Jessica Skropanic
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Articles by Jessica Skropanic
PG&E tests new way to bury power lines in Lakehead
Jessica Skropanic USA TODAY NETWORK Aug. 14, 2026, 8:47 a.m. PT Lakehead residents may notice fewer overhead power lines this summer. Pacific Gas and Electric completed an undergrounding project, placing a half-mile section of electric distribution line underground, the utility company announced in August. Crews used a new method called the Ground Level Distribution System (GLDS), which allows for shallower installation than traditional undergrounding projects, according to the announcement.
California phasing out this weedkiller after toxic spill in Dorris Original
Aug. 12, 2026, 10:42 a.m. ET California is phasing out use of a highly toxic herbicide almost two years after state lawmakers launched an investigation into its health risks and five months after a spill of the concentrated chemical closed a rural Siskiyou County town. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation said that as of the first week of August, every pesticide manufacturing company that used paraquat in California had voluntarily canceled their state paraquat product registrations.
How to join Whiskeytown’s moonlight kayak tour before space is gone
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will offer park guests the chance to float over a lake filled with reflected starlight as they gently paddle out under the August night sky. Space fills up fast when Whiskeytown hosts its annual moonlight kayak tour, so visitors should register as soon as the park opens those kayak spots if they want a seat.
Northern California nonprofits can apply for grants
Northern California nonprofit organizations can apply for new funding this this autumn. The Community Foundation of the North State announced it opened its fall 2026 grant application opportunities, with money from four distinct funds available. As the deadlines approach, organizations are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and submit their applications promptly.
New I-5 bus stops in Redding, Sacramento airport, Williams, Orland
Updated Aug. 11, 2026, 11:52 a.m. PT Ride from Redding to Red Bluff for about the cost of a gallon of gas Cost to take the new bus route from Redding to Sacramento International Airport Shasta County travelers now have direct bus service to Sacramento International Airport terminals and to downtown Sacramento and Interstate 5 towns south of Redding, starting at about the price of a Starbucks' grande cappuccino.
Redding detours, roads closed and traffic warnings during IRONMAN race
Shasta County motorists driving on Aug. 16, should take detours and plan for traffic delays and congestion in the Redding area during the 2026 IRONMAN triathlon race. Law enforcement will close roads as participating athletes swim, bike and run through Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and greater Redding areas. Road closures and detours include stretches through or near residential areas, according to race planners.
Heat wave breaks before IRONMAN swims, bikes, runs through Redding
Redding and Shasta County will get a break from triple-digit heat before the IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California kicks off on Sunday. But it will still be a warm, intensely sunny week in Redding. Concerns for the health of even the most hale triathletes swimming, biking and running the 70-mile route in Redding's August heat have race officials taking steps to keep athletes safe.
RABA plans free shuttle bus service to Redding IRONMAN Aug. 14-16
Aug. 10, 2026, 7:48 a.m. PT People attending Shasta County's IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon events can ride a bus for free. The Redding Area Bus Authority announced Wednesday night it will provide free shuttle service between downtown Redding and the Sundial Bridge for some hours from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16.
City to replace gas line at Veda and Market Street intersection
Jessica Skropanic USA TODAY NETWORK Aug. 10, 2026, 3:30 a.m. PT Redding Public Works announced it will replace gas line on a section of Veda Street at the South Market Street intersection. Motorists driving in Redding should plan for possible delays and traffic controls while crews work in the Veda Street area, said Cassandra Merkle, development services technician at Redding Public Works, in the announcement.
Trial on hold for caregiver suspected of allegedly killing 87-year-old
The trial of a 28-year-old Shingletown man — who was arrested in June in possible connection with the stabbing death of an elderly man in his care — is on hold, the Shasta County District Attorney's Office said. The DA announced Friday afternoon that Jordan Newton Moore will undergo medical examination by a court doctor after his defense lawyer reported Moore might not be competent to stand trial. Moore is scheduled to be back in court at 8:30 a.m. on Sept.
Redding man's remains return to family 38 years after he went missing
Family and friends of a Native American man who went missing 38 years ago gathered at the Shasta County Coroner's Office on Thursday, Aug. 6, to receive his remains. Pit River Tribal member James Homer “Little Man” Wright Jr. was 20 years old when he went missing on Aug.
Redding man's remains return to family 38 years after he went missing
Family and friends of a Native American man who went missing 38 years ago gathered at the Shasta County Coroner's Office on Thursday, Aug. 6, to receive his remains. Pit River Tribal member James Homer “Little Man” Wright Jr. was 20 years old when he went missing on Aug. 23, 1988, according to Native American advocate organization Indigenous Justice.
