LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The kindness of the season came early to many students of Carlé High School due to the generosity of the special group Totes for Teens.

These amazing volunteers put together duffel bags and much more for so many children in need all over our community. Students received clothing, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and so much more.

One of the truly unique and heartwarming aspects of their kindness is that in each bag there are two wrapped presents for the students to give out.

One present is to be given to an adult and one to another person about your age. What an amazing pay it forward example.

These incredible people ask for absolutely nothing in return and work literally the whole year for their generous time of giving. They are so humble that they did not stay around to watch the absolute joy that our students displayed.

In the spirit of the Totes group students shared with others in need and even set up a table in teacher Alan Siegel’s room for things that others might need to come and browse and then utilize. Words cannot describe the joy and thankfulness of our student body to these amazing people.

Here is their story: Cheri Johnson, the creator of Totes for Teens, was at Walmart one Christmas working on making donations to kids and she was buying fleece blankets and a assortment of other things. 

Johnson had seven carts full and a woman asked her, “Why are you buying all of this?” so she told her.

A teenage girl behind her started to cry and said, “How come no one does anything for teenagers?”

This young girl’s words resonated with Johnson so much that she put this amazing nonprofit organization together.

Totes for Teens has been around for nearly 15 years. What Johnson likes the most about her organization is that it sends a message to children that people really do care about them, people they will never meet and will never know.

It is also great for all the people who work with Totes for Teens because the focus is on giving as opposed to getting.

Her message was at the beginning: “The fans sit in the stands and the players are on the field.” Everyone who helps with totes are the players that bring all this about.

Tasha Volitar and her two lovely daughters, Mikayla, 13, and Elizabeth, 8, have been volunteering for six years.

Volitar thinks right now we, as a community, need to let our teens know we care about them because people have lost sight of the idea that just because children are older doesn’t mean they should get any less attention then the little ones.

Marla Peterson is a two-year volunteer and former head of Konocti Unified's food services. Peterson is also part of the committee that helps runs Totes for Teens.

Peterson said that teens sometimes forget that people really care about them and want to help. She said this is just their way to remind them that it is a gift from volunteers who care and not a hand out. A lot goes into putting the totes together but the teens are all worth it.

Totes for Teens had a lot of donations this year to give out to many schools and they needed help getting everything together so Principal Koehler brought seven students up to help with wrapping and stuffing totes for everyone.

This was a great opportunity for our students to see how much goes into an endeavor like this one and an even better chance to get to know these wonderful volunteers personally.

On Friday, Dec. 2, student council hosted a fun end of the day where all student participated in the wonderful activities.

Lance Christiansen’s room was the board game and 21 tournament. Angie Siegel, Heather Koehler and Olga Paselk hosted holiday craft making. Alan Siegel’s room was video games. Dan Maes helped host karaoke in the library and treated everyone to some great guitar playing. Everyone had a lot of fun.

This week’s CHILY winner was Destiny Blevins and she grabbed an awesome rainbow unicorn piggy bank. Congratulations.

Student of the week was Stacie Clemmons. Stacie was a key player in the Totes project and was instrumental in getting all the gear out to the right people. In addition she handles all the birthday card making at school. She makes sure each and every student has a handmade card with lots of kind words from the staff and students. Congrats, you have definitely earned it.

Bruno Sabatier from Woodland Community College came and visited our school and students. He went on our morning bulletin and then visited two classes during sixth period to talk about the benefits of a college going experience.

Mr. Sabatier will come back again on Dec. 5 to finish speaking to all of our students. He is such a warm and honest person who so clearly understands and cares for our students that he really gets his points through to us. We truly appreciate the efforts of Mr. Sabatier looking out for our futures.

Brianna E. Legg is a student at Carlé Continuation High School.

John M. Puccetti
Nov. 15, 1950 – Nov. 27, 2016

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lord has called home another gentle soul. Johnny was born in Lakeport, California to parents John and Lea Puccetti, and resided in Kelseyville for most of his life. He is survived by many friends and family.

Johnny was blessed with a lively spirit and a warm heart and he was a generous person who aided those who called upon him for help. With a fun-loving smile and a wry sense of humor, he never failed to light up a room or put people at ease.

As an active resident of Kelseyville, he embraced the town and its people. Johnny was a successful entrepreneur (Affordable Travel, Lucca, Country Clothing, The Shoe Closet and John’s Market) and was involved in many civic associations including the Kelseyville Lions Club, the Kelseyville Business Association, and was a treasured member of the Kelseyville Pear Festival.

Even though he rarely spoke about his involvements, he was privately very pleased to be one of the many people who were instrumental in the development and growth of Kelseyville.

