Month: January 2025

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Four people sustained minor injuries in a three-vehicle traffic collision on East Walker Street in Orland Thursday afternoon, January 30.

At about 2:50 p.m. on Thursday, emergency responders were dispatched to a report of a multi-vehicle accident near the Sav-Mor Foods grocery store, 35 East Walker Street.

Orland police officers determined Lee Fritz, 65, driving a 2007 Honda Odyssey, was making a right turn from the southwest entrance/exit of the parking lot to go west on East Walker Street.

He was struck by a 2009 GMC Yukon being driven west on East Walker Street by Mary Stephenson, 75.

The GMC continued westbound and collided with a 2023 Ford Explorer driven by Rylee Paschall, 28.

After it was hit, the Honda turned to the right and came to rest in the front yard of the Orland Pharmacy, which recently opened at 21 East Walker Street. (It was formerly located next to the laundromat in the Sav-Mor complex.)

The GMC came to a rest in the roadway, as did the Ford Explorer a little farther to the west.

Two occupants of the Yukon sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance for medical aid. It is unknown by The Observer if they were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision, but it could be seen that the vehicle’s airbags deployed.

Two occupants of the Explorer also sustained minor injuries and were transported for medical treatment.

Zips Towing removed the Yukon from the scene, while Bambauer Towing removed the Odyssey.

The fate of the Explorer is unknown by The Observer.

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for 20-year-old Yolanda “Yoli” Landeros Hernandez of Willows. She was last possibly seen at Walmart in Chico several weeks ago. She is approximately 5’02” tall with brown hair and brown eyes. If you have any information, please contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office at 530-934-6431.

Glenn County Observer

Over the past week in Glenn County, no less than four fires have required multi-agency responses.

First, last Thursday, January 23, there was the Hamilton City Post Office fire, which gutted the building. The Orland, Artois, Capay, Ord Bend, Willows, and, of course, Hamilton City fire departments responded to that blaze.

A couple of days later, a large mound of hulls at North State Hulling on Highway 32 west of Hamilton City caught fire. Again, the Orland, Capay, Ord Bend, and Hamilton City fire departments responded.

Late Monday morning, January 27, multiple North County fire departments, including the Orland Volunteer Fire Department, responded to an escaped control burn in an orchard north of Orland, off Highway 99.

Just hours earlier that same day, the Willows Fire Department responded to a report of a residential structure fire at 644 North Shasta Street. The house was completely involved, and the Orland and Artois fire departments were called to assist.

According to statements overheard on the police scanner, surrounding houses, including some on Butte Street (the street immediately to the east of Shasta Street), were evacuated by sheriff’s deputies and firefighters.

Firefighters were on the scene for about two hours, turning the property over to the owners at about 8:50 a.m. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the family.

In a press release issued later, Willows Fire Chief Nathan Monck wrote:

“On January 27th, at 0652 hours, the Willows Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 600 block of North Shasta Street in Willows. The initial responding engine company requested additional resources immediately due to the large black smoke column visible upon leaving the station.

“The first Willows fire engine arrived at the scene within three minutes from initial dispatch to find a single-story, single-family residence with heavy fire showing from the front of the structure, as well as an adjacent structure beginning to ignite, known as an ‘exposure.’ The exposure was caused by the proximity of the flames as well as gusting northerly winds. An aggressive offensive fire attack was initiated.

“Soon after protecting the exposure and ensuring all fire was contained to the building of origin, additional crews arrived and a primary search of the structure was completed in coordination with simultaneous fire attack operations. The fire was extinguished without further incidents.

“The family was not home at the time of the fire, and no injuries to the public or first responders were reported. Unfortunately, two canines died as a result of the fire.

“The cause of the fire was investigated by members of both the Willows and Orland Fire Departments and was determined to be accidental in nature. The fire started in the living room, in an area where a space heater was being used. The structure of origin is a total loss, displacing three community members.

“Willows Fire Department would like to thank our mutual and automatic aid partners for their assistance in response to this incident.

“As a reminder, please follow all manufacturer recommendations when using space heaters, and take extra care to turn off space heaters when you are not home.”

Claude Wesley Smock died at his home near Orland on Sunday, December 8, 2024. The middle of five boys, he was born in Napa to George and Lavanda Smock on January 15, 1952.

They left Napa when Claude was in the second grade and purchased a ranch on the north bank of Stony Creek, where Claude and his brothers ran the creek like a pack of wild dogs. The family ranch, Claude’s favorite home, was a place of hard work and many escapades.

In 1970, he graduated from Orland High School, where he played football. After high school, he worked many jobs and was a jack of all trades: hay hauler, welder, backhoe owner and operator, construction, ranch hand, olive grower, OUWA maintenance man, and Simplot and John Taylor service man, to name a few.

