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Volume XVIII Issue 28
Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
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Why We Love This Place Wednesday:
Ayden Yerington Needs Our Help
By Terra Avilla
A few weeks ago, twelve-year-old Ayden Yerington was just another happy Richmond School kid. Playing sports and joking around with friends, until a stomachache led his mom, Tasia Harrison, to the doctor where everything changed.
The diagnosis came quickly and is every mother’s worst nightmare.
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Being told your child, your absolute love of your life has cancer. I cannot imagine the absolute dismay, sorrow and fear Tasia must have had hearing words no parent should ever have to hear. I am crying right now as I write this, just thinking about it.
Unfortunately, Cancer is a monster, and it doesn’t care what Terra Avilla thinks, so now Tasia, Ayden, and their circle face a reality nobody wants to imagine.
Here in Susanville, we say, “these are our kids,” and here, it’s not just talk. Whether or not Ayden was born to all of us, he’s being raised by this whole community. And I know I am not alone when I say that, even though as a momma we didn’t birth that baby, when we see one of our children and fellow moms need help, it ignites something in ALL our momma hearts.
Since his diagnosis, Ayden’s, as well as Tasia’s world has gotten flipped upside down. The car rides that were once to school are now to the hospital. The happy talk about sports practice are now about how much of school he is going to miss. There is so much wondering what’s next.
His mom is doing everything to keep things together, but the bills are already piling up. She’s strong, but nobody’s strong every day. And nobody should be have to be this strong.
Not when you’re watching your child fight cancer.
I am so proud of our little community, immediately springing into action. Neighbors and friends are swarming to help, and I hope Tasia knows that all of us cry with her.
Richmond School staff and classmates launched the “Flames for Hope” which is an effort to start gestures like messages, pictures, and little tributes that let Ayden know he’s not forgotten, even if he can’t be right there in class.
There is also an upcoming taco feed fundraiser, which will help raise real money to help cover real costs and buy a little peace of mind. A GoFundMe for Ayden has been created, perfect for those who can’t make it but want to help, so Tasia can stop worrying (even for a day) about bills and just focus on Ayden.
I wish this was a feel-good story but it’s not. I cried talking to Tasia about how we can help her. I bawled at her answer, “We appreciate the prayers the most, as I am literally praying for a miracle at this point.”
Tasia, I pray every day for a miracle for you and your sweet boy. I know I’m not alone in doing so. I am asking our town to show up for their own and stand with Ayden this week.
He’s not alone in this fight and neither is his family. They need a lot of support, and there are a lot of good opportunities to give. Whether spoken aloud or held quietly, every hope for Ayden counts and I cannot wait to do a follow up article stating that Ayden is cancer free, and back to being a funny, silly, smart, kid. That’s my prayer.
In the meantime, let’s show Tasia Ayden, why we love this place we call home.
Click here to go to the GoFundMe page for Ayden.
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Lassen Superior Court Names Megan Reed as New Court Executive Officer
The Lassen County Superior Court has officially appointed Megan Reed as its new Court Executive Officer. A lifelong resident of Lassen County, Reed brings nearly two decades of experience and deep institutional knowledge to the role.
A graduate of Lassen High School, Reed began her career with the Lassen Superior Court 18 years ago as a file clerk. Over the years, she has advanced through various positions, including several supervisory roles, culminating in her serving as the Acting Court Executive Officer for the past three months.
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According to the court’s press release, Reed has proven herself “more than capable of competently and ethically leading the administrative side of the court.” Her responsibilities will include supervising all court staff, managing the budget and policy, and ensuring compliance with all Judicial Council rules and new legislation from the California Legislature.
The court praised Reed’s excellent people skills, noting her ability to supervise staff and interact effectively with justice partners and the public. She is described as a model public servant who understands that the court’s mission is to serve the public with efficiency, professionalism, and courtesy. The announcement highlights her commitment to treating every person with dignity and grace.
Reed’s appointment is seen as a significant asset to both the court and the community, with her work ethic, integrity, and clear sense of purpose cited as key qualifications for the position.
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You’ve Been Ghosted! Lassen Family Services Planning October Fundraiser
If you see some haunted front lawns around town in October, don’t be frighted! Lassen Family Services, all next month, will be placing little ghosts into Susanville yards as part of their “Ghosted” fundraiser.
Money raised by the fun, community event allows LFS to continue providing services to survivors of violence in our community.
Here’s how it works – if ghosts are placed in your yard, you will receive a form taped to your door explaining how you can ‘ghost’ another lawn.
You can place your ghosting order now and little ghosts will start appearing around town October 1st.
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LFS points out that ghosting is “done in good spirits and is not meant to be offensive in any way.”
