Month: October 2022

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the victim in a shooting on Friday.

On Monday, Oct. 31, the sheriff’s log identified the victim as Ramiro Licea Martinez of Willows. Other sources give the age of a man with the same name and address as Martinez as being in the mid- to late-40s.

Glenn County Superior Court records indicate Martinez has never been charged or convicted of any crimes other than an infraction for speeding in a 70 miles per hour zone.

As The Observer reported on Friday:

At about 5:35 p.m. on Oct. 28, Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a shooting that occurred near the intersection of County Road 60 and Highway 99.

According to a GCSO press release issued Friday evening, sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers responded and found a vehicle with a man inside who had sustained life-threatening injuries believed to be from the reported shooting.

Emergency medical personnel and fire department volunteers arrived at the scene. The Reach medical helicopter also responded and flew the victim to a nearby hospital [Enloe Medical Center in Chico].

A photo on the Action News Now website appears to show the victim’s vehicle is a red Chevy pickup…. [Other sources indicate the vehicle is a 2000 Chevy Silverado.]

Six or seven bullet holes can be seen on the driver’s side of the front windshield, and 10 or 11 markers possibly indicating shell casings are visible on the ground in front of the pickup.

Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured images of a vehicle believed to be involved in the incident.

The vehicle appears to be a dark grey, newer model BMW. (See the photo at the top of this report.)

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information from the public on the identity of the vehicle owner and any occupants. The vehicle fled the area prior to the arrival of law enforcement officers.

The Glenn Investigative and Narcotics Task Force responded and is currently investigating the shooting.

According to the GCSO’s press release, this investigation is ongoing and further details into this crime will be released when they become available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Task Force. Members of the task force can be contacted in person at 543 West Oak Street, Willows; or by phone at (530) 934-6431.

Here are the latest bookings from the Glenn County Jail. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Saturday, Oct. 15:

1:41 a.m., Adrian Contreras-Iniguez, 24, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $7,000. He was taken into custody on County Road 306, north of Chrome, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

9:27 a.m., John Delbert Kenyon, 51, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (all misdemeanors), a warrant alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor), and a no-bail swap walkout warrant. Total bail for the fresh charges and the other warrant was set at $12,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 99 at County Road 43 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

9:25 p.m., Dwight Lee Thomas, 41, of Colusa, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at the Burger King on Newville Road by an Orland police officer.

Sunday, Oct. 16:

12:33 a.m., Nicholas Allen Ruiz, 22, of Sparks, Nev., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors), and a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and driving with a suspended license (both misdemeanors). Total bail was set at $16,000. He was taken into custody at Circle K, 210 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

4:50 a.m., Alexander Callahan, 19, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging willful cruelty to a child that could possibly result in injury or death (a felony), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $50,000. He was taken into custody at 4582 Highway 99, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

12 p.m., Seth Dasan Dominguez-Feathers, 27, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at the southeast corner of the parking lot at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

7:02 p.m., Joseph Steven Maloney, 56, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 2470 Highway 45, Glenn, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

8:36 p.m., Christopher Loyd Simpson, 28, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 99 at County Road 45 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Monday, Oct. 17:

2 p.m., Matthew Shane Theobald, 32, of Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody on Highway 32 at Sierra Avenue, Hamilton City, by a Glenn County probation officer.

4:10 p.m., John Lucas Rehberg, 42, of Portland, Ore., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on the northbound side of Interstate 5, just north of the Willows rest area, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

8:51 p.m., Andrew Jacob Burrows, 29, of Elk Creek, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on a warrant alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at 435 North Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Tuesday, Oct. 18:

1:13 a.m., Bradley James Michaud, 51, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer, and trespassing in a noncommercial dwelling (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 418 East Walnut Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

1:13 a.m., Jennifer May Shockley, 31, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer, and trespassing in a noncommercial dwelling (both misdemeanors), and warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail for the fresh charges was set at zero, while total bail on the warrants was set at $26,000. She was taken into custody at 418 East Walnut Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11:07 a.m., Khristen Lee Turner, 41, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody on Highway 32 at Canal Road (Highway 45), Hamilton City, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

2:30 p.m., Allan Alexi Flores, 37, of Los Angeles, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $9,000. He was taken into custody at the Willows branch of the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

