Volume XVIII Issue 208

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

But here in Susanville, while there still is some mystery about the man, the myth the legend, there certainly are no dragons. He is just Ben Wade, the nice guy you see at practice, at performances, at school events and around town, doing what he has always done: showing up.

And if you ask anyone local, that is exactly why he matters.

Because long before the cameras, the edits, and the dramatic music cues, Coach has been pouring himself into this community. At Lassen High School, he is a driving force behind the drumline, helping shape not just musicians, but disciplined, confident students who learn how to work together, perform under pressure and take pride in what they create.

If you have ever felt the energy of that drumline echo across a field or through a gym, you have felt a piece of his impact.

But it does not stop there.

Ben’s fingerprints are all over the local music scene, from orchestral involvement to community performances, quietly strengthening the arts in a town where that kind of dedication does not always get the spotlight it deserves. He is one of those people who makes things happen. People flock to him and adore him.

Because while the world is just now catching up to his charisma, intensity, and yes, his flair for the dramatic, we have had a front-row seat to something far more important: Consistency. Community. Commitment.

And for some of us, the most memorable moments are not on a television screen at all. They are the quiet, ordinary ones like the million times I have seen Ben and Jessica out in the afternoons, just peacefully strolling through town with their dogs. No audience, no spotlight, just a family enjoying each other and where they live. That is the version of Ben I have always known.

In fact, about five years ago, Peach became unexpectedly invested in Survivor, and there was a moment of absolute disbelief when it clicked: “Coach”… was Lena’s dad. The same Ben Wade. The one who lives here.

The one you could quite literally run into during Awana pickup and drop-off. It is hard to reconcile a television persona known for epic monologues and “Dragon Slayer” energy with someone standing casually in a church parking lot, waiting on kids like the rest of us—but that is exactly the point.

And let’s be honest, it is a little funny watching people analyze him like some kind of enigma when we know the truth. The “Dragon Slayer” still has to run errands, show up to rehearsals, and probably answer texts like the rest of us. The legend might be new to everyone else, but the person is not new to us.

He lives here. He works here. He is raising his family here, a beautiful family that reflects the same energy, creativity, and heart he brings to everything he does.

So yes, we have written about Ben before. But moments like this… when the spotlight swings his direction again are worth pausing for. Not because we are surprised, but because it gives us a chance to remind ourselves what we already have.

A community member who invests in our kids.

An artist who strengthens our programs.

A personality big enough for television, but grounded enough to stay rooted here.

The world may know him as the Dragon Slayer.

I just know him as Ben.

And honestly, I like our version better.

“When I circulated a survey to constituents earlier this year, the number one issue people were concerned about was affordability, with insurance as a close second,” said Assemblywoman Hadwick.

“These issues go hand in hand. California is a very expensive place to live, and people can’t afford the rising cost of insurance. For seniors and others living on fixed incomes, these increases can be especially crushing. This event will be an opportunity for some experts to share their insights they have on the industry.”

To provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape and potential legislative paths forward, Assemblywoman Hadwick has invited key leaders representing three prominent institutions in California’s insurance framework. The featured guest speakers will include representatives from:

• The California Department of Insurance
• The CA FAIR Plan
• The Personal Insurance Federation

Each speaker will have 20 minutes to provide a specialized presentation and answer questions submitted directly by district residents.

Constituents who would like to participate are highly encouraged to sign up ahead of time. Attendees who register in advance will receive the official Zoom broadcast link and will have a valuable opportunity to submit their questions regarding home, auto, and property coverage several weeks prior to the event.

Constituents can formally register, reserve their access link, and pre-submit questions online via the official portal: Click Here to RSVP.

Director Kayla Millar noted she is especially looking forward to American Anthem, a moving work by Gene Scheer whose heartfelt lyrics are sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Spotlighting Local Talent

The Academy of Music serves as the student division of the Susanville Symphony and includes both a Concert Band and a String Ensemble. Musicians ranging from 4th grade through adulthood participate in the program to develop their skills and deepen their appreciation for music.

This upcoming holiday performance will feature both Academy ensembles performing alongside several seasoned members of the Susanville Symphony. The Academy musicians have made tremendous progress this season, and the afternoon program will even include two challenging selections recently performed by the Symphony itself.

Admission to the concert is free.

Pack up your lawn chairs or blankets, gather your family and friends, and head down to the park to celebrate the spirit of America through music this Memorial Day!

The church is looking for the following items to help stock the shelves for the free lunch program:

• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Pre-packaged fruit
• Pre-packaged snacks
• Pre-packaged fruit snacks
• Pre-packaged chips
• Gift certificates to Walmart, Safeway and IGA.

You can drop off donations at 65 S. Lassen Street, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

A group of hard working volunteers preparing lunches for the CEFC’s free summer lunch program. ~photo provided

“Woodfords receiving this recognition reflects the leadership and commitment we’re seeing in Alpine County when it comes to wildfire preparedness,” said Jed Gaines, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit’s Assistant Chief overseeing Alpine County.

“This is more than a designation; it is neighbors helping neighbors take steps to reduce wildfire risk. Through fuel reduction, defensible space, and strong partnerships, this community is strengthening its resilience. We encourage others to follow their lead, because when communities come together with a shared commitment, we’re all better prepared for wildfire.”

The Woodfords community reflects the deep history and longstanding connection that local residents and tribal communities have with the land. Today, Woodfords continues to demonstrate leadership in resilience and preparedness through its dedication to reducing wildfire risk.

“Supporting communities in achieving NFPA Firewise USA recognition has been a central component of California’s wildfire preparedness strategy in recent years. Reaching our 1500th Firewise community marks a significant milestone for statewide wildfire resilience,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal.

