Gone

Blaze devastates the community, businesses


Just after 8:30 p.m. last Friday night, customers at the packed Pizza Factory filed out quickly and a small amount of smoke seemed to be coming from the building. It was an orderly and almost jovial evacuation. Most thought they would be going back in moments later to finish dinner. They couldn’t have been more wrong. In the ensuing halfhour, […]

Devastating fires often erupt in historic towns




The fire erupted from an unknown source and quickly spread, destroying multiple structures despite the best efforts of several dozen firefighters. The above scenario played out last week— in historic Prescott, Ariz. Three days before Mariposa’s Friday disaster, an eerily similar chain of events unfolded 600 miles to the east. Photos of the Arizona blaze “showed billowing smoke and fire […]

Hope rises from the ashes




It has been less than a week since the devastating fire swallowed up an entire block in downtown Mariposa, but those seven businesses affected are already looking on the bright side. Case in point: on Tuesday morning, Pony Expresso was selling coffee from the owner’s vehicle at the corner of Fifth Street and Highway 140. Balloons adorned the fence that […]

Mom recounts evening of fear last September



A local woman this week relived a terrorfilled evening last September when she feared for her and her daughter’s life after being confronted by a masked gunman and his accomplice. The incident took place on Sept. 30, 2011, on Bear Valley Road near Hornitos. Investigators have speculated that the confrontation was related to a marijuana grow operation located in Bear […]

Weekend events go on



In spite of the recent tragedies in Mariposa County, this weekend’s planned activities will go on. The Mariposa Relay for Life and Coulterville’s Coyote Howl are set for Saturday. The 27th annual Coyote Howl kicks-off with a parade at 10 a.m. From the conclusion of the parade until late afternoon, Coulterville’s Keith Keenom and his Mountain Fever Band will perform. […]

Kids can ‘Learn to Fly’ at Saturday’s airport event



Young people between the ages of 8 and 18 can experience free airplane rides this Saturday at the county’s Mariposa-Yosemite Airport. All local residents and visitors are invited to participate as Chapter 1261 of the Experimental Aircraft Association hosts an International Learn To Fly Day event. International Learn to Fly Day was created to invite people interested in the world […]

JCF says goodbye to 62 years of service



Jean Kiser, RN, acute nursing, and Gerry Roesbery, manager medical staff, two long time JCF employees recently retired. How long is long? Kiser worked at JCF for 31 and a half years, and Roesbery for 31 years. The hospital board of directors presented each of them with resolutions written in their honor, at the April board meeting. The resolutions praised […]

Sorority honors Woman of the Year



Joining with all seven Merced Area Council chapters to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Beta Sigma Phi, the sorority surprised Barbara Peters by naming her its Woman of the Year for 2011. About 65 members attended the annual Founder’s Day luncheon held at the Branding Iron in Merced. Sorority sisters vote each month to select that singular woman who best […]

Sheriff’s Daily Dispatch Log



May 7: •A theft was reported on Hite’s Cove Road. •One person was arrested following a domestic dispute on Old Highway. •Someone could hear cries for help on Indian Peak Road. •A vicious dog was on Highway 140. May 8: •A shoplifting report came in from Coakley Circle. •There was an injured cat on Highway 49 North. •Grand theft was […]

County Fire Response Report



May 7 through May 13 EMS – 9 Fire – 4 Public assist – 1 Auto collision – 3 Spotlight Event of the Week: On Sunday, May 13, drowning at Dawn Lake in Lushmeadows area. Company #29 Lushmeadows, Company #37 Bootjack, Mariposa SO and Mercy Ambulance responded. As the weather continues to get hotter, water-centered activities will become more common. […]