To round out the awards, JoHanna Parvin was recognized as Miss Congeniality from the fellow contestants and Morgan Merrill earned the Community Service Award. Parvin also played the piano, an Alecia Keys song “If I Ain’t Got You” and Merrill sang the introspective song “Voices”.

Each of the eleven contestants chose a talent that best showcased their abilities. Trinity Crandall performed a spicy Latin routine and Alexa Schmidt put together a mix of songs with a girl power theme for her dance. Alyssa Zimmerman highlighted her grace and flexibility in a lyrical number “Fire on Fire”.

Caitlin Fine shared advice with her younger sister in her public speaking presentation. Claire Robinson spoke on how moving to Lassen County has been a benefit to her. Christa Williams presented the song “The House That Built” with sign language accompanied by images from local photographers.

The contestants also competed on stage in communication skills with a short introductory speech and answered an impromptu question during the poise in evening gown section. Juniors Connor Langslet, Nash Osborne, and Tucker Schall served as escorts and stagehands.

Prior to the evening’s competition the contestants had a short personality interview with the judges. Their community service hours and scholastic achievements were also taken into account.

In addition to the contestants, the audience enjoyed performances from Joan’s Studio of Dance, J&J Performing Arts, and Dance Elevation. Each studio demonstrated their unique style with dances in the lyrical, jazz, hip hop, and swing genres.

A heartfelt good-bye was given to Miss Lassen County 2021 Alliyah Yerington as she handed down her title. Alliyah has been a faithful servant to our community and many were touched by her heart of gold during her reign. She is attending Vanderbilt University in the Fall.

Her court, consisting of Ambassadress of EmmaLee Rotlisberger and Princess Georgia Bennett, will also continue their education. Rotlisberger at the University of Montana and Bennett at Lassen Community College.

The Miss Lassen County Pageant is a 54-year old tradition that kicks off the Lassen County Fair. Jeremy Couso served as the witty and warm emcee who started the Top Gun themed-evening with an exciting introduction of the eleven contestants.

Their high-energy opening number to “I Ain’t Worried” choreographed by Jillaine Singleton was matched by the cheers and noise made in the audience. There were several signs and other props to show who the crowd was rooting for. A fiery sunset painted by Alison Templeton set the perfect scene at the back of the stage.

Adelin McClure then sang the National Anthem. She was joined by sister Aubrey Edholm and Annica Scroggin in a short advertisement for the upcoming Wizard of Oz presented by Best of Broadway in August.

While the contestants prepared for talent, Alliyah introduced visiting royalty, including the Intermountain Fair court, Mr. LHS Zak Mallery, and toddler titleholder Joey Vorlicky. She then assisted with the crowing of the new Little Miss and Mr. Lassen and court.

2021 Little Miss Gianna Foreman crowned Kimber Weire and Little Mr. Fletcher Thornton handed his title over to Colton Haynes. The 2021 Princess Aubrey Edholm crowned Peyton Anderson and Prince Jace Presswood congratulated new Prince Jaxen Stout.

The 2021 court later presented a cute commercial to honor pageant sponsor Advanced Comfort Control.

Since Wednesday, Olivia and her court were seen around the fairgrounds judging the cinnamon roll contest, serving lunch at the Old Timers luncheon, and attending concerts. They were highlighted in the parade and met Tracy Lawrence backstage. It’s just the beginning of a year full of community activities and memory-making events.

Since 1994 I have been involved in directing the Miss Lassen County competition. I am lucky to have lots of help, including the talents of Jen Wood, Becky Hubbard, and Jillaine Singleton.

My sister Alison Templeton has been painting the backdrop for more years than I can remember. Every year she listens to my vision and every year she exceeds it.

In addition, I am indebted to my friends Becky, Dawn, Salome, and Kerrissa who help backstage, hairdressers BJ Ryan, Lauren Mueller, Rita Heath, Debbie Sturgeon, Ashleigh Adair, Christy Palmer, and Bailey Heath, make up artists Barbara and Macy Rauch, Gracie Claypool (judges’ assistant), and Mandy McGarva, CPA. Tara Bias, with daughters Julia and Shelby, made sure that the music started on time.

Kaitlyn Midgley, Danae Polan, Rikki Bird, and Calliope Rose have been upbeat and positive every time I’ve set foot in the fair office.

And of course, I couldn’t do it without my husband Leo who finds everything for me and makes sure we have lights backstage and Jake, Landon, and Sofia who are ok with mom being gone two nights a week.

“The CHP helicopter located the stolen GMC traveling eastbound on State Route 44, near Bogard rest area,” explains CHP Public Information Officer Bruce Thuelchassaigne.

“CHP patrol units staged to intercept, just east of State Route 36 on State Route 44. A spike strip was deployed but was unsuccessful.”

The CHP units on-scene attempted a stop on the stolen vehicle, and it fled east on State Route 36, towards Susanville.

A third CHP unit was staged near the city limit of Susanville and was successfully able to deploy a spike strip that deflated the left front tire of the truck. The GMC slowed as it turned the corner near the Elks Lodge and then began barreling down Main Street.

The suspect, identified by the CHP as 33-year old Alderpoint, California resident Josie Craig, fled the vehicle as it was still rolling.

“A CHP officer maneuvered a patrol vehicle in front of the rolling GMC and used the vehicle to slow the abandoned vehicle before it hit bystanders standing along the street who were in attendance for the Lassen County Fair Parade.”

The suspect, who had leapt from the truck in the 700 block of Main and ran through the parking lot on the north side of the street, was tackled by several Good Samaritans and held until CHP officers could take her into custody, but not before Craig reportedly bit several of the people restraining her.

She was booked into Lassen County Jail on charges of felony evading, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, assault, possession of drugs, and unlicensed driver.

Smoke from the Oak Fire in Mariposa County will continue to affect our area, western Nevada and the Sierra this week.

How long will the smoke affect the region? That is dependent on the intensity and activity of the fire or any possible additional fires through the week. For the latest air quality information go here: www.airnow.gov and www.fire.airnow.gov

Hot conditions will combine with incoming moisture to bring a return of afternoon thunderstorms this week. Storm potential will spread northward through the week, with our area not seeing a chance for thunderstorms until the weekend.

Keep an eye out for lightning and gusty/erratic outflow winds with storms. Lightning-caused fires will be a concern through the week with increasing storm coverage. Storms will gradually become wetter in nature later this week with the potential for heavy rains and flooding concerns for steep terrain or burn areas.

The Susanville Lodge of Elks will have charge of the ’49 camp during the Legion convention here, August 16th to 20th, following a joint meeting of representatives of the two organizations.

The local ballpark will be built into an old-time camp and roulette wheels, sideshows and other concessions will be built.

There will be money for all but it will be of the “bull” coin variety and those participating will use an anonymous currency which is being printed and which will be sold for the real cash, to get around anti-gambling laws.