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SPORTS ARCHIVES FOR 2000

2000

JANUARY, 2000

Record news for Jan. 6, 2000
• So, was Y2K a little over amped?
• Gates' long arm assists Modoc Library
• Arrowhead goes into escrow
• Modoc Railroad Academy hosts open house
• Music students selected for honors
• SNF residents have a sparkling celebration

So, was Y2K just a lit tle over amped?

The Year 2000 bug did not turn out to be the menace the government and others thought it could be, and people are breathing a collective sigh of relief nationally.

For Modoc, there were no major glitches because of Y2K and as of Wednesday everything in the county, city, local utilities and agencies were up and running normally.

The county's Y2K guru, Jerry Cook reported to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that everything in the county was run ning well and its pretty much business as usual.

"There have been no reports of any problems and every thing transcended major problems," Cook said. "Any issue we've had has been very minor and easy to fix. Actually some of the precautions we took may have caused more prob lems than if we'd left them alone."

As an example, Cook said the network was shut down be fore New Year's Eve and when it was turned back on Monday, some computers were being cantankerous. Those problems have been dealt with; are no longer an issue and were not Y2K related.

Cook said he felt the whole Y2K issue was overblown, but also believes the manner in which the county prepared for the potential problem alleviated much worry and fear.

He told the board the county is considered Y2K compliant and is moving forward smoothly into the 21st Century.

Cary Baker, Alturas City Clerk, said the city also sailed through Y2K without any major malfunctions. The city had declared it was Y2K compliant and was only concerned about possible outside problems with utilities or so on.

"We've had no reports of anything going wrong and ev erything seems to have made the date switch fine," said Baker.

PacifiCorp has reported it did not experience any prob lems associated with the Year 2000 date change.

"We are pleased. and not at all surprised, at the ease with which our systems have handled the date rollover," said Alan Richardson, chief executive office for PacifiCorp. "I am delighted for our employees that the rollover went well as they have worked long and hard the past three years to pre pare our systems for this event."

There were also no problems with Surprise Valley Electrification, falling in line with Manager Dan Silveria's conclusion that the co-op had prepared for the Y2K situation. He expressed confidence in the system, which did not let the northwest down.

Both Alturas Chief of Police and Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix said there were no major problems because of the year 2000 change and Mix said the communication systems, the 911 system and the jail systems all rolled smoothly into the new year.

"We didn't expect any problems from Y2K because we had prepared for it," said Mix. "And we're happy to report there were no problems and everything's running well. And we're also pleased to report that the public was well behaved for the most part."

Pickett said New Year's Eve in Alturas was pretty quiet and the public acted in a very responsible manner. There was a pretty good show of fireworks from all over Alturas as the year 2,000 arrived at midnight. But, according to Pickett, there were no problems associated with the fireworks or the celebrations.

Gates' long arm helps out Modoc Libraries

Thanks to the hard work of Modoc County Librarian Cheryl Baker and staff and the generosity of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, local libraries are upgrading Internet access and equipment.

Baker told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the Libraries had just received a $34,135 grant from the Gates Foundation (Microsoft) that would fund two new computers, including software, providing Internet access at each branch in Alturas, Cedarville, Adin, Lookout, and Davis Creek.

In the outlying branches, one computer will be in English and one will be in Spanish. The two new computers at the Alturas branch will be in English.

Baker told the board the new computers and Internet will be available to the public, not staff, during business hours at each branch.

"One of the goals of this grant is to make information more accessible to people who do not have computers person ally," said Baker. "We're very pleased we were successful. The computers should be in and on line by summer."

This was not a long term grant writing issue. The appli cation for the grants arrived in Baker's office the last part of October and were submitted in November.

Initially, because of the criteria of the Gates foundation, it didn't appear the Cedarville Branch would be eligible. One of the criteria is that within a five miles radius of the branch, based upon the 1990 census, the poverty level of residents had to be at least 10 percent.

Based on the 1999 figures, the five miles (even though the Cedarville Branch serves all of Surprise Valley) only re flected a 9.2 percent poverty level. Baker did some research, using current figures from the state Department of Education and argued successfully that things had changed dramatically in the area over the past 10 years.

She explained in the grant application that there were more students qualified for free and reduced lunch programs now and a larger contingent of non-English speaking people had moved into the Cedarville area.

Baker said this new Internet access increases the avail able free services offered by the local libraries and is a valuable tool for the public.

Modoc Railroad Academy hosts open house

Want to know more about the Modoc Railroad Academy which will be opening first classes January 10? An open house is scheduled Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Academy classrooms in the Dolby Building 1030 North Main Street.

The public is invited to view what will be offered, including a computerized training program and speak with administrators and staff. The public will get the chance to look into the textbooks and will be able to practice on the computer training programs. Refreshments will also be served.

The Academy is called the nation's first vocational railroad training school and will feature courses approved by the industry. It's curriculum, said Suzanne Berdall, executive director, has been approved by the Burlington Northern, Sante Fe, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific. Its is a member of the Railroad Education Training Association, a professional group of 20 colleges, universi ties and railroads across the United States and Canada.

The school will begin staggered classes on Jan. 10, Feb. 10 and March 10. The first class will have 10 students and the academy expects to train 300 students each year. Each course is 12 weeks long.

For more information of the academy call 530-233-5515. In addition about getting into the academy or for assistance with tuition, contact VeAnn Ambers at 530-233-7710.

Music students selected for high honors

Karen Siegel "hit the ground running on Monday morning," following the hol iday break, when she was notified of several surprise announcements she was happy to make to several middle school and high school music department students, whom she teaches.

Six students from Modoc Middle School Choir and Band have been named to the Northern California Junior High Honor Band and Choir for grades seven through nine. Ninth grade Choir students Zeb Thorn, Kayla Harness and Karlie Bodmer and ninth grade band stu dents Christina Nardoni and Robert Flournoy and seventh grader Nat Futter man will travel to Cal State University, Chico for two days of rehearsals Jan. 13 and 14, culminating in a public performance at Lax son Auditorium on January 15. The local students audi tioned by cassette tape and choir students were selected by Siegel. All entries were submitted to be judged out side the Modoc area.

Modoc High Senior Jeran Brown learned that he will be on the road in February and March for several events including being a part of the Northern Califor nia High School Honor Choir with MHS senior Re bekah Richert, alto and Christina Crawford, so prano, for the Feb. 3 - 5 at Humboldt State University. They will combine their voices with a choir of 120 voices strong for a perfor mance in the Van Duzer Theater on Feb. 5, after two days of intensive re hearsals. Dr. William Hall, professor of choral music at Chapman Univer sity, will lead the choir. Modoc High was able to submit a quartet of their best singers, noted Siegel of the selection process.

Come March 8-11, Brown, will perform as a tenor, un der the direction of Dr. Paul Smith from Cal State Uni versity, Northridge, at Loy ola Marymount University in Westchester, Calif. The event encompasses the Western Division Ameri can Choral Directors Asso ciation High School Multi-cultural Honor Choir for which Jeran taped his pre pared audition solo accom panied by a written evalua tion by Siegel.

The Western Division choir includes vocalists from California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Arizona.

"These are very signifi cant achievements for these students," offered Siegel.

Brown was also selected for the California All-State Honor Choir through live audition try-outs of scales, tonal memory, chords, sight reading and a prepared solo. Brown will perform at the California Music Educators Conference at the Sacra mento Convention Center on March 23-25, under the di rec tion of Rodney Eichen berger from Florida State Univer sity, Tallahassee, Florida. Singers from throughout the state will comprise the 120 person choir. Students will have three days of intensive re hearsal.

Both Rebekah Richert and Brown completed the Re gional Honor Choir com mitment at Consumnes River College, Sacramento Nov. 11-14. The two were members of the 152 member, mixed choir which sang seven songs, three in a for eign language and all but one a cappella, under the di rection of Dr. Donald Kendrick. Rehearsals were intensive up until the time of the performance. Their re quirements included memo rizing the songs within three weeks - a difficult task, stated a proud Siegel, who was working on travel ar rangements to be paid for by the school district.

SNF residents have a sparkling celebration

It was a night unlike any other that brought feelings of joy to staff and residents alike at Modoc Medical Center's Skill Nurs ing Fa cility. The staff had promised to help the resi dents celebrate the coming of the new millennium and the end of a century, in style.

The outcome was even "better than ex pected," shared organizer Sharon Raabe, who in her 17 years working with the hospital said, "In all my years here, it was the neatest thing. It was a blast; we (staff) had a great time and the residents were so happy."

By transforming the din ing room into a candlelight dinner atmosphere for New Year's Eve, everything from the menu to the atmosphere was just what the residents' council had hoped for. The staff wanted to provide a "beautiful evening out" and did just that for the 24 guests who were able to come to the dining room, dressed in their finery and all "dolled up."

Invitations had been sent out to each resi dent the Mon day after Christmas. "They didn't have to RSVP," said Raabe. "We'd planned this for quite a while, but then there was a lot of flu going around, so we weren't ex actly sure how many resi dents would be healthy and able to come down to the din ing room for the special evening. Fortunately, we had more than we antici pated," said the or ganizer. Guests arrived for dinner at 6:15 p.m. and stayed until about 7:20 p.m., linger ing and enjoying the evening.

"It really worked that night. It was beauti ful. The ladies came dressed up and wearing their pearls and those ladies who don't nor mally wear makeup, were all dolled up. Ev eryone was dressed up for New Year's. We figure to be 90 years old and make it to the year 2000, is really something," de scribed Raabe.

"We have several resi dents who will turn 100 this year (2000)," said Terri Sides. "One of our ladies, Susie Murphy, came to the dinner and she will turn 100 in July. She got the biggest kick out of those poppers that throw out the confetti. We'd put them on all the tables for them to have fun with." Sides helped shop for the decora tions and helped with plan ning.

