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Volume XVII Issue 133
Wednesday, February 12th, 2025
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Why We Love This Place Wednesday:
A Love Letter to Lassen County
By Terra Avilla
Oh, Lassen County, how do I even begin to express the emotions swirling in my heart? Just a few weeks ago, we lost our friend Nicole Addicott in a tragic accident that left her beautiful 10-year-old daughter, Ryan Wright, badly hurt. The news hit us like a punch to the gut, leaving all of us breathless and aching, even those that didn’t personally know Ryan or Nicole… were hurting. And all of you responded.
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Something truly magical unfolded before my eyes and I want to share it with you. Our community, led by the angel-hearted Kerissa Schall, came together in a way that literally brings tears to my eyes. In just 8 short days, we witnessed a miracle of love and compassion that moved mountains for little Ryan.
I’ll never forget walking into Diamond Mountain Casino, my heart heavy with worry, only to find Jaime Edeaoch and Davon Joseph there. Without me really having to say anything, in a heartbeat, they had literally set up the venue, a plan and hope.
Kerissa had the same experience when she called SGO to get the food for the dinner. The response- “What do you need? It’s yours.”
Sweet Jaime even offered to help on her day off – that’s the kind of golden hearts we have here.
And our beloved JDX 93.3 – oh, how you’ve shown what it truly means to be the heartbeat of a community. Chris Montgomery, bless him, had me set up with Wollgy within literal seconds and Amanda from Live at Five reached out too, ensuring we hit as wide of an audience as possible to promote this fundraiser.
You folks, you’re the reason we could spread our message of love so far and wide, coupled of course with Lassen News and Susanvillestuff putting out the details for us without hesitation.
Then came the businesses. They poured in like a river of kindness – Blue Ox, Susanville Ford, IGA, Grocery Outlet, Main Street Lube, Walmart, Guess Plumbing, All Season Heating and Air, Diamond View School, Janesville School, Town and Country Real Estate – each one a testament to the generosity that flows through our little town.
My heart swells thinking of how many more there were, too numerous to name but each one precious!
And the people, oh the wonderful people of Lassen County. Ben Moore, Bob Raschein, Mendy Shuster, Kyle Bare (again just to name a few!) – they opened their hearts and their wallets.
The Northern Nevada Cancer Association, Lassen Youth Football and Lassen Youth Soccer also showing up in large numbers! The love for this family… it’s like a warm blanket on the coldest night.
On that rainy day of the spaghetti feed, Janesville School MADE AND SERVED up desserts that tasted like home and comfort. And oh… our sweet, sweet volunteers – Meegan, Jim, Niki, Amber, Jaime, Julie, Shantell, Glen, Paige – they were like little angels that just showed up, to do literally whatever I or Kerissa asked them to do.
AND to everyone who came – thank you for braving the bad weather to show the Wright family that in Lassen County, no one stands alone in the storm. And the Wrights, bless them, they’re overwhelmed by all of the love and support.
And of course, I need to mention my sweet friend Kerissa Schall… this earth angel, carrying her own burdens, still found the strength to lift up another family. She’s the embodiment of everything that makes our community so special.
As I sit here, trying to put into words what this all means, I find myself choking up.
The tragedy we’ve faced is heart-wrenching, there’s no denying that. But the way our community has rallied? This, my friends, is why we love this place. This is the essence of Lassen County.
We don’t just talk about community – we live it. we breathe it. When I walked into that banquet room and saw raffle item after raffle item, when I read text after text from people offering to help, buy tickets – I was just in awe.
I’ve never been more proud, more touched, more in love with this place we call home. Lassen County, you’ve shown once again that your heart is as big as the mountains that surround us. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
On behalf of the entire Wright Family — (And little RYAN) THANK YOU!
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photos provided
Seven LHS Choir Standouts Perform at Chico State NorCal Honors Choir
The NorCal Honors Choir, comprised of 120 members who were selected from around the state based on their outstanding vocal abilities, met at Harlen Adams Hall at CSU Chico Saturday to perform and work with the state’s top talent.
Seven Lassen High School choir members were selected for this honor, working alongside students from all over Northern California – big schools like Mater Dei and Del Norte were included in the selection, as well as Sacramento, Redding, Ukiah and beyond.
LHS Choir Director Ben Wade, worked with the men in the choir on site.
“Teaching forty guys – baritone, tenor and bass, wow, what an honor,” said Wade. “Those guys went from zero to 100 in an hour. I was happy to be a small cog in the wheel.”
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Gianna Hooker and Hailey Mankins singing in the Alto Section and the entire choir
Songs performed by the Honor Choir included Shenandoah, I sing because I’m happy, Jubilate Deo, What a wonderful world and Soon we will be done.
Gianna Hooker, a senior who has been in choir all four years said that it was, “An amazing experience to be able to share such a talent-filled weekend with so many inspiring and motivating young like-minded people from all over the north state.”
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Top left to right: Gianna Hooker (Alto) Gloria Escatel-Miller (Soprano)
Jenna Jones (Soprano) Stormy Rajwani (Soprano)
Bottom row left to right: Metui Bolekinaivalu (Bass)
Hailey Mankins (Alto) Emma-Leigh Moore (Alto)
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Soda and Energy Drinks Out
at Westwood Schools
In an effort to promote a healthier school environment, schools in the Westwood Unified School District will be implementing a new beverage policy starting February 18th. The new guideline restricts soda and carbonated beverages, including energy drinks, on school grounds for all students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade.
