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Volume XVIII Issue 203
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
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Why We Love This Place
Wednesday: Breyona “Bri” Millard
By Terra Avilla
Welcome to another “Why We Love This Place Wednesday.” Today, we are talking about the absolute force of nature that is Breyona “Bri” Millard.
I first met Bri in the chaotic trenches of Best of Broadway, where we served as volunteers—or, as we are lovingly known, “table moms.”
Not to toot our own horns, but between Heather, Kelly, and me, we thought we had the table mom game on lock. We were a well-oiled machine.
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And then came Bri. With her teaching background, she had those kids ready to go with such flawless precision that it put us to shame. It quickly got to the point where I would just look at her in a mild panic and say, “Bri… I need you.”
Even my daughters who were in the show would ask me, “Mom, can Ms. Bri please be the one to help me?” And you know what? I was like… yeah that’s fair, I would want her too in this circumstance. She is consistently kind, incredibly capable, and just flat-out the best.
Plus, her daughter, Sydney, has easily become one of my favorite humans on the planet.
Fast forward to 8U softball. Coach Cassie West and I were sitting down to draft our team, and we both agreed on one core strategy: draft the parents. At this age, the softball part is manageable, but having good parents is everything. I immediately said, “We need Sydney and Bri.”
Cassie agreed Sydney was adorable, but she didn’t yet realize the absolute steal we were getting in her mom.
By the second practice, we had already put Bri to work. Turns out, managing a feral herd of 7- and 8-year-old girls requires a lot of reliable hands-on deck, and Bri effortlessly stepped into the critical role of Dugout Mom.
She shows up armed with snacks, sunflower seeds, extra mitts, and sunscreen like she’s prepping for a wilderness expedition. But it’s not just game-day survival; she helps us run practices so smoothly that the entire team benefits.
Many hands make light work, but Bri’s hands do so much lifting that they are not obligated to do. She is also wildly thoughtful. She even brought Peach her own bag of seeds as a thank you for “helping,” which is hilarious because helping is exactly what Bri is doing for all of us.
Beyond the dugout, you’ll spot Bri at any event where she can learn how to protect children or grow as a person. Somehow, I lucked out and she recently decided to try out the women’s Jiu Jitsu class. Let me tell you, she is good.
She joked that having an older sister prepared her for the mats, which is a survival tactic I can completely relate to. Just yesterday during live rolls, she took a solid bop to the eye. Everyone stopped, totally worried about her. She didn’t miss a single beat. Within five minutes, she casually looked around and said, “Hey… I could go again.” And she did.
Tough, thoughtful, and the ultimate team player. Bri makes everything she touches better, and she is a huge reason why we love this place.
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Miss Lassen County Entry Deadline is Rapidly Approaching
The Lassen County Fair and the Miss Lassen County Scholarship Pageant are searching for talented Lassen County residents between the ages of 17 and 22 to participate in the annual scholarship program.
The entrants will compete in a series of activities climaxing with the July 14th pageant in the grandstands at the 2026 Lassen County Fair.
The pageant is open to all residents of the county and Director Shelley Bennett says she would love to have participation from rural areas like Westwood and Herlong.
The Miss Lassen County Scholarship Competition’s mission is to assist young women in reaching their goals through coaching in public speaking, developing their talents, and providing community service opportunities.
The competition is based on the concept of becoming the best ‘You’ possible.
A typical summer for contestants is filled with weekly seminars, dance rehearsals and community activities, as well as lots of fun. Every contestant benefits from the skill development and collaboration provided by the scholarship program.
You can click here to download a registration form, and click here to download official rules and information. Applications are due at the fair office on Russell Avenue by May 16th.
For more information call Pageant Director Shelley Bennett at 1.530.249.3830.
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Susanville Little League to Host Annual ‘Home Run Derby’ This Sunday
Get ready for the crack of the bat! The Susanville Little League Home Run Derby is returning this Sunday, May 17th. Families, friends, and baseball fans are invited to Pat Murphy Fields for a day of friendly competition and big hits.
This exciting event gives our local young athletes a chance to showcase their power at the plate and compete for the title of home run king or queen. Whether you are rooting for a specific player or just love the game, come out and cheer on these athletes as they aim for the fences!
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Minors Division: Registration at 9:30a.m. | Competition begins at 10:00a.m.
Intermediate Division: Registration at 10:30a.m. | Competition begins at 11:00.a.m.
Registration: Please sign up at the Snack Bar 30 minutes before your division’s start time.
The Competition:
To keep the competition fair and fun, the home run distances have been adjusted for athletes:
Minors: Home run distance is set at 150’ (The field is currently set at 190′).
Intermediate: Distance is set at 180’.
It isn’t just about the glory—top hitters will be rewarded! Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division.
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Lassen Superior Court Seeking
Members for 2026-2027 Grand Jury
The Superior Court of California, County of Lassen, is looking for community members to serve on the 2026-2027 Lassen County Grand Jury. The year-long service is rewarding, educational and a crucial part of local civic oversight. If you want to truly understand the most intricate workings of the governmental bodies in our area, this is for you.
Serving on the Grand Jury does require a time commitment. Meetings are held every other week as determined by the Grand Jury members and investigations will also be determined by the group.
