Lifestyles

Habitat builds decent affordable housing for families in need

August 9, 2024

Contributed by Sallee Gaines Roger Powell, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County (HFHMC), first heard of the organization in 2004 when a Habitat volunteer made a presentation to his men’s group at his church in Columbus, Ohio. Habitat’s mission statement is to build

Lifestyles

Juarez returns precious memorabilia to family members of WWII sailor

August 9, 2024

Contributed by Travis Blagg In a heartwarming turn of events, a piece of history has found its way back to where it truly belongs. A trunk filled with artifacts from World War II has been traced back and returned to the descendants of the original owner, marking the end of a decades-long journey.  All of […]

Lifestyles

Hydroseeding offers and alternative to traditional erosion control

July 6, 2024

Contributed bySallee Gaines Lang “I can’t get anything to grow in my yard!” or “My ground is eroding away!” These are common cries for help that Will Atkinson hears frequently. After serving as a Mariposa County Sheriff’s Deputy for 16 years, Will, his wife Megan, and their nine-year-old twin boys went into business and established […]

Lifestyles

A ‘Med Spa’ where beauty meets authenticity – Mariposa Aesthetics

June 19, 2024

Contributed bySallee Gaines Lang Mariposa Wellness and Aesthetics opened its doors in October of last year. The owners, Hannah Fouch and Melissa Fluharty, absolutely glow as they describe the process involved in bringing beauty and wellness to the citizens of Mariposa County. “Our center caters to adults over 18, men as well as women,” said […]

Lifestyles

Stepping inside Ball’s workshop is like a trip in an automotive time machine

June 1, 2024

Contributed bySallee Gaines Lang Sheldon Ball has lived in his Lushmeadows home, parked on two-and-half nature-enveloped acres, for 34 years. He and his wife Tricia built their 1,800 square foot house themselves. “Dave Gerken worked with me on the framing. I took it from there and put on the siding, framed it, and put on […]

Lifestyles

‘All About the Wurst’ makes a ‘smashing’ debut in Mariposa’s mobile food service circle

May 1, 2024

Contributed byTravis Blagg Two and a half years ago, Brandon and Nix Hazzard were desiring a change, and that was to move from their hometown of San Diego. With their growing family of three young girls, the family was searching for a safer and more family-oriented community. After an incredible amount of research, they found […]

Lifestyles

‘Ben the Barber’ hangs his shingle in downtown Mariposa

May 1, 2024

Contributed bySallee Gaines Ben Takash, aka “Ben the Barber,” was raised in Mariposa and graduated from Mariposa County High School in 2003. He became a father to his first daughter at 19. At the age of 22, he had full custody of two daughters and was trying to survive like all young parents. “I worked […]

Lifestyles

Hagens have big dreams for their ranch and community

April 1, 2024

Contributed byTravis BlaggGreen rolling hills. Horses galloping by. Blue open sky. Hagen’s Ranch is an oasis nestled in the small, neighborly community of Catheys Valley. Charlie and Ashley Hagen have begun to develop this beautiful land into a mecca for horses and horse lovers alike. “We bought the property in November of 2023, and we […]

Lifestyles

Helping Hands stands in the gap for young women

February 1, 2024

Where does a troubled, anxious young woman turn when she’s facing an unplanned pregnancy? In Mariposa County and in Oakhurst, she doesn’t have to face those challenges alone. Helping Hands Pregnancy and Parenting Center offers multiple resources to assist women of all ages. The Christian non-profit all-volunteer organization offers laboratory-quality pregnancy testing and

Lifestyles

In character and capability this canine ‘mountain of strength’ stands tall – ON TWO LEGS

November 1, 2023

The name Aaron is a English masculine given name. Aaron, the brother of Moses, is described throughout Biblical scripture. Some sources believe it is of Egyptian origin, but the name is probably derived from various Hebrew roots, meaning “mountain of strength.” This “mountain” stands about 9 inches at the shoulder and weighs seven and a […]