For those unable to leave their rooms, the dinner matched the menu served in the din ing room, with prime rib and au jus and horseradish, baked potatoes with sour cream, butter and chives, green beans with ba con bits, French bread and a slice of both rhubarb and ap ple pie for each guest. In the dining room, tablecloths, silverware and taper can dles were used, and Cham pagne glasses were filled with sparkling apple cider. Blowers, noise makers and pop pers filled with confetti brought fun, first-time reac tions from several of the diners out for the New Year's Eve celebration. Fancy New Year's Eve napkins and confetti graced each setting at round ta bles seating four each.

Six staff members volun teered their time that night to act as dining room servers, so as not to use overtime hours. Sharon Raabe, Delinda Gover, Terri Sides, Tracy Sides, Juanita Wag ner and Ginger Preston were dressed in black slacks, crisp white shirts and black bow ties. They were joined by cook Maria Correa and assistant Renae Burgess. Andy Olsen, one of the younger residents, led the dining room guests in saying Grace be fore their dinner.

"It was superb," Raabe re called. "The res idents asked the cooks to come out of the kitchen at the end of dinner, so they could thank and ap plaud them. The prime rib was kept nice and tender with the au jus, so every one could enjoy it. It turned out wonderful."

The residents' council had asked specifi cally for prime rib and both rhubarb and ap ple pies, for the holi day meal. The council helps choose the holiday meals on a regular basis, notes Raabe.

SNF employee Opal Hammack was elected as the "pie maker for the holi days." Hammack made five of each, much to the ap preciation of the residents. For the past four years, Raabe has been the Dietary and Envi ronmental Ser vices Manager. Sixty-seven dinners were served with two prime ribs to taling 60 pounds this New Year's Eve. "Over at the hospital," the dining room was set up with table cloths to serve six pa tients who were able to go to the dining room for dinner. The rest were served in their rooms, where some family members had joined their loved ones for dinner.

Raabe said she worked the best deals she could to cut down the cost of the prime rib to serve that many people. The staff got a "good deal" having prime rib at the regu lar cost of $3 per meal.

Back in the SNF dining room, Raabe said it made her feel good to hear resi dents emo tionally exclaim, "Oh, this is so nice."

"We really want to thank the staff who were scheduled to be there that night. They were a big help in getting the residents to and from their rooms and working that night," admonished Raabe.

The leftovers didn't go to waste. Raabe said the kitchen crew was busy mak ing veg etable beef soup the next day.

 

Record news for January 13, 2000

 

Deadline for voter registration Feb. 7

The deadline for voter registration for the March 7, 2000 election is Feb. 7, according to Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison.

It's important, said Madison, that voters make sure they are registered under the correct name and current address. New registers are also encouraged. Madison pointed out that young people who will be age 18 by or on March 7 should reg ister to vote by Feb. 7.

Madison purged the Modoc voter registration list this last winter and the total registration took a dramatic drop, from 5,885 in the Nov. 1998 election to 5,218 now. That's a drop of 667 voters or over 11 percent.

Madison said she went back at least over the past four ma jor elections and purged anyone who had not voted in any of them. Those voters were sent a card saying their names would be removed if they did not respond.

The Republicans hold the majority of registered voters in the county at 2,421 and there are 2,102 registered Democrats. According to Madison the fastest growing area of registra tion is in Non Partisan where there are now 569 registered voters. The breakdown of other parties in Modoc is as fol lows: American Independent, 151; Libertarian, 26; Green, 14, Reform, 14, Natural Law, four, and miscellaneous, 18.

World traveler lands in Alturas as Assistant Superintendent

By Nora Russell

A man who has spent his life traveling the world has settled down in Alturas to be the Assistant Superintendent of the Modoc County Office of Education.

Steve Pine was born in an Air Force family and spent his youth in the Orient. He also lived in several differ ent states and graduated from high school in Japan.

After a short time in col lege proved unsuccessful for Pine he joined the Air Force and spent four years in Eu rope. Upon being dis charged, he returned to Ore gon; his father having re tired in Klamath Falls.

Pine attended and grad uated from Oregon College of Edu cation, which is now known as Western Oregon State College near Salem.

With a degree in Psychol ogy and German in hand Pine still had a difficult time finding employment, so he went back to school and did graduate work in Educa tion. His first job in the edu cation field was in Medford, Or. at McLaughlin High School in 1977.

A job with the Department of Defense in Alternative Education took Pine to Ger many and began a cycle of spending a few years in Eu rope and a few years in Ore gon. During different times when Pine was in Oregon he taught in Seattle and at the Oregon Institute of Technol ogy.

When Pine was working with the Department of De fense he had the opportunity to travel through Europe and at one point was offered a job in Romania in exchange for a pair of tennis shoes a month. On one return trip from Germany, Pine brought his wife, Jeni, with him.

In 1988 Steve and Jeni were in Alaska where he taught grades K-3 at a two teacher school in a village of 60 peo ple. Later, returning to Alaska in 97/98, he was the prin cipal of a school in Twin Hills. To his exciting and eclectic resumé Pine can now add that he spent the turn of the millennium in Alturas.

As Assistant Superinten dent, Pine is the Personnel Director. He deals with fa cilities, vehicles, curricu lum development and Re gional Occupation Pro grams.

As far as living in Al turas Pine says, "I love it; I love the small town nature. people who know people and the friendliness that comes with that. The surroundings, environment and climate are great, there is so much to do out here."

Pine's goal for his time in Alturas is to be come an ac tive community member to the advantage of the com munity.

Modoc Forest has big plans for Hackamore

The are big plans in the works for the Hackamore area of the Modoc National Forest on Devil's Garden, much aimed at increasing wildlife habitat and the public's access to share that habitat.

The Forest has prepared an Environmental Assessment for the Hackamore Ecosystem Watershed Restoration Project and public has 30 days to comment on its contents and plans.

According to forest officials, the plans are to develop ap proximately 1,265 acres of wetland habitat, install 10 guz zlers to provide additional wildlife water sources, and con struct a vehicle pull-off adjacent to Highway 139 for wildlife viewing and heritage resource interpretation at Henski Reservoir.

In addition, there are plans to thin approximately 16,500 acres of overstocked stands of pine over a five-to-seven-year period. This includes treatment within eight northern goshawk nest stands to accelerate stand development into late serial conditions and reduce the likelihood of wildfires.

The forest also intends to "top" approximately 2,000 exist ing snags to prevent blowdown and increase their longevity.

The project includes a plan to obliterate approximately 42 miles of unsurfaced roads and repair and stabilize one mile of the Bark Springs road, prescribe burn approximately 19,000 acres of pine over about a 10-year period, and about 500 acres of decadent brush fields to enhance deer forage.

The forest also plans to protect four bald eagle nests from fire and treat 2,830 acres of potential eagle nesting habitat with vegetative prescriptions designed to grow large diame ter while maintaining existing large trees.

For additional information on the project or for a copy of the Environmental Assessment, contact Curt Aarstad, Modoc National Forest, 800 W. 12th Street, Alturas, Ca., 96101. Interested individuals may also telephone at530-233-5811.

People may also comment on the project on the EA by sending comments to Bernie Weisgerber, District Ranger, P.O. Box 369, Tulelake, Ca. 96134, phone 530-667-2246. Comments must be received by the close of business Feb. 14, 2000.

What projects are on the table at the Modoc National Forest?

There are several projects in the works on the Modoc National Forest and all in are various stages of action.

Two controversial and important issues are the Telephone Flat Geothermal and Four Mile Hill Geothermal Plants Environmental Impact Statements. The final deci sion on both of those Medicine Lake area projects is pending and not expected before spring. The contact person is Randall Sharp at the U.S. Forest Service.

Sharp is also the contact person on the Unified Federal Water Rights Policy at 233-8748.

Public comments are due Feb. 3 on the Draft Directives for Managing Recreation Residents. The contact for comments is Jesse Berner, 233-8734.

Robert Haggard is lead person in Modoc for the Sierra Nevada Framework Environmental Impact Statement. The release of the draft EIS is expected in mid-February. Haggard can be contacted at 233-8740.

Public comments are due in the Special Use Permit Cost Recovery Regulations by Jan. 24, 2000. Contact Jayne Biggerstaff at 233-8740.

Public review of the Forest Service Road Policy is ex pected in mid-January. The contact person for that project is Haggard at 233-8740.

A project that is generating local concern is the Roadless Review EIS. The public scoping on that issue ended Dec. 23. Contact person is Curt Aarstad at 233-8745.

The Proposed Planning Regulations contact person is Haggard and the public comment period on that issue ends Feb. 3. Contact Haggard at 233-8740.

The Draft Strategic Plan 2000 Review is led by Nancy Gardner and public comments will be accepted until the end of January. Gardner's phone is 233-8713.

The Draft EIS on the Survey and Manage project has been released and a 90-day public comment period ends March 3, 2000. Allison Sanger, 233-8836, is the person to call on the is sue.

A draft document on the Warner Mountain Rangeland Porject is expected by mid-March. The lead person on that project is Edith Asrow, 279-6116.

Aarstad is the contact person for the Hackamore Project and a draft document is expected this month on the project. Aarstad can be contacted at 233-8745.

Scoping on the Long-Damon Plantation Release and Site Prep Project should begin this month. Contacts are Bob Carroll at 233-8807; or Anne Mileck at 233-8803.

For more information on any of these projects, please contact the Modoc National Forest or the listed individuals.

Computers still not meeting needs of students and staff

By Nora Russell

Twelve o'clock midnight December 31, 1999 the world sighed in relief as the new millennium began without the computer problems that were predicated all year.

The electricity stayed on, the ATMs dispensed money and computers booted up in 2000 in exactly the same as they had during 1999. Technology was not wiped out in one swipe of the hands of a clock and it seems to be here to stay. Not only in the way that it is familiar to us now, but growing by leaps and bounds. Often so fast that it appears to be rushing ahead of us; we learn one application just as a new one becomes available. This creates an atmosphere where educators are struggling to learn technology and teach it at the same time.

