A 2004 Toyota rearended another 2004 Toyota Saturday afternoon on Highway 32 west of Orland, sending the latter vehicle airborne.
According to a press release from the Willows Area Office of the California Highway Patrol, at about 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 17-year-old “Aliyah G.” of “Glenn County” [the teen’s name was improperly withheld from the public; the teen was not accused of committing a crime, which would be the only valid reason for withholding her identifying information], was driving a gold Toyota Camry east on Highway 32, just east of County Road N.
Ahead of the Camry, Albert Kobrovskii, 37, of Carmichael, was driving his white Toyota Avalon east on Highway 32, slowing and possibly coming to a stop.
According to CHP Officer Rice, due to the teen driver’s unsafe speed for the current (wet) road conditions, the girl was unable to stop before the front end of the Camry struck the rear end of the Avalon.
The impact launched the Avalon over a dirt embankment, causing the Toyota to become airborne before coming to a rest.
Kobrovskii was transported to Enloe Medical Center for treatment of his suspected minor injuries.
Neither Aliyah G. nor her passenger, 16-year-old “Anahi O.” of “Glenn County” [as with Aliyah G., Anahi O.’s identifying information was also improperly withheld from the public], was injured.
All three of the involved parties were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident.
Virginia “Jinny” Lee Anderson (née Harris) of Elk Creek died suddenly on Saturday, April 12, 2025. She was born in Colusa to Homer and Virginia Harris of Stonyford on April 18, 1943.
She resided in the Stonyford/Elk Creek communities her entire life, graduating from Elk Creek High School.
In 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, Ed Anderson of Elk Creek. Last November, they shared their 61st wedding anniversary.
She loved her family very much, and enjoyed spending time traveling and watching baseball with her husband. She was an avid Cubs fan.
She had a passion for Buffalo, reading, puzzle books, and searching for and polishing rocks.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ed Anderson of Elk Creek; children Laurie (Ken) Thomas of Byrdstown, Tennessee, Scott (Sandy) Anderson of Rigby, Idaho, and Angel Senn of Sultan, Washington; sister Geraldine (Ken) Peterson of Oakhurst; brothers Vern (Lesley) Harris of Australia, and William Harris of Pinole; grandchildren Lacey(Brian) Cinkutis, Wesley Thomas, Dusty (Tahnee) Thomas, Hayley (Garret ) Bucher, Colby Anderson, Timmy (Sadie) Hall, Mark Hall, Ian, Annabelle, and Abby Senn; great-grandchildren Bailey (Cody) Langford, Brooke-Lynn and Peyton Coy, Tatiana Simms, Kaleb and Levi Cinkutis, Aidyn and Sylis Thomas, Casey and Gavin Thomas, Gracelyn, Riverlyn and Maelyn Bucher, and Austin Senn; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Per the family’s request, no services are planned.
Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, and the Orland police log. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Friday, April 18:
10:15 a.m., Onisha Sue Perez, 42, of Corning, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail for charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
12:44 p.m., Ariel Pantoja, 26, of Orland, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail for charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), causing bodily injury while driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (a felony), and causing bodily injury while driving while under the influence of alcohol (a felony). Bail was set at $80,000. He was taken into custody by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Saturday, April 19:
12:52 a.m., Joseph Isaac Aguirre, 27, 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 on County Road P, south of Wyo Road (County Road 9) by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 11:50 p.m. on April 18, 2025, Orland police officers responded to 1674 Almondwood Drive for a report of a domestic disturbance in progress. Officers contacted Nohely Ramirez, 31, of Orland, and Joseph Aguirre, 28, of Orland. Following an investigation, Aguirre was arrested and booked for alleged domestic violence.
3:34 p.m., Alberto Melesio-Molina, 30, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging giving false identification to a peace officer (a misdemeanor), assault on a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at Second and Walker Streets by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 3:14 p.m. on April 19, 2025, an Orland police officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop on Walker Street at Second Street on a blue 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. Following an investigation, passenger Alberto Melesio Molina, 28, of Orland, was arrested and booked for allegedly violating his felony probation, assault on a police officer, and providing a false name.
