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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A single-vehicle crash resulted in injuries early Thursday morning.
The crash was reported shortly before 2 a.m. on Highway 20 between Witter Springs Road and Bachelor Valley Road near Upper Lake, according to radio reports.
The vehicle, described as a Honda Accord, had gone off the road and about 100 feet down an embankment, according to initial California Highway Patrol reports.
Reports from the scene indicated an injured woman crawled up to the highway and flagged down a FedEx truck.
The woman – who was having chest and stomach pains, as well as difficulty breathing – reported that two other unresponsive people were in the vehicle, the CHP said.
Northshore Fire personnel arriving at the scene reported finding a second person, but said they could not account for a third.
A CalStar air ambulance was requested and set down at a landing zone at the Pivniska Ranch at Bachelor Valley Road and Highway 20 just before 2:40 a.m., radio reports stated.
Additional ground ambulances also came from Northshore Fire and Lakeport Fire, according to radio traffic.
Firefighters did another ground search but could not locate the third subject who was reported to have been in the vehicle, scanner reports said.
CHP reports indicated that the third person may have fled the scene.
One ground ambulance from Northshore Fire reported it was transporting one patient to Sutter Lakeside Hospital.
CalStar lifted off just before 2:50 a.m. en route to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with the second patient.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
NICE, Calif. – A man who was found breaking into a Nice home last Friday is facing prosecution for felony burglary as well as drug charges.
Jerome David Jones, 25, of Nice was arrested on the afternoon of Nov. 2, according to jail and case records.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff said he is charging Jones with felony first-degree burglary of an inhabited residence, which carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison if Jones is convicted.
In addition, case records show that Jones is charged with misdemeanors including possession of burglary tools, being under the influence of methamphetamine and possessing drug paraphernalia.
At about 7 a.m. Nov. 2 a resident of Nice found Jones in his home trying to steal several items, Hinchcliff said.
The alleged victim gave a description of Jones to sheriff’s Deputy Mauricio Barreto. Hinchcliff said later that day the burglary victim saw Jones and again notified the sheriff’s office.
Barreto, who was familiar with Jones, was able to track him down and arrest him early that afternoon, Hinchcliff said.
Jones was arraigned on Tuesday, at which time his bail was set at $50,000 and Doug Rhoades was appointed his defense attorney. Hinchcliff said Jones’ next court appearance will take place Nov. 14.
Jail records showed that Jones, who works in construction, remained in custody on Thursday.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Mount Konocti docents are planning to lead a hike to the top of the mountain on Saturday, Nov. 24.
The guided hike will begin at 8:30 a.m. and take approximately four hours.
The hike is moderately strenuous and will cover approximately six miles roundtrip. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes appropriate for rugged terrain and to bring a lunch, a supply of water, a daypack, as well as binoculars and/or a camera.
The number of spaces for the docent-led hike is limited, and reservations are required. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Inclement weather cancels the hike.
The hike, which will be led by docents Val Nixon and Mike Riley, will include a visit to the historic Downen Cabin and the top of Wright Peak, with an optional climb to the top of the Cal Fire lookout tower.
At 4,299 feet in elevation, Wright Peak is the highest point on the mountain, and the tower, which was built in 1976 and used until recently by fire lookout crews, provides stunning 360-degree panoramas.
The climb to the top of the tower requires accompaniment by a guided docent, and it will be accessible only to those 18 years of age and older.
Tower access requires a moderately strenuous climb up several flights of exterior stairs, and thus, may not be appropriate for those prone to vertigo or with heart-related and other health conditions.
Tom Nixon, a retired State Parks Ranger and member of the Konocti Regional Trails Team (KRTT), champions the docent tour program, which includes docent-led hikes of the mountain as well as a bus tour pilot project.
The docents have been trained and are knowledgeable about a range of topics including the mountain and its geology, history, flora, fauna and even folklore.
Mount Konocti County Park is an undeveloped park with somewhat rugged terrain and gravel areas. Three waterless vault restrooms have been installed on the mountain, as well as several picnic tables and benches. Smoking is strictly prohibited.
As with other county-owned parks, glass and alcohol are prohibited. Rattlesnakes are present, and care should be taken to avoid disturbing rocks.
In its monumental 2011 acquisition, the county of Lake purchased 1,520 acres of land on top of Mount Konocti, thereby creating the new Mount Konocti County Park and placing it into public hands for perpetuity.
The county-owned land is contiguous with an existing 821 acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The reservation deadline for the guided hike is Nov. 14.
To reserve a space, contact the Lake County Public Services Department at 707-262-1618.
For information on Mount Konocti County Park, including a downloadable map, visit www.konoctitrails.com .
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
REDWOOD VALLEY, Calif. – A 6-year-old girl helped authorities locate a man with Alzheimer’s who had gone missing from his home on Tuesday.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Lt. James Van Hagen said young Natalie Wildberger helped bring the story to a happy conclusion thanks to her alertness.
At 3:40 p.m. Tuesday Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Walnut Lane in Redwood Valley regarding an elderly missing adult, Van Hagen said.
When they arrived at the scene deputies learned that an 86-year-old male with Alzheimer’s had gone for a walk with his dog and was possibly missing or lost, according to Van Hagen.
Approximately one hour after the man left his dog returned home without him. Van Hagen said family members searched the immediate area and when they were unable to locate the man they called the sheriff’s office. Deputies then called Redwood Valley Fire Department and Ukiah Ambulance to assist.
While deputies were searching the area they were advised the missing man may have been located on Road “A.” Van Hagen said sheriff’s deputies, Redwood Valley Fire and Ukiah Ambulance responded to the Road A location and found the subject stuck in some brush.
While at the Road A location deputies learned that Natalie Wildberger was outside playing when she heard noises coming from the brush, Van Hagen said.
Natalie said she continued to listen and thought she heard someone calling for help. Van Hagen said Natalie then went and got her father and they both found the missing man on the other side of a fence, stuck in the brush.
Van Hagen said Redwood Valley Fire and Ukiah Ambulance removed the man from the brush and transported him to Ukiah Valley Medical Center for further observation.
“The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Natalie for a job well done,” Van Hagen said.