KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 72nd quilt block on the Lake County Quilt Trail is “Beer Mug.”

Owners Ron and Cheryn Chips are adding to the Kelseyville tradition of many quilt blocks on the Lake County Quilt Trail with this 4-foot by 4-foot block.

The location is 3945 Main St., at Kelsey Creek Brewing, nestled near “Bird’s Nest” next door at Bird Brain Designs and across the street from “Polestar” at Polestar Computers.

Kelsey Creek Brewing is the very first brewery in Kelseyville.

“Beer Mug” is a traditional quilt block which aptly represents Ron Chips' fine variety of microbrews, also called nano-brews.

You can bring in “take-out” and your well-behaved mutt, or enjoy the peanuts and popcorn, if you so
desire.

This building in the middle of downtown Kelseyville has housed many food establishments and
businesses.

The brewery and friendly staff headed by Marlena welcome locals and tourists to join in tasting the fine handcrafted “brews” made right on site by Ron Chips.

Visit www.kelseycreekbrewing.com for more information or better yet, drop on in and see for yourself
the variety of tasty beer he has to offer.

The Lake County Quilt Trail is an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote community pride.

The quilt block was drawn and painted by the Lake County Quilt Trail team, a group of dedicated quilters, graphic artists, painters, writers, carpenters and a videographer.

For more information visit www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or visit the Lake County Quilt Trail's Facebook page.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – It’s rodeo time in Lake County. 

The California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, or CCPRA, rodeo professionals return to provide thrills and spills in the arena on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport.

The 86th annual Lake County Rodeo is sponsored by the Lake County Rodeo Association and major sponsor Running Creek Casino.  

Rodeo has been a tradition in Lake County since the 1800s and professionals from all around California and Lake County will pit themselves against the professional stock of the West Coast Rodeo stock company. 

Professional competitors belonging to CCPRA will be competing in eight rough stock events both Friday and Saturday nights.

“Rodeo is for all ages,” said Adam Peters, president of the Lake County Rodeo Association.  

Youngsters from 3 to 8 years can enter the cutest cowpoke contest held on Friday night, sponsored this year by the Clear Lake Junior Horsemen and the Scotts Valley 4-H Swine Group. There is no fee to enter the cutest cowpoke contest.

Another opportunity for the youngsters is the mutton bustin’ contest on both Friday and Saturday nights, sponsored by CJS Ranch Supply in Middletown. 

The ages are from 4 to 8 years, youngsters must weigh no more than 50 pounds on the night they sign in. There is a $10 fee for contestants and there is a limit of 10 entries per night. Mutton bustin’ chair is Angel Purdy who can be reached at 707-349-1991.

Local, non-CCPRA competitors are welcome to sign up for the local team roping, held on Saturday night; they need to contact Johnny and Debbie Jones at 707-263-8916. 

Local barrel racers can compete on both Friday and Saturday nights by contacting the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at 707-263-5092. Only 10 slots are open for barrel racers each night, no limit on the local team roping entries.

In addition to winning silver buckles, a share of the entry fees, there is a $500 added money prize for each competition.

Presale tickets are now available at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, CJS Ranch in Middletown, Barreda’s Lower Lake Feed, Red & White Market in Clearlake Oaks, North Shore Sentry in Nice and Rainbow Ag in Lakeport. 

Saturday night tickets are $2 off during presale. Saturday night admission includes the annual rodeo dance featuring the very popular Fargo Brothers.

For more information go to www.lakecountyrodeo.com or contact the Lake County Chamber at 707-263-5092.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The No. 1 killer in U.S. hospitals claims more lives than prostate cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined.

It creeps into intensive care units, emergency departments and medical surgical units and claims 30 to 50 percent of its victims. 

Sepsis is a common condition that is not commonly recognized by Lake County residents.  

Sepsis occurs when the bloodstream is overwhelmed with bacteria, usually in response to an infection.  

Unlike a heart attack or stroke, many people do not know the signs of sepsis.

It’s a stealthy killer and an expensive one. According to the American Healthcare Review Center, sepsis is the most expensive condition in the U.S.; it cost $20 billion in 2011 alone. 

As part of the fight against sepsis, Sutter Health hosted a summit of multidisciplinary care teams from 20 Sutter affiliates to discuss strategies for early detection and treatment.  

The teams developed task forces to monitor and track the success of sepsis management.

The Sutter-wide sepsis initiative launched last year to implement guidelines to screen patients early and catch symptoms before severe sepsis set in.  