8:32 p.m., Luis Pablo Gomez-Santis, 26, 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 without a license (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at Yolo and Second Streets by an Orland police officer. (For background information, see the following booking item.)
8:36 p.m., Diego Hernandez-Gomez, 49, of Orland, 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 Yolo and Second Streets by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department’s logs, at about 8:10 p.m. on April 19, 2025, an Orland police officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop on Yolo Street at Second Street on a gray 2003 Honda Accord. Following an investigation, Luis Gomez Santis, 26, of Orland, was arrested and booked for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving while unlicensed. Passenger Diego Hernandez Gomez, 49, of Orland, was arrested and booked for alleged public intoxication.
Sunday, April 20:
2:17 a.m., Troy Douglas Gammon, 26, 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 at 550 East Sycamore Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 1:50 a.m. on April 20, 2025, Deputy Mallon was on routine patrol and observed a 2019 Silver Toyota Corolla fail to stop at the stoplight at the intersection of West Sycamore Street and North Tehama Street in Willows. Deputy Mallon conducted a traffic stop. Deputy Mallon contacted Troy Gammon and initiated an investigation.
10:28 a.m., Johnny William Tosti, 51, of Orland, 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 115 Alexandria Park by an Orland police officer.
Monday, April 21:
7:15 a.m., Bert Land Callis, 52, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on two no-bail Glenn County Superior Court warrants alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
2 p.m., Dean Allen Short, 65, of Short, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Glenn County Superior Court warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and a Yolo County Superior Court warrant alleging failure to appear on misdemeanor charges (petty theft, and public intoxication). Total bail was set at $12,000. He was taken into custody at the Sacramento County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
11:44 p.m., Daniel Ramirez, 51, of Hamilton City, 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 833 Breakwater Drive, Hamilton City, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 10:55 p.m. on April 21, 2025, the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible domestic disturbance in the 800 block of Breakwater Way in Hamilton City. Sgt. Lemmon responded to the residence and initiated an investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect, Daniel Ramirez, was taken into custody. He was transported and booked into the Glenn County Jail.
Tuesday, April 22:
4:35 p.m., Ramiro Eri Torres, 43, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at 6466 County Road 5, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 3:52 p.m. on April 22, 2025, Sandra Torres reported a disturbance with her brother, Ramiro Torres. Deputies Rasmussen and Ayres responded to a residence in the 6000 block of County Road 5. The incident was determined to be a verbal only disturbance over family issues. While speaking with Ramiro Torres, Deputy Rasmussen observed objective signs and symptoms of recent narcotics usage. Ramiro Torres refused to complete any evaluation testing. Deputy Rasmussen determined Ramiro Torres was allegedly under the influence of a stimulant and alcohol. Ramiro Torres was taken into custody and transported to the Glenn County Jail.
7:32 p.m., Robert Alan Keener, 77, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging exhibition of a firearm (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 6344 County Road 13, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 6:47 p.m. on April 22, 2025, Marina Torres contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report Robert Keener had allegedly brandished a firearm at her and her husband, Leonardo Diaz, near 6344 County Road 13 in Orland. Deputies responded and contacted the involved parties. Through an investigation, it was determined that Keener had allegedly held a firearm in his hand when he confronted Torres and Diaz over noise. Keener was placed under arrest and transported to the Glenn County Jail to be booked and processed.
8:13 p.m., Roberto Chavez Medina, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Glenn County Superior Court warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge (taking a vehicle without consent). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at Garden and Fourth Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy. At the jail at 11 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, Medina was found to have a Glenn County Superior Court warrant alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and obstructing or resisting a public service officer (all misdemeanors). Bail for the warrant was set at $15,000.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 8:13 p.m. on April 22, 2025, Deputy Mallon was on routine patrol and observed Roberto Medina on a bicycle in the area of Garden and Fourth Streets in Willows. Deputy Mallon had prior knowledge Medina had a local warrant, and the warrant was confirmed by Glenn County Sheriff’s Communications. Deputy Mallon told Medina of the warrant, and he was ultimately placed under arrest. Deputy Mallon transported Medina to the Glenn County Jail for booking.
