Officer Kaylene Strugnell was sworn in as the Lakeport Police Department’s newest police officer on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Photo courtesy of the Lakeport Police Department.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department has welcomed a new addition to its ranks of sworn officers.
On Thursday morning, Officer Kaylene Strugnell took her oath as the agency’s newest officer at Lakeport City Hall.
Strugnell, 24, is a Kelseyville native, graduating from Kelseyville High School in 2012 before going on to study administrative justice at Mendocino College.
Both in high school and in college, she was a member of K-Corps and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, and also worked as a California State Parks aide.
Strugnell, who is an emergency medical technician, worked for the Lakeport Fire Protection District before going on to work for a year with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
She is the only female officer currently on the Lakeport Police Department team.
On her first day on the job, Strugnell drove the Lakeport Police patrol vehicle that led the Lake County Fair parade through town, accompanied by Lt. Jason Ferguson.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Officer Kaylene Strugnell was at the wheel of the Lakeport Police vehicle that led the Lake County Fair Parade on the evening of Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The 2017 Lake County Fair kicked off on Thursday evening with a parade through town, a ribbon cutting and a fairgrounds filled with activities and attractions.
The fair, the theme of which this year is “Boots N Bling,” runs through Sunday night.
Regular admission prices for the fair are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free each day.
Parking is $9 per car, which benefits local Boy Scouts.
Visit www.lakecountyfair.com or contact the fair office at 707-263-6181 for more information.
The full schedule is published below.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
- Gates open at 4 p.m. - Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area - Buildings close: 10 p.m. - Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Walk on contest – Boots and Bling Flower Arrangement at Flower Hall. Walk in your entry between 4 to 5 p.m. and join the competition. Details online at www.lakecountyfair.com . - Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, world’s largest aquarium all at Fiesta Park - All day and everyday events - Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-Up, Street Drum Corps and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds - Kerrie’s Handmakers – textile techniques by handmakers. - Free events in the grandstand - Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters. - Schedule subject to change
8 a.m.: Junior Poultry and Turkey Show – Baldwin Pavilion 9 a.m.: Open Dairy Goat Show – Alexander Barn Area Noon: Junior Dairy Goat Show – Baldwin Pavilion 4:30 p.m.: Gates open 4 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall; Ben van Steenburgh and Martha Mincer, painting – Fritch Hall 4 to 8 p.m.: Jane Alameda, English paper piecing – Clothing & Textile Building 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: Street Drum Corps – Gazebo Stage 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 5:30 p.m: Boots and Bling Flower Arrangement Contest – Flower Hall 6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.: Travis Rinker, fingerstyle acoustic guitar – Gazebo Stage 7 p.m.: Mendo Lake Mudd Bogg Nationals – Main Grandstands 7 to 10 p.m: Richard Schmidt and Diana Liebe, watercolor demonstrations – Fritch Hall 7:45 to 8:30 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: Travis Rinker, fingerstyle acoustic guitar – Gazebo Stage 9 to 9:45 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 11 p.m.: Fair closes for the evening
“Cadillac Pat” Sperling and his flaming Cadillac during the Lake County Fair Parade on Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
- Gates open at 11 a.m. - Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area - Buildings close: 10 p.m. - Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Junior Livestock Auction and barbecue in Baldwin Pavilion. Registration starting at 10:30 a.m. and Auction at 1 p.m. plus round robin. - Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, world’s largest aquarium all at Fiesta Park - All day and everyday events - Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-Up, Street Drum Corps and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds - Kerrie’s Handmakers – textile techniques by handmakers. - Free events in the grandstand - Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters. - Schedule subject to change
10:30 a.m.: Junior Livestock Buyers Registration & Luncheon – Baldwin Pavilion 11 a.m.: Gates open 11 to 1 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kennie Winter and Linda Kelly, gourds – Fritch Hall 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: TSW Trio, jazz and eclectic - Gazebo Stage Noon: Junior Livestock Auction – Baldwin Pavilion; presentation at the fish aquarium - in Fiesta Park Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.: TSW Trio, jazz and eclectic - Gazebo Stage 1 p.m.: Walk on contest, “A Horseshoe With Bling” – Fritch Hall 1 to 4 p.m.: Desiree Todd, cheese demo – Lewis Hall 2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium – Fiesta Park 2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Best Apple Pie Contest” – Lewis Hall 2 to 2:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, country