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Volume XVII Issue 178
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025
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Why We Love This Place Wednesday:
Russell Bates and Novah Electric
By Terra Avilla
If you’ve spent any time in Lassen County, you’ve probably heard of Novah Electric. But what you might not know is the story behind the name – or the man who runs the show.
Russell Bates is the owner of Novah Electric, and he named the business after his daughter, Novah. That little detail says a lot about Russell: family comes first, and everything he does is rooted in love and community.
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Russell isn’t just a business owner – he’s a true neighbor.
I’ll never forget the time I went to him to ask if Novah Electric would sponsor a hole at our “Holiday with the Hero” golf tournament. I started explaining what our organization does, and before I could even finish, Russell said, “Well, looks like I have to give a $500 donation.” And just like that, he did.
No hesitation, no fuss – just genuine generosity.
And that’s not a one-time thing. Russell is always stepping up for local causes, whether it’s helping out the animal shelter or supporting school events. He’s the kind of person who quietly makes a big difference.
This year my daughter is on Novah’s team, and I’ve seen firsthand how much Russell cares about his family. He’s at every single game, cheering on his daughter and her teammates. He’s not just present – he’s involved, supportive, and always ready with a high-five or a word of encouragement (FOR ALL THE GIRLS!). It’s clear that being a good dad is just as important to him as running a good business.
I have to admit, my husband Frankie is not exactly a handyman. So when our washer and dryer started acting up I called Novah Electric. I kid you not – within 13 minutes, someone was at our door. The problem was fixed within the hour, and then Russell himself called to make sure everything was taken care of. That kind of service is rare these days, and it made us feel like more than just customers – we felt like family.
Russell Bates is the kind of person who makes Lassen County feel like home. He works hard, gives back, and shows up for the people around him. Whether he’s helping out a neighbor, supporting his daughter, or making sure your lights stay on, Russell does it all with heart and he’s one of the reasons why we love this place.
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A Hat Creek Construction photo of work being done on the Highway 139 paving project
CalTrans Highway 139 Paving Project Set
to Begin Daily Hard Closures April 28th
Beginning April 28th, both lanes of SR 139 will be closed to traffic from 8:00a.m. to 11:30a.m. and again from 12:30p.m. to 4:00p.m., during weekdays. SR 139 will be open with traffic control from 11:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. on weekdays.
Outside of these closure hours there will be signalized one-way traffic control approximately 3 miles north of the Spring Ridge intersection/Banner Hospital entrance where concrete barrier rail is being replaced. Provisions have been made for emergency vehicles needing to pass through the project limits during intermittent closures.
According to CalTrans Public Information Officer Kurtis Villavicencio, the purpose of the project is to restore the roadway to a state of good repair so that SR 139 will be in a condition that requires minimal maintenance. The project includes rehabilitating the roadway, replacing six curb ramps, upgrading guardrail, upgrading concrete barrier, widening shoulders in select locations, replacing/upgrading signage, a traffic signal and culverts. The project will also bring American with Disabilities Act elements to current standards.
This $15.2 million project includes 145 working days, with all working days requiring traffic control.
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Tickets on Sale Now for Soroptimists’
Annual Margarita Fest Fundraiser
The Susanville Chapter of Soroptimist International will be holding their annual Margarita Fest Fundraiser on Friday, May 9th, and the event promises to deliver on the fun, with Margaritas to sample, a Salsa Contest, a silent auction, a Nacho Bar, a big raffle and live music by the band Timeless.
The Margarita Fest, held from 6:00 to 10:00p.m., in Jensen Hall at the fairgrounds, has attracted a growing number of attendees each year and is always a lot of fun.
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The T&C Team at Town and Country Real Estate are sponsoring the Salsa Contest, and entries will be judged May 8th at Smith Properties. All of the salsas entered will be served the following evening at the Margarita Fest. Cash prizes for award winning salsa are $100 for first and $50 for second place.
Soroptimist International of Susanville is a non-profit women’s organization with the sole purpose in bettering the lives of women and children in our local community and around the world.
Each year the club’s dedicated members work diligently on contributing to our town through a multitude of service efforts which include $6,000 in scholarships and education awards, providing necessities for 5-6 families in need during the holiday season and supporting other local non-profits like Lassen Family Services and senior services programs.
