Park also Honors Galen Clark, the First Guardian of Yosemite YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park has restored the Yosemite Cemetery through a grant from Yosemite Conservancy. To commemorate the restoration, Yosemite National Park and California State Parks will conduct a dedication ceremony. The ceremony will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Galen Clark, the first Guardian of ...

COARSEGOLD – A 14-year-old Coarsegold youth is back behind bars booked on burglary and drug charges. Sheriff John Anderson says this juvenile was one of three teenagers arrested last month for vandalizing the Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse, and setting stolen property on fire in the densely populated area of Coarsegold. The juvenile, whose name cannot be released due to his ...

YOSEMITE – NatureBridge, the largest residential environmental education partner of the National Park Service, opened registration for the Summer Field Research Course at its Yosemite campus. This two-week immersive backcountry expedition will give participants the opportunity to conduct rigorous field science investigations in one of the most iconic national parks in the country.

OAKHURST – The 6th annual “Nite on the Town” fundraiser and performance extravaganza benefiting Yosemite High School (YHS) “Badger” Music Department is set for Saturday night, Mar. 1. Billed as an evening of “talent, dessert and great fun,” the gala event takes place from 7 – 9 p.m. in the YHS gymnasium. “Nite on the Town is a gathering of ...

MADERA COUNTY – Jay Varney, 53, has been the Chief of Police for the City of Chowchilla since 2004, and hopes to become the next Sheriff of Madera County. Varney has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, including over 18 years in leadership positions at the sergeant, lieutenant, and chief of police levels. In his current position, Varney oversees ...

YOSEMITE – Golfing and horseback riding in Wawona and skating in Curry Village will remain a part of the Yosemite experience, according to the latest news release from Yosemite National Park. On Friday, Feb. 14, the Park announced the release of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): “This plan will protect ...

MADERA COUNTY – The lack of snow and the cost of insurance for a very short season has forced the cancellation of this year’s Mountain Area Ski School (MASS) program. “It is with great displeasure that we announce that the MASS season of 2014 will have to be cancelled,” said organizer Matt Casey in an email to volunteers. Casey says ...

YOSEMITE – The first Youth in Yosemite Short Film Contest has announced its winners for 2014. “We received a wide array of entries celebrating Yosemite from many different perspectives and through unique film styles,” say organizers. “Judging is always exciting and of course, a very difficult task, and we thank everyone who participated as a judge and honor all of ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park Ranger Aaron Smith received the Pacific West Region Harry Yount Award, given annually for excellence in “rangering.” Smith was recognized for his overall impact, record of accomplishments, and excellence in traditional ranger duties. He will be considered, along with six other National Park Service regional award winners, for the National Harry Yount Award.

COARSEGOLD – Kidney donor Eric Wynne and his family were stunned by the turnout on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Coarsegold Community Center, when over 400 people came out to support him, his wife Tina and their family. The event was called Fiesta for a Future, and community members are determined to ensure a healthy future for Sheila Moreno, who ...