Latest Articles
Visit Yosemite | Madera County Announces Summer of Celebration Events Across the Region
As the country prepares for celebrations of all sizes to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, Visit Yosemite | Madera County has announced a lineup of events throughout the region highlighting local red, white, and blue pride. Visitors traveling through the…
Hiking Yosemite: Ready for More? These Moderate Hikes Are Worth the Effort
Every Yosemite hiker reaches this point eventually. You’ve knocked out a few of the easier hikes. You’ve stood beneath waterfalls, wandered through meadows, and maybe discovered that hiking is a lot more enjoyable than you expected. Now you’re looking for…
North Fork Students’ Letters Return After Incredible 36-Year Journey
What began as a classroom project in 1990 has become an extraordinary piece of local history more than three decades later. Students at North Fork Elementary School recently received an unexpected delivery: letters written by North Fork students 36 years…
Focus On Vibrant Health – The Cortisol Connection
NORTH FORK, CA – Cortisol is most well known as the body’s “stress hormone,” but its role extends far beyond that. Cortisol is part of a complex, interconnected system that helps coordinate a wide range of bodily processes, from energy use…
Coarsegold Mutton Busting Series Opens June 13
The Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds will welcome 50 local young cowboys and cowgirls on Saturday, June 13, as the 2026 Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds Mutton Busting Series kicks off its second season. The event begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and is designed to…
Hiking Yosemite: Know Before You Go — Taft Point
There are Yosemite views that make you stop and take a picture. Then there are Yosemite views that make you forget to take the picture. Taft Point falls squarely into the second category. For many visitors, the first glimpse over…
Central Valley Students May Have $1,500 Waiting
As high school seniors across the Central Valley finalize plans for college, trade school, or career training programs, state officials are encouraging students and families to check whether scholarship funds have already been set aside in their names through California’s…
Madera County Approves Historic Budget, Ends Deficit Era
The Madera County Board of Supervisors has approved what officials describe as the largest budget in county history, marking the first time in more than seven years that the county has finished the budget process with a surplus. The newly…
Community Helps Gwen Soar Through Surgery
A community plea for help has turned into a story of generosity, gratitude, and a successful recovery for one of Nature of Wildworks’ most beloved residents. Earlier this week, the wildlife center announced that Gwen, a peregrine falcon who has…
Madera County Launches New Website for SR 41 Expansion Project
Madera County residents and the thousands of commuters traveling daily on State Route 41 between Avenues 10½ and 15 will now be able to receive Expressway Project updates in real time. Today marks the start of construction, along with the…
“Plant a Seed, Read!” This Summer at the North Fork Library
Summer is officially underway at the North Fork Branch Library, and this year’s Summer Reading Program is encouraging local children and families to grow their imaginations while cultivating a love of reading. The 2026 theme, “Plant a Seed, Read!”, combines…
Hiking Yosemite: Mistakes That Can Ruin the Day
Yosemite is one of those places that can make you feel very smart or very foolish, sometimes on the same hike. Most of us have been there. You forgot extra water. You slept in a little later than planned. You…
Oakhurst Man Convicted of Murdering Wife in 2022 Killing
A Madera County jury has found Oakhurst resident John Alan Kingcade guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 death of his wife, Reetta Lynn Pyburn, bringing a nearly four-year-old homicide case to a close. (Article from August 2022: Homicide Investigation…
Artists Invited to Help Tell the Central Valley’s Story
The history of the Central Valley is often told through photographs, newspaper clippings, and family memories. Now, a new project is inviting artists to tell that story through their own creative lens. As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the…
MYSO Brings Independence Celebration to Oakhurst Once Again
As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate 250 years of American independence, one of the Sierra’s longest-running arts organizations is inviting residents and visitors to mark the occasion with an evening of music under the stars. The Mariposa Yosemite…
Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop Returns June 18
June update for the Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop Art, wine, food, and community come together again on Thursday, June 18, from 5:00–8:00 PM as the Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop returns to locations throughout downtown Oakhurst. A special highlight…
Free Wildfire Safety Presentation by Retired Fire Captain and Fire Marshal
Residents, homeowners, and local businesses in and around the North Fork area are invited to attend a community wildfire preparedness presentation on Saturday, June 27, 2026, featuring retired Fire Captain and Fire Marshal Rich Snyder of Foothill Fire Risk Solutions….
