LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Nominations for the 17th annual Stars of Lake County Community Awards program are now open. 

The Soper Reese Theatre, 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport, is the location for the Stars program on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Anyone can make a nomination for a Star Award. There are 21 categories covering a myriad of areas of service to our communities.

The 2014 nomination form is available at www.lakecochamber.com or by contacting the chamber at 707-263-5092. Copies are available at the chamber office at 875 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport at Vista Point.

Deadline for nominations is the end of business on Friday, Oct. 10, or postmarked with that date.

During the first 16 years of this program, more than 1,700 individuals, businesses and organizations have been acknowledged by community nominations for their efforts to improve the quality of life in the community of Lake County.   

The selection committee charged with reviewing the nominations and making the decisions on recipients, is comprised of individuals from every part of the county. Some are chamber members, some are not. 

The committee members receive copies of each nomination one week prior to their joint meeting. At that joint meeting, each category and nominee is reviewed and discussed; a secret ballot is then cast to determine who the recipient will be. 

The results are not revealed until the awards program on Nov. 8.

In honor of Joshua Blair – a very talented young performer who passed last year – Tim and Laura Barnes of Cheese’s Main Street Pizza and The Game Stop are sponsoring the Arts Amateur Award.  Beginning this year the award will be known as the Joshua Blair Memorial Arts Amateur Award.

This year's program will consist of a reception hour with appetizers and beverages beginning at 5 p.m.

Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the awards program will begin shortly thereafter. 

David Neft will play during the reception hour as he has done since the program began in 1998.

There will be a special opening tribute to all nominees sung by Jackie Hansen of Lakeport Grocery Outlet.

The Lake County Chamber is proud to have initiated and sustained this one-of-a-kind program for Lake County for 17 years. It is an exciting evening for all those involved and would not be possible without the support of many businesses throughout the county. 

Tickets for the 17th annual Stars of Lake County Awards program are $25 per person and all seats are reserved. Tickets may be purchased through the Lake County Chamber of Commerce office.

For more information on the Stars Community Awards program, please contact Melissa Fulton, chief executive officer of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, at 707-263-5092.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Trojan pride will come alive Friday as Lower Lake High School hosts its first public homecoming parade beginning at 4 p.m. on Main Street in Lower Lake.

The majority of Lower Lake High's athletic teams will be represented and the parade will feature performances from the cheer team, drum line and the band.

High school classes will compete for top Spirit Week honors while joined in their “'90s Cartoon” theme parade by local elementary schools, youth football and cheer squads, Trojan race cars, the Vintage Car Club, Road Riders Motorcycle Club, Lakeshore Fire and Clearlake Police departments, and numerous supporting businesses.

“It has been very exciting to be a part of planning the events for the day,” Haylee Wade, a student in Mr. Livingston's Associated Student Body class, said. “A lot of planning preparation goes into making everything work on time.”

The parade will proceed down Main Street to the high school, where everyone is invited to attend the homecoming game against Upper Lake High School.

There is an admission price to the game.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Local officials said this week they are monitoring health-related concerns associated with the late summer cyanobacteria blooms on Clear Lake.

The county of Lake reported that recent lab results from water samples taken from specific areas in Clear Lake show high levels of microcystins – or toxins – in the cyanobacteria blooms occurring in recent weeks.

Although these microcystins can be harmful to pets and wildlife, and if ingested in large doses have the potential for harm in humans, recreation on Clear Lake can still be safely enjoyed if proper precautions are taken, the county reported.

Although cyanobacteria blooms also are known as blue green algae, they can also appear as white, red, brown or black mattes or paint-like scum floating on the top of the water.

Clear Lake is often susceptible to blooms due to its shallow depth, high nutrient levels and warm temperatures.

Cyanobacteria frequently bloom on Clear Lake in the hot months of late summer and early fall.

Recent water samples were drawn from Clear Lake by the Environmental Protection Agencies of the Big Valley Rancheria and the Elem Indian Colony from areas at Austin Park, Clearlake Oaks, Soda Bay Cove, south Lakeport, Lucerne Park, Big Valley and Sulphur Bank Mine.

The draws were overseen by Environmental Director Sarah Ryan of Big Valley Rancheria and Environmental Director Karola Kennedy of Elem Indian Colony.

The samples were analyzed at the California Animal Health and Food Safety lab at UC Davis. Repeat testing is currently under way, the county reported.

In response to these test results, the county of Lake reported that it is taking a series of actions.

