Doctor offers hantavirus answers to counter Yosemite outbreak fears



The outbreak of hantavirus illness that has killed two and sickened four more visitors to Mariposa County this summer is being relayed by news reports around the world this week.Lost in these sometimes sensational reports are the facts on what hantavirus is and what risks it poses. In an informational video produced by UC San Francisco, Dr. Charles Chiu offers […]

Schools, students and teachers make it through the first week




Mariposa County kids are back in school, and many sites are bursting at the seams. The Mariposa County Unified School District (MCUSD) is now operating three fewer schools than it was three years ago. “Our first week of school has gone quite well,” said MCUSD Superintendent Aaron Rosander. Although enrollment numbers are unexpectedly large in a couple of grade levels […]

All signs point to a great Mariposa County Fair

Forecast: Fair for the weekend


The weather forecast for the coming weekend is just one of the positive signs for the 2012 Mariposa County Fair. When the annual event opens on Friday, sunny skies and warm– but not too hot– temperatures are expected. Nice weather will provide a comfortable atmosphere for the fair. Officials, staff, volunteers and the community are ready for the weekend long […]

Parade honors Willey & Kinard



The 2012 Labor Day Parade honors two Mariposa men who have made substantial contributions to the community. The parade takes place, Saturday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. in downtown Mariposa. The parade is dedicated to the memory of Tom Kinard. Ron Willey, long-time owner of the Pizza Factory and community supporter, is the grand marshal. Kinard, who died in an […]

VISITORS ALERTED

Second Yosemite death prompts Park response


A second Yosemite visitor who stayed at Curry Village in June has succumbed to the deadly hantavirus, Park and state health officials said this week. The report brings the total number of visitors known to have contracted the virus in the Park to three. A fourth case connected to the Park is “probable,” officials said. Health officials believe all those […]

Ag shows positive change




While many sectors of the local economy have been struggling, the agriculture industry appears to have gained some ground in 2011. Agricultural Commissioner Cathi Boze presented the report that shows the growth to the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors earlier this month. “2011 was a year of positive change for Mariposa County agriculture,” Boze said in her report. “It set […]

County budget process begins




The budget hearings have begun for Mariposa County’s 2012-13 financial plan. The board of supervisors opened the session on Monday night to a much smaller audience than last year. Just a few people made comments at the evening meeting. Last year, the chambers were packed to standing room only capacity. The difference in the two budget cycles appears to be […]

ELECTION 2012

Residents snowed under by political donation requests


Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, Mariposa voters are fed up with mail and phone calls seeking political contributions. On Monday, James Cox of Coulterville wrote candidate Mitt Romney a $150 check. Like others interviewed for this article, Cox said he was snowed under by requests and was becoming jaded over the presidential election. “Are you kidding?,” he said this […]

Barrington keeps rodeo queen title



The Mariposa County Fair Board, along with the Mariposa Mountain Riders and queen coordinators have announced that on Aug. 18 at the Mariposa County Fair Saddle Mount and Gymkhana Show, Jocelynn Barrington resumed her title as Miss Mariposa County Fair Rodeo Queen for 2012-2013. Barrington will be attending college at Fresno State in the fall and is excited about continuing […]

Sheriff’s Daily Dispatch Log



Aug. 20: Illegal dumping was reported at the fairgrounds. •There was a landlord/tenant dispute onPenon Blanco Way. •Grand theft was reported onCoakley Circle.Aug. 21: •There was a loose mare on TriangleRoad. •Dispatch took a petty theft report on DexterRoad. •A silent duress alarm was sounding on Highway 140. •A man was down on Highway 49 at Harris Road.Aug. 22: •Trespassing […]