5 day trips from Redding to add to your summer and fall bucket lists
It’s good for the grocery, but is it good for the consumer? Going to the grocery store is a part of life we mostly do on autopilot: make a list, go to …
Travel and Leisure spotlights Shasta and Siskiyou waterfalls, dining Original
Aug. 4, 2026, 11:43 a.m. PT International travel magazine Travel and Leisure praised Shasta and Siskiyou counties’ outdoor beauty and recreational opportunities in its July 24 feature about waterfall destinations in far Northern California. “Articles like this one and events like” Redding’s first Ironman in mid-August “are helping to show the world what this community has to offer,” Redding city officials posted on social media. And why not crow?
Manton Fire burns 41 acres along Highway 36, southeast of Cottonwood
Updated Aug. 4, 2026, 10:37 a.m. PT Firefighters spent Tuesday morning stopping spread on a 41-acre vegetation fire that burned along the eastbound lane of Highway 36, 12 miles southeast of Cottonwood. The Manton Fire was 25% contained as of 7:30 a.m. and continued to belch heavy smoke into the air from where it burned next to the eastbound lane on the highway, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The blaze started just after 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug.
Shasta County sunrises, sunsets shift under permanent daylight saving
The wait continues on whether Northern Californians and other Americans will stop changing their clocks twice a year. The U.S. House voted 308-117 on July 14 to make daylight saving time permanent, sending the bill called H.R. 139 to the Senate for consideration.
Roommate arrested after Siskiyou woman's death, sheriff's office said
A 68-year-old of Seiad Valley woman, whose body was found 2 miles north of Yreka in June, may have been killed by her roommate, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said. An autopsy on the body of Frankie Marie Keller showed she died as a “result of blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide,” sheriff’s spokesperson Sage Milestone announced on Monday morning, Aug. 3.
Roommate arrested after Siskiyou woman's death, sheriff's office said
Aug. 3, 2026, 12:25 p.m. PT A 68-year-old of Seiad Valley woman, whose body was found 2 miles north of Yreka in June, may have been killed by her roommate, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said. An autopsy on the body of Frankie Marie Keller showed she died as a “result of blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide,” sheriff’s spokesperson Sage Milestone announced on Monday morning, Aug. 3.
2 Mexican eateries in Redding are worth getting off I-5, readers say
The votes are in on the Record Searchlight’s readers’ poll of best Mexican restaurants. We asked readers to choose their favorite Mexican eatery — from food trucks to family restaurants — in towns along Interstate 5 in Shasta County, from Cottonwood to Shasta Lake.
Anderson police find still cooking moonshine in probationer's garage
July 28, 2026, 3:05 a.m. PT Home brewing beer legally may be popular, but is it legal to have a moonshine still on your California property? Not unless you have the necessary permit and license, according to the Anderson Police Department and the American Home Distillers Association. Officers said they arrested a Shasta County man for just that on July 22 after they found a still cooking liquor over an open flame in his garage.
First West Nile Virus in Shasta of 2026 found in Anderson mosquitoes
The California Department of Public Health listed West Nile Virus cases in 2026 by county. This map of counties with human cases (blue) and counties where the disease was found in animals (green) or mosquitoes was current as of July 17. Provided by the California Depar USA TODAY Network, Reuters Mosquitoes in Anderson tested positive for West Nile virus, putting people and some animals at risk of catching the disease if they're bitten by an infected insect.
Colorado State Fair to mark America250 and state's 150th anniversary
Visitors to the 2026 Colorado State Fair, open Aug. 28 through Sept. 7, will see a celebration that honors state and national milestones, event planners announced. The 11-day fair will feature special educational and entertainment elements to highlight the United State's 250th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of Colorado's statehood, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Siskiyou Humane Society receives mobile emergency pet rescue trailer Original
Jessica Skropanic USA TODAY NETWORK July 24, 2026, 3:46 a.m. PT A trailer donated to the Siskiyou Humane Society in Mount Shasta could help animal rescuers care for dozens of displaced pets during emergencies. AKC Reunite, a branch of the American Kennel Club specializing in lost pet recovery, announced it provided the Siskiyou County shelter with a new disaster relief trailer.
Evacuations ordered as Quartz Fire burns southeast of Montague Original
July 23, 2026, 3:20 p.m. PT A vegetation fire in eastern Siskiyou County prompted evacuations on Thursday afternoon, July 23, and threatened at least two structures, firefighters reported. Firefighters are battling the Quartz Fire, which spread to half an acre by 3 p.m., according to Watch Duty fire app. It's burning through very dry brush, The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order for people living in zone SIS-5004, southeast of Montague.
Shasta County Probation to open $1.5 million Redding vocational center
Jessica Skropanic USA TODAY NETWORK July 23, 2026, 3:07 a.m. PT Young people in Shasta County who are involved in the justice system will soon have access to new job training and educational programs in Redding. The Shasta County Probation Department will soon open its new $1.5 million juvenile rehabilitation facility's west campus on Radio Lane.
