Ukiah Police say they have submitted the results of their investigation into allegations that a Ukiah high school teacher sent inappropriate messages to a student he knew was underage to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s office. DA David Eyeter says his office will look over the allegations against Matthew Lafever, who has been suspended from his job as a journalism teacher at Ukiah High. He‘s facing a misdemeanor charge, but Ukiah Police say the question of whether Lafever contacted other underage girls is part of the ongoing investigation. Lafever was arrested earlier this month.
The Lake County Health Department is keeping an eye on the recall of some potentially tainted baby formula that’s made at least 15 kids sick with botulism nationwide–including two in California. The department says so far there have been no reported cases locally linked to the ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula that’s been pulled from shelves nationwide. The company has recalled the suspect formula, which was sold at several retailers, including Amazon, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, and Sam’s Club. THE FDA and CDC say there have been more cases than usual of infant botulism –and that several can be tied to the suspect formula.
A twist on the 12 days of Christmas in Lakeport. The Lakeport Kiwanis Club is planning a Christmas Ornament Hunt in Downtown Lakeport starting December 1st through the 12th. The paper ornaments will be hidden in one of the Christmas trees along Main Street, with the finders claiming a 25-dollar gift certificate from a downtown merchant. The club says it’s a fun and family-friendly way to bring in the Holiday, while encouraging people to visit downtown. This year, there will be a record 47 trees lining Main Street–sponsored by businesses, families, and community groups. Some will be decorated by local school kids.
People who get CalFresh SNAP benefits may soon have to reapply and prove they actually need help. The Agriculture Department, which funds the program administered by the state, says it’s an attempt to cut down on food stamp fraud. People who get those benefits in California are already required to verify their eligibility every year to continue to get benefits, so the logistics of re-application and proof are not yet clear. Millions of people temporarily lost their assistance due to the government shutdown, but all November benefits should now have been paid.
