The Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration announced its cemeteries will host wreath-laying ceremonies the week of April 6 to commemorate the 353,082 World War I Veterans interred in VA sites across the country.

“These wreath-laying ceremonies recommit our promise to memorialize the service and sacrifice of World War I Veterans enshrined in our national cemeteries,” said Ronald E. Walters, interim under secretary for Memorial Affairs. “We encourage the community to honor this generation of brave Veterans.”

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on the German Empire after attacks on American ships and commercial ships transporting American passengers.

On April 6, 1917, Congress voted to declare war on the German Empire. When the war ended Nov. 11, 1918, more than 2 million Americans had served.

NCA will arrange wreath-laying ceremonies with assistance from local cemetery support committees and other veterans service organizations.

For a full listing of World War I Centennial events, please visit http://www.cem.va.gov/ .

VA operates 135 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites in 40 states and Puerto Rico.

More than four million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA's national cemeteries.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Savings Bank and Integrity Shred have teamed up to help prevent identity theft by offering the public an opportunity to shred outdated confidential documents.

The Lakeport shred event will take place on Thursday, April 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Savings Bank, 290 S. Main St.

Bring up to three 35-pound boxes of documents for safe, secure on-site shredding. Hours and number of customers accommodated may be limited to truck capacity.

Other dates and locations include:

– Ukiah on April 21, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pear Tree Center on East Perkins Street;
– Fort Bragg on May 5, 9 to 11 a.m., across the street from the Bank at Sport Chrysler Jeep Dodge;
– Willits on May 5, 1 to 3 p.m. in the Humboldt Street parking lot behind the Bank.

Details are available at www.savingsbank.com .

Shredding confidential financial documents and paperwork is one way to deter criminals from stealing personal information. Identity theft is a serious crime that can wreak havoc with your finances, credit history, reputation, and can take time, money and patience to resolve.

“Savings Bank also encourages customers to protect their identity by switching from paper account statements to eStatements,” said Katie Kight, Savings Bank marketing officer. “With eStatements, customers reduce the risk of confidential account information getting into the wrong hands through tampering of mail and paper records that are stored at home.”

Savings Bank representatives will be available at the shred events to supply information about preventing identity theft and what to do if your identity is stolen.

State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is encouraging all Californians to understand their financial needs as they move toward retirement in honor of National Retirement Planning Week, April 3 through 7.

People are living longer than ever before so it is important consumers evaluate how much money they will need to retire. Annuities can provide a steady income after retirement and increase financial security.

"Whether you are a Baby Boomer, Gen Xer or a Millennial, you need to be proactive and have a plan for retirement," said Insurance Commissioner Jones. "It is crucial that Californians are aware of their retirement options, including annuities, to ensure their future financial security."

Each day 10,000 Baby Boomers across the nation leave the workforce and enter retirement and by 2030, one in five Californians will be 65 or older.

Many of those entering retirement today are largely unsure of their financial futures, but there are steps everyone can take. The first step is developing a plan for retirement to help realize retirement dreams and ensure future financial security.

Another step to consider is purchasing annuities, which can ensure a steady income after retirement, but can also be very confusing and not suitable for everyone.

An annuity is an investment so it is important for consumers to be cautious and determine their needs before signing a contract. The Department of Insurance has created a list of things to consider before buying annuities.

Informed consumers are less likely to make mistakes. Consumers are urged to make sure their agent's license is current and the company is licensed by the California Department of Insurance.

If consumers have questions or concerns the Department's Consumer Services Division is available to assist at 1-800-927-4357.

National Retirement Planning Week is a national effort to help consumers focus on their financial needs in retirement.

While National Retirement Planning Week is only one week every year, resources and tools to help Californians plan for retirement are available year round at www.RetireOnYourTerms.org .

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Sons of Norway Vikings of Lake Lodge will hold its monthly Heritage & Culture Day on Saturday, April 8.

The event will take place beginning at 1 p.m. at Galilee Lutheran Church Community Center, 8860 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville.

There will be a welcome ceremony for new members for 2016-17.

A pork roast dinner with a potluck of sides and desserts also will be served. The cost is $6 each.

Kris Andre-Stocker will offer a presentation on the Norwegian Mystery Tour.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On Saturday, April 8, the Spring of Hope fire benefit will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Big Valley Hall, 1510 Big Valley Road.

Proceeds will be utilized by Hope City to purchase materials to rebuild homes lost in the Valley and Clayton fires with insufficient or no insurance.

Hope City is a project of the disaster relief agency Hope Crisis Response Network from Elkhart, Ind.  They can be found locally at their new office at 21277 Calistoga Street in Middletown, at the former sheriff’s substation.

