Chico

Chico Man Faces Court for Allegedly Igniting California’s Massive Park Fire

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OROVILLE, Calif. — A resident of Chico, Ronnie Stout II, faced the Butte County Superior Court on Thursday, charged with initiating a wildfire that ranks among California’s largest in history. Stout stands accused of causing the Park Fire in July 2024, which devastated extensive regions in Bidwell Park. Following his arraignment, Stout entered a plea of not guilty to multiple charges during a court session presided over by Judge Kristen Lucena. This incident traced back to an event where Stout allegedly rolled a burning car into a gully within Upper Bidwell Park, subsequently igniting the … Read more

Chico City Council Pushes Back Against Grand Jury Findings in Recent Report

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Chico, CA – A recent Grand Jury report criticizing several aspects of municipal management has sparked pointed discussions among members of the Chico City Council. During their latest meeting, council members aired a mixture of frustration, disappointment, and resolve in response to the report’s findings. The report, which delves into areas such as city planning, disaster preparedness and fiscal management, suggested a lack of coherence in how the city handles critical governance issues. One of the most contested points was the Grand Jury’s analysis on Chico’s strategy towards homelessness. The report criticized the city’s measures … Read more

Fondly Remembering the Chico Icon: Honoring the Legacy of Former Judge Ann H. Rutherford

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CHICO, California – The community of Chico mourns the loss of former Butte County Judge, the Honorable Ann H. Rutherford. Judge Rutherford was an iconic figure in the city of Chico, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by many. One Chico resident, Steve Metzger, remembered his encounter with Judge Rutherford years ago when he contested a parking ticket in her court. Metzger vividly recalled the humorous exchange that took place. In a previous case, a man had been cited for running a stoplight, but he vehemently denied doing so. Judge Rutherford had a … Read more

Three-Vehicle Collision on Oro Chico Highway Sends Woman to Hospital

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BUTTE COUNTY, CA – A woman was hospitalized after a multi-vehicle crash unfolded on Oro Chico Highway Tuesday afternoon. The incident involved a white van, a blue Chevy truck, and a Chevy sedan, according to reports from the California Highway Patrol. The details surrounding the crash are still under investigation, and authorities have not yet released any information regarding the cause of the collision. The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, sustained injuries in the accident and was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment. Multi-vehicle accidents can often result in serious injuries … Read more