SMITHNECK ROAD PROJECT has hit a pretty big setback according to Sierra County Public Works Director Bryan Davey during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on July 1st. He reported they met with Caltrans and for the NEPA certification they will need a full archeological assessment of the property because there’s a site within the project, where Native Americans originally settled and it’s not been properly documented. Davey stated it is going to require a year or more of work and considerable investment to complete, but aren’t able to go forward without it. He added, the design engineer is providing them with cost estimates that are considerably higher than what they have for the project. They plan to talk to the Transportation Commission to see what the options are. Supervisor Sharon Dryden wanted it on a future agenda.
AN INTERVIEW was conducted during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held July 1st in Downieville for the vacant Elected County Auditor position due to Van Maddox’s retirement after 28 years in the position. The Board is authorized to appoint a qualified individual to fill the position for the remainder of the elected term. Anthony Miller had been pre-interviewed by the board but government code also requires the interview be done in public. Tony was born and raised in Minnesota. He moved to Truckee at 20 where jobs focused on finance and operations. He went back to school for his MBA and then focused on obtaining his CPA license but during the process switched to CMA (certified management accountant). His focus has been on non-profit and special districts, adding he has a deep passion for community service.
He has been diving into all the financials of Sierra County and all funds and services that are managed. He would be continuing his education requirement and after obtaining his CMA licensing, he will then work toward a government financial management certification. Tony describes himself as a hard worker, team player, has a high standard of excellence, and enjoys doing good work. He sees the role of finance as an equipping department. His approach is very collaborative and transparent. He added every environment he’s walked into had a learning curve and is comfortable in self-study. Tony is at ease with diving into terrain where problems need to be solved. He loves the area and his family is excited for the potential. Board Chair Lee Adams said the board will debate and if a conditional offer is made, it will then go through the background process and then an appointment will be made.
SIERRA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS met during its regular meeting held July 1st in Downieville. Supervisor Paul Roen reported that California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham met with Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra County sheriffs along with himself and Plumas Supervisor Dwight Ceresola. Roen called it a productive meeting and stated the strike force has been effective. They’ve had at least 12 interactions with wolves and livestock and so far, have not had any depredations. Board Chair Lee Adams added the Director was attending an RCRC meeting in Alturas along with Secretary Wade Crowfoot. Much discussion was on the wolf issue. Crowfoot acknowledged what is happening in the Sierra Valley is not sustainable.
RESOLUTIONS authorizing cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for Sierra County Mid-Management employees and Department Managers were discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on July 1st. Both are being sent to the Finance Committee to look over and to make sure they stay within the means of the county budget and will be brought back for consideration at the next meeting on July 15th.
LONGEVITY PAY for department managers based on years of service in a department manager role with Sierra County was discussed during the same meeting. The Board had directed staff to return with cost figures for longevity pay under two proposed schedules: 5% at 10 and 20 years of service, and 5% at 7, 4% at 12, and 3% at 20 years. The estimated cost for the first option is $20,713, while the second option is projected at $50,946. Additionally, the Auditor provided an estimate for a third option: 5% at 10, 15, and 20 years, totaling $41,426.
The first option of 5% at 10 and 20 years was approved unanimously with Supervisor Lila Heuer absent. Supervisor Sharon Dryden stated this motion pushes longevity back into the schedule and felt there should be some benefit and reward to stay in those positions.
GET LOST in the Lakes Basin and find your next dining experience at the Gray Eagle Lodge, just a short drive up Gold Lake Highway from the Graeagle side.
Owners Bret, Lynn Smith and their son Brady, originally from the Bay Area, now of Verdi, have owned the resort which features 20 cabins, two lodge guest rooms and a manager’s cabin for 32 years. Bret remarked his father bought it in 1983 and he grew up with many of the families who still vacation there today.
A stay at the resort includes breakfast and dinner, but the bar and dinner service is open to everyone.
The resort bar opens from 2-4 daily with a bar menu and drink specials and then features dinner with nightly entree specials starting at 5:30 p.m. prepared by Executive Chef Lynn Hagen. Reservations required.
Lynn is no stranger to the area having been the Executive Chef with the Gray Eagle Lodge in the 90’s until she opened her own restaurant, Grizzly Grill in Blairsden. Lynn recently sold the restaurant after over 20 years of success and has returned to the Gray Eagle Lodge.
My husband and I had the opportunity to dine there on a Sunday night. Upon arriving, kids played outside and adults enjoyed the summer evening walking along the path between cabins that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Sunday night special was Oven Roasted Rack of Pork with a parmesan herbed bread crumb crust, vegetable saute and polenta which was prepared perfectly. We also enjoyed Caprese Fettuccini with Sirloin Tips that was delicious. Our dinner was topped off by indulging in a shared piece of mud pie. It was a wonderful evening that we plan to experience again soon.
The resort also features live music once a week.
SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFF MIKE FISHER was recognized by Rep. Kevin Kiley for the third year in a row in honor of National Police Week. Kiley recognized Fisher for his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the Sierra County community. Fisher has served his community for 25 years starting as a deputy, then a detective and elected to Sheriff in 2018 and 2022. Kiley stated, Fisher exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated public servant. He prioritizes the needs of Sierra County by safeguarding life, liberty, property and community values. He’s known for being a trusted leader. Kiley thanked and honored Fisher for his nearly three decades for serving and protecting the region as a dedicated public servant.
