Sheriff’s Office Hosts Town Hall in Dorris, Addressing “Four W’s” of Community Concern

DORRIS, Calif. — The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office held a well-attended town hall meeting in Dorris on Thursday evening, the 9th of May. Where Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue and county officials addressed what LaRue dubbed the “Four W’s” affecting local residents: wolves, weed, water, and wildfire.

Sheriff LaRue expressed frustration with state management of the growing wolf population, estimated at around 70 wolves countywide with only 14 collared. “They are a threat to your livelihood. They are a threat to our community,” LaRue told residents, criticizing state officials’ proposed “rubber bullet” solution for deterring wolves from attacking livestock.

Illegal cannabis cultivation remains a significant challenge, with the Sheriff’s Office already eradicating 90,000 plants this season. LaRue raised serious public health concerns about Chinese-labeled pesticides found at grow sites containing toxic chemicals that are making their way into the legal cannabis market.

“It is an absolute public health threat,” LaRue said. “The state in their infinite wisdom started developing a recall program…but it’s on the back page somewhere in secrecy that you’d never know.”

Emergency Services Director Brian Schenone unveiled a new “Know Your Zone” program to improve evacuation procedures and urged residents to prepare emergency “go bags.” Meanwhile, CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Jason Collins announced that peak staffing levels are already in place, including a dedicated Type 1 helicopter arriving July 1st.

During the Q&A session, several residents expressed interest in revitalizing the Sheriff’s posse program to support law enforcement efforts, with LaRue indicating openness to expanding community involvement.

The Sheriff’s Office reported handling 2,300 calls for service this year and emphasized their commitment to community engagement through these town halls, which will continue throughout the county this summer.