Volume XVIII Issue 264

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Lassen College Unveils New Beach Volleyball Complex

Lassen Community College has officially unveiled its state-of-the-art beach volleyball complex, offering Cougar student-athletes a stunning new venue for both practice and competition. Built through a collaboration between Kirack Construction and JKAE Construction, the project marks an exciting milestone for a sport that was added to the college’s athletic program during the 2022–2023 academic year.

Nestled among lush grass and tall trees, the facility boasts three pristine white sand courts designed to host high-level play while giving student-athletes an exceptional training environment.

Beyond serving the beach volleyball team, the sand complex will double as a versatile training site for athletes across multiple Cougar sports programs, highlighting Lassen College’s ongoing investment in athletic excellence and student success.

Athletic Director William Freedman highlighted the community effort that brought the project to life. “I’d like to thank the Lassen College administration, especially President Carie Camacho, Director of Facilities Dan Williams, and the entire facilities team for their support throughout this project,” Freedman said.

“I’d also like to thank Kirack Construction for their phenomenal work on the beach volleyball complex, as well as the recent upgrades to our gymnasium and parking lot. I also want to recognize Head Volleyball Coach Amy Morris for her dedication to growing our beach volleyball program.”

Freedman emphasized that the benefits of the new complex extend well beyond the courts themselves.

“This complex is an investment not only in beach volleyball, but in all of our student-athletes. We’re excited to host tournaments that will showcase our beautiful campus, outstanding facilities, and talented coaches and athletes while also bringing visitors to our community and providing a boost to our local economy.”

The complex represents the latest step in a broad overhaul of Lassen College’s athletic infrastructure. Coming on the heels of major improvements to the gymnasium, parking lot, and softball fields, this newest addition reinforces the institution’s commitment to delivering a premier collegiate experience for every Cougar athlete.

An artist’s rendering of the newly named Four Nations Health Center

Lassen Indian Health Center Announces Name of New facility

The Susanville Indian Rancheria has officially selected a name for its new medical center currently under construction on Spring Ridge Drive, following an overwhelming response from Tribal Members in a community-wide naming contest.

The facility will be named the Four Nations Health Center, a submission originally put forward by the late Gene Pasqua. Out of 125 total votes cast, the winning title secured a decisive victory, capturing 73% of the overall vote. Pasqua’s contribution will be formally honored by the Rancheria as the new center prepares to serve the region.

Construction on the Spring Ridge Drive site remains actively underway. The Rancheria noted that while the vote is complete, the name will officially be adopted on opening day.

Tribal leadership expressed gratitude to everyone who submitted ideas and voted, highlighting the community’s pivotal role in shaping the future of this vital healthcare resource.

Opening dates and inaugural community events will be announced as construction nears completion.

Mountain Meadow Ranch Celebrates 70 Years of Summer Magic

Mountain Meadow Ranch recently capped off another incredible summer in Lassen County by celebrating its 70th anniversary with an unforgettable alumni reunion. Campers and staff from every decade gathered to relive cherished traditions, sharing stories around the campfire, making s’mores, hiking to the rock pile, taking a birthday huck, enjoying movie night under the stars, hitting the high ropes course and riding horses. Most of all, the weekend was a celebration of reconnecting with old friends and honoring the shared bond that spans generations of camp history.

The story of the ranch stretches back well over a century, beginning in 1910 when Nevada silver mining tycoon George Wingfield built a grand summer retreat named Meadowbrook Ranch. Known as the showplace of its time, visitors traveled from miles away to see his estate, where deer, buffalo and elk grazed in the meadows.

During the 1920s, local businessmen transformed the property into a country club with a nine-hole golf course winding through the lower meadows. Cowboy movie star Buck Jones later purchased the ranch in the 1930s with dreams of retiring there, though his vision was tragically cut short by his death in Boston’s Cocoanut Grove fire.

After years of quiet hardship, the ranch entered a vibrant new era in 1956 when former Los Angeles Rams pro football player Jack Ellena Sr. acquired the land. Recognizing its natural spring water, temperate summer climate, and western charm, he established the Mountain Meadow Ranch for Boys. The camp quickly captured hearts, and by 1957, it expanded to welcome girls as well.

Management eventually passed to Jack’s son, Jack Ellena Jr. (“Chip”), and his wife Jody, who deepened the camp’s mission by introducing a tradition of Servant Leadership inspired by the Mountain Maidu “Serve All” ideal. Today, two of Chip and Jody’s daughters and their husbands carry on the family legacy as third-generation directors. Guided by core values of inclusivity, authenticity, empathy, integrity, stewardship, and mindfulness, they continue to foster personal growth for every new group of campers while Chip and Jody enjoy active, supportive roles as proud grandparents.

There is a thread that runs through every generation of camp, and hearing stories from every decade reminded the directors why they do what they do. The spirit of adventure and connection lives on, and the ranch looks forward to 70 more years of summer traditions.

Is something noteworthy happening with your business? Let us know about it! Each Thursday morning, we present a round-up of interesting news from the Lassen County business scene and we want to hear from you. E-mail your business news to Marshel at mcouso@susanvillestuff.com.

All supplies and snacks are provided, making it an easy afternoon of creativity and memories in the making.

Spaces can be reserved online by following this link to the Arts Council’s website.

A big round of applause to Abbie, Cheyenne, Brodie, Cali, Hannah and Lilly for creating the winning sticker designs that promote positive mental health and encourage kindness, hope, and resilience throughout our community.

