By Marshel Couso
Welcome to our weekly feature dedicated to covering Susanville and Lassen County’s business scene! Grand openings, new employees, renovations, new hours… each week we’ll keep you up to date with important information about the businesses you rely on.
Shantel McDonald | Smith Properties
Each week here in Biz Buzz we are featuring real estate professionals from Smith Properties in Susanville.
If you’ve driven through Susanville lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her name on a sign. But for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure, and for the many familiar faces who may be ready for their next move, local realtor Shantel McDonald of Smith Properties wants to officially say hello again.
Born and raised right here in Lassen County, McDonald isn’t just familiar with the community-she is the community. From hiking the trails to cheering at local events, she’s the neighbor who also happens to know exactly what your home is worth and how to get you the best deal on the next one.
A Career Built on More Than Real Estate
With over 23 years of experience spanning lending, banking, sales, and customer service, she brings a full-picture perspective that most agents simply can’t offer. Before her real estate career, she worked extensively in the lending and banking world, which means she understands financing, negotiation, and the behind-the-scenes mechanics of a transaction in a way that genuinely benefits her clients.
“I’ve been doing this a long time, and what still drives me every single day is watching someone get the keys to a home they love,” McDonald shared. “Whether it’s a first-time buyer who didn’t think it was possible, a veteran using hard-earned benefits, or a family relocating to discover what Lassen County has to offer-that moment never gets old.”
Serving the Clients Who Need It Most
McDonald specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, veterans, real estate investors, and relocation clients. Audiences that often need more guidance, more patience, and a trusted advisor in their corner. She is known among her clients for being responsive, honest, and fiercely committed to their best interests.
Her work spans Lassen and Plumas County and much of Northern California, and she operates out of Smith Properties, one of the most established real estate offices in the region with over 45 years of experience serving this community.
A Fresh Start, Same Shantel
Whether you’ve worked with her before or you’re hearing her name for the first time, McDonald’s message is simple: she’s here, she knows this market, and she’s ready to go to work for you.
To connect with Shantel, visit shantelmcdonald.com, call 530.744.1919, or send her an email at [email protected]. You can also find her on social media under Shantel McDonald Realtor.
Smith Properties is located at 2213 Main St, Susanville, CA 96130. DRE #02117589 / #00551162.
Plumas Bank Gets a New Roof
New Roof for Plumas Bank in Downtown Susanville
Soon Plumas Bank will be showing off a brand new shingle roof.
“Being Here for Good means investing in the future of our community and the places where we serve it,” explains Plumas Bank Client Service Specialist Samantha Whitt. “Our new roof is more than just a building improvement – it’s a reflection of our commitment to maintaining a strong, welcoming branch for our clients and team members for years to come.”
Whitt said that Plumas Bank is proud to continue serving Susanville and surrounding areas and look forward to many more years ahead.
Merry Morsels Plastic Bottle Drive for High Desert Hope
A sweet local business is turning recycled plastic and aluminum into lifesaving care for the community’s most vulnerable felines. Merry Morsels, owned by Heather Arter, has officially partnered with local rescue High Desert Hope for an ongoing Aluminum Can & CRV Bottle Collection Fundraiser aimed at supporting foster kittens in need.
Every single can and bottle donated during this drive goes directly toward providing food, litter, medical care, vaccinations and essential supplies for abandoned, orphaned and homeless kittens right here in our community.
How Your Recyclables Make a Difference
High Desert Hope works tirelessly to rescue, foster, and care for local kittens until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered and placed into loving, permanent homes through a careful adoption process. Because the rescue relies on community support, even a single bag of recyclables can alter the course of a kitten’s life.
Your donations directly fund:
- Nutrition: Kitten formula and food
- Daily Care: Horse stall pellet litter, pee pads, and cleaning supplies
- Medical Needs: Veterinary care, vaccinations, microchips, and emergency rescue supplies
- Population Control: Crucial spay/neuter services and community cat programs
“Save your aluminum cans and CRV plastic bottles instead of throwing them away!” says the team at High Desert Hope. “Your recyclables help provide a brighter future for local cats and kittens. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.”
What to Save
The drive is currently accepting clean and bagged Aluminum cans and plastic bottles. (CRV eligible preferred)
Easy Drop-Off & Porch Pickup Available
Want to clear out your recycling bin for a great cause? The drive makes it incredibly easy to donate. If you have a larger haul, you don’t even have to leave your house—the team can easily arrange a convenient porch pickup for you.
To schedule a donation drop-off or a porch pickup, simply message Emma Leport or Lassen Creations to schedule a pickup or drop-off.
“Thank you for supporting High Desert Hope and Merry Morsels in their mission to care for Susanville’s vulnerable cats and kittens. Let’s turn plastic and aluminum into pure care!”
Is something noteworthy happening with your business? Let us know about it! Each Thursday morning, we present a round-up of interesting news from the Lassen County business scene and we want to hear from you. E-mail your business news to Marshel at [email protected].
