Volume XVIII Issue 229

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

If you’ve driven through Susanville lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her name on a sign. But for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure, and for the many familiar faces who may be ready for their next move, local realtor Shantel McDonald of Smith Properties wants to officially say hello again.

Born and raised right here in Lassen County, McDonald isn’t just familiar with the community-she is the community. From hiking the trails to cheering at local events, she’s the neighbor who also happens to know exactly what your home is worth and how to get you the best deal on the next one.

A Career Built on More Than Real Estate

With over 23 years of experience spanning lending, banking, sales, and customer service, she brings a full-picture perspective that most agents simply can’t offer. Before her real estate career, she worked extensively in the lending and banking world, which means she understands financing, negotiation, and the behind-the-scenes mechanics of a transaction in a way that genuinely benefits her clients.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and what still drives me every single day is watching someone get the keys to a home they love,” McDonald shared. “Whether it’s a first-time buyer who didn’t think it was possible, a veteran using hard-earned benefits, or a family relocating to discover what Lassen County has to offer-that moment never gets old.”

Serving the Clients Who Need It Most

McDonald specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, veterans, real estate investors, and relocation clients. Audiences that often need more guidance, more patience, and a trusted advisor in their corner. She is known among her clients for being responsive, honest, and fiercely committed to their best interests.

Her work spans Lassen and Plumas County and much of Northern California, and she operates out of Smith Properties, one of the most established real estate offices in the region with over 45 years of experience serving this community.

A Fresh Start, Same Shantel

Whether you’ve worked with her before or you’re hearing her name for the first time, McDonald’s message is simple: she’s here, she knows this market, and she’s ready to go to work for you.

To connect with Shantel, visit shantelmcdonald.com, call 530.744.1919, or send her an email at shantel@shantelmcdonald.com. You can also find her on social media under Shantel McDonald Realtor.

Smith Properties is located at 2213 Main St, Susanville, CA 96130. DRE #02117589 / #00551162.

New Roof for Plumas Bank in Downtown Susanville

Soon the roof will be back to that beautiful Plumas Bank Green that we all recognize.

“Being Here for Good means investing in the future of our community and the places where we serve it,” explains Plumas Bank Client Service Specialist Samantha Whitt.

“Our new roof is more than just a building improvement – it’s a reflection of our commitment to maintaining a strong, welcoming branch for our clients and team members for years to come.”

Whitt said that Plumas Bank is proud to continue serving Susanville and surrounding areas and look forward to many more years ahead.

Merry Morsels Plastic Bottle Drive for High Desert Hope

A sweet local business is turning recycled plastic and aluminum into lifesaving care for the community’s most vulnerable felines. Merry Morsels, owned by Heather Arter, has officially partnered with local rescue High Desert Hope for an ongoing Aluminum Can & CRV Bottle Collection Fundraiser aimed at supporting foster kittens in need.

Every single can and bottle donated during this drive goes directly toward providing food, litter, medical care, vaccinations and essential supplies for abandoned, orphaned and homeless kittens right here in our community.

How Your Recyclables Make a Difference


High Desert Hope works tirelessly to rescue, foster, and care for local kittens until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered and placed into loving, permanent homes through a careful adoption process.

Because the rescue relies on community support, even a single bag of recyclables can alter the course of a kitten’s life.

Your donations directly fund:

• Nutrition: Kitten formula and food
• Daily Care: Horse stall pellet litter, pee pads, and cleaning supplies
• Medical Needs: Veterinary care, vaccinations, microchips, and emergency rescue supplies
• Population Control: Crucial spay/neuter services and community cat programs

“Save your aluminum cans and CRV plastic bottles instead of throwing them away!” says the team at High Desert Hope. “Your recyclables help provide a brighter future for local cats and kittens. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.”

What to Save

The drive is currently accepting clean and bagged Aluminum cans and plastic bottles. (CRV eligible preferred)

Easy Drop-Off & Porch Pickup Available

Want to clear out your recycling bin for a great cause? The drive makes it incredibly easy to donate. If you have a larger haul, you don’t even have to leave your house—the team can easily arrange a convenient porch pickup for you.

To schedule a donation drop-off or a porch pickup, simply message Emma Leport or Lassen Creations to schedule a pickup or drop-off.

“Thank you for supporting High Desert Hope and Merry Morsels in their mission to care for Susanville’s vulnerable cats and kittens. Let’s turn plastic and aluminum into pure care!”

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.

If you are new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, a great opportunity awaits you. CDFW offers two Free Fishing Days each year. On these days, you can fish without a sport fishing license.

Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try.

Free fishing day clinics are designed to educate novice anglers about fishing ethics, fish habits, effective methods for catching fish, and fishing tackle. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night.

While all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect, there are two days each year when anyone can fish without purchasing a fishing license.

On Free Fishing Days, every angler must have the appropriate report card if they are fishing for steelhead, sturgeon or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River Systems.

Click here to find out more at the CDFW website.

Anglers can review the sport fishing regulations online (www.wildlife.ca.gov/regulations) or use CDFW’s mobile web site to view freshwater limits and regulations specific to a body of water (https://map.dfg.ca.gov/sportfishingregs/).

There will also be plenty of waterslide action to keep everyone cool in the summer heat.

The event runs from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. at Dixon Memorial Park in Doyle.