Part of Sutter’s initiative includes a checklist of signs for doctors and nurses to look for, such as a body temperature above 101 F or below 96.8 F, heart rate above 90 beats per minute, respiratory rate of more than 20 breaths per minute, and a probable or confirmed infection.

If not caught within six hours, severe sepsis can develop and lead to a drop in blood pressure, organ failure and septic shock. 

While nationwide sepsis cases are on the rise, Sutter Health system cases are decreasing. Five Sutter Health affiliates have reduced the rate of severe sepsis by an average of 17 percent. Sutter Roseville Medical Center has experienced a nearly 50-percent drop in sepsis related mortality rates.

At Sutter Lakeside Hospital, the staff wears badges displaying the symptoms of sepsis. 

July will mark the launch of Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s sepsis initiative, during which all clinical staff will be trained to report and treat sepsis in an effort to catch the signs early and provide proper care.

“We have always treated sepsis and done best by our patients,” said Pauline Orr, RN-BC, BSN and quality improvement coordinator. “This initiative means staff will treat sepsis with the same intensive focus we have for stroke and heart attack.”

Sutter’s electronic health record also has a system to flag abnormalities and alert staff of change in patient vital signs. 

“It’s an investment in our community to train all clinical staff so that we can do our part to think sepsis and save a life,” said Orr.

Morgen Wells is Sutter Lakeside Hospital's community relations and fund development specialist.

Have you ever woken to the sound of a scampering animal in the ceiling above your bed or been startled by a strange scratching noise in your walls?

If so, you understand the frustration of having wildlife take up residence in your home.

Skunks, squirrels and raccoons are among the common culprits that end up inside people’s homes and businesses.

These unwanted visitors can cause extensive property damage and transmit diseases to people and pets.

“The key to keeping wild animals out of your home and off your property is to make your home an unwelcome place for wildlife,” said Carol Singleton, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Keep Me Wild coordinator. “Start by walking around your home looking for any holes where wildlife may enter or spaces where they may nest. Even the tiniest holes should be fixed, as bats, mice and other small animals can squeeze through cracks as small as one-quarter inch.”

Before you begin boarding up areas around your home, make sure that there are no animals or active nests inside. Other wildlife-proofing steps include:

– Block any access points around your home and outbuildings where wildlife may enter.
– Block access under stairways and decks and fill any holes around your foundation.
– Fix tears in window screens and vents and cover any openings under your eaves.
– Install a chimney cap.
– Trim trees a minimum of four feet from your roof to avoid jumping animals.
– Remove woodpiles, debris and low-growing, dense plants such as ivy that provide potential habitat for wildlife.
– Never leave pet food or water outside.
– Clean up fallen fruit and bird seed and tightly cover compost piles.
– Keep barbecue grills clean and never leave food or trash out in the yard.
– Make sure that garbage cans and recycling bins are secured.

It is unlawful to disturb the nests of songbirds as well as threatened and endangered species, so proceed with caution when you find a nest or burrow.

CDFW also discourages the use of poison baits (rodenticide) to control rats, mice and other rodents as this can result in secondary poisoning to pets and other non-target wildlife such as owls, hawks and bobcats. Animals that eat dead or dying rodents that have consumed these baits will also be poisoned.

If you choose to trap nuisance wildlife, it is important to know the rules. You must release the animal immediately or kill it in a humane manner. You may wish to hire a pest control specialist to do this for you. According to the Fish and Game Code, it is illegal to relocate wildlife without a permit to do so.

“People often think the most humane thing to do is to release the animal in a nearby park or woods, but this simply moves the problem to someone else’s backyard,” explained Singleton. “Also, relocating wildlife can lead to the spread of disease, cause conflicts with other wildlife and may result in injury to the person transporting the animal.”

For more information on solving problems with backyard wildlife, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Living-with-Wildlife .

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The employees of the Mendocino National Forest want to remind visitors to have a safe July 4 holiday, especially while recreating in the forest.

With hot and dry conditions continuing, visitors are asked to be careful with fire in the national forest, including campfires, gas stoves and lanterns, and to comply with current fire restrictions.

All fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on the Mendocino National Forest.

The forest is currently under fire restrictions, which means there are limitations on where campfires, gas stoves, lanterns and internal combustion engines – including chainsaws – can be used. 

Recreation sites are posted with the information. More information on fire restrictions can also be found at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler in the mountains, and even during summer there is the possibility of storms. 

