offer Sierra foothill residents another virtual birding experience in an exotic locale at its monthly program in Mariposa on Thursday, Dec. 8. Birder and photographer extraordinaire Matthew Matthiessen, an engaging storyteller and world-class photographer who has previously captivated local audiences with entertaining slide talks featuring his birding adventures in Peru, Brazil, Cuba, Ethiopia and ...

SACRAMENTO – More than $15 million spread across 34 California counties will be used to remove dead and dying trees and thin fuels that could otherwise exacerbate wildfires, Cal Fire announced today. Agencies in Mariposa and Madera Counties are the recipients of more than $2 million from those grant disbursements, to be used for the removal of dead and dying ...

OAKHURST — Our local California Highway Patrol continues to collect Toys For Tots on behalf of the Marines this Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Old Mill Shopping Center in front of Vons. The community is invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys For Tots drive anytime from 8 a.m. to noon, and members of the CHP will ...

OAKHURST — The Madera County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (DSA) is holding a 3rd annual Toy Drive at two locations on Saturday, Dec. 3. All proceeds from the event will be given to kids who are spending Christmas day at Valley Children’s Hospital. New, unwrapped toys are requested for this drive. Click on flyers to enlarge. The first location is in Oakhurst, at the Madera ...

COARSEGOLD — Friends, family, countless coworkers and the hundreds of young people whose life he touched, are mourning the loss of Ken Jordan. Ken passed away on Sunday, Nov. 27, while cutting wood at his daughter’s house in Coarsegold. He reportedly collapsed and could not be revived. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. Ken ...

By Cara Goger —  MARIPOSA – The Mariposa County Arts Council invites the public to the opening reception of two concurrent exhibitions at the Treetop Gallery. I Am The Dream For Myself: Images by Refugee and Immigrant Youth (Photographs from the AjA Project’s Permanent Collection) and Photos from the Field: Images from F/STOP open on Friday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. ...

COARSEGOLD — It’s always nice to hear what our kids are up to once they leave the immediate area and head off to college, or wherever their plans may take them. In the case of Bree Lewis, Yosemite High School Class of 2015, the news is that she’s currently a sophomore at San Diego State University pursuing Liberal Studies-Elementary Education. The best ...

OAKHURST — When someone broke into a postal parcel box along Road 426 and made off with a package meant for Heather Bratty’s family, they took more than material items. They stole nearly 100 years of irreplaceable family history and left everyone heartbroken at the loss. “It’s not like it was just an order from Amazon,” says an emotional Heather. ...