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Volume XVIII Issue 252
Tuesday, July 21st, 2026
| | Our 2025 courts turns over the reigns to 2026 | |
The Good Stuff by Shelley Bennett
by Shelley Bennett
Photos by Greg Wallace Photography
and Shalise Robbins Shoestring Productions
Delilah Delgado is the 58th young woman to wear the crown as she was awarded the title of Miss Lassen County at the end of the scholarship competition on July 17th. Delgado was also the recipient of the newly named Jim Wolcott Community Service Award, recognizing her involvement in Lassen County.
Delilah presented a gripping Ted-talk style speech on the importance of finding growth through failure. She dedicated her performance to the late Paul Moore, her softball coach and mentor.
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Delgado is joined by Ambassadress of Susanville Kseniya Baesman and Princess Adelin McClure. Baesman danced a powerful lyrical number to “Stole the Show” while McClure sang “Home” by Dirks Bently, accompanied by a photo slideshow of Lassen County scenes.
To round out the awards, Baesman earned the Most Talented Award and McClure was named Most Photogenic. Peyton Cantu was chosen Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Cantu chose to speak on the language of flowers and how they symbolized various qualities she sees in Lassen County. While she spoke, she carefully arranged a beautiful bouquet of blossoms.
Each contestant chose a talent that best showcased their talents and passions. Grace Steward presented an upbeat, sassy ballet dance on pointe and Kenni Howe spoke on the rate of domestic violence in Lassen County while demonstrating some self-defense moves.
Molly Mealey danced to the emotional “My Last Summer” from Mamma Mia and Mia Hansen delivered an entertaining tap dance to Michael Jackson’s classic “Beat It”.
The onstage competition also featured a short introductory speech in the Communication Skills category and an Impromptu Question during the Poise in evening gown portion. Seniors Kai Vinson, Parker Langslet, and Gavin Mueller served as escorts and stagehands throughout the evening.
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Kai Vinson, Parker Langslet, and Gavin Mueller
Prior to that evening’s competition, the contestants got to know the judges during a short interview. Their community service hours and scholastic achievements were also part of the equation.
In between areas of competition, the audience enjoyed performances from J&J Performing Arts, Mt. Lassen Dance Academy, and Studio 718. Each studio demonstrated their own unique style through jazz, lyrical, and hip hop dances.
A bittersweet goodbye was given to Miss Lassen County 2025 Kaylee Micone as she relinquished her title. Kaylee has been a positive force in our community with her kindness and compassion for helping others. She will be missed. Micone plans to attend the University of Nevada to pursue a degree in nursing.
Her court will also continue their education, with Ambassadress Londyn Smith attending BTU-Idaho to study psychology and Princess Dalila Heard at Butte College where she will play volleyball and take classes in Ag Business.
| | 2025 Court hosts the preshow filled with local talent | Catching our contestants before the opening number | | Everyone sparkling in their evening gowns | | |
Friends Delilah and Kissy before the awards ceremony
Jeremy Couso emceed the “Broadway Bound” themed evening and began with a tribute remembering former fair manager Jim Wolcott. Wolcott was an ardent supporter of the pageant and its contestants. It is fitting that the Community Service Award was renamed to honor his memory.
The contestants kicked off the show with an energetic routine to “Welcome to the Moulin Rouge” choreographed by former princess Sofia Bennett and current MLC Kaylee Micone. Gloria Escatel-Miller followed by singing the National Anthem.
While the contestants prepared for talent, Kaylee introduced the visiting royalty from the Intermountain Fair and Burney Basin Days, Katelyn Kirack, 2025 National Miss Collegiate Ag America, was also featured. Then she and the 2025 court assisted with the crowning of the new Little Miss and Mr court.
| | Little Miss Elsie Music is
crowned by Noelle Blackburn | | Little Mr Douglass Zavala
tries on his hat | | |
Miss Lassen County Kaylee Micone helps pin Elsie’s crown
Little Miss 2025 Noelle Blackburn crowned Elsie Music and Little Mr Krew Cottrell handed his title down to Douglas Zavala. 2025 Princess Italia Orozco crowned Ava Hogan and Prince Hunter Keele congratulated new Prince Darrell Sandborg.
Later in the show, the 2022 Court presented a commercial to thank the pageant’s sponsor Lassen County Federal Credit Union, who provided scholarships totaling $1500 to the 2026 court.
A special thank you was given to Little Miss Lassen coordinator Tasia Harrison for her years of impacting children in our community. Former Miss Lassens Chalise Robbins and Julienne Bennett also recognized Miss Lassen County director Shelley Bennett. Beautiful roses were given to the women by their daughters Aubrey Yerington and Sofia Bennett. Thank you to Leyla Bennett for being the mastermind behind this recognition.
Delilah and her court were joined by the 2025 royalty to open the Lassen County Fair at the ribbon cutting on Wednesday July 15th. They also enjoyed helping with Kiddie’s Day activities, serving at the Old Timer’s luncheon, and visiting the animal barns.
They were highlighted in the parade, driven by Ken Templeton in his ‘64 GTO and danced the night away at Saturday’s Music Fest. On Sunday, Delilah’s two dachshunds Tubs and Tilly took part in the annual Wiener Dog races. It’s just the beginning of a very busy year full of community events, service projects, and making memories.
