Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/708348
the call about the shoot- ing, another man phoned in from a gas station, say- ing his car had been taken with his wife and two sons still inside. "The man had come out of the gas station to see his dog running around and his car gone," Yreka Police Chief Brian Bowles told The Associated Press. Bowles said Edwin Lara forced one of the man's sons to drive at gunpoint. The mother and sons were later dropped off at a rest stop. A California Highway Patrol Officer later saw a car speeding on the in- terstate about 100 miles away and tried to pull it over, the highway patrol said in a statement. Lara sped away at more than 100 mph (160 kph). Police from the nearby town of Corning joined in before Lara pulled over and was arrested. A 19-year-old Sa- lem, Oregon woman, Aun- drea Elizabeth Maes, was also in the car and was ar- rested, Yreka police said. Lara and Maes were booked into jail on charges including attempted mur- der, kidnapping, carjacking and burglary, Yreka's police department said in a state- ment. Bowles said investi- gators were still trying to determine whether Lara or Maes had shot the man at the motel. The relationship between Lara and Maes is not clear. "We have got crime scenes at a motel, a gas station and in Red Bluff more than 100 miles away," Bowles said. "We're a small department and stretched beyond our resources right now." Police in Bend, Oregon, later announced that Lara's wife had alerted authori- ties Monday of his possi- ble involvement in the dis- appearance of Kaylee Saw- yer, 23, of Bend. Sawyer was last seen around 1 a.m. Sun- day around her apartment, which is close to where Lara, 31, works as a secu- rity guard at Central Ore- gon Community College. Isabel Ponce-Lara, Lara's wife, was recently hired by the Bend Police Department and has been receiving field training, the department said on Tuesday. "Officer Ponce-Lara is not suspected to be involved in the disappearance of Kay- lee Sawyer," the department said, adding that she "has been cooperative through- out the investigation." Bend police had issued a statement Monday saying they were looking for Lara, of Redmond, as a "person of interest" in Sawyer's dis- appearance. Late Monday, authorities said they were changing their investiga- tion from a missing person case to a homicide, but gave no details. Lt. Clint Burleigh of the Bend Police Department said Sawyer's body has not been found, and declined to say what caused detectives to change the case from a missing person to a homi- cide. "There is a lot of informa- tion coming out, quickly," he told AP. "It is very fluid." Lara had worked as a part-time public safety offi- cer at Central Oregon Com- munity College since De- cember 2014, said Ron Par- adis, executive director of college relations. "We're cooperating with the police as best we can," Paradis said, declining to comment further. Newspaper reports from 2009 and 2010 list Isabel Ponce-Lara as a student at the community college, and being on the dean's list. Kidnapping FROMPAGE1 DAILYNEWSFILEPHOTOS Long-time Red Bluff resident, cattleman and former Tehama District Fairboard member Bob Kerstiens Sr., pictured here in November 2011with a picture of himself in his younger days in the military, has died. He worked for Cal Fire for many years. Bob Kerstiens Sr. is shown in his younger days while in the military during World War II. Barry Bahrami of Carls- bad submitted the peti- tions. He did not return phone or email messages Tuesday. Craig DeLuz, a lobbyist for the Firearms Policy Co- alition, said he knows of no financial backers that in- tend to help the campaign generate millions of dol- lars needed to collect sig- natures. DeLuz said officials with the National Rifle Associ- ation, the California Rifle and Pistol Association and other groups have told him they are not seriously con- sidering signing on to the campaign. Phone messages left with press and opera- tions staff at the NRA and CRPA were not immedi- ately returned Tuesday. The Firearms Policy Co- alition also has decided not to contribute money, he said. "We're all membership organizations that have limited resources and, in a state like California, we have to utilize those re- sources judiciously," DeLuz said, adding that his group is considering challenging the laws in court. Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown signed six bills ear- lier this month requiring ammunition retailers to be licensed, to conduct back- ground checks on buyers and to record ammunition transactions. The laws also mandate background checks to lend guns to non-family mem- bers, outlaw rapid-reload- ing devices developed in response to the state's ban on assault weapons, and require people who own magazines that hold more than 10 rounds to give them up. Brown has signed one gun-control bill since Bah- rami filed for permission from the state attorney general's office to circulate the petitions. AB857 aims to track homemade weap- ons by requiring people who own or assemble them to apply for a serial num- ber and affix it to the gun. Guns FROM PAGE 1 "Bob Kerstiens is a leg- end, who made our lives his legacy," said State Sen. Jim Nielsen. "He was like a brother and mentor to me. Bob is truly an example of a hero and a caring man, one our nation is blessed to have had Bob's service and lead- ership throughout his life- time. He