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Volume XVII Issue 167
Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
| | The Drill Team Takes Disney | |
The Good Stuff by Shelley Bennett
Last Monday the Grizzliettes returned from their third trip to USA Dance Nationals in Anaheim, CA. The trip was highlighted by their incredible performances onstage in the kick, military, and hip hop divisions, as well as Kaylee Micone, shining in the junior solo category.
I’m always amazed at the enormity of this competition! The Anaheim Convention Center is huge and we fill up one of the halls, an enormous warm up area, and the arena, which is the size of a large college’s basketball facility.
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There are teams from all over California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, most of which are double or even triple the size of Lassen High. Yet, our Grizzliettes held their own among some of the best teams in the West.
On Day 1, Junior Kaylee Micone took the stage with an emotional lyrical piece “Girl Like Me” choreographed by J&J studio owner Jessica Wade. Micone was praised for being a beautiful dancer and performer with excellent technique and emotional expression.
This is the first time the Drill Team has entered a dancer in the solo division and we have plans to open it up to more members next year.
Day 2 was filled with the team’s three performances and was a whirlwind of getting ready, running through the dance, performing, a break to breathe, get a drink of water, and grab a snack, then repeat.
Hip Hop was first. Alumni and former captain Olivia Ormachea choreographed this hard-hitting, energetic routine to a mix of songs called “Freaky”. She was assisted by captain Cori Nystrom, who helped clean movements and formations. The judges enjoyed their “nice, strong facials” and “fun transitions.”
Moving on to Kick, the team brought a high-energy performance with a Latin flair to “Let’s Get Loud”. Choreographed by captain Julienne Bennett, the judges awarded high marks for her creative formations and variety of kicks.
One judge commented they appreciated their “sassiness”. Overall, it was the highest-scoring routine from the Grizzliettes and placed 6th out of 10 teams.
Military finished the day with “Feel Good Inc.”, choreographed by Maddie Schiffman and taught by captain Kylee Tancreto. This dance offered a unique interpretation of this aggressive style of dance. Their “sharp arm sequences” and “angles” were complimented by the judges.
Our last day was filled with making memories at Disneyland. Rides, character interactions, shopping, and snacking filled most of our time, until All-American Kaylee Micone and Senior Madi Boyer returned for a special performance to close the competition.
In addition to those mentioned above, Hailey Sandoval, Adelin McClure, Parker Foreman, Alexa Stout, Addison Dollar, and Khloe Silva also competed with the team.
It’s hard to describe the emotions that go through me as I stand at the music station ready to press “play”. I remember the difficulties they had with learning choreo and new skills, the frustration when perfecting certain sections of the dance or overcoming individual challenges, then the pride that happens when the dance becomes second nature.
It is always a little overwhelming to see them in costume with full makeup and hair, performing a perfect piece. They are breathtaking.
I try to take it all in while remembering to watch for the parts that gave us trouble (Yes! They nailed it!) and the sections that are always 100% (Wow! Listen to the crowd!).
And then it’s over. 2 ½ minutes of combining the music, body, mind, and soul into one powerful force.
There’s nothing like it.
| All smiles after a perfect performance in Military | | Still full of energy after the
strenuous Kick routine | | Meeting my idol! She was so fab! | | On deck for our Hip Hop numbermber | | Kaylee and Madi represent LHS at
the All American performance | | What a day! These dancers gave it their all | | Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to shelleybennett24@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.” | | A drone's-eye view of Pat Murphy Little League Fields | |
A Message from Mayor Mendy
Schuster: Susanville’s Five Parks
By Susanville Mayor
Mendy Schuster
Spring is in the air in Susanville. Hopefully, you will have a reason to visit one of the City of Susanville’s five parks this spring. The city owned parks include:
Veterans Memorial Park which is located on North Street. This park is a gathering place for many local events. Also known to children in our community as “the canon park” it is home to Roop’s Fort and Lassen Historical Museum.
Lassen Historical Society volunteers operate the museum which is filled with local history.
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Paiute Creek runs through the park and will soon be used by Lassen Sportsmen’s Club for the smallest of our anglers at the annual Jr. Fishing Derby.
There is a playground, pump track, built in corn hole boards a skateboard park and our tennis/pickleball courts at this park. Community Church of Susanville has two cleanup/workdays a year to help staff keep up the park.
The Frank Ernaga Baseball Field at Memorial Park is home to the Lassen College Men’s Baseball Team. Lassen College has an agreement with the City of Susanville to use and maintain the field. The hustling cougars don’t only help to keep up the field, they can be seen all around our community volunteering to help where needed.
Fruit Grower’s Park (often referred to as Riverside Park) is located on Riverside Drive. This park has a playground, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, and fields that are used for adult softball. Lassen High School soccer and softball teams as well Lassen Youth Soccer use this park.
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The view from Skyline Park above Susanville at sunrise
Skyline Park is on Skyline Drive. This park is our most natural park but offers a paved walking trail and a disc golf course. The views are amazing. A group of local volunteers help keep the disc golf course maintained.
Pat Murphy Little League Park on River Street. This park is used for Susanville Little League. Pat Murphy was a local man who seemed to always be working at the Little League Fields. You can find a memorial to Mr. Murphy by the minor field near the snack bar.
This season there are over 370 children signed up for Susanville Little League. It has four baseball fields including T-Ball, Farm, Minor and Major fields. Susanville Little League volunteers maintain this park. They see that the fields are well kept for our children. The City of Susanville has planned new restrooms for the T-ball and Farm area.
