MARIPOSA — Lovely Film’s documentary on the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) Our Nation’s Nature tour is now available for free viewing online. Our Nation’s Nature is an evening-length symphonic cycle of orchestral works composed by MSO Founder/Conductor Les Marsden. The project was awarded a major grant by the California Arts Council to help fund the orchestra’s seven-concert tour of the ...

We headed over to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park for a hike on a trail that had been blasted into granite slab with a sheer dropoff and amazing views. As we hiked up to 4 lakes, we were happy to see colorful wildflowers along the trail. Where: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Distance: 12.94 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — As hunting season begins, the Forest Service prepares for the arrival of hunters from all over California. Archery season for deer begins Aug. 20 and will run until Sept. 11. General hunting season begins Sept. 17 and ends Oct. 30. For more information regarding hunting please visit https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/. Currently the Sierra National Forest has fire restrictions ...

Written by Maureen Walling — MADERA COUNTY — When disaster strikes, be it fire, accident or a medical emergency, we all count on our firefighters to be there in minutes to render aid. But what happens if the nearest fire station has no one available to respond? What if the station in your area is closed because there are no ...

NORTH FORK — Hundreds turned out last Saturday to hear live music, enjoy food and merchandise from seven vendors, and “oooh and aaah” over the gorgeous classic cars lining main street in North Fork during Hot August Night Classic Car Show and Street Party. Willow Creek Catering and Nancy’s Tacos served up delicious fare, and there was kettle corn and ...

CALIFORNIA — Over 8,800 firefighters are currently battling 8 large wildfires across California, according to Cal Fire. While yesterday’s high temperatures allowed several of the fires to grow in size, firefighters were able to contain three of the active wildfires that burned this weekend. Two Strike Teams of engines (5 per team) and one team of dozers (2 per team) ...

When you get on top of Dana Plateau, you are right on the edge of the crest with a sharp drop off and killer views into the Mono Lake area. The hike up to the top is always different and this time we were treated to colorful wildflowers, a marmot and strange winged creatures. Where: Ansel Adams Wilderness Area, Inyo ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park will celebrate the Centennial, 100 years of the National Park Service, on Aug. 25. In honor of this historic milestone, park entrance fees will be waived Thursday, Aug. 25, through Sunday, Aug. 28. Camping fees and all other fees will still be applicable. The park will host many special Centennial programs throughout the park during ...

BASS LAKE — District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler will be hosting the next in his series of Town Hall meetings at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 6-8 p.m. On the agenda will be an update from the Sierra National Forest, and a presentation by Anne Melrose, Board Member of the Coarsegold Resource Conservation District. ...

When a firefighter gets an assignment, he or she often leaves behind a family who keeps the home fires burning in a good way. Such is the case with Erin and Michael Capuchino of Oakhurst. Both in their thirties, Erin and Michael have been married since 2002; for the last three years, Michael has been a wildland firefighter. The Capuchinos have three ...