Volume XVI Issue 253

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

This young man is proving that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference where you live.

Mason may be young, but his maturity and gentle nature set him apart.

I met Mason on the mats of of jiu-jitsu studio, where his favorite thing to do is say, “But I’m just a kid,” (in the sweetest little voice), right before he flips me over his head and ties my arms into a pretzel. He laughs, I laugh. I take Ibuprofen.

Mason works hard at his training, and I love to see him on the mat, where his dedication and work ethic are on full display. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this guy.

When he’s not grappling, Mason is a superstar at the pool as a member of our local swim team. I spoke with his swim coach and it turns out he is just as wonderful there too.

Whether he’s perfecting his freestyle or cheering on his teammates, Mason is just a great teammate and a killer athlete.

But what truly sets Mason apart is his golden heart. Need a volunteer for a community event? Mason’s your go-to guy. Looking for a reliable helper for odd jobs? Mason’s ready to roll up his sleeves. Time and again, this young man has shown that he’s not just willing to lend a hand, but he does so with a level of competence that belies his years.

I often get friends that are looking to hire baseball players for odd jobs, but their time schedules are tight, and often it is Mason I am able to send their way and boy do they rave about him when the job is done. He is just a hard-working sweetheart.

In a world that often paints teens (especially boys) in a negative light, Mason’s kindness, intelligence, and genuine sweetness serve as a refreshing reminder of the good that exists in the younger generation. His actions speak volumes – compassion, hard work, and community spirit.

When you see Mason’s eyes light up as he talks about his latest volunteer project or watch him patiently explain a complex concept to a younger child, it’s impossible not to feel a surge of optimism.

Mason, I want you to know I absolutely adore you – you’re one of the reasons why we love this place!

Bumpus stepped into the role of Forest Supervisor on the Lassen National Forest in August 2019, leading the Forest toward key accomplishments such as growth of the Lassen partners; completion of the forest over-the-snow decision; working with Lassen College’s Foundation to enter into a new 20-year agreement for the management of campgrounds at Eagle Lake; and numerous vegetation and fuels reduction projects.

“It has been such an honor and privilege to serve as the Forest Supervisor of the Lassen National Forest for the past ten years,” said Deb.

“The employees on this Forest are among the most dedicated you’ll find anywhere; they are passionate about the lands we manage and the communities and visitors we serve. I could not have been prouder to serve with them and to represent them with the communities and partners.

“I am particularly proud of the partner organizations who are contributing to the successful implementation of a wide variety of restoration projects. I am also grateful to the Lassen County Board of Supervisors for the relationships we have forged and their interest and assistance with the programs on the Lassen National Forest.”

Bumpus’ contributions to the USDA Forest Service have centered around working and building relationships with local communities.

“I am so grateful to the Lassen National Forest employees, the communities, our Tribal neighbors, our volunteers and our many partners,” said Bumpus. “It’s extraordinary to be part of a community so invested in its national forest especially during this time of important wildfire restoration work.”

Bumpus says she will be staying in the Susanville area for the foreseeable future and after such a full career, plans to “enjoy not working for a while.” However, she will still be engaged with the Forest Service’s International Programs Watershed Seminar, held each April in Arizona, which hosts participants from countries across the world.

Forest Engineer, Travis Stewart, will be the Acting Forest Supervisor as the Pacific Southwest Regional Office looks for the Lassen’s next Forest Supervisor. A temporary Forest Supervisor will likely be assigned by the end of August and will be in place until a new permanent Forest Supervisor joins Lassen's team.

Fair Manager Kaitlyn Midgely, with help from fair royalty,

honors Old-timers of the Year Raelene Waltman and Laurel Marsters

Photofeature: Celebrating Grand Marshals and Lassen Old-Timers

A SusanvilleStuff Photofeature

by Mikalah Gray

This year’s Lassen County Fair Parade Grand Marshals and Old-Timers of the Year, were honored Friday morning at a special luncheon under the grandstands at the fairgrounds.

Fair manager Kaitlyn Midgely gave each recipient a neat plaque and their names will be added to the perpetual plaque in the fairgrounds office.

The Old Timer’s award was given to Laurel Marsters and Raelene Waltman, both of whom have been incredibly active in our local ag community for nearly half a century.

