The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says another fentanyl dealer is now facing a murder charge after the February death of a young Northshore woman. Deputies arrested 40-year-old Ryan Stahl of Lucerne this week, accusing him of supplying the fentanyl that killed 28-year-old Carissa Morton of Nice. Stahl is being held on $1 million bail and also faces drug charges from earlier this year. It’s the second fentanyl homicide arrest in Lake County in just over a year, and investigators say they’ll keep going after dealers as the drug continues to devastate local families.
Fort Bragg is one step away from letting people sip a beer or glass of wine while strolling downtown during special events. This week the city council approved a new “entertainment zone” on a 4-1 vote, with final approval now in the hands of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control. If it goes through, the zone will cover the heart of downtown and be active during events like First Fridays and the Longest Table. City leaders say it’s about boosting tourism, while the lone no vote warned it could create headaches for downtown businesses.
Firefighters have been working overnight on the Baldy Fire northeast of Covelo near the Humboldt County line. The blaze was first spotted around 9:50 p.m. and had already spread to around 15 acres with no containment at the time of this report. Crews, dozers, and extra water tenders are on the scene as it burns in heavy timber. CAL FIRE says the situation is still developing and updates will follow as more information comes in.
A grim discovery was made Wednesday night in Clear Lake near the shoreline of Nice. Around 7:15, crews were called to Lakeshore Boulevard and Beach Street, where they confirmed a body in the water. The Sheriff’s Office is now leading the investigation, but the person’s identity has not yet been released. More details could be released today, once authorities notify family.
Fire crews in Lake County were called out Tuesday night after reports of flames and loud booms coming from a storage facility near Old Highway 53 and Airport Road. When they arrived, two storage containers were on fire and a third was damaged before the blaze was knocked down in about 20 minutes. Crews say the explosions people heard were likely household items popping in the heat. CAL FIRE engines were brought in to help, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Kelseyville’s biggest celebration of the year is back this Saturday as the Pear Festival takes over downtown. Festivities kick off with pancakes at the firehouse, followed by the Main Street parade at 9:30, then a full day of food, vendors, contests, and kids’ fun. Highlights include the Lake County Pomo Traditional Dancers, live music all day, and plenty of pear themed treats, from desserts and tastings to the famous $5 pear shakes at the Presbyterian Church. The festival runs until 4 p.m.
A motorcyclist was injured Wednesday afternoon after colliding with a deer on Highway 162 east of Covelo. The crash happened just after 2:30 p.m., with a Mendocino National Forest employee first to arrive and assist. Emergency crews called for an air ambulance, but the rider refused and was taken by ground ambulance against medical advice. CHP confirmed the deer was killed at the scene.
Three California lawmakers want to make sure disaster survivors don’t get stuck with an unfair tax bill. Representatives Mike Thompson, Jimmy Panetta, and Doug LaMalfa introduced a bill this week that extends federal tax relief through 2026, letting victims write off disaster losses without having to itemize deductions. Thompson, who represents Lake County, says the measure gives families the certainty they need after tragedy. Panetta and LaMalfa both say the goal is simple, keep fire and disaster victims from having to fight the IRS while they’re trying to recover.