I am very thankful for former Miss Lassen Autry Satica who helped coordinate this year’s pageant with me. I also wouldn’t have been able to do it without my daughter Sofia. They both made sure that our rain-ravaged stage area was complete and presentable before we started on Tuesday night.
| | Mia, Molly, and Addy are all dance
students at Mt Lassen Dance Academy | | Grace, Kenni, and Peyton
share a backstage moment | | |
The first official photo of our 2026 court: Addy, Delilah, and Kissy
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.”
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Susanville and Westwood State Preschools Now Enrolling Students for 2026-2027
Susanville State Preschool and Westwood State Preschool are now accepting enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year and still has spots available for local families. Children who are 3 to 4 years old, or who will turn 3 by December 1st, 2026, may be eligible to join the program this year.
This high-quality early learning program offers a warm, supportive environment designed to help young children grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Families can benefit from an income-qualified program that provides breakfast and lunch daily, along with age-appropriate learning activities and curriculum tailored to preschool development.
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Each child spends three and a half meaningful hours a day engaging with peers their own age, building foundational skills that prepare them for future school success.
The program is designed to serve as an important stepping stone, helping each child gain confidence, curiosity, and readiness for kindergarten and beyond.
Families interested in enrolling or learning more are encouraged to call 1.530.257.9781 and ask for Ashley – or leave a message to be added to the call list for this school year. The Susanville State Preschool team is happy to answer any questions.
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Assemblymember Hadwick Honors CalFire
Chief Eric Ewing for 38 Years of Service
Assemblymember Heather Hadwick recently honored long-time Cal Fire Chief Eric Ewing with a retirement resolution, recognizing his distinguished 38-year career in public service and fire protection.
Hadwick shared her appreciation for Chief Ewing’s decades of dedication to Lassen, Modoc, and surrounding communities across the North State, highlighting his leadership and impact throughout his career. Ewing officially retired in December of last year.
“It was an honor to present Cal Fire Chief Eric Ewing with a retirement resolution recognizing and thanking him for an incredible 38 years of service!” said Hadwick.
“When I first started my career in emergency services, Eric was serving at the Lassen-Modoc Unit, where he oversaw Lassen County OES through Cal Fire. Over the years, I’ve always appreciated his steady leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our communities. He has made a lasting impact across the North State and on so many of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Hadwick extended her best wishes to Chief Ewing as he steps into his next chapter following nearly four decades of service to the region.
“Congratulations on a well-earned retirement, Chief Ewing! Thank you for your decades of dedicated service and for everything you’ve done for Lassen, Modoc, and the surrounding communities. From the looks of it, you’re already enjoying retirement—and you’ve certainly earned it! Wishing you all the best in this next chapter,” Hadwick added.
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Agenda: July 21st 2026, Lassen
County Board of Supervisors Meeting
There will be a Lassen County Board of Supervisors Meeting on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026, at 9:00a.m. at the Board Chambers, 707 Nevada Street, Susanville.
Click here to download a printable agenda for the meeting.
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Holiday with a Hero Plans ‘Bigger Than Ever’ Fundraiser Golf Tournament
Want to spend a fun day on the golf course while helping to support a really wonderful organization? The Lassen County Holiday with a Hero program will be hosting their sixth annual fundraising golf tournament at the Diamond Mountain Golf Course October 3rd.
Registration for the 18-hole, four-person scramble is $425 for each four-person team.
Lunch, donated by the Susanville Grocery Outlet, is included in the tournament entry fee, and is catered by the legendary Joe Comino.
There will be an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, with prizes for the team with the best sweaters, great raffle prizes and a bar.
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There will also be Hole-in-One, Closest to the Pin and Longest Yard contests.
Money raised at this tournament will all go to support the year-round activities of the Holiday with a Hero program.
Spaces are limited and the tournament sells out early every year. Click here to register your team online or stop by the Diamond Mountain Golf Course.
Tax-deductible donations of raffle items are also greatly appreciated.
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Lots of Activity at 4H Carnival on Saturday
July 21, 1976
FOURTH ACTIVITIES – The busiest place in Susanville on Saturday was undoubtedly the Lassen County Fairgrounds where the 4-H Carnival was in progress, the Susanville Recreation Department sponsored contests and a large fireworks display was touched off at about 9p.m.
In top photo, Bobbie Eagle of Standish gets an unscheduled dunking by fellow, but competing, 4-H members from Shaffer.
The dunking tank was part of the Shaffer 4-H project at the Bicentennial celebration held at the fairgrounds. The pool was late in being erected because of a leak and Bobbie was “chosen” to initiate the tank.
In photo, lower left, John Landberg, 11, won the 12-years-and-under age bracket of competition skateboarding, a recreation department sponsored event. For his triumph, John won a competition fibreglass skateboard.
Carrie Hellawell, 9, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hellawell of Susanville, lower center photo, proudly displays goldfish she won at the Johnstonville 4-H fish toss booth.
Slalom and free style excellence in skateboarding won Keith Herndon, 19, lower right, the top prize in the 13-years-and-older competition. His prize was a competition fibreglass skateboard. (Myrick photos).
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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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