Day: April 18, 2024

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

The lights flickered a few times on the east side of Orland following a 7:30 p.m. Wednesday vehicle accident, but they never went out completely.

The situation on the west side of town was a different matter altogether, however. Some businesses and many residences were without power for hours.

The Pilot/Flying J Travel Center simply closed up for the night. On the other hand, just across Commerce Lane, the Maverik fueling station stayed open (perhaps thanks to a good generator?).

According to the Orland police log, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, Orland police officers responded to a report of a traffic collision at the intersection of Commerce Lane and Newville Road.

Officers determined that Bryan McClain, 40, of Orland, was driving a white 2003 Ford F250 south on Commerce Lane, failed to stop at the red light at Newville Road, and collided with a 2022 Dodge Amazon van driven by Trisha Crawford, 38.

The F250 continued through the intersection and collided with a PG&E transformer pole. No injuries were reported, and a traffic collision investigation was initiated.

Traffic from the off-ramps of Interstate 5, as well as traffic on Newville Road, had to be stopped and diverted.

And, yes, the new traffic signals at Commerce Lane and Newville Road went dark.

One person on Facebook commented, “Wow! Took longer than I thought it would to have an accident there!”

The Orland Volunteer Fire Department, Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS), PG&E, and AT&T responded to the scene as well.

With family members by her side, lifelong Glenn County resident Evelyn Judith Mendes died at her home near Glenn on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. She was born to John and Frances Leonardo on August 16, 1932.

She devoted her whole adult life to her family and church. She was a breast cancer survivor at the age of 85, was a volunteer at the United Way Thrift store, and was a member of St. Monica’s YLI for more than 50 years.

Some readers may recall the fun they had on one of the many Reno bus trips she organized, or received a greeting card from her during her time as Ms. Sunshine. Her devotion to her faith was a strong part of her daily life, all the way to the end.

She always made time for what is important. She made time to raise and support her children and guide them to their goals and dreams as adults.

She felt blessed to watch her children become grandparents themselves.

She is survived by her children Diana (spouse, Clint) Millsaps, Ron (Doreen) Mendes, LaLa (Chuck) Edwards, John Mendes, Steven (Michelle) Mendes, Jody (Donna) Mendes, Francine Ferreira (Lester Calvert), and Rhonda (Joel) Snow; 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister Delores Amaro; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Elmer Mendes; parents John and Frances Leonardo; sisters Frances, Mary, and Loutinea; brothers John, Frank, and Michael; and great-grandchild Sloane Renee Mendes.

A viewing is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m on Sunday, April 21 at F.D. Sweet and Son Mortuary, 114 North Shasta Street, Willows. A Rosary is planned for recitation at 6 p.m. Sunday, with a 10 a.m. Mass to follow on Monday, April 22, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 1129 West Wood Street, Willows.