Visitors should be prepared for changing conditions. Bring layered clothing and plenty of food and water on your outdoor adventure. Tell someone where you plan to go, which routes you plan to take and when you plan to be back.

“We want everyone to have a safe and memorable Fourth of July weekend, especially those joining us on the Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson. “With fire restrictions starting this week and the effects of the ongoing drought, it’s important that visitors are aware of the current conditions and use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. We want everyone to have a safe and fun holiday weekend – including visitors and firefighters.”

All Mendocino National Forest offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday. The Stonyford Work Center, located at 5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Road, will be open Saturday, July 4. The information center can also be reached at 530-963-3128.

To learn more about fire prevention, including “One Less Spark – One Less Wildfire,” visit www.preventwildfireca.org . The site also offers California Campfire Permits online.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Californians love to celebrate July 4 with family, friends, food and fireworks. 

All too often these celebrations and festivities turn tragic when someone decides to drink and drive a vehicle. 

The California Highway Patrol wants you to have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend, but also wants you to make safe and smart choices before getting behind the wheel.

The CHP will be out in full force during the holiday weekend in an effort to reduce roadway deaths and prevent injuries. 

The Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) begins on Friday, July 3, at 6 p.m. and continues through Sunday, July 5, at 11:59 p.m. 

All available officers throughout the state will be deployed during the MEP to focus enforcement on occupant restraints, speed violations, and those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“This is a time for celebration, not tragedy,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Celebrate this Independence Day by having fun but also by being responsible in the choices you make.”

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the July 4 holiday period over the last five years – from 2008 to 2012 – 765 people lost their lives in collisions involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. 

Those fatalities account for 40 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities over this same five-year period, the CHP said.

Last year during the Independence Day weekend in California 32 people were killed with 70 percent of those killed not wearing a seat belt, according to the CHP.

During that same time, more than 1,300 people were arrested by the CHP for driving under the influence.

“We want this year to be different, we want everyone to celebrate responsibly and get home safely,” said Farrow. “Designate a sober driver before you head out to celebrate and do your part to make this a safe holiday for everyone on California’s roads.”

An international team of researchers has discovered traces of methane in Martian meteorites, a possible clue in the search for life on the Red Planet.

The researchers examined samples from six meteorites of volcanic rock that originated on Mars.

The meteorites contain gases in the same proportion and with the same isotopic composition as the Martian atmosphere.

All six samples also contained methane, which was measured by crushing the rocks and running the emerging gas through a mass spectrometer.

The team also examined two non-Martian meteorites, which contained lesser amounts of methane.

The discovery hints at the possibility that methane could be used as a food source by rudimentary forms of life beneath the Martian surface. On Earth, microbes do this in a range of environments.

“Other researchers will be keen to replicate these findings using alternative measurement tools and techniques,” said co-author Sean McMahon, a Yale University postdoctoral associate in the Department of Geology and Geophysics. “Our findings will likely be used by astrobiologists in models and experiments aimed at understanding whether life could survive below the surface of Mars today.”

The discovery was part of a joint research project led by the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, the University of Glasgow, Brock University in Ontario, and the University of Western Ontario.

“One of the most exciting developments in the exploration of Mars has been the suggestion of methane in the Martian atmosphere,” said University of Aberdeen professor John Parnell, who directed the research. “Recent and forthcoming missions by NASA and the European Space Agency, respectively, are looking at this, however, it is so far unclear where the methane comes from, and even whether it is really there. However, our research provides a strong indication that rocks on Mars contain a large reservoir of methane.”

Co-author Nigel Blamey, of Brock University, said the team plans to expand its research by analyzing additional meteorites.

Yale's McMahon noted that the team's approach may prove helpful in future Mars rover experiments. “Even if Martian methane does not directly feed microbes, it may signal the presence of a warm, wet, chemically reactive environment where life could thrive,” McMahon said.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – A truck driver died and three others were injured when a box truck and two vehicles were involved in a crash on Highway 29 Thursday morning.

Highway 29 was closed for nearly seven hours as the California Highway Patrol conducted an investigation into the wreck, which occurred at 8:15 a.m.

In a Thursday evening report, the CHP did not release the name of the 27-year-old Meridian man who died as a result of the crash, pending notification of his family.

Injured in the crash were 24-year-old Justin Brink of Clearlake, and Ukiah residents Monte Yttreness, 68, and Jeanne Yttreness, 64, the CHP said.