Hiking Yosemite: Yosemite Hikes for Families
One of the biggest misconceptions about Yosemite is that you need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it. While the park is famous for challenging adventures like Half Dome and Clouds Rest, some of Yosemite’s most memorable experiences are…
Focus On Vibrant Health – Do All Cancers Spread?
NORTH FORK – We have been led to believe that every cancer must be cut out, your body poisoned with chemotherapy and other drugs, and/or radiated or it will spread and take over your whole body. That every diagnosis of…
Surfs Up! Madera County Animal Services Hosts Free Super Adoption Aloha Event
Madera County, CA – Say Aloha to one of the biggest free adoption events of the year in Madera County. This Saturday, June 6, between 10 AM and 2 PM, all adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived…
Traffic Delays Next Week on Highways 49, 132, and 140
Motorists traveling through Mariposa County next week should plan for delays as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) conducts a series of construction and maintenance projects on State Routes 49, 132, and 140. According to Caltrans, one-way traffic controls, overnight…
Music, Sunsets and Summer Vibes: Bass Lake Live Returns
As summer settles into the Sierra foothills, one of Bass Lake’s most recognizable seasonal traditions is making its return. Bass Lake Live, the weekly waterfront concert series hosted at The Pines Resort, is back for the summer of 2026, bringing…
Now Playing at Yosemite Cinema June 5th – June 11th
Movie Times for Yosemite Cinema Friday, June 5th through Thursday, June 11th Scary Movie 6 (R) | Comedy | 1 hr 36 min Friday, June 5th – Monday, June 8th | 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm Tuesday, June…
Hiking Yosemite: Know Before You Go — Mist Trail
If Yosemite had a “must-do” hike for first-time visitors seeking waterfalls, granite staircases, dramatic scenery, and bragging rights, the Mist Trail would likely sit near the top of the list. It is also one of the easiest Yosemite hikes to…
Grace Community Church Celebrates 80 Years of Faith and Community in North Fork
Grace Community Church in North Fork will celebrate its 80th anniversary on September 12, 2026. All are welcome, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for details about this joyous and fun-filled community event. As previously described in our SNO…
Chukchansi Gold Blood Drive Helps Save Hundreds of Lives Through Central California Blood Center
COARSEGOLD, CA – June 3, 2026 – Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino continued its legacy of philanthropy by hosting a recent blood drive to support the Central California Blood Center. Approximately 305 team members attended the drive at Chukchansi Gold Resort…
Save the Date: JCF Hospital Foundation Black & White Ball
The John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation invites the community to step behind the mask for an unforgettable evening of glamour, generosity, and celebration at the annual Black and White Ball, returning on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Mariposa County…
Madera County Welcomes New Leadership in Development, Behavioral Health and Public Works
Madera County, CA – Today the Madera County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve the appointment of three key County leadership positions in multiple departments. Jamie Bax will now serve as the County’s Chief of Development Services overseeing Community…
Unofficial Election Results See Bigelow and Barker Squaring Off for District 5 Supervisor
Unofficial results of the California Primary Election show Frank Bigelow and Melanie Barker poised to square off in November for the Fifth District Supervisor. Bigelow currently leads the vote for District 5 with just over 46% of the vote, 22%…
Hiking Yosemite: The Best Times to Enter Yosemite for Hiking
Few things can derail a great Yosemite hiking day faster than sitting in traffic, circling packed parking lots, or arriving at a trailhead already overheated and frustrated. In Yosemite, when you arrive can matter almost as much as where you…
Panel Selects the 2026-2027 Art + Community Grant Recipients.
The Mariposa County Arts Council is proud to announce four grants have been awarded toward project investments for local artists and grassroots organizations. Piloted in spring 2024, the Art + Community grant program, funded by the County of Mariposa, invites…
Forest Service Debuts New Recreation Mobile App
To kick off Great Outdoors Month, the Forest Service is launching a new, single visitor-information mobile app, National Forests and Grasslands, now available for download as visitors plan their summer trips to recreation sites across the National Forest System. For…
Local Business Chukchansi Gold Named Best Casino for 19th Consecutive Year
CHUKCHANSI GOLD NAMED CENTRAL CALIFORNIA’S BEST CASINO FOR 19TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR IN PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS COARSEGOLD, Calif. – June 1, 2026 – For the 19th consecutive year, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino has been named Best Casino in The Fresno…
Music On The Green Returns to Mariposa County Art Park
Music on the Green is back! The Mariposa County Arts Council kicks off the 36th season of the beloved summer concert series this weekend with free live music and family-friendly evenings at the Mariposa County Art Park in downtown Mariposa….