“Public Health is monitoring technical information, working with local health care facilities and coordinating with other agencies as necessary to address health concerns that relate to potential impacts of cyanobacteria,” said Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait. “We are not alone in facing new challenges posed by cyanobacteria. This is a global phenomenon. We are working hard to identify and respond to related health concerns.”

Local utilities who are receiving water taste and odor complaints are in communication with state regulatory agencies and as a safety precaution, water samples are being drawn at the raw intakes and at different treatment locations for analysis, county officials reported.

There is currently “Health Advisory” signage posted at public parks and beaches along Clear Lake. The county is urging residents and visitors to read those advisories and follow the safety guidelines set forth. Businesses that work directly with tourists are encouraged to educate those visitors about the safe use of the lake during cyanobacteria blooms.

In mid-May, the Lake County Department of Water Resources mailed out an informational cyanobacteria postcard entitled “Living with a Natural Lake” to owners of properties along the shoreline.

The postcard was created in a partnership between the Lake County Water Resources, Environmental Health, Public Health and Administrative departments.

Do’s and don’ts to stay safe and healthy around cyanobacteria blooms are included in the postcard. It also provides information on how to distinguish cyanobacteria blooms from the harmless algae blooms that grow on Clear Lake.

Those postcards also were distributed to local lodging facilities and businesses to hand out to visitors and residents.

Postcards are still available for distribution. Please call 707-263-2580 to request your copies.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Chamber of Commerce's fifth annual Oktoberfest-Lakeport will return on Saturday, Oct. 4, with its special blend of contests, music and fun, including racing dachshunds.

Oktoberfest takes place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Lakeport.

Festmeister Tony Barthel officially opens Oktoberfest at 11 a.m. with the tapping of the first “barrel” by Brewmaster Ron Chips, owner of Kelsey Creek Brewing Co. in Kelseyville.

Several opportunities exist for the public to be a part of Oktoberfest including the dachshund derby races, beer pong and corn hole contests, adult and youth costume contests, an all breed doggy costume contest, beer stein competition and various other contests taking place during the day.  

There is no charge for the contests except the dachshund derby, beer pong and corn hole.

The entry fee for the dachshund derby is $10/dog; entry fee for beer pong and corn hole is $20/team.  Cash prizes will be awarded for all contests listed.

LIV at 240 N. Main St. is taking entries for the annual beer stein competition and will be displaying the steins in their front window. LIV is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. each day.

Entries close at noon on Saturday, Oct. 4.  The public is invited to cast votes at LIV.

Cash prizes will be awarded for two categories: historic and humorous with winners announced at 5 p.m. on the day of Oktoberfest.

Along with craft and food vendors, Oktoberfest will include “Showcase the Band,” featuring polka music from noon to 5 p.m., and the Jimi Z Band playing from 6 to 9 p.m.

Festmeister Barthel will be conducting random contests throughout the day, as will Showcase the Band. 

Sponsors to date for Oktoberfest this year are Eagle Distributing, Golden Gate Meat Co. and the Jimi Z Band, Rainbow Ag in Lakeport, Featherbed Railroad B&B, Lake Event Design and Roto-Rooter of Lake County. 

For information on contests and a schedule of all events, visit www.oktoberfest-lakeport.com or contact the chamber at 707-263-5092.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Firefighters on Wednesday fully contained a fire that began in Mendocino County last weekend while work continued around the state on other incidents, with fires in two counties gaining a gubernatorial state of emergency declaration.

Cal Fire said Wednesday that nearly 6,500 local, federal and Cal Fire firefighters were on the front lines of 11 major wildfires burning across California, with several thousand residents remaining evacuated.

One fire that was fully contained on Wednesday was the Black Fire, which was sparked on Saturday afternoon and burned a total of 403 acres.

The fire – which had burned north of Lake Mendocino between Redwood Valley and Potter Valley – destroyed 11 structures and injured three firefighters.

Elsewhere in the state, the King Fire – which began burning near Pollack Pines in El Dorado County on Saturday – reached 27,930 acres and 5-percent containment on Tuesday, Cal Fire said.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place in parts of El Dorado County, with more than 2,000 residences and 1,500 other minor structures threatened. Cal Fire said nearly 3,400 personnel, 299 fire engines and 15 helicopters are among the resources on scene.

In Siskiyou County, Cal Fire said firefighters increased containment to 60 percent on the Boles Fire, which began Monday afternoon in the city of Weed.

The Boles Fire so far has burned 375 acres, destroyed 150 structures and continues to threaten 1,000 residents and 100 commercial properties in Weed, Cal Fire said.

