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News
Snow meant short parade in Davis Creek
By Betsy Ingraham
Davis Creek, CA
Happy New Year from Davis Creek!
Well, our 4th annual parade down Plumb St. was very short this year. The wind was blowing and the snow was blinding. At 9:00 a.m. our phone had already started ringing with people calling to see if the parade was a go. I even had a gentleman from Vya, Nevada call to see if we were going ahead with it. I cautioned he better wait until next year. So did most, but of the few Hardy Creekers who could get out of their driveways and made it to the Little Red School House at high noon, we carried on. At 11:45 two big Popular trees blew down across Plumb St. They knocked out electricity to the East side of Davis Creek.
Lizzie Mendoza showed up with her parade entry and me and my new "driving rig" were the only two entries who made it.
So, with such a blizzard going on and Highway 395 closed to all traffic going north, we thought it might be a good idea to invite the stranded travelers to our pot luck. The lights were out, but we were toasty and warm at the school house, so my husband, Fred, went down on the Highway and invited everyone that was stranded to come eat with us.
There was a family from Lakeview, Buck Creek, Billings, Montana, Idaho, Burns, Oregon, and Washington. About 3:00 p.m. the road was opened and our travelers went on their way.
The weather cleared for about two hours, then it started in snowing and blowing again. We have several people in Davis Creek who depend on electricity to warm their houses and a couple of them live on the east/west roads that had totally drifted full. Brian Ingraham fired up his big red tractor and went in and rescued them. (He didn't ask if they wanted to be rescued, he just did it.) Then he brought them to my house and they spent the night. Dinner was heated on our wood stove and lights by candle. Our fire Chief, John Leslie and Assistant Fire Chief, Shan Lewis, checked on everyone to make sure they had heat. Surprise Valley Electric was here as soon as someone called and worked very hard restoring our power.
So next year's parade, I am not sure if we will call it the fourth or fourth and a half annual, because there certainly were people moving around Plumb St. I know that our story isn't unusual at all if you live in Modoc County, everyone looks out for their neighbors. Happy New Year.
Election '04-- Feb. 17 is final day to register to vote
The final day to register to vote in the March 2 primary elections is Feb. 17. Modoc has approximately 5,200 voters registered at this time.
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison stressed that since there are local elections set for March, voters who have moved, or changed their name or marital status need to register. Also, people who haven't voted in several elections should check to make sure they are registered properly.
Local contested races include a challenge by Roy Moore and Ron Sharpless to District Two Supervisor Mike Dunn. District Four's Willy Hagge will run against Canby rancher Ray Anklin. Each term is four years.
Supervisor Pat Cantrall and Superior Court Judges Larry Dier and Fritz Barclay are unopposed. In the City of Alturas, councilmen Joe Coffin, George Andreasen and Jack Ochs will seek another term. City Clerk Cary Baker has also filed for another term.
Challengers for City Council are John Schreiber and Steve Iverson. Baker is unopposed.
There will also be several state issues on the March ballot, including a $15 billion bond measure sponsored by the Governor.
County okays letter to attract feed lot
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved sending a letter to California beef feedlot, packing and slaughterhouse operators, in hopes of attracting one of those plants to this area.
Modoc County Planner Scott Kessler told the board the effort has been tried in the past, and several things tend to work as impediments, but felt another effort was worth the time.
Kessler said transportation, feed availability and distance to markets are generally the downsides of locating in Modoc. But he also pointed out that low cost of land, geothermal resources and even the climate are assets.
What Kessler said may be most attracted to Modoc would be a "niche market" operation, such as organic beef. He figures an operator who already has a stake and place in that market could find Modoc very attractive.
Additionally, the current Mad Cow scare flooding the country could serve as a tool leading to more natural or organic beef production, processing and sales. While the scare has impacted the beef market nationally and statewide, organic meats are not affected. The difficulty is the limited organic market size and just where that market may be located.
The county isn't ruling out any type of meat operation, but understands the problems associated with transporting feed grain into this area and transporting the finished product out.
Kessler said there will be some serious environmental concerns over a feedlot or slaughterhouse, but figures some of those concerns could be addressed or mitigated by just a proper location of a facility.
In any case, the county expects there to be some public opposition to a feedlot or slaughterhouse operation and public meeting and hearings would have to be held long before any approval was granted. Kessler said he doesn't know whether the invitation will bear any fruit.
Shaw will replace Harbaugh at MCOE
The Modoc County Board of Education appointed Dr. Vanston Shaw January 6 to complete the term of County Superintendent of Schools Carol Harbaugh, who is retiring in July.
Shaw currently serves as Assistant Superintendent at MCOE and has held that position for the past two-and-a-half years. He is responsibile for human resources, alternative education, career/technical education, curriculum, facilities and the School Attendance Review Board, (SARB).
Shaw served as Director of Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) for six years prior to being appointed Assistant Superintendent.
As the SELPA Director, he had responsibility for special education programs in Modoc County for children birth though 22 years of age.
Prior to moving to Modoc in 1995, Shaw was in Los Alamos, New Mexico, for four years as an elementary classroom teacher. He worked 19 years for the Stanislaus County Office of Education as a program specialist, staff development specialist, Resource Specialist, and special education classroom teacher. Shaw lives in Thoms Creek with his wife Nuria. His son, Seth, lives in Saratoga, California and works in the computer industry. His mother, Mary Bunce, lives in Alturas.
Harbaugh is retiring after serving as Superintendent of Schools for the past 14 years.
County opposes vehicle insurance rate hike
Modoc County has the luxury of relatively low auto insurance rates, thanks, inpart, to its location and lack of congested traffic areas.
On Tuesday, the Modoc County Board of Supervisors joined with other rural counties in the state to oppose changes in existing regulations used to set auto insurance rates.
A few counties in the state have petitioned Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi to arbitrarily change a regulation that would predominately reduce the emphasis on a driver's vehicle location in determining rates.
According to the County, such a change could result in local auto insurance rates increasing by over 20 percent. In some counties, the rates could go up 60 percent, and would increase from 10 to 50 percent for seven million drivers. According to Californians Against Higher Auto Instance Rates, there would be rate increases in 52 of the state's 58 counties.
The only counties that would see lower rates are those who have heavily congested areas, such as the Bay Area and the cities of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
"It just makes common sense, a driver's location influences the likelihood that you might need to file an insurance claim," the CAHIR states. "After all, drivers who commute on more congested, accident-prone roads, or drivers who live in neighborhoods with more auto theft claims are more likely to have an insurance claim."