soul – Gazebo Stage 3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, country soul – Gazebo Stage 4 to 4:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Lee Massie, not your grandma’s pie – Lewis Hall 5 to 8 p.m.: Peter Macrae and Pat Macrae, writers – Fritch Hall 5:15 to 6 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage 6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 6 to 8 p.m.: Goat milking by hand and machine – Mather Barn 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall 6:30 p.m.: Amateur talent contest - Lake County News Stage 7 p.m.: Motorcycle Flat Track & TT Racing – Main Grandstands 7 to 7:45 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage 8 to 9 p.m.: Twice as Good, son and father ultimate blues – Main Stage 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Twice as Good, son and father ultimate blues – Main Stage 11 p.m.: Fair closes for the evening
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
- Gates open at 11 a.m. - Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area - Buildings close: 10 p.m. - Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Fiesta Latina Day - Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, pig racing, award winning chainsaw carving - All day and everyday events - Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters. - Schedule subject to change
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Richard Seisser, pastels – Fritch Hall 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage Noon: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage 12:30 to 2 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall 1 p.m: Walk on contest, “Bling a Boot” – Fritch Hall 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage; Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage 2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 2 to 3 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park 2 to 5 p.m.: Sandy and David Stillwell, jewelry making – Fritch Hall 2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest” – Lewis Hall 3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall 3 p.m.: Fiesta Latina – Main Stage 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids – Gazebo Stage 4 to 5 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Jazmin, traditional regional Mexican music with dance performers – Main Stage 5 p.m.: Kiss My Clear Lake Bass, sponsored by Lake County Chamber of Commerce; 4H and FFA Award Ceremony – Baldwin Pavilion 6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 5 to 8 p.m.: Suze Pahl, jewelry making – Fritch Hall 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Clave Trébol, contemporary Mexican music – Main Stage 7 p.m.: Dirt track auto racing and boat races – Main Grandstands 7 to 7:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage 8 to 10 p.m.: Banda Sangre Azteca, big band and dance – Main Stage 8 to 10 p.m.: Terry and Rohnda Turnil, pastels and acrylics – Fritch Hall 9 to 9:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage 11 p.m.: Fair closes – see you in 2018!
The newly opened Lake County Fair Midway on the evening of Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
California agencies combatting the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels remind boaters to remain cautious over Labor Day weekend.
Quagga and zebra mussels are invasive freshwater mussels native to Eurasia. They multiply quickly, encrust watercraft and infrastructure, alter water quality and the aquatic food web and ultimately impact native and sport fish communities.
These mussels spread from one body of water to another by attaching to watercraft, equipment and nearly anything that has been in an infested waterbody.
Microscopic juveniles, invisible to the naked eye, are spread from infested waterbodies in water entrapped in boat engines, bilges, live-wells and buckets.
Quagga mussels have infested 33 waterways in Southern California and zebra mussels have infested two waterways in San Benito County.
To prevent the spread of these mussels and other aquatic invasive species, people launching vessels at any body of water are subject to watercraft inspections and are strongly encouraged to clean, drain and dry their motorized and nonmotorized boats, including personal watercraft, and any equipment that contacts the water before and after recreating.
“It has been a great year to enjoy our lakes and rivers, and boaters are instrumental in protecting California’s waters,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Planning Branch Chief Rick Macedo. “As the season winds down, boaters should continue to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft after every outing to protect these cherished destinations for the future.”
Take the following steps both before traveling to and before leaving a waterbody to prevent spreading invasive mussels, improve your inspection experience and safeguard California waterways:
- CLEAN — inspect exposed surfaces and remove all plants and organisms: - DRAIN — all water, including water contained in lower outboard units, live-wells and bait buckets; and - DRY — allow the watercraft to thoroughly dry between launches. Watercraft should be kept dry for at least five days in warm weather and up to 30 days in cool weather.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed a brief video demonstrating the ease of implementing the clean, drain and dry prevention method, which can be viewed above.
Travelers are also advised to be prepared for inspections at California Department of Food and Agriculture Border Protection Stations.