was particularly a credit to the North State. He will be missed." A Red Bluff High School graduate, Kerstiens said in a 2009 Daily News arti- cle the only time he missed the Round-Up was the four years he spent serving in the Army during World War II. He recalled those years 70 years later when inter- viewed for a Veterans Day article in November 2011. "There was a full bus load of us who gathered in front of the State Theatre and went to the Presidio in San Francisco," Kerstiens said. "From there, they sent me to Oklahoma and I never saw the rest of the boys from Red Bluff until the war was over five years later." Kerstiens graduated as the head of his class from Red Bluff Union High School in 1943, but had enough credits that he finished early and was done in January, joining the US Army right out of high school. He was sent to Camp Grubber in Musk- ogee, Oklahoma, where he was trained in Engineering S2 Intelligence and Recon. From there, he was sent on a 11-day trip by troop ship to England where he spent more time training before eventually being sent to France and Germany. Ker- stiens was assigned to sev- eral different units during his time in combat. "It was an interesting job and I liked it," Ker- stiens said. "I was a part of a recon team that would go out ahead of the tanks and check the bridges to make sure they'd hold up, evalu- ate the strengths of the en- emy troops and sometimes take prisoners." The information gathered would be given over to the top-level staff who would evaluate it before deciding offensive strategies to take a town, Kerstiens said. "They were all great men," Kerstiens said in 2011. "Most of them are gone now. Wehadagoodteambecause we worked well together and trusted each other. We know what the others would do. We weren't professional soldiers. We were just cit- izens who were defending our country, but we became very good soldiers." Kerstiens was involved in the Battle of Remagen in Germany and the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and earned a bronze star. "The Battle of the Bulge is the battle with the most casualties," Kerstiens said. "More than 70,000 were killed or wounded." Kerstiens was assigned to the Ninth Armored Division during the Battle of Rema- gen, which is where the Lu- dendorff Bridge was taken. The group received a Presi- dential Unit Citation for its involvement. "We were among the first troops to go across the Rhine River into Germany," Kerstiens said. Kerstiens returned to Red Bluff in 1949 where he worked for the Califor- nia Department of Forestry, now known as Cal Fire, as a firefighter foreman. He workedmostofthepositions from bottom to top, ending a 40-year career as CDF Ranger in Charge, accord- ing to a 2011 article. He was appointed by Gov. Pete Wil- son and served more than 11 years on the state Board of Forestry. "I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing," said Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire and California State For- estry. "Bob's many contri- butions during his 40 years with the department and his leadership as the chair- manoftheBoardofForestry were influential in shaping the future of Cal Fire and California forest policy." At 86 years old in 2011, Kerstiens was still working as a cattle rancher, some- thing he did most of his life, and was living at the fami- ly's Red Bank Ranch while managing land in the Ante- lope area of Red Bluff and in Mineral. Kerstiens served as a Te- hama County Farm Bureau Director for three terms, spent 22 years as vice chair- man of the Mid Valley Bank board, which later sold to PremierWest Bank, and was a member of the Elks Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Le- gion. Kerstiens FROM PAGE 1 "We're all membership organizations that have limited resources and, in a state like California, we have to utilize those resources judiciously." —CraigDeLuz,alobbyistfor the Firearms Policy Coalition REBECCADRENON August 19, 1951 ~ July 20, 2016 Rebecca Drenon passed away in her home on July 20, 2016, in Corning CA. She was 64 years old. Becky was born on August 19, 1951 in Redding CA. to her parents Ted Drenon II and Joyce Drenon (Scott). Becky is survived by her mother Joyce Scott, Father Ted Drenon II, daughter and son-in-law Robin and James Mason, daughter and son-in-law Nicole and Ryan Ellis, daughter Ashley Johnson. Sister Roxie Wilson, brothers Teddy and Ronnie Drenon. Half sisters Brenda and Gina Drenon. Grandchildren Nicole, Jesse, Dru, Tommee, Tucker, Levi. Great Granddaughter Mila. Nieces, Neph- ews, Cousins, Aunt and Uncles. She is preceded in death by her previous husband Gary Dyke, Grandson Rodney Mason, Brother Gary Drenon, Step-Father Wade Scott, Grandma and Grandpa Esther and Luther G. Clements. Grandma Bennie and Grandpa Ted Drenon I. Services for Becky will be held at the Tehama Cemetery Thursday July 28th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Potluck to follow. DIANNE ELIZABETH BENEFIELD November 13, 1937 ~ July 17, 2016 Dianne E. Benefield passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July, 17 2016 at the age of 78. Dia- nne was born November 13, 1937 near Clear Creak, CA, the youngest of three children born to Fred and Stella Mohler. Dianne moved to Tehama County with her fami- ly at a very young age and lived here for most of her life, except for a short time living in the Sacramento area. Dia- nne met Donald