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SERVING DEL NORTE COUNTY SINCE 1879 Crescent City, CA

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024

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City Vows to Protect the Public In Wake of Fireworks Tragedy Crescent City Fire Chief Kevin Carey delivered the details of the tragic accident on South Beach, injuring 14 and gravely injuring three year old William Lupan. Chief Carey described the illegal fireworks explosion as “…one of the most chaotic things one can imagine.” Carey praised his team as trained and prepared with two minute expedient response time. Carey reported 20 firefighters and emergency workers were on site. Del Norte Ambulance responded immediately in transporting victims, including Baby Billy to Sutter Coast. Mayor Blake Inscore shared with the public his experience in driving City streets July 4th and his observing illegal fireworks on City streets throughout the City. Inscore shared his attempts

BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Mayor admits we dropped the ball. The Crescent City Council underscored its priority to keep the public safe, at its Monday evening Council meeting. City Manager Eric Wier initiated the presentation by lauding “ one of the most beautiful July 4th Celebrations, ever. Wier praised the Chamber of Commerce and the scores of City Staff and volunteers who contributed to this successful event. He then referenced the huge crowds swelling the population many times over attending the iconic Fireworks Show from the Jetty. Wier cited illegal ﬁreworks activity has dramatically increased.

Please see CITY VOWS Page 3

South Beach Fireworks Suspects Arrested and Charged With Multiple Felonies

BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc

The Del Norte Sheriff’s Office has made two arrests following an ongoing investigation related to the explosion that occurred July 4th evening on South Beach. On July 11th morning a team of Del Norte County Sheriff’s deputies, District Attorney Investigators and Cal Fire Law Enforcement served a search warrant at a Crescent City residence following the tragic fireworks incident on South Beach. Evidence was discovered during the search that strongly supports the multiple felony charges both suspects face. Megan Warner, 32 and Levi Mills, 33 were both arrested at detained in the Del Norte County Jail. Warner and Mills face the following charges when arraigned, Monday, July 15: Possession of illegal explosives, Selling/ETC dangerous fireworks, Willful Cruelty to a child, Sell/ Use Unclassed fireworks, Possession of fireworks without permit, Discharge/ ETC fireworks: likely to injure, Obstruction/ Resists Public Officer ( Amended) Suspect Mills posted a $50,000 bond Sunday, July 14. He is ordered to return to Court August 23 to enter a plea. Monday, Suspect Warner indicated she has the ability and resources to post her $50,000 but due to two unrelated outstanding warrants, the Sheriff will continue to detain her, pending resolution of those warrants. Sheriff Garrett Scott issued the following statement: “Transparency is and remains a priority at

Rickner Sentenced for Matricide and Related Felonies

Booking photo provided by Del Norte Sheriff Department DNSD booking photo

DNSD booking photo

Suspect Levi Howard-Wayne Mills

Suspect Megan Rae Warner

the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. I’ve remained somewhat silent on this matter in order to protect the integrity of this investigation and to avoid protection of any destruction of evidence that could take place. I pray our three year-old victim (William Lupan) as well as all the victims can heal from this tragedy. The negligence shown by the suspects is this case is completely unacceptable. I commend Dispatch, EMS, Fire Personnel and Law Enforcement Ofﬁcers who responded to this incident and I truly thank the many people who have reached out to support our Staff and Law Enforcement for their efforts. Public support is so important. A total of 14 victims were located and transported to Sutter Coast Hospital. Many others were injured and declined hos-

pital medical services but were assisted by emergency medical personnel on scene with burns, cuts and fragments of debris from the blast. The arrested suspects fled South Beach after the illegal fireworks fled the scene. Family Member SuZanna Kathleen Church expressed the deep appreciation and love from the Lupan family. At the date ( July 15) of this story, The Family reports the following: “ Unfortunately, Baby B has continued to fight an infection. This has caused high fevers,m now vomiting and delirium. During the last few days have done cultures and found influenza and strep. Our family and doctors thought that was it. As of today, that’s not the case. There is still a mystery to be solved to get back on the healing path. Baby B is fighting off a very high fever, vomiting and

BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Courtesy Photo from the Lupan family

Baby William remains in critical condition. delirium. Please keep in mind he needs good vibes and strength. Ewe love you B. How hard is it that yesterday he was more aware and responsive, today, not so much. Good job, Mom and Dad for being by his side. You are so strong.

Supervisors Vote to Use County Emergency Funds For Ambulance Bid Agreement

BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

In an item presented by 1st District Supervisor Darrin Short, the Board of Supervisors voted to utilize County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) funds to complete the competitive bid process for an exclusive operating area ambulance services contract in Del Norte. The decision was narrowly passed 3-2. The vote was made by motion maker Short, seconded by Supervisor Valerie Starkey and an additional AYE vote by Super-

Matthew Earl Rickner Sentenced for murder of his Mother.

Courtesy Photo

Del Norte Ambulance provides emergency service through June, 2027.

Convicted murderer Matthew Earl Rickner, 30, was sentenced a total of 60 years, six months for matricide, the shooting of Phyllis Rickner, his mother to l last December 29. Rickner was given the maximum sentence of 40 years to Life for Count 1, violation of Penal Code 187 by Superior Court Judge Darren McElfresh. The judge further ordered an enhancement of additional 20 years plus six months on several related felonies. All sentences will run consecutively. The mood in Dept. 1 was tense and agitated as Victim statements were delivered by family members. The Rickner Family urged the judge to pronounce the maximum sentence on the murderer. Assistant District Attorney Todd Zocchi called Rickner a “danger to society” and remorseless after being convicted of shooting his mother four times, once in the back her head. Del Norte Probation Ofﬁcer Kory Rosentrater, who also labeled Rickner remorseless and highly manipulative told The court Rickner intended to also shoot his uncle Ken Rickner. Emotions ran high as the family shared its grief and devastation perpetrated by Rickner. Public Defender and soonto-be Superior Court Judge, represented Rickner, argued for a maximum sentence of 45 years to Life, citing mental health issues. Judge McElfresh denied the more lenient sentence, citing no previous mitigation reports of mental health issues. Rickner was credited with 199 days in Del Norte custody, on his adjudicated sentence.

Please see AMBULANCE Page 9

INDEX

Phone Number: 707-460-6727

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• Address: 445 Elk Valley Road, Crescent City, CA 95531 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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