Their creative artwork will be featured and handed out at Dandy’s Pool Party this Friday, August 7th, helping spread important messages of mental wellness to families across Lassen County.

Free permits can be obtained online or at Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.

Additional restrictions currently in effect include:

Smoking: Permitted only within enclosed buildings or vehicles, at designated recreation sites, or in cleared areas measuring at least three feet in diameter.

Engine Operation: Internal combustion engines, including motor vehicles and generators, are restricted to designated roads and trails. Boat motors are exempt from this requirement.

Firewood Cutting: Chainsaw operation for firewood gathering remains allowed provided off-trail use is minimal. Cutting status must be checked daily prior to operation by calling 1.800.847.7766.

Welding & Torches: Welding, acetylene cutting, and other open-flame torch operations are completely prohibited across the forest.

Forest fire officials emphasized that hot, dry conditions have made local forest fuels exceptionally susceptible to fire spread. Nearly all wildfires reported on the Plumas National Forest so far this season have been human-caused, largely attributed to unattended campfires and non-compliant burn piles.

Visitors and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and immediately report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 911.

The cost for the entire 6-week course is $30 per person, or $45 for two people. Fees can be paid in advance at Lassen Family Services or at the door on the day of class, with all proceeds going directly to the instructor.

For more information, contact Brett Lindsey, Outreach, Education and Prevention Coordinator, at 1.530.257.4599 or by email at brett.lindsey@lassenfamilyservices.org.

Both students and parents are encouraged to attend. After the parent orientation session, parents are welcome to stay on campus or return at 2:00p.m. to pick up their student.

Important Data Confirmation Reminder

Data Confirmation must be completed before your student can receive their class schedule. This process must be completed online through the Aeries Parent Portal, which opens on Thursday, August 6th.

ASB Office Hours

The ASB Office will be open during orientation for families interested in purchasing yearbooks and ASB cards.

Need Help?

If you have questions, please contact Lassen High School Monday through Friday between 7:30a.m. and 4:00p.m.

Planes Drop Retardents On Huge Eagle Lake Area Fire

August 6th, 1977

FOUR THOUSAND ACRE BLAZE—In the top photo, smoke billows over uptown Susanville buildings as a 4,000 acre forest fire burns out of control near Eagle Lake. The thick smoke filled the sky over the northwest portion of the city.

The bottom photo shows a bomber dropping a fire retardent on the blaze, which broke out yesterday afternoon. Officials say the fire started from the smoldering remains of a Wednesday afternoon lightning caused fire.

More than 400 men and over 60 pieces of equipment have been called in to fight the fast-moving fire. California Division of Forestry officials anticipate containment late in the weekend with control possibly early next week. The blaze is one of a rash of lightning caused fires burning in Northern California. (Advocate photos).

Fire Blackens Over 4,000 Acres

August 6, 1977

A lightning-caused forest fire, raging out of control about five miles northwest of Susanville, has blackened more than 4,000 acres of timberland. Fire crews from the California Division of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, U. S. Forest Service, National Park Service and local fire departments are battling the blaze. The CDF does not expect containment until Sunday, with control anticipated Monday, barring unforeseen difficulties.

The CDF says 450 people are fighting the fire which broke out yesterday afternoon from a smoldering Wednesday fire. Forty-three bulldozers, 17 fire engines and more than 50 hand crews were reported working this morning.

Five aircraft, which had been used yesterday afternoon, have been pulled off due to heavy smoke. Officials say they will be put back to work when the smoke lightens, permitting better visibility.

So far there have been no injuries and no structures have been damaged.

The Eagle Lake Road was closed above Lake Forest when the fire jumped the road late yesterday afternoon.

The blaze has crossed the Paul Bunyan Logging Road and is moving northeast toward Willow Creek. A CDF spokesman says Lake Forest Estates is not presently in danger.

The fast-moving fire has been divided into three sections, with lines established above and below it. Crews are attempting to force it toward an old burn to help in containment.

The Lassen County Sheriff’s Department is allowing people to leave Eagle Lake but they are being directed over St. Rt. 139.

About 70 fires which had been reported burning in Lassen and Modoc counties yesterday have been reduced to about 40. Some smaller fires on BLM land have been extinguished but other smaller ones have merged to become large fires.

In Modoc County, a timber and brush fire has scorched 20,000 acres near Scar Face and is still burning out of control, while an out of control blaze in the Mosquito Lake area has consumed more than 7,000 acres. Estimated containment dates were not available.

Meanwhile, in Lassen County, two blazes merged near Crank Springs to form the 8,000 acre Meyers-Gerig fire which is still out of control.

The rash of lightning caused fires has stripped all agencies of manpower. The Bureau of Land Management reports they have only a “skeleton crew” available to handle any additional blazes. CDF officials say they are trying to keep men and equipment on the biggest and most dangerous fires but are running short.

A relatively dry electrical storm which moved through the area Tuesday and Wednesday was responsible for touching off over a hundred small fires. Many of the small one and two acre blazes have been controlled.

The BLM reports their lightning locator, which enables crews to plot lightning strikes, performed well, but crews were overwhelmed by the number of strikes.

Ethan Michael Wofford – June 25, 2026

James (Jim) A. Wolcott – July 8, 2026

Helen Frances Pound (Schmitzer, Scarbrough) – July 14, 2026

Cody Lee Mitchell Tapp – July 14, 2026

Lorrae Annette “Lori” Mackay (Rogers) – July 7, 2026

Virginia Marie Unterreiner – June 29, 2026

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