Over the past nine years, more than 1 million watercraft entering California have been inspected at the Border Protection Stations.
Inspections, which can also be conducted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Parks, include a check of boats and personal watercraft, as well as trailers and all onboard items.
Contaminated vessels and equipment are subject to decontamination, rejection, quarantine or impoundment.
Quagga and zebra mussels can attach to and damage virtually any submerged surface. They can:
- Ruin a boat engine by blocking the cooling system and causing it to overheat; - Jam a boat’s steering equipment, putting occupants and others at risk; - Require frequent scraping and repainting of boat hulls; - Colonize all underwater substrates such as boat ramps, docks, lines and other underwater surfaces, causing them to require constant cleaning; - Impose large expenses to owners.
A multi-agency effort that includes California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Division of Boating and Waterways, California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Water Resources has been leading an outreach campaign to alert the public to the quagga and zebra mussel threats.
A toll-free hotline, 866-440-9530, is available for those seeking information on quagga or zebra mussels.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – New wildland fires burning in the region, as well as those continuing to burn in far Northern California, Southern Oregon and across the West, sent thick smoke into Lake County’s air basin on Thursday.
The smoke and haze became so thick on Thursday that by early afternoon the Mount Konocti lookout tower had gone out of service for the day due to lack of visibility, and there were concerns that an air ambulance would be unable to respond to a Clearlake-area crash, based on radio reports.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued an update that said the smoke and haze visible throughout Lake County on Thursday is primarily the result of transport smoke from the Helena fire in Trinity County.
The Helena fire began Wednesday in the Trinity County. As of Thursday, it had burned 5,000 acres and was at zero containment. The cause is under investigation.
NASA satellite imagery also showed smoke coming into California from across the northwestern states – including Montana and Idaho.
There also is smoke clogging the Sacramento Valley, likely to be caused not just the Helena fire but the Ponderosa fire near Oroville, which Cal Fire said began Tuesday. So far that incident has burned just over 3,500 acres, destroyed 10 homes and 20 outbuildings, and is threatening 1,300 more structures.
Lake County Air Quality Management District also issued an update on Thursday, reporting that the smoke intrusions had caused the county’s air quality to move into the “moderate to unhealthy” range.
The district’s report attributed the smoke and haze currently visible throughout Lake County as primarily the result of transport smoke from numerous fires in Northern California and Southern Oregon including the Chetco Bar fire, which so far has burned 128,700 acres in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Thursday’s degraded air quality is the result of ultra fine particulates and other air pollutants contained in the smoke combined with the high temperatures and humidity, according to Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart.
Gearhart said the district is actively monitoring the transport smoke impacts, adding that areas of the county may experience short duration significant smoke impacts in the unhealthy range.
He said the air quality forecast for the rest of Thursday is in the moderate to unhealthy range due to the higher levels of fine particulates from the northern fires and the possibility of increased ground-level ozone.
Ozone is generated when combustion products in the smoke combined with the high temperatures, sunlight and humidity, Gearhart said.
County residents – especially those with health conditions – are urged to limit outdoor activities, and are reminded that dust masks are not protective against fine particulate, which is the pollutant most detrimental to health caused by wildfire smoke.
Based on the moderate to unhealthy air quality forecast, Gearhart said people are recommended to use caution and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
He said the potential for localized areas of unhealthy air, regional haze, and particulate from these fires are expected to continue throughout Lake County through the Labor Day weekend – which is forecast to be particularly hot – and until the weather pattern changes.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County’s four-day run for 2017 opens on Thursday, with a wide variety of attractions, including the Midway of Fun.
This year’s dates are Thursday, Aug. 31, through Sunday, Sept. 3.
The 2017 theme is “Boots N Bling.”
A fair parade, the kickoff event for the fair, takes place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, winding its way from Natural High to the fairgrounds.
During the fair there will be music, thousands of displays of homemade and homegrown entries, the annual Junior Livestock Auction takes place on Saturday, a public safety area,
Fair officials also announced that Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is the carnival provider once again for this year’s fair.
Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991.
