Future of Ashton case discussed by both sides



The logistics of a jury trial for a man accused of murdering his 22-month-old son were discussed on April 28 in Mariposa Superior Court. Due to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines, the hearing was conducted via Zoom, a video conferencing service. Jesse Ashton, 23, made an appearance on the Zoom call before Judge Dana Walton. Ashton faces one count of murder […]

Natasha Lopez

Natasha Monique Lopez, 31, passed away at home April 14, 2020 in Anacortes, Wash. Natasha was born July 9, 1988, in Anaheim, Calif., to Paul Lopez and Monika (Mayr) Brandle. She graduated from Mariposa County High School in 2006 and received her bachelors degree in Business Administration from South University on Feb. 1, 2017. Natasha moved to Anacortes, Wash. with […]

IN BRIEF …

Women’s Club events canceled The Chowchilla Mountain Women’s Club has canceled its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 7. In addition, the Chowchilla Mountain Women’s Club and Ponderosa Basin Volunteer Co. #32 have canceled the annual Spring tri-tip dinner fundraiser that was scheduled for Saturday, May 16. National Day of Prayer changed The National Day of Prayer will be observed on […]

What is the big tent outside of JCF Hospital?



Perhaps you’ve driven or walked by John C. Fremont Hospital in Mariposa and wondered what the large blue tent is on the front lawn. According to JCF Chief Executive Officer Matthew Matthiessen, it is what’s known as a negative pressure tent. “That can have two different uses,” Matthiessen said. “This is really an overflow tent, or it’s for if we […]

Northside Clinic could return to its normal, former location



Despite a meeting which was fraught with technical difficulties, the members of the John C. Fremont Healthcare District board were able to get through their meeting last Wednesday — eventually. The meeting was held via Zoom video conferencing technology. There was a 15 minute issue in which one board member lost audio on the call, but after fixing it, the […]

Hallmark in Oakhurst opens doors

FREE

Forty-two days after closing up shop under California’s stay-at-home order, the boss of one local “nonessential” retail store did what many have been anxious to do: Greg Uzzell, owner of Betty’s Hallmark in Oakhurst, opened the doors and invited the public to come shopping. “We can’t live in fear,” Uzzell said. “We have to go on with our lives.” Granted, […]

Hospital district is here to serve

VITAL SIGNS

On Dec. 7, 1941, our entire nation was taken by surprise. I was born a month later, into the tumultuous culture of World War II. My parents and all their friends and relatives were forced to adapt to unwelcome change. Every neighborhood lost several neighbors in the war; those who stayed behind lived on rationed food and household goods. The […]

Political Cartoon

No stupid with a flare gun is going to ruin my good mood

BETWEEN THE LINES

As ever the optimist (okay, now that you have picked yourself up off the floor and your stomach no longer hurts from laughing so long, read on), I am trying to find positives in this whole Covid-19 pandemic situation. Sure, life is completely different, even for those of us who are essential workers. Our routines at the newspaper have changed […]

Container gardening is a good step for many issues

OVER THE GARDEN FENCE


Container gardening can solve many problems that plague the backyard gardener. It can add color to otherwise drab patios and decks. It’s easier to control pH. Cold or heat sensitive plants can be moved throughout the season(s) to more protective areas. It also allows gardeners with physical limitations to enjoy this hobby more extensively. The drawbacks of container gardening — […]