Johnny’s personal deeds to his family and friends were unmatched. He was a good friend to many and was friendly to all. He will be dearly missed.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Johnny’s life will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Kelseyville on Monday, Dec. 5, at noon.

For those wishing to attend, a rosary will be performed at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County and the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Pavement repairs from Sayre Avenue to Glenhaven Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 29
 
– Pavement marker replacement from 0.3 miles north of the Siegler Canyon Bridge to just north of Cruikshank Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance near Lee Barr Road on Wednesday, Dec. 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Bridge deck repairs at the Brush Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs from Maple Avenue to Oak Street. A shoulder closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 20

– Pavement repairs from the North Calpella Overcrossing to Cold Creek Bridge #3 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays.

Highway 101
 
– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 25 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Bridge deck repairs at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near the Feliz Creek Bridge on Friday, Dec. 2. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Hewlitt and Sturtevant Road to the Hopland Cal Fire station beginning Wednesday, Dec. 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Bridge rail upgrades at the South Willits Overhead will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Emergency slide repairs just south of Standish-Hickey State Park will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Frank Davis (Lee Franklin Davis) was born Dec. 16, 1933, in Olney, Texas. He left this world Nov. 23, 2016, in Lakeport.

On Jan. 24, 1951, Frank entered the U.S. Army at the age of 17 years old serving in Germany and in Korea. Frank enjoyed and was very proud of his military service. During his three years of service he received the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal,  and the Army Occupation Medal for Service in Germany. Frank was honorably discharged on Jan. 8, 1954.

After the Army Frank got on with life. He was a hard worker, always providing for his family. He could do most anything. He worked in sawmills, gas stations, worked for a plumber until he had his own plumbing business and spent almost 20 years working at Mount Konocti Growers until he retired.

Retirement was really just a word as he never stopped working. He loved his work and could work most men into the ground. He loved to work around the ranch, built and repaired all sorts of things, helped friends and family and loved cutting firewood.

Frank wasn't much of a conversationalist, and he had a dry sense of humor. He loved to fish, and liked walking with his dogs that he loved dearly. Most of all he liked being with his kids and grandkids and helping them; all you had to do was ask Frank, Dad, Grandpa or Papa.

Frank was loved and will be dearly missed.

Frank is survived by his wife, Anne; two daughters, Cindy and Sandy; two sons, Darrell and Brian; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four siblings. He is predeceased by four siblings.

He dearly loved his kids and their kids, was a good husband and provider and would do anything for his family.  

A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Hall at 5005 Second St, Kelseyville, on Dec. 16. All friends and family are welcome and encouraged to attend. They will be gathering at noon with the Lake County Military Funeral Honors at 12:30 p.m. and lunch to follow after the service.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The next free household hazardous waste dropoff event will be held Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at Lake County Waste Solutions Transfer Station and Recycling Yard, 230 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport.
 
Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Households can bring up to 15 gallons of toxic items free of charge. Fees will be charged for amounts over 15 gallons.

Items that are accepted include paint, solvents, fuels, five-gallon propane tanks (empty), pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, batteries, fluorescent light tubes (up to 60 linear feet) and other toxic materials that cannot be put in the trash.

Items that cannot be accepted include televisions, computer monitors, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials or infectious wastes.

To learn how and where to properly dispose these items, please visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us or contact the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980.

Household hazardous waste dropoff services are provided to Lake County residential households by the Integrated Waste Management Division of the Lake County Public Services Department and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

Businesses also are welcome to use this convenient service to properly dispose of hazardous waste and protect our environment, however, businesses must pay for this county-funded service and first make an appointment. Business appointments can be made by calling Lake County Waste Solutions at 707-234-6400.

Beginning in June, ask about receiving a free puncture-proof sharps container at one of these events to use for free sharps disposal.

Free recycling options for residents and businesses:

· Recycled paint is available to both residents and businesses at Lake County Waste Solutions and South Lake Refuse and Recycling Center first-come, first-served basis in five gallon containers. Colors include tan, brown, gray and pink.

· Used motor oil and cooking oil can be dropped off by businesses and residents, at Lake County Waste Solutions, South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center, and the North Shore Fire Protection District station at 6257 Seventh Ave. in Lucerne. Visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us for more locations.

· Electronics (e-waste) can be dropped off at Lake County Waste Solutions and at South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center.

Lake County Waste Solutions
230 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport
888-718-4888 or 707-234-6400
Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
www.candswaste.com

South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center
16015 Davis St., Clearlake
Open daily, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
707-994-8614
www.southlakerefuse.com

The free Household Hazardous Waste drop off program is subsidized by the Lake County Public Services Department, Integrated Waste Management Division and CalRecycle as a public service to Lake County households.

