Author: ldjudk1ns

Kristina Renee Hutson of Orland died unexpectedly in Chico on Thursday, August 29, 2024. She was born in San Diego to Linda Stark Axelson on December 31, 1978.

She attended Scripps Ranch High School in San Diego, graduating in 1997. She continued her education at Mesa College in San Diego, where she was able to foster her love of the ocean.

She married Jake Hutson in 2006 in Carlsbad, Calif., where she had her dream wedding on the beach. They welcomed their daughter, Gabrielle Renee, in 2007, moving to Willows shortly thereafter.

Danielle Marie joined their trio in 2010. Kristina’s family was her whole life.

She had amazing friends who could count on her to show up to everything from sports to 4-H, birthdays to graduations. Their flip flop loving girl was there.

No matter what was needed or fun to be had, she was the first one to be there for family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Jake Hutson; daughters Gabrielle and Danielle Hutson; soul sister Tyler Willis; Papa, Richard (Dick) Stark; aunt Linda Axelson; her San Diego family: Mark and Linda Axelson; brother Matt Axelson (wife Kristine); sisters Marissa Axelson, and Rebecca Robertson (husband Andrew); her Willows family: Grandma Mary Hershkowitz; Jim and Nancy Hutson; Billy and Monica Throm; Brian and Corey Richards; Evan Hutson; and the cousin crew.

She was preceded in death by her Nana, Alice Stark; grandparents Joseph and Rae Axelson; and uncles Charlie, Mark and Pete Hershkowitz.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 20, at the Orland Fairgrounds in Flaherty Hall, 221 East Yolo Street, Orland.

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

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

A man was shot Sunday evening on September 8 in the city limits of Orland.

At about 7:40 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to an area between 60 and 70 East Central Street for a report of a man suffering from a “GSW”, or gunshot wound.

A neighbor told The Observer he heard four or five gunshots.

Two persons of interest were being sought in connection with the shooting. Their description was vague, but one person was said to be wearing a cap.

The vehicle they were driving was described only as a “darker grey sedan”, unknown make and model.

Another vehicle possibly connected to the shooting was described as a 2005 Acura.

Its most recent registered owner, but not necessarily its current owner, was Brian Ross. It was not specified whether this was Brian Ross, Sr., or Jr.

As one Orland police officer was speaking over the radio with the Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatcher, moaning could be heard in the background.

At about 7:56 p.m., ground ambulance transported the victim to the fairgrounds to transferred to the Enloe FlightCare helicopter.

At about 8 p.m., medical personnel requested law enforcement to meet them at the fairgrounds “ASAP”. No reason was given over the air.

Seven minutes later, FlightCare was on the ground. The helicopter took off at about 8:18 and all fire department units and other medical personnel returned to quarters.

Meanwhile, Orland police officers, Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies, and California Highway Patrol officers continued to search for the persons of interest.

At approximately 8:25 p.m., Enloe hospital called Glenn County Sheriff’s Dispatch, asking for a threat assessment and whether the medical center needs to be locked down.

OPD said there is no threat they know of.

A few minutes before 9 p.m., an Orland police officer said he was on his way to Enloe.

Watch for an update in the coming days.

Orland resident Norman Scott Benedict died in Chico on Saturday, August 24, 2024. He was born in Artesia, Calif., to Kenny and Patricia Benedict on September 27, 1953.

After faithfully serving his country in the Army, he became a certified welder and fabricator. He used these skills for 45 years as a loyal employee for Ponci’s Welding in Orland.

Survivors include his brothers JR and Steven (Carol) Benedict; nephew Rick (Tera) Barnes; and cousins Christy, Gary, and Richard Barnes Sr.

It is planned that he will be interred in a private ceremony at Chester Cemetery in Chester, Calif.

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

A celebration of life for Ron Olney has been set for Saturday.

The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on August 31 at the Glenn County Fairgrounds Arts and Crafts building.

Surrounded by his three daughters, parents, sisters, son-in-law, and friends, Ron Olney died on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

He was born on September 13, 1958.

Those planning to attend the celebration of life are asked to bring their favorite dish.

Glenn County Observer

They were just passing through.

Friday afternoon, August 23, the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that two motorcyclists were seen drinking beer and urinating behind a dumpster at the Chevron station at Wood and Humboldt in Willows.

The call was received at about 2:03 p.m. According to the sheriff’s log, the unknown caller was worried about the riders after they consumed alcoholic beverages.

Glenn County Sheriff’s Sgt. Grant Lemmon responded to the business.

At about 2:15 p.m., he observed 20 to 30 members of the Vagos Motorcycle Club riding away from the Chevron parking lot.

From there, they were seen getting onto northbound Interstate 5.

Sgt. Lemmon did not see any vehicle code violations.

The Vagos Motorcycle Club, also known as the Green Nation, was formed in San Bernardino in 1964.

It is said to be a “one percenter club,” meaning that it is an outlaw motorcycle club.

It is estimated to have about 4,000 members, mostly in the western United States but also in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and elsewhere.

Along with the Mongols, the Vagos MC is considered to be a “second-tier” group, after what the FBI considers to be the Big Four: the Hells Angels, Pagans, Outlaws, and Bandidos.