Modoc County agrees that ignoring a driver's vehicle location simply subsidizes higher risk drivers in higher risk major cities and more affluent communities. The courts, and past insurance commissioners have ruled that the allowance of a driver's vehicle location in determining rates is legal.
The County is drafting a letter to Garamendi in opposition to the changes in regulations.
Modoc-Washoe Stewardship Committee Meets February 5-6 in Cedarville
Range improvement incentives and proposed changes in Bureau of Land Management livestock grazing regulations are among the items slated for discussion, when the Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Steering Committee meets Thursday and Friday, February 5 and 6, in the meeting room of the Cedarville Community Church, corner of Center and Bonner Streets, Cedarville.
The meeting is open to the public
On February 5, the session runs from 10 a.m. to about 5 p.m. Committee members will discuss a proposed incentive program for ranchers, hear a report on wildlife populations and conditions on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, discuss long-term monitoring needs for the Warner Mountain Range Project, and discuss a report from the riparian credit subcommittee.
Managers from the BLM will discuss development of a juniper management strategy, while Modoc National Forest managers will present information on the Forest Service's "Four Threats" initiative. Both agencies will provide updates on a variety of activities.
On February 6, the session begins at 8 a.m. Agenda items include a presentation on the BLM's proposed changes in livestock grazing regulations, an update on tuberculosis testing requirements for livestock, and a status report on BLM wild horse and burro management.
The committee will also hear an update on the management plan for the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon-Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, receive a status report on land use planning for BLM's northeast California Field Offices, and hear an update about safe grouse conservation planning.
The steering committee advises the BLM's Surprise Field Office and the Modoc National Forest's Warner Mountain Ranger District on resource management issues in Northwest Nevada and Northeast California. One of three such committees authorized by Congress in the 1978 Public Rangeland Improvement Act, the committee often focuses on experimental approaches to sustain ranching and healthy, productive public rangelands.
Diverse pubic interests, including ranchers, environmental groups, state wildlife agencies, local government and federal agencies are represented on the committee.
Obituaries:
Ellen Josephine Fulcher
A Memorial service for Ellen Fulcher will be held Sunday, January 11, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, 1450 Warner St., Alturas, Calif. Pastor Dewey Potter will officiate.
Ellen passed away peacefully in her home in Alturas, California on Thursday, December 25, 2003, after waging a valiant battle against ALS (Lou Gerig's Disease). During her illness, even on her worst days, she always tried to keep her sense of humor and a smile on her face.
Ellen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. .
She was active throughout her life in her church, the Art Center and the Alturas Garden Club.
Ellen was a gifted gardener and she loved working in her yard and tending her flowers. She was born Ellen Grimes on February 21, 1929 in Whitesboro, Texas.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Don Fulcher of Alturas, Calif.; her son, Tom Yell and his family of Anchorage, Alaska; her son Harley Yell and his family of Eugene, Oregon; her daughter Elaine McMurry and her family of Kodiak, Alaska; her daughter Connie Mitchell and her family of Woodbine, Georgia. She also leaves her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sisters, many nieces, nephews and a host a friends. Ellen, you are dearly loved and will be forever missed.
Donations in Ellen's memory may be made to the organization or charity of your choice.
Cynthia B. Steward Stefani
A Memorial service for Alturas resident Cynthia Belle Steward Stefani, was held Saturday, January 3, 2004 at 12 noon at the Christian Life Assembly Church, 225 West B Street, in Alturas. Pastor Jerry Chilson officiated
Mrs. Stefani, 47, passed away at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, Calif. on Tuesday, December 30, 2003. She had been diagnosed in September with cancer and fought a courageous and valiant battle against cancer and pneumonia.
Born Cynthia Steward to a large family in Cedarville, Calif. on March 31, 1956, she attended Modoc High School, then moved to Oklahoma for several years.
She earned her GED and returned to Alturas a number of years later, at the encouragement of her family, to rear her children in Modoc County. Never a person to impose on anyone, she worked hard, was patient and tenacious. Cynthia was pleased to have successfully passed her bus driver test early in the summer of 2003 to become a driver for Sage Stage. Before she became ill, she drove the Sage Stage during the week and was a server at the Wagon Wheel CafŽ in Alturas, on weekends. She had also delivered "Meals on Wheels" for the Modoc Senior Citizens Center program. She loved being around people.
She had a strong faith in God, which was instilled by her mother and father to all her family, from childhood. The youngest of six girls, with one brother two years younger, all the girls were born while the family resided in Surprise Valley. The family moved to Alturas in 1957, when her father Brucie Steward went to work for CalTrans as a mechanic. Her brother was born in Alturas. Cindy's three children, oldest son Dwight and wife Mandy, daughter Keturah and youngest son Kyle were always her pride and joy. She also had two grandchildren from Dwight whom she adored.
Cindy was always doing for others. She was a "sweet baby sister," shared her sisters and she will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her three children Brucie (Dwight) Gene Hayles, 28, and wife Mandy of Pipestem, True West Virginia; Keturah B. Hayles, 26, of Alturas, Calif. and Kyle Randy Stefani, 16, of Alturas, Calif.; her grandchildren Kendal, age 6 and Britany, age 4; five sisters, Dori Shaffer and husband Louis of Alturas, Calif.; Mary Ann Smith and husband Bill of Fort Rock, Oregon; Judy Lynch and husband Richard of Alturas, Calif.; Bonnie Steward of Alturas, Calif.; Pat Matthews of Likely, Calif. and Cindy's brother Hal Steward and wife Lara of Casa Grande, Arizona. She is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews; plentiful uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Brucie and Jane Steward of Lake City.
Donations in Mrs. Stefani's memory may be directed to the Modoc Medical Center, 228 McDowell Street, Alturas, CA 96101. Kerr Mortuary in Alturas was in charge of arrangements.
Jacqueline Olive Collis
Jacqueline Olive Collis, 82 years old, went to be with our Lord on December 8, 2003, and was laid to rest December 12, 2003 at the Alturas Cemetery, with the wonderful prayers and words from the Rev. Destry Campbell.
Jackie, as she was known to all, was born July 13, 1921 to John and Olive (Smith) Adams in Seattle, Washington. Jackie spent her younger years in the Klamath Falls and Chiloquin, Oregon area until she came to Alturas, Calif. to live with her aunt and uncle, Wallace "Doc" and Martha Dorris, who at that time owned the Brass Rail.
