Shawn Jansen

1 week ago | mercedsunstar.com | Shawn Jansen

Merced College rendering of a new $22 million AgTEC Innovation Center, a project that aims to prepare students for advanced manufacturing in agricultural food systems. Merced College will soon begin construction on a $22 million AgTEC Innovation Center, a project that aims to prepare students for advanced manufacturing in agricultural food systems with access to labs for meat, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and nutrition.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Shawn Jansen

Reality Check is a Merced Sun-Star series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email [email protected]. In recent weeks of inspections, two Merced County food business earned a failing grade in a food-safety inspection from the county’s Environmental Health Division. Twenty-two restaurants, schools, markets and other food businesses across the county were inspected between March 27 through April 9.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Shawn Jansen

Rides have been checked, murals painted, flowers planted and the snack shack stocked by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced and other volunteers during the past few weeks as they put on the finishing touches for the opening day of Kiddieland. On Saturday, the children’s amusement park located in Applegate Park, will kickoff its 68th year in Merced with a free day of rides with sponsorship from First 5 Merced County, which is also hosting a Week of the Young Child celebration the park on Saturday.

2 weeks ago | mercedsunstar.com | Shawn Jansen

Tiffany Picton, left, with her husband Devin Picton, right, and two of their dogs, in Merced, Calif., on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The business the couple started together, Tha Bomb Squad, provides dog waste removal services. [email protected] The idea for a side businesshit Devin Picton as he was in his backyard cleaning up after his four dogs. Who knew operating a pooper scooper could lead to a business plan?

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Shawn Jansen

The idea for a side business hit Devin Picton as he was in his backyard cleaning up after his four dogs. Who knew operating a pooper scooper could lead to a business plan? Picton, 33, usually pays his daughter to complete, but he started thinking maybe other people would pay for that service. Just like that, Tha Bomb Squad was born.