The schools in Alturas are facing these challenges along with the rest of the world of educators. Each school is han dling it in different ways, working to make their computer labs and classrooms as up-to-date and technology friendly as possible.

Alturas Elementary School

Alturas Elementary has a computer lab with 30 IBM com patible computers. Each classroom has at least one computer, in most cases there are two. One computer is for teacher use and one is for the students to use to take Accelerated Reading tests. "The Accelerated Reading programs aren't working well in the classrooms right now," said principal Randy Wise. "We bought upgrades of the Accelerated Reading disks, but they are not working with the old program and are saving files in the wrong directories. Also some of the com puters are being torn down for repairs."

Kindergartners have computer class in the lab once a week, first and second graders twice a week and fourth and fifth graders four times a week. The programs that are available to them now are Corel Word Perfect Suite 8, Typ ing to Learn and Slam Dunk, which is a more advanced typ ing program than Type to Learn.

During the 1998/99 school year the computer lab had many more programs available for the students, but an upgrade of the computers and network over the summer made those pro grams obsolete and unusable. When Susan Slinkard, Com puter Lab Aide, came back to school from summer vacation she was left with only typing and word-processing to teach the students.

Becoming frustrated with the lack of programs to teach with, Slinkard bought six copies of the Slam Dunk program with her own money and installed them on six of the com puter lab computers. "I needed some programs immediately so that the students would have new work to do, I'm going to lose their interest soon if they don't have more to learn on the computers." said Slinkard. Now when students complete as much as they can with the Type to Learn program, they can achieve a higher level of learning with the Slam Dunk Pro gram.

"I'm not sure why she bought programs with her own money," was Principal, Randy Wise's comment. "We do have funding for software and she can put in for reim bursement if she wants to. I don't think she should have put the programs on the computers herself."

"It's her job," said Bert Trevail, MJUSD Computer Tech nician. "As a computer teacher she should be able to main tain the computers and printer herself, I'm a computer teacher, I've been there."

"The printer in our computer lab hasn't been working for quiet awhile," Slinkard added. "Bert fixed it recently and it worked for a day and is not working again, some of the stu dents have been waiting weeks to print out their work."

When asked what Trevail's job description is he stated, "To take care of and repair computers, work on 3-com com ponents, run network, other jobs as assigned, teach people how to run computers."

Fifty new programs have been ordered that are compatible with the network, some of them had arrived before Christ mas vacation and Slinkard was hoping that they would have been installed on the network when the students came back to school on January 3.

They have not been installed and Slinkard has not been given an idea of when they might be. "Every program is unique and different," stated Trevail. "Each program could take from five minutes to five days to install."

Modoc Middle School

The computer lab in the library of Modoc Middle School has 16 computers in it, which teacher, Tim Prim uses to teach a semester long keyboarding class to the seventh and eighth graders.

Keyboarding is reminiscent of the typing classes that peo ple over 30 would have attended, except without the carbon pa per and White Out. In Keyboarding students learn docu ment processing, how to create, save and print documents, formatting and editing, and how to work with multi-page documents, columns, tables, graphics and text boxes. The program used is Corel Word Perfect Suite 8 which includes Quatro Pro 8, Paradox 8 and Presentations 8.

"When we have the Internet available, we will be able to do much more with research and multi-media presentations with the students." Prim said.

The Middle School was also affected by the upgrading of computers and network over the summer. They lost the abil ity to use the encyclopedia on CD and many other programs, which have not yet been replaced.

The library was unable to use the Accelerated Reading program provided at the beginning of the year. "The screen kept freezing in the middle of tests that students were taking and we couldn't figure out what the problem was. Bert told me to use the network to use the copy of the program that the High School uses, but there were copyright problems with that, so eventually we spent library funds to buy a new copy." said Lynette Sturgeon, Modoc Middle School Librarian.

The Science Lab has 15 computers in it which provides one computer to two students in each science class. "So far this year I have not used computers much in my class, simply be cause the curriculum I'm using hasn't called for it yet." said science teacher, Julie Sturgeon.

The computers will be used in conjunction with many ex periments and also dissection. Gone are the days when slic ing into frogs and worms left students queasy for the rest of the day. This is a new millenium when a teacher can per form a virtual dissection on her computer screen and the students can watch from their screens.

"When we do have the Internet I will be posting the stu dents Science Fair projects on a web page," said Sturgeon "The supplemental curriculum and research possibilities are amazing."

As of November, 1999 Kevin Pent has been leading the Gifted and Talented Education program. The program con sists of fourteen students who have been recommended by their teachers and have been evaluated by their Standard ized Intelligence Test scores. The program will provide tools and the environment for students to explore new areas using their strengths and interests.

The G.A.T.E. program has purchased five new comput ers, a printer and scanner. The students will use them, along with the Encyclopedia Britannica, Encarta Delux on CD ROM and the Internet to do research projects. For exam ple they will be asked to create a hypothesis about what the future will be like and find facts from the Internet to support it.

"We will also be creating a web page for the school," stated Pent. "It will have a working cover page, we'll use a panoramic picture of the school and the school emblem. The students will be interviewing the staff and putting their pic tures and information on the page."

Modoc High School

Computer Applications and Typing are taught by Dee Ferguson in a classroom equipped with 28 Pentium-2 Com puters, two laser printers, two color printers, one ink jet printer, two scanners, two digital cameras, an adapter that brings what is on a computer screen onto the T.V. screen for student viewing and a CD Writer. "I feel like a kid in a candy shop," stated Ferguson.

"The yearbook is put together on the computer and the CD Writer is going to be so helpful because in the past we put it all on floppy disks to send to the printer. It took up a lot of disks, with the CD Writer all of the information takes up a small space on the CD." she added. The classroom has In ternet access to one computer at this time which students use in reports where they are required to include Internet sources as part of the report.

"The Network is not where we would like it to be, but it is being refined all the time. Kids are learning how to use it because they have to learn the floppy drive, CD drive, hard drive and network drive." said Ferguson.

High School students who go to the library for research purposes will find five computers available with word-pro cessing programs for writing reports. Also available are Encyclopedia Britannica, Social Issues Recourse Series which includes 500 different periodicals, the entire National Geographic on CD, but no Internet access yet. The library is open and available to students before school, during student break and lunch break.

Students taking classes in the Agriculture Department have access to eight desktop computers and two laptops. They have been connected to the Internet for five or six years ac cording to teacher Mike Kraft. Students have access to the computers for writing reports and juniors and seniors use them projects in products and marketing and creating Pow erPoint multi-media presentations.

"When the network is up and running it is useful in sharing files, especially graphics. Graphic files are so large, they can be saved on the network and not take up room on the computers." stated Kraft.

Funding from the Natural Resource Academy has helped in providing computers to the high school. "With computers, printers and scanner, I would estimate that they've provided 35 pieces of equipment to the school. Most of those would be computers." stated Kraft.

Two common threads run through all three of the schools, the network is unreliable and often not working at all and the access to the Internet is not sufficient for all students who need to use it for research purposes.

Comments like "The network has a headache today," "It crashed again this week," "The network is so unreliable that I don't even bother to log on to it when I turn my computer on" are heard often within the school walls.

"It's going through growing pains," was Trevail's an swer to why the network is unreliable. "I know that you don't understand about computers (referring to reporter), so I won't really go into much, but there are 70 different compo nents to it and with so many components, some of them are bound to go out."

The satellite that will be the down-load and up-load link to the Internet was installed on January 11, 2000. Trevail did not want to give an estimate on when the Internet system would be available to the students, and as of press time calls to Don Demsure, MJUSD Superintendent for comment had not returned.

Minor injuries in roll-over

Minor injuries were re ported in a single vehicle ac cident Jan. 8, 4:40 p.m. on Highway 299 east of Canby.

The California Highway Patrol reports that Donna Drew, 63, Ft. Bidwell, was driving a 1997 Ford Aerostar southbound at about 45 m.p.h. when she apparently fell asleep at the wheel. The van drifted off the south side of the highway and down and em bankment where it over turned, coming to rest on its top. The vehicle sustained moderate damages.

Drew and a passenger Daniel Drew, age 35, sus tained minor injuries. The CHP credits seatbelt use for keeping injuries minor.

Ice on the road was the ap parent culprit of an accident Jan. 11, 2000, 7:15 p.m. on Highway 299 north of Adin. The CHP states that Karen Jean Gurule, 42, Adin was eastbound at an unknown speed and lost traction in her 1991 Toyota. The vehicle spun out of control, hit a fence and overturned. Gurule was seat belted and only sustained minor injuries. She was transported by ambulance to Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills.

An apparent hit and run with property damage was re ported in Cedarville Jan. 11, 8 p.m.

The CHP reports that Leland Schmid, 34, was driv ing 1990 Ford Bronco and left the Cedarville Cafe. He al legedly struck a pickup and an adjacent fence. He fled the scene and was later located and arrested at his residence.

 

OBITUARIES

 

Walter Ernest Bailey

Walter Ernest Bailey was a "miracle" child who lived to be 50. Mr. Bailey passed away of natural causes at his home in Alturas, Calif. on January 1, 2000. He had been ill for the past few years.

The eldest child of Mary and Roy "Doug" Bailey, he was born on September 17, 1949, in Alturas, Calif. He lived all of his 50 years in Alturas.

"He was such a joy and so loving," recalls his sister Margaret. "He loved the hol idays and especially looked forward to Halloween and Christmas."

Walter also enjoyed watching wrestling on tele vision and loved listening to music, especially the music of Elvis Presley.

For a time in his life, Walter was a client of the Modoc Work Activity Center in Alturas.

He is survived by his father Roy "Doug" Bailey of Al turas; brother Ken Bailey and family of Pinedale, Wyoming; sister Margaret McCulley and family of Al turas. His mother, Mary Bailey, preceded him in death in 1987.

Mr. Bailey's cousin, Paul Bailey of Alturas, conducted services at graveside on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery.

