To the Editor: Commonly, under the PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), through a payroll deduction, employee’s pay 100% or less of the contribution required, and the employer (the taxpayers) may pay a share or percentage of the contribution required. Pursuant to Madera County Resolution 2016-257, Dated August 20, 2016, Madera County taxpayers will pay the full amount of the contribution ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — A winter storm warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon National Park, and the Tulare and Kings County mountains, from 4 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, until 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3. The warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for areas above 6,000 feet, for heavy snowfall. Heavy snow ...

YOSEMITE — Rockfall activity in 2016 was slightly lower than in previous years, with 58 documented events (rockfalls and rockslides) and a cumulative volume of about 5,000 cubic meters (roughly 15,000 tons). Nevertheless, many of these rockfalls were consequential, impacting park infrastructure and affecting park visitors, employees, and residents. The year got off to a quick start with a rockfall ...

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa Biomass Project (MBP) has achieved several milestones toward its goal of building a 2 Megawatt biomass facility in the town of Mariposa. On Jan. 12, the MBP closed escrow on two parcels in the Mariposa Industrial Park, marking the final requirement to qualify for Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) funding. The project is aimed at creating ...

The most snow that we had seen in a long time had dumped in Yosemite National Park and I couldn’t wait to get over there to some high point where I could look out at those white covered high mountains. We snowshoed our way over to Dewey Point to check it out. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 7.24 Miles Difficulty: ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017: Raymond public intoxication On Monday,  Jan. 16 at 8:31 a.m., a deputy was dispatched to the 33000 block of Road 613 regarding a intoxicated female. A report was taken and the case was closed. Oakhurst ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — A winter storm warning is now in effect for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon National Park, and the Tulare and Kings County mountains, until 8 p.m. this evening. The warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for areas above 3,000 feet, but heavy snow is falling at lower elevations, causing accidents and ...

If you don’t like heights or walking on a narrow metal grid on top of a flume as it crosses over deep draws, this hike probably is not for you. Where: Sierra National Forest, Brown’s Ditch is owned and operated by PG&E Distance: 4.89 Miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Elevation Range: 3,439′ – 3,780′ Date: December 29, 2016 Maps: Ahwahnee ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Recent storms have brought much needed rain and snow to the Sierra Nevada in the last few weeks, but the result has been damage to some Forest roads. These storms have also created a significant amount of runoff, swelling rivers and creeks beyond their capacity in many locations. With the ground already saturated, road travel requires ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – Anyone taking to the mountain highways over the weekend should avoid any unwanted delays by making sure there are traction devices in their vehicle. Chain control is now in place on Highway 41 from three miles north of Coarsegold (the bottom of Deadwood) to Yosemite National Park (R2 – see below). The location could change as conditions warrant. ...