Wednesday, April 23:
4:35 a.m., Sheila May Shockley, 60, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. She was taken into custody at 819 Newport Avenue by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 4:17 a.m. on April 23, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the Orland Arbor Apartments, 819 Newport Avenue, for a report of a suspicious female. Officers contacted Sheila Shockley, 60, of Orland. Following an investigation, Shockley was arrested and booked for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance.
10:12 a.m., Ryan Albert McKee, 47, of Jackson, California, was returned to the custody of the Glenn County Jail without bail for reckless possession of an explosive device in public, and arson (both felonies). He was taken into custody at the jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to The Glenn County Observer, At about 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024, Orland police officers responded to the Paigewood Village Apartments for a report of vandalism.
Officers contacted Christopher Dunn, 38, who alleged Ryan McKee, 46, and Tammi Dennis, 59, had tried to light his truck on fire. According to the OPD log, the incident is under investigation.
At about 4 p.m., Christopher Borden, 62, of Orland, reported his 2019 BMW motorcycle was allegedly stolen by Ryan McKee of Orland.
At about 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Orland police officers contacted Tammi Jo Dennis, 59, of Orland. She was arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging arson, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of destructive devices or explosives (all felonies).
She was taken into custody at 817 Newport Avenue, apt. #35. Her bail was set at $110,000.
According to the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office, in a report published in The Observer on February 19, 2025, Ryan McKee was convicted of a felony possession of destructive device in public. He was sentenced to two years in county jail. The case was prosecuted by Glenn County Assistant District Attorney Michael Coffey, with assistance from Orland Police Officer Ryan Martindale.
2:16 p.m., Donald Lee McCloud, 54, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Lake County Superior Court warrant alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at 1201 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 2:18 p.m. on April 23, 2025, while investigating another case, Deputy Rasmussen was told Donald McCloud, Sr., had a warrant for his arrest out of Lake County. McCloud was arrested on the Lake County Superior Court warrant. Bail was set at $10,000.
2:59 p.m., Anusith Benz Lormdy, 30, of Sacramento, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $0. He was also booked into the jail without bail on a Sacramento County warrant alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor), driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor), and failure to appear on a felony charge. He was taken into custody at the Butte City Boat Launch by a fish and wildlife officer.
Thursday, April 24:
9:30 a.m., Lucky Bob Wyatt, 42, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Modoc County Superior Court warrant alleging taking a vehicle without the consent of the owner (a felony), and driving with a suspended license (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at Elm and Cedar Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 9:26 a.m. on April 24, 2025, while on routine patrol, deputies located Lucky Wyatt in the area of Elm and South Tehama Streets in Willows. Deputies conducted a records check and confirmed a Modoc County felony warrant with a $20,000 bail. Wyatt was arrested and transported to Glenn County Jail, where he was released to jail staff for booking.
2:27 p.m., Alexandra Perez Morua, 26, of Willows, 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. She was taken into custody in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles, 460 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 2:27 p.m. on April 24, 2025, deputies were conducting traffic enforcement in the City of Willows when they observed Alexandra Morua-Perez driving a vehicle. Deputies knew that Morua-Perez had just been served with a notice that her license was suspended for driving while under the influence. Deputies conducted an enforcement stop at the Dollar Tree, 460 North Humboldt Avenue, and arrested Morua-Perez for allegedly driving on a suspended license as well as violating the terms of her court probation.
4:23 p.m., Kathleen Elizabeth Grimes, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging obstructing or resisting a public service officer (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. She was taken into custody at 175 North Villa Avenue, apt. #34, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 4:01 p.m. on April 24, 2025, deputies were dispatched to a report of possible domestic violence at a residence located in the apartment complex at 175 North Villa Avenue in Willows. Upon arrival, deputies heard a disturbance in the residence. Deputies contacted Joun Thao and Kathleen Grimes. Grimes was reportedly uncooperative and repeatedly refused to follow instructions from deputies, who were attempting to conduct an investigation into an allegation of domestic violence. Deputies attempted to detain Grimes but she physically resisted. Deputies were ultimately able to detain Grimes. Deputies determined the initial incident was an argument with no crime being committed between Grimes and Thao. Due to Grimes’ physical resistance, which delayed and obstructed the deputies’ ability to conduct a lawful investigation, she was placed under arrest.