This year’s ride list includes: Avengers, Bumble Bees, carousel, Century Wheel, Diamond Lil's, Dizzy Dragon, Dragon Wagon, Jeeps, Jump Cycle, Lollipop Swings, Monkey Business, Orbiter, Phoenix, Ranger, Resina Train, Sea Dragon, Starship, Steeple Chase, Super Shot Drop Tower, Super Slide, Teacups, Vertigo, Viper, Wagon Wheeler, Wet Boats and Wipeout Zipper.
“We, at Brass Ring Amusements, take great pride and care in every aspect of our business operation,” said Chief Executive Officer Harry Mason. “We offer the most popular rides, games, and food concessions, as well as, the highest level of customer service and showmanship in the industry. Our maintenance and safety programs, combined with our focus on detail and cleanliness, will ensure a safe, sparkling midway, which will undoubtedly exceed the expectations of the fair patrons.”
Additionally, the fair reported that Mason and his family have been very charitable to Lake County.
In the past two years, they gave away free carnival coupons to more than 100 children who were impacted by the fires in Lake County.
Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun also has supported the Lake County Fair Foundation and purchased animals at the annual Junior Livestock Auction.
Regular admission prices for the fair are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free each day.
Parking is $9 per car, which benefits local Boy Scouts.
Visit www.lakecountyfair.com or contact the fair office at 707-263-6181 for more information.
The full schedule is published below.
The carousel is a perpetual favorite ride for children at the Lake County Fair. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
- Gates open at 6 p.m. - Kids Day: Children 11 and under - $4 Admission - Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area - Buildings close: 10 p.m. - Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, world’s largest aquarium all at Fiesta Park - All day and everyday events - Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-Up, Street Drum Corps and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds - Kerrie’s Handmakers – textile techniques by handmakers. - Free events in the grandstand - Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters. - Schedule subject to change
8 a.m.: Junior Rabbit & Cavy Show – Baldwin Pavilion; Junior Swine Show – Baldwin Pavilion 1 p.m.: Junior Sheep Show – Baldwin Pavilion 3 p.m: Junior Meat Goat Show (after sheep) – Baldwin Pavilion 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: Street Drum Corps – Gazebo Stage 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 5:30 p.m.: Parade begins on Main Street 6 p.m.: Opening ceremonies, front entrance gate; Blue Ribbon Dinner – Academy Park (KCA Park) 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.: Travis Rinker, fingerstyle acoustic guitar – Gazebo Stage 6 to 8 p.m.: Susie Pahl, jewelry making – Fritch Hall 6:30 p.m.: Presentation at the Fish Aquarium in Fiesta Park 7 to 7:45 p.m.: Johnny Tsunami, high octane American roots rock – Main Stage 7 p.m.: Fiesta of the Horse, fun-filled equestrian entertainment at Main Grandstands. 7 to 10 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall 7:45 to 8:30 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 8 to 8:30 p.m.: Clear Lake Clikkers – Gazebo Stage 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: Travis Rinker, fingerstyle acoustic guitar – Gazebo Stage 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: Johnny Tsunami, high octane American roots rock – Main Stage 9:15 to 10 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 11 p.m.: Fair closes for the evening
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
- Gates open at 4 p.m. - Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area - Buildings close: 10 p.m. - Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Walk on contest – Boots and Bling Flower Arrangement at Flower Hall. Walk in your entry between 4 to 5 p.m. and join the competition. Details online at www.lakecountyfair.com . - Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, world’s largest aquarium all at Fiesta Park - All day and everyday events - Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-Up, Street Drum Corps and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds - Kerrie’s Handmakers – textile techniques by handmakers. - Free events in the grandstand - Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters. - Schedule subject to change
8 a.m.: Junior Poultry and Turkey Show – Baldwin Pavilion 9 a.m.: Open Dairy Goat Show – Alexander Barn Area Noon: Junior Dairy Goat Show – Baldwin Pavilion 4:30 p.m.: Gates open 4 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall; Ben van Steenburgh and Martha Mincer, painting – Fritch Hall 4 to 8 p.m.: Jane Alameda, English paper piecing – Clothing & Textile Building 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: Street Drum Corps – Gazebo Stage 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 5:30 p.m: Boots and Bling Flower Arrangement Contest – Flower Hall 6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.: Travis Rinker, fingerstyle acoustic guitar – Gazebo Stage 7 p.m.: Mendo Lake Mudd Bogg Nationals – Main Grandstands 7 to 10 p.m: Richard Schmidt and Diana Liebe, watercolor demonstrations – Fritch Hall 7:45 to 8:30 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: Travis Rinker, fingerstyle acoustic guitar – Gazebo Stage 9 to 9:45 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B – Main Stage 11 p.m.: Fair closes for the evening