Some evacuation orders remain in effect and more than 1,100 firefighters and 100 fire engines are assigned to the incident, according to Cal Fire.

Also in Siskiyou County, the Happy Camp Complex is continuing to burn in the Klamath National Forest. Lightning ignited the fire on Aug. 11.

The latest update on the fire, which is under the management of the US Forest Service, put its acreage at 125,788 Acres and 68-percent containment.

In Madera County, the Courtney Fire – which began on Sunday near Oakhurst – was 320 acres and 70-percent contained on Wednesday evening, Cal Fire said. Four injuries were reported.

The Courtney Fire has destroyed 30 residences, 19 outbuildings, 13 vehicles and four recreational vehicles destroyed, and damaged another four residences, three outbuildings and two vehicles. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

Cal Fire said the causes of the Black, Boles and Courtney fires remain under investigation.

On Wednesday Gov. Jerry Brown declared states of emergency in El Dorado and Siskiyou counties due to the effects of the King and Boles fires.

“The wildfires in Northern California serve as a reminder that dry conditions can be the precursor to devastating loss,” Brown in a Wednesday night statement. “Anne and I extend our deepest sympathies to those who have suffered such terrible losses in the fires.”

Last month, Brown issued an emergency proclamation for wildfires in El Dorado, Amador, Butte, Humboldt, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta and Siskiyou counties and this month’s executive order waiving fees to replace documents such as driver’s licenses and birth certificates for those affected by the fires.

This week Brown also secured federal fire management assistance grants for the King, Boles and Courtney fires.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Members of a Bay Area family are asking residents across Northern California to be on the lookout for their elderly father, who has been missing since earlier this month.

Paul Merrill, 87, of Belmont, took a road trip to the McCloud area in Siskiyou County, where he was last confirmed seen on Sept. 4, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office.

His family is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of Merrill or the classic  1956 Mercedes 190SL convertible he was driving.

The California Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert for Merrill across 19 Northern California counties – including Lake – early on the morning of Sept. 5 after Merrill's family reported that he hadn't returned home from his McCloud trip.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office said Merrill was last seen at the McCloud Chevron Station on Sept. 4. A witness said Merrill left the station, traveling in the direction of Fowlers Campground and Cattle Camp off of Highway 89 near McCloud.

Siskiyou County Search and Rescue, California Highway Patrol, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Modoc National Forest and Lava Beds National Monument Park Ranger personnel responded to the area and deployed search teams in the Fowlers Campground, but didn't find him, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office reported.

There also had been reports of sightings of Merrill which couldn't be confirmed, according to Jayme Lynch, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office public information officer.

Lynch told Lake County News that the search for Merrill was suspended this past Saturday evening after they stopped receiving extensive leads and information about sightings of the missing man.

Since then, authorities have received no new information about Merrill, Lynch said.

“Until we get any more positive leads, we've ended our search efforts here,” she added.

According to a letter posted by his daughter, Aimee Merrill, on the Find Paul Merrill Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/findpaulmerrill – Merrill was an Eagle Scout and also had been a US Army Ranger, and during his younger years was an avid fly fisherman and hunter.

Merrill's wife died last year, and his daughter said he headed north in his convertible and was “recreating romantic memories” of a trip he and his wife had taken to McCloud.

While there, he planned to spend some time writing his annual Christmas letter, in which he planned to “convey his sentiments about the passing of his beloved wife,” his daughter wrote.

Aimee Merrill said her father was not known to be depressed at the time of his trip. The innkeeper at the McCloud Hotel reported talking with him on the morning he checked out, finding him to be talkative and in good spirits.

Lynch said the sheriff's office was not advised of Merrill having dementia or any other specific health issues.

“We have no reason to believe any foul play or anything like that” has occurred, Lynch said.

Despite the fact that the search was suspended, Aimee Merrill said her family is not giving up hope that her father will be found safe.

Aimee Merrill said they received reports of a sighting from the night of Sept. 5, when the Mercedes was spotted on the side of Highway 89 – 10 miles east of McCloud – after dark. No person was seen.

Witnesses also reported seeing Merrill later that same weekend walking at the McCloud River between Cattle Camp and Fowler Campgrounds. His car was not seen at that time, and his daughter suggested he could have put a beige car cover over it to protect it from the elements.

A family friend reached out to Lake County News in the hopes that someone in the region may have seen him as he was heading north or – possibly – traveling south on his way back home.

Merrill is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, has white hair and blue eyes, and wears glasses. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office said he was last seen wearing a cream-colored, long-sleeved shirt with embroidery on the front, khaki pants and brown shoes.