The decision, announced via a letter to parents and guardians, aligns with the district’s wellness policy and aims to improve student health and well-being.
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To ensure a smooth transition, the school has implemented a one-week grace period, beginning February 11th. During this time, students found with prohibited drinks will receive a reminder about the upcoming policy change. After February 18th, students with restricted beverages will be required to dispose of them.
The school administration is encouraging parents to support the new initiative and emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet for academic success. The district’s Wellness Plan and Wellness Policy are available for review on the district website under the Food Services tab. Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the school office at 1.530.256.2311.
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Lassen High News and Information
for Parents and Students
It’s Spirit Week at Lassen High School and the theme is ‘All You Need Is Love’
Tuesday was Wear your Heart on Your Sleeve day (any clothing with hearts)
Today is Cupid’s Day (hearts, wings, halos)
Thursday will be Perfect Pair day (match outfits with a partner)
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Friday everyone will be wearing Valentine’s Colors (Red, Pink, White, Purple)
2025 Rotary Youth Instrumental Music Contest – The Susanville Sunrise Rotary is sponsoring a local Instrumental Music Contest. Prize money will be awarded at each level of competition. Local Contest Date is Thursday, February 27th at 5:30p.m. Student applications can be picked up in the front office. Contact Patty Gunderson with any questions at 1.530.310.2016.
This week is FBLA week Tuesday was Teacher Appreciation Day, on Wednesday members will wear their FBLA gear or wear blue and gold, Thursday is breakfast in Mrs. Egan’s Room 754 at 7:30a.m.
and Friday is a scavenger hunt. Participate in these activities to gain FBLA points and to get yummy treats.
Sports
Open conditioning for Track & Field will take place February today and tomorrow from 3:20 to 4:30p.m. Meet at the track and dress warmly. Tryouts start February 18th from 3:30 until 5:00p.m. Sports physicals are required to tryout.
Baseball Open Gyms will be after school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays until tryouts.
Scholarships
The following scholarships can be found in the Counseling Office:
- American AgCredit
- Banner Lassen Medical Center Foundation
- Behavioral Health Studies
- Cabrillo State Scholarship
- California Retired Teachers’ Association, Division 76
- California State Retirees
- Former Senior Club
- Johnstonville Teacher’s Association
- Julie McQueen Charter Members Memorial
- Kirack Construction
- Lassen Association of Realtors
- Lassen College Foundation
- Lassen Farm Bureau and Elliot Dow Scholarship
- Lassen FBLA
- LCF Bob Levada Memorial
- LCF Elliot Dow Memorial
- LCF Glen Wemple Memorial
- LCF Robert Middleton Memorial
- LCF Robert Shepherd Memorial Communications
- Local $1000 Business Plan Award
- Loretta Stone Memorial Scholarship
- Monticola Club Memorial
- Monticola Club Spencer Memorial
- Monticola Club Vocational
- Native Daughters of the Golden West
- Portuguese Historical and Cultural Society
- Sierra Cascade Nursery
- Susanville Basque Club
- Truman D. Picard Scholarship
- Zellamae Miles Community Service Award
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Last Day to Enter! Win Tickets to Cattlewomen’s Annual Taste of Beef, Sip of Wine
The Lassen County Cattlewomen and the California Cattlemen’s Association will be presenting their 36th annual Taste of Beef, Sip of Wine fundraiser this Saturday, February 15th, to raise money for scholarships, beef promotion, youth activities and agriculture in the classroom and we have two pair of tickets to give away to our lucky SusanvilleStuff readers.
Taste of Beef, Sip of Wine is a signature event celebrating exceptional flavors and community spirit.
Savor the best of locally-raised Lassen County beef, perfectly paired with a curated selection of wines, beers, and beverages from across the West Coast.
As the evening unfolds, guests will enjoy live music and have the chance to participate in silent auctions featuring exciting prizes, including overnight stays, firearms, and more.
More than just a night of indulgence, Taste of Beef, Sip of Wine reflects the mission of the Lassen County Cattlemen & Cattlewomen: to raise awareness about the vital role of the beef industry in California’s economy and sustainable practices.
Funds raised from this event also support scholarships for local youth, fostering the next generation of leaders in our community and agriculture.
Tickets for the 36th annual wine and beef tasting, which will be held at the Susanville Elks’ Lodge, are just $35 each ahead of time or $40 at the door. You can click here to purchase them online. You must be 21 to attend.
Would you like to win tickets? Of course you would!
Follow this link over to SusanvilleStuff for complete details and a handy form to enter to win a pair of tickets to this year’s wine tasting.
You can enter once per day, per email, and the deadline to enter is tonight, February 12th, at midnight.
We will announce the winner right here on tomorrow, February 13th. Good luck!
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Near Coppervale in the late 1930’s | |
Mistaken Identity
February 12, 1936
Certain of the more discerning cattlemen of this section are objecting seriously to a segment of an article appearing in the March National Geographic Magazine which classes the country about Susanville as a sheep producing section.
The complete statement, as it appears on page 321 of the magazine is: “One newly built branch of the Western Pacific, extending gradually toward eastern Oregon, serves the great Red River Lumber Company’s mills at Westwood and the sheep country about Susanville.”
The objecting persons say that they have always considered the section as principally a cattle region and had no reason to think that anyone else thought otherwise.
Some of them ask if this section being advertised as a sheep country and wonder what effect it will have on their business if this is so.
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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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