She later met and married Harold "Howdy" Mapes on October 30, 1939; to this union they had three daughters, Nancy, Diana and Mary Lou. The couple later divorced in 1949.
Jackie married Randall Collis on May 29, 1954. They owned the old Porter Ranch which is now known as the Dee Jay Ranch, and they also owned and operated Pepperdine Deer Camp for several years before giving the camp to Don Collis.
After the ranch was sold in 1964, they bought the Leo Gysin place on Parker Creek Road. Jackie was instrumental in starting the Modoc County Side Saddlers and later the Modoc Tee Pee Ride, which is still going strong today. Jackie served on the election board, and was a member of the Women's VFW Auxiliary 3327, under the leadership of Virgie Meyer. She was a long-time member of the Modoc Rock and Mineral Society. She was involved with PTA while her children were in school.
Jackie loved to hunt and fish and camp out. She took her children and later her grandchildren and shared her love of the outdoors. She was an accomplished horsewomen before she married Randall and loved the ranch life.
Jackie worked at Modoc Medical Center for many years, and when her husband had a stroke in 1978, she left her employment to take care of Randall until his death in 1991.
Jackie always expressed her greatest accomplishment was the raising of her daughters, but she did many wonderful things for all the people around her. Her family always came first. She was a great listener and a true friend. She lived life to the fullest with love and laughter. She loved to dance and play pinochle.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Steve and Hubert and sisters June and Hope. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Nancy and Jim Sanford of Langley, British Columbia; Diana and Fred Derner of Alturas, Calif., Mary Lou and Mickey Allen of Alturas, Calif. and two step sons and their wives, Roger and Rose Collis of Roseburg, Oregon, and Don and Joan Collis of Alturas, Calif.; numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Jackie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Sports
Sports comes back to action this week
Area high school teams will get back in action this weekend, with the Modoc High Wrestling team at the big Anderson Tournament Jan. 9-10. The Braves are expected to do well, but the Anderson event brings together the best in the section.
The Modoc High Basketball teams start league play against Mt. Shasta Jan. 10 and travel to Weed Jan. 13. On Jan. 16, they are home against Burney. Mt. Shasta is expected to be tough, Weed is a question mark and Burney could be good.
January 15, 2004
News
City, county protest new Governor's '04 budget
Arnold Swarzenegger is starting to look an awful lot like Pete Wilson to California cities and counties, and they don't like the resemblance. In the 1990s, Wilson enacted a "property tax shift" that took property tax funds out of local government coffers, placing them into school budgets, saving the state funds.
It's deju vu all over again with Swarzenegger as he pretty much has proposed the same thing, and it will hurt local government and services. The Governor's proposal is proposed to shift an additional 15 percent of the county's remaining property taxes to balance the state budget.
A frustrated Modoc County Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said the actual property tax take from the state would hit Modoc for just over $205,000, but the total cuts in local government services could be closer to $600,000 when all departments are considered.
City Treasurer Kathie Alves is likewise disappointed, saying total budget cuts for the city from the Governor's proposal would be about $200,000. "This came as a real shock to all of us," said Maxwell. "This just might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. It's not just this additional $205,000 cut, it comes on top of a $750,000 cut last year and a $300,000 cut the year before that. We don't have a lot of room to cut anything."
Maxwell said while counties have been creative and frugal, the problem is the state legislature overspent for years. He said it's just not fair to shoulder local government with this burden, when local government has been operating within its means.
"This budget was a complete surprise to everyone," said Maxwell. "We realize the state's in trouble and everyone has to pay a fair share, but this is not fair. I just don't know how we're going to deal with the cuts, but we're meeting with department heads and trying to come up with something. But, I don't think it's going to be good."
Maxwell said he's going to proceed on the budget issue as a worst-case scenario, not just hope something good happens between now and whenever the legislature adopts the state budget, which has been late the past several years.
"I just don't think it's going to get better and we can't wait and see what happens," he said. "We are going to have to take action now to avoid being further in the hole later. There are going to be some hard choices ahead for the department heads and Board of Supervisors. But we'll do the best we can and it will be a full team effort. Maybe we'll be able to figure something out, but it isn't looking real good right now."
In addition to the state's hits, Maxwell said the county's PERS costs are going up to the tune of over $200,000, and he expects a major increase in insurance fees.
Alves said a $200,000 cut to the city would probably mean a severe impact on police and fire positions. In addition, some funding for street maintenance and repair will also be impacted and no new construction projects will be undertaken.
The League of California Cities and California State Association of Counties are both opposed to the Governor's property tax shift in the proposed budget and we'll be working with legislators to change the formula.
"Recent history has shown that proposals such as this are foolhardy, shortsighted and ineffective," said Steve Szalay, CSAC Executive Director said. "We are shocked that the Administration is willing to travel down the same path, knowing what the outcome will be: elimination of critical services that Californians depend on every day. Although the Governor insisted he 'didn't want to do things the way they've always been done,' his proposal to grab $1.3 billion in property tax revenues from local governments is exactly that: business as usual."
The League of California Cities is strongly opposed and adamant in its criticism of the Governor's proposal.
"Here we go again," said league President Ron Loveridge, Mayor of Riverside. "This isn't a solution; it's a shell game that will force cutbacks in police and fire, emergency services, after-school programs for kids and many other local services."
CSAC, the League of Cities and others are sponsoring a ballot measure aimed for November that, if passed by the voters, would nullify the Governor's action and would protect local revenues from a state grab in the future. It has not yet qualified for the ballot.
Maxwell is planning to meet with county department heads and officials over the next week or two and bring a proposal on how to deal with the possible cuts to the Board of Supervisors at its meeting January 27. He hopes to have some fairly solid numbers to deal with at that time, and stresses things may be difficult.
City aims to redo public works, planning
Tuesday night the Alturas City Council received a formal proposal to reorganize the city's planning and public works departments. No action was taken, and the proposal will come back soon for adoption.
The proposal was presented by councilmen Joe Coffin and Jerry Smith, as the Government Oversight Committee, and they project the new structure would save between $20,000 and $28,000 annually and provide more service. The current organization has a Director of Public Works, an Assistant Director of Public Works, two working foremen and four other employees. The proposal calls for a new position as Director of Public Works, Planning and Economic Development, with a Deputy Director of Public Works and a Deputy Planner and Building Inspector under that position. There would be a Maintenance Worker 3, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3, Maintenance Worker 2, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 2, and two Maintenance 1 positions.