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Those who have served on the local Grand Jury have expressed how their service has contributed to an appreciation of the role of our local government and have a deeper understanding of how policies and planning impact our community.
Every year, in each of California’s 58 counties, a group of ordinary citizens takes an oath to serve as grand jurors. Its function is to investigate the operations of the various officers, departments and agencies of local government. Each Civil Grand Jury determines which officers, departments and agencies it will investigate during its term of office.
All qualified persons are encouraged and welcome to apply for grand jury service.
What are the requirements to be a grand juror?
Penal Code section 893 states that a person is qualified to be a grand juror if he or she:
• Is a citizen of the United States,
• Is at least 18 years old,
• Has been a resident of the county for at least one year immediately prior to selection,
• Possesses ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character, and
• Possesses a sufficient knowledge of the English language to communicate both orally and in writing.
There are only four disqualifiers. A person is ineligible to act as a grand juror if he or she:
• Is serving as a trial juror in a state court at the time of selection,
• Has been discharged from grand jury service within the preceding year,
• Has been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime, or
• Is serving as an elected public officer.
No particular background, training or experience is necessary to be a grand juror. In fact, according to the court, it is the diversity of its members that is one of the grand jury’s greatest strengths.
Interested applicants can click here to visit the court’s Grand Jury page, which includes the Jury Questionnaire.
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CAL FIRE Continues Prescribed Burn Near Westwood and Clear Creek This Thursday
CAL FIRE’s Lassen Modoc Unit has announced plans to continue the Mooney timber understory prescribed burn in Lassen County this Thursday, May 14th, if weather and fuel conditions allow for a low-intensity burn.
The operation is being conducted in coordination with W.M. Beaty & Associates. The primary goal of the project is to reduce receptive fuels adjacent to roadways, which helps prevent roadside ignitions from escalating into larger wildfires.
This effort also supports broader fuel reduction goals intended to protect the communities of Westwood and Clear Creek from the impacts of future wildfires.
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“The primary objective of this project is to continue to reduce receptive fuels adjacent to roadways, helping to prevent roadside ignitions from becoming larger wildfires,” said CAL FIRE Fire Captain Robbie Whitchurch.
Residents and visitors in the Lake Almanor basin, specifically near Westwood and Clear Creek, should expect to see smoke throughout the day.
CAL FIRE is reminding the public that there is no need to call 911 to report these specific burn operations. For further information regarding the project, the public can contact Fire Captain Robbie Whitchurch at 1.530.310.2254.
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Lassen College Baseball Announces
Hustlin’ Youth Summer Camp
Calling all young ballplayers! Lassen College Baseball is gearing up for a high-energy week on the diamond with the announcement of their Hustlin’ Youth Baseball Camp this June.
The camp, led by Coach Frank Avilla and the Lassen College staff, offers local boys and girls ages 7 to 13 the opportunity to sharpen their skills and learn the fundamentals of the game in a professional collegiate environment. For just $100 per camper, participants will receive four days of expert instruction and a commemorative camp t-shirt.
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Whether your player is a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced youth athlete wanting to fine-tune their game, the camp covers all the bases. Skill focus areas include hitting, bunting, pitching, catching, and fielding. It’s more than just a series of drills; it’s a fun, memorable experience designed to foster a love for the game.
Camp will be held June 15th through the 18th from 8:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. daily at Memorial Ball Park.
Don’t let your kid miss out on an awesome week at camp! Participants are asked to bring their own gear, including cleats, glove, baseball pants, hat, water, a snack and sunscreen. Catchers should bring their own gear if necessary.
Registration Information
Pre-registration will take place on Sunday, June 14th, from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at Memorial Ball Park. For those unable to make the pre-registration, “Day of Camp” sign-ups will begin at 8:00a.m. on Monday, June 15th.
Questions? Contact Coach Frank Avilla at 1.530.310.7656.
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Girls Drill Team Performs at Fashion Show
May 13, 1972
THE SUSANVILLE ELEMENTARY PTA presented a “Spring Sew-In” Fashion Show on Wednesday, April 19, in the McKinley School multipurpose room. Approximately 50 models participated wearing clothing made by parents and relatives.
The clothing modeled was very original, unique and lovely.
The decorations, done in pastel colors, were made by Mrs. Llaniss Dickinson’s fourth grade class. Mrs. Anita Dye was narrator and Mrs. Joan Carter coordinated the event.
During the intermission, refreshments were served with Mrs. Nancy Fogleman as chairwoman. The refreshments were served by the Girls’ Drill Team, under the direction of Mrs. Woody Goddard, from Diamond View School.
The girls, pictured above, also gave an excellent performance during the intermission.
Mr. Alosi’s art classes at Diamond View School made several posters advertising the event and Tricia Hoglen and Pam Burke received a check for their winning posters from the Susanville Elementary PTA. Mrs. Diana Bigger was chairwoman for the entire event.
Mrs. Bigger and Glen Jones distributed gifts donated by local merchants. This was done by a random drawing. The proceeds from the fashion show are being used to purchase three phonographs for the Susanville Elementary Schools. The Susanville Elementary PTA extends thanks to all who helped make the show a success.
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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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