After Lake Shasta fatal incidents, sheriff's office urges caution
Three people who drowned in Lake Shasta in June and July might still be alive if they had taken one basic safety precaution, according to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. Members of the sheriff’s boating safety unit are working to reduce the number of people hurt or killed on Redding area waters following three drownings, a fourth death and multiple rescues in June and July.
Adopt a pet for free at Haven Humane for 1 week
Jessica Skropanic USA TODAY NETWORK July 21, 2026, 3:49 p.m. PT Families considering pet adoption have an extra incentive in July. Haven Humane Society is waiving adoption fees in July, according to a community announcement. Haven is participating in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s nationwide 2026 Empty the Shelters event.
Gumboot Campground reopens in Shasta-Trinity National Forest Original
July 21, 2026, 3:44 p.m. PT The U.S. Forest Service re-opened a remote campground in a picturesque spot in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest after closures during a kidnapping and standoff with law enforcement on July 16-17. Gumboot Campground is open to forest vacationers, the Forest Service recently reported. The fee-free campground sits near to Castle Crags deep in the Shasta-Trinity wilderness at a 6,050-foot altitude.
2 kidnapped in Shasta-Trinity National Forest were studying wildlife Original
July 21, 2026, 12:01 p.m. PT Two U.S. Forest Service employees who were kidnapped and held at gunpoint for 15 hours in a remote part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest were researchers looking for wildlife. “They were doing surveys on frogs in the area” U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Tom Stokesberry said.
Trader Joe's fans from Eureka, Redding, Mt Shasta favor these 10 items
Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets Dark chocolate, Asian fusion and crunchy snacks rank high among top groceries customers at Trader Joe's in Redding carry out the door. Most popular items are foods under the specialty grocery store's brand, said Redding store manager Steve Schaarschmidt. High on the list are snacks that require no preparation, and microwaveable frozen foods that taste like carry-out restaurant meals but are less expensive.
Biscar Fire closes Highway 395 northeast of Susanville
California drivers traveling to parts of Lassen National Forest or to Reno faced road closures and smoky conditions in east Lassen County on Monday. The Biscar Fire burning about 25 miles northeast of Susanville closed parts of U.S. Highway 395 from 1 mile north of Viewland to 7 miles north of Ravendale, the California Department of Transportation reported.
Redding City Manager William Tarbox dies after 5 months on the job
Redding City Manager William Tarbox photographed in his office on April 22, 2026. Redding City Manager William Tarbox died at the age of 58 on Sunday, July 19 - five months into his tenure, city officials said Monday. The City Council was expected to add to their July 21 agenda steps to appoint a new interim manager - the latest on a growing list of top seats to fill. Mayor Mike Littau honored Tarbox's contributions during his short tenure.
UPDATE: Crew fighting Brook Fire near Redding suffer injuries
Ed Condit, a resident on Elk Trail East in the Bella Vista area, photographed an air tanker on Sunday morning, July 19, 2026 as it dropped retardant in fire suppression efforts against the Brook Fire, which had burned 410 acres. The blaze broke out on Saturday and rapidly grew, forcing people in the path of the fire to evacuate. Two zones were still evacuated on Sunday, but all other orders and warnings were lifted.
Brook Fire smoke chokes air quality in Redding area
Smoke rises in the air from the Brook Fire, as shown Sunday morning, July 19, 2026 from an outdoor camera near the Highline Trail in the Bella Vista area. The air quality in parts of Redding and surrounding North State communities degraded Sunday due to smoke from the Brook Fire, which spread into the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Air readings showed the areas with the worst air were around Shasta Dam, Bella Vista and Palo Cedro as of 10 a.m. on July 19.
Brook Fire smoke deteriorates air quality in Redding area
4 hours ago California Forever, a controversial project with aspirations to expand Solano County by up to 400,000 residents, was dealt a blow last week as a $3 billion contract went to Texas instead. California Forever first became known to the public in 2024, when reports surfaced that a shadowy group of …
Crews make gains against 410-acre Brook Fire near Redding
The sky was hazy in the Redding area on Sunday, July 19, 2026 due to the Brook Fire burning in the Bella Vista area. Firefighters made progress overnight on the 410-acre Brook Fire, Shasta County's largest wildfire so far of the season. The fire, which broke out just after 4 p.m. on Saturday in the Bella Vista area east of Redding, was 15% contained on Sunday morning. Bella Vista residents from two different zones remained under evacuation orders.
UPDATE: Brook Fire forces evacuations in Bella Vista as blaze spreads
The 30-acre Brook Fire burns Saturday afternoon, July 18, 2026. The Brook Fire that was threatening homes and forcing evacuations in Bella Vista and Jones Valley spread to 126 acres on Saturday. The fast-moving vegetation fire broke out just after 4 p.m. in the area of Holbrook Drive and Aloha Road and was quickly sized at 20 acres, then 40 acres. It prompted the Shasta County Sheriff's Office to order people in the path of the fire to evacuate.