According to the proposal, the goals are to bring the planning and economic development functions of the city under the direct control of the City Council, "where they can be given the necessary emphasis."
"Currently, the Planning and Economic Development functions are contracted to the County of Modoc and are handled by the County's Planning Director. The needs of the City of Alturas frequently are required to take a back seat where the needs of the county demand," the proposal states.
The City has terminated its planning agreement with the county which is effective July 1. That's when the city would like the new plan implemented if it's adopted in full by the council.
The City also agreed to authorize the Mayor or Planning Director to sign all necessary documents for the administration of a $35,000 Travel Plaza Grant, through Community Development Block Grants. They also authorized a cash match of up to $7,700. That grant will be used to study the feasibility of a Travel Plaza on SR 299 in Alturas. Plans include motel, restaurant, bowling center and truck stop.
County okays letter to attract feed lot
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved sending a letter to California beef feedlot, packing and slaughterhouse operators, in hopes of attracting one of those plants to this area.
Modoc County Planner Scott Kessler told the board the effort has been tried in the past, and several things tend to work as impediments, but felt another effort was worth the time.
Kessler said transportation, feed availability and distance to markets are generally the downsides of locating in Modoc. But he also pointed out that low cost of land, geothermal resources and even the climate are assets.
What Kessler said may be most attracted to Modoc would be a "niche market" operation, such as organic beef. He figures an operator who already has a stake and place in that market could find Modoc very attractive.
Additionally, the current Mad Cow scare flooding the country could serve as a tool leading to more natural or organic beef production, processing and sales. While the scare has impacted the beef market nationally and statewide, organic meats are not affected. The difficulty is the limited organic market size and just where that market may be located.
The county isn't ruling out any type of meat operation, but understands the problems associated with transporting feed grain into this area and transporting the finished product out.
Kessler said there will be some serious environmental concerns over a feedlot or slaughterhouse, but figures some of those concerns could be addressed or mitigated by just a proper location of a facility.
In any case, the county expects there to be some public opposition to a feedlot or slaughterhouse operation and public meeting and hearings would have to be held long before any approval was granted. Kessler said he doesn't know whether the invitation will bear any fruit.
Woman arrested after DUI, hit and run
An Alturas woman, Angelique Hanna, age 35, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol Jan. 11 alleging felony driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.
According to the CHP, Hanna was driving a 2000 Jeep Cherokee northbound on Pencil Road at approximately 55-60 m.p.h., apparently under the influence of alcohol and prescription mediations.
Waposta VanEtten, age 21, Alturas, was driving his 1990 Honda Prelude southbound on Pencil Road at about 35-40 m.p.h. Hanna allowed her Jeep to swerve into the southbound lane, directly into VanEtten's path. He turned the Honda to avoid a collision and the car went off the west shoulder and into a ditch.
Hanna fled the scene and traveled about a half-mile, where her vehicle went off the road, struck a barbed-wire fence and became stuck in the mud. She was detained by a passerby until CHP officers arrived, as she was attempting to move her vehicle.
The Honda sustained minor damage to the undercarriage and radiator. A passenger in the Honda, Wendy Wheeler, age 17, Alturas, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Modoc Medical Center in Alturas.
Fewer Forest Service road maintenance employees to continue work
As part of ongoing efforts to make government more efficient, six Modoc National Forest (NF) employees will be affected by cost effectiveness studies of roads maintenance. Also there are two Lassen NF employees that are stationed in Alturas affected by cost effectiveness studies in fleet maintenance.
A total of 219 employees (139 in road maintenance and 80 in vehicle fleet maintenance) on the 18 NF's in California are affected by today's announcement. The decision follows competitive sourcing studies comparing the costs to those of private sector contractors. The future status of the employees wil be determined through subsequent steps. The Forest Service (FS) will provide assistance to employees throughout the process.
"These detailed studies have found that it is to the government's advantage to continue our road maintenance work in-house through use of a Most Efficient Organization (MEO)," said Stan Sylva, NF Supervisor Modoc National Forest, "MEO's are typically smaller than the existing organization, so changes in our roads maintenance workforce are expected."
"For maintenance of our vehicle fleet, we found that it was more cost effective to contract that work out," said Stan Sylva, NF Supervisor. "The private firm that won the contact is SERCO Management Services an, international outsourcing company."
"I greatly appreciate the professionlism of our employees, including those in fleet and roads maintenance, whose hard work led to completion of these studies," said Stan Sylva, NF Supervisor. "I am very concerned about the effects on our employees. Each affected employee has been personally contacted, and will be provided information about possible transfers to new positions or taking on new duties and other options such as early retirement. We will work closely with each employee to help them make the best possible decision."
Roads and fleet work duties were studied in strict compliance with guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget, USDA and FS to ensure accuracy, consistency and fairness. The roads maintenance employees will work under a Letter of Obligation, which is essentially the government's contract to accomplish the work. In fleet maintenance, a small residual governmental organization will be set up to implement and administer the SERCO contract, and for any work the contract does not cover.
The transitions are expected to take about six months. More than 5,000 permanet employees work in the 18 NF's and Pacific Southwest Regional Office in California. Most of the affected employees are permanent employees.
Modoc-Washoe Stewardship Committee meets February 5-6 in Cedarville
Range improvement incentives and proposed changes in Bureau of Land Management livestock grazing regulations are among the items slated for discussion, when the Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Steering Committee meets Thursday and Friday, February 5 and 6, in the meeting room of the Cedarville Community Church, corner of Center and Bonner Streets, Cedarville.
The meeting is open to the public.
On February 5, the session runs from 10 a.m. to about 5 p.m. Committee members will discuss a proposed incentive program for ranchers, hear a report on wildlife populations and conditions on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, discuss long-term monitoring needs for the Warner Mountain Range Project, and discuss a report from the riparian credit subcommittee.
Managers from the BLM will discuss development of a juniper management strategy, while Modoc National Forest managers will present information on the Forest Service's "Four Threats" initiative. Both agencies will provide updates on a variety of activities.
On February 6, the session begins at 8 a.m. Agenda items include a presentation on the BLM's proposed changes in livestock grazing regulations, an update on tuberculosis testing requirements for livestock, and a status report on BLM wild horse and burro management.
The committee will also hear an update on the management plan for the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon-Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, receive a status report on land use planning for BLM's northeast California Field Offices, and hear an update about safe grouse conservation planning.