Hiking Yosemite: Best Easy Hikes for Beginners
EDITORS NOTE: Apparently, we need “Publishing for beginners”. We know so many of you were looking forward to this article yesterday, when it was scheduled to be published. Something went wrong. Our sincere apologies, and here it is…the first installment…
Focus On Vibrant Health – Terrain vs. Germ Theory
NORTH FORK, CA – Modern medicine frames health as a battle. Germs invade. The immune system fights back. Doctors intervene with antibiotics and pharmaceuticals to win the war. Terrain theory and those that practice it have a different view. What…
Flip Flops & Fireworks BBQ: 4th of July Fun, Bass Lake Style
A Fourth of July celebration with barbecue, live music, kids’ activities, pets, contests and a waterfront fireworks view is coming to Bass Lake this summer. The annual Flip Flops & Fireworks BBQ will be held Saturday, July 4, from 7…
Traffic Advisory: SR-41 One-Way Traffic Control in Coarsegold
The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces one-way traffic control on State Route 41 starting next Tuesday in Madera County for brush removal and tree trimming operations. The following will take place starting Tuesday, June 2nd, to Thursday, June 4th, from…
Introducing “Hiking Yosemite,” a New Sierra News Online Series
Whether you’re planning your very first walk to a waterfall, searching for a quieter trail away from Yosemite crowds, or dreaming about eventually conquering one of the park’s more challenging adventures, Sierra News Online is launching a new series designed…
UPDATE TO STORY: Snow Forecast Forces Temporary Closure of Tioga Road Tonight
UPDATE FROM YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Tioga Road (continuation of Hwy 120 through the park) will re-open today, May 29, at noon. Visitors planning to cross Yosemite National Park via Tioga Road will need to adjust plans this week as park…
Now Playing at Yosemite Cinema May 29th – June 4th
Movie Times for Yosemite Cinema Friday, May 29th through Thursday, June 4th The Breadwinner (PG) | Comedy | 1 hr 34 min Friday, May 29th – Monday, June 1st | 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm Tuesday, June 2nd &…
Helping One Woman Oakhurst to Honor Rhiana Jones at June Community Dinner
Community members are invited to come together for an evening of generosity, support, and celebration as Helping One Woman (HOW) Oakhurst honors June 2026 recipient Rhiana Jones during its monthly dinner gathering on Tuesday, June 16. The event will take…
Forest Service and Boone and Crockett Club sign memorandum advancing wildlife-based access
The U.S. Forest Service and the Boone and Crockett Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underscoring the importance of sustaining outdoor recreation opportunities with a particular emphasis on public access for hunting, angling, wildlife conservation, habitat stewardship, and conservation…
A New Front in Fire Safety Opens in Oakhurst
In a region where wildfire preparedness is no longer optional but essential, local organizations are coming together to celebrate a major milestone for Eastern Madera County’s future resilience. On Tuesday, June 2, community members, agencies, and wildfire preparedness partners will…
A Roof Raised: OCC Roof Project Becomes Community Triumph
What started as a call for volunteers has turned into something much bigger — a reminder of what can happen when a mountain community rallies around something it loves. Just weeks after volunteers were asked to step forward to help…
Cast a Line Any Time: Yosemite Opens the Door to Year-Round Fishing for Anglers
For anglers across the mountain communities and beyond, there is exciting news coming out of Yosemite National Park: fishing in Yosemite Valley is now officially a year-round opportunity. In an announcement made Tuesday, Yosemite National Park said it is removing…
JCF Hospital Foundation Member Moves to Healthcare District Board with One Other
On May 20, the John C. Fremont Healthcare District Board held a special meeting to fill two vacant positions. They had six applicants and chose Jon Wurl and Rob Fox. Wurl is a long-time Mariposa County resident who was actively…
Snow Forecast Forces Temporary Closure of Tioga Road Tonight
Visitors planning to cross Yosemite National Park via Tioga Road will need to adjust plans this week as park officials announced a temporary closure due to an incoming late-season snowstorm. According to Yosemite National Park, Tioga Road — the continuation…
California Invests $2.4 Million to Prepare Next Generation of Park Leaders Through Career Pathways Program
California State Parks and its nonprofit partner, Parks California, announced more than $2.4 million in grant funding to support paid career training opportunities aimed at preparing the next generation of park and public lands professionals. The funding, awarded through the…
Obituary – Janet “Jan” K. Paquette (Dayhoff)