Parade Grand Marshals Gino Surian and Dick Bendix

with Surian’s great-grandson Romano Orozco

Both Gino Surian and Retired Brigadier General Richard C Bendix were chosen as Grand Marshals for the Lassen County Fair Parade which was held Saturday morning on Susanville’s Main Street.

The Junior Fair Board, along with Miss Lassen Julienne Bennett and her court and the Little Miss and Little Mr. royalty all served food to the crowd.

These community walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, give people the courage to open up about their own struggle or loss, and provide a platform to change our culture’s approach to mental health.

The walk includes a Bead Ceremony with different colored beads that represent how suicide has affected a person’s life.

A person may wear one, or as many as that applies to them.

There will be speakers telling their story then everyone drops their beads into the Honor Bead Vase. This ceremony and the beads help create a way for people to connect with others without words or stigma.

After the walk, there will be live entertainment, BBQ, booths and many resources available.

The walk will be held Saturday, September 7th, in Susanville’s Memorial Park. Check-in/Registration time is 9:00a.m., the walk begins at 10:00.

For more information, please contact Nicole Lamica or Niki Jarrell at 1.530.249.5215 or email either nlamica@co.lassen.ca.us or njarrell@co.lassen.ca.us.

Online registration for the event closes the day before the event. However, anyone who would like to participate can register in person at the walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Registration is free and open to the public.

Your donation funds advocacy programs that support smart mental health legislation in state and federal government. The AFSP invests more than .83 cents of each dollar toward research, education, advocacy and support for those affected by suicide. Lassen County has decided to spend their funds on Veteran support programs.

By contributing to the Lassen County Out of the Darkness Community Walk, you are helping fund vital research into suicide, develop and implement educational programs that save lives, and becoming a part of the movement to change how we address mental health.

Jr. Livestock Auction: Thank You from Katelyn Kirack

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the three businesses who have continued to support me and the community at the Junior Livestock Auction.

This year I had the honor of my Reserve grand champion 4-H lamb being purchased by Hat Creek Construction, Kirack Construction, and Susanville Supermarket IGA. These three businesses have supported me through my entire life while living in Lassen County and I could not be more grateful.

Each company has had different impacts on me throughout my life, such as sponsoring me and supporting me in my run for Miss Lassen County, to supporting our Junior Livestock Auction and local sports programs, to donating supplies for many charitable events I have been a part of. The overwhelming support I have had from all of these people have made the things I do and the events I am part of worth every second.

In the fall I will be attending California State University, Chico to pursue a career in agricultural education. If it had not been for the continued support I have gotten from our community while growing up showing animals, then I do not believe that I would have decided to pursue a career in agriculture.

The opportunities I have been given and the sacrifices others have made for me is what had pushed me to want to do the same and pursue my career as an ag teacher.

I would also like to congratulate Hat Creek Construction, Kirack Construction, and Susanville Supermarket IGA for setting the new record of the highest purchased market lamb in Lassen County since 2006!

If it was not for the support and encouragement from these people, I could not continue to excel the way that I have. Once again, thank you Hat Creek Construction, Kirack Construction, and Susanville Supermarket IGA for purchasing my lamb and always providing me with overwhelming support!

Sincerely, Katelyn Kirack

Company promotional materials show the three great metropolitan centers

of the west coast; Los Angeles, San Francisco and Litchfield.

WORK PROGRESSING ON NEW RAILROAD

Bridge Construction, Ballasting and Building Going Forward on Fernley-Lassen Line

July 24, 1913

Telegraph communication between Susanville and Wadsworth will be established within a week, according to General Foreman Woods, in charge of the construction of the Fernley and Lassen railroad.

Poles are being erected by the company and three miles of wire is being strung per day. Litchfield now has telegraph service.

The work of ballasting the road has also been started.

Bridge work is also being rushed to completion, a large force of men being employed on the concrete abutments in a number of canyons, for the support of several steel bridges.

The work of excavating for the depot and freight sheds has also been started.

The stock corrals, sidings and switches have been finished at Caloretta and Leavitt. The first shipment of stock from the new yards will be made August 10.

Kyle Patrick Baumiller – July 1, 2024

Raymond Kenneth Stout – June 6, 2024

Gilbert W. Pasqua Jr. – June 21, 2024

Elizabeth Lorraine Burch – June 12, 2024

Wanda (Goodwin) Mallery – July 12, 2024