The group also works closely with the young women and girls of the community – hosting empowerment workshops, and sponsoring the S-Club; a group of junior high, high school and college student community service clubs.
Tickets are $45 presale ($50 at the door) and include a ten-flavor margarita taster card, one full margarita or beer and nacho bar. You must be 21 to attend.
You can purchase tickets online at this link, at Lassen County Federal Credit Union or Margie’s Book Nook. You can find out more information by visiting the Soroptimists on Facebook.
The Soroptimists have partnered with Lassen Rural Bus to provide safe rides to and from the event within Susanville city limits.
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Gnarly Pints Playing One-Night-Only at Janesville’s Artisan Coffee
Chico-based acoustic fiddle rock duo The Gnarly Pints will return to their home stomping grounds of Janesville for an evening of family-friendly fiddling’ fun at Artisan Coffee, April 26th, from 5:00 to 6:30. Jake and Emily Nolen invite everyone out to enjoy some foot-stomping originals and covers, and even a few Irish classics.
The Gnarly Pints are a dynamic fiddle rock duo from Northern California with a bold and eclectic pub style. Consisting of classically trained fiddle player and songwriter Emily Nolen and hard-rocking multi-instrumentalist Jake Nolen, the couple have toured with Grammy-winning artists like Kevin Max and have opened for and played alongside internationally acclaimed acts such as Men of Worth, as well as several others.
The ‘Pints have played just about every pub along the i5 corridor and headlined the Fort Bragg Beer Festival 5 years consecutively. Their style ranges from quirky toe tappers like “Aintnodoubtaboutit” to fast and furious anthems like “Barn Burner” and “Godspeed.”
The Gnarly Pints have independently released two full-length albums, two EP’s, music videos, and several singles. They continue to play shows, work on new music, and have plans to enter the studio to break ground on what will be their third studio album.
Not only are Jacob and Emily husband and wife, but they are also the proud parents of three beautiful girls. They own and operate their own music studio.
All ages are welcome at the Gnarly Pints’ show, which will start at 5:00p.m. Admission is $5 at the door.
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Lassen Sportsmen Holding Final Derby Planning Meeting April 21st
Lassen Sportsmen’s Club President Wade Workman has announced that the next meeting set for planning the 2025 Junior Fishing Derby will be held Monday, April 21st, at 7:00p.m., at 707 Nevada Street. This will be the last official meeting before the May 17th Derby.
Workman has a list of tasks and assignments:
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- Finalizing day of event tasks
- Planning a work day for the derby trailer
- Discussing water conditions
- Opening time for Hobo Camp – BLM
- Schedule the fish plant
- Staffing the fish plant
- Announcing new sponsors
- Reporting on my attendance of the SIR Tribal Business Council, Susanville City Council and Lassen County Board of Supervisor meetings
- Picking up food and prizes for derby day.
Assignments that need to be filled are:
- Trailer and contents inspection
- Poster and sign-up sheet distribution (I will have posters and sign-up sheets in hand at the meeting).
- Confirmation of food and prize donations
- Picking up prizes and food donations
- Fish plantings
- Trailer transport to and from the park
- Set up and sign-ups Saturday morning
- Snack bar for lunch service and helping Greg Sella
- Prize give-away
- Clean-up
For more information call Workman at 1.530.251.1808.
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| | | Looking east down Main Street at the intersection of Mesa Street in 1945 | | |
Damage Caused by Wind Storm
April 16, 1945
The violent windstorm of April 7th and 8th caused damage to homes and crops in Honey Lake Valley. Little damage was done in Susanville.
Among the homes damaged was the three-room cabin belonging to Mr. and Mrs. O. Gasperoni at Janesville. The entire house, including its cement foundation was lifted into the air, resulting in a broken and shattered foundation, side walls blown apart; windows and doors blown in and partition and floor collapsed.
Over nine acres of freshly sown grain belonging to Fred Dieter at Buntingville was lifted from the ground by the wind.
A large roof on the grainery belonging to Will Bailey, also at Buntingville, was completely blown off, and a large elm tree in the garden of Lloyd Hoffman at Buntingville was leveled.
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Through your membership you help preserve local history. You can download a membership application by clicking here.
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