The Ferris wheel overlooks the midway at the Lake County Fair. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
- Gates open at 11 a.m. - Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area - Buildings close: 10 p.m. - Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Junior Livestock Auction and barbecue in Baldwin Pavilion. Registration starting at 10:30 a.m. and Auction at 1 p.m. plus round robin. - Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, world’s largest aquarium all at Fiesta Park - All day and everyday events - Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-Up, Street Drum Corps and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds - Kerrie’s Handmakers – textile techniques by handmakers. - Free events in the grandstand - Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters. - Schedule subject to change
10:30 a.m.: Junior Livestock Buyers Registration & Luncheon – Baldwin Pavilion 11 a.m.: Gates open 11 to 1 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kennie Winter and Linda Kelly, gourds – Fritch Hall 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: TSW Trio, jazz and eclectic - Gazebo Stage Noon: Junior Livestock Auction – Baldwin Pavilion; presentation at the fish aquarium - in Fiesta Park Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.: TSW Trio, jazz and eclectic - Gazebo Stage 1 p.m.: Walk on contest, “A Horseshoe With Bling” – Fritch Hall 1 to 4 p.m.: Desiree Todd, cheese demo – Lewis Hall 2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium – Fiesta Park 2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Best Apple Pie Contest” – Lewis Hall 2 to 2:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, country soul – Gazebo Stage 3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, country soul – Gazebo Stage 4 to 4:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Lee Massie, not your grandma’s pie – Lewis Hall 5 to 8 p.m.: Peter Macrae and Pat Macrae, writers – Fritch Hall 5:15 to 6 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage 6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 6 to 8 p.m.: Goat milking by hand and machine – Mather Barn 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall 6:30 p.m.: Amateur talent contest - Lake County News Stage 7 p.m.: Motorcycle Flat Track & TT Racing – Main Grandstands 7 to 7:45 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage 8 to 9 p.m.: Twice as Good, son and father ultimate blues – Main Stage 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Twice as Good, son and father ultimate blues – Main Stage 11 p.m.: Fair closes for the evening
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
- Gates open at 11 a.m. - Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area - Buildings close: 10 p.m. - Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Fiesta Latina Day - Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, pig racing, award winning chainsaw carving - All day and everyday events - Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters. - Schedule subject to change
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Richard Seisser, pastels – Fritch Hall 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage Noon: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage 12:30 to 2 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall 1 p.m: Walk on contest, “Bling a Boot” – Fritch Hall 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage; Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage 2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 2 to 3 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park 2 to 5 p.m.: Sandy and David Stillwell, jewelry making – Fritch Hall 2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest” – Lewis Hall 3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall 3 p.m.: Fiesta Latina – Main Stage 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids – Gazebo Stage 4 to 5 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Jazmin, traditional regional Mexican music with dance performers – Main Stage 5 p.m.: Kiss My Clear Lake Bass, sponsored by Lake County Chamber of Commerce; 4H and FFA Award Ceremony – Baldwin Pavilion 6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park 5 to 8 p.m.: Suze Pahl, jewelry making – Fritch Hall 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Clave Trébol, contemporary Mexican music – Main Stage 7 p.m.: Dirt track auto racing and boat races – Main Grandstands 7 to 7:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage 8 to 10 p.m.: Banda Sangre Azteca, big band and dance – Main Stage 8 to 10 p.m.: Terry and Rohnda Turnil, pastels and acrylics – Fritch Hall 9 to 9:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage 11 p.m.: Fair closes – see you in 2018!
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Over the past two days firefighters from local agencies and Cal Fire have swiftly responded to and controlled several small fires around Lake County.
The fires on Tuesday and Wednesday were primarily vegetation fires, according to radio reports.
