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Volume XVII Issue 203
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
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Why We Love This Place
Wednesday: Grace Appel
By Terra Avilla
Welcome back folks to the little corner of my world where I get to gush about the people, experiences, and, well, places that make life a bit brighter.
This week, I’m absolutely excited to introduce you to, or perhaps celebrate with you, the one and only – Grace Appel.
My journey with Grace began, as many of the best connections do, in a slightly unexpected place – our women’s jiu-jitsu class.
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Let me tell you, Grace isn’t just any student- she’ll proudly (and rightly!) inform you that she was one of the very first students to brave the mats in that class. There’s a certain pioneering spirit to that, isn’t there?
Week after week, as we drilled techniques, sparred (sometimes gracefully, sometimes less s…) a friendship began to blossom. Jiu-jitsu has a funny way of stripping away pretenses.
When you’re tangled up trying to remember a new move, or celebrating a small victory, bonds form quickly and genuinely. Grace, with her steady presence and encouraging words, quickly became a fixture, someone I looked forward to seeing not just as a training partner, but as a friend, and if you ask any of the other girls in that class, they will tell you Grace was ALWAYS welcoming.
As classes passed and conversations flowed, I started to learn more about the layers that make up the sweet, formidable Grace. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to admire.
First and foremost, Grace is an excellent mom. You can see it in the way she talks about her son, the pride in her voice, and just watching them together. It’s clear that her family is her heart. Complementing this, she deeply loves her husband. Seriously how she speaks about Aaron should be a goal for every marriage.
But, beyond her family, Grace truly pours her heart into her profession. She loves her job as an Occupational Therapist at Lassen Nurse and Rehab. Hearing her talk about her work, you immediately sense her compassion. She’s not just going through the motions – she’s clearly invested in helping people improve their quality of life.
Honestly, I often think about how incredibly lucky our community is to have someone with her skill and empathy in such a crucial role. We truly are fortunate to have her.
Now, if you ask me what the main thing I love about Grace is, it’s got to be her humor. She is, in the best possible way, what I would consider a “chill girl.” Her wit is sharp and delightful, but never overwhelming. She can make you laugh yet she does it with an easy-going charm.
Oh, and did I mention Grace is a culinary wizard in disguise? Specifically, she makes some dang good lemon bars. I’m not exaggerating here. These aren’t just any lemon bars–these are the kind of lemon bars that legends are made of.
I experienced their magic firsthand at an Easter BBQ. Grace, ever so casually, brought a batch. What ensued was nothing short of a delicious battle. My family and the entire baseball team (yes, the whole team) were practically fighting over them.
People like Grace are the backbone of any great community, and we are lucky to have her here. She is one of the reasons I love where we live.
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Sign Up Now for Lassen County Kids'
Week at Camp Ronald McDonald
Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake, a unique summer camp experience for children aged eight to twelve, has announced the dates for this year’s Lassen County Kids Week, where local kids can enjoy getting away to the awesome summer camp.
This year, the annual local’s week will be June 29th through July 3rd, and the cost is $250.
The number of campers is limited, and the camp is popular, so register early.
Camp experiences include:
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- Archery
- Arts and Crafts
- Canoeing
- Drama / Music
- Fishing
- Group Games
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Outdoor Education
- Swimming
“This summer camp promises an unforgettable experience filled with fun, adventure and learning. Don’t miss out!” says Camp Director Joseph Kahn.
“We also look for counselors, which is perfect for Junior or Seniors in high school looking for volunteer hours.”
Kahn and the camp are seeking enthusiastic and responsible individuals to serve as Cabin Counselors for a week-long summer camp experience. Counselors will provide care, leadership, and guidance for a cabin group of 4-5 campers.
For more information about Lassen County Kids Camp please contact Kahn at Jkahn@rmhcnc.org.
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New Forest Supervisor for
Lassen National Forest
The Lassen National Forest welcomes new Forest Supervisor, Rick Hopson. Hopson joins the Lassen National Forest after serving as Deputy Director of the Ecosystem Management staff within the Pacific Southwest Region of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
Prior to being Deputy Director, Hopson worked as a District Ranger on the Eldorado National Forest, Regional Hydrologist in the Intermountain Region, and in various hydrologist roles across the Pacific Southwest Region, including the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
In 2020 Hopson served as the Acting Director of Grants and Agreements, in 2023 as Acting Director of Ecosystem Management, and last winter as Acting Forest Supervisor on the Plumas National Forest.
| | LNF’s new Forest Supervisor Rick Hopson | | |
“I am honored to serve the American public, as the Lassen National Forest’s new supervisor,” said Hopson.
“In my twenty-eight years of public service, I have learned to value partners, local and tribal governments, interested parties and others to help guide and implement the work we do. It is my belief that through thoughtful active forest management we can promote healthy and fire resilient forests, while protecting the cultural, tribal and natural resources on Lassen National Forest lands.”
Hopson has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science degree in Forest Hydrology from Oregon State University.
“I look forward to learning more about my new community, and how I can become involved to continue to build relationships and support our partnerships for the critical work we do together,” said Hopson.
“Along with the hardworking and dedicated staff here on the Lassen National Forest, I offer to you my commitment to serve to the best of my ability the communities and public that rely on our sustainable, multi-use management of these public lands.”
