Prosecutors say a violent spree that stretched across Lake and Napa counties has left a Middletown man facing 14 felony charges. Investigators accuse 37-year-old William Ralph Harbour IV of setting fires, running over his father, and torching his car before carjacking a woman and kidnapping her 7-year-old daughter. The woman was seriously injured after being thrown from the vehicle, but her child was later dropped off safely. Harbour then rammed patrol cars during a high-speed chase before being captured. He’s now charged with crimes ranging from murder-level kidnapping for carjacking to elder abuse and assault on peace officers.
The 18-acre Sky Fire near Clearkake is now fully contained. Cal Fire puts it at 100 percent, with firefighters strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hot spots as of yesterday. Crews have been at the location off Morgan Valley Road since Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, about 20 miles south near Calistoga in northern Napa County near the Lake County line, the 6,800-acre Pickett Fire is just 25 percent contained. Cal Fire reports that front-line and interior work continues over the steep, rugged terrain. Evacuation orders remain in effect with dozens of structures threatened.
Congressman Mike Thompson is back in Lake County this week, inviting residents to join him for coffee and conversation. His latest “Coffee with our Congressman” gathering starts at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Cobb. Locals can drop in, grab a cup, and talk directly with Thompson about federal policies that matter here at home. He represents California’s Fourth District, covering Lake and parts of four nearby counties.
A California couple has filed suit against OpenAI, claiming ChatGPT contributed to their 16-year-old son’s death. The lawsuit says the chatbot gave Adam Raine details on suicide methods and even helped him write a draft note before taking his life. The 40-page filing names OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing them of wrongful death, design flaws, and failing to warn families about the dangers of the technology.
Yorkville’s 37th annual Ice Cream Social is back on Labor Day, mixing summer treats with support for the local volunteer fire department. The event runs Monday, Sept. 1 from 11 to 4 at the Yorkville Fire Station on Highway 128. Along with burgers, oysters, and tacos, the star of the day is the ice cream — in plenty of flavors, plus floats and baked goods. Families can browse the book sale, bid in the auction, and let the kids cool off under the spray of a fire engine.