On Tuesday at around 9:45 p.m. a fire was reported in the area of Morine Ranch Road at Morine Way, off Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks.
Northshore Fire and Cal Fire responded to the incident, finding a vehicle on fire and several small spot fires, based on reports from the scene.
The final report from incident command indicated that just over an acre burned between the main fire and the largest spot fire.
Then, on Wednesday, shortly after noon, a small vegetation fire was reported on Cache Creek Way, on the west side of Highway 53 at the Dam Road intersection in Clearlake, according to Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta.
Sapeta said his agency and Cal Fire sent a total of four engines, a medic unit, a helicopter and a company officer to the incident.
He said they quickly placed line around the spot, estimated to be about 20 feet by 50 feet in size.
“We’re pretty lucky we kept it at bay,” Sapeta said, noting that it had potential to grow.
Sapeta said the fire’s cause remains under investigation. It may have been a mechanical failure on a vehicle, but they’re not sure yet.
Just before 4 p.m. Wednesday, there was a report of a vehicle fire that had spread into vegetation on Highway 29 near Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.
Reports from the scene stated that the fire was knocked down within 10 minutes of the call.
Later, just before 7:30 p.m., a fire was reported in the 3100 block of Hendricks Road near Lakeport.
Lakeport Fire and Cal Fire arrived on scene a short time later, finding a tree into power lines. People on scene already had contained the spot by the time units got to the area, where power was cut while power utility repairs were made.
The last fire incident of the night occurred just before 10 p.m., when there was the report of a structure fire at Edgewater Resort in Kelseyville.
Kelseyville Fire and Cal Fire arrived to find the fire extinguished by locals, with no spread to the wildland.
Sapeta said that over the last few years, fire agencies around Lake County have been increasing and augmenting their responses to fire calls, and rolling out more resources immediately.
“We’ve all kind of ramped up countywide,” he said.
He said firefighters around the county are ready for the hot temperatures coupled with the many activities set to take place during this upcoming holiday weekend.
“We’re ready for it,” Sapeta said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the Labor Day weekend coming up, the Lake County Vector Control District and Lake County Public Health Department are encouraging community members and visitors to use precautions to guard against West Nile virus.
So far this year, 11 mosquito samples and one chicken tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County.
The chicken is from a sentinel flock in Upper Lake, and the mosquitoes were collected in Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Lower Lake and Middletown, Vector Control reported.
“Holidays and warm weather are great reasons to be outdoors,” said Lake County Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait. “When outdoors, protection against mosquito bites is important to staying healthy and the best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection.”
Officials recommend using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to avoid mosquito bites.
“West Nile virus activity is at its peak now. This hot weather creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes and the virus,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director for the Lake County Vector Control District. “The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus come from backyard water sources like wading pools, ponds, buckets, swimming pools and spas that aren’t being maintained, and any other place where water sits for more than three days.”
Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:
- Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can't begin their lives without water. - Defend yourself. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. - Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk. - Maintain swimming pools and spas. Just one unmaintained swimming pool can produce more than one million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away. - Report dead birds to the state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or by visiting the California Department of Public Health's Web site. All reports are crucial to our West Nile virus surveillance program.
Since 2004, nine Lake County residents have been diagnosed with West Nile virus.
For a current list of West Nile virus activity in Lake County this year, visit the district's Web site and for statewide information, visit the California Department of Public Health’s West Nile Virus Web site.
The Lake County Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, serves all of Lake County and is located at 410 Esplanade in Lakeport.
Call the District at (707) 263-4770 or request service online at http://www.LCVCD.org/Services/RequestService/index.html for mosquito problems, or visit the office between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to get free mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, livestock water troughs, or neglected swimming pools.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends on the road.
To make sure it is also a safe one, the California Highway Patrol will be working hard to spread the word about the dangers of impaired driving through education and increased enforcement.
All available CHP officers will be on duty during the Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period, or MEP, from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4.
Drug recognition experts and CHP officers will be on patrol watching for impaired drivers as well as assisting motorists in need throughout the holiday weekend.
“Our officers will be out finding dangerous drivers during the holiday period, showing zero tolerance for anyone driving drunk or impaired by drugs,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Anyone who chooses to drive impaired puts not only themselves and their passengers at risk, but they also endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road.”