For more information about recycling, reusing and reducing, visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us , call the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980 or like Lake County Public Services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LCPublicServices?fref=ts .

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest Research Stations have released the draft Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) science synthesis.

The draft synthesis, when finalized, will help to provide a scientific foundation for land management plans for 17 national forests within the NWFP area.

The public can provide input on the science content of the draft synthesis in two ways:

· Attend a public forum webinar Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows.

· Through Jan. 6: Upload written input via http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/research/science-synthesis/index.shtml .

The synthesis is a highly influential science document as defined by the Office of Management and Budget.

As part of the requirements for such a document, an independent peer review is underway. It is being coordinated by the Ecological Society of America.

Peer reviewers will provide their reviews to the synthesis authors in the spring of 2017. The draft will be revised and published in late 2017.

The draft NWFP science synthesis is online at http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/research/science-synthesis/index.shtml .

If you have any questions, please contact Becky Gravenmier at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 503-808-2851.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – John Dale Wright, 77, of Kelseyville, “JD” Wright, son of John and Ruby Wright, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2016.

JD was born in Porterville, Calif., on May 21, 1939. His family soon moved to Kelseyville and he graduated from Kelseyville High School.

He served his country in the Army Reserves. 

JD and Carol were married on September 24, 2016 and were married for 48 years when she passed away in 2014.
 
JD is survived by his son, Charlie Wright and wife Jessica; daughter, Suzanne Emerson and husband Chris; grandchildren, Logan, Chase and London; as well as his sister, Evadene Kirkpatrick; brother, James Wright; sister-in-law Joan Turner; brother-in-law Carl Alford; and many loving nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to express its gratitude to the staff at Rocky Point Care Center for their kindness and care during Papa’s time with them. 

A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lake Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, on Monday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. Rev. Steve Nesheim of Kelseyville Presbyterian Church will be officiating.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

SACRAMENTO – Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today issued new Auto Collision Repair Labor Rate Survey Regulations that increase consumer protections when a damaged vehicle is repaired.
 
Over the past several years, the Department of Insurance has worked on regulations protecting consumers who have filed automobile collision repair claims with insurance companies.

The regulations went through a formal public review process required by state law, which included taking and responding to public input on the regulations at public workshops, public hearings, and through written public comments. The regulations were drafted and revised with input from consumers, insurers, and repair shops.
 
Insurers limit payments for auto collision repairs based on labor rates derived from insurer created labor rate surveys which did not fairly measure labor rates.

Consumers are left having to pay the difference between the actual labor cost of the repair and what the insurer was willing to pay based on its labor rate survey.

The new regulation sets forth voluntary standards for insurers to accurately and reliably survey auto body repair labor rates to ensure they are paying the reasonable and proper amount.
 
"Accurate and reliable labor rate surveys ensure that consumers are not left paying out-of-pocket for collision repairs, which should be covered by insurance, or worse, forced to leave the vehicle in disrepair creating a potential safety concern," said Commissioner Jones.
 
The Office of Administrative Law (OAL), which independently reviews all new regulations, approved the Commissioner's regulation yesterday. The regulation goes into effect by operation of law on Jan. 1, 2017.

However, these newly adopted regulations are part of the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, which contain a delayed compliance date in order to give insurers, who choose to use these voluntary regulations, additional time to comply. The earliest compliance date is Feb. 28, 2017.

NICE, Calif. – Thurman Dennis Hennessee went to be with the Lord early on the morning of Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, in his home in Nice at the age of 84.

A funeral service will be held at Chapel of The Lakes Mortuary on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. with visitation prior to the service starting at 9 a.m.

Dennis was born March 14, 1932, in Dunlap, Tenn., to Alexander Hennessee and Roberta White.

He spent 33 years with Lockheed Martin, where he once saved the company millions by stopping a doomed launch in the nick of time. As a thank you for this catch, Dennis was given an "Outstanding Achievement Award" by the head of the company in 1966.

Dennis enjoyed his retirement playing golf, poker, bingo, crushing it at pool and fishing at Blue Lake. Dennis split his time between his Nice, Calif., home and winters in Mesa, Ariz. In Mesa, he was honored with a plaque attesting to his pool-playing skills. He loved dancing, participating in plays and taking cruises.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Leona Hennessee; son, David Hennessee; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Dennis was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Jean Crooks, and son, Richard Allen Hennessee.

Flowers can be sent to Chapel of The Lakes Mortuary at 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .