SERVING DEL NORTE COUNTY SINCE 1879 Crescent City, CA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2024
Felony Suspects Enter Their Pleas:
NOT GUILTY!
In two separate felony arraignment hearings, the charged suspects all entered Not Guilty pleas before Superior Court Judge Robert Cochran, last Tuesday afternoon. Levi Mills, 33 and Megan Warner, 32 entered Not Guilty pleas for possession of illegal explosives, selling/ ETC dangerous fireworks, Willful Cruelty to a Child, Sell/ use unclassed fireworks, Possession of fireworks without permit, Discharge fireworks likely to injure, Obstruction/ Resists Public Officer. Both suspects are out of custo-
Sea Cruise Weekend Wows Crescent City
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File photo
Shakiyla Bryant
Levi Mills and Megan Warner BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc
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dy, each on $50,000 bond. The suspects are charged with the July 4th Fireworks explosions on crowded South Beach which severely injured a now four year old child and injured 14 others who were enjoying the professional fireworks show from the Crescent City Jetty. Judge Cochran set Preliminary Hearing for Tuesday, November 19 at 9AM in Department 2. In an unrelated case, suspect Shakiyla Bryant, 52 entered Not Guilty Pleas for Driving Under the Influence, Murder / Man slaughter allegedly causing the death of 56 year old Winston Luttrell, who was riding his motorcycle south on 101 in Smith
River, when, according according to the California Highway Patrol, suspect Bryant pulled out into traffic from Mouth of the Smith River Road. Luttrell was unable to brake his motorcycle and slammed into Bryant’s vehicle. The CHP reported suspect Shakiyla Bryant, of Smith River blew a .18 blood alcohol. .08 alcohol is the legal limit to operatea. Vehicle in California. District Attorney Katherine Micks stated suspect Bryant has two previous DUIs on her record. Bryant entered Not Guilty pleas on all charges and will report to Dept.2 for a Preliminary Hearing, Tuesday, November 19th at 9AM.
1. Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Rademaker to the position through March 30, 2025 at the rate of $94,000 per year or approximately $7,833 per month. Rademaker stated, “Hardworking Americans understand the value of a dollar, and so should the Harbor District. We’re rolling out common sense reforms to ensure every dollar is spent wisely.” Rademaker earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Inter-Disciplinary Law from the University of Missouri, Columbia and a Master of Science (MS) from the California Maritime Academy, in Vallejo. As part of Rademaker’s package, he will continue to be provided gratis housing of a studio apartment on Harbor grounds, where he will make himself available 24 hours for emergency on-site response, when necessary.
Rademaker became Assistant Harbormaster in 2022, following a 12 year sojourn as a U.S. Park Ranger, Interior Department IT specialist, Bayside RV Park advisor, a Harbor paralegal, and his appointment to assistant harbormaster in 2022. Rademaker replaces Tim Petrick who unexpectedly resigned, effective September 30. Rademaker plans to introduce himself to the Crescent City Council and the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors, in the coming days. Upon signing his Harbor contract, Rademaker said, “The California Maritime Academy taught me that effective leadership starts with service to others. As a public servant, my role is to serve the people, not the other way around. I believe in listening to the community and ensuring their voices guide the decisions we make for the harbor.”
Photo credit, Gasquet Mike
Aerial view of Friday’s Show’n Shine
Harbor Commissioners Hire Interim Harbormaster
Courtesy Photo
Interim Harbormaster Mike Rademaker BY ROGER GITLIN
The Crescent City Harbor Commission appointed Assistant Harbormaster Mike Rademaker to the position of Interim Harbormaster, effective October
Harbor Commissioner Apologizes to the Public of actions taken (by the Harbor Commission). At the last meeting, I read a couple of emails, and pointed out Mr. Petrick (the former harbormaster) was less than forthcoming with me (on harbor issues). Petrick denied me access to harbor operations (including misuse of the Harbor credit card). Linda Sutter (candidate for Harbor Commission) brought me the information I requested. The information was first learned by me about two weeks. I apologize for not being more vocal in demanding this important information.” Stone then related the impossibility of outright firing a government employee. Stone stated when the beleagured Harbormaster was confronted by commissioners, he tendered his resignation. Stone said the community needs to embrace the healing process, now that a new majority of commissions will soon be
BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.
The lame duck Crescent City Harbor Commission conducted a very limited agenda at its last meeting. After appointing Mike Rademaker as Interim Harbormaster, replacing the resigned Harbormaster. Lame duckers Harry Adams, Wes White (absent from this meeting) and Brian Stone, representing the majority of the Board will participate in just two more meetings until three new commissioners are sworn in for the first meeting December 3. In a rare move, Commissioner Brian Stone approached the public speaker dias, turned away from his colleague commissioners and faced the audience. Stone then proceeded to apologize to the modestly-sized public audience. “I want to sincerely apologize to each one of you. I’m very disappointed in a lot
INDEX Opinion
Phone Number: 707-460-6727
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Harbor Commissioner Brian Stone apologizes sworn in. Stone then returned to his seat on the Board. Five candidates are vying for the three open vacancies. They are Linda Sutter, Dan Schmidt, Annie Nehmer, John Evans and Devon Morgante. The election is Tuesday, November 5.
Crossword Answers Crossword Puzzle Community Calendar
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Sea Cruise weekend closed the 2024 Benefit Car Show season in impressive style across the Northwest; and it was a most fitting closing. Mother Nature could not have been more cooperative both for the Show’n Shine Friday afternoon on Third Street and the all- day Sea Cruise Car Show Saturday at Beachfront Park. The Indian Summer weekend was wonderfully mid60’s comfortable Del Norte weather. As folks say, “it was A Chamber of Commerce Day.” Organized and presented by the Northern Knights Car Club and the Crescent City Chamber of Commerce, the event welcomed 257 exotic cars, trucks and motorcycles, from antiques to classics and hot rods to rat rods, nostalgia abounded in the magnificent weather. The Best of Show and The Best Paint was awarded to the Billinger Family of Bayside. The Outstanding 1940 Cinnamon Red Mercury Convertible will be featured on all artwork, t-shirts, etc for the 33rd Annual Show, in 2025. Sea Cruise was sponsored by Elk Valley Casino, Lisa McKeown State Farm, Les Schwab Tire, Lucky 7 Casino and Potter Real Estate Group. SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE SEA CRUISE ON PAGE 8
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Novagenerian Jim Wilson and wife Nancy of Hiouchi show of their award-winning 1969 Modified Ice Blue Chevelle
BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc
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Beautiful Woman...Beautiful Car
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