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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
William Michael Viley of Clearlake died last Friday following a crash the previous day, on what was his 58th birthday, according to the Sonoma County Coroner's Office.
Viley was injured in a Thursday crash on Highway 53 at the Olympic Drive turnoff, according to Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain.
Police officials told Lake County News last week that the crash – which involved a Hey, Taxi minivan that turned into the path of an oncoming vehicle while turning onto Olympic Drive – had resulted in only minor injuries.
McClain explained Monday that the report was based on information police had received from Redbud Community Hospital, where Viley and others involved in the collision were taken for treatment.
Viley had been one of five people in the van, said McClain. He and two other people were being transported to the DaVita Dialysis Center on Olympic Drive.
Unbeknownst to police, Viley was airlifted later on Thursday to Santa Rosa for treatment of head injuries, McClain said.
While undergoing brain surgery just after midnight on Friday morning, Viley died, said McClain.
Clearlake Police received a call later on Friday from a Sonoma County Sheriff's detective informing them of Viley's death, he added.
McClain said the Sonoma County Coroner's Office is investigating Viley's death to pinpoint the cause.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKEPORT – Sgt. James Rayburn is home on leave after serving nine months there in Iraq.
The US Army veteran has only 18 short days at home before he returns to Iraq to serve another six months and complete his tour of duty. When he is not deployed, James and his wife and children live in Kentucky where his duty station is Fort Campbell.
Rayburn is originally from Middletown and still thinks of Lake County as home.
Several months ago his name and address were given to Operation Tango Mike, along with a request to send care packages to bolster the soldier’s morale. The request came from a teenager in Middletown, who attends the same church as the Rayburn family members that remain in Lake County. That young man, Tyler O’Brien, has supported Operation Tango Mike through participation via the Interact Club at Middletown High School.
Rayburn asked his local family members early last week to contact someone from Operation Tango Mike to make arrangements to meet. The soldier wanted to thank his supporters and share his thoughts and true stories of how care packages and contact from home have helped him throughout his deployment.
The sergeant and his family arrived at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport on Friday morning to a warm welcome and a cake decorated in the style of an American flag. The soldier was presented with gifts and greeting cards and was showered with thanks, hugs and handshakes.
He spoke of how difficult time away from home can be in a war zone. He then added that every card, letter and care package make it bearable.
Rayburn said the first time he received a care package from Operation Tango Mike was a truly exciting experience. Although every mail call is uplifting when your name is called, that first package was very moving. The soldier said he examined the package, saw a Lake County return address, and thought, “This is from home!”
He expressed his gratitude for the care packages and support he has received. Moreover, he repeatedly spoke of “what a great thing it is Lake County is doing” in sending care packages. The soldier said he knows with certainty there are many others deployed far from home that benefit from the support.
Operation Tango Mike will continue to send care packages and support to Sgt. Rayburn throughout his deployment.
Approximately 80 to 100 care packages are prepared and shipped monthly. Donations of goods for the care packages and financial contributions for shipping costs are always needed. Checks can be mailed to 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451.
The next packing party will be June 26 at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank on 11th Street in Lakeport.
Volunteers are welcome and should contact Ginny Craven at (707) 349-2838 or
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT – Lake County Animal Care and Control will hold a grand opening celebration this week for its new shelter.
The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the new shelter, located at 4949 Helbush Drive, across from the Lake County Jail.
The new, 7,800-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was opened to the public April 28, as Lake County News has reported. Construction on the $2 million project began in April of 2007.
When staff moved to the new facility in April, they left behind the cramped, 1940s-era facility located behind the Lake County Agriculture Department on Lakeport Boulevard.
The shelter, in its current phase, has roughly the same number of kennels as the old – 34 kennels for dogs, 38 kennels for cats and 24 kennels for feral cats, plus 16 dog isolation kennels.
Another planned construction phase will double that capacity and add a clinic for treating animals on site. A barn and livestock pens also will be added, officials reported.
Animal Care and Control invites the community to attend the grand opening and visit the new facility this Thursday. Refreshments will be served.
For more information call Animal Care and Control, 263-0278.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Cal Fire reported that the fire had burned more than 3,500 acres since it was discovered Sunday afternoon in the Walker Ridge area near the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision, east of Clearlake Oaks. There is zero containment reported so far.
Due to limited firefighting resources, Cal Fire has stated that the fire could grow to 10,000 acres in size.
A DC-10 tanker was brought in on Monday morning to make a retardant drop on the fire, Cal Fire reported.
It was due to make another drop after 2:30 p.m. Monday, with officials on scene reporting that the fire was making “a significant run,” with winds reportedly blowing from the south southeast.
A total of 35 homes were said to be in danger Monday afternoon, Cal Fire reported, up from 10 that were listed Sunday. More evacuations could be possible.
Cal Fire reported that a total of 62 personnel were on scene Monday, along with 13 engines, three bulldozers and three water tenders.
The Walker Fire was burning down toward Highway 20, according to Cal Fire. One area where the fire was getting close to the highway was near the Oasis, a road house located between Clearlake Oaks and Williams.
However, the California Highway Patrol reported that Highway 20 was remaining open, and that they did not anticipate having to close it any time soon.
The county Department of Public Works reported it was shutting down Walker Ridge Road to all traffic with the exception of emergency personnel due to the fire.
Bartlett Springs Road is “enter at your own risk,” with no passage through to Indian Valley Reservoir, Public Works reported. The public is urged to stay away from the area in order to allow fire equipment to get to the fire line.
CHP said Bear Valley Road was being shut down from the Colusa County side.
Lake County News will continue to follow the story as it develops.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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