During the 2016 MEP, 38 people were killed in traffic collisions in California, an increase of almost 19 percent from 2015, according to data collected by the CHP.
In addition, the CHP reported that it made more than 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol over Labor Day weekend in 2016.
Impaired driving often peaks during holidays, and Labor Day is considered one of the most dangerous periods, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.
The 2015 Labor Day holiday period saw 460 people killed in collisions nationwide; nearly one-third of the fatal collisions involved drivers who were legally drunk.
“The Labor Day holiday should be a special time for friends and families at the end of summer, not a time of tragedy,” Stanley said. “Impaired driving, whether as a result of drugs or alcohol, is 100-percent preventable, and there is no excuse for it.”
Anyone who is going to drink is urged to plan a sober ride home in advance. Anyone who sees an impaired driver is encouraged to call 911.
ACCUWEATHER GLOBAL WEATHER CENTER – Hurricane Harvey, which has wreaked havoc in Texas, is predicted to be the most costly natural disaster in United States history.
"This will be the worst natural disaster in American history,” said Dr. Joel N. Myers, founder, president and chairman of AccuWeather, and sometimes called the "father of commercial meteorology.”
“The economy's impact, by the time its total destruction is completed, will approach $160 billion, which is similar to the combined effect of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. This represents a negative impact on the economy of 8/10 of one percent of the gross national product or GDP. The GDP is $19 trillion currently,” said Myers.
Myers said business leaders and the Federal Reserve, major banks, insurance companies and others should begin to factor in the negative impact this catastrophe will have on business, corporate earnings and employment.
“The disaster is just beginning in certain areas. Parts of Houston, the United States' fourth largest city will be uninhabitable for weeks and possibly months due to water damage, mold, disease-ridden water and all that will follow this 1,000-year flood,” he said.
The worst flooding from Harvey is yet to come as rivers and bayous continue to rise in Texas with additional levees at risk for breaches and failures, according to forecasters.
"The meteorologist forecasting community as a whole did a very good job in warning people about this storm. Public officials were slow, in some cases, to react or to know what to do, which affected too many people and caused the loss of property and damage and destruction. This was unfortunate because when a natural disaster threatens, minutes and hours count and preparation and risk avoidance is imperative,” Myers said.
Myers said the negative impact from the storms are far from over. “There will be more flooding, damage, fatalities and injuries. We urge all citizens near the path of Hurricane Harvey to remain vigilant and be prepared to take immediate action if flood waters rise."
How to help: Donate to assist Harvey victims reeling from the storm's catastrophic damage
If you would like to help those affected by the storm, here's what you should keep in mind.
Monetary donations
Food, clothing and supplies might be the first thing people think to donate; however, cash donations are the best.
When items are donated, volunteers have to divert their attention to separating, distributing and storing.
"Monetary donations are the most flexible and can be used immediately in response to a crisis," Divisional Communications Director of the Salvation Army Dulcinea Kimrey said.
It allows the organization to purchase exactly what is needed, when it is needed, Kimrey said.
"Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost," Kimrey said.
Make sure to send money to a reputable charity. Check if the charity is trustworthy by contacting the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.
Donations made through www.AccuWeather.com are going to United Way of Greater Houston to help Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston and outlying areas. Donations facilitated through Centre County United Way.
Give blood
During emergencies and disaster situations, the blood supply might run low due to the increased quantity needed. Donating blood helps to save lives in the emergency room.
The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood or platelets to help ensure life-saving blood products are available for trauma patients and others with serious medical needs.
Chaffin Mitchelle is a staff Writer for AccuWeather.com.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport’s Library Park was lit up with candles and memories on Tuesday night as the community came together to remember the Lake County Sheriff’s deputy who died last week in the line of duty.
The Tuesday night tribute marked exactly one week since 50-year-old Deputy Rob Rumfelt died, becoming the fourth law enforcement officer in Lake County’s history to die while on the job.
Rumfelt died in Lakeport following a struggle with a domestic violence suspect and a subsequent crash in his SUV patrol vehicle while clearing the scene of the incident.