The CHP said Brink was driving a 2013 Mazda 3 southbound on Highway 29 south of Highway 175/Cobb when, for unknown reasons, he allowed his car to cross the double-yellow lines into the northbound lanes.

Driving northbound was the Meridian man in a 2008 International refrigerated box truck. When Brink's Mazda crossed the double-yellow lines, it collided with the left front of the box truck, according to the CHP.

After the impact, the box truck's driver lost control of the vehicle, hitting the 2006 Toyota Solara driven by Monte Yttreness, the CHP said.

The CHP said the box truck driver died of his injuries at the scene.

Brink sustained major injuries, including a broken left leg, and was flown by REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the CHP said.

Monte and Jeanne Yttreness both suffered minor injuries – he had cuts to the face and she complained of back pain – and they were transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for treatment, according to the CHP.

Anyone who has information regarding the collision is asked to call the Clear Lake Area CHP office at 707-279-0103.

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.

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The Mendocino National Forest is entering into fire restrictions beginning Thursday, July 2, due to dry conditions and increased risk of wildfires. 

Forest officials said the fire restrictions will continue through the end of fire season.

Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited on the national forest unless in the following designated recreation sites:

· Grindstone Ranger District – Whitlock, Kingsley, Sugarfoot, Three Prong, Ides Cove, Horse Packer, Wells Cabin, Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Big Springs Day Use Area, Letts Lake, Mill Valley, Dixie Glade, Plaskett Meadows, Masterson, Little Stony, Grey Pine, Fouts Springs, Davis Flat, South Fork, North Fork, Mill Creek, Cedar Camp and Old Mill Campgrounds.

· Upper Lake Ranger District – Fuller Grove, Fuller Grove Group Camp, Navy Camp, Pogie Point, Oak Flat, Sunset, Middle Creek, Deer Valley, and Penny Pines Campgrounds and Lake Pillsbury summer home sites.

· Covelo Ranger District – Eel River, Little Doe, Howard Lake, Green Springs and Hammerhorn Lake Campgrounds.

California Campfire Permits are not needed in the designated recreation sites listed. In all other areas of the forest, lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be allows as long as the person has a current California Campfire Permit with them.

California Campfire Permits may be obtained at any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or CAL FIRE office in California, as well as most Forest Service field employees. The may also be obtained online at www.preventwildfireca.org .

The following activities are also prohibited as part of the fire restrictions:

· Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or in the designated recreation sites listed above;

· Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame;

· Using explosives;

· Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fireworks.

Forest visitors will be able to continue riding off-highway vehicles on designated roads and trails, provided that the vehicles are equipped with the required spark arresters. 

Spark arresters are also required on chainsaws being used for people filling valid personal use wood cutting permits and may only be used on designated roads and trails.

“The rugged terrain that makes the Mendocino such an amazing place can also carry wildfire quickly, especially as ongoing drought conditions have stressed trees and left forest fuels extremely dry,” said Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson. “The public can help prevent wildfires by respecting the fire restrictions and being careful when using anything with a flame or that can throw a spark while enjoying this great forest.”

Temporary fire restrictions are put in place annually to protect natural resources and limit the threat of human-caused wildfires. 

Similar restrictions are going into effect on neighboring forests. However, restrictions can vary by forest and visitors should check with the national forest they plan on visiting for the latest fire restrictions and conditions. For the Mendocino National Forest, the fire restrictions are formally referenced through Order Number 08-15-07.

Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months imprisonment or both.

Fire season typically ends in late fall following a series of drenching, measurable rains in the mountains. An announcement will follow when fire restrictions are lifted.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Habitat for Humanity Lake County has received another sizable grant from the Home Depot Foundation to support making home repairs for local veterans.

Richard Birk, president of Habitat for Humanity Lake County, said his organization will receive about $200,000 for its military veterans' home repair program.  

Birk recently met with Home Depot Foundation Director Heather Pritchard in Atlanta to discuss the grant's particulars.

This is the third grant that Habitat for Humanity Lake County has received from the Home Depot Foundation Veterans Home Repair Initiative.

Birk estimated that, over the last three years, the Home Depot Foundation's grants to help local veterans have totaled about $450,000.

Last year, he said his group received $150,000, but the grant funds were extended to more than $200,000 as they successfully completed 15 projects.

“We're spending quite a bit on each home,” said Birk, estimating that the cost of the projects averaged about $15,000.

Birk said the repairs have included new roofs, wheelchair ramps, bathroom upgrades such as walk-in showers, replacing heating and cooling systems with more efficient models, electrical work and a variety of other needed repairs.

