News Staff Lakeport Unified School District is undertaking an ambitious, student-centered redesign of its secondary education program, significantly shaped by feedback from students in grades 5-12. Students advocated for a more relevant, diverse, and practical learning environment. The “Bridge to 2026” strategic plan will be completed by summer 2026 to guide implementation. Successful elements from the pilot will then … Read more
The Skunk Train is back in operation after a derailment. On November 23rd, the Skunk Train’s 4:30 p.m. Christmas excursion from Willits derailed one passenger car 30 minutes into the trip. The ten passengers were uninjured, transferred, and the remaining train returned to Willits. The investigation determined the cause was a wheel climbing a joint … Read more
The $15.5 million Caltrans widening project on Mendocino’s 1939 Jack Peters Bridge (State Highway 1) is complete. The year-long construction, which added new railings, a pedestrian walkway, two 12-foot lanes, and two 6-foot shoulders, caused detours between Mendocino, Caspar, and Fort Bragg. Caltrans states the bridge is now “more accessible and safer for everyone.” More … Read more
Correction Officer Jason Tharp has completed his training in the Corrections Division and is now working solo in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office jail facility. Sheriff Frank Leonbruno announced Tharp’s readiness via social media, commending his achievement and expressing optimism for his future with the department. Tharp’s new solo role is vital for maintaining safety … Read more
The recent vandalism of a Point Arena mural honoring Nicole Smith, a murdered Pomo woman, has brought increased visibility to her unsolved 2017 case and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement. The defacement, which seemed aimed at white muralist Nicole Ponsler, backfired by drawing that attention, according to Smith’s sister. Nicole Smith was fatally … Read more
The Lakeport City Council holds its final meeting of the year today, with leadership selection for 2026 on the agenda. Also, convening as the City of Lakeport Municipal Sewer District Board of Directors, the Board will consider approving a license agreement with Westside Community Park for the trail park’s construction, operation, and maintenance on CLMSD … Read more
A dump trailer carrying eight tons of large boulders overturned, blocking the westbound lane of State Route 20 near Jackson Demonstration State Forest for a time late Monday morning. The solo-vehicle crash, reported around 10:23 a.m. near milepost marker 10, caused CHP to close one lane while crews cleared the area.
In its last meeting of the year, the Lake County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing today to consider an appeal of the Lake County Planning Commission’s approval last year of Scotts Valley Energy Corp.’s proposed forest wood processing bioenergy project in Upper Lake, and will discuss another contract change order for a … Read more
In early December, Ukiah Police Department Detectives launched a narcotics and illegal firearm investigation targeting convicted felon and gang affiliate Armando Garcia-Barrera. A search warrant executed last resulted in the seizure of narcotics, found evidence of drug trafficking, and eight firearms, including three illegal short-barreled AR-15 style assault rifles, two stolen .45 caliber pistols, and … Read more
Cal Fire is allocating $62.7 million for 84 local wildfire prevention projects statewide, including two in southern Lake County. The South Lake County Fire Protection District is one recipient, receiving $847,654.40 for phase two of the Middletown and Cobb community evacuation routes project. This funding will improve evacuation routes and control lines by removing hazardous … Read more