Friday, April 25:
2:30 a.m., Emilio Everado Hughes, 46, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of a drug, and obstructing or resisting a public service officer (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody on County Road 45 at Highway 162 by a California Highway Patrol officer.
9 a.m., Noah Ryan Coats, 43, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on two Glenn County Superior Court warrants alleging failure to appear after being released on his own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $100,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9 a.m., Jesse Richard Gerber, 47, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on three Glenn County Superior Court warrants alleging failure to appear after being released on his own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $120,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9 a.m., Samuel Devon Hartzell III, 39, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Glenn County Superior Court warrant alleging failure to appear after being released on his own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $45,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
5:24 p.m., Pedro Quin Cuin, 27, of Orland, 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 226 East Shasta Street by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 5:18 p.m. on April 25, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the Shasta Garden Apartments, 226 East Shasta Street, for a report of a disturbance involving Pedro Cuin, 27, of Orland. Officers located and detained Cuin. Following an investigation he was arrested and booked for alleged public intoxication.
Saturday, April 26:
4:56 a.m., Scott Alan Sheraden, 58, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), and damaging a wireless communication device (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 2003 County Road J, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 4:26 a.m. on April 26, 2025, Scott Alan Sheraden, Sr., contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report a domestic disturbance in the 2000 block of County Road J in Willows. Deputies contacted Sheraden and confidential victim #1 and conducted an investigation. Sheraden was ultimately arrested for alleged felonious domestic violence.
12:18 p.m., William Donald Jarman, 35, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor), driving without a license (a misdemeanor), operating a vehicle without an interlock device (a misdemeanor), and bringing alcohol or drugs into a jail or prison (a felony). Bail was set at $15,000. He was taken into custody at First Avenue and Highway 99, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 12:06 p.m. on April 26, 2025, while on routine patrol in Willows, Deputy Chavez observed a 1986 Yamaha motorcycle being operated on the roadway without a license plate. Deputy Chavez conducted a traffic enforcement stop and contacted the rider, William Jarman. Deputy Chavez conducted a records check and confirmed the motorcycle was expired since May of 1999 and Jarman allegedly had a suspended license. Jarman was arrested and transported to the Glenn County Jail for booking. While at the jail, a controlled substance was allegedly located in Jarman’s property.
Sunday, April 27:
2 p.m., Michael Jeffery Puleo, 39, of Willows, 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 at 473 First Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 1:20 p.m. on April 27, 2025, Alisa Bradshaw-Hanson contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report Michael Puleo was allegedly causing a disturbance at a residence in the 400 block of First Street in Willows. Deputy Chavez responded and contacted Michael Puleo, who reportedly showed objective signs and symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Deputy Chavez conducted a drug abuse recognition (DAR) test and determined Puleo was allegedly under the influence of an opiate and central nervous system stimulant. Puleo was placed under arrest and transported to the Glenn County Jail, where he was booked by jail staff.
Paul Clemins of Orland died on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. He was born at Glenn General Hospital in Willows to David and Irene Clemins on March 29, 1950.
He graduated from Willows High School in 1968. He was retired from the Johns Manville Company, where he had worked for 21 years.
He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman.
He is survived by his wife, Sandi Clemins, of Orland; sons Kyle Clemins of Willows, and Jason Clemins of Silver Spring, Maryland; and stepdaughters Laura Volz of Magalia, and Stephanie Andrews of Orland.
Paul was cremated. His family will host a potluck Celebration of Life event from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at his childhood home at 456 Vine Street, Willows.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
Jane Conner King died peacefully in Vancouver, Washington, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 19, 1940.
She led a vibrant and accomplished life dedicated to education, the arts, animals, and her community. She spent her early years in Indiana and attended Broadripple and Burris High Schools in Indiana before continuing her education at Purdue, where she received degrees in art and education and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.