Unless it's a simple repair job or a roof replacement, Habitat for Humanity farms the work out to a contractor, Birk said.

Now, he said Habitat for Humanity is taking applications immediately in order to be able to use the funds up within the short, eight-month window that's part of the grant requirements.

“We just want to move as fast as we can to help as many as we can,” Birk said.

Veterans must be income-qualified and own their own home, or live with a family member who owns their home, Birk said.

For those veterans who aren't sure that they qualify, Birk urged them to apply and let the Habitat for Humanity staff determine whether or not they are eligible for assistance.

For more information about its programs, call the Habitat for Humanity Lake County office at 707 994-1100.

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.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol is investigating a Thursday morning crash that killed a big rig driver.

The head-on, multiple-vehicle wreck occurred on Highway 29 between Highway 175/Cobb and Kit's Corner near Smith Ranch Road at about 8:15 a.m., according to initial CHP reports.

CHP officers remained on scene mid-afternoon, with the highway reopening just before 3 p.m. after being closed for several hours while the investigation took place. Traffic was rerouted around the area.

A full report on the incident was pending from the CHP as of 3:30 p.m.

Witnesses reported that the big rig container truck was heading northbound on Highway 29 when the crash occurred in the area between Bayshore Marine Services and Kelseyville Auto Salvage.

A vehicle was seen swerving into the path of the big rig, which attempted to avoid hitting the vehicle and subsequently lost control. 

The big rig was reported to have hit that first vehicle and then another before losing the container and flipping onto its top, according to witness reports.

Radio reports confirmed that CHP officers and firefighters arriving on scene found the big rig driver trapped in the cab, with the truck blocking the entire roadway. Two damaged passenger vehicles also were at the crash site.

Kelseyville Fire called for additional medic units, with Lake County Fire responding with assistance, according to radio reports.

Shortly after arrival, emergency personnel reported that the big rig driver had died. The CHP also confirmed that the crash resulted in a fatality.

Another patient had moderate to major injuries, with an an air ambulance called in to transport that individual.

Firefighters on scene needed to extricate the patient – who had a fractured left leg – before transferring them to the landing zone at Kit’s Corner, where REACH 6 was waiting, according to reports from the scene.

REACH 6 transported the patient to Santa Rosa Memorial, radio reports stated.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

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.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Gracie Pachie, a 12th grade student at Middletown High School, has earned a position on the California State National High School Rodeo Team. 

She will be traveling with fellow teammates to Rock Springs, Wyo., July 12 to 18 to compete at the 67th annual National High School Rodeo Finals as the 2015-16 State High School Rodeo Queen.

Pachie, 16, has been riding since the age of 3. She spent many years being coached by Helen Owen of A-1 Horse Programs in Middletown. 

As a junior high student, Pachie put all the coaching to practice when she officially joined the California Junior High School Rodeo Association in seventh grade. Pachie competed in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. 

After taking two years off, she decided to return to her rodeo roots by running for District 2 rodeo queen as well as competing in barrels and poles again. Unfortunately, a cross country injury sidelined both her running and goat tying career. 

During her first state run for queen, Pachie was named first runner up, having won the horsemanship portion of competition, and also being named Miss Congeniality by her fellow competitors.

This past year, Pachie added cutting to her resume, and ran again for District 2 queen, always keeping her eye on the state title. 

After three days of intense competition in Bishop, Calif., crowning of the 2015-16 queen was held on June 19.  

Pachie had the honor of not only being crowned as state queen for the upcoming year, she did it with a bang. 

Horsemanship, speech, modeling, impromptu question, personal interview, appearance and personality were the seven of eight categories Pachie swept on her way to the top title.  

She is the first state queen in 15 years for the North Coast and District 2 of high school rodeo. The last title holder was Jamie Buckner of Lakeport in 2000.

Besides rodeo, Pachie is the Middletown FFA Chapter president, Middletown High School Mock Trial Team captain, associated student body vice president, handles AKC registered dogs and maintains a 3.97 GPA, all the while maintaining a full schedule of AP classes at Middletown High School. 

She would like to attend San Diego State University to earn a degree in criminal justice, and a minor in psychology, with an eye towards becoming a parole officer.

The run for the national rodeo queen title will happen in mid-July. 

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring Pachie for this opportunity can email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message her on Facebook at Gracie Pachie Miss California High School Rodeo Queen 2015-2016 .