In 1987 he met and married the love of his life, Kelly (Forbes) Smock. He transformed an old milk farm on the family ranch into their forever home, where they raised their son, Allen.

He was a faithful and loving husband and father. He was a devoted friend to many and would give the shirt off his back.

To know him was to love him, his loved ones agree. Many would describe him as hard-working, trustworthy, and caring.

A guy who really loved his dogs, Claude was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, fishing, and dirt bike riding. He was one of the founders of the West Valley Bowhunters.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly; son, Allen; brothers, George (Susan), Burns, and Whick (Sandy); brothers-in-law Brent (Kelly) Forbes, Scott (Barb) Forbes, and Wade (Gina) Forbes; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents; brother O’Larry; niece Natalie; and in-laws Marvin and Darlene Forbes.

His loved ones agree he will be missed deeply by many!

A celebration of life is planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, at Oak Hollow Farms, 6207 County Road 7, Orland, CA, 95963. For more information, call 530-865-4512.

Glenn County Observer

Glenn County’s unemployment figures for December were released on Monday, January 27.

According to the California Employment Development Department, the December unemployment rate in Glenn County was estimated to be 6.4 percent, up from 5.9 percent in November. Glenn County’s labor force was numbered at 12,790 people, of which 11,970 were actually employed, and 820 were unemployed.

In November, Glenn County’s labor force was numbered at 12,710 people, of which 11,950 were actually employed, and 760 were unemployed.

December unemployment rates for surrounding counties were:

Tehama County, 6.3 percent, up from 6.0 percent in November;

Colusa County, 15.6 percent, up from 11.9 percent;

Butte County, 5.6 percent, same as November;

Lake County, 6.6 percent, up from 6.2 percent; and

Mendocino County, 5.3 percent, up from 5.1 percent.

The monthly unemployment rate for Glenn County was:

January, 8.1 percent;

February, 8.4 percent;

March, 7.7 percent;

April, 6.9 percent;

May, 5.7 percent;

June, 6.5 percent;

July, 7.1 percent;

August, 6.8 percent;

September, 5.8 percent;

October, 5.7 percent;

November, 5.9 percent; and

December, 6.4 percent.

The overall unemployment rate for California in December was 5.5 percent. Nationally, the December unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, down slightly from 4.2 percent in November, according to the United States Department of Labor.

Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, the Orland police log, and Glenn County Superior Court records. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Tuesday, January 21:

7:30 a.m., Christopher Douglas Leeper, 55, of Redding, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 4:25 a.m. on August 17, 2019, deputies were dispatched to 1250 West Wood Street in Willows for the report of a suspicious man. Deputies contacted Christopher Leeper, who allegedly displayed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. An evaluation was conducted and Leeper was subsequently arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance, and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants out of Butte County.

According to Glenn County Superior Court records, on March 10, 2020, Judge Donald Cole Byrd issued a bench warrant for Leeper. On June 29, 2020, Leeper was cited to appear by the Chico Police Department. Another bench warrant was ordered on June 14, 2022, on February 7, 2023 (which later involved some sort of mix-up on dates), and again on September 10, 2024. Finally, on January 21, 2025, Leeper surrendered on the warrant. He is now scheduled for arraignment, appearance of counsel, and entry of his plea on February 4, 2025.

12:43 p.m., Hector Ramirez-Perez, 26, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on a Sutter County warrant alleging vehicle theft (a felony). He was taken into custody at 114 North Culver Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 1:58 p.m. on January 21, Hector Ramirez-Perez called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report a cold theft at 114 North Culver Street in Willows. Deputies learned Ramirez-Perez had an outstanding warrant out of Sutter County. Deputies contacted Ramirez-Perez and he identified himself with his California Driver’s License. GCSO confirmed the warrant. Ramirez-Perez was placed under arrest and was transported to the Glenn County Jail for booking. Deputies learned Ramirez-Perez was not a match to the warrant and was released.

11:33 p.m., Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, 19, of Marysville, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at 1333 West Sycamore Street by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 11:44 p.m. on January 21, while on a separate call for service (see the next booking item and the sheriff’s log item with it, below), Deputy Thompson contacted Jesus Rodriguez at the Sycamore West Apartments, 1333 West Sycamore Street, Willows. Rodriguez allegedly displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication. He had red, watery eyes and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. His speech was slow and slurred and he had difficulty maintaining his balance. Based on the above observations, Rodriguez was arrested for allegedly being too intoxicated to care for himself or others. He was also found to have a citable warrant out of Sutter County. Rodriguez was later booked into the Glenn County Jail, to be released when sober. While at the jail, Rodriguez had a blood alcohol content of 0.18 percent, more than twice the legal limit for driving. He was cited and released to jail staff for his Sutter County warrant, which was issued by the Sutter County Superior Court on December 26, 2024, by Judge Clerk Hill.

