Two area fatalities prompt temporary halt to tree falling

After two-week stoppage, PG&E resumed work on May 1

The recent deaths of two workers falling trees in the region resulted in a temporary halt of a major tree removal program. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), which is falling trees throughout the region, stopped its program for 15 days while officials reviewed safety procedures. “The safety of the community and our workers is our top priority,” said Denny Boyles, […]

Swank deal in works



A woman who is accused of embezzling nearly $1 million is now in negotiations with the district attorney’s office for a possible plea deal. Melissa Swank, 45, faces 87 felony counts and is alleged to have stolen nearly $1 million while employed at Foster Ace Hardware in Mariposa. Swank’s lawyer, Eugene Action, and the district attorney’s office are reportedly negotiating […]

Butterfly Festival weekend arrives



The annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival is all set for this weekend. The event kicks off Friday with the “Taste of Mariposa” at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. For $5, attendees can taste food from various restaurants in Mariposa. This year, the event will feature a no-host bar. There are also many raffle prizes up for grabs, including lodging stays in Yosemite […]

Skimmer stings local residents for thousands, probe continues



Pulling out plastic to pay for vehicle fuel is proving to be a risky transaction in Mariposa County. Last Wednesday a Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of possible credit card fraud. The subsequent investigation unveiled at least three local residents, possibly many more and an untold number of tourists, had almost $15,000 drained from their debit […]

No horsin’ around

Hollywood movie could be in works for area legend

Sea Biscuit. Secretariat. Free Willy. The Black Stallion. Benji. Satan? Everyone loves a good animal movie — including Henry Falany of Mariposa. If things go the right way, Falany might be in the middle of the next classic animal movie. And it involves Satan, the horse, that is. It’s a story straight out of Hollywood. This story began in 1959 […]

Public demands, and gets, retention of doctor




Fears from several community members that Dr. Surinder Sandhu might be leaving his position at John C. Fremont Hospital were put to rest last Wednesday. Rumors had been swirling on social media and around the community that Sandhu, a cardiologist at JCF, was being phased out of his job. After a tumultuous hospital board meeting Wednesday afternoon, it was determined […]

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Three are injured during rollover on Highway 140



One person was seriously injured and two others hurt in a rollover accident near the Merced County line last Friday. According to the California Highway Patrol, at around 10:08 a.m., a 2010 Toyota Corolla being driven by Erik Martinez, 22, of Fontana, was eastbound on Highway 140 about a mile east of the county line at a speed of between […]

Structure fire causes $300,000 in damage

Red Cross is helping displaced family

A fire caused $300,000 damage to a home in Mariposa Pines on Sunday. According to Mariposa County Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Smith, at 3:34 p.m., the fire was reported at the residence located at 7130 Hites Cove Road. When firefighters arrived, they found the second floor of the structure fully involved, he said. Only the second story was damaged, said […]

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Daily Log



April 24 – There was a report of a sick goat on Banderilla Drive in Lake Don Pedro. • An arrest for public intoxication was made on Highway 140. April 25 – There was a domestic dispute on Meadow Lane. • Petty theft was reported on Schoolhouse Road in Cathey’s Valley. • A vandalism report was taken on Usona Road. […]