Local News
Schussboom Brewing Company Becomes Gold Sponsor for U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Reno, NV October 21, 2025 — Celebrating the meaning of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Schussboom Brewing’s support will contribute to the efforts of bringing the tree from its home state of Nevada to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The tree’s journey is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and partners, and in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters.
As part of the partnership, Schussboom Brewing has created 3 beers to commemorate and celebrate “The People’s Tree”. Bearing the name of the species of tree, “Abies Magnifica”, a hoppy red ale, was brewed with foraged tender red fir tips; “Comstock Lode”, a hazy IPA, pays tribute the gold and silver found in the Virginia City mine; and “Ghost of Christmas Pils”, a Bavarian Pilsner, honors the souls of the Wild West of Nevada. All beers will be canned and available for purchase.
The red fir tree will be harvested from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in late October. The first viewing will be on Saturday, Oct. 25th at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe from 3:00-5:00 pm, where the official beers will be available and an after party hosted at Schussboom Brewing Company at 6:00 pm.
Its journey will include a series of community celebrations before it is delivered to the U.S. Capitol in late November, where it will be decorated with handmade ornaments specially created by Nevada residents.
Schussboom Brewing will be traveling with “The People’s Tree” through the state of Nevada and Arizona to serve the Nevada-made beers at community events and bring awareness to the Nevada Craft Brewing industry. The specialty brews will continue to travel with “The People’s Tree” all the way to the U.S. Capitol and served at community events along the way and at receptions at the tree lighting ceremony in December.
“This is a once in a life-time opportunity to partner with the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters, represent Nevada across the country, and create Christmas cheer with beer! We couldn’t be more honored and humbled to be a part of this process.”, says Briana Wagner, President of Schussboom Brewing.
Festivities that are free to the public are made possible through sponsorship to encourage and build community engagement along the tree’s journey.
Communities will be able to see the tree in person during the tour, participate in various events, learn about forestry practices, and celebrate the program.
About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 55-year tradition in which one of our 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners, including The Society of American Foresters, cash and in-kind contributions from large and small businesses, and volunteers locally and across America. For a list of 2025 sponsors and to join in the Christmas spirit, please visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.
For immediate information or contact, please reach out to connect@safnet.org.
Local News
Jimmy Brooks Killed in Wrong-Way Tesla Crash on I-26 in Buncombe County, Driver Bradley Vance Charged
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Jimmy Lee Brooks, 42, of Leicester, North Carolina, died after a wrong-way Tesla crash involving three vehicles on Interstate 26 near Asheville on Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026.
Several other people were injured in the collision, and the Tesla driver has been charged in connection with the fatal crash.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Bradley Vance Lanier, 54, of Taylors, South Carolina, was driving a Tesla westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-26 near Exit 37 when the vehicle struck a Honda SUV head-on before colliding with a Honda passenger car.
Brooks was a passenger in the Honda passenger car. He was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said troopers responded to the crash at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday near mile marker 37 on eastbound I-26.
According to the agency’s statement, the Tesla entered the interstate traveling west in the eastbound lanes near Exit 37, also associated with Long Shoals Road. The vehicle first struck a Honda SUV head-on and then collided with a Honda passenger car.
A trooper from a neighboring county arrived shortly after the collision and began providing assistance to a passenger inside the Honda passenger car.
The car’s driver and two passengers were transported to Mission Hospital with serious injuries. Brooks was among the passengers and later died at the hospital. Authorities said the conditions of the other occupants were not immediately known.
The driver of the Honda SUV was also taken to Mission Hospital with minor injuries and was later released.
Lanier, the driver of the Tesla, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital before being released, according to the Highway Patrol.
Troopers subsequently charged him with four offenses:
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Felony death by vehicle
- Felony serious injury
- Reckless driving
Following his release from the hospital, Lanier was taken to the Buncombe County Detention Facility, where he was being held on a $5 million secured bond, according to the agency’s statement.
The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system. The official statement does not establish a conviction.
Interstate 26 was closed for approximately two hours while troopers investigated the collision and documented the scene.
The investigation centers on the circumstances that led the Tesla to travel in the wrong direction on the eastbound side of the interstate and the subsequent collisions involving the two Honda vehicles.
Authorities have not released the current medical conditions of all the injured occupants.
The fatal crash claimed the life of Brooks, a Leicester resident, and left several other people requiring hospital treatment.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. Further information about the case may be released as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.