For those looking to clear out their garage or sell their crafts, vendor spots are still available for the rummage sale. You can secure a space by sending an email to lizardracesoff395@gmail.com, reaching out with a direct message on the Doyle Days Facebook page at facebook.com/doyle.days, or simply signing up in person on the day of the fundraiser.

Gather your family and friends next Saturday for another fantastic day of community fun in Doyle!

This year’s carefully curated book selection features a wide variety of genres designed to spark the imagination of every young reader, spanning thrilling adventures, gripping mysteries, touching memoirs, and popular titles.

Featured Books for the 2026 Challenge Include:

• Unplugged
• Unschooled
• GAME OVER
• Distress Signal
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
• Amina’s Song
• Goosebumps: Haunting with the Stars
• Morning Sun in Wuhan
• Growing Up Under a Red Flag: A Memoir of Surviving the Chinese Cultural Revolution

To make participation as easy as possible for families throughout the region, LCOE has partnered with a diverse network of local businesses and community organizations. Free books can be picked up today at any of the following locations:

Official 2026 Pick-Up Locations:

• Lassen Family Services
• Lassen County Public Health
• Highway to Gaming Zone
• Buffalo Chips
• Janesville Pizza Factory
• Premier Mortgage Resources
• Lassen County Office of Education

Whether you are looking for a spooky mystery, a deep historical memoir, or a fun lighthearted story, there is something available for every interest and reading level. Don’t let the “summer slide” slow down learning—join the adventure today and discover new worlds, one book at a time!

For more information regarding the Summer Reading Challenge, available titles, or how to get involved, please contact James Hall at the Lassen County Office of Education via phone at 1.530.251.8711 or by email at jdhall@lcoe.org.

The proposed expansion would extend the trail two miles east from Richmond Road and the Historic Susanville Depot area to State Route 36, where it will connect with the Skyline Path. The primary goals of the project are to improve safety, access, and overall connectivity for walking and biking within Susanville, establishing a dedicated, safe trail connector through town.

Your feedback is vital to this planning process, and residents can easily share their thoughts online. To voice your opinion on the trail extension, click here to take the online survey.

In addition to the online questionnaire, community members will have multiple opportunities to participate in person this weekend. Trail use counts and surveys will take place throughout Susanville on Friday, June 19th, and Saturday, June 20th. If an LCTC consultant asks you to complete the survey while you are out on the trails, please give them a moment of your time to get counted and show your support.

Representatives will also be available at the Susanville Farmers Market on Saturday, June 20th, from 8:00 to 12:00. You can find them at the market’s location in the LMUD parking lot, situated at the corner of Main Street and North Gay Street.

The event will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd, from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at the Susanville School District Office, located at 109 S. Gilman Street in Susanville. Walk-ins are entirely welcome, so you can simply show up ready to interview.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply today and take the first step toward making a positive impact.

For more information about the event or available positions, please contact Tasia Harrison by calling 1.530.257.8200.

The above is a reproduction of the proposed new home of the Lassen Industrial Bank. This beautiful building will be 40×110 feet and the entire lower floor will be occupied by the bank. The construction is steel and brick, faced with pressed brick. Work will begin within a month and when completed this will be one of the most pretentious buildings of Greater Susanville.

Lassen Industrial Bank Will Build Beautiful Building

June 18, 1921

The announcement this week that the Lassen Industrial Bank will shortly start work on a modern building for banking and business purposes is one of the most significant happenings in recent months, and one of the strongest indications that Susanville is rapidly changing from a country town to a modern little city.

The new bank building will be located on the old Steward House lot adjoining the Younie building. The structure will be 40×110 feet and two stories in height. The construction will be steel and brick, faced with pressed brick.

The Lassen Industrial Bank will occupy the entire lower floor and there will be sixteen office rooms upstairs. The banking equipment will be strictly up-to-date in all respects, including burglar proof vaults and electrical safety devices. The interior arrangement of the bank will be along the most approved lines, and there is no question that when completed Susanville can boast of a business building second to no similar institution in the northern part of the state.

It is expected to start work on the building within fifteen days and the work will be rushed to the earliest possible completion as the business of the Lassen Industrial is rapidly outgrowing their present quarters.

In this connection it is interesting to note the fact that in the nine years the bank has been established the resources have grown to the imposing aggregate of $1,250,000.

Commenting on the reasons that influenced the directors in deciding to build at this time Cashier Culbreth said:

“In my opinion the completion of the Bly irrigation project means more than any other one thing that will happen in the development of Lassen county.”

Mr. Culbreth believes that if the people here will learn the value of cooperation and organization Susanville will be another Klamath Falls. He has great faith in the recently organized Lassen County Chamber of Commerce.

Regarding the lumber industry here Mr. Culbreth said: Another thing that people here should appreciate and realize is the spirit of cooperation that the management of the two big lumber companies here have shown in matters pertaining to the welfare of the community. They have met the people here half way on every proposition and we in turn should support them.”

Verna Rae Fraley Wemple – 2026

Jerry Allen Hemphill – June 14, 2026

James “Jim” Creath Dale – May 20, 2026

Phyllis Anne Thomas – May 14, 2026

William (Mr. Bill) Nolen, Jr. – May 21, 2026

Forrest “Butch” Sakamoto – May 13, 2026

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