Highlights and lowlights from the week’s news

HIT » It’s not often when a reader-generated story reaches “viral” status in the newspaper world. It happened with our publication Sunday, and we have Dave Daley and his family to thank for it.

Daley posted his story on Facebook a little less than two weeks ago. The unforgettable story described the efforts of him and his family to find a lost herd of cattle during the ongoing North Complex fire in the Plumas National Forest.

But thatwas only part of the story. Itwas a story of family, and the forest, and their connection through several generations. His words ringing with raw emotion, Daley gave no quarter in describing his thoughts on forest management, and politicians, and the heartbreaking realization that the life his family had always known could never be the same — sprinkledwith his determination that he’d keep fighting to somehow keep it alive.

Several readers sent it to us insisting we “had” to print it. This time, there was no way we could say no. It was that good, and it was that powerful

We only hope it had a similar impact on those in a position to help the forests in the future.

MISS » More than a million acres burned, dozens of lives lost and thousands of structures destroyed in the north state. It’s been another horrific year of wildfires in our region.

There are countless side notes that, in their own way, are devastating to families as well. One of those is hunting season.

Every late summer and fall, for several generations, thousands of families have hunted the mountains throughout northern California, an activity that’s as much a part of family traditions as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

With the North Complex, Zogg and August Complex fires, this year’s hunting season could be shot. A lot of land access is gone, and these fires in steep terrain could be going a long time.

It’s another blow to the few-remaining small sporting goods shops, and a blow to families who usually count on having a good supply of venison in the freezer. And, yes, it’s a blow to wildlife management. As we’ve seen repeatedly from forest fires — sometimes, just leaving things alone isn’t necessarily the best thing for their long-term collective health.

HIT » Most people think of Toni’s Cafe — the former Scooters — as that place on Highway 70 with all the motorcycles parked in front.

But as Carin Dorghalli’s story Thursday pointed out, it is something of a community center for the community around it.

There are lots of similar places in the foothills and mountains. Dorghalli’s father’s Village Market in Berry Creek was one. TheMill Creek Resort and Paynes Creek Store are others. A comprehensive list would be very, very long.

Many of the places always seem to be up for sale, suggesting the owners don’t make much money for the community service they provide.

So next time you’re driving by one of them, think about stopping in and spending a few bucks. You’ll be able to find something to buy, guaranteed.

MISS » We appreciate the idea behind the state’s “top two” primary system. It’s supposed to favor more moderate candidates, somehow, although the evidence of that happening is pretty scant.

But the system is silly in races where their are only two candidates. If someone wins 60 percent to 40 percent in March, they’re going to win by pretty close to the same margin in November.

Maybe that law could be amended for two-candidate races, so we’d have at least one less set of advertisements bombarding us.

Dave Daley posted his story on Facebook a little less than twoweeks ago. the unforgettable story described the efforts of him and his family to finda lost herdof cattle during the North Complex fire. The story wasabighitwith our readers.