She dedicated her professional life to teaching mathematics at the high school and community college levels in Chico and Orland. She also served on the Chico School Board, where she worked to improve local education.
In 2014, she authored and illustrated a book, A Fox in the Family, which was the bronze medal award winner at The Great Northwest Book Festival in 2015.
In addition to her teaching career, she was a talented artist known for her commissioned portraits and sculptures of hunting dogs and fox hunting. Her artwork was regularly featured in the Chronicle of the Horse.
She primarily rode English style, was active in dressage and hunted all over the country, winning her colors with three hunts, including the Los Altos Hunt Club. Her home reflected her deep affection for animals and was typically filled with dogs, cats, birds and horses, as well as animal-themed art.
Beyond the two foxes (Frisky and Friendly), upon which her book was based, Jane almost always had a rescue project, including Oscar, a great horned owl; TC, the crow; Chipper the squirrel; and Stub, a one-legged finch.
She was involved in her community through organizations such as the City of Orland Arts Commission.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Chris King of Vancouver, Washington, and Carter King (Amy) of San Mateo; grandchildren Brenna Kingsbury (Collin), Bailey King, Graham King, Miles King, and Leighton King; sister Carroll C. Spinks; and nieces and nephews Carrie Cox, Ann (Scott) Workman, William Conner, Kimberly Conner, Wade Conner, Megan Conner, Joseph Conner, Justin Spinks, and Bridget Smith (Robert).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Maudames and William Conner; and siblings James W. Conner, William T. Conner, Jr., and Ann C. Cox.
In lieu of flowers, honorariums may be given to the City of Orland’s Art Commission.
Dorothy Alice Beesley died on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The first child of Leslie Cecil Dowding and his wife, Edna Peterich Dowding, she was born at the Willows Maternity Home on July 23, 1928.
As an infant, she was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Artois, just as her mother and grandmother had been. By the time of her birth, St. Paul’s congregation was a well-established cornerstone of her German and Danish immigrant great-grandparents’ and parents’ lives.
She often shared childhood memories of the annual church Mission Fest, held at her grandfather’s ranch just outside Artois. She fondly recalled children climbing into fig trees to play hide and seek after a potluck lunch, while parents waited for the homemade ice cream to set.
During the Depression years leading up to World War II, gas rationing prevented her from attending church in Artois. During that time, she attended the Baptist Church in Willows.
At age two, Dorothy became a big sister to Adele Mary. She quickly took on the role of a protective – sometimes bossy – big sister.
Dorothy’s childhood was filled with close-knit family connections and dear friends. However, fear and uncertainty struck when Adele, around age six, developed polio, just as many children across the United States did at that time.
The health department placed a quarantine sign on their family home, prohibiting visitors. To give Adele the best chance at recovery and to protect Dorothy from falling ill, Dorothy stayed with her grandparents at their Artois ranch for several months one summer.
She often recounted how frightened she was for her baby sister, who was sometimes hospitalized in San Francisco, all alone. Throughout her life, Dorothy never stopped worrying about Adele.
It was at the ranch that Dorothy formed her greatest childhood memories, shaping her lifelong passions. She developed a special bond with her German-speaking great-grandmother – a woman known to be rather stern, who spent her days reading her Bible.
Yet, she took a particular interest in Dorothy, often inviting her into her room to share various treasures, including antiques. This likely sparked Dorothy’s lifelong love for history and antiques.
When Dorothy was 10, she was blessed with a beautiful baby sister. She was the treasured baby of the family and, as such, was given the nickname, Babe.
During high school, Dorothy became an avid swimmer. Inspired by her father’s passion for teaching Red Cross first aid, she became a summer lifeguard at the local swimming pool and later pursued advanced lifeguard training in Oregon.
She was also active in Rainbow Girls, belonging to Willows Assembly #31 of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She was awarded the prestigious Grand Cross of Color, an honor she took great pride in.