The steering committee advises the BLM's Surprise Field Office and the Modoc National Forest's Warner Mountain Ranger District on resource management issues in Northwest Nevada and Northeast California. One of three such committees authorized by Congress in the 1978 Public Rangeland Improvement Act, the committee often focuses on experimental approaches to sustain ranching and healthy, productive public rangelands. Diverse pubic interests, including ranchers, environmental groups, state wildlife agencies, local government and federal agencies are represented on the committee.
MUHS 64-65 reunion in the works
Preliminary preparations are underway for a combined 1964-65 Modoc Union High School class reunion in July or August 2004, in Alturas. Date and place to be announced.
Alumni should send name, address, telephone number or email address to: Betty (Clark) Vaughn, P.O. Box 297, Keno, Oregon 97627, (541) 883-8150, email: riverviewtwo@aol.com; Alice (Mattson) Sisemore, 1903 Lakeshore Dr., Klamath Falls, OR. 97601, (541) 884-0866, email:alicesisemore@charter.net; or contact Hazel (Henson) Looper, 1204 W. 11th, Alturas, CA. 96101, (530) 233-2871; email: looper@hdo.net.
Obituaries:
Lucille Green
Lucille Green, 90, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2004, in Alturas. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Warford Green of Alturas, Calif.
Their marriage in 1961 brought together two families consisting of Lucille's four children and Warford's four children.
Warford acknowledges the Lord's blessing in the harmonious blending of the eight children and the addition of their spouses: Grace and Henry Buerer of Orangevale, Calif.; Jeanette and Roger Stone of Redlands, Calif.; Virginia Webb, serving the Lord in Romania; Linda and Tom Carrier of Redlands, Calif.; David and Deon Green of Maumelle, AR; Dwight and Mary Green of Purceville, VA; Duane and Linda Green of Roswell, NM; and Faith and Doug Bettcher of Kirkland, WA. Other survivors include siblings Glenn Lehman, 96, of Grand Rapids, MI; Ruth Westmoreland, 94, of Alturas, Calif.; Dorothy Childers, 84, in Bettendorf, IA; and David Lehman, 74, in Catalina, CA. Preceding her in death are two siblings: Amy Stipe and Harold Lehman, and grandchildren Jim and Darrin Snodgrass and Julianne Carrier. Lucille and Warford have 21 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
Grace Lucille Lehman was born March 30, 1913, in Langley Township, Kansas. She moved with her daughters to California in 1948. She worked for at time at Norton Air Force Base Commissary and later in the San Bernardino Public School Cafeterias while Warford worked at Halsey Machine Company.
She lived in San Bernardino from 1948-1975, when she and Warford retired to a home they were building in California Pines. They were active in Roving Volunteers in Christ's Service (RVICS) and became members of Faith Baptist Church in Alturas, where they have worked and enjoyed the fellowship of many brothers and sisters in Christ.
The funeral and following potluck dinner will be held at Faith Baptist Church on Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Rod Bodmer officiating. Kerr Mortuary of Alturas is handling arrangements.
In addition, a graveside service will be held at Montecito Memorial Park in San Bernardino, California, on Thursday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m. for friends and family in that area with Bob Caddel of Campus Crusade for Christ giving a devotional message.
The family extends sincere gratitude for the multitude of expressions of sympathy and love from those who knew and loved Lucille.
Charles E. Reed
Lookout resident Charles E. Reed, 93, passed away of natural causes at Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills, Calif. on January 6, 2004. Mr. Reed had moved from Los Angeles to Modoc County in 1978. He was a Chief Radio Technician with the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran. He was born in Centralia, Washington on November 10, 1910.
He is survived by his son Robert Reed of Lookout, Calif.; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
McDonald's Chapel, Burney will be in charge of graveside services to be held at a later date. Burial will be at the Lookout Cemetery.
Sports
Braves knock off top wrestlers
Modoc's 145-pound Travis Wood placed second in his weight at the huge Anderson Invitational last weekend. He was the highest place-finisher for the Braves, who placed eighth as a team with 105 points. .
Wood knocked off the number one ranked wrestler in the section, Lander Beyer of Shasta, 6-3, in the semi-finals. He lost, in overtime, to Bella Vista's Matt Vigna in the finals.
Cory Bell, Modoc's heavyweight took a third in the division while Jason Jones, at 160 pounds, finished in fourth place and Joey Catania finished seventh at 215 pounds.
Jones lost to Robert Bohn, of Davis, in the third-place match. Reno's Mike Kummer won the weight division. Bell beat Red Bluff's Geoff Drake for third place. Catania beat Orland's Nathan Rinehart for seventh.
According to Max Prep Sports, Bell remain as the number one ranked heavyweight in the north section. Wood has moved into the number one position as well. Jones is ranked at third in his division. Catania has moved up to number four in his weight and Jafar Mirlohi is fourth at 135 pounds. Luke Hammerness sits in the fifth spot at 152 pounds and Brad Bell is ranked sixth at 189 pounds.
Elk Grove won the tournament with 199 points, Red Bluff was second with 166, Wood Creek third with 160, Grants Pass fourth with 137, Willows fifth with 120, Bella Vista sixth with 110, Campo Lindo seventh with 108. The Braves finished ahead of several large schools including Shasta, Foothill, San Leandro, Reno, West Valley, Ukiah, Anderson, Orland, Lassen, and Central Valley.
Modoc remains the top ranked small school in the north section, followed by Durham and Mt. Shasta. Modoc is ranked second among all schools, with Red Bluff in the top spot, Willows, Shasta and Orland round out the overall team rankings.
The Braves are at the Burney Invitational this weekend and will be favored to repeat as that tournament's champion.
"The Anderson tourney was tougher than usual and I was pleased with our performance," said coach Shaun Wood. "We should have nine or 10 guys in the 14 finals matches at Burney and should win seven."
Modoc trips Bears in overtime, 68-67
Modoc's Braves blew an 11-point lead with about two-minutes left in the game, and had to go to overtime to beat the Mt. Shasta Bears 68-67 last weekend.
Modoc coach Mike Martin said his boys varsity team still led by eight with 57 seconds left in the game, but missed a couple of front ends of one-and-ones and the Bears sunk two long three-pointers and forced a turnover to tie it at the end of regulation.
The Braves outscored the Bears 10-9 in the overtime period, as the Bears missed the second of the two free throws in the final seconds.
"We missed some easy early shots in the game and took a while to get going," said Martin. "Those final two minutes were frustrating, and we went just 7-for-15 for the free throw line for the game."