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CalTrans Update: Travel Delays on Local Roadways for the Memorial Day Weekend
Caltrans District 2 is wishing travelers a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend holiday while reminding motorists that the 2025 construction and maintenance season is in full swing and drivers are advised to check roadway conditions and allot extra time for delays if traveling around northeastern California this weekend.
While many crews will not be working over the holiday, road work will be in effect in many areas through 3:00p.m. on Friday, May 23rd and beginning again on Wednesday, May 28th. Motorists are also advised to plan for the following long-term work zones, rest area closures, and areas of historic traffic congestion:
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STATE ROUTE 36, Emergency Work near Fredonyer Summit (Lassen County) – 24/7 traffic control via temporary traffic signal is currently in effect for emergency work just east of Fredonyer Summit stemming from fault activity in the area. Motorists should plan for up to 10-minute delays in the area and note that travel will be on an unpaved surface.
STATE ROUTE 36, Chester Causeway Project (Plumas/Lassen Counties) – 24/7 traffic control via pilot cars is currently in effect between Chester and the junction with State Route 147 due to construction and roadway conditions on the project. Motorists should plan for up to 15-minute delays in the area.
STATE ROUTE 139, Susanville 139 Paving Project (Lassen County) – Full highway closures on SR 139 from Spring Ridge Drive to the BLM Shooting Range continue through Friday (5/23) between the hours of 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. AND 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. This full closure schedule is expected to begin again on Wednesday (5/28). Over the holiday weekend, motorists should plan for 24/7 one-way traffic control via temporary traffic signal approximately 3 miles north of Spring Ridge Drive, with minimal delays.
STATE ROUTE 36, Lake Almanor Safety Roadside Rest Area (Plumas County) – The Lake Almanor Safety Roadside Rest Area, east of Chester, is currently closed due to construction activities on the Chester Causeway Project. The rest area is hoped to be reopen by the end of July.
STATE ROUTE 89, Near McArthur – Burney Falls Memorial Park (Shasta County) – Impacted traffic flows have occurred historically on holiday weekends on State Route 89 near McArthur – Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Motorists are asked to utilize alternative routes for through traffic in the area, plan for delays or call ahead if they are intending to visit the park, along with abiding by “No Parking” signs along SR 89 in the area.
Motorists are reminded that highway conditions and rest area availability are subject to change at any time, due to traffic incidents, emergency situations, and maintenance or construction operations. Motorists should check roadway conditions prior to and during breaks in travel, plan extra time for possible delays, and drive carefully on the roadways.
Motorists are also reminded to be wary of using non-highway alternative routes during construction or highway closures. These routes may not be open or reflected on outside navigation apps and may have size restrictions for larger vehicles. Contact local city or county agencies for status or restrictions on non-highway routes.
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Lassen High News and Information
for Parents and Students
Who will be our next Miss Lassen County? Applications are now available for all Junior and Senior girls. Please see Mrs. Bennett in Room 115 for an application. Deadline is May 23rd.
Have you dreamed about performing under the Friday Night Lights? Now is your time to try out for the Lassen High SchoolSchool Drill Team! Tryouts are today through Thursday 5/22 at 3:30 in the small gym. Please bring water and be dressed to dance. If you have any questions, see Mrs. Bennett in room 115.
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Volleyball Meeting: to discuss summer schedule and plan for next year’s season
today, May 21st during lunch in Mrs. Newman’s room 757. If you are interested in playing volleyball next year you should attend this meeting. Lunch will be available.
Reminder: Painted parking spots have been paid for. Please do not park in painted parking spots. If you have an issue with someone parking in your paid and painted spot, please see Sara in the safety office. Any parking spot that is not painted may be parked in by anyone,
regardless if it has been paid for or not. Junior Parking Permits – Starting this week please turn in your parking permits with Isaac or Sandy.
Want to be in the Video for Baccalaureate Night? The Baccalaureate ceremony is nondenominational, religious-based ceremony that offers a smaller, more intimate opportunity for the graduating class and their families to pause, reflect on this rite of passage, celebrate through prayer and performance, and celebrate the graduates’ achievements and perseverance.
It is not required to attend, and it is organized by parents and community members. Ours will be held Sunday, June 1st, at the Susanville Assembly of God Church, from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. If you want to be included in the video for Baccalaureate, email a jpeg version of
your senior picture to cjmoore7220@icloud.com by May 23rd. You may also include your favorite Bible verse if you wish.
Scholarships – Seniors, if you have received scholarships or awards outside of our local scholarship program, please notify the counseling office.
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Becker’s Appliance Sales will Move to New Location
May 21, 1939
Val Becker of Becker Appliance Sales has purchased from W. P. Fuller & Co. the premises at 914 Main street, until recently occupied by the Singer Sewing Machine agency and will take possession about July 1st.
The transaction was handled by Coffin Co. and is another indication of growing activity in business property.
The building is to undergo complete renovation and some alteration to provide proper display room for Norge, RCA and other lines of appliances handled by Mr. Becker in his present Hotel Mt. Lassen quarters.
He will announce a removal sale in a few days and dispose of his entire stock of appliances before going to the new location.
Mr. Becker came to Susanville 17 years ago and during the first nine years was employed in the mills, later going into business for himself and now definitely establishes himself as the owner of a thriving business and business property.
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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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