News Staff The man who died in Lake County Sheriff’s Office custody last week at a Kelseyville park has been identified. Deputies responded to a call of erratic behavior on Sept. 9. Ryan Vandever, 50, of Colorado, was found lethargic, and then became combative when medics arrived for treatment, leading deputies to handcuff him. He became unresponsive, … Read more
Emergency crews responded Monday to a collision on Highway 101 north of Willits where a semi-truck rear-ended two vehicles before veering into an embankment. The crash, reported just before 4 p.m., left the truck cab pressed against an embankment with a blown tire. While the attached trailer was undamaged, leaking gasoline prompted a spill kit’s … Read more
Patrick Blaine Squier, 66, of Clearlake, will go to trial for two arson cases. He was arrested for fires on Aug. 23 behind Foods Etc. and Sept. 6 behind Grocery Outlet in Clearlake. Released after the first arrest, he remains in Lake County Jail after the second. His motive is unknown. Squier will be arraigned … Read more
The 30th annual Nome Cult Walk, honoring the 1863 forced relocation of Native Americans, began this weekend and runs through September 20. Participants retrace a portion of the 100-mile trek from Chico to Round Valley, which only 277 of 461 survived. Descendants from multiple tribes are participating. Forest officials urge drivers in Mendocino National Forest … Read more
A high-speed police chase in Mendocino County ended Sunday evening south of Hopland, with a suspect detained at gunpoint. Beginning near Willits around 5:05 p.m., the Toyota Yaris reached speeds up to 150 mph, even with flat tires. California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit near Jackson Keys Winery at 5:27 p.m., concluding shortly after … Read more
A fast-moving vegetation fire ignited Sunday evening in Covelo, rapidly burning multiple trailers and vehicles before firefighters brought it under control. The blaze was first reported around 6:34 p.m. near Crawford and Hopper lanes. There has been no report of injuries or the cause of the fire.
Community members and leaders gathered Friday to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Valley Fire, one of California’s worst. Ceremonies were held at Mandala Springs Wellness Retreat Center in Cobb and at Middletown Square Park. State and local leaders spoke, honoring the lives lost and the community’s resilience. The Valley Fire burned 76,067 acres, destroyed … Read more
The application period is open for an annual grant program that supports ag education and student leadership. The department will award $200,000 in grants statewide, funded by DMV sales of the CalAg license plate. More information is available at cdfa.ca.gov.
Steven Ronald Harper, 41, of Manchester, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly setting fire to a cabin and tent on Rancheria Road. Harper surrendered to deputies and was booked without bail at Mendocino County Jail on charges of arson, felony vandalism, and probation violation.
On the 16th, Main Street in Kelseyville will display forty Mexican flags, a new tradition celebrating Mexican Independence Day. The Kelseyville Business Association purchased the flags, and local donations funded the flagpoles. Although this year’s festival was canceled, Helen Finch, KBA president, stated, “It’s a simple but powerful way to show support for the many … Read more