Marty Stevens led the scoring with 22, Zach McKirahan added 15 and Micah Eppler had 14.
The Braves traveled to Weed last night and results were too late for press-time.
The Surprise Valley Hornets basketball teams are in the middle of Evergreen League action, meeting Happy Camp in McCloud Friday. The Hornets boys are 2-0 in league play, and Happy Camp is the top-ranked team in Division six, and remains unbeaten this year.
On January 13, the varsity boys started slowly, down 37-36 at halftime, but came out and outscored the Tulelake Honkers 44-17 in the second half for a 80-54 win. Adam Evans led the Hornets with 23 with Scott Soletti getting 15, Loren Harris 13 and Kevin Konz 12.
The varsity girls fell to Tulelake 76-44. Cara James led the scoring with 24 and Sara Teuscher added 12. The junior varsity boys lost 79-77.
The Hornet boys beat Dunsmuir 50-46 January 10. A poor shooting night for Surprise Valley kept the game close, said coach Arnold DeGarmo. Evans led with 16 points, Loren Harris added 10 and Konz and Soletti each added nine.
The varsity girls lost to Dunsmuir 53-52, in a game where 47 total fouls were called. With Dunsmuir leading 53-51 with six second left, James inbounded the ball to Teuscher who passed back to James. She was fouled on lay-up attempt and made the first free throw, but missed the second. She led the team in scoring with 34, Teuscher added eight, and Patricia Soletti had six.
The junior varsity boys lost to Dunsmuir 53-38.
The Modoc Braves junior varsity boys spent a lot of this week practicing free throws after going just eight-for-33 from the line against Mt. Shasta, and only 1-for-10 in the final minutes.
Modoc lost the game 52-50, and coach Bunk Richardson said all they had to do was hit a few free throws for the win.
The Braves got off slowly, falling behind 18-8 in the first period, but closed the gap to 28-21 by halftime. Mt. Shasta led 38-32 after three and Modoc fought back in the fourth before the free throw curse came up.
Ross Burgess led the scoring with 22 and Taylor Dunn added eight points.
The Modoc junior varsity girls team shot just 20 percent from the floor against Mt. Shasta, losing their opening league game 39-21.
Coach Bill Hall said practcices have been good and he expects a rebound from the poor outing. Amanda Martin led with 10 points and Mary Nardoni pulled down six rebounds for the Braves.
Modoc met Weed last night and hosts Burney Friday.
January 22, 2004
News
Clinic exceeding goals under new operating deal
The Modoc Medical Center Clinic is exceeding projections for the first seven months of operation under the permanent physicians and should continue on solid footing.
According to Hospital Administrator Teresa Jacques, excluding one-time costs of the acquisition, the clinic will make a profit of $141,172 for the first seven months. "With the acquisition costs . . . the projection for the first year is a profit of $46,934."
Jacques told the Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the facility was also meeting other goals. The Medical Center purchased the private practice of Doctors Ed Richert and Owen Panner and installed a third permanent doctor, Debra Clyde, on staff in April.
According to Jacques, other goals met include: improving the quality of care for the community; improving the continuity of care for patients; opening longer hours on a routine basis; improving the use of the Emergency Room; having a medical director for the Clinic Emergency Room and Ambulance; and increasing the obstetrical deliveries.
"I had estimated that we would need to average 62 patients a day with the new acquisition to meet our financial goal," said Jacques. "We are averaging 63.52 patients a day. What had not been allowed for in the original proposal was the additional dollars that would be carried in accounts receivable."
The hospital continues to carry more in accounts receivable (money owed it) than Supervisors or Jacques would like. That part of the hospital operation has been a sore spot for years, and a solution is still evasive.
Salvage sale finally comes out of Blue Fire remains
Modoc National Forest officials announced last week the successful completion of a timber sale from the Blue Fire area
"It's the Sunflower fire salvage sale," said Paul Bailey, timber program manager in charge of timber sales in Modoc National Forest. "We negotiated a sale with John R. Wood Trucking of Grants Pass, Oregon." Since there were no other bidders, the sale went for the minimum acceptable bid, set by the Forest Service. Said Bailey, "They came in and picked it up É what we call negotiation for minimum bid. If there's only one bidder, of course, they always take it to the minimum bid."
"We're doing it for a profit, of course É we hope. We've got it figured that way," said buyer, John Wood, speaking tongue in cheek
This is the only Forest Service timber sale completed out of seven originally offered of the Blue Fire area. "I would guess that'll probably be it," noted Bailey. "Although, some saw logs will probably be removed with the chipping operation."
The initial sales, as originally structured and offered last October, proved uninteresting to commercial loggers due to the loss of value in the timber over time. As Bailey acknowledged, so much time had passed that normal processes of disease, decay and insects had rendered the once salvageable, though blackened, trees nearly useless for commercial timber. Repeated attempts by the Forest Service to attract bidders for sales of Blue Fire salvage left officials frustrated. "It was good to finally get something coming off of that hill," said Bailey
The sale, bid at $31,262, entails the logging of about 2.5 million board feet, a small fraction of the 90 million board feet of commercially viable timber left standing in the wake of the Blue Fire over two years ago "If they'd have sold it sooner, they'd have made more money on it," said Wood, explaining that the poor quality created by the two year delay in harvesting the timber made it difficult to find buyers. "We had to research a long way around to sell that type of wood."
"They're (already) logging. Next week should see some logs come down off the hill there," said Bailey, noting that the logs will be hauled to distant mills since there are no longer any in this area
"We're hauling the wood quite a ways," confirmed Wood. Some of the timber will go to Yreka Timber Products in Yreka, some to Murphy Veneer in White City and the remainder to Superior Lumber in Glendale, Oregon. Wood estimates that only 2 to 3 months of operation should be necessary to complete logging operations, unless conditions deteriorate. "It all depends on the weather. If the weather stays cold É keeping it froze up É we can do it. If it warms up, we'll have to shut down."
"They're fighting snow up there now," observed Bailey. "There's about three or four feet of snow they're wallowing around in." The remainder of the timber in the Blue Fire area, about 80 million board feet, will be offered for sale at a much lower value rather than going for the more profitable lumber or other wood products. It will be "chipped," or chopped up for use as biomass
"Well, we don't know for sure," said Bailey about expectations for the chipping sales that his office will offer in the next two week. "We had some interest expressed, so we'll put some out and see how they go."