2:30 p.m., Carrie Juanell Galbraith, 51, of Willows, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at the Willows branch of the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

5:18 p.m., Dave Raymond Campbell, 52, of Artois, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation, and felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $49,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

6:20 p.m., Savannah Rachelle Nelson, 31, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing an executive officer (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. She was taken into custody at 160 North Butte Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11:45 p.m., Brandon Casey Heaton, 31, of Redding, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging failure to appear after giving a written promise, and failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge (both misdemeanors). Total bail was set at $43,000. He was taken into custody at Highway 99 and County Road 20 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Wednesday, Oct. 19:

3:06 p.m., Luis Fernando Vargas-Flores, 39, of Willows, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. He was taken into custody at 123 North Murdock Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

3:40 p.m., Gardenia Vanessa Avalos, 32, of Willows, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging felony violation of probation. She was taken into custody at 123 South Murdock Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

6:35 p.m., Sherece Elizabeth Welch, 31, of Bakersfield, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging possession of a stolen vehicle (a felony). Bail was set at $10,000, but she was also held without bail on a felony California Department of Corrections detainer. She was taken into custody on an order of production at Chowchilla State Prison by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

6:59 p.m., Christian Cuin-Perez, 22, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication, and resisting or obstructing a public officer (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 50 East Colusa Street by an Orland police officer.

10:06 p.m., Maria Montalvo Gomez, 35, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation, and misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $48,000. She was taken into custody at 745 Paigewood Drive by an Orland police officer.

Thursday, Oct. 20:

12:06 a.m., Anthony Ryan Rowland, 26, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor), and felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $65,000, but at 7:36 a.m., he was also held without bail when he was returned to custody by a Glenn County probation officer on a charge alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony). He was initially taken into custody at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, apt. #146, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

10 a.m., Arba Collon Sullivan, 30, of Oakley, Calif., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Bail was set at $30,000. He was taken into custody at 901 Court Street, Martinez, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

10:18 a.m., Alexander Javier Salas, 34, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Total bail was set at $65,000. He was taken into custody at 911 West Cedar Street, Willows, by a Glenn County probation officer.

10:22 a.m., Alicia Marie Ramirez, 40, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. She was taken into custody at 6155 Highway 162, sp. #C32, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

2:33 p.m., Janeva Chante Trenado, 29, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $60,000. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

3:28 p.m., Amado Ramses Alvarez Carrillo IV, 23, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging entering a noncommercial dwelling without permission (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $3,000. He was taken into custody by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

6:24 p.m., James Adam Sedgwick, 48, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on County Road P at County Road 39 by a California Highway Patrol officer.

11:05 p.m., Prisella Andreina Gonzalez, 33, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Bail was set at $45,000. She was taken into custody at the Speedway gas station, 1021 South Street, by an Orland police officer. Early the next morning, she was found to have a warrant alleging driving with a suspended license, and failure to appear after giving a written promise (both misdemeanors). Bail for this warrant was set at $2,000.

Friday, Oct. 21:

1:56 a.m., Byron Evan Burrows, 33, of Elk Creek, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence, and damaging or destroying a wireless communication device (both misdemeanors), and warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail was set at $29,000. He was taken into custody at 3600 County Road 305, #17, Elk Creek, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

9:29 a.m., Andy Kao Saechao, 27, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $35,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

11:30 a.m., Charles Ben Padilla, 36, of Red Bluff, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $105,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Superior Court in Willows by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

1:20 p.m., Maria Del Rosario Juarez-Arreola, 48, of Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging battery (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $12,000. She was taken into custody at the Orland Courthouse, 821 East South Street, by an Orland police officer.

10 p.m., Jose Luis Ruiz Zacarias, 43, of Federal Way, Wash., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Interstate 5, just north of County Road 68, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

10:18 p.m., Sharlene Rae Harker, 58, of Proberta, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $12,000. She was taken into custody at the Orland Stop and Shop, 10 Walker Street, by an Orland police officer.

Saturday, Oct. 22:

2:29 a.m., Raul Hernandez-Mojica, 21, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody in the 100 block of Walker Street by an Orland police officer.

