Several dams full in Shasta, Plumas, Butte, Lassen Counties
 
CHICO, Calif.— Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is cautioning recreationalists near rivers and streams to be aware of higher flows brought on by recent rains and spilling reservoirs.


Most PG&E’s reservoirs haven’t spilled this early in the wet season in years because of ongoing drought conditions, so recreationalists may be caught off guard by the higher water flows downstream. 


Four of PG&E’s six reservoirs along the Pit River are overflowing or expected to be soon, as are four of the six reservoirs along the North Fork Feather River.


Reservoirs spilling or about to spill include the Pit 4, Pit 5, Pit 6 and Pit 7 along the Pit River in Shasta County, and Belden, Rock Creek, Cresta and Poe reservoirs on the North Fork Feather River in Plumas and Butte counties. Mountain Meadows Reservoir in Lassen County and the Grizzly Forebay in Plumas County are also spilling.


It’s not unusual for PG&E ‘s reservoirs to spill during the wettest parts of normal winters, because they tend to have less storage and are located at much higher elevations than state and federal multi-year water storage reservoirs like Shasta Lake and Lake Oroville. PG&E’s reservoirs are designed to capture rain and snowmelt runoff in winter, spring and early summer to generate clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
 
Below are some water safety tips:
 
Water Safety Tips
·         Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.
·         Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.
·         Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides and fast moving water.

​CHP  REPORT:
On December 18, 2016 shortly before 2:20 a.m., a male driver was driving a 2008 Audi northbound on US-395 north of mile post marker 395 LAS 7.50. At the same time a male driver was driving a 2002 Chevrolet southbound on US-395 approaching the Audi. For reasons yet to be determined, the driver of the Audi allowed the Audi to cross over the solid double yellow lines of US-395 into the path of the southbound Chevrolet. A portion f the front of the Audi collided with a portion of the front of the Chevrolet. Both vehicles were severely damaged during this collision, resulting in fatal injuries to four individuals. One individual was flown by Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) Care Flight to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada for treatment.
This collision is being investigated by officers from The California Highway Patrol Quincy Area. Employees from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, REMSA, Sierra Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Nevada Highway Patrol and Washoe County Animal Control responded to the scene of this collision to provide assistance.
The California Highway Patrol Quincy Area thanks all of the individuals from the many agencies who responded to the scene and provided invaluable assistance. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of thos involved in this tragic collision.
 
On December 16, 2016 Patrick Bonnett, 63 of Portola was driving his 1997 Dodge pickup truck at approximately 3:44 p.m. northbound on US-395 in the #1 lane at 55-60 mph. The roadway was icy and Bonnett lost control and the Dodge spun in a counter clockwise direction and traveled in a northwesterly direction as it left the west road edge. The Dodge rolled over and came to rest on its roof, facing west within the center divide of US-395. Bonnett had to be extradited from the vehicle by fire and medical personnel due to the extreme damage to the passenger compartment from the collision. Bonnett was transported to Renown Medical Center with spinal fractures.

William Hall (73) Portola.  Loaded firearm in vehicle.  One year probation, fine $700.
 
Civillo Mallari Jr. (58) Union City.  Driving while suspended.  Three years probation, fine $1469.
 
Susan Burnett (50) American Canyon.  Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above.  Three years probation, two days jail, fine $2400, and must attend alcohol school.
 
Steven Bonavita (51) Sierraville.  Driving while suspended.  Three years probation, two days jail, and a fine $1469.
 
Shane Perkins (43) Oroville.  Perkins pled guilty to felon residential (first degree) burglary for burglarizing a remote vacation cabin. His sentencing is scheduled for January 24.
 
Valerie Robertson (59) Loyalton.  Robertson was sentenced after pleading guilty to felony preparation of false evidence to be submitted to a court when she was caught in possession of frozen urine which she intended to use to defeat a probation test for drugs.  She was also convicted of possession of methamphetamine.  Robertson was put on four years probation, served 195 days in jail, fined $2410, and ordered to attend and successfully complete drug court. 
 
Jonathan Kimpson (28) Loyalton.  Sentenced to three years probation, 117 days in jail and must complete drug court for possession of methamphetamine.
 

