Police are investigating the death of a Clearlake man. Last Saturday night, police responded to a call about an unresponsive man who was lying in the rear parking lot of the Burns Valley Shopping Center. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures but the victim, identified as 44-year-old Steven Chrisman, was pronounced deceased. Police determined he was the victim of an assault, but currently do not have a suspect.
Mendocino County Hires Firm for Help with Getting Water Project Grants
Mendocino County is hiring a grant manager for water projects. The Board of Supervisors are directing $25,000 to an environmental consulting firm to help to organize grant proposals, and secure funding, for projects for the different municipalities and water districts in Mendocino County.
10-22-21-Missing Clearlake Woman Found Safe
A Clearlake woman who was reported missing Wednesday was found safe and in good condition yesterday morning. Police say 74-year-old Katherine Jackson became disoriented after taking a bus ride.
New Cell Phone Towers in Round Valley Region
Round Valley in Mendocino County has experienced some of the greatest impacts of wildfires over the last few years. Inconsistent and sometimes inoperable cell phone service has hampered emergency response and put lives at risk. But there are now two new cell phone towers to greatly enhance cell service in the region. The towers both went live this week.
Lakeport Police Participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Lakeport Police Department is participating in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event will be held as a drive through drop off, on the west side of the police station on South Main Street tomorrow from 10am-2pm. All over the counter or prescription medication in pill, tablet, liquid, cream or capsule form will be accepted. Since LPD started participating with the prescription Take Back Program in January of 2019, their agency has collected 706 pounds of prescription drugs.
New Superintendent Named for MUSD
A new superintendent for the Middletown Unified School District has been selected. Tim Gill, who is currently the assistant superintendent for the Kelseyville Unified School District, will fill the roll. It’s not his first time working for MUSD, as Gill was a math teacher for middle and high school’s in the district for 11 years starting in 2004. He’s been with Kelseyville Unified for the past seven years. The MUSD district board said Gill will start in his new position on October 27th.
Governor Signs Executive Order to Support Communities Recovering from Recent Wildfires
Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that supports communities impacted by recent wildfires by extending various prohibitions on price gouging in impacted counties through December 31, 2021. The state of emergency includes Lake County which was impacted by the Cache Fire, which broke out in August, burning 83 acres. The fire destroyed 56 homes and 81 outbuildings in Clearlake.
CA Conservation Corps to Mitigate Fire Debris Flows
Fears that heavy rains could wash hazardous debris from the Hopkins Fire into the Russian River caused the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to put a plan in place. They contracted the California Conservation Corps, who will work on mitigating fire debris flows starting today.
Another COVID-Related Death in Mendocino County
The Mendocino County Public Health Department has confirmed another COVID-19 related death, an 80-year-old woman from the Gualala area. She was fully vaccinated but had other underlying health issues. The health department also reports that an employee at Home Depot in Ukiah recently tested positive for Covid-19. Anyone who visited the business at 350 N. Orchard Ave. in Ukiah between the dates of Thursday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 16,, may have been exposed, and are advised to seek Covid-19 testing if they have not been vaccinated, or have been vaccinated and are exhibiting symptoms.
Increase in Sewer and Water Rates Approved for Lakeport
An increase in sewer and water rates for city utility customers in Lakeport was approved by the City Council yesterday. The proposed rate increase will go into effect on November 1st. The rate change costs are contingent upon how much monthly water flow a location uses. The increases, to extend over a five-year period, will cover rising operating costs of equipment, supplies, treatment, labor, benefits and pensions. Over the course of five years, an average residential customer who uses 800 cubic feet of water per month, water and sewer rates combined are forecast to increase from around $127 to $157 monthly.