Philo Gardner Winkel

Philo Gardner Winkel, 70, long-time U.S. Forest Service Ranger on the Modoc National Forest, died in Fresno, Calif. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999, after a long illness.

Mr. Winkel had many accomplishments during his 33-year tenure with the U.S. Forest Service. He was most proud of "being on the Modoc." The designing and building of the Blue Lake Campground, as it stands to day, is a tribute to Mr. Winkel.

He served with the Modoc National Forest from 1962 through 1969.

Mr. Winkel was born to a prominent Utah family in 1929 in Manti, Utah.

He was a graduate of Utah State University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree with multiple ma jors. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Con flict. He was recently honored as the last member of the Mounted Rangers of the High Sierras. Even after he retired in 1983, his services were utilized by the U.S. Forest Service as a consultant. His duties as a Fire Services Specialist and his experience uniquely qualified him not only as a writer, but as the editor of the environmental impact statement of the High Sierra Mountain Range.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Twilia Winkel of Clovis, Calif.; two children, a son Robert Gardner Winkel of Santa Fe, New Mexico; a daughter, the Reverend Karen Winkel of Bountiful, Utah, and their mother Helen Winkel of Clovis.

Graveside services will be conducted at a later time in Richfield, Utah. Arrangements are being handled by the Magleby's Funeral Home in Richfield, Utah.

Remembrances may be sent to the donor's favorite char ity.

Horace E. "Bud" Brown

One of the founding fathers of Modoc Little League, Ho race E. "Bud" Brown, passed away early on the morning of January 3, 2000 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, Calif., following a brief illness.

Bud, as he was affection ately known over the 62 years he made Modoc his home, had co-organized youth baseball in Alturas with Don Rachford and Lee Sides, that made the nu cleus for Little League when it was formed in Alturas in 1954.

For over a 44 year period, "Bud" Brown and his smile could be seen behind the meat market counters in Alturas grocery stores.

Born Horace Edward Brown on Dec. 26, 1916, in Big Pine, Calif., his father

died when he was 18 months old and his mother and two sib lings moved in with his grandparents in Bishop. The fam ily relocated to a 12-acre farm near Wood land when Bud was in the fifth grade. He was an outstand ing athlete at Woodland High School in the early 1930s, let tering in foot ball all three years as a guard and end and captain of the team in his senior year. He was also a three-year varsity starter on the baseball team as catcher and earned a letter in basketball the only year he tried out. He was elected as pres ident of the student body in his senior year. His love of sports continued throughout his life.

After graduating from Woodland High in 1935, he went to work as a truck driver, while the Depression was in full swing. His mother remarried and relocated to Cedarville. Bud came to Modoc in 1937 and had never seen a more beau tiful place than Surprise Valley. He decided right then that he would stay and was hired by Walt Hussa, Sr. In the summer of 1938, Hussa asked Bud to work in Alturas in the meat market with Arthadus Rachford at the old Lowell and Williams grocery store. Bud had been playing baseball for the Alturas Tigers since his arrival and he was a member of the Alturas town basketball team.

On January 8, 1940, Bud and Mina Alzada "Jo" Tripp of Surprise Valley, were married in Reno, Nev. A year later they purchased the home in which they have lived for 59 years.

When World War II started, Bud was leasing a meat market from the Gysins (where Walt's Market is today). After the war, nearing age 30 and with two children, he teamed with an old "Tigers" baseball buddy, Arn Hirony mous to purchase the Lowell and Williams store in Alturas. They aptly renamed it the A&B Market, with Bud running the meat department. By 1950, they sold out and Bud went to work for Lindgren and Burrell driving logging trucks. He also purchased a ranch on Shields Creek, but later sold the ranch. In years that followed, Bud was the head butcher at Bowman's Market, Cleo's, Better Buy and leased the meat department at Presty's, all in Alturas, until he retired in May of 1982.

He and wife Jo have always had a deep, mutual respect and love for one another, sharing 60 years of marriage and in rearing their three children. Bud once shared that their children have always been important to them and have brought them their happiest years and fondest memories. After their children were grown, Bud and Jo enjoyed being active in their grandchildren's lives. Bud always enjoyed working with kids and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Jo of Alturas; son Jim Brown of Elk Grove, Calif.; daughter Marian Davis of Burney; daughter Kathy Davis of Fremont; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Doctor Ben Zandstra conducted a memorial service at the Federated Church in Alturas at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5. Remembrances may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Lester Frank "Les" Killingbeck

Long-time Modoc resident Lester Frank "Les" Killing beck loved what he did and did what he loved during his lifetime. Mr. Killingbeck passed away in Alturas, Calif. on Monday, January 10, 2000. He had been receiving care at the Skilled Nursing Facility since Thanksgiving, due to his recent declining health. He was 89 at the time of his passing.

Born in Coburg, Oregon on October 14, 1910, he was one of 10 children born to Luther F. and Mary E. Killingbeck. He was raised in Oregon and Tucson, Ari zona as a young child. His family later moved to Tur lock, Calif., where Lester spent his teen years. He then met Lucy Claire Clayton and the two were married in Modesto, Calif. on February 8, 1933.

They began their married life in Turlock and their three children were born there. The family moved to Adin in 1940 and Lester worked for the U.S. Forest Service for several years. During his lifetime he had worked with the State De partment of Forestry, in ranching and in the logging busi ness in a sawmill. He began work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1945 in Madeline, Calif. and moved his family to Likely in August of 1945. Lucy and Lester reared their children in Modoc County. When Lester retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1971, he and Lucy moved to Alturas, where they have made their home ever since. He called Modoc home for 60 years.

Lester loved to hunt and fish and had many fishing friends whom he loved to be with. He and Lucy had shared almost 67 years of marriage. For many years, Lester was an active member of the Rabbit Growers Association and the Modoc Senior Citizens. Tall in stature, Mr. Killingbeck was also a personable and kind man who appreciated the surroundings of Modoc County and loved to be out enjoying all that nature had to offer in Modoc.

He is survived by his wife Lucy of Alturas; daughters Carol Minto, Gerlach, Nev.; Nora Intardonato, Merced, Calif.; son Merle Killingbeck of Alturas; sister Aretha Bishop of Anderson, Calif.; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and nine-great-great granchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, three sisters and five brothers.

No services will be held according to Mr. Killingbeck's wishes.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

 

 

Record news for January 20, 2000

 

• MJU nearing agreement on Drennan departure
• BLM will change plans on five grazing allotments
• Schwab manager in critical condition after wreck
• Modoc Jobless rate for December at 6.6%
• Voter registration deadline in February 7
• Sierra Business Council to brief Modoc

MJU nearing agreement on Drennan de parture

Following a closed session Tuesday night, the Modoc Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees, actually attorney John Kenny representing the board, announced they were nearing a separation agreement with former Superintendent Craig Drennan.

Drennan was convicted of felony eaves dropping charges by a Modoc jury in September, 1999 and has been on paid admin istrative leave since a hidden video camera was discovered in former Modoc High School Principal Duke Pasquini's office last May.

In the separation agreement, the board is stating that what Drennan did by ordering the hidden camera in Pasquini's office and viewing those tapes, was within the scope of his employment, "without malice" and "in good faith." The board's position is that there is no evidence to prove those things are not true.

The agreement has been forwarded to Drennan, who will consult with his legal counsel and tweak any language that he may disagree with and should come back to the board for ratification Jan. 24.

In addition to the above language, the school district is agreeing to pay Drennan $150,000, continue his benefits for 18 months and pay his criminal defense fees, not to ex ceed $25,000.

In exchange for the agreement, the district will receive Drennan's resignation as super intendent and as a credentialed teacher in the district foregoing his tenure.

Any inquiries for Drennan's future em ployment will be directed to the current super intendent of the district, who will provide the agreement as the answer to any questions.

Under Drennan's current contract with the district, there is a clause that it cannot be terminated without 18 months compensation. In his contract, there is no explicit termina tion clause for wrongdoing. The district's le gal counsel said the district had to adhere to conditions in Drennan's contract.

According to Superintendent Don Demsher, the district has filed a cross-com plaint with the legal firm of Stroup and de Goede, who allegedly gave Drennan advice on planting the video camera. Drennan has maintained that firm advised him the action was legal. They were not called as a defense witness in Drennan's trial.

In addition, said Demsher, Pasquini has filed a complaint against the district.

Modoc Superior Court Judge Larry Dier sentenced Drennan to three years formal probation, a $7,000 fine and 10 days in the county jail. That sentence will be stayed un til an appeal is final.

Drennan's attorney has filed an appeal of the eavesdropping conviction. That appeal is pending.

Drennan was originally charged with felony eavesdropping after a hidden video camera was discovered by Alturas Police in Pasquini's office.

The hidden camera was discovered and removed by the Alturas Police Department May 4 after its existence was re ported to them. Pasquini was not told the camera was in his office. It was in the ceiling and the lens was covered by a false smoke detector. The camera had been in operation for about six months.

School officials reported to police that the camera operated 24 hours per day, five days per week and was turned off in March.

According to Demsher, the state creden tialing board will probably address Drennan's administrative and teaching credentials if the appeal is denied.

BLM to change grazing plan on five allotments

There are some changes in the works this spring for five grazing allotments administered by the Bureau of Land Management's Surprise Valley Resource Area.

In many cases, the changes will mean less or no cattle or livestock grazing on portions of the allotments. Area Manager Susan Stokke, understands the changes will have an impact on the nine permittees who run livestock on those allotments.

"We are hoping to work with the ranchers to develop long term strategies," Stokke said. "But the public wants us to move forward on these issues. We are hoping to continue working with people and come up with solutions that will work for all sides."

Stokke pointed out that five of the livestock allotments un der the SV Resource area administration are not meeting at least one standard for rangeland health because of current livestock grazing.

She said current BLM regulations require that grazing management changes be made to enable the land to improve and those changes must be made before the start of the 2000 grazing season.

Stokke is quick to point out that the problems vary in each of the allotments and the problems are found in parts of al lotment, not all across the landscape. Many of the problem areas, she said, are in riparian (stream and streambank) and meadows.

She also understands the affected ranchers' frustration and impacts, but said the change has been coming and should not be a surprise to anyone.

"We want to allow grazing to continue in these areas at a level the land can sustain without damage," she said. "Changes proposed for next grazing season are short term in nature. We are addressing the problems on the ground to start the areas on a trend to recovery. We are working with the ranchers and others interested in the health of the land to put these changes in place, or find alternative solutions."

Stokke said BLM will likely begin to prepare environ mental assessments on the affected allotments, aimed at addressing the issues and developing long term manage ment strategies to improve range health.

Stokke said the management goals will be designed to provide for better habitat for wildlife and fish, produce more forage for livestock and provide quality recreation experi ences for a variety of visitors.

Some of the changes in management may include rest and rotation of certain areas, short term grazing or in some cases no grazing for this season.

The following summarizes concerns and proposed actions on the allotments, which are all in Nevada, east of Surprise Valley.

Home Camp: ending provisions for "stragglers" to graze in Hays Canyon (cattle left behind when livestock is taken off the public allotment); limiting cattle use to moderate in stream areas; hand cutting encroaching juniper on south slopes of Hays Canyon.

Duck Lake: nearly all perennial streams are function ing-at-risk with less than desirable riparian vegetation; active erosion, and poor habitat conditions for riparian-de pendent species; two actions are proposed, to end provisions for straggler grazing and to limit the maximum allowable livestock use to moderate in riparian areas.

Board Corral: because of heavy use by livestock of bitter brush, riparian vegetation, aspen as well as active cutting in the Cottonwood/ Bald Mountain areas, moderate grazing is proposed as well as more herding to improve cattle distri bution.

Bull Creek: herding has not been effective in keeping cattle out of the Willow Creek drainage. A riparian pasture is being considered for the area with no grazing this season. An option is to allow moderate use in Bull Creek and Willow Creek areas as the maximum allowable, with cattle removed when 40 percent of available forage has been eaten.

Wall Canyon East: the preferred action is no grazing for the 2000 season because of a lack of stream stability and de sirable riparian vegetation in Wall Canyon and Lower Cottonwood Creeks as well as the condition of scattered springs and ephemeral (short-term) drainages. Vegetation is less than desirable at the valley floor.

Schwab manager listed in critical condition after wreck that killed 2

The manager of the Les Schwab Tire Center in Alturas, Bill Allbee, remains in critical condition this week following a three-car accident Jan. 12 on U.S. 395 near Lakeview.

Two Lakeview residents, Wayne Ellsworth Grisel, age 75, and his grandson, Paul Wayne Grisel, 14, were killed in the ac cident.

According to Oregon State Police reports, Duane Umbarger, 52, of Lakeview was driv ing a pickup hauling a flatbed trailer north bound on US 395 about 6 p.m. and was at tempting to make a left turn into a private driveway.

A second pickup, driven by Grisel, was southbound and struck the flatbed. The Grisel vehicle became airborne and landed upside down on the highway. The driver's side of the vehicle took most of the impact. The Grisel vehicle rolled to its roof and was struck head on by a pickup driven by Allbee, age 42.

Umbarger and a passenger in his pickup were not injured.

It took the "Jaws of Life" to extract Allbee from his mangled pickup and he was taken to Lake District Hospital and then flown to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend where he is still listed in critical condition, but has shown improvement over the past few days.

According to Les Schwab Assistant Manager Mark Brown, who visited Allbee in the Bend Hospital, he will be in intensive care for two to four more weeks.

He is listed as having a broken nose and jaw and serious head injuries. He has re ceived a tracheotomy to assist his breathing and has bruised lungs. As of Wednesday, he had shown movement in his limbs and while not fully alert, was showing fairly remark able improvement.

"We are very hopeful," said Brown. "Bill seems to be doing better and healing quicker that most people who have these types of in juries, according to his doctors."

A trust fund has been set up for the Allbee family to cover miscellaneous expenses while he is hospitalized. People may donate to the Bill Allbee Trust Fund at Plumas Bank in Alturas.

A New Pine Creek Oregon man was ar rested alleging driving under the influence following a single vehicle accident Jan. 13, 9:10 p.m. on Highway 395 north of Lyneta Road.

The California Highway Patrol reports that Charles L. Harter, 50, was northbound and allowed the vehicle to drift onto the south bound lane and off the east shoulder. The ve hicle traveled down an embankment strik ing rocks and a barbed wire fence. The wreck caused minor damage to the front end of the 1988 International U-Haul truck.

There were no injuries in a single vehicle accident this week on CR 54 west of Cal Pines Boulevard.

The CHP reports that Brixhilda Daberdaku, 29, of Alturas was driving a 1999 Dodge Durango westbound on an ice-covered CR54 at about 30-35 m.p.h. when she lost control of he vehicle, left the road and struck a fence.

Occupants in the vehicle were properly restrained, which prevented injury.

Modoc jobless rate for Dec. at 6.6%

The December 1999 unemployment rate for Modoc County came in at 6.6 percent, up from November's 6.1 percent. The state's unemployment figure was 4.6 percent and nationally it was 3.7 percent.

Civilian unemployment has been inching up since October, from 200 people, to 240 in November and 60 in December. That's down significantly for December 1998 when the county's jobless rate was 10.8 percent and 420 people were without employment.

Deadline for voter registration Feb. 7

Don't forget the deadline for voter registration for the March 7 election is Feb. 7.

Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison asks voters to make sure they are registered under the correct name and current address. New reg isters are also encouraged. Madison pointed out that young people who will be age 18 by or on March 7 should reg ister to vote by Feb. 7.

The Republicans hold the majority of registered voters in the county at 2,421 and there are 2,102 regis tered Democrats. According to Madison the fastest growing area of reg istra tion is in Non Partisan where there are now 569 registered voters. The breakdown of other parties in Modoc is as fol lows: American Independent, 151; Libertarian, 26; Green, 14, Reform, 14, Natural Law, four, and miscellaneous, 18.

The Sierra Business Council briefs Modoc

The Sierra Business Council will make its first presenta tion ever to Modoc in an open meeting at the County Supervisor's Chambers January 27, 3 p.m.

Sierra Business Council is an association of businesses working together to secure the "economic and environmen tal health of the Sierra Nevada for this and future genera tions."

Sean Curtis, of the Modoc Land Use Committee, said since the U.S. Forest Service is including Modoc in the Sierra Nevada Famework proposal, the group was invited to share its wisdom and insight. He stresses the meeting is open to anyone interested.

The Council was established in 1994 and is led by a Board of Directors of business leaders representing a spectrum of large and small enterprises from throughout the region. The board oversees the council's work which includes research, policy analysis, public education and leadership develop ment.

"Several of our local folks have heard their presentations and were very impressed," said Curtis. "We don't know what their approach will be in Modoc, but we're certainly anxious to listen."

According to the council's literature, it seeks to provide leadership in a time of transition in the Sierra Nevada. It is working to "define an economic vision of our region that is attractive, achievable, profitable and ecologically sustain able."

"We explicitly reject the notion that our communities must choose between economic and environmental health. On the contrary, we believe that environmental quality is the cornerstone of economic well being," the council said.

The council's approach is decidedly pro-active and stresses the need for private initiative. The vision is long term and aimed region-wide.

The council defines economic and environmental health broadly. "A healthy economy is stable and resilient, rooted in local businesses that support our communities and recog nizes the need to support and invest in the public's education and physical well-being," the council states. "Finally, a healthy economy honors and preserves historical and cul tural resources, enriching its citizens with cultural ride and an awareness of the forebears."

Additionally, it states: "A healthy environment protects its unique natural features for the enjoyment of present and future generations . . . ensures the viability and vitality of indigenous species and recognizes their essential impor tance to the web of life. A healthy environment celebrates the glory and wonder of our streams, forests, meadows and mountains and takes care not to encroach upon areas that are still wild and unspoiled . . . provides peace and solace for the human spirit and refuge from the stresses of modern life."

Membership in the council is open to businesses operating in the Sierra who support the mission of the council and its val ues.

 

Record news for January 27, 2000

 

• Drennan accepts offer from district
• March primary has plenty of questions
• Natural gas finally coming to Alturas?

OBITUARIES:

 

• Walter E. Liston
• Eileen L. Pitsor Cody

Drennan accepts district's offer

Former Modoc Joint Unified School District Superintendent Craig Drennan has agreed to a buyout of his contract, which was ratified by the Board of Trustees Monday.

 

Drennan, who was convicted of felony eavesdropping last September will receive $150,000, plus a continuance of his benefit package for 18 months. The district also agreed to pay his criminal defense fees, not to ex ceed $25,000.

 

Drennan has been on paid administrative leave since last May when Alturas Police discovered a hidden video camera in Modoc High School Principal Dewey "Duke" Pasquini's office. Pasquini had no idea the camera was there or that Drennan had ordered its placement.

 

In exchange for the agreement, the district will received Drennan's resignation as super intendent and as a creden tialed teacher in the district.

In addition to ratifying the buyout of Drennan's contract, the board also authorized the start of a search for a perma nent replacement.

 

Interim Superintendent Don Demsher, who has been steering the district in Drennan's absence, said the search should take a few months. He is hoping the board can wrap everything up and have a new superintendent on board by July.

 

According to Demsher, the board will be seeking advice and input from the community during the search process.

 

March 7 primary will have plenty of decisions

The March 7 primary elections will have plenty of deci sions and plenty of questions to be answered by local voters.

 

Locally, there are races for County Supervisor in District Four between incumbent Ron McIntyre and challenger Willy Hagge. In District Two, incumbent Joe Colt is facing a challenge from Mike Dunn. District Three Supervisor Pat Cantrall is unopposed.

 

City voters will also decide three City Council seats. Incumbents Kerry Merwin, Jack Ochs and George Andreasen are seeking re-election. They are facing a chal lenge from Colin Jameson. Each council term is for a four-year period.

 

The City Clerk, Cary Baker, has also taken out pa pers for re-election. She is going unchallenged for another four-year term.

 

A recall election in the California Pines Community Services District against Directors Marvin Kitchen, Robert LaGabed and John Schneider will be on the ballot.

 

The federal portion of the ballot will contain the primary for President and federal offices. The state ballot will in clude state officers and Propositions 1A, and 12 through 31.

 

According to Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison, while the presidential primary is open to all parties, each party voter will receive a ballot by party. The voter may still vote for whomever he wants. The political parties in the state wanted the party ballots to track how members of each party voted, especially those who vote outside of party lines. While the parties will not be able to tell how an individual votes, they will be able to chart where their party voters strayed.

 

The propositions on the March ballot include Indian gam ing, library construction, safe drinking water, crime lab construction, Veterans bonds, allowing lotteries and chari table raffles, death sentence for murder involving kidnap ping, arson or lying in wait, enhancing sentences for sec ond degree murder of California State University and Bay Area Regional Transit officers, requiring 50 percent of in creases in lottery revenues to go to school textbooks and instruc tional materials, increases punishment for juvenile gang-related felonies, requiring only marriages between a man and woman be recognized in the state, allowing a "none-of-the-above" selection on a ballot, campaign spend ing limits, require simple majority for local school bond elections, changing term limits for Congressional candi dates, repealing the Prop. 10 tax on cigarettes, approving or rejecting a state Indian gaming compact with 11 tribes, ap proving or rejecting third party lawsuits against insurance companies.

Proposition 24 was taken off the ballot by order of the state Supreme Court, citing it as unconstitutional.

 

The final day to reg ister to vote in the March 7 election is February 7. It's important, said Madison, that voters reside in proper district. If voters have changed anything, includ ing name or residence since the last election, they need to contact the Clerk for a change. As of this week, the county had 5,227 registered voters, down from the last election.

 

Natural gas finally coming to Alturas?

Natural gas service may be coming to Alturas as early as this summer, according to Rock Creek Energy's Ken Teague.

Teague told the Alturas City Council Tuesday night that his company is anticipat ing building the gas line from the Tuscarora main line two miles south of Alturas into Carlos Street and east. Initially, the company plans service to a few large customers.

 

In the beginning stages, the City of Alturas may act as the lead agency for the natural gas service while Rock Creek maneuvers its way through the California Public Utilities Commission.

 

Teague told the council Tuesday night the CPUC hadn't dealt with a new natural gas utility company issue in 70 years. Just how long the approval process will take is un known.

 

Teague said Rock Creek has a goal of bringing natural gas service into Alturas, eventually available to all consumers. He is projecting a price of about 80 percent of propane or heating oil for the same amount of heat output. Heating oil and wood are the primary heating sources in Alturas, with oil's share increasing at a steady rate. New propane stoves are also very popular.

 

Rock Creek has put the construction of the Alturas line in to its budget for this year and fully expects to get it built. The two to two-and-a-quarter mile pipeline from the Tuscarora line will have four "bores" to get it across the forks of the Pit River and under the railroad line.

The council also went ahead on a sewer plant improvement project by requesting quotes from engineers concerning a im provements that will bring the plant into compliance with the state.

 

Funding for the improvements, estimated at from between $250,000 to $500,000 will come through either low interest loans or grants. The city will factor in an increase in sewer rates to offset a loan repayment.

 

Initially estimates to improve the sewer plant ranged in the $2 to $2.5 million level, but that scope of work has been lessened fol lowing consultations with engineers and the state.

 

Some councilmembers feel there is no rush to get the job done as long as the city is moving ahead, while others feel that delay ing it unnecessarily could trigger state im posed fines.

 

OBITUARIES:

 

Walter E. Liston

Surprise Valley native Walter E. Liston of Ventura, Calif. passed away Jan. 14, 2000, at the age of 94.

Mr. Liston was born March 3, 1905, in Cedarville, Calif. to Isaac Newton Liston and Julia Ett Lusk. He graduated from Selma Union High School in 1923, and served in the United States Army in the 47th Engineers Construction Bat talion, Asiatic Pacific Campaign. Mr. Liston was employed for many years by McKenzie Trucking Co. and Foster Sign Co. and retired from the Blue Diamond Gypsum Co. in Las Vegas.

He leaves his nieces Audrey Davis of Sonoma, Calif., Loni Liston of Angwin, Calif. and Barbara Stuart of Om aha, Neb.; and nephew John Hartley of Ventura.

Burial will be in the family plot at the Selma Cemetery in Selma, Calif. Arrangements were under the direction of Charles Carroll Funeral Home.

Eileen L. Pitsor Cody

Former Likely resident Eileen L. Pitsor Cody, 56, died of cancer on January 15, 2000 at Physicians' Hospital for Ex tended Care in Reno, Nevada.

A native of South Dakota, she was born November 2, 1943, to Ralph and Doris (Jeffries) Pitsor. She lived in Modoc County for five years, until she relocated to Reno due to health reasons. Mrs. Cody worked as a cook for the Mc Garva and HC Ranches in Likely. She had also worked as a maid and a bartender in the gaming industry. She loved spending time with her friends in Likely and was fond of horses.

Her husband William Lance Cody preceded her in death in 1979 as did her brother Larry Pitsor in April of 1999 and her mother.

She is survived by her father Ralph Pitsor of Merced, Calif.; son James Brown of Corning, Calif.; daughters Jes sica Cates of Reno and Surette King of Alturas. Two of her eight grandchildren, N'Kea Charter and William Charter are both of Alturas. She also leaves her com panion Doug Clark of Likely.

No services will be held. Cremation was at Sierra Crema tory, under the direction of Northern Nevada Memorial Cremation and Burial Society.

 

 

 

February, 2000

 

Record news for Feb. 3, 2000

 

• County wants Forest planning rule withdrawn
• State issues report card for local schools
• Supervisors approve building projects
• Nor-Cal gets tentative OK for PP&L
• Sage Stage contracts with MV Transportation
• Davis Creek has groundhog dinner fun
• Academic Decathlon in full swing

OBITURARIES:

• Barbara Maud Lazaris
• Mildred Parsons Spomer
• Phyllis A. Pollard
• Dorothea Alice Youngblood

County wants Forest planning rule withdrawn

Modoc County is asking the U.S. Forest Service to drop its proposed planning rule, calling it "the absolute worst pro posal we have ever seen."

Sean Curtis, of the Modoc Land Use Committee, who pre pared comments for the Board of Supervisors on the rule, told supervisors Tuesday that the proposal is not "fixable" through the public comment process and should be with drawn in its entirety. Those comments will be forwarded to the Forest Service.

Curtis told the board if the rule is implemented as drawn up, it could void the multiple use concept of management, would ignore successes in resource management, curtail cutting juniper for firewood, remove much of the public's comment and appeal rights and make the overriding con cept of management environmental-ecological sustain ability.

He also called the proposed rule "cleverly crafted" so that if some parts of it were removed or changed, other areas re mained to get the same desired results.

"The rule would cause great harm to local communities and to the environment," Curtis said. "It would turn the Forest Service into a planning agency with no time or money available for on-the-ground work. It furthers the ef fort to place more and more land in the no-management (preservation) designation, which is harmful long term to most forest land. It greatly reduces currently mandated pub lic involvement and places all collaboration at the discre tion of the Forest Service."

Curtis also said the reduction in appeal rights would lead to more litigation, placing forest management more in the hands of the courts and lawyers.

Curtis' says the rule changes the mission of the Forest Service from multiple-use sustained yield to managing for ecological sustainability. The definition of ecological sus tainablity also creates a problem, said Curtis.

"The rule establishes the ecosystem integrity standard as the estimated pre-European settlement conditions," Curtis argues. "This is unacceptable. These conditions are at best a poor guess. In light if the landscape of much of the unpopu lated west, this is an expensive, unachievable goal."

The county is also arguing the rule would destroy the bal ance between planning and on-the-ground accomplish ments, leaning heavily to research and planning with little money left for projects.

Modoc, which is a "designated planning county" cur rently is ultimately concerned that its input will be negated under the new rules. Currently, the Forest Service is re quired to involve the county in its planning processes and decision making. Curtis said the new rule fully ignores the record of success that "has always followed full cooperation between the Service and local government."

Curtis also said the new rule leans more toward having science stop projects rather than allow projects to move for ward.

"Scientists are well known for never having enough in formation," said Curtis. "At some point, common sense re garding funding and existing data must rule. . . In light of the constant reference to peer-reviewed science, it should be mandatory that the Committee of Scientists report that this Rule is based on or be peer reviewed."

The county believes the new rule will simply put the final nail in the coffin of timber production and stop the removal of juniper for firewood because of the concept of ecological sustainability.

"The most successful, cost efficient program the Service runs, the removal of the invasive, environmentally harm ful western juniper as firewood by the general public will cease," the county says. "By defining fuelwood as timber and preventing timber harvest on lands unsuitable for tim ber production (which by its nature is where juniper grows), the rule prevents the ecologically and socially beneficial removal of millions of board feet of an invasive weed (juniper)."

Curtis told the board one of the major concerns is the new rule allows for more discretion by the local Forest Supervisor and has a chilling effect of limiting public com ment or input on issues. He contends that's opposite of what the rule implies it is intended to accomplish.

Comments on the proposed rule had to be in to the Forest Service today.

State issues report card for local schools

Governor Gray Davis has declared this the 'era of ac countability' for Californi a's public school system.

The first step of that ac countability came in the form of the state's first-ever academic ranking of its nearly 7,000 elementary, middle and high schools. The 1999 Academic Perfor mance Index (API) Report was released on January 25, 2000, and is designed to measure each school's aca demic performance and pro vide a target for school progress in the future.

The API is based solely on the results of the Stanford 9 basic skill test, which was given to approximately 4.3 million public school stu dents last spring. The in terim statewide API perfor mance target is 800, with a possible score of between 200 and 1,000. This will serve as the statewide performance target until the State Board adopts state performance standards.

Alturas Elementary School has an API score of 753, placing them in the top 80% of the statewide rank, Modoc Middle School's API score is 610, placing them at 50% of the statewide rank and Modoc High School has an API score of 620 which places them at 60% of the statewide rank.

Surprise Valley Elemen tary School's API score is 657, placing them at 60-70% of the statewide rank. Sur prise Valley High School was not given a rank be cause it has fewer than 100 pupils.

It was not statistically possible to rate small schools, county-adminis tered schools, community day schools, alternative schools, continuation schools and independent study schools at this time. An alternative accountabil ity system is to be developed for these schools by July 1, 2000.

The API scores are then ranked statewide in 10 groups of equal size from 1 to 10. Schools are separated by type; elementary, middle and high schools and ranked within those cate gories. This is called the Similar Schools Ranking, and it gives each school a rank of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Alturas Elementary has a similar schools ranking of 10, Modoc Middle School has a ranking of 1 and Modoc High School has a ranking of 1. Surprise Valley Ele-mentary's simi lar school ranking is 8.

Each school is given a target growth rate of 5% of the difference between the 1999 API and the interim Statewide Performance Tar-get of 800. California schools that make the pre scribed amount of progress will be eligible for financial rewards. Schools that fail to meet improvement targets could have remedies forced on them and, in extreme cases, face takeover by the state.

The Public School Ac countability Act also pro vides incentives and re wards for schools who achieve and maintain high academic standards. Stu dents will also benefit in the form of scholarships offered for high achievement.

"The test scores for Al turas Elementary are really pretty impressive," said Don Demsher, Modoc Joint Uni fied District Superintendent. "Modoc Middle School and the high school did have lower scores. I think that maybe the test-takers (students) haven't taken the test seriously enough, I can't think of another reason for the disparity in the numbers for a high performing school system like ours."

Because there are so many variables that may have been reported incor rectly and could affect the outcome of the scores; educa tors across the state have been reluctant to accept them as a definitive measurement of the academic achievement of their students.

"The test is new and may not be 100% re liable right now, I'm sure it will be in the future as it is fine tuned," stated Demsher.

"I think we received an excellent ranking for the first go-round," said Henry Bietz, Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District Su perintendent. "It reflects what we've done with the reading program here and by having the Saxon Math program in place for the last few years."

"I'm really happy with the job the students have done and the commitment the staff has made to quality ed ucation. We will easily meet the 5% target growth set for spring," he added.

Supervisors approve construction projects

Modoc Supervisors approved a bid Tuesday that will add space and improve the Social Services building on Main Street in Alturas.

The bid of $412,000 was approved from David Hallman Construction of Anderson. The project includes renovation and prepara tion of the second floor of the Belli Building.

According to Social Services' Fiscal Officer Pauline Cravens, the expansion pro ject will include 11 more offices, add an ele vator, conference room and reception area.

The renovation will be designed much the same as the downstairs offices and will alle viate some seriously overcrowded situations. The fiscal offices and Child Protective Services will move upstairs, making more room for eligibility staff downstairs. Work on the project is expected to start this month and should be finished by June.

The board also passed resolutions approv ing three state-funded highway projects in the county. The $4.8 million overlay projects include all of County Road 87 (the Adin-Lookout Road), the northern part of CR 91 (the Lookout-Hackamore Road) and County Road One in Surprise Valley from Cedarville to Lake City.

County Road Commissioner Tom Tracy said the target start date for that paving pro ject is April, but weather will be the determin ing factor. He doesn't expect the projects to take long once they get started and both are state funded.

Supervisors approved resolutions Tuesday that earmark monies from the Tobacco Company Settlement Funds be directed to a reduction of the Modoc Medical Center cash deficit.

County Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said the funds are under the control of the board and a paydown of the hospital debt was approved by the board, keeping the funds in a health-related arena.

Over the next 20 years the county is ex pected to receive $3.6 million from the Tobacco settlement. The nation's tobacco companies settled in lawsuits with several states, including California, resulting in these funds becoming available.

According to Maxwell, the county will re ceive about $146,000 this year, $129,000 in 2001, $155,000 in 2002, $157,000 in 2003, $131,000 in 2004-2005 and $133,000 from 2008 to 2017. The settlement amounts are, in part, determined by cigarette sales.

Nor-Cal receives tentative okay for PP&L

In a tentative decision re leased Friday, the Honor able William W. Pangman, a Superior court judge of Sierra County, stated that the Nor-Cal Electric Authority has legal power to acquire, own and fi nance electric transmission and distribu tion facilities necessary to provide service in Pacifi Corp's Northern California ser vice area.

Pangman was assigned to decide the matter by mu tual agreement of the Siskiyou County Counsel and Nor-Cal's attorneys.

The Sierra County judge answered 14 questions. In particular, Siskiyou and Modoc counties asked whether the Nor-Cal Joint Powers Authority can legally pur chase, finance and operate PacifiCorp's service territory, which in cludes Del Norte, Siskiyou and portions of Modoc and Shasta counties.

Although he concluded that cities are authorized to operate retail electric sys tems, Pangman ruled that counties lack this authority. The judge then outlined a course of action Nor-Cal might pursue in order to complete the transaction.

"We still have a lot of work to do, but overall we are extremely pleased by the judge's decision," said Nor-Cal Chair man Clyde Eller. "Many of Siskiyou and Modoc County's questions have now been answered and we would like once again to encourage them to join us. Becoming a member of the Authority will help in sure that there will be no loss of tax revenue or franchise fees to the counties and their res idents."

The City of Yreka and the County of Del Norte formed the JPA in November 1998. Alturas, Montague, Dorris, Tulelake, Ft. Jones, Dun smuir and Weed also have voted to be come members. In all, nine of the 15 cities and counties in cluded in the ter ritory have voted to join the JPA.

PacifiCorp signed a letter of intent to sell its Northern California service area to Nor-Cal on April 9, 1999 and a definitive purchase agree ment was signed by the two entities on July 15, 1999. The California Public Utili ties Commission has com pleted two public hearings in the service territory and is now considering approval of the sale. Nor-Cal will be a public utility operated on a non-profit basis and will not be subject to federal taxation. Nor-Cal's improvements to its electric system will qual ify for tax-exempt financ ing. The purchase is ex pected to be completed this spring.

For more information about the Nor-Cal Electric Authority visit their website at www.norcalelectric.com or call General Manager Don ald Dubay at (707) 464-4667.

Sage Stage contracts with MV Transportation

This week marked two special events for Sage Stage; cele brating it's first annivesary and awarding a contract to MV Transporta tion, Inc. of Fairfield, CA to manage and operate ser vices and to maintain vehi cles through June, 2002.

Founded in 1975, MV cur rently operates twelve loca tions in three states. They provide over 2.9 million pas senger trips annually and employ nearly 1,000 people locally. Ben Bergfelt will provice project management from the MV corpo rate of fices while Site Coordinator, Robert Dolan and drivers, Jack Montgomery and Char lie Young maintain the Al turas Sage Stage operation.

Currently, Sage Stage provides three public transit ser vices: Intercity Routes between Alturas-Susanville every Tuesday and Thurs day (two round trips, one morning and one evening), and one round trip between Alturas-Klamath Falls ev ery Wednesday and Friday (morning departure, af ter noon return).

Community Connections between Alturas-Adin on Tues days, Alturas-Cal Pines-Canby on Tuesdays and Fridays, Alturas-Ced-arville on Wednesdays and Fridays, and Al turas-Davis Creek on Thursdays.

Extended City Loops are available on Tuesdays and Fri days, linking multiple stops in Alturas with Cal Pines and Canby communi ties. General fares are $10 intercity, $4-$6 community; and $4 city per one-way trip. Children, students with school ID, elderly (60 years and older) and qualified disabled persons pay half fare, or $5 intercity, $2-$3 commu nity and $2 city.

In Susanville, Sage Stage connects with Mt. Lassen Cab & Shuttle (530) 257-5187 with daily service to/from Reno, Nevada.

In Klamath Falls connec tions are available to the re gional airport, Greyhound and Amtrak stations, Merle West Medi cal Center, local doctor offices and Klamath Mall.

Because of funding limi tations and low demand Sage Stage operates demand-response service. Customers can make advance reserva tions by calling (530) 233-3883. Per sonal assistance and help with trip planning is available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. If it is necessary to call after busi ness hours, leaving a recorded message with name, request and phone number will ensure a prompt return call during business hours.

To better serve the com munity, the MTA plans to change the Sage Stage fixed-route loops into a dial-a-ride service within the next few weeks. Please send written comments and specific re quests for this planned ser vice to the MTA/Sage Stage, 202 West 4th Street, Alturas. Special public meetings will be held in February and March to receive oral com ments; these will be adver tised.

Sage Stage is adminis tered by the Modoc Trans portation Agency (MTA). The MTA Board of Directors includes three representa tives from both the County of Modoc and City of Al turas. Representing the County are Ron McIntyre, Chairman and County Supervisor Dis trict IV; Joe Colt, Vice Chairman and County Su pervisor District II; and Cit izen Bill Madison. Repre senting the City of Alturas are: George Andreasen, Kerry Merwin and citizen, Jim Porter. Larry Picket and Terry Williams serve as alternates for the City and County. The MTA meets monthly on the third Tues day in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Davis Creek has groundhog dinner fun

The Davis Creek Ground Hog Supper al ways brings about a good time for all ages, with good food and plenty of visiting. That opportunity will come on Saturday, Feb. 5.

The annual d commu nity effort and will be hosted by the Davis Creek 4-H Club on Feb. 5 at the Davis Creek Grange Hall.

Serving freshly grilled sausage patties, mashed pota toes, green salad, green beans, and more, the dinner will be served to the public from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door, $6 for adults; $4 for children, ages six to 12 years old; under five years served free.

The hall is set with long ta bles, seating all who come for the event. Bingo games are of fered during the evening as is an auction and cake auction.

The small group of 4-H members receive assistance from family members and their community to make the event possible as a fund-raiser for the maintenance of the com munity hall as well as 4-H. For further in formation please contact Linda Le Neave.

The Davis Creek Grange Hall is located within the Davis Creek town limits. The Groundhog Dinner is a com munity tradi tion, which draws folks from throughout Modoc County to enjoy the event.

Academic Decathlon in full swing

Modoc County Office of Education will present the Super Quiz and awards at the 13th annual Modoc County Academic Decathlon today, Feb. 3 in Shirley Oxley Hall at Modoc High School.

Selected student teams from Tulelake, Modoc and Surprise Valley High Schools are participating.

Students were tested on Wednesday, Feb. 2 in the ar eas of Math, Economics, So cial Science, Language and Literature, Art and Music. The decathlon reward aca demic excellence by moti vating and preparing stu dents to achieve through competitive events. Three levels of competition are based on grade point aver age and are called Honor, Scholastic and Varsity, making it possible for any student to compete. The final event is the Super Quiz, where parents and commu nity members ac tively pro vide team support and en couragement.

Teams from Modoc High School have been work ing with Coach Donna Jean Wilson and include stu dents Jodi Averett, Melisa Burgess, David Coombs, Christina Craw ford, April Dorton, Tammy Drennan, Rafael Erdmann, Ryan Hagge, Jonathan Richert and Joshua Velasco.

Surprise Valley High School Coach Mike Ray has a team of Dan Clark, Ashley Cockrell, Cassie Cockrell, Megan Farschon, Scherane John son, Mitch Small, Cait lyn Wimer, Christina Wor ley and Jodie Jones-Zand stra.

Tulelake High School Coach Martha Hurlburt is working with students Nancy Bell, Brianna Byrne, David Campbell, Luke Du Val, Brad Frey, Jimmy Havlina, Kevin Marcusson, Jessica Perez, Allen Scott, Mark Thomson and James VanAcker.

Today's event schedule is as follows: Feb. 3, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Speech/interview and demonstrations; 4:30-5:15 p.m. break/dinner; 5:30 -6:30 p.m. Super Quiz; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. award presenta tion and closure in Oxley Hall at Modoc High.

A host of approximately 50 volunteers are helping to make the event possible by par ticipating as speech, es say, and interview judges, essay and test proctors, super quiz readers and graders, timers, test graders and award pre senters.

 

OBITURARIES:

 

Barbara Maud Lazaris

Former California Pines resident Barbara Maud Lazaris passed away on January 8, 2000 in Olympia, Wash ington, where the Lazaris family had relocated. Mrs. Lazaris had been ill for a number of years.

Mrs. Lazaris, wife of former California Pines Project Director Paul Lazaris, had made Modoc her home during the mid 1960s and 1970s while her husband worked on the Cali fornia Pines development project. The family had relocated from Southern California to California Pines. Mrs. Lazaris was a talented artist, mother of four and homemaker.

She was born August 3, 1928 in Tacoma, Washington.

Family members officiated graveside services and in urnment at the Eatonville Cemetery in Eatonville, Wash ington on Friday, Jan. 14.

She is survived by her husband Paul of Olympia, Wash. and their four children Carson, Chris, Julie and Laura.

Condolences may be sent to Paul Lazaris, 407 Olympic Way SW, Olympia, Washington 98502.

 

Mildred Parsons Spomer

 

Mildred Florence Parsons Spomer, former Tulelake res ident and nurse, died on Thursday, January 27, 2000 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive, Montana. She was age 89 and had been a resident of Glendive.

Graveside services with interment will be held on Fri day, Feb. 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Klamath Memorial Cemetery in Klamath Falls, Ore. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements.

Mildred was born on June 1, 1910 in Santa Rosa, Calif., the daughter of Charles and Lola (Mendenhall) Parsons. She was educated in the La Sierra Academy in La Sierra, Calif. She attended Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif., and had also attended Walla Walla College in Walla Walla, Washington.

On June 10, 1940, Mildred married Isaac Spomer in Las Vegas, Nev. They settled in Tulelake, Calif., where they practiced together - Isaac as a family practitioner and Mil dred as a nurse. Mildred retired from nursing following her husband's death in 1965. In 1968, she moved to Grants Pass, Oregon and in 1993, moved to Glendive to be with her daughter.

Mildred loved horses, gardening and she enjoyed nature. She had been a 4-H leader and had a quick wit and a sense of humor. Mildred had been a member of the Seventh-day Ad ventist Church and had a strong faith in Jesus.

Mildred was a preceded in death by her parents, her hus band and a brother Raymond Parsons.

She is survived by her daughter Sandy Eickmann and her husband Tim of Glendive; her son Chuck Spomer of Pendleton, Ore.; six grandchildren and four great-grand children.

 

Phyllis A. Pollard

Former Alturas resident Phyllis A. Pollard, 85, of Yreka, Calif., passed away January 21, 2000 at the Madrone Hospice Home in Yreka, after a short illness.

Mrs. Pollard was born November 23, 1914 in Santa Bar bara, Calif. She worked for Caltrans for 44 years, 31 of those years at the Alturas office, and the last eight years in the Red Bluff office. Mrs. Pollard retired from Caltrans in 1981 and moved in February 1990 to Yreka.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Deborah Pollard of Yreka; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

At Mrs. Pollard's request, no funeral services will be held.

 

 

Dorothea Alice Youngblood

 

Dorothea Alice Young blood, a long-time Ea gleville and Davis Creek resident, passed away in her sleep January 27, 2000, at the Surprise Valley Community Hospital in Cedarville, Calif. She was 81 years of age.

Funeral services were held at graveside on Satur day, Jan. 29 at the Eagleville Cemetery. Bob Reeves con ducted the service.

Dorothea was born to Pete and Edna (Bethel) Blurton on May 19, 1918 at Fall River Mills, Calif. Her early years were spent in Davis Creek, Calif., where she attended grade school. She started high school in McArthur, Calif. and spent half her freshman year at Fall River Mills. On week ends she would come home to Davis Creek with a friend Juanita Gardner and help on the family ranch. She stayed in Fall River Mills with relatives during the week. It was during the Depression and she had to quit school half way through the year in order to help on the home ranch.

She started cooking for different people for hay crews and apple picking crews. In between jobs, she helped on her par ents' ranch. In 1934, she got a job helping cook for a 35-per son hay crew at the Lakeshore Ranch in Davis Creek. That is where she met Leo Youngblood. There were married September 30, 1936 in Reno, Nev. They worked in Hilder brant, Oregon the first winter they were married, then moved back to Davis Creek where they worked on ranches.

The Youngbloods always had big gardens and apple or chards and Dorothea canned all they needed and they sold the rest.

Three of their four children were born while they lived at Davis Creek. They moved to Eagleville in 1955 and one son was born there.

Dorothea was a homemaker and loved to grow all kinds of flowers. She always had a big garden shared with family and neighbors. In 1970 she cooked for the Bare Ranch for six months. She always kept a nice yard and flowers until her health prevented her from taking care of it. She also enjoyed making craft items.

Her husband of 50 years preceded her in death in 1986 and her brother Jess Blurton in 1996. Her parents also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter Florence Bordwell of Cedarville; sons Jim of Minden, Nev., Charles of Crane, Ore., Norman of Christmas Valley, Ore.; a brother Charles Blurton of Redding; eight grandchildren, Bill Bordwell, Donna Roberts, Julie Bordwell, Jayne Youngblood, Creig Youngblood, Christie Kendell, Cassie Youngblood, Colleen Youngblood and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Surprise Valley Hospital or to the charity of your choice.

 

Record news for Feb. 10, 2000

 

• BLM, ranchers at odds over grazing restrictions
• Modoc disputes Nor-Cal's version of court ruling
• Condition of tennis courts not luv-able
• Modoc High takes top place in decathlon
• Artist brings spirit out of wood

Obituaries:

• Charles Fred Heart
• Phyllis A. Pollard
• David Holloway

BLM, ranchers at odds over grazing resitrictions

Some Surprise Valley ranchers are at odds over Bureau of Land Management proposed grazing restrictions and have formed an organization, North Washoe Unit, to air their concerns.

One of the spokesmen for the new organization, Bill Benner, said local ranchers "are fighting for their very sur vival" and need to have a unified voice.

According to Benner, about 70 people attended a meeting in Cedarville February 4, following an earlier meeting in Nevada which attracted about half that number.

"The purpose of the meeting and organization was to pro duce a united voice to dispute recent BLM decisions that threaten the viability of several Surprise Valley ranches," Benner said. "New criteria for range utilization was dis cussed by ranchers from California, Oregon and Nevada with a general consensus being that the current trend of ever-increasing government restrictions will eventually affect all ranches with public land grazing permits."

According to Benner, one rancher predicted the end of grazing on the Warner Mountains (a separate issue under the U.S. Forest Service) and many felt the new criteria was unrealistic and designed to drive the cattlemen from the range.

Surprise Valley BLM Resource Area Manager Susie Stokke said she understands the concerns, but stresses there is no underlying effort to permanently remove cattle or livestock from the public lands.

She's hoping to address the facts on the issue at Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Committee meeting in Cedarville February 24, 1 p.m. The North Washoe Unit is also asking people to show up at that meeting and express their concerns. The meeting will be held in the Cedarville Community Hall.

Stokke pointed out that only five of the 24 livestock allot ments assessed un der the SV Resource area administration are not meeting at least one standard for rangeland health because of current livestock grazing. The grazing stan dards under question went into effect in April, 1997, and have been under discussion with permittees since then. In fact, said Stokke, many of the issues now being addressed have been discussed for the past several years.

She said there are 52 allotments in the SV Resource area and the remaining 28 will be assessed in the near future.

"I do not anticipate huge problems in the other allotments as we assess," said Stok