The District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation into Rumfelt’s death and what led to it, with officials so far suggesting it may have been a medical emergency such as a heart attack that caused the crash. However, preliminary autopsy results haven’t made the circumstances any clearer.
As evening turned into night, a large crowd assembled in Library Park to honor Rumfelt, with local officials including Sheriff Brian Martin, District Attorney Don Anderson, Rumfelt’s cousin and District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon, and many members of local law enforcement and fire agencies among them.
“He was not just another cop,” said sheriff’s Chaplain Terry Cara, who led the service.
On Tuesday night, Rumfelt was recalled as a larger-than-life figure, friendly, adventurous, kind, concerned about not just his family and friends but strangers. Cara said Rumfelt also was a humble man.
“All this for Rob? He’d be embarrassed, I think,” said Cara.
Friend and fellow law enforcement officer Frank Gudmundson called him irreplaceable, a man who showed up and did his job with heart, and who loved Lake County.
Simon, his voice coming close to breaking, called his cousin “a real-life hero” who served in the US Marines before he returned to Lake County to serve in law enforcement.
Simon also recalled their mutual love of football and how his cousin used his police dog to playfully intimidate him.
The vigil was brought to a close by a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace” sung by California Highway Patrol Officer Nick Powell as those gathered held up candles, cell phones and blue lights.
In the week since Rumfelt’s death, there has been powerful and moving signs of support across Lake County not just for his family but for law enforcement, as evidenced in events like Tuesday’s vigil.
On Thursday, hundreds of Lake County residents lined the route of the procession that brought his body home from Napa County – where it had been taken for the autopsy central to the investigation into the nature of his death – to Lakeport.
Cal Fire personnel participated in the vigil for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Rumfelt on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Library Park in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by John Jensen/Lake County News. Sentiments, remembrances and condolences to his family have sprung up across social media as well as spots across the county.
One of those tributes is a handmade sign sitting in front of the “Welcome to Lucerne” sign that says, “Just Missing Rob, Our Hero,” and accompanied by a string of small American flags. The tribute was reportedly made by a woman who he had befriended, and who he checked on regularly during his passes through the town.
Tuesday night’s vigil illustrated how deeply Rumfelt connected with people around the community in his many roles – family man, friend, deputy, coach, mentor, big-hearted authority figure.
It also offered a reminder of how precious every life is, and the strength of connection amongst Lake County’s residents.
For the men and women in law enforcement and public safety jobs, Rumfelt’s sudden death on the job is a sharp, painful reminder of an unsettling reality – that their chosen profession is inherently dangerous, and even in a rural community it comes with no guarantees of going home safely to one’s family at the end of the shift.
A Lakeport Police officer looks on during the vigil for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Rumfelt on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Library Park in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by John Jensen/Lake County News. As a result, debriefing and counseling have been taking place for first responders and law enforcement officers, a process assisted by the sheriff’s chaplain team.
In the midst of dealing with their grief and doing their day-to-day work, there are other events to prepare for as they bid their friend and coworker goodbye.
A public viewing is scheduled for noon to 8 p.m. Friday at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, located at 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport.
The sheriff’s office and Rumfelt’s family also are gearing up for his memorial service, to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Don Owens Field at the Lakeport Unified School District Campus.
Officials are estimating several thousand people could be in attendance, with law enforcement agencies from around the United States and Canada expected to send representatives to show their respect.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Forecasters said that the remainder of this week and Labor Day weekend will see temperatures that are among the highest of the summer.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch that is in effect from noon on Thursday through 8 p.m. Monday in Lake County and most of the rest of Northern California.
The forecast said that the very hot weather across the region from late this week and into next week will be maintained by strong high pressure.
The excessively high temperatures will bring with them the increased risk for heat-related illnesses for people exposed to the hot weather – particularly sensitive groups such as the elderly, children and those who are ill – as well as pets and livestock, the National Weather Service reported.
The specific Lake County forecast calls for temperatures to peak on Friday and Saturday, with highs on Saturday expected to top the week – possibly as high as 108 degrees – before rolling back into the high 90s by early next week.
Nighttime highs are expected to range around 70 degrees, based on the forecast.
The National Weather Service urges people to drink plenty of fluids, use air conditioning when possible, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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