Retired K-9 Aero passes away after career with Anderson police

A popular K-9 who formerly served with the Anderson Police Department has died at the age of 10.

Aero had a seven-year career after joining Anderson police in 2013.

“Aero’s handler officer Mike Hallagan would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you in the community that have helped support K-9 Aero and the rest of the APD K-9 team,” the department said on Facebook.

As a patrol and narcotics-detection canine, police said Aero helped to catch more than 100 suspects, “the majority of whom surrendered when they were told Aero would be deployed to apprehend them.”

The community came to Aero’s aid when he almost died halfway through his career due to a medical condition. The dog’s fans made donations to help pay his medical bills at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Aero survived his battle with the disease and was medically retired for a short period of time,” the department said.

The dog was able to return to full patrol duty within a year.

One of Aero’s primary roles throughout his career was his duties as a narcotics detection canine. All told, Aero helped seize more than 500 pounds of marijuana, 25 pounds of methamphetamine, 15 pounds of heroin and smaller quantities of cocaine and MDMA.

In his last week of duty, Aero uncovered $95,000 as part of career haul of over a quarter-million dollars of suspected drug money.

— Mike Chapman

Brian Jackson promoted as new Shasta County undersheriff

Saturday, July 2, 2022

Brian Jackson has been named the new undersheriff for Shasta County.

Sheriff-Coroner Michael Johnson last week held a swearing-in ceremony for Jackson, who previously served as a captain.

Jackson is Shasta County’s 25th undersheriff and takes over from Jason Barnhart, who retired. Barnhart had served as undersheriff since January 2020.

Undersheriff Jackson is a 26-year veteran in law enforcement, sheriff’s office said.

He is a Shasta County native who began his career as a public safety service officer in the jail. After being selected as a deputy sheriff trainee, Jackson went on to serve in the patrol division, was a detective in the Major Crimes Unit and held titles of patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

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Before his promotion, Jackson was captain to the enforcement division commander position that has oversight of all patrol stations including the investigation units of the Major Crimes Unit, Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force and the Marijuana Eradication Team, according to the sheriff’s office.

— Mike Chapman

Shasta County groups eligible for healthy lifestyle grants

Friday, July 1, 2022

Nonprofit Healthy Shasta is inviting individuals and organizations to apply for grants to be used for equipment purchases that foster healthy living among North State residents, the group announced.

Shasta County organizations that are eligible to apply include:

Three to six grants will be selected, with up to $2,000 available per organization.

The Healthy Shasta partnership encourages people to ride bikes, drink more water and eat healthier.

The application deadline is Aug. 1. Find the application at https://bit.ly/3yy1tVU and direct questions to [email protected].

— Michele Chandler

Haven Humane golf tourney tees off July 8

Friday July 1, 2022

Haven Humane Society hosts sixth annual “Putt 4 Paws” golf tournament at 9 a.m. Friday July 8 at Riverview Golf and Country Club, 4200 Bechelli Lane in Redding.

A shotgun start kicks off this four-person scramble tournament that features 18 holes along the scenic Sacramento River, contests, a raffle, a lunch and an awards ceremony. There’s also a poker game to win a five-night stay in Hawaii.

All levels are welcome.

Cost is $125 per person, $500 for a team of four. Included in the price are range balls, cart use, a catered lunch, games, a goodie bag and other activities. Proceeds benefit animals at Haven Humane Society and are used to fund daily operations.

For more information or to register call 530-241-5262 or go to havenhumane.org or to bit.ly/3QWACtG.

— Jessica Skropanic

Tickets available for “Singin’ in the Rain Jr.”

Friday July 1, 2022

The Redding Theatre Company and Redding City Ballet present “Singin’ in the Rain Jr.” at 7 p.m. on July 22, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 23 at the Shasta College Theatre,
 11555 Old Oregon Trail in Redding.

Students ages 8 to 18 enrolled in this summer’s Broadway Boot Camp perform all rolls in this musical which is based on the 1952 romantic comedy film by the same name.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children ages three to 12, free to children ages 2 and younger with a paying adult.

For more information or to buy tickets call 530-245-1019 or go to thereddingartsproject.com.

— Jessica Skropanic

Quartet plays classic jazz at Pilgrim

Friday July 1, 2022

The Cameron Sewell-Snyder Jazz Quartet plays a concert called “To Remember the Past” from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday July 8 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2850 Foothill Blvd. in Redding.

The Performing Arts Society of Redding hosts this concert featuring a program of jazz standards by Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Charles Mingus and other classic jazz artists. The concert honors composers who helped shape the ensemble’s repertoire.

Admission is free. Donations are accepted.

Masks are required. Attendees must provide verification of COVID vaccinations or their negative COVID test result taken within 48 hours of entering the church.

For more information email [email protected].

— Jessica Skropanic

Art league kicks off July show

Friday July 1, 2022

The North Valley Art League opens its July exhibit called “Alcohol and Rust” with a meet-the-artists reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday July 8 at the Carter House Gallery in Caldwell Park, 48 Quartz Hill Road in Redding.

The exhibit features the work of North State artists Kathleen Evans and Don Linn. Pieces on display include Evans’ alcohol ink paintings, Linn’s metal sculptures and work in other media by league members. The show closes on July 30.

Admission is free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

For more information call 530-224-1023, email [email protected] or go to nval.org.

— Jessica Skropanic

Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and entertainment stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Retired K-9 Aero passes away after career with Anderson police