11:49 p.m., Coby Paul Rudy Lopez-Elvert, 21, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging manufacturing or importing a short-barreled rifle (a felony), carrying a concealed weapon on his person (a felony), owning a firearm without a serial number (a misdemeanor), carrying a loaded handgun by someone who was not the registered owner (a felony). Bail was set at $30,000. He was taken into custody at 1333 West Sycamore Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 11:04 p.m. on January 21, an anonymous caller contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report two people with a possible rifle, standing in the parking lot of the Sycamore West Apartments, 1333 West Sycamore Street, Willows. Deputies arrived on the scene and contacted Cobe Lopez-Elvert, Elijah Elvert-Saldana, and Jesus Montano-Rodriguez (see above booking report). Deputies conducted a pat down on the three men and found a loaded firearm on Lopez-Elvert. Lopez-Elvert was secured in handcuffs and escorted to a patrol vehicle. While Lopez-Elvert was being escorted, he made multiple spontaneous statements to Deputy Peterson stating that whatever was found, Lopez-Elvert owned. Deputies scanned the area the subjects were initially located and found a loaded rifle with no serial number in plain view of the back of a black pickup truck. Lopez-Elvert was ultimately arrested for carrying a loaded firearm, owning a firearm without a serial number, carrying a concealed weapon on his person, and possessing a short-barrel rifle. Lopez-Elvert was transported to the Glenn County Jail, to be booked and processed.

Wednesday, January 22:

4 p.m., Savannah Rachelle Nelson, 33, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation, and possession of nitrous oxide (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $55,000. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

4:40 p.m., Francis Thomas Marion, 79, 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. He was taken into custody at 1333 West Sycamore Street, apt. #15, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 4:17 p.m. on January 22, deputies were dispatched to the Sycamore West Apartments for a domestic violence incident. Deputies contacted the involved parties and conducted an investigation. The victim alleged her husband had assaulted her by hitting her arm during an argument. The victim did not have any visible injuries. The suspect, Francis Marion, was arrested for the alleged violation and transported and booked into the Glenn County Jail.

8:15 p.m., Joaquin Padilla-Vazquez, 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. He was taken into custody at 661 South Butte Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 6:54 p.m. on January 22, Deputy Ayres was dispatched to the Walmart parking lot for a cold domestic violence report. The reporting party was in a black Malibu with her two children. Deputies contacted Angelica Torres and her two teenage children. Torres reported being grabbed and pushed by her husband, Joaquin Padilla, Sr., at 661 South Butte Street, Willows, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Deputies responded to the residence, where they took Padilla’s statement. After an on-scene investigation, Padilla was determined to allegedly be the dominate aggressor. He was arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail for alleged misdemeanor domestic battery.

11:32 p.m., Antonio Ruben Sandoval, 32, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance, and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at 869 Newville Road by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 11:32 p.m. on January 22, Orland police officers contacted Antonio Sandoval, 32, of Chico, at the CVS pharmacy, 869 Newville Road. Following an investigation, Sandoval was arrested and booked for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia and alleged possession of a controlled substance.

Thursday January 23:

8:51 a.m., Roberto Chavez Medina, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), obstructing or resisting an executive officer (a felony), and bringing drugs or alcohol into a prison or jail (a felony). Bail was set at $35,000. He was taken into custody at Shasta and Oak Streets by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 8:42 a.m. on January 23, an anonymous caller called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report a Hispanic male adult on a bicycle was watching children at Joyful Noise Preschool, 200 South Plumas Street, Willows. Deputies located the subject in the alleyway between South Plumas Street and South Shasta Street from West Sycamore Street. Deputies got into a foot pursuit with the man, and he was detained in the alleyway between South Shasta and South Butte Streets from West Oak Street. Deputies ultimately placed Roberto Medina under arrest. He was transported to the Glenn County Jail for booking.

3:59 p.m., Jorge Nava Duran, 39, of Orland, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail for misdemeanor violation of probation. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

4:58 p.m., Sean Anthony Prior, 36, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

6:30 p.m., Robert Virgil Hammond, 66, of Orland, 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. He was taken into custody at 4021 Highway 99, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 5:54 p.m. on January 23, deputies responded to 4021 Highway 99, Orland, for a domestic disturbance involving Robert Hammond throwing things at a female. Deputies contacted Ivy Moore and Hammond. After an on-scene investigation, Hammond was arrested for alleged misdemeanor domestic battery. Hammond was transported to Glenn County Jail to be booked.