His car is a two-door, silver 1956 Mercedes, 190 SL convertible, California license plate number EZX295 with a Stanford University license plate frame. The car has a primered front hood. Merrill left the Mercedes' removable hardtop at his residence in Belmont.

Anyone with information about Merrill's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office 24-hour Dispatch Center at 530-841-2900 or the Belmont Police Department at 650-595-7400.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

Cal Fire and United States Forest Service law enforcement officers, in conjunction with the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested a Pollock Pines man on suspicion of arson in connection with the King Fire.

Wayne Allen Huntsman, 37, of Pollock Pines was booked into the El Dorado County Jail for arson on Wednesday, Cal Fire reported.

The King Fire began late last Saturday afternoon. It has destroyed nearly 71,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 3,000 people. Nearly 3,700 firefighters are on the front lines battling the blaze, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire said the fire is burning in steep terrain in the south fork of the American River Canyon and Silver Creek Canyon, north of the community of Pollock Pines.

The fire nearly tripled in size on Wednesday as it made a run to the northeast of over 10 miles up the Rubicon Canyon towards Hell Hole Reservoir. Spot fires were observed up to three miles ahead of the fire front and have moved into Placer County, according to Cal Fire.

The severity of the fire prompted Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday to declare a state of emergency in El Dorado County. Brown also has secured federal funding to help with the cost of fighting the fire, which has exceeded $10 million dollars to date.

Cal Fire said federal, state and local law enforcement officers work diligently in arson cases to aggressively investigate and prosecute those suspected of intentionally starting fires.

As fire danger remains extreme across California, arson is a major threat to both life, property and natural resources. Cal Fire urges state residents to be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious persons when a fire does start.

If you witness someone suspicious make note of the time, his or her physical description, as well as any vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person.

Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the Cal Fire Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), a senior member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, on Wednesday voted against arming Syrian opposition groups to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.

The authorization to arm and train the Syrian opposition groups passed the House by a vote of 273-156.

“ISIL is a dangerous terrorist organization that must be stopped. It has brutally murdered two American citizens, and it poses a threat to the United States, our allies, and to regional stability,” Thompson said.

“However, arming Syrian opposition groups alone is not an effective strategy to combat the ISIL terrorist group and diminish its capacity to operate,” Thompson continued. “There has been inadequate vetting of these opposition groups. We do not have enough information on the people we are proposing to arm and train. We cannot ensure that these weapons will not fall into the hands of ISIL, or be used against other innocent civilians. And, we need a better strategy in place to engage a broad, international coalition of Muslim countries to fight alongside these Syrian opposition groups.

“Simply arming the Syrian opposition groups comes with great risk. Instead, we need a comprehensive strategy that includes a debate and vote in Congress that specifically authorizes the use of force against ISIL, and the involvement of a broad, international coalition of Muslim and Western countries to diminish ISIL and degrade their organizational capabilities,” Thompson said.

Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Median home prices are continuing to improve in Lake County, according to the latest report from the Lake County Association of Realtors.

The association reported that the median sales price of single family residences in August rose to $172,000 up from $168,000 in July.

The report also showed a significantly increase in the median days to sell, which nearly doubled from 56 days in July to 102 days in August.

That statistic, the association said, may be an anomaly, as the yearly median is tracking at 72 days to sell and for the last two years the median has been 75 days and 74 days.

Inventory levels increased to 6.27 months of inventory versus 5.68 in July. Normal inventory levels are considered to be six months, the association reported.

“August showed an increase in distressed property sales,” said Lake County Association of Realtors President Rick White. “This is a reversal from the trend we have been seeing, but fluctuations in the market can be expected when looking at short term results.”

White went on to state that 30 percent of the sales were distressed in August compared to 20 percent in July. However, this number was down from 43 percent of the sales in August 2013.

On the financing front, the August report showed a dip in cash buyers who made up 30 percent of the purchases compared to 39 percent in July and 45 percent in August of 2013.

Purchases with a conventional loan rose to nearly 44 percent, up from 32 percent in July and more than double the 21.5 percent in August of 2013, according to the report.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Two people – one of them an on-duty sheriff's deputy – were injured in a crash on Highway 20 Thursday morning.

The head-on wreck occurred on Highway 20 just west of Bruner Drive – which is located east of the town of Lucerne – just after 10:30 a.m., according to initial radio and California Highway Patrol reports.

The wreck temporarily blocked the highway and, according to reports from the scene, resulted in moderate injuries to two people and major damage to the vehicles – a sheriff's patrol vehicle and a Honda Accord.

