Quincy Hub Reports Surge in Pacific Crest Trail Hikers

QUINCY — Speaking during the public comment period at the beginning of the August 4 meeting of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors, Clint Koble, representing the Indian Valley Innovation Hub and the Quincy Hub, announced that the Hub in downtown Quincy has seen an usually large number of Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) through hikers using the facilities this summer. He related that hikers from all over the United States and a long list of other countries, from Australia to Zambia, come to the Hub to shower, do laundry, and recharge phones. Installation of the Hub’s laundry facilities was supported by a grant from Bread of the Journey. A stopover in Quincy is an opportunity for hikers to replenish supplies of food and other essentials at local businesses or rest for a night in a motel.

Koble said that “the word is out” that Quincy is “the place to stop” because it’s near the halfway point on the 2600-mile Mexico to Canada trail. Hikers are “amazed” that volunteer “trail angels” will pick them up and drive them 10 miles to town. Supervisor McGowan noted that Chester is even closer to the halfway point on the PCT and also receives significant numbers of hikers during the summer.

Later in the comment period, Samantha Lenhart, a board member of the Lost Sierra Chamber of Commerce, announced the selection of the first recipients of a Move In! incentive package to help support their move to Plumas County. The couple will be moving to Chester and their children will attend local schools.

The Move In! program, which launched in March with contributions from Sierra Pacific Industries and other donors, aims to attract families to relocate to the county. It offers successful applicants a $5,000 cash incentive and a welcome package worth $1,000. Lenhart said 47 applications have been received since the program began advertising on Google in May; funds are available to support two more applicants this year. Applications are available at https://moveinplumas.com.

During the action portion of the Board’s agenda, Supervisors approved expenditure of $7,976 for replacement of the compressor for the walk-in freezer at the county jail. Sheriff Chad Hermann said the original compressor was installed during construction of the new jail, which opened two years ago, but only had a one-year warranty. Supervisor McGowan asked if such a short service life is normal for commercial refrigeration equipment; Sheriff Hermann said it isn’t uncommon.

The supervisors also heard an informational presentation on economic development and housing strategies by Disaster Recovery Coordinator Keli Ward and Planning Director Tracy Ferguson.