6:40 a.m., Adrian Hernandez-Nava, 25, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a misdemeanor), and felony robbery. Bail was set at $40,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 99 at County Road 20 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

5:11 p.m., Mysty Dawn Stephens, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), and possession of a controlled substance in a prison or jail (a felony), and a warrant alleging possession of stolen property (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $27,000. She was taken into custody at 2627 Highway 99 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Sunday, Oct. 23:

2:25 a.m., Danny Alan Scott Rupert, 26, of Clearlake, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at County Roads E and 200 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

8:33 a.m., Joshua Leonard Barber, 45, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and reckless driving on a highway (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody in the 800 block of Fourth Street by an Orland police officer.

2:06 p.m., Daniel Macias Flores, 22, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving on a license suspended for driving while under the influence, and violation of probation (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $13,000. He was taken into custody in the 3800 block of Highway 99, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

2:48 p.m., Jose Rogelio Gaspar Ramirez, 49, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence, and disobeying a court order (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at Bryant Street and Papst Avenue by an Orland police officer.

7:47 p.m., Savannah Rachelle Nelson, 31, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a stolen vehicle (a felony). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at 222 North Butte Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

9:15 p.m., Carlos Marroquin Bautista, 38, of Artois, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving without a license (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on County Road 34, west of Highway 45, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

Monday, Oct. 24:

2:25 p.m., Lissette Marie Gomez, 28, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). She was taken into custody at 423 Fifth Street, Orland, by a Glenn County probation officer.

3:29 p.m., at the Glenn County Jail, Arba Collon Sullivan, 30, of Oakley, was found to have a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $10,000.

5:08 p.m., Ryan Lee McMillen, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging false imprisonment, threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, and torture (all felonies). Bail was set at $685,000, but he was also held without bail on charges alleging violation of parole (a felony). He was taken into custody at Canton and East Cedar Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

6:19 p.m., Efren Deoca Montes, 47, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $15,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 45 just north of Highway 162 by a California Highway Patrol officer. Early the next morning at the jail, he was found to have a warrant alleging failure to appear after being released on his own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Bail for this warrant was set at $25,000.

11:59 p.m., Hector Joseph Chirino, 31, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and warrants alleging possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (a felony), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (a misdemeanor), and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $37,000. He was taken into custody at Sixth and Monterey Streets by an Orland police officer.

Tuesday, Oct. 25:

10:27 p.m., Aric Joseph Brown, 29, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging possession of metal knuckles (a felony), possession of a switchblade knife in a vehicle (a misdemeanor), grand theft (a felony), and possession of stolen property (a felony). Bail was set at $27,000. He was taken into custody at 1237 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Wednesday, Oct. 26:

12:43 a.m., Miguel Munoz Padilla, 25, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse, ex-spouse, date., etc. (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, apt. #172, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

12:45 a.m., Chad William Bauska, 35, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety (a felony), driving while under the influence of a drug (a misdemeanor), and resisting or obstructing a public officer (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $38,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 32, east of Sixth Avenue, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

10:42 p.m., Riley James Dock, 56, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 745 Paigewood Drive, apt. #13, by an Orland police officer.

Thursday, Oct. 27:

11:04 a.m., at the Glenn County Jail, Roberto Campos, 43, of Las Vegas, Nev., was found to have a warrant alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $7,000.

11:04 a.m., at the Glenn County Jail, Alexa Dawn Farris, 27, of Willows, was found to have warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail was set at $58,000.

11:04 a.m., at the Glenn County Jail, Octavio Lamas, 34, of Chico, was found to have warrants alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Bail was set at $45,000, but he was also held without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony).

10:50 p.m., Ulises Martinez-Galvin, 21, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $15,000. He was taken into custody at the Speedway gas station, 1185 Hoff Way, by an Orland police officer.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

If you saw something, say something.

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in its investigation of a shooting that took place south of Willows late Friday afternoon.

At about 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a shooting that occurred near the intersection of County Road 60 and Highway 99.

According to a GCSO press release issued Friday evening, sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers responded and found a vehicle with a man inside who had sustained life-threatening injuries believed to be from the reported shooting.

Emergency medical personnel and fire department volunteers arrived at the scene. The Reach medical helicopter also responded and flew the victim to a nearby hospital.

A photo on the Action News Now website appears to show the victim’s vehicle is a red Chevy pickup, California license plate number 6Z14445.

Six or seven bullet holes can be seen on the driver’s side of the front windshield, and 10 or 11 markers possibly indicating shell casings are visible on the ground in front of the pickup.

Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured images of a vehicle believed to be involved in the incident.

The vehicle appears to be a dark grey, newer model BMW. (See the photo at the top of this report.)

Investigators shut down for several hours Highway 99 from County Road 57 to County Road 68, and County Road 60 from Interstate 5 to County Road P.

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information from the public on the identity of the vehicle owner and any occupants. The vehicle fled the area prior to the arrival of law enforcement officers.

The Glenn Investigative and Narcotics Task Force responded and is currently investigating the shooting.

According to the GCSO’s press release, this investigation is ongoing and further details into this crime will be released when they become available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Task Force. Members of the task force can be contacted in person at 543 West Oak Street, Willows; or by phone at (530) 934-6431.

As Halloween approaches, 10- or 12-foot-tall skeletons seem to be everywhere. Once upon a time, the only giant skeleton in our area was Mr. Bones in Chico. He stood guard in front of his home year-round, until he was kidnapped a few months ago. He (or someone who looks just like him) is apparently back now, along with some more normal-sized skeletons. As for the gentleman in the photo above, he is one of two giants and a handful of smaller skeletons in a yard on Yolo Street in Orland. Look (out) for them in the coming days before Halloween. Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Shortly before dawn on Thursday, emergency dispatchers began receiving reports of a “barn fire” along Highway 99 between County Roads 8 and 9.

Orland Fire Chief Justin Chaney was among the first – if not the very first – emergency responders on the scene.

He immediately provided the exact location of the fire: Highway 99 at County Road 8.

Even more specifically, the fire was burning at the southeast corner of Highway 99 and County Road 8, at what many Orland area residents call the “Skidmore Compound.”

Indeed, on multiple occasions, emergency responders could be heard on the law enforcement and firefighter channels of the police scanner, making references to the “Skidmore Compound.’

For unknown reasons, many members of the Skidmore family take offense at this term.

“Compound,” however, is not a pejorative. It simply refers to a property with multiple residences that is isolated from other properties by natural barriers (bodies of water, forests, rough terrain, etc.) and/or artificial barriers (fences, walls, canals, etc.).

Anyway, at about 6:38 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, emergency responders began to arrive at the Skidmore property.

It was quickly realized that the structure that was burning was not a barn, but a shop, and it was fully involved.

Responders also commented that numerous old vehicles were also burning.

Almost immediately upon his arrival, Chief Chaney requested the Corning fire dispatcher to ask the Capay, Artois, and Willows Fire Departments come to the scene as part of their automatic response agreement.

A short time later, mutual aid requests were also made of some area fire departments, including the Hamilton City Fire Department.

And a little later still, the Ord Bend Fire Department was asked to stage at the Orland Fire Station, because all of Orland’s units were at the Skidmore fire and someone may be needed to respond if there were additional emergencies elsewhere in Orland’s jurisdiction.

For a moment, responders were not certain that everyone on the property had been evacuated, but it was soon determined that everyone was out of the buildings and accounted for.

At the Skidmore property, power poles had caught fire and power lines were arcing, causing spot fires in the area.

PG&E was contacted and soon arrived at the scene.

The lines were deactivated.

By about this time, the sun was up and a large cloud of smoke could be seen over Orland and stretching to the south.

Within an hour or two, firefighters gradually began to be released from the scene; for example, at about 10 a.m., the Artois Fire Department was released, and at about 10:15 a.m., the Capay Fire Department was released.

At about 11:50 a.m., Orland firefighters were released from the scene.

Chief Chaney said he expected fires to rekindle, but he planned to return to the scene periodically to check conditions out.

And indeed, he did return to the scene in the early afternoon to do some “mopping up.”

A little later in the afternoon, he returned to the firehouse, where he was asked if it was known what caused the fire.

He replied that the official cause was “undetermined,” and it probably always would be.

He said that he and Hamilton City Fire Chief Dan James, a fire investigator, looked things over, but everything was so thoroughly burned that the actual cause would probably never be known with certainty.

Gregory Ball died on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. He was born in California to Edwin and Mary Ball on June 20, 1935.

He grew up in Walnut Grove, Stockton, and Santa Rosa. He loved camping, fishing with his dad, playing baseball, competitive tennis, and spending many summers in Alberta, Canada, where his grandparents had a farm.