Janet “Jan” K. Paquette (Dayhoff) was born on April 25,1944 and died peacefully at home, in Oakhurst, CA on April 25, 2026 after her 82nd birthday party. Jan was born in Centralia, Illinois and was pre-deceased by her husband Leo…
One-Way Traffic Control on SR-41 in Coarsegold
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN PLACE ON STATE ROUTE 41, IN MADERA COUNTY, NORTH OF COARSEGOLD, FOR BRUSH REMOVAL AND TREE TRIMMING WORK, NEXT WEEK. The following will occur Wednesday, May 27th, and Thursday, May 28thth, from 9:00 am…
CAL FIRE Suspends Burn Permits in Madera, Mariposa, and Merced Counties
CAL FIRE PRESS RELEASE: With a recent increase in fire activity, higher temperatures, lower fuel moisture, and minimal precipitation in the forecast, the extreme threat of wildfire impacting life, property, or natural resources is observable. “By doing your part and…
The Lives Behind the Freedom: A Memorial Day Reflection
Memorial Day often arrives wrapped in the feeling of summer — a long weekend filled with backyard barbecues, family gatherings, lake days, and the unofficial start of the season. But amid the celebration, it is important to remember what this…
Focus On Vibrant Health – Good Health Starts in Your Gut
NORTH FORK, CA – Your gut health shapes nearly every aspect of how you feel, from digestion to mental clarity. Two aspects of your gastrointestinal (GI) health are key: the GI barrier and the GI microbiome. Understanding both can help you…
County receives $8.7 million in road maintenance funds
The Madera County Board of Supervisors discussed receiving $8.7 million in road maintenance funds next year at their May 19 meeting. Additionally, they heard concerns regarding Highway 41 and increased fire activity and discussed an animal microchip clinic coming to…
Now Playing at Yosemite Cinema May 15th – May 21st
Movie Times for Yosemite Cinema Friday, May 22nd through Thursday, May 28th The Mandalorian and Grogu (PG-13) | Adventure | 2 hr 12 min Friday, May 22nd – Monday, May 25th | 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm Tuesday,…
Oakhurst’s Melanie Barker Honored as 2026 Madera County Woman of Distinction
Oakhurst resident Melanie Barker was honored April 24 as the 2026 Madera County Woman of Distinction during the MY Club Youth Ambassador Award Ceremony, a fitting setting that reflected Barker’s longtime support and involvement with youth mentorship efforts in the…
Volunteers Still Power Our Mountain Communities
In bigger cities, when something breaks, people often assume a government agency, contractor, or large organization will eventually take care of it. In the mountain communities surrounding Yosemite, things have long worked a little differently. Here, when there is a…
5 Lower-Elevation Hikes to Explore Before Summer Heat Arrives in the Yosemite Gateway Region
As warmer temperatures begin settling into California’s foothills and the San Joaquin Valley, mountain communities surrounding Yosemite National Park are entering one of the best hiking windows of the year. Snow is still lingering at higher elevations, waterfalls are flowing…
John C. Fremont Healthcare District Seeks to Fill Two Open Board Positions
On May 13, the JCF Hospital Foundation hosted a John C. Fremont Healthcare District Board Information session. The event was well-attended both in person at the Mariposa County Board Chambers and through Livestreaming online. The Healthcare District currently has two…
The Bryant Family Invites the Community to Celebrate Together
For four decades, Bryant’s Ace Hardware has been more than just a hardware store in the mountain communities — it has been a gathering place, a trusted resource, and a fixture of daily life for generations of residents. Now, the…
All Aboard for Summer Sounds: Sugar Pine Railroad Announces 2026 Jazz Train Series
There are few experiences in the mountain community that combine music, scenery, history, and atmosphere quite like the annual Yosemite Jazz Train series at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Nestled in the Sierra National Forest just north of Oakhurst…
California Tourism Continues to Drive Mountain Communities as Yosemite Gateway Benefits from Strong Travel Economy
As California celebrates California Tourism Month this May, new statewide economic data is reinforcing something many businesses in the Yosemite gateway communities already know firsthand: tourism remains one of the most important economic engines for mountain towns like Oakhurst, Mariposa,…
Forest Service Announces Additional 2026 Fee-Free Day on June 6
The U.S. Forest Service today announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on June 6 in celebration of National Trails Day, providing no-cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands. National Trails Day was established…
Traffic Advisory for District 10: One-Way Traffic Controls Next Week
MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will have traffic controls in place for the following construction and maintenance activities on State Route 49 (SR-49), SR-132, & SR-140 in Mariposa County next week. Work is scheduled to occur…
Focus On Vibrant Health – Beyond Calories: A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
NORTH FORK, CA – You may feel discouraged when it comes to losing weight and maintaining it, but you actually have a great deal of control over the factors that lead to success. The lifestyle choices that have been discussed in…
New Executive Director Appointed for Oakhurst Chamber
OAKHURST — The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of David Cervantes as its new Executive Director. In this role, Cervantes will lead efforts to strengthen economic vitality and support small businesses throughout the mountain communities of…
Now Playing at Yosemite Cinema May 15th – May 21st
Movie Times for Yosemite Cinema Friday, May 15th through Monday, May 18th *Friendly reminder that Yosemite Cinema will take a brief pause for maintenance and deep cleaning May 19 – 21, and reopening Friday, May 22* In The Grey (R)…
County approves nearly $1 million North Fork road expansion
The Madera County Board of Supervisors approved a $887,212.85 contract for the “Road 225 Bike, Pedestrian, and Transit Improvement Project.” The project will add 1,350 feet of new sidewalks, bike paths, wheelchair ramps and a new transit stop with a…
Summer in Yosemite: Roads, Trails, & Campgrounds Reopen
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome visitors for the peak summer season with expanded access across the park, including the reopening of popular trails, climbing areas, and full campground availability. Campgrounds, Trails & High Country…
Sierra Nevada Leaders Turn Dialogue Into Action at Annual Sierra Day at the Capitol
TRUCKEE, CA – On April 28, Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Nevada Alliance convened a contingent of more than 40 regional leaders, local elected officials, state policymakers, and in Sacramento for Sierra Day at the Capitol, an annual advocacy event…
Riding for a Reason: Annual Bike Blessing Fuels Support for Helping Hands
The roar of motorcycles will once again echo through Oakhurst as the 19th Annual Bike Blessing and Benefit Run rolls into town on Saturday, June 6, bringing together riders, families, churches, and community supporters for a day centered on fellowship…
Matt Wilkinson Named YHS and Educational Options Assistant Principal
Matt Wilkinson will serve as the next assistant principal of Yosemite High School and the Educational Options program. Wilkinson brings nearly 15 years of experience in education, including classroom instruction, instructional coaching, and curriculum and systems support. He currently serves…
New Funding Available to Help Communities Strengthen Wildfire Resilience
As California recognizes Wildfire Preparedness Week and as announced by Gavin Newsom, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is advancing the state’s ongoing Wildfire and Forest Resilience efforts by announcing the availability of up to $70…
Music and Ramen on the Green, a Mariposa Fundraiser
The Mariposa County Arts Council invites the community to join an evening of art, food, wine, and connection at Ramen on the Green, a fundraiser in support of the 2026 Music on the Green concert series. Taking place on Friday,…
Obituary – Julie A. Mitchell
Julie A. Mitchell, a longtime resident of Davis, California for the past nine years, peacefully passed away in her home on April 12, 2026, surrounded by the ones she loved most. Born on November 30, 1948, in Oakland, California, Julie…
Fire, Fuel, and the Future: Hands-On Solutions for our Mountain Communities
As wildfire season approaches, a growing local effort is working to shift the conversation from reaction to preparation. The Yosemite Gateway Prescribed Burn Cooperative (YGPBC) is rolling out a series of events and educational opportunities aimed at helping residents across…
Ray McPadden Assumes Role as Superintendent of Yosemite National Park
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA — National Park Service officials formally welcomed Ray McPadden as superintendent of Yosemite National Park during an assumption of responsibility ceremony held in Yosemite Valley Thursday April 23. McPadden began serving as superintendent in spring 2025 and…
Heroes for Freedom Hosts Successful Inaugural Event at Bass Lake, Raising Nearly $32,000 for Veterans
BASS LAKE, CA – Heroes for Freedom proudly hosted its inaugural fishing tournament at Bass Lake (Miller’s Landing), bringing together veterans, volunteers, and community supporters for a meaningful day on the water that combined recreation, camaraderie, and impact. The event…
Yosemite Among Most Photographed Parks in America, Highlighting Sierra’s Enduring Appeal
