Two Park fires smolder on



Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 – 11:30 a.m. – At least two of Yosemite’s lightning-sparked fires remain active following last weekend’s light rainfall, Park officials report.The most active is the Cathedral Fire, which is still producing visible smoke, Park Fire Education and Information Manager Gary Wuchner said.The Meadow Fire, which made headlines last month when it forced helicopter evacuations from Half […]

Officials order killing of hungry dump bears




Three bears that plowed through an electrified barrier to feast on garbage have paid the ultimate price, county landfill and state wildlife officials report. An electric fence installed at the dump several years ago had halted bad-bear activity, landfill Operations Supervisor Calvin Jones said last week. That was before this state’s extreme drought—which may have created a famine for the […]

Town to get several key fuel breaks




Thanks to a grant and the cooperation of multiple agencies, Mariposa will soon create several fuel breaks designed to improve the town’s fire defenses. One, named for Pioneer Market’s Dubberke family, will straddle the ridge that overlooks the east side of town. Funded by a time-sensitive PG&E grant, the break is due to be completed by Halloween. The grant’s total […]

YARTS hits 1 million, but wants more riders

SUBSIDIZED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION


YARTS, the publicly-funded bus service that gives visitors and commuters an alternative to their own vehicles, hit a milestone this summer. Last month the service, officially the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, celebrated its one millionth rider. Chosen for the honor was county resident Julia Parker, the long-serving Indian Cultural Demonstrator who has riden YARTS since it debuted in 2000. […]

MCCA Home & Garden Show is this Saturday



The Mariposa County Contractors’ Association Outdoor Home and Garden Show takes place this Saturday at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. The 25th-annual event starts at 9 a.m. and runs to 3 p.m. It will be held in conjunction with the Mariposa Friends of the Fairgrounds Foundation’s annual flea market, which begins at 8 a.m. The family-friendly event is offered with no […]

Rain brings cooler weather but no end to local fire season




Last weekend’s rain was a welcome respite from hot temperatures, but it did little to reduce fire danger in the foothills. Mariposa received 1.12 inches of rain during the storm that pelted the town Saturday evening and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford. Coulterville received 1.4 inches of rain, which was the highest storm amount recorded across […]

Audubon program features author Ross



The Yosemite Area Audubon Society will start its 2014-15 program season with a presentation by Yosemite author and naturalist Michael Elsohn Ross on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Mariposa Methodist Church parish hall in Mariposa. Ross’ newest book for young adults, “A World of Her Own: 24 Amazing Women Explorers and Adventurers,” will be the subject of […]

Sheriff’s Daily Dispatch Log



Sept. 22 • A bat was in a classroom at Woodland Elementary School. • A vandalism report was taken on Schoolhouse Road. • A report of threats was received from Yaqui Gulch Road. • Possession of marijuana was reported from Woodland Elementary School. • A bear versus vehicle incident was reported from Triangle Road. Sept. 23: • Petty theft was […]

Big weekend is ahead in Hornitos



The Hornitos 4-H Club is hosting a barbecue tri-tip fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the park in Hornitos. Dinner will be barbecued tri-tip, beans, salad, bread and dessert. Cost for adults is $10 and $5 for children under the age of eight. On Sunday, Oct. 5, the 28th annual Hornitos Flea Market will start […]

County Fire Response Report



Sept. 22 to Sept. 28 EMS – 7 Fire – 0 Structure, 0 Vegetation Public Assist – 6 Auto Collision – 5 We are starting to feel that chill in the air and people are starting to turn to their wood stoves and fireplaces for comfort. Please make sure that prior to the start of every heating season you have […]