He graduated from Santa Rosa High School with many lifelong friends and shared wonderful stories of their high school “high jinks.” He continued his studies at Santa Rosa Community College, where he won a tennis doubles league championship.

His love for tennis was lifelong, leaving many wondering how they just got beat by an old guy with a vintage Wilson wood racket and knee-high tube socks.

He then transferred to Stanford University to study history and psychology and became a devoted Stanford Indians fan, closely following basketball, tennis, and especially football. A longtime and highly enthusiastic football season ticket holder, he savored taunting opposing fans with pearls such as: “Your coach drinks his own bath water!” and was most pleased by the recent strength of the Stanford football program.

After graduating from Stanford in 1957, he served in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps for five years and was activated for the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He had an amazing, near-photographic memory, which served him well throughout his long and successful career as a title insurance officer, underwriter, and title company general manager in Sacramento and San Francisco. His sharp wit and mischievous sense of humor enabled him to form many friendships with his co-workers, who viewed him as a business leader and a true expert in his field.

Above all, he was a dedicated and patient father who was always present sharing time, stories, and his caring love. His gentle and loving spirit was felt by all, especially his daughters, whom he always loved and supported as they pursued their dreams in ballet, musicals, culinary arts, and plays.

He always set the example of a true gentleman by opening their car door and pulling out their chair in a restaurant. He was also a dedicated grandfather four times over and never missed his grandchildren’s plays, musicals, ballet performances, or football games.

He bragged about his family to anyone who would listen.

Young at heart, he made many friends even into his old age, as he loved making people laugh, sharing his wisdom and showed true compassion towards all. Everyone loved his antics such as calling himself “Refugio Bandersnatch” at the barista counter and teaching his young Ukrainian and Russian friends antiquated expressions such as the “the best thing since sliced bread” and “colder than a well digger’s shovel.”

He had a special fondness for Russian chocolates and was always well-supplied by his caring friends.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends, as he was a true original with a great mind, dry sense of humor, vast understanding of history, and fantastic knowledge of sports trivia. He was a man who could eat an entire cake in one night and not gain a pound, and someone who refused to own a pair of jeans on principle.

At the ripe age of 86, he was baptized and left his agnostic views behind. “Rest in peace, sweet Gregory,” say his loved ones.

He is survived by his daughters Julia Ball-Dugan and Lisa Ball; son-in-law John Dugan; dear friend Dale Apodaca; and grandchildren Elaine, Jacob, Jacqueline, and Joya. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edwin “Bill” and Mary “Kay” Ball; and his brother, Robert Ball.

All are invited to Greg’s memorial service at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at F.D. Sweet and Son Funeral Home in Willows. In lieu of flowers, Greg wished to honor his home caregivers of three-and-a-half years with memorial donations.

Responders look at the Honda motorcycle they had just moved out of the eastbound lane of County Road 200. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.

Glenn County Observer

The Willows Area Office of the California Highway Patrol released the details regarding the vehicle versus motorcycle collision that occurred Tuesday afternoon on County Road 200.

According to the CHP, at about 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, Jose L.C. Martinez, 16, of Orland, was driving a 2007 Nissan sedan west on County Road 200, just east of County Road 12.

The Nissan was at a complete stop on Road 200 and Martinez was attempting to conduct a left turn into the Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park.

Meanwhile, Chris J. Smith, 36, of Orland, was riding a 2015 Honda motorcycle east on Road 200, just east of Road 12, at a stated speed of 40 mph.

For an unknown reason, Martinez conducted a left turn directly in front of Smith, causing the front of the Honda to collide with the right side of the Nissan.

As a result of the collision, Smith was ejected from the Honda and came to rest in the eastbound lane of Road 200.

According to CHP Officer Barone, Smith suffered moderate injuries consisting of a suspected broken right leg. He was transported by Westside Ambulance to Enloe Medical Center in Chico for treatment.

Neither Martinez nor his passenger, Yohana Nunez, 13, of Orland, was injured. Both were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident.

Smith was wearing a helmet when the crash occurred.

Impairment was not a factor in this incident, and no one was arrested.

Surrounded by family members, Terri Jean (Strehle) Wilson died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. She was born in Woodland to Elwin and Helen Strehle on Dec. 24, 1949.