A recent study conducted by Popsa.com is reinforcing what locals and visitors in the Sierra already know: few places capture the imagination—and the camera lens—quite like Yosemite National Park. According to a recent analysis of travel photo data, Yosemite ranks…
Focus On Vibrant Health – GLP-1 Drugs and The Hijacking of Your Body
NORTH FORK, CA – Medications known as GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and more have become increasingly popular for weight loss and blood sugar control. They are thought to mimic a naturally occurring hormone that has many functions in…
UPDATE: Raise the Roof, Oakhurst: Volunteers Needed to Restore Community Hub
Update to the original story: More information for those interested in helping. Organizers have asked that Sierra News Online gets a little more information out to the community. It was originally stated that the work would begin on Sunday, the…
Now Playing at Yosemite Cinema May 8th – May 14th
Movie Times for Yosemite Cinema Friday, May 8th through Thursday, May 14th Mortal Kombat II (R) | Action | 1 hr 56 min Friday, May 8th – Monday, May 11th | 12:20 pm, 3:20 pm, 6:20 pm Tuesday, May 12th…
Madera County Celebrates the Life & Service of Supervisor Max Rodriguez
MADERA, CA – Family, friends and colleagues gathered Wednesday morning for a celebration of life honoring the late Supervisor Max Rodriguez. Born November 3, 1939, Max peacefully passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 86. His commitment…
County eyes High-Speed Rail Site, improved Health Services
The Madera County Board of Supervisors considered supporting the County as the site for a proposed California High-Speed Rail project maintenance facility. The County also approved the application for a $1 million grant to improve public health services. During their…
Our Backyard, Our Balance: Sierra National Forest Is Still the ‘Land of Many Uses’
For those of us who live in the mountain communities surrounding the Sierra National Forest, the forest isn’t just a destination—it’s part of daily life. It’s where we hike, fish, work, and find a sense of place. It’s also where…
Outsmart the Traffic Into Yosemite – Regional Transit is a Win with YARTS
As another busy summer takes shape in Yosemite National Park, the familiar challenges are returning right along with it—long entrance lines, crowded parking lots, and heavy traffic stretching well beyond the park’s gates into surrounding mountain communities. But there’s a…
Major Injury Crash – SR-41 south of Mecca Lane in Coarsegold
On May 6, 2026, at approximately 3:57 a.m., CHP Oakhurst officers responded to a traffic collision involving two vehicles and a horse on State Route 41, south of Mecca Lane (south of Coarsegold). Upon arrival and during the investigation, it…
Yosemite Half Marathon Returns to the Beautiful Bass Lake
The Yosemite Half Marathon is set to return to Bass Lake on Saturday, May 9, drawing hundreds of runners — and their families — into the mountain community for what has become one of the region’s most recognizable destination races….
Four Candidates, One Seat: District 5 Race Takes Center Stage in Oakhurst
Voters in the Madera County mountain communities got a closer look at the candidates vying for the District 5 Supervisor seat during a well-attended forum Tuesday night at the Oakhurst Community Center. Hosted by the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce,…
Sierra Tel Issues Public Notice Emphasizing Telephone Service as a Critical Safety Resource
Residents and businesses across eastern Madera and Mariposa counties are being reminded of the importance of reliable telephone service—not just for convenience, but for safety—following a recent public notice from Sierra Telephone Company. The June 2026 notice serves as a…
Grace Community Church Reflects on 80 Years of Faith, Service, and Community in North Fork
As you may have read in last month’s story on Grace Community Church, a small but dedicated group of North Fork residents came together in the fall of 1946 to establish what would become a lasting cornerstone of the community….
‘Raven and Pines’ brings books and community to Oakhurst
The mountain area has a brand new bookstore – and the first one in seven years. Run by mother-daughter duo Cherri and Jessica Lol, Raven and Pines Bookstore opened in Oakhurst on Saturday, April 25. The store welcomes everyone, from…
Focus On Vibrant Health – Why is Obesity a Problem?
NORTH FORK, CA – Weight loss is the biggest topic in the public health space today. A person’s weight is very visible to everyone, it is very emotional, and it is closely tied to identity and self-image. It is well…
CHP Oakhurst Reported a Fatal Solo Vehicle Crash on Road 274 This Morning
On May 1, 2026, at approximately 3:46 a.m., CHP Oakhurst officers responded to a call of a solo vehicle rollover crash on Road 274 at Fawn Point Lane in Bass Lake, CA. The driver, a 72-year-old male from Clovis, CA,…