“These ghosts will rest in peace on a lawn for twenty-four hours until the mysteriously cross over to another person’s lawn.”
If you wake up to find that you have been ghosted, and you would like to pick where the ghosts will haunt next, LFS asks for a small donation of $20.
Even if you haven’t been ghosted yet, you can ghost someone else for just $20. For more information or to participate call Angie or Rhonda at 1.530.257.5459.
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Lassen Family Services Opens Crisis Intervention Training to the Public
Lassen Family Services is excited to announce a new opportunity for community members to make a profound difference by participating in their Crisis Intervention Peer Counselor Training. This training, typically reserved for internal volunteers, is being opened to the public for the first time, offering a chance to give back and support victims of crime in Lassen County.
The comprehensive training program will run from Monday to Friday, beginning September 15th and concluding on September 29th. The daily sessions will be held from 8:00a.m. to 5:30p.m., with a one-hour lunch break (food not provided).
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The CIPC training is designed to equip individuals with the essential tools and knowledge needed to become a California Certified Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Counselor and Crisis Line Volunteer. Participants will learn how to provide crucial crisis intervention to victims of crime, as outlined under Evidence Codes 1035 and 1037.
The training schedule is as follows:
Week 1 (September 15th-19th): Focus on Domestic Violence
Week 2 (September 22nd-25th): Focus on Sexual Assault
The Final Class will be held on September 29th.
Lassen Family Services welcomes all who are passionate about making a positive impact, whether they are seasoned volunteers or new to advocacy. This training is a perfect fit for anyone who wants to support victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
There is no cost to register for the training. To sign up or for more information, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Lassen Family Services at 1.530.257.4599.
“Your support can truly change lives,” the organization stated, urging community members to spread the word and join them in their mission to promote healthy individuals and families in the community.
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Susanville Fire Department Hosting
Annual Remembrance Ceremony Thursday
The Susanville Fire Department is inviting the community to its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives lost and recognize the courage of first responders and civilians on September 11th, 2001. Now, 24 years later, the department remains committed to remembering the sacrifice and resilience that continues to inspire us all.
“This ceremony aims to bring our community together to reflect, remember, and show gratitude for the courage displayed by so many during and after the events of 9/11,” said Susanville Fire Department spokesperson Cheyenne Ratkey.
“We welcome all community members and first responders to attend. This is an opportunity to stand side by side in unity and ensure the selflessness and heroism shown that day is never forgotten.”
The ceremony will take place tomorrow, September 11th, at 7:05a.m. at the Susanville Fire Department, located at 1505 Main Street.
First responders who wish to participate in uniform are asked to arrive by 6:30a.m.
The Susanville Fire Department looks forward to the community’s presence at this meaningful event as they come together to remember and honor those who lost their lives.
For questions or to have an organization participate, please contact the Susanville Fire Department at 1.530.257.5152.
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Susanville Friends of NRA to Host “Magical Evening Beneath the Stars”
The Susanville Friends of the NRA is set to host its annual fundraiser on October 17th, at 6:00p.m., at The Gun Works, located at 702-100 Johnstonville Rd.
This year’s fundraiser promises a “magical evening beneath the stars,” with an extravagant tented dinner that sets it apart from other non-profit events. Attendees will join other champions of the Second Amendment for a night of dinner, games, raffles, and auctions.
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The event offers a chance to win exclusive NRA guns, gear, decor, and collectibles.
One of the standout features of this year’s fundraiser is the immediate processing of firearm winnings. Winners of a firearm will be able to begin the purchasing process on-site that evening, eliminating the typical wait time for a valuable prize.
The event, organized by an entirely new committee, aims to celebrate a legacy of shooting sports traditions while supporting the NRA Foundation. Attendees will also be supporting several local businesses, and the event will feature assistance from local community members and students.
Tickets and tables are limited and are expected to sell out quickly. Safe parking will be available on-site.
Tickets can be purchased by cash or check from Amy Alvin at 1.831.359.6846. Click here to download more information and ticket order form.
This is a non-profit, non-political event, and no membership is required to attend.
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| | | “In the Tall Timber” near Susanville – Eastman Studios postcard | | |
Foresters Seeking Agile People Who Can Climb Trees
September 10, 1951
The U.S. Forest Service is now seeking agile people who are willing to climb trees in search of pine cones. It wants to hire the climbers to collect the cones from which the seeds will then be tripped and sent to Mt. Shasta for nursery work.
The work must be done at once “before the squirrels beat us to it,” V. A. Parker, forest supervisor of the Lassen National Forest Service, explained.
Both Ponderosa and Jeffery pine cones are needed. Parker brought out that though generally the cone crop is poor this year, a plentiful supply can be found just west of Susanville.
Parker suggested that some group like the Boy Scouts might like to contract for this work.
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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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