Last Saturday, we set out in search of adventure, well aware of the weather conditions. The night before, Mother Nature had dumped a load on the Mother Lode, and just about every foot of hill between us and our destination was loosely draped in snow. Most people had the good sense to stay in and admire the view – an ...

Editor’s note: the Toys for Tots big toy roundup previously scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, has been postponed one week to Dec. 14, due to weather. Read on for more information. OAKHURST – It may be cold outside, but the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has thousands of ways to warm the hearts of local children of all ages.

OAKHURST – In the midst of promotions like the “Think Local First” and “Small Business Saturday,” there was disheartening news that spread quickly through town before Thanksgiving: Miller’s Mountain Sports – an area anchor since 1987 – will close its doors for good at the end of this month, marking the end of an era. While the inventory is being ...

OAKHURST – The National Weather Service is reporting that a winter storm currently moving through the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies will extend its frigid reach to our humble hamlets, bringing a 30% chance of showers Monday, Dec. 2, after 11 p.m. with increasing clouds throughout the night for a rain-showered high on Tuesday near 46, with some wind. Nighttime ...

OAKHURST — Manna House managed to give away more than 250 turkey dinner boxes to families who need them in anticipation of Thanksgiving, despite rumors earlier this year that the venerable charity would cease operation. Next, just days after their Nov. 26 pre-turkey day distribution, organizers plan to open registration for the Christmas dinner giveaway. Registration for Christmas is set ...

COARSEGOLD – The Rivergold Hawks took some time out to honor their first quarter academic achievers, who you could say are flying high. On the Gold Honor Roll in 8th Grade were Bryce Talbot, Madilyn Sloas, Siena Oswald, Noah Mosca, Gianna Mascola, Lily Kuykendall, Katherine Bodine and Tiffany Cacy. Wait, there’s more!

OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Community Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, with festivities starting at 5 p.m., at Dtton’s Talking Bear Corner at the junction of Hwy 41 and Road 426. The public is invited to attend this free, fun evening. It’s a delightful way for friends, families and neighbors to celebrate the onset of the holidays ...

OAKHURST – One small church can make a very big difference. Just ask anyone affiliated with Christ Church Women, who are “delighted to announce” their 12th Annual Christmas Boutique. The festive event is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO). Lunch will be offered by ECCO between 11:30 a.m. and ...

OAKHURST – Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO) invites locals and visitors alike to their annual Thanksgiving Banquet on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, with appetizers starting at 12:15 p.m. and dinner scheduled for 1 p.m. on what will likely be a beautiful fall afternoon. To extend the pleasure, excellent overnight options are available, as well.

OAKHURST – One local teacher is determined to give her students the best education possible, and that includes new computers that aren’t in the current school budget. What’s her solution? She registered her classroom online at DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit organization that lets people donate directly to specific projects at public schools, in a process sometimes known as peer-to-peer philanthropy. Oakhurst ...