 
 
Shannon Brandes (48) Portola.  Driving under the influence with a prior conviction. She was placed on five years probation, served ten days jail, fined $2500, and ordered to attend alcohol school. 
 
Brandon Morrow (31) Loylaton / Reno.  Sentenced for violation of probation.  He was placed on felony probation for assault on a peace officer causing injury when he attacked former sheriff John Evans who was attempting to arrest Morrow on a warrant.  He was also convicted of being under the influence of methamphetamine.  Four years state prison.
 
Drew Kinzie (36) Downieville.  Kinzie pled guilty to felony false imprisonment during the involvement of a domestic violence matter.  He will be formerly sentenced on January 11, and he remains in jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.  

By Nathaniel Sillin
If you're eligible for Medicare, or will be in the coming year, there are a few changes you should know about for 2017.
An increase in the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI) means there'll be an increase in Social Security benefits and Medicare Part B premiums. For most recipients the increases almost offset each other, but those who aren't covered by the "hold harmless" provision (about 30 percent of recipients) face a larger Part B premium increase.
These changes, along with several others, will go into effect soon and you should consider how they could affect your budget.
A slight increase in your Social Security benefits. Since 1975, Social Security benefits have an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The adjustment depends on the CPI and helps keep your benefits in line with the rising cost of goods.
There wasn't a COLA for 2016 benefits, but there is a .3 percent adjustment for next year. Meaning, you'll get an additional $3 per $1,000 you receive in benefits. The estimated average monthly benefit for all retired workers is expected to increase $5, from $1,355 to $1,360.
Medicare Part B premiums will also rise. The COLA also affects Medicare Part B premiums, the part of Medicare that covers some types of procedures and medical equipment. However, for about 70 percent of Medicare recipients, the Social Security Act's "hold harmless" provision prohibits an increase to Medicare B premiums of more than the previous year's COLA adjustment.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, held harmless recipients will pay $109 per month, an increase of $4.10.
If you aren't held harmless, Part B premiums could increase by about 10 percent. The remaining 30 percent of Social Security beneficiaries will have their Part B premium increase by about 10 percent. You could fall into the non-held-harmless group if you:

• Are a new enrollee
• Enrolled in Medicare but don't receive Social Security benefits
• Get billed directly for Medicare Part B
• Receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits and your state Medicaid programs pay your Part B premium
• Are a high-income earner subject to an income-adjusted premium

For the non-held-harmless group, the premium depends on the recipient's (or couple's when filing a joint tax return) adjusted gross income (AGI).

• The lowest monthly premium, for individuals who have an AGI of $85,000 or less ($170,000 for couples), will increase from $121.80 to $134 a month per person.
• On the high end, for recipients with an AGI over $214,000 ($428,000 for couples), the monthly premium will increase from $389.80 to $428.60 per person.

Medicare Part A and B deductibles will also increase. Most people don't have to pay Medicare Part A premiums, but you could still have to pay a deductible or coinsurance for some Part A benefits.

• The deductible for inpatient hospital coverage, which helps cover the first 60 days of care, will increase from $1,288 to $1,316 per benefit period.
• Daily coinsurance for the 61st through 90th day of treatment will increase from $322 to $329.
• Daily coinsurance for day 91 on will rise from $644 to $658.
• Each day past day 90 counts towards your lifetime reserve. You have a maximum of 60 lifetime reserve days; after which you could be responsible for all costs.
• Skilled nursing facility care is completely covered for your first 20 days.
• Daily coinsurance for day 21 to 100 of skilled nursing care will increase to $164.50.
• You could be responsible for all costs beyond day 100.

The Part B annual deductible will also increase, from $166 to $183. Generally, after you've met your deductible, you'll pay 20 percent of Medicare-approved costs for services covered by Part B.
Bottom line: Social Security benefits, Medicare Part B premiums and Part A and B deductibles and coinsurance will increase in 2017. Whether you're held harmless or not, take steps to understand which changes could affect you and alter your budget accordingly.