Deschutes Road reopens after firefighters stop 6 fires in Anderson Original
July 17, 2026, 6:24 p.m. ET North and south bound lanes of Deschutes Road reopened after 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon after firefighters stopped spread of a cluster of six small fires that scorched a total of 1.7 acres. The blazes, called the Dersch Fire, started just before 2 p.m., on both sides of Deschutes, roughly 1 mile north of the Dersch Road intersection according to Watch Duty firefighters. That intersection borders Historic Hawes Farm.
Despite heat waves, Lake Shasta water level is where it needs to be
In spite of a dry spring and a June heat wave, Lake Shasta waters are right where they should be, historically speaking, thanks in part to powerful wet winter storms and their runoff that filled the reservoir. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reported the rain-dependent reservoir, which is California's largest, was 73% full as of midnight on Wednesday. That's the lake's historic average for that date over the past 30 years. Each year, 90% of the water that fills Lake Shasta comes from rain.
Rabies confirmed in Shasta, Tehama county bats. How to stay safe
July 16, 2026, 12:43 p.m. PT Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Officials urge residents to vaccinate their pets and avoid contact with wild animals, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior.
What Mexican eatery off I-5 near Redding is tops? Vote now
July 16, 2026, 6:01 a.m. PT Interstate 5 motorists traveling in Shasta County who get a craving for Mexican food have a tasty problem. They must choose between the many Mexican dining spots — from food trucks to sit-down restaurants — located close to the interstate. Restaurant hot spots include areas around central Redding near Hilltop Drive, but I-5 motorists will find Mexican culinary gems in Shasta Lake, Anderson and Cottonwood, too.
These 7 Redding neighborhoods are real estate hot spots
Redding’s real estate market is heating up, with seven neighborhoods commanding special attention from buyers. The average price of a Redding home hovered just below $400,000 between March and May 2026, according to real estate brokerage website Redfin, rising about 4.8% since spring 2025. Last spring, the average home sold for about 1% below its list price, with most homes selling in about three weeks.
7 hot Redding neighborhoods where real estate is in demand
7 hot Redding neighborhoods where real estate is in demand Jessica Skropanic, Stringr Thu, July 16, 2026 at 11:01 AM UTC 7 hot Redding neighborhoods where real estate is in demand Do you live in one of Redding's top real estate hot spots? These 7 neighborhoods draw home buyers, Shasta County realtors said.
How to enter your pet in the 2027 Haven Humane calendar contest Original
Jessica Skropanic USA TODAY NETWORK July 15, 2026, 6:01 a.m. PT Got a doggone cute pooch or a kitty who dreams of strutting the cat walk? Pets shine in Haven Humane Society's 2027 North State Pet Calendar Contest. The top 12 pets will be featured in the 2027 calendar and receive a professional photo session with Mike Riot Photography. The first-place winner will appear on the calendar cover and receive a full-month feature spread.
Cool down at these ice cream and frozen yogurt spots in Redding
As Redding's heat rises, the community's independent ice cream and frozen yogurt shops have jumped into action, drawing in customers eager for sweet, cool treats as temperatures soar. Places ready to serve up the scoops and more this summer include the 32 Below Ice Cream Shop, which added a second location in the city when it opened at the Redding Public Market downtown dining and party spot late last year.
Chill out at 32 Below Ice Cream Shop in Redding
Jessica Skropanic July 15, 2026, 5:02 a.m. PT 32 Below Ice Cream Shop at Redding Public Market scoops up popular flavors like mochi, birthday cake and caramel cone. Jessica Skropanic/Record Searchlight 32 Below Ice Cream Shop at Redding Public Market scoops up popular flavors like mochi, birthday cake and caramel cone. Jessica Skropanic/Record Searchlight Shayla Burton dishes up favorites at 32 Below Ice Cream Shop at Redding Public Market.
Which are hottest Redding neighborhoods and where heat stroke is worst Original
Redding sits in one of the hottest regions in Northern California, but some places in the region are hotter than others, according to heat analyses. Weather over Redding and other parts of the Northern Sacramento Valley bottle in summer heat, according to the National Weather Service. At the same time, mountains to the west in Trinity County keep most of the cool ocean air from getting to Shasta County.
YMCA issues simple water safety tips for parents and grandparents
Shasta Family YMCA staff want parents and caregivers to know five important water safety tips before their kids dive into Whiskeytown or Lake Shasta, WaterWorks Park or other pools. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children in that age group, the YMCA said.
YMCA issues simple water safety tips for parents and grandparents
Shasta Family YMCA staff want parents and caregivers to know five important water safety tips before their kids dive into Whiskeytown or Lake Shasta, WaterWorks Park or other pools. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children in that age group, the YMCA said.
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