“As we recognize this community’s achievement, we also extend our appreciation to all 1,500 Firewise communities across California that have demonstrated their commitment to reducing wildfire risk and making their neighborhoods safer.”

“With our Firewise designation, we are most looking forward to continuing to engage the community in working together to protect our homes from catastrophic wildfire through increased home hardening and defensible space,” said Bill Learn, a resident leader in the Woodfords Firewise Community.

“We also want to work with local agencies to develop better evacuation plans and inform residents on evacuation procedures. Ultimately, we look forward to creating a safer neighborhood.”

The Firewise USA recognition program, administered by NFPA, is a voluntary initiative in which residents work together to implement long‑term wildfire mitigation practices. To earn recognition, communities complete several key steps, including:

• Establishing a local committee
• Conducting a Community Risk Assessment
• Developing a three‑year action plan
• Hosting public outreach activities
• Submitting a formal application

To learn more about becoming a California Firewise Community and to begin the recognition process, you can visit the Ready for Wildfire website.

For $25 per child, participants will create three festive, take-home crafts to display for the holiday. All crafting supplies are included in the registration fee, so kids can dive straight into the fun.

In addition to their individual creations, the young artists will also collaborate on a special group project intended for entry into the local fair, giving them a chance to see their teamwork on public display.

Spaces for this festive workshop are limited, so parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible. For more information or to secure a spot today, visit lassencountyartscouncil.org.

Dedication Program at the College Sunday

May 20, 1973

Masonic Officials Inspect Cornerstone Ceremony Site

CEREMONY SITE - Elmer G. Van Tassel, Worshipful Inspector, 242nd Masonic District, left, and Darrell Campbell, Worshipful Master, Lassen Lodge 149, AF&AM, are pictured yesterday as they inspected the large native stone upon which the commemorative plaque will be placed in cornerstone ceremonies to be held in front of the administration building at the Lassen College campus on Sunday, May 13, at 12:30 p. m. William H. Price, Grand Master of the California Masonic Grand Lodge, and Grand Lodge Officers will conduct the cornerstone ceremony. (Advocate photo).

Preparations are in the final stages for the formal dedication of the new Lassen College campus on Sunday afternoon, May 13.

Grand Lodge Officers of the California Free and Accepted Masons will leave by bus from San Francisco today on a three day journey that will cover events in Eureka, Redding and finally for the opening of the Grand Lodge and the cornerstone laying ceremonies at Lassen College scheduled to start at 12:30 p. m.

Worshipful Grand Master William H. Price will preside at the cornerstone ceremony and will be assisted by other Grand Lodge officers. Ceremonies at the flagpole and monument area will be as follows:

• Presentation of colors, Knights of Columbus.
• Pledge of allegiance, American Legion.
• Invocation, Fr. John Hannan.
• Greetings, William H. Price, California Grand Lodge, F&AM.
• Presentation of plaque, principal architect, F&AM.
• Acceptance of plaque, Glenn H. Wemple.
• Cornerstone ceremony, Grand Master and officers.
• Address, Grand orator.

The Masonic planning committee for the cornerstone ceremony was E. G. Van Tassell, Inspector, 242nd Masonic District; Darrell C. Campbell, Master, Lassen Lodge 149; Walter L. Nanson, Master, Janesville Lodge 232, and Lawson Barron, Master, Westwood Lodge 501.

Following the cornerstone ceremony, Lassen College will furnish barbecued beans, hot dogs and coffee during the family picnic area. Those attending should bring their individual service and supplementary food. Tom Jenkins and his staff will start early preparing the food for the large attendance expected at the cornerstone and dedication ceremonies.

Dedication Program

The dedication program will be held in the Sports Center starting at 3 p. m. Robert Theiler, president, will open the program with introductions. Greetings to the college will be brought by the following:

• Mayor Ivor Lanigar, City of Susanville.
• William Farris, Chairman, Lassen County Board of Supervisors.
• Glenn R. Thompson, County Superintendent of Schools.
• Dr. David H. Allen, Jr., University of California.
• Representative of California State Colleges.
• Representative of California Community Colleges.
• Lloyd Messersmith, executive director, California Junior College Association.
• O. A. Knorr, director, Coordinating Council for Higher Education.
• Bishop Monty Bates, benediction.

Among others expected to attend are the presidents and trustees from the six neighboring community college districts, Assemblywoman Pauline Davis, school trustees and city and county officials and civic leaders from Lassen, Modoc and Plumas Counties. Former Lassen College instructors who have indicated they will be present include Janet Goodrich, Lysle Trabert, Robert Fulton, Vernon Greenleaf and Gil Collyer, former district superintendent, who is retiring this year as president of Shasta College in Redding.

Friends of Fred Cardona will be disappointed to learn that press of business will keep him and his wife from joining in the program Sunday. Cardona was chairman of the board during the development of the new campus.

John T. Spencer and Dr. Harlan C. Stamm will serve as masters of ceremonies.

Ralph Couso of the Susanville Marble and Granite Works has prepared a large native stone upon which the commemorating plaque will be imbedded at the cornerstone ceremony. Ray Herrington has placed the stone at the college flagpole area in preparation for Sunday’s ceremony.

The plaque contains the names of the College Governing Board, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Architects and the Masonic Lodge.

Brian Blaine Anderson – April 24, 2026

Trudy Lynne Fleckenstein – April 27, 2026

Carol Elizabeth Fraser Jeldness – April 9, 2026

Leslie (Les) Marc Fountain – April 3, 2026

Cynthia Marie (Celaya) Raschein – February 20, 2026

James E Gorby Jr – March 14th, 2026

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