YOSEMITE – Yosemite Conservancy has named Adonia Ripple, a dedicated conservationist whose career protecting and improving wildlands began nearly two decades ago in the park, as its new General Manager of Yosemite Operations. “Adonia has experience in land conservation, nonprofit operations and fundraising that is ideal for the position,” said Yosemite Conservancy President Mike Tollefson. “She has a unique ability ...

MADERA COUNTY – District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler will once again hold a series of Town Hall meetings throughout Eastern Madera County in 2014 has announced the schedule for the coming year. Wheeler hosts these meetings to discuss the current issues faced by the County and its citizens, and encourages residents to take this opportunity to share their concerns and ...

MADERA COUNTY – In what is called “the Passing of Colors,” newly elected Sheriff Jay Varney and outgoing Sheriff John Anderson together gave a command performance outside the Madera County Sheriff’s Office yesterday. This long-standing military tradition was shared with hundreds of citizens looking on, and was bittersweet for the team of sworn personnel at the Sheriff’s Office, who are ...

Submitted by Brittany Dyer AHWAHNEE – Residents of Eastern Madera County have been anxiously awaiting the opening of what is sure to be a favorite destination for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and families looking for the perfect place to picnic and recreate. Now, the opening of the Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park is just around the corner. Just how much time, ...

SACRAMENTO — This New Year’s Day 2014, California State Parks will commemorate their 150th Anniversary with several First Day Hikes planned across the state. On Wednesday Jan. 1, 2014, 31 state parks will offer 38 different hikes, including hikes in the redwoods, the deserts and along the coast and beaches, as well as a paddle hike, and other activities.

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park reopened to visitors tonight, Oct. 16. Visitors can access public areas and roads immediately, while facilities and other public services are being brought back on-line, according to Yosemite spokesperson Scott Gediman. Yosemite National Park has been closed since Oct. 1, due to the government shutdown.

YOSEMITE – Tioga Road has reopened in Yosemite National Park, and through traffic can now access the Eastern Sierra, though the park and its services are still closed. Motorists are advised to expect delays in the Wawona Tunnel as work crews complete safety improvements.

-Submitted by Mike Gauthier Dear Yosemite Community, The winter weather advisory for the Sierra Mountains above 6,000 feet continues until Thursday morning. Snow accumulations between 2-5 inches and increased winds are predicted. The bulk of the precipitation will occur tonight. The Tioga Pass road from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass remains closed because of compact snow and ice. NPS work ...

MADERA COUNTY – You probably never give much thought to ambulances – that is until you need one, or see one go screaming by and wonder where it might be headed. Fortunately, the folks at Sierra Ambulance give a great deal of thought and attention to making sure their vehicles are always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

OAKHURST — It was hard to tell exactly how many people poured into Oahurst Community Park on Thursday, Sept. 19 in the early evening, mostly because half of the population was pint-sized, running busily to and fro. Still, bystanders estimated a crowd of 100 – 150 people had gathered on a school night to hang out in the park and ...