Asked his view of the logging and forestry industries from his perspective, Wood offered an opinion typical of logger. "Well, they say they're going to change things around. I'm going to have to wait and see. If they keep waiting long enough there'll be no mills left to saw those boards up."
Modoc jobless rate nears 9%
The unemployment rate in Modoc County for December increased to 8.8 percent, up from a revised 8.0 percent in November. In December, 2002, the rate was also at 8.8 percent.
The number of unemployed people went from 280 in October to 390 in December, The workforce in October numbered 4,710 and that dropped to 4,480 in December.
The state unemployment rate for December was 6.1 percent and the federal unemployment rate was 5.4 percent. None of these rates include people who are out of work and no longer on the rolls collecting benefits or who have become discouraged and stopped looking for work.
Modoc is ranked 38 out of the state's 58 counties for highest unemployment. Lassen is ranked 27th at 6.6 percent and Siskiyou is ranked 43rd at 11.3 percent.
New water right fees assessed by SWRCB
Some local water right holders were surprised this month when they received a bill for $100 from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights.
According to the SWRCB, Senate Bill 1049 was passed in September by the state legislature and amended the Water Code to require the SWRCB to adopt emergency regulations revising and establishing fees to support its water right program. The fee is being assessed on all water right permit and license holders in the state.
The regulations became effective January 1, 2004. The annual water right fee adopted by the SWRCB for permits and licenses is: "Greater of $100 or $.03 per acre foot per annum."
There is no exemption for tax exempt entities, including cities, counties, water districts, irrigation districts, and others. Any entity capable of owning property, and capable of holding a water right is subject to the fee. If a water right holder chooses not to pay the fee, the Board of Equalization will first assess penalties and interest to the outstanding fee amount. If payment is not received eventually, they will seek collection of fees with penalties and interest through other means, such as attachment of wages, liens and so on.
The fee is based upon the face value of the water right and does not depend upon whether a person is able to divert water.
In the past, the state's water rights program was primarily supported by the General Fund. The state cut the General Fund support for the water rights program by 30 percent to help offset the current budget deficit. In addition, the Legislature determined that the funding source for almost half the remaining allocation in fiscal year 2003-04 should be shifted from the General Fund to a special fund financed by water right holders.
The fee is due by February 7, 2004. In addition, the SWRCB will also increase filing fees for water right actions.
Obituaries:
Gerald 'Jerry' Downard
Alturas resident Gerald "Jerry" Boyd Downard, 88, died suddenly from a stroke and heart attack while on vacation in Clearwater, Florida on December 23, 2003.
Mr. Downard had relocated to Modoc County, California in the late 1970s, where he purchased property that had belonged to a relative. He was an active community supporter during his years in Alturas.
Born on October 3, 1915 in Keosauqua, Iowa to Boyd and Dorcus Downard, he was reared in a very musical family and learned to play the steel guitar and the organ. He was a talented musician.
A former pilot and flight instructor, he was a decorated Korean War veteran and served a long and extensive military career. He retired from the military in the late 1960s, as a Master Sergeant. He was a life member of the Alturas Disabled American Veterans Chapter 113.
Mr. Downard was also an accomplished master cabinet maker and carpenter. He and his brother created and built Chris Craft Boats, Inc. Jerry later sold his half of the business to his brother, who later sold the business.
Mr. Downard enjoyed every aspect of life and lived it to the fullest. He loved people and was a great supporter and a fan of the Alturas Country Jam sessions, which he videotaped over the years. He also enjoyed attending the daily lunches, visiting with other senior citizens at the Modoc Senior Citizens Center. His interests were in friends and electronic toys.
He was preceded in death two years ago by his wife Mary Downard; his parents Boyd and Dorcus Downard; son Gerald Don, Daughter Mary Dorcus Sikes; granddaughter Brenda J. Downard and two great- grandchildren.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law Nell and Jim Orndorf of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; son William Frederick Downard of Byrdstown, Tennessee; grandchildren Teri Downard, Milana Riffe, Dwight King, Adona Frye, Rebakah Flohr and six great-grandchildren, all from Ohio. Pastor Dewey Potter, the Veterans Groups of Alturas and Veterans' Chaplain will conduct a memorial service with military honors and "a celebration of Mr. Downard's life" on Saturday, January 24 at 10 a.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall, So. Main St., Alturas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alturas D.A.V. Chapter 113.
A Native American Indian ceremony was also held in Ohio, as Mr. Downard was proud of his Blackfoot heritage.
Nadine Jimmy Phillips
Services for Nadine Jimmy Phillips of Cedarville, will be held Friday, January 23, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra will conduct the services at the Surprise Valley Community Church in Cedarville. Interment will follow at the Cedarville Cemetery.
Mrs. Phillips, who had made Modoc County her home for the past 11 years, passed away of natural causes at the age of 103 in Cedarville, Calif. on January 17, 2004.
Nadine Jimmy Chappell was born on December 9, 1900 in Tyler, Texas to Anne Elizabeth (McGinney) and Thomas Sidney Chappell. When Nadine was a young girl, her father moved the family from Texas to a small ranch near Tucumcari, New Mexico, where Nadine graduated from high school. She enjoyed participating in sports, especially basketball. She loved to play the piano and loved to dance.
After high school, she worked as a secretary and in the local bank. She married Roy T. Phillips in Tucumcari, New Mexico on April 20, 1922, after he had returned to Tucumcari after World War I. To find better job opportunities, they loaded what few personal belongings they had into their Model T Ford and headed west, first settling in the Los Angeles, Calif. area. They had no money, no jobs, but strong wills. They had driven roads that were made of only two wood planks to accommodate tires across the sands, west of Yuma, Arizona, with no such thing as a paved road.
In June of 1923, Nadine traveled back to Tucumcari, New Mexico to be with her family for the birth of her first child, a son, Roy, Jr. Not long after, she and her son made the long return trip to California. A daughter, Betty Ann, was born in Taft, Calif. in 1925. Roy, Sr. was working in the oil fields and Nadine was a homemaker....... After 58 years of marriage, Roy Sr. died in 1978. Nadine then moved to be near her family, first to Roseburg, Oregon, and then in 1992, to Cedarville, Calif.
Mrs. Phillips is survived by her son Roy Phillips and wife Marge of Cedarville, Calif.; daughter Betty Ann Helmke and husband Virg of Glide, Oregon; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Surprise Valley Community Hospital, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, Calif. 96104. Kerr Mortuary in Alturas is in charge of arrangements.
Katherine Barry Baalman
The memorial service for former Fort Bidwell resident Kitty Baalman, who died January 15, 2004, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2004, at Ashland Bible Church, 400 Dead Indian Memorial Road, Ashland, Oregon. Pastor Nate Shinn will officiate. Interment will be at Ft. Bidwell, Calif. Cemetery at a later date.
Kitty was born August 27, 1915, in Lakeview, Oregon, to Nicholas Patrick Barry and Eolus Lofftus Barry. She was a granddaughter of James Kane Barry of Rockchapel, Newmarket, County Cork, Ireland, and Katherine O'Connor Barry, of San Francisco, who were pioneers in the Lakeview area, and of Christopher Columbus Lofftus of Warner Valley, Oregon (formerly of Ashland, Oregon) and Edith Ewell Brown of Ft. Bidwell, Calif. James Kane Barry, alone with three of his brothers, were instrumental in bringing most of the original Irish settlers to Lake County, Oregon beginning in 1877.
On June 1, 1941, in Reno, Nevada, she married Eugene Henry Baalman, who died November 16, 1998.
Kitty grew up at Adel, Oregon, attended elementary school there and attended high school in Lakeview. She was the Lakeview Rodeo Queen in 1933. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Southern Oregon College, Ashland, Oregon and her Master's Degree from Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York. She served on the Governor's Task Force for Special Education and assisted in the development of the Special Education Program in the State of Oregon. The majority of her career was spent teaching in the Special Education program in the Josephine County School District in Grants Pass, Ore.
She had many hobbies. She was an accomplished horsewoman, an avid reader, and a story writer. She also loved to garden and cook.
After her retirement, Kitty and Eugene moved to Ft. Bidwell, Calif. where they were active in the local church and civic activities. They returned to Medford, Oregon in 1997 due to poor health.
She is survived by a son, Nicholas A. "Tony" Baalman, Sr. of Talent, Ore.; a daughter, Judith Shiron, Portland, Oregon; grandchildren Jolinda Baker, Lynnwood, Washington; J. Richard Baalman, Monroe, Washington; Nicholas Baalman, Jr., Talent; and Michele Marthaller, Portland; six great-grandchildren; sisters Nellie Jane Barry Herringer, Clarksburg, Calif. and Betty Barry Fletcher, Spokane, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Eolus Barry Cox and Edith Barry; brothers Robert James Barry, Nicholas Lofftus Barry, and Franklin Duane Barry.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution in Kitty's memory to Ashland Bible Church, 400 Dead Indian Memorial Road, Ashland, Oregon.
Arrangements: Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives, Medford, Oregon.
Sports
Modoc's top-ranked and powerful wrestling team dominated the Burney Invitational last weekend, with eight individual championships and the team title.
The Braves won with 287 points, followed by Lakeview, 162, Corning 149, Gridley 104, Mt. Shasta 98, Bonanza 84, Burned 65, Tulelake 61, Portola 57, Quincy 55.5, Biggs 55, Chester 55, Modoc II 52, Etna 31, Fall River 24, Bishop Quinn 21, Los Molinos 17 and Hamilton City 13.
Winning individual championships were Nick Hawes at 130 pounds, Jaafar Mirlohi at 135 pounds, Travis Wood at 145 pounds, Luke Hammerness at 152 pounds, Jason Jones at 160 pounds, Brad Bell at 189 pounds, Joey Catania at 215 pounds and Cory Bell at heavyweight.
Brad Bell won the award for most pins in the tourney with four and Cory Bell won the Most Outstanding Heavyweight wrestler of the event.
Modoc placed 10 wrestlers in the finals, out of 14 possible and won eight. In addition, Jesse Harer was second to Jones in the 160 pound division and Mark Main placed second at 171 pounds.
Hank Raabe took a third at 112 pounds, Brian Weed was fifth at 119 pounds, Sheridan Crutcher took a fourth at 125 pounds, Bill Hammerness was sixth at 140 pounds.
Cory Bell and Wood retain the number one rank in their weight divisions from MaxPreps, while Jones is ranked number two at 160, Luke Hammerness number four at 152, Mirlohi number four at 135, and Brad Bell number five at 189.
Modoc remains ranked number two in all size school in the north section, behind Red Bluff and is the top-ranked small school in the north section.
Boys atop SCL with 3 victories
Modoc's Braves boys basketball team is 3-0 in Shasta Cascade League play, having beaten Mt. Shasta, Weed and Burney and face Fall River Friday in Fall River.
The Braves will be at Etna Jan. 24 and will meet Weed at home January 27. The Braves beat Weed 62-53, jumped out to a 19-3 first period lead and leading 29-18 by half. The Braves poured in 20 points in the third to take a 49-35 lead after three. Weed put up 18 to Modoc's 13 in the fourth.
Marty Stevens led the Braves with 26 points, Micah Eppler added 12, Zack McKirahan had eight and Skyler Oates added seven.
Modoc beat Burney 49-46 Friday night.
Modoc leads the SCL with Trinity following at 2-0, Mt. Shasta at 2-1, Burney at 2-2, Etna at 1-2, Fall River at 1-2 and Weed at 0-4.
The Surprise Valley Hornets boys varsity team took the top-ranked Happy Camp Indians to the wire January 16, but came up just short 54-50. According to coach Arnold DeGarmo, the boys got down early by 10, but fought back to lead 27-26 at halftime. In the third and fourth quarters, they trailed by as many as eight, but managed to rally to keep the game close. In the fourth quarter with 2:55 remaining, the Hornets made a 7-0 run and with 2:09 left took a 50-49 lead.
Someone tripped the lights at the McCloud gym, he said, so both teams had to spend 10 minutes waiting for the lights to come back to full power. Happy Camp scored first after a Hornet turnover to lead 51-50 and hit a free throw to lead 52-50 with a minute left.
The Hornets lost the ball on the next possession and Happy Camp called time out with 43 seconds left in the game. The Hornets made a stop with 23 seconds left and DeGarmo called a time out. The Hornets missed a three pointer shot with six seconds left, then Happy Camp went to the line and hit a pair of free throws to end the game. Adam Evans led the Hornets with 15 points, Josh Boneck added 11 and Quick had nine.
The Hornet girls led by as many as seven through the first three quarters, before Happy Camp got hot and outscored them 24-13 in the fourth to win by 56-48 James, Teuscher and Miura led with 30, eight and six points respectively.
The Surprise Valley boys junior varsity won their game. The Hornets are at Butte Valley Jan. 23 and will have Big Valley at