Tattoos, once associated with the military, convicts or motorcycle gangs, are now being embraced by mainstream society. “People are more knowledgeable and put more thought into getting a tattoo. Instead of just going for something trendy, they will often choose something with meaning,” explained Tanner Richardson, a tattoo artist at Colfax’s Old School Tattoo Parlor. “Inks are different. And improved regulations have changed the tattoo business.” A construction worker before becoming ... View the Post

More terrifying than falling into the dark abyss is knowing you have also pulled your children in with you. That’s the helpless feeling mothers who have become trapped in addictive behavior experience. But, there is always hope, Acres of Hope, and it is located in Applegate. “Even though the women may have had a drug history, we are a drug free community. This is not a shelter. We think of it as a renewal center,” said Regina Sarmento, director of the two-year-old faith based program ... View the Post

When Janet Mahlberg ran into Lori Lawson a few years ago, it was more than just a surprise. It was a life changing experience. "It had been over 22 years since I had seen her," said Mahlberg, adding the last time she had seen her classmate, Lawson was pushing a 6-month-old baby in a stroller. The conversation quickly turned to comments about how healthy Mahlberg, now 50, looked. "She said she knew I was always sick, but never knew why," said Mahlberg. "I told her that I had a ... View the Post

Sixteen years ago, Tina Hendricks welcomed a daughter. At first she was busy with diapers, feedings and picking out pink frilly dresses. By six months, however, she knew something about Mary was not right. "I remember taking her to a friend's house. She had five children and I expressed some of my concerns despite the doctor's reassurance that Mary was doing fine," Tina said. "A few months later we visited again and my friend could see a drastic digression in Mary's development. She ... View the Post

Sand blew across the parking lot. It seemed we had found the edge of the world, but for our oldest son, Nathan, and the other Marines stationed there, the colorless landscape of 29 Palms was home. Each Company, dressed in desert camouflage, lined up for roll call. Their gear was packed. Within a few hours they would be leaving for Afghanistan. Their just-completed training had been as intense as the blazing, unforgiving sun they would soon be facing. Those of us who made the trip ... View the Post

11/2/09 - by Marci Seither ALTA - Sierra First Baptist Church is a small congregation that is serious about its role in missions. Last year the 125-member fellowship in Alta sent more than 35,000 pounds of beans and rice to Mexico, packed up their tools and traveled to Montana where they helped rebuild a church, and sent a team of youth on a World Changers project. But when Sierra First Baptist Church reaches out to those in their own community they tend to get a little ... View the Post