Bark Park is our dog park located on Sierra Road. Mimi Rena came up with the idea to create a dog bark in town. Volunteers and local business owners joined the City of Susanville staff and together they developed a place for our dogs to exercise. An anonymous donor helped make this park possible. Bark Park is maintained with the continuous help of volunteers, and we hear our dogs love it.
The City of Susanville also has the Susanville River Trail which is maintained with the help of community members/businesses who have adopted portions of the trail to keep clean. Also, the City of Susanville holds community clean up days for this trail.
The city only has two full-time employees and one seasonal employee assigned to our parks. This makes volunteers a huge part of keeping our parks beautiful and available for everyone. Thank you to all the volunteers!
Space can be rented at both Memorial and Fruit Grower’s parks by calling 530.252.5111.
The Susanville City Council meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 66 North Lassen Street. We begin our open meetings at 5:00 p.m.
Until next time…
| | Memorial Park’s famous World War I artillery piece | |
Celebrate Poetry Month with Author Susan Wooldridge in Westwood Writer’s Workshop
The Westwood Writers’ Workshop invites poetry enthusiasts of all levels to celebrate National Poetry Month with a special free workshop featuring acclaimed author Susan Wooldridge. You can either watch the presentation at the Westwood Library or join via Zoom on Sunday, April 13th, from 2:00 to 4:00p.m., for an afternoon of inspiration, camaraderie, and refreshments.
Wooldridge, author of the beloved book “poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words,” will share her insights and techniques to help participants unlock their poetic potential. This unique opportunity offers a chance to learn from a seasoned writer and connect with fellow poetry lovers.
The workshop will be held virtually, allowing participants to join from the comfort of their homes. A large screen will also be set up at the Westwood Library, located at 500 Birch Street, for those who wish to gather and participate together.
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Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird, writes, “poemcrazy is a wonderful book, smart, wide-eyed, joyful, helpful, inspiring. You’re going to love it and love writing poetry more for having read it.”
Number 7 in a Penguin/Random House list of the 28 best books on writing, poemcrazy was a Writer’s Digest as well as a Quality Paperback book club selection, and though primarily a book for adults, was on the New York Library List of Outstanding Books for Teens.
For more information, or to request the Zoom link, please contact Westwood Librarian Laurel at 1.530.370.3335 or email wildmtlaurel@gmail.com. Don’t miss this chance to ignite your creativity and celebrate the power of words!
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Come Support Westwood 4H and FFA
at April 11th ‘Pig Out’ Fundraiser
The Westwood Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding a special ‘Pig Out’ fundraiser for Westwood’s 4H and FFA kids, serving up ‘a variety of good eats’ from the Chamber’s purchase of an animal at the Lassen County Fair last summer.
Your ticket includes non-alcoholic beverages and one raffle ticket. There will be a no host bar and additional raffle tickets for sale.
Tickets can be purchased from board members. Space is limited.
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Tickets are $20 each and all proceeds will go towards purchasing another animal at this year’s fair from one of Westwood’s FFA or 4-H kids. The event will be held in the Westwood Community Center from 6:00 to 9:00.
See a Westwood Area Chamber board member for tickets or stop by the Chamber office.
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Prescribed Pile Burning on
Janesville Grade Set to Begin Today
Fire crews from the Plumas National Forest’s Beckwourth Ranger District, in collaboration with Cal-FIRE’s Lassen Modoc Unit, will conduct prescribed pile burning operations this week at the top of Janesville Grade. The project, located in the Bootsole Project area, aims to reduce hazardous fuels and protect nearby communities like Janesville and Milford.
Starting today, April 1st, and continuing through Friday, April 5th, approximately 200 piles of debris will be burned. Ignitions may continue beyond Friday if conditions permit, treating additional piles within the 495-acre Bootsole Project area.
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Smoke from the burning will be visible from U.S. Highway 395 between Susanville and Herlong, impacting communities including Janesville, Milford, and the surrounding area. While smoke impacts are expected, they are not anticipated to have significant long-term effects on nearby communities.
Short-duration smoke impacts are expected along Janesville Grade and neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, particularly in the morning and late evening. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and watch for firefighting equipment entering and exiting roadways, as well as potential slow traffic, especially at the intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and Janesville Grade.
According to Plumas National Forest the Bootsole Project is a critical fuel reduction effort in the green forest between the Dixie Fire and Beckwourth Complex burn scars. This work will help protect residences and local communities, including Janesville and Milford, from future wildfires.
“Forest fuels reduction is important for area residents in Lassen County and it’s great to have the combination of favorable conditions and resources available to get this work done above Janesville,” said Acting Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Martin Senter. “We appreciate Cal-FIRE’s Lassen Modoc Unit for providing firefighters and resources to help us have a successful operation and help community protection efforts on this project.”
Firefighters will be closely monitoring weather conditions, including increased or gusty winds. If conditions become unfavorable, the burning will stop until conditions improve.
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| | | An aerial view of the Lassen County Fair from August 1950. Eastman Studio postcard | | |
Susanville Studies Auto Racing Plans
April 1, 1952
The possibility of auto racing at the Fair Grounds was discussed at a meeting of the county fair board and representatives of the 20-30 Club, which is interested in sponsoring the races, and a representative from the American Racing Association.
The matter was taken under advisement until another meeting of the fair board at the end of this month. The county board of supervisors would also have to approve. James Bone and Leo Carman from the 20-30 Club and Al Frager from Reno, representative of the National Racing Association, urged the racing be permitted at the Fair Grounds.
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If you are a fan of our daily history stories you should join the Lassen Historical Society! It's a fun way to be a part of our county's rich history. When you sign up you'll receive regular Historical Society newsletters with interesting stories and information. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in area history.
Through your membership you help preserve local history. You can download a membership application by clicking here.
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