Stanley (Stan) Ray Cooper died at his home in Orland on Monday, August 12, 2024, just two weeks shy of 73 years old. The ninth of 12 children, he was born in Clovis, Calif., to Claud and Leona Cooper on August 26, 1951.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from December, 1970, to January, 1978, as SSGT. He was a master printer in Delaware for Standard Register.

He was a member of Moose Lodge 1901. He had strong beliefs, working alongside his brothers and family, helping and stepping in whenever needed. He could do painting, cement, roofing, electrical, and construction.

He loved traveling, history, cars, and cooking. He had a very big heart for young and old. His greatest joy was playing music with family and his many friends.

Survivors include his wife of over 25 years, Doris Longtin Cooper of Orland; children Jeanna (Jason) Kramer of Delaware, Ed (Lety) Barens of Chico, Shelli (Jeffrey) Field of Utah, Stephen Montgomery of Tennessee, Brenda Beech of Colorado, and Charles Roundy of California; brothers Jack (Martha) of Fresno, Randy (Esther) of Stagecoach, Nev., and Rick of Winters; sisters Jane (Don) Hemman of Wentworth, Mo., and Maryanne of Stockton; numerous grandchildren; innumerable nieces and nephews (great- and great-great-); and many friends he thought of as brothers. He loved them all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Bonnie Mae, and Norma Stansberry; and brothers Claude, Robert, Charles, and George.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Glenn County Fairgrounds Cafeteria.

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

After a courageous battle with cancer, Johnny Ray Crowell died peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. He was born on May 19, 1963.

Throughout his life, he found great joy in fishing, golfing, and hunting, often reveling in the beauty of nature. However, it was through music that he was truly able to express himself.

He was a rock star in every sense of the word, captivating those around him with his incredible talent on the guitar. He would never agree with anyone on that point, but it was always clear that music was not just a passion but a way of life, as natural to him as the air he breathed.

It was through music and his dedication to the bands he performed with – Killatar, Whitewater, and Black Out Betty – that he formed so many lifelong friendships. It was even through music that he found the love of his life, Patti.

He shared 34 incredible years with her, building a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Whether they were playing music together, taking spontaneous weekend trips, or simply enjoying each other’s company, John and Patti created countless memories that will be cherished forever.

His love for Patti was matched only by his pride in his children and grandchildren, who were the heart of his world. Whether fishing with his youngest grandson, playing guitar with his oldest, singing with his daughters, being goofy with his granddaughters, or cheering at games, his greatest joy was just being a part of their lives, encouraging their dreams, and sharing his passions.

He was known by friends and family alike to have an uncanny ability to fix just about anything you brought him – everything from broken appliances to broken hearts. If you wanted a project brought to life, John was your guy.

Even his imperfections were part of what made him so loved. His sense of humor, inventiveness, and stubborn spirit defined who he was.

His family often joked that his stubbornness was a “Crowell family trait,” but it was that very stubbornness that carried him through his long, courageous battle with cancer, as he fought until the very end.

As strong and unwavering as everything he ever built or mended, he was deeply loved as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.

He may no longer be with us but his love, his spirit, and his music will forever play on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, at Glenn Golf in Willows. Please come as you are and wear your favorite band tee if you have one.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to his wife’s garden, in tribute of Johnny’s love for the outdoors and his enduring devotion to her, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and music.

After a lengthy illness, Russell Robert Rehse died at his home near Orland on Friday, August 9, 2024. He was born in Willows to Dorothy and Vernon Rehse on February 2, 1951.

He grew up in Orland, the oldest of three boys that included brothers Randy and Dennis. The Rehse boys, along with numerous cousins, enjoyed their childhood years roaming the nearby hills and mountains, working cattle, hunting and fishing.

Russell attended Orland schools and graduated from Orland High School in 1969, where he was involved in various athletics, 4H and FFA. He graduated from CSU, Chico, in Animal Science.

While at Chico State, he lived and worked on the college farm. All his adult life, he farmed and raised cattle.

He was an avid outdoorsman. Some his best days were hunting or fishing with family and friends in many beautiful locations of the western United States and Canada.

He was a member of the West Valley Bow Club and Cattleman’s Association.

In 1984, he married Janene Monroe Barry and gained a stepson, Wes. The following year, Eric was born into the family.

He was an avid Giants and 49ers fan and loved spending time coaching his boys. He had a heart of gold, a great sense of humor and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janene; sons Wes Barry (Stephanie) and Eric Rehse; granddaughters Colbie Barry, and Mackenzie and Claire Rehse; brothers Randy Rehse (Patti) and Dennis Rehse (Jerry Jo); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Vernon Rehse.

A service was to be held on Wednesday, August 14, at the Lutheran Church Community Hall in Artois. Those wishing to make a donation in his honor may choose the charity of their choice. Arrangements were under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.

Willows resident Stacy M. Gonter-Imhoff died in Willows on Monday, July 8, 2024.

She was born in Willows on September 9, 1972.

Services are pending.

Arrangements are under the direction of F.D. Sweet and Son, Willows.