​LOYALTON MOBILE ESTATES, just outside the City, did not sell, receiving no bids in the most recent public auction.
There are three contiguous parcels and minimum bid was $265,700. The combined total for all  current and delinquent taxes total $412,259.59. 
The breakdown of the back taxes owed:
Solid Waste                       $ 192,328.31
Taxes                                 $   77,734.59
Penalties                            $   17,727.72
Interest                               $ 114,141.69
Costs/Tax Sale Costs         $   14,623.50
In addition, Loyalton water and sewer is owed in 
excess of $200,000.
According to Sierra County Auditor / Treasurer / Tax Collector Van Maddox, one person signed up but did not bid. 
Van said the next step, according to the State, is a number of building violations which the County has well documented and will hopefully be filed shortly. 
Van said the County needs to push the State as the County has complied with the State’s wishes and now needs to insist the State does its job. 
The State, according to Van, has the legal obligation to evoke the license and help those legitimately living there to relocate. But he said it will be 3-4 months before evictions because of it being winter.
It’s everybody’s hope the squatters will leave as Van states, they “came for an easy ride.”

Brysyn Simeral, local boy out of Chilcoot, attends Loyalton elementary (3rd grader) Races Outlaw Go karts. He finished his season out strong. He won the Championship at Rattlesnake Raceway and rookie of the year. He came in second place overall in Fernley, Nevada. Brysyn was interviewed on December 8th on ESPN radio. He got to co host the show and tell about his achievements this year. Brysyn also got to talk via phone to TJ Bell. TJ Bell is a NASCAR driver in all three NASCAR series   (sprint, nationwide and truck series) TJ Bell will be in Reno on December 26th at Need to Speed and he will go head to head with Brysyn on the track! Brysyn thinks it's super cool to be able to race a NASCAR driver at the age of 8 years old. Brysyn will be heading to California on January 7th to race the kart nationals. Brysyn would like to thank ESPN radio, his sponsors, his mom and dad (Kelly & Rebecca Herron) his grandma and papa (Don and Kelly Hughes) & The Cunningham's. To everyone who follows Brysyn's dream we thank you! ​

The Skilled Nursing Facility Residents at Eastern Plumas Health Care’s Loyalton Campus were evacuated on Sunday, December 11th and transported by ambulances to Portola’s Skilled Nursing.
The Loyalton facility’s heater system has two boilers and a month ago, the main one failed. The Number Two boiler, described as bad or worse than the main one and having bad pipes and cracks,  was put online. 
According to Linda Satchwell, Recruitment & PR Coordinator of Eastern Plumas Health Care, a disaster/evacuation plan was put into place and all residents’ families were called in case of failure and what would happen with each resident.
With the Number Two boiler failure, that disaster plan was put into place Sunday morning. According to Satchwell, EPHC CEO Tom Hayes and staff members spent two hours in Loyalton that morning on an evacuation plan.
Satchwell stated on Monday how Plant Operations Director Stan Peiler has been working with architects and driving from Portola to Loyalton at 1 a.m. daily “nursing” the boiler prior to its failure. 
On Monday they were repairing and rebuilding one of the boilers and buying a forced air heat solution for backup in case the boilers fail again.  Hospital CEO Tom Hayes was hopeful this temporary solution will be complete by the end of this week at which time they can transfer all residents back to Loyalton’s Campus.  
The longer term solution is to replace the two boilers at the facility but this will take at least six months to a year because of all the permits needed from the State.  
Satchwell stressed their focus is on patients and their families. She described it as a “horrible situation,” acknowledged “transfer trauma” and said they are doing everything to get the boilers fixed with a lot of staff working around the clock since it happened. A new system will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Satchwell.
Seventeen of the 21 Loyalton Campus skilled nursing residents were taken to Portola’s Skilled Nursing Facility. Four residents were taken home. Satchwell described Portola’s facility at 1 p.m. on Sunday, which had had most rooms full, as “quiet and calm” after eight of the residents had been transferred to regular rooms, SNF rooms and into the library.
Sierra County Supervisor Jim Beard had been in contact with Tom Hayes and had offered information on USDA which may help with funding in grants or with no and low interest rate loans.
On Monday night, Hayes met with members of Sierra Valley District Hospital Board over possible funding options.