J. Benefield, while she frequented a local gas station where he worked. They married on August 13, 1960 in a simple ceremony in Reno, NV. Dianne had a few jobs while she was younger, she spoke about her time working at the Diamond Mill and a small Bakery in Sacramento; however, she was most proud of her time raising their two children and volunteering with the many organizations she was involved with. Dianne was a life- time Member of the Native Daughters of California Berrendos Parlor #23, volunteered for the Hope Chest and their annual Christmas Boutique for many years, she also volunteered for the Gleaners and their local food bank and she always looked forward to election time as she worked for the local voting registrar counting mail in ballots. Dianne was very active, in the early years she en- joyed following Don watching him race all over Northern California, she loved to Deer Hunt on the family cabin on Lanes Valley, she was an avid bowler, and played softball in the local leagues. Dianne and Don raised two children, Marvin Benefield and Julie Stacy, both residing in Red Bluff. She was al- ways very supportive of her children, whether it was driv- ing Marvin to wrestling camp or supporting him with his racing and taking Julie to her cheer camp or the many pa- rades in the North State where she performed as a major- ette; Dianne loved to watch them compete. This love of watching her own children carried on to her true love and most cherished grandsons, Nolan and Drew. She was often heard with her very distinct whistle in the stands cheering them on. Dianne is survived by her Husband of nearly 66 years, Donald J. Benefield, her children Marvin (Sherrie) Benefield, Julie (J. B.) Stacy, Grandsons, Nolan and Drew Stacy, Granddaughter, Kortnee Williams, and Great Grandsons, Dakota and Carter Williams. Her brother Donald (Myrna) Mohler and many other family members who she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Fred and Stella Mohler, her Sister, Beverly Kendrick, Father-in-law, Bunt Benefield, Sister-in-law, Louise Miller, and Nephew, Kenny Benefield. Services will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 2:00PM at the Calvary Chapel in Red Bluff, CA. The family would like to invite all in attendance to join them as they honor Dianne's life with a celebration at the Benefield Residence immediately following the service. Obituaries Patrick's Pumping SepticPumpingServices Red Bluff, CA Garet Patrick Owner/Operator 530-366-6899 4patricks@att.net Available 24/7 RUNNINGS ROOFING and CONSTRUCTION SheetMetalRoofing ResidentialCommercial • Composition • Shingle • Single Ply Membrane ServingTehamaCounty 530-527-5789 530-209-5367 No Money Down! "NoJobTooSteep" " No Job Too Flat" FREE ESTIMATES CA.Lic#829089B&C39 ThePassingParadeisbroughttoyoubyMinchPropertyManagement, 760 Main Street specializing in commercial leasing and sales. 530 527-5514 THEPASSINGPARADE (FrommyISaycolumnofMay1966) We have a dog we named Mrs. Kennedy, but she doesn't get as much press as her namesake. This is because she is non-descript and over shadowed by her exotic com- panions: St. Bernards, Mastiffs and a Doberman.But she should be good copy because she is a loner, a fighter and adept in the art of self-preservation. She looks like the kind of dog that is always knocking over your garbage can. She is small…maybe 40 or 50 pounds and part Labrador. Plus, she has a gimpy hind leg. She got the leg problem by making one of the few mistakes in her life. She was hit by a car but survived and continues to live a very good life with very few credentials. Of course, so do I for that matter. Being female, but spayed for our benefit, not for her own, she rules the roost. She dominates the big male dogs when she is in a mood to acknowledge them at all. At feeding time she may be slow to come to dinner. But when she gets around to it, the big boys had better not be eating out of her dish. I've observed her nibbling daintily at her food while Toby Ty ler, the Saint, stands quietly by awaiting his turn for the left overs, if any. She will romp with them now and then, but when she tires of the game…or they get too rough, her flashing white teeth quickly signal the game is over. If we go into town in the pickup, the Saint is always securely chained to the front center of the pickup bed, but Mrs. Kennedy is left to jump in andout at her whim. I don't worry about her. She won't bite, she won't roam, she won't get hit by a car the second time…and she won't get stolen. She is not in demand. All in all she is a very desirable pet and she has a home as long as she wants one. … Speaking of dogs, we had a visitor at the ranch the other day. His name is Hans. He is a large Doberman Pinscher. We saw him at the county pound where he was tagged for destruction.But we thought he was someone of value and paid Bud Gilliam $3.00 for his release. His previous owner said he killed chickens and chased livestock. Although we have both, we thought he could be taught better behavior when around livestock. We were correct in this rega rd, but he and Buddy the Boxer got into it a couple of times and so now we think finding Hans another home is the best thing for both these alpha males. Anyhow, if you know of anyone needing a good companion and watch dog, give me a call. He has had all his shots. Now he just needs a good home. 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