Commentary

 Last week, we reported on a high-profile case involving a DUI. Mariposa County Unified School District Superintendent Robin Hopper was charged with DUI following a car accident near Planada. As a news organization, it is our duty to report such high-profile cases. We do it fairly and as accurately as possible. We do not sensationalize no more than we would […]

Redbud in full bloom are shown this spring along Ben Hur Road. Photo by Patti Radanovich-SousaThe most prominent sign of spring in Mariposa County, along Highways 140 and 49 South and Ben Hur Road, is the blooming of what seems to be a native bush with a profusion of deep red or reddish purple composite flowers. The color is intense […]

 The Sierra Nevada foothills are fortunate to have diverse habitats that support abundant populations of flora and fauna. As spring emerges, many of our local species begin to awaken and showcase themselves in the longer, warmer days. For many of us in the foothills, the first hint that warmer spring weather has arrived is sighting a western fence lizard, commonly […]

 Last week, the first photograph of a black hole was released by scientists who have been studying the possibility for years. Though how they managed to get a photograph is quite complicated and too much for me to try and explain, the bottom line is this is a major step in astronomy and our knowledge of the universe. As an […]

Cara GogerTucked away in a quiet corner of the Treetop Gallery is a very small and special installation of wearable metal art. The reason this installation is so special is because the pieces that make it up were all designed and crafted by a group of at-risk teenage girls who, under the guidance and instruction of teaching artist Jackie Baxton, […]

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 The first “V-Nickel” was produced in January of 1883 and then released into circulation on Feb. 1 of the same year. The design of this coin featured Lady Liberty on the front and a large “V” for five on the back. Designers didn’t find it necessary to include the word “Cents” on the coin, which gave swindlers an opportunity to […]

Wynter Sturtevant IIIThe discussion of purpose can be challenging. Many live day to day without even considering what is their purpose in life. I’m sure we are quick to ask what was the purpose of the actions done to us but it takes a lot for us to think about our own actions. It takes, I would think, humility to […]

Shown are members of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors in 1906. From left, H.W. Cornett, W.M. Eubanks, Isaac Lyons, J.W. Collins and James Lindsey.About 1918 the state of California began the construction of Highway 140 from Merced. The Mariposa County Supervisor from the third district (Catheys Valley) at that time was Hiram Cornett. He served two periods as supervisor, […]