After high school, she worked for the Willows School District, teaching swimming as part of the high school P.E. program. She later held various clerical and administrative positions, always recognized for her exceptional memory, a trait she retained throughout her life.
On September 12, 1954, she met the love of her life, Benjaman Marshal Beesley, at a bar at the Willows Hotel. They were married on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955.
Being a thrifty child of the Depression, she intentionally chose Easter Sunday for their wedding, knowing the church would already be decorated with beautiful lilies. Guests attended Easter service in the morning and returned at 3 p.m. for the ceremony.
Following their honeymoon, Dorothy and Ben moved to Ventura, where she worked as a receptionist in a doctor’s office while Ben worked in the oil fields. In 1958, while expecting their first child, Dorothy informed Ben that she would only raise their family near her relatives in the Willows/Artois area.
In late 1958, Dorothy gave birth to her daughter, Donna Ann, and just over three years later, her son, Karl Leslie Beesley, was born.
As a mother, she was an active 4-H, Rainbow Girls, DeMolay, and band mom, tirelessly driving miles to transport kids to events and cheer on band competitions. She baked for countless bake sales and fundraising dinners, served as a Mother Advisor for the Willows Rainbow Girls, and remained on the Rainbow Advisory Board for years.
She was also a dedicated member of the Willows High School Band Boosters Club – all while working full-time outside the home.
She had a distinguished career as a federal employee, working for the Mendocino National Forest. She received numerous service awards for her dedication and expertise, particularly during fire seasons.
She proudly survived breast cancer twice, once at age 85 and again at 88.
After her mastectomy, she experienced a stroke that changed her life but did not slow her down. Even with her walker, she proudly took part in the American Cancer Society’s Survivors Walk, smiling as she and her walker made each lap.
She spent her life deeply involved in community events within the Glenn County area. In the spring of 1950, she proudly assumed the role of Willows Lamb Derby Queen.
She was an active member of the Willows Eastern Star and most known as the Sauerkraut Queen as she supervised the making of the homemade sauerkraut for the annual St Paul’s Octoberfest. Sauerkraut Queen was a role she maintained for over 20 years.
In the last years of her life, she lived in a skilled nursing facility, where she stayed active and involved. She remained well-versed in current events and was able to enjoy occasional outings to family dinners, the annual Princeton Festa, and, of course, the annual Oktoberfest at St. Paul’s.
Dorothy was blessed with a life well-lived and a good death. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by people who loved her and held her hand.
She was able to leave this world knowing that the traditions she valued so greatly would be preserved and passed on, and that she had kept the memories and names of her ancestors alive. She served as a bridge from this current generation to many past generations.
She is survived by her children, Donna Beesley Kristensen (Sven) and Karl Leslie Beesley (Laureen); grandchildren Leia Finley, Amanda Finley Gonzalez (Jose), Maureen Finley Hornyak, Chalese Crowhurst Eggelston, Rachel Haelewyn (Josh), Elizabeth Crowhurst Schulthies (Jared), Christina Crowhurst, Sarah Beesley, and Seth Beesley; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Leslie Jean Dowding Busch (James); and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ben; parents; numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles; as well as her sister Adele Mary Whitcome (Harvey).
Stephen G. Bambauer of Orland died on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The youngest of three children, he was born to George and Grace Bambauer on August 24, 1942.
He spent his early childhood days on the banks of the Sacramento River in Capay. He attended McIntosh Grammar School and Hamilton High School, just as his father did.
His strong work ethic, instilled by his parents, found him stocking the shelves of his parents’ grocery and hardware store, working on a turkey farm, knocking almonds, and picking peaches to earn the money to buy his first car, a sporty white TR3, and funded his education at Chico State. There, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in history.
His service in the U.S. Navy encompassed much of his 20s, where he would serve as a navigator in an F4 Phantom. His time included two cruises to Vietnam on the USS Constellation, completing over 200 combat missions and ending his service as a land survival instructor at the training command center in Pensacola, Florida.
Upon an honorable end to his service, Stephen and his wife, Patricia, returned to his favorite place on earth. There, along the banks of the Sacramento River in Capay, they raised six children and four nieces and nephews.