Nichole Johnson, Editor
Sierra Booster Newspaper
[email protected]
(530) 277-0891
AN INTERVIEW was conducted during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held July 1st in Downieville for the vacant Elected County Auditor position due to Van Maddox’s retirement after 28 years in the position. The Board is authorized to appoint a qualified individual to fill the position for the remainder of the elected term. Anthony Miller had been pre-interviewed by the board but government code also requires the interview be done in public. Tony was born and raised in Minnesota. He moved to Truckee at 20 where jobs focused on finance and operations. He went back to school for his MBA and then focused on obtaining his CPA license but during the process switched to CMA (certified management accountant). His focus has been on non-profit and special districts, adding he has a deep passion for community service.
He has been diving into all the financials of Sierra County and all funds and services that are managed. He would be continuing his education requirement and after obtaining his CMA licensing, he will then work toward a government financial management certification. Tony describes himself as a hard worker, team player, has a high standard of excellence, and enjoys doing good work. He sees the role of finance as an equipping department. His approach is very collaborative and transparent. He added every environment he’s walked into had a learning curve and is comfortable in self-study. Tony is at ease with diving into terrain where problems need to be solved. He loves the area and his family is excited for the potential. Board Chair Lee Adams said the board will debate and if a conditional offer is made, it will then go through the background process and then an appointment will be made.
SIERRA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS met during its regular meeting held July 1st in Downieville. Supervisor Paul Roen reported that California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham met with Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra County sheriffs along with himself and Plumas Supervisor Dwight Ceresola. Roen called it a productive meeting and stated the strike force has been effective. They’ve had at least 12 interactions with wolves and livestock and so far, have not had any depredations. Board Chair Lee Adams added the Director was attending an RCRC meeting in Alturas along with Secretary Wade Crowfoot. Much discussion was on the wolf issue. Crowfoot acknowledged what is happening in the Sierra Valley is not sustainable.
RESOLUTIONS authorizing cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for Sierra County Mid-Management employees and Department Managers were discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on July 1st. Both are being sent to the Finance Committee to look over and to make sure they stay within the means of the county budget and will be brought back for consideration at the next meeting on July 15th.
LONGEVITY PAY for department managers based on years of service in a department manager role with Sierra County was discussed during the same meeting. The Board had directed staff to return with cost figures for longevity pay under two proposed schedules: 5% at 10 and 20 years of service, and 5% at 7, 4% at 12, and 3% at 20 years. The estimated cost for the first option is $20,713, while the second option is projected at $50,946. Additionally, the Auditor provided an estimate for a third option: 5% at 10, 15, and 20 years, totaling $41,426.
The first option of 5% at 10 and 20 years was approved unanimously with Supervisor Lila Heuer absent. Supervisor Sharon Dryden stated this motion pushes longevity back into the schedule and felt there should be some benefit and reward to stay in those positions.
GET LOST in the Lakes Basin and find your next dining experience at the Gray Eagle Lodge, just a short drive up Gold Lake Highway from the Graeagle side.
Owners Bret, Lynn Smith and their son Brady, originally from the Bay Area, now of Verdi, have owned the resort which features 20 cabins, two lodge guest rooms and a manager’s cabin for 32 years. Bret remarked his father bought it in 1983 and he grew up with many of the families who still vacation there today.
A stay at the resort includes breakfast and dinner, but the bar and dinner service is open to everyone.
The resort bar opens from 2-4 daily with a bar menu and drink specials and then features dinner with nightly entree specials starting at 5:30 p.m. prepared by Executive Chef Lynn Hagen. Reservations required.
Lynn is no stranger to the area having been the Executive Chef with the Gray Eagle Lodge in the 90’s until she opened her own restaurant, Grizzly Grill in Blairsden. Lynn recently sold the restaurant after over 20 years of success and has returned to the Gray Eagle Lodge.
My husband and I had the opportunity to dine there on a Sunday night. Upon arriving, kids played outside and adults enjoyed the summer evening walking along the path between cabins that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Sunday night special was Oven Roasted Rack of Pork with a parmesan herbed bread crumb crust, vegetable saute and polenta which was prepared perfectly. We also enjoyed Caprese Fettuccini with Sirloin Tips that was delicious. Our dinner was topped off by indulging in a shared piece of mud pie. It was a wonderful evening that we plan to experience again soon.
The resort also features live music once a week.
SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFF MIKE FISHER was recognized by Rep. Kevin Kiley for the third year in a row in honor of National Police Week. Kiley recognized Fisher for his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the Sierra County community. Fisher has served his community for 25 years starting as a deputy, then a detective and elected to Sheriff in 2018 and 2022. Kiley stated, Fisher exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated public servant. He prioritizes the needs of Sierra County by safeguarding life, liberty, property and community values. He’s known for being a trusted leader. Kiley thanked and honored Fisher for his nearly three decades for serving and protecting the region as a dedicated public servant.
Nichole Johnson, Editor
Sierra Booster Newspaper
[email protected]
(530) 277-0891