The CHP confirmed to Lake County News that one of the injured parties was an on-duty Lake County Sheriff's deputy.

Radio reports indicated that both of the injured individuals were able to get out of their vehicles on their own.

Initially two air ambulances were requested but weather issues ended up in both patients being transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for treatment, according to radio reports.

Firefighters reported clearing the scene shortly after 11:10 a.m.

The CHP's Clear Lake Area office told Lake County News that a more detailed report on the crash is expected to be issued later today.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Clearlake Oaks County Water District Board this week is set to discuss a proposal to either increase its members' compensation for attending meetings or offer them health insurance.

The meeting will be held beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Live Oak Senior Center, 12519 Foothill Blvd. and The Plaza.

District General Manager Matt Bassett said the meeting is being held at the senior center, rather than the district's administration building on Highway 20, as more than 100 people are expected to attend.

“We've been promised that the attendance will be very noticeable,” said Bassett.

The large expected attendance is in response to some community members' concerns over the proposal, and why these changes are being considered now, he said.

The board will consider giving members a raise from $50 for a regular meeting and $25 for a special meeting to $100 per meeting or event, for a maximum monthly compensation of $600, Bassett explained.

Alternately, there is a proposal to give each board member full health insurance. The top end of that proposal would include medical, dental and vision at a monthly cost to the district of $679 per board member, according to Bassett.

Those benefits would be available only to board members, not their families, he said.

Bassett also emphasized, “This is not a lifetime benefit, this is only when you're on the board.”

That, however, is assuming the proposal is approved, said Bassett, who noted that the board is expected to have some other mid-range options to consider Thursday as well.

The increased pay or benefits proposal was brought forward at the district's regular Aug. 21 meeting by board member Dena Barron, Bassett said.

Bassett said the impetus behind the proposal was not just to support current board members, who oversee a corporation with a $2.2 million annual budget – a job that brings with it a tremendous amount of responsibility and oversight.

He said the sitting board – which, in addition to Barron, consists of President Iris Hudson, Vice President Judy Heeszel, and directors Robert Kiser and Richard Kuehn – hopes to use the promise of better pay or health insurance to attract new board members.

The board has had trouble in recent years attracting new members, and they want to change that, Bassett said.

The recruitment issue is an increased concern now as Hudson – who has served on the board for several years – announced in June that she would be leaving the board when her term ends later this year.

Bassett said he hopes the discussion will attract a crowd to the Thursday meeting.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

California's summer fire season remains in full swing, with several major incidents burning around the state.

Cal Fire had updates late Monday on several of the fires, which altogether have burned more than 10,000 acres.

Perhaps the most damaging in terms of personal property broke out on Monday afternoon on Boles Creek near Weed in Siskiyou County.

Within hours the Boles Fire had ripped through Weed, burning 350 acres, destroying or damaging more than 100 structures and resulting in evacuation orders not just for Weed but also for the communities of Carrick and Lake Shastina, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire estimated the Boles Fire was 15-percent contained on Monday night.

In El Dorado County, the King Fire – burning since Saturday – scorched 8,600 acres in two days. It was 5-percent contained Monday, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire said the blaze is threatening some 500 homes, with evacuation orders in effect in a number of communities there. Nearly 1,500 personnel and approximately 137 fire engines are assigned to the incident.

The closest of the major incidents to Lake County, the Black Fire north of Lake Mendocino in Mendocino County, burned 403 acres by Monday, at which point containment was estimated at 80 percent. Cal Fire said the fire, which began Saturday, has destroyed 11 structures.

The Gulch Fire in Shasta County, sparked east of Bella Vista last Wednesday by a vehicle, has so far burned 1,375 acres and is 96-percent contained, Cal Fire said.

In Madera County, the Courtney Fire has burned 320 acres near Oakhurst since it began on Sunday. Cal Fire said the fire was 35-percent contained Monday night.

The Courtney Fire has destroyed 33 residences, 28 outbuildings, 13 vehicles and four recreational vehicles, with damage to another four residences, six outbuildings and two vehicles, according to Cal Fire.

Two hundred structures with 600 residents in the Bass Lake Heights community remain in the fire's path, with an evacuation order for the threat area still in effect, Cal Fire said.

In Nevada County, the Dog Bar Fire is nearing full containment. Cal Fire said it began on Saturday near Alta Sierra.

The fire has burned 247 acres and was 90-percent contained Monday night. All evacuations have been lifted.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.