10:30 p.m., Joshua John Welter, 43, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging obstructing or resisting a public service officer, and public intoxication (both misdemeanors), and a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail for the fresh charges was set at $0. Bail on the warrant was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at 1340 West Sycamore Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 10:22 p.m. on January 23, deputies responded to a report that Joshua Welter was intoxicated and causing a disturbance at a senior living community at 1340 West Sycamore Street, Willows. Welter was found to have a local warrant for allegedly driving while under the influence. Deputies contacted Welter near the parking lot and told him he was under arrest for his warrant. Welter was uncooperative but placed under arrest. While escorting him to the patrol car and searching him incident to arrest, Welter allegedly delayed and resisted the deputies in their duties. Welter became combative and had to be placed in a WRAP device. Welter was transported to the Glenn County Jail, where he was booked for his warrant, and charges alleging resisting or delaying a peace officer and public intoxication. Deputy Ayres conducted a welfare check on Welter’s mother, who lived in the complex. His mother was allegedly extremely inebriated, but safe.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

The Observer sometimes receives inquiries concerning the writing and submission of obituaries.

The following Obituary Guide may help.

It may help regardless of what news source or funeral home you submit it to. For the most part, we all want the same information.

The Observer does not charge for publishing obituaries. Unfortunately, nowadays, most newspapers do charge, a fact that The Observer considers unethical for a number of reasons.

An obituary in The Observer typically reaches about a thousand readers. However, this number can vary dramatically, and one recent obituary reached more than 6,000 readers, which is two or three times the number sold by any newspaper in Glenn County.

Obituary Guide

The Observer accepts obituaries and obituary photos only by email. Please send as much of the following information as possible to vmlarry@gmail.com or gcolarry@yahoo.com:

Full name of the deceased, his or her age, city of residency, city where the death occurred, and date of the death

Decedent’s place of birth (city and state), date of birth, and parents’ names

Schools (high schools and colleges) attended; noteworthy education achievements

Military service, if applicable

Work experience

Associations, clubs, religious organizations, etc. to which the deceased belonged

Hobbies and other interests

Any other noteworthy achievements or experiences

Names of the decedent’s survivors and their relationships to the deceased (son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse, etc.)

Names of those who preceded the decedent in death and their relationships to the deceased

Funeral services; be sure to include the time, date, and place of any services that are planned

Memorial contributions; include the name of the charity and the complete address

Name of the mortuary handling the arrangements (optional)

Photograph (optional): If you have a good quality photo of the deceased, not necessarily a portrait-type photo, you can also email that for inclusion with the obituary. It does not have to be a recent photo.

Katherine “Kathy” Jean Moore of Elk Grove died at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento on Sunday, January 19, 2025. She was born in Salinas to Dorothy O’Neal and Ernest Arnold on February 10, 1954.

She grew up in Salinas, where she attended Washington Junior High School and Salinas High School.

She was employed by the California Department of Corrections for 25 years, and retired as a Case Records Administrator. She served in many other roles over the course of her career, excelling in all.

She is survived by her daughter, Tina Penner of Chico; granddaughter Amanda Scheatzle of Minot, North Dakota; grandson Jordan Garcia of Chico; granddaughter Kaitlyn Ford-Mowles of Chico; great-granddaughter Zoe Scheatzle of Minot, North Dakota; and great-granddaughter Evie Scheatzle of Minot, North Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy O’Neal and Ernest Arnold.

A graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, at Graves Cemetery, west of Orland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the SPCA.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

The Hamilton City Post Office was all but destroyed by a fire that began shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 23.

With only a few exceptions, virtually every fire department in Glenn County responded to structure fire, including the fire departments of Orland, Artois, Capay, Ord Bend, Willows, and, of course, Hamilton City.

Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers were on-scene to assist with traffic control, and Westside Ambulance personnel were present as a precaution.

The cause of the blaze, according to HCFD’s Hank Irick, is “currently under investigation.”

Watch for an update in Friday’s Observer.

Surrounded by family members, Julio Coria Mendoza of Orland died peacefully in Redding on Monday, January 20, 2025. He was born in Michoacan, Mexico, to Elijio Mendoza and Eulalia Coria on July 21, 1947.

He is survived by his sons, Vicente and Fernando Mendoza; daughters Maria Isabel Mojica, Rubi Torres, and Edelmira Haro; brothers Rogelio and Froylan Mendoza; sisters Sylvia Moreno and Teresa Avalos; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Mendoza; brother Marcelino Mendoza; and sister Maura Mendoza.

A viewing is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, with a Vigil at 6 p.m. at the Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary Chapel in Orland.

A Mass is planned for celebration at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 31, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamilton City. Following Mass, he is to be buried next to his beloved wife, Bertha, at the Catholic Cemetery located at 3900 County Road P, Orland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.