MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Come see the artifacts of domestic life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in south Lake County as the Gibson Museum & Cultural Center presents an exhibition of such things, now through the end of September.

This late summer display takes a peek at how women provided care and nurturing for the family.

A hand-cranked laundry wringer, an early bread toaster (you'll find the same model in the Smithsonian Museum), and a waffle iron designed for use on a coal stove show industrial efforts to make mom's life a little easier.

There's more to see, but it's not only kitchen duty.

Take a look at turn-of-the-century shoe fashions, needlework, quilts and more.

The home exhibit is nestled among mining, American Indian, and local geology artifacts and information.

Gibson docents are happy to answer questions. It's all a part of your heritage.

The Gibson Museum is located at 21267 Calistoga Road (across from Middletown Square) in Middletown.

The museum is open to visitors Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Learn more at www.thegibsonmuseum.com .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Branch 168 of Sons In Retirement held its monthly meeting at the TNT Restaurant in Lakeport on July 10.

The guest speaker was Cathy Farris, speaking on the topic of genealogy.

Farris explained her own experience tracing her family’s history. Many of the members also shared their experiences.

Farris pointed out that www.FamilySearch.org is one of the largest and most trusted Web sites. This and many other genealogical Web sites are available at the Family History Center of the LDS Church free of charge and you don’t have to be a member of the church.

The high point of the meeting was when Larry Powers was elevated to Honorary Life Member by the membership.

Powers has been a member of SIR Branch 168 for 22 years. He has served as Big SIR of Branch 168 as well as many other positions in the branch and the state organization.

Sons In Retirement is a social organization for men of retirement age who are pursuing the goal of enjoying their later years. It has 142 branches with 18,000 members throughout the state.

Branch 168 holds a luncheon on the second Friday of each month at the TNT Restaurant in Lakeport. Branch 133 holds their luncheon on the third Friday of the month in the Greenview Room at Hidden Valley Lake.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Sons In Retirement group is encouraged to contact Larry Powers, chair of the membership committee of Branch 168 at 707-263-3403, or John P. Jones, chair of the membership committee of Branch 133, or visit the state Web site at http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/ .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Department of Public Works reported that single-lane traffic is now in place on Seigler Canyon Road bridge over Seigler Creek.

Stop signs are in place, with motorists required to stop and proceed when clear, the agency said.

The single-lane traffic will be in effect until the bridge is replaced later this year, according to Public Works.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Cal Fire Mendocino Unit has announced the sale of one additional firewood permit per household on Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF) beginning Monday, Aug. 17, at 8 a.m.

Firewood permits are for two cords per household at a cost of $20 per permit. 

Further, a second firewood gathering area is being opened on Aug. 17.

Permit holders with remaining tags can return to the JDSF office in Fort Bragg with their permit and remaining tags in order to receive an updated map of the new firewood area. 

Firewood areas are tentatively scheduled to close on Sept. 30, or until wood supply is gone, a significant rain event, or other resource constraints force closure, whichever occurs first.   

Firewood permits and information on how to safely engage in collecting firewood are available at the Cal Fire Fort Bragg office located at 802 North Main St., Fort Bragg, telephone 707-964-5674.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.) Monday through Friday.

Multiple uses of JDSF for a wide variety of activities that benefit the public, the economy and natural resources are what our demonstration forests are all about.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – With the Lakeport Unified School District starting classes this Thursday, Aug. 13, the Lakeport Police Department is reminding all drivers to use extreme caution when traveling on and around Lakeport school grounds.

The police department said they expect heavier-than-normal vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the mornings and afternoons during the first few days of school. 

In order to provide for the highest level of traffic safety, the police department reported that it will deploy extra patrols in the area of the schools throughout the week and will be issuing citations for moving and parking violations when appropriate.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Lioness Club is seeking vendors for its eighth annual Christmas Boutique this fall.

The event will take place Nov. 20 and 21.

Vendors are selected on a first-come, first-chosen basis in a juried show.

For information and an application, email Teri Beagan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 707-295-0535.