She graduated from Willows High School in 1968. She worked at Glenn General Hospital as a PBX operator and she worked part-time at Peterson Tractor before her retirement.

She lived in many places before finally settling back in Willows. In 1988, she married the love of her life, Jeffrey Wilson.

She was a fun-loving, free-spirited person who loved music, dancing, and socializing with family and friends. She went by many nicknames, including Mamie (as she was lovingly known by her grandchildren and family friends) and Mama Sox (as she was known as by her son, Kevin, and daughter-in-law, Kelly).

Her hobbies included traveling and spending time with her family. She loved the song, “Me and Bobby McGee,” by Janis Joplin, so her family played it for her as they all gathered to say their goodbyes prior to her death.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her children, Wendy Ward, Kevin (Kelly) Kampschmidt, Jacob (Amy) Wilson, and Jarrod (Loni) Wilson; grandchildren Delainy, Mollie, Jaycee and Karson Ward, Violet and Gwen Wilson, and Connor, Brooklyn, Willow and Knox Wilson; brother Jim Strehle; and fur baby dachshund, Maggie May.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Jim Ward; and sister-in-law, Judy (Rinehart) Strehle.

A celebration of life is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Willows Elks Lodge, 150 South Shasta Street. The family asks that you please share your favorite memory of Terri at the celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Willows Elks Lodge Purple Pig Fund in Terri’s name.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

It sure seems like vehicle accidents involving motorcycles have gone way up in 2022.

There was another one in Glenn County today, Tuesday.

At about 3:20 p.m. on Oct. 25, emergency responders began to be dispatched to a report of a vehicle versus motorcycle accident on County Road 200 in front of the Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park, just east of where County Road 12 intersects with 200.

Judging from police scanner traffic, Glenn County probation officers were the first at the scene. They were soon followed by Orland police officers, California Highway Patrol officers, ambulance personnel, and Orland firefighters.

It was heard on the scanner that the biker had an injury to his leg.

A vehicle that may have been involved in the collision appeared to have pulled into the mobile home park and parked in a space near the entrance.

Little more about the accident is known at this time. Watch for an update in the next day or two.

Joyce Raye (Adkins) Holder died on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. The youngest of four siblings, she was born to Raymond and Mabel Adkins in Tulelake, a logging community, on July 15, 1939.

She was the daughter of two extremely hard-working parents during extremely tough times. In the late 1940s, she moved to Griffin Creek and attended Griffin Creek Elementary, then later moved to Eagle Point, where she graduated high school in 1957.

In October of 1957, she welcomed the birth of her daughter, Cynthia, and in July of 1959, her son, Jonathan.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, she was a homemaker. She would spend days, along with her mother, enjoying going out and picking various fruits and vegetables to can every year, often dragging her children along to help pick.

There was always the smell of homemade pies, bread and vegetables around the house.

Her work ethic, which was passed down from both her parents, was first seen when she started working seasonally with her mother, packing pears in Medford, Ore., for the Gordon Green Company. She later worked full-time for Cartwright’s Meat Packing before moving to Northern California in 1969.

After moving to Orland, she worked at Musco Olive company before being hired as secretary at Cal-West Seeds in Artois, later becoming the manager of the plant and retiring with 25 years of service.

Joyce met her best friend and the love of her life, Robert “Bud” Dean, in 1979, and after retirement they enjoyed traveling all over the United States and Canada in their R.V. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and camping, especially at the beach where she loved the ocean, sand, and breeze.

She also loved birds, especially hummingbirds, and spent many hours watching them enjoying the numerous bird feeders and birdhouses that she made for them.

She is survived by her brother, Norman Adkins of Medford, Ore.; daughter Cynthia Holder of Willows; son Jon Holder of Brea; grandchildren Scott, Kayla, Stephanie, Curtis, Ryan and Ricky; and great-grandchildren Addison, Aniya, Aryana, Dominic, Cillian and Caffery.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Jeanette Wright of Phoenix, Ore.; brother Richard “Dick” Adkins of Grants Pass, Ore.; longtime life partner Robert “Bud” Dean of Willows; and granddaughter Renee Holder of Washington, D.C.

It is planned for this loving mother and grandmother to be laid to rest alongside Bud at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Medford, Ore., where her parents and siblings have also been laid to rest.