They took up the family business, running the Capay Store for many decades before “retiring” from self-employment. He then worked for the United States Postal Service, where folks on his rural route would remember him fondly for playing his bugle to announce the arrival of their mail.
Upon retirement from USPS, he found fulfillment in preaching the Gospel at Bible conferences across the United States and countries abroad. He had a special way of relaying his love of Jesus to the young and old alike.
He would spend his final years a cherished and respected member of his family and community.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children Laura Brooks (Jason), Joshua Bambauer, Clara Cross (Curtis), Andrew Bambauer (Rebekah), and Sarah Talley (Rob); grandchildren Hunter, Pierce, Miles, Grace, Maggie, Prophet, George, Emma, Amelia, Jackson, and Spencer; sister Mary Hoisington; and nieces and nephews David, Rebecca, Steve, and Julia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace Bambauer; brother Byron; and son Ernest Bambauer.
A funeral service is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at the Federated Church of Orland, 709 First Street, Orland. Burial is to take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, 11800 Gas Point Road, Igo.
Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
Former Glenn County resident Barbara Linquist died unexpectedly in her Chico home on Thursday, March 20, 2025. She was born in San Francisco to Louis and Nina Matteucci on February 1, 1951.
She grew up in Orland with her older brother, Michael, and younger sister, Carolyn. She graduated from Orland High School in 1969 and then attended Chaminade College of Honolulu, Hawaii.
She was married to her beloved husband, Randy, for 52 years, sharing a life filled with love, adventure, and countless memories. She and Randy spent 30 years in Willows, where they ran a cattle ranch and raised their children.
She was also a dedicated bookkeeper who was never truly able to hang up the balance sheet, as her meticulous nature and love for detail defined her work.
Outside of her career, she was an avid traveler, exploring the world with Randy by her side. Her passion for adventure took them to countless destinations, from the beaches of Cancun and the streets of Europe to the jungles and deserts of Africa.
Above all, she cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and friends, always with an infectious laugh that could light up a room. A lifelong volunteer, she gave years of service to her community, including working with the CASA organization to advocate for children within the foster care system.
She also traveled with Randy to Vietnam for several years, volunteering with Rotary to help amputees and the local orphanages. Her love, laughter, and selfless spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met.
She is survived by her husband, Randy; sons Tim (Lynda) and Stephen (Marisa); daughter Shannon (Peter); and grandchildren Cody, Tyler, Fritz, Franko, Vera, Maggie, and Maxwell.
If you would like to honor her memory, the family kindly requests donations be made in her name to the CASA program of Butte and Glenn Counties, a cause she was deeply passionate about during her nearly 10 years as a dedicated volunteer. Contributions can be sent to NVCSS CASA, c/o Tina Wolfe, 10 Independence Circle, Chico, CA 95973.
Please note “CASA Incentive Fund” in the memo line. Your support will help continue her legacy of advocating for children in need.
The family was planning on holding private funeral services. Arrangements were entrusted to Brusie Funeral Home.
The fire that destroyed a multi-family dwelling at 143 North Yolo Street, Willows, Tuesday morning was both “human-caused” and “suspicious,” the Willows Volunteer Fire Department reported on Wednesday.
According to the press release issued by Chief Nathan Monck:
On April 22, 2025, at approximately 0509 hours [5:09 a.m.], the Willows Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of North Yolo Street, Willows, California.
First-arriving units reached the scene within five minutes of dispatch and encountered a single-story, multi-family residence with heavy fire showing from two sides of the structure. An adjacent apartment complex was also immediately threatened.
Crews initiated a primary search of units that were not boarded up and began an offensive interior attack to locate the fire’s origin and identify any possible victims.
During the initial firefight, a partial roof collapse forced crews to withdraw and transition to a defensive fire strategy. The primary objectives of this approach were civilian and firefighter safety, and confinement of the fire to the building of origin – which was successfully achieved.
An investigation conducted by members of the Willows Fire Department determined that the fire was suspicious in nature and human-caused. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
The building involved was a condemned property and has been the subject of long-term code enforcement activity. Despite numerous attempts – at significant taxpayer expense – to secure the building and bring it into compliance, the structure remained occupied by unauthorized persons.