Spring of Hope will feature dinner music by Levity, a seven-piece acoustic folky-rock band with a sense of humor.

Their members play an interesting array of instruments including: accordion, banjo, dobro, mandola, mandolin, melodica, harmonica, percussion, bass, guitar, saxophone and violin.

Double Standyrd from Ukiah will bring dancing music from 7:15 to 9:30 pm. The six-piece band performs classic rock and blues, Southern rock and other favorites to keep audiences dancing.

Tickets are $10, at the door only. Dinner will be sold for $8, as a benefit for Big Valley Hall renovations.

Big Valley Hall, formerly known as Big Valley Grange, is well known for their first Sunday breakfasts and holiday craft fairs. 

Dinner will be homemade beef or vegan Tuscan bean stew on mashed potatoes with salad and homemade dressing. Dessert, soft drinks, wine and beer will be sold separately. Bring extra for the raffle and silent auction. 

Thanks to sponsors Jonathan Smith of CANI Painting in Lakeport, Horn's Pest Control in Lakeport, Brad White of American Plumbing Co. in Kelseyville and Lake County Contractors, who have been busy rebuilding on Cobb.

Spring of Hope is produced by Spotlight On Productions in partnership with The Time Bank of Thrive Lake County, KPFZ and individual community members.

More information and photos are on Facebook at Lake County Fire Recovery Benefits. Questions can also be left at 707-278-7126.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County and the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Emergency highway repairs at various locations from Bachelor Creek Bridge to Bruner Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– Curb and sidewalk repairs from Sayre Avenue to Country Club Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 29
 
– Emergency culvert repairs from Spruce Grove Road to Hofacker Lane will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175
 
– Emergency highway repairs from Grouss Springs Road to Emerford Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Emergency highway repairs from east of Arroyo Vista Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate seven-minute delays.
 
– Utility surveys will be performed from the Putah Creek Bridge to the Dry Creek Bridge beginning Wednesday, April 12. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1
 
– Emergency slide removal near Leggett will continue. A full road closure is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should seek an alternate route.
 
Highway 20

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs about 0.7 mile east of Wildwood Campground. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Bridge deck repairs at the East Fork Russian River Bridge will begin Monday, April 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
 
Highway 101

– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Emergency slide repairs on the westbound Route 20 to southbound Route 101 connector ramp will continue. Intermittent ramp closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
– Emergency slide removal near Hermitage Vista Point will continue. Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Emergency slide removal near the Dora Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays.
 
– Emergency slide removal near Piercy will continue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 128
 
– Roadway repairs from Fish Rock Road to Yorkville will continue through Friday, April 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 162
 
– Emergency storm damage repairs near The Middle Way will continue. One-way traffic control with temporary stop signs will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253
 
– Emergency roadway repairs from Booneville to Ukiah will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

On Wednesday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) joined Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and more than 150 original cosponsors in introducing the Social Security 2100 Act.

This bill would increase Social Security benefits for all beneficiaries, reduce taxes and prevent seniors from retiring into poverty.

“Social Security is the bedrock of our retirement program and a lifeline for seniors,” said Thompson. “Millions of seniors rely on Social Security for most of their income – especially after the 2008 financial crisis wiped out so many traditional pensions. Congress needs to make sure Social Security continues to fulfill its promise to men and women who worked hard, played by the rules, and paid into the system all their lives.”

He added, “This is personal for me. My grandmother worked her entire life, but when she retired, she received a pension of only about $53 a month. If it weren’t for Social Security, she wouldn’t have survived. Millions of American families can share similar stories. I’m proud to join Rep. Larson in introducing this plan to raise benefits and strengthen Social Security for generations to come.”

The Social Security 2100 Act would:

– Increase benefits by 2 percent for all beneficiaries.
– Cut taxes by raising the income thresholds before Social Security is taxed. Currently, individuals who earn $24,000 a year and couples who earn $32,000 a year are taxed on benefits they receive. This plan would raise those thresholds to $50,000 and $100,000 respectively, resulting in a tax cut for about 11 million Americans.
– Raise the new minimum benefit for Social Security to 120 percent of the poverty line, preventing seniors from being able to retire into poverty.
– Change the formula for calculating the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to better reflect the actual expenses seniors face.
– Ensure millionaires and billionaires continue to pay into the Social Security Trust Fund at the same rate as everyone else.

Later this month, Reps. Thompson and Larson will hold a series of Town Hall Meetings in California’s Fifth Congressional District to discuss this proposal and hear from local seniors. Additional details will follow.