COARSEGOLD — An accident on Road 415 today ended with the driver leaving the scene in search of a cell signal, his dog left alone in the vehicle, and a charge of DUI. At about 4 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 7, Warren Michael Smith, 25, of Oakhurst, was westbound on Road 415 in a Chevy SUV, headed through the tight ...

Written by Gina Clugston — YOSEMITE — People are mad. They’re upset about the name changes in Yosemite, they’re writing angry letters to Delaware North and threatening boycotts of the Tenaya Lodge, a Delaware North property in Fish Camp. The resort’s several hundred employees don’t have a dog in this fight, but must suffer the very vocal condemnation of the ...

CHEF GRANDMA Mardi Gras ended weeks ago. The Carnival that was, is no more. Gone is the feasting… but not the fasting. Days of celebrations and merriment have faded into the solemn and somber days of Lent. Some people give up pleasures during these 40 days as a fasting sacrifice. As a child in Kansas City in the 1940’s, I ...

Written by Len McKenzie — The charismatic Great Gray Owl, an iconic species in Yosemite National Park, is the largest owl in the world by length, and for most birders seeing one is a breathtaking experience. With a wingspan that can exceed five feet, these majestic, nocturnal birds of prey typically perch in trees on the edges of meadows at ...

YOSEMITE — While today marked the first day of Aramark’s takeover as concessioner in Yosemite National Park, the dispute over the historic names of several iconic properties continues. But as that issue works its way through the legal process, for many long-time employees it was a sad day and the end of an era. “Badger Pass had a quiet day ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park will have a new primary concessioner tomorrow, Mar. 1. Yosemite Hospitality LLC begins its 15-year contract to provide lodging, retail, recreational services, and food to over four million annual visitors to Yosemite. Yosemite Hospitality LLC was selected to be the park’s new primary concessioner in June 2015, following a competitive bid process. “This is a ...

MADERA COUNTY — Yes, Madera County does have public transportation, with several options available. MCC and YARTS serve the general traveling public, and there’s also a Senior Bus, and an Escort Service for doctor’s appointments. Your car may be in the shop, you may not want to drive during bad weather, you may not have reliable transportation, or you may ...

NORTH FORK — Sometimes one meets the most remarkable people in the most tragic of situations. That was the case today when a long-time North Fork resident lost the home she had lived in for over 30 years on Road 226 (Old Town Road). Sarah Swiecki, known to everyone as Sally, was sitting in her living room watching television just ...

02/26/2016 @ 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm - Tri-Tip Dinner "to-go" in the student parking lot at Yosemite High School. Perfect for a Friday night, you can pick up a delicious bbq tri-tip meal with a fresh salad, awesome beans and a dinner roll for just $10 per person, and all proceeds help the YHS Softball team, many of whom are pictured here [...]

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Sunday, Feb. 14 to Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016: Oakhurst vandalism On Sunday, Feb. 14 at 1:03 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to a vandalism in the 48000 block of River Park Road. An investigation was completed and it was determined that a suspect ...