Fire units performed an interior search during the initial phase of the fire due to this known occupancy. Over the last 18-24 months, the occupants were repeatedly offered services and alternative housing, all of which were declined.
The Willows Fire Department extends its sincere gratitude to all mutual and automatic aid partners who responded and assisted during this incident.
Anyone with information related to this fire is encouraged to contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 934-6431.
That was a comment expressed by one Willows resident during a fire that destroyed a multi-family structure at East Walnut and North Yolo Streets Tuesday morning.
It is presently unknown whether illicit drug use or manufacturing had anything to do with the fire, but the vacant building certainly would have been a good place for such activities, and was indeed the target of complaints to the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire was reported shortly after 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22. An approaching sheriff’s deputy reported seeing smoke in the area, then, as he got closer, flames.
At about 5:12 a.m., the Orland and Artois Fire Departments were called to provide mutual aid at the “fully involved structure fire.”
At 5:13 a.m., Willows Engine 3 was at the scene.
An Artois unit began responding at 5:14 a.m.
Emergency responders began evacuating nearby residences.
At 5:17 a.m., Engine 75 began responding. A minute later, Orland Engine 27 began responding.
A deputy requested a “lift assist” for an individual at 137 North Yolo Street, apt. #2.
A responder was heard broadcasting. It was not clear what he was saying, but it included the words, “poor visibility.”
The sheriff’s dispatcher was asked to call for Glenn County Public Works in order to assist with road closures.
At about 5:24 a.m., the Bayliss Fire Department was called to assist by providing an engine and “city coverage” while Willows firefighters were at the scene of the fire.
The dispatcher was asked to request PG&E to respond to the fire, and an ambulance was asked to respond “Code 2” (no lights or sirens) for precautionary reasons.
At 5:27 a.m., it was reported that the fire was confined to the main body of origin.
Chief 11 arrived at the scene at 5:29 a.m. A minute later, Orland Chief 20 arrived.
Firefighters were warned that the structure’s roof collapsed at one of its corners, and a line was down.
At 5:33 a.m., Orland Engine 27 arrived.
At 5:35 a.m., Glenn County Sheriff’s Sgt. Grant Lemmon told the dispatcher that the residence to the north of the fire had been evacuated.
Engine 14 arrived at 5:38 a.m. Just before, a Glenn County Community Service officer reported being at the scene, and was told to go to the intersection of East Sycamore and North Yolo Streets for traffic control.
At 5:48 a.m., the Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatcher reported that PG&E would be arriving in about 45 minutes.
The incident commander asked if the dispatcher had heard back from the Bayliss Fire Department.
The dispatcher replied that she had, and the Bayliss firefighters were on the way.
Just then, a Bayliss volunteer reported that they were just outside the Willows city limits, and asked if they should respond to the area of the fire or elsewhere. They were requested to go to the fire, but to be ready if Willows should get another emergency call.
The dispatcher reported that the road department (public works) had arrived at the scene.
Sgt. Lemmon asked a patrol deputy to respond to the structure fire to assist with traffic control.
The incident commander asked the dispatcher to contact Cal Water in order to increase the water pressure at the scene.
Sgt. Lemmon asked a sheriff’s volunteer to control traffic at West Colusa and Walnut Streets.
At about 7:50 a.m., the Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatcher was asked to contact the Maxwell Fire Department in order to provide city coverage for two or three hours while Willows volunteers engaged in clean-up at the fire scene.
Orland units were released from the scene at about 7:59 a.m.
At about 8:46 a.m., a secondary search was conducted at the fire scene. No victims were found in the structure.
Complete loss of the multi-family residence was reported at about 9:45 a.m.
Maxwell volunteers were released at 10:50 a.m.
At 2:40 p.m., a Willows volunteer reported a person inside the burnt building. The individual left a minute later, before a deputy arrived.
One has to wonder whether this will be the last trespasser at this “not-so-attractive nuisance.”
The Glenn County Observer 