Volume XVIII Issue 260

Friday, July 31st, 2026

We got an early start and drove to Alturas, where we stopped for sandwiches at a local deli and picked up a few last-minute supplies. From there, we headed north as rain clouds gathered ahead of us.

We made a turn east to Lassen Creek Campground, where we hoped to fish for Goose Lake Redband trout. The weather was just about perfect: the rain had moved on, leaving the ground damp and the air cool and fresh. I assembled our rods, and we set out in search of the trout native to this stream and included in the California Heritage Trout Program.

I tried to fool a bigger fish, but they were wary and quick. In a narrow stretch of creek beneath a leafy canopy, I spotted a good-sized trout tucked under the cover of bushes. I slipped a fly close to it, and the fish rose, took it, and let go faster than I could react.

It vanished beneath a cut bank, and I never saw it again. Even though we only caught small fish, it was a pleasure to see these trout thriving in their native water.

We returned to Highway 395 and kept heading north until we were nearly in Oregon. Then we turned east onto a rough dirt road and climbed steadily into the high country.

That night, we stopped at Cave Lake Campground. There we found rainbow trout feeding aggressively, eager for nymphs and dry flies. Carol and I enjoyed catching and releasing dozens of those bright, lively fish.

What struck me most, though, was that the area had escaped the fire damage that has scarred so much of the landscape around us. It brought to mind Juniper Lake, the Caribou Wilderness, and Deerheart, Homer, and Hidden Lakes before flames changed them forever. It was beautiful country to behold, yet it also stirred a deep sadness for all we’ve lost in recent years.

After a quiet night in our tent, I rose early and hiked to nearby Lilly Lake. On the map, it looked like an easy walk, but it turned out to involve a steep climb and an even steeper descent. Still, the fishing made it worthwhile. In about 15 minutes, I caught several rainbows, then sat for a while watching fish rise on the surface while a variety of birds paddled and fed in the little lake.

On the return trip, I was relieved to discover a longer but much easier trail.

After breakfast, we packed up and headed east to another creek. We saw only one fish there, and despite plenty of walking and fishing, we came up empty. From there, we decided to keep going east, since neither of us had ever seen the Alkali Lakes or the small towns in that part of the world.

Fortunately, the road east was in far better shape than the one we had taken in. We drove down to County Road 1, then continued to Cedarville. The scenery was lovely and reminded me of the Pittville area of Lassen County. We crossed Cedar Pass on Highway 229, returned to Alturas, and then headed home.

It was a short trip with a lot of miles, but it was well worth the time, effort, and expense. We saw new country, caught beautiful fish, and enjoyed a glimpse of the blessings God has given us in this part of the state. Looking back on the adventure, I feel grateful for those moments in nature that lift my spirit and remind me how important it is to protect these wild places for generations to come.

How to Submit Your Interest

If you are interested in joining the board and helping shape the future of local youth sports, please send an email to lcsvll.president@gmail.com with the following information:

• Full name
• Phone number and email address
• Board position(s) of interest (or state if you are open to any role)
• A brief personal introduction
• Previous volunteer, coaching, board, or leadership experience
• Why you would like to serve on the board
• Skills or expertise you bring to the league

All interest submissions must be received by Thursday, August 13th.

Together, board members and volunteers help ensure Susanville Little League continues to provide a safe, fun and memorable experience for young athletes across the region.

Registration and Cost

The cost to attend is $30 per student. Participants are asked to bring exact cash or a check. Please note that credit cards will not be accepted.

Important Information

These courses are intended for the general public and are not designed to meet professional rescuer requirements. Class sizes are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

How to Sign Up

If you would like to sign up, or have questions regarding the classes, please contact the Administrative Assistant at 1.530.257.5152 or via email at fire@cityofsusanville.org.

All necessary art materials are provided for the session, and participants will also enjoy a delicious snack while they create and socialize.

Registration is $25 per child. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your child’s place today by clicking here.

Authorities emphasize that even slight increases in speed dramatically reduce a driver’s reaction time while significantly increasing the impact force during a collision.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that 11,288 people lost their lives in speeding-related crashes across the United States in 2024, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities that year. In California alone, speeding-related crashes claimed 1,139 lives in 2024.

Police remind drivers that simple habits can help keep local roads safe for everyone. Planning ahead and leaving early allows extra travel time, eliminating the urge to rush. Drivers should always adhere to posted speed limits—particularly in school and work zones—and adjust their speed to account for changing weather, traffic, or road conditions. In addition, avoiding aggressive driving habits like tailgating and weaving through traffic helps prevent avoidable tragedies.

Because crashes leave severe and lasting consequences on families and the community, local officers urge everyone to slow down so that all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians reach their destinations safely.

“We will always direct you to our website, www.lmud.org, our secure phone payment line, or you may come into our office and make a payment in person.”

You can identify a scam call from a legitimate LMUD collection call by remembering these guidelines:

• Scammers use intimidation tactics. They use threatening language meant to scare customers into making an immediate payment.
• If you are delinquent on your account, LMUD will send a reminder notice on the 21st day you are delinquent. If payment is not received within 10 days, a 48 hour disconnect notice is sent. You may receive a courtesy call from our employees prior to disconnection. This call will tell you that you must contact our office as soon as possible to pay your bill. If an LMUD employee is sent to your home or business to disconnect your power, they will identify themselves as an employee. They will be wearing authorized LMUD ID badges and will be driving a clearly marked LMUD fleet vehicle.
• Often, scammers will try to get you to pay your bill with a “pre-paid” money card.
• An LMUD employee will NEVER instruct you to purchase a pre-paid money card in order to pay your bill.
• LMUD does accept phone payments. You must have a credit card or debit card with the Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card logo. You may also pay your bill in person at the LMUD office with cash, money order or check (some restrictions apply.)

Signs it’s a scam!

• The scammer doesn’t know your account number or any of your account information.
• The scammer sounds like their “guessing” at information.
• The scammer tells you that you must pay immediately, even if you insist you are not past due. They will often say that they will “investigate” your account and if you are not past due they will refund your money.

To report any suspicious situation or to reach an LMUD representative, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week call 530-257-4174.

Susanville around 1930 in an Eastman Studio postcard image

Lassen Sheriff To Experiment with Tear Gas Gun

July 31, 1929

The Lassen County Sheriff’s office this week received one of the latest tear gas guns and will experiment with it and try out its efficacy. Those desiring to offer their services as “patients” should apply in person to J. B. Leavitt, sheriff, between the hours of 9a.m. and 6p.m.

Only those who are physically fit will be accepted. The experiments will be carried on in the following manner:

The person offering his services will stand 12 feet away from the sheriff and start to sass him. The sheriff will then reach into his vest pocket and drawing forth what appears to be a fountain pen will press a little clip in it.

From the end of the imitation fountain pen will come a stream of gas which will be forced down the volunteer’s throat, up into his nose and into his eyes. At a range of twelve feet the person taking the test will be blinded and will suffer great pain.

He will be normal again, however, in about 20 minutes and in a condition to take another test.

Those applying to take the test should be either a rum runner, highjacker, bootlegger or some sort of a law breaker because those are the kind of people the gun will be used on. Mouthing orators, persistent solicitors and back seat drivers would also make good material for the test.

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

George Wickman – January 14, 2026

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