We were very curious what those fall colors were up to in Yosemite Valley, so we took a little drive to see how they were shaping up. It was also worth taking that little hike to explore along the Merced River where we were rewarded with gorgeous reflections in the river. Parking at the Ahwahnee Hotel, we hiked up the ...

OAKHURST – Just in time for holiday decorating and gift-giving, the Madera County Master Gardeners will host a Wreath Workshop at the Oakhurst Library on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hands-on workshop will be presented by Master Gardener Linda Sloan and participants will make a wreath to take home. Due to limited space and time, ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite Conservancy announced today that it is accepting online reservation lottery forms for the 2014-2015 season at historic Ostrander Ski Hut, the cherished rustic stone cabin used by experienced cross-country skiers who make the strenuous 10-mile journey from Badger Pass Ski Area to Ostrander Lake in Yosemite National Park.

YOSEMITE – The men and women at Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) ask that visitors to Yosemite National Park take extra care to avoid becoming someone who needs to be rescued. On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a cell phone call from a hiker on the Yosemite Falls Trail requesting help for a member of the ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite Gateway Partners is hosting the first Yosemite Sustainability Conference in Yosemite National Park Dec. 8-10. The conference is a three-day learning and networking forum dedicated to helping local and state businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations transition to economic, environmental, and social sustainability through best practices.

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Conservancy and The Ansel Adams Gallery once again sponsored a Gateway Expressions Student Art and Poetry Contest in September. The park received a record 230 submissions from local community schools. Artwork was divided into categories and winning pieces were selected by park staff and park partners. The result is a terrific show that’s open ...

COARSEGOLD – The volunteer firefighters at Station 10 in Yosemite Lakes Park honored their own and pinned four new recruits at a ceremony and open house on Saturday, Oct. 18. New firefighters Christian Cramblett, Alex Long, Jared Smith and Joey Hoetker have completed their training and join the ranks at Station 10, increasing the number of volunteers to 14, ready ...

A recent letter, regarding the two candidates for Madera County Sheriff, Chief Jay Varney and Undersheriff Michael Salvador, warrants some clarification. The letter states: “Mr. Varney lacks the experience needed in managing a large department.” While serving as Chief of Police of the City of Chowchilla, Chief Varney also served as Acting City Administrator for approximately 2 years and recently ...

NIPINNAWASEE – For two years now, with ninety stories and counting, outdoor enthusiast Candace Gregory has been deftly guiding SNO readers through the Sierra and beyond, writing about her escapades as she hikes, fishes and meanders with trusty canine companion, Sally. The author likes to think of her work as “an exploration in progress.”

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park is proposing to increase entrance fees into the park. The single vehicle entrance fee would change from $20 to $30 for a seven day pass. The park’s annual pass would increase from $40 to $60. The current rate of $10 per individual or motorcycle would increase to $15 for an individual and $25 per motorcycle. ...