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SERVING DEL NORTE COUNTY SINCE 1879 Crescent City, CA

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025

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Assistant County Administrator

Faces Felony DUI and Hit-and-Run Charges in Del Norte County; Arraignment Held July 15

E. SCHWARZ

For Country Media, Inc.

Randolph (Randy) Hooper, Assistant County Administrative Officer for Del Norte, appeared in court for arraignment on July 15 in connection with felony charges stemming from an April 19, 2025, vehicle collision near Sand Mine Road and U.S. Highway 101. The incident resulted in a two-car crash with minor injuries to the other driver and led to charges of felony driving under the influence (DUI) and felony hit and run. Presiding Judge Sara Olson acknowledged at the hearing that she was not familiar with the specifics of the case and requested additional time to review the police report and hear from the defense before further decisions could be made. During the appearance, both prosecution and defense indicated a willingness to explore possible plea arrangements. Among the options discussed were participation in a first offender DUI education program, mandatory attendance at three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week for six months, and additional diversion programs typical for first-time DUI offenses. At the time of his arrest Hooper given a breathalyzer by California Highway Patrol, (CHP), followed by a blood test which determined his blood alcohol was .18%. Legal limit for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is .08% Discussions on possible plea arrangements were interrupted when the victim, Megan Posta, age 35, of the collision—appearing remotely—objected to the potential dismissal of the hit-and-run charge. The victim’s statement prompted Judge Olson, as well as counsel for both sides, to decide that the hit-and-run charge would remain part of the case at this stage. The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for August 26, 2025. At that time, Judge Olson expects to reach a decision based on her review of the evidence and potential plea agreements. Plea decisions could be entered prior to the preliminary hearing date. Hooper was arrested and booked into Del Norte County Jail following the incident and released on a $225,000 bond. A public records search shows no prior criminal history for Hooper in Del Norte County. He remains in his administrative role with the county pending the outcome of legal proceedings. Hooper was unwilling to comment based on the advice of his attorneys.

Former Supervisor Clyde Eller Passes Away BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Two-term District 4 Supervisor Clyde Eller has passed away. Eller was 89. Supervisor Eller was living with his family in Sacramento unti he succumbed. He suffered from long-term Alzheimer’s Dementia and passed away in his sleep, July 8th. Eller owned and operated the Ft. Dick Market for over four decades and was elected to the Board for two, 4 year terms in 1994 and 1998. According his son Kenny, Clyde was a highly- principled elected county legislator who never wavered on core issues. “I am the man I am today because of my Dad,” said Kenny. He was one of a kind. “Clyde Eller was raised in humble beginnings in rural Humboldt County. One of ﬁve siblings, Clyde graduated high-school in 1953, married the love of his life, Dawn and for seventy years, the couple shared their lives. Clyde served honorably in the US Army, and returned to college to earn his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. In 1981, Clyde bought the Ft. Dick Market from his uncle. Clyde and Dawn operated the highly successful market. Kenny remembers his calling to help his fellow Del Norters...and he did it so well. Kenny reminiscences Clyde was one of a kind. He successfully ran for the Board of Supervisors twice. His reputation for integrity and honesty was above reproach. Posthumously, thank you for your service Supervisor Clyde Eller (1935-2025). You were indeed one of a kind.

Courtesy family photo

Clyde Eller provided by the Eller Family

Mills Sentencing Merging Two Cheese families:

Set for July 28 Following Guilty Pleas in South Beach Fireworks Explosion

Rumiano and Sartori

BY ROGER GITLIN

Question: What happens when you merge two award winning, four-generation Cheese companies?

E. SCHWARZ

For Country Media, Inc.

Levi Howand-Wayne Mills will be sentenced on July 28, 2025, after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges related to the South Beach ﬁreworks explosion in that hospitalized 14 people, including a four-year-old child. His co-defendant, Megan Rae Warner, resolved her role in the incident through a plea agreement that reduced her charges to a misdemeanor conviction for possession of a destructive device. On the evening in question, commercial and homemade ﬁreworks exploded during unauthorized sales activity at South Beach. The detonation caused injuries substantial enough to hospitalize 14 victims, one who was then a four-year-old Please see SENTENCING Page 7

INDEX

Opinion

Phone Number: (707) 460-8655

ANSWER: You get outstanding, award-winning heritage-rich, arguably the most delicious Cheeses on the globe. Sartori Cheese company, Plymouth, Wisconsin has purchased iconic Rumiano Cheese, Crescent City, California. All Sartori farms are located in the Badger state. The merger was ﬁnalized after Memorial Day. CEO Bert Sartori plans no changes from the highest quality Rumiano, except to win more awards. The most dedicated employees, the very best milk equals the very best cheese.

Sartori brings ﬁve different cheese categories: • Bella Vitano: nine different cheeses • Cheddar: six different cheeses • Parmesian: three different cheeses • Asiago: Two different cheeses • Snacking cheeses: four different cheeses Head over to the Sartori/Rumiano cheese factory, 511 9th Street and sample seek your favorites. You might ﬁnd a whole bunch of favorites

Courtesy photo

Sartori Cheese, CEO, Bert Sartori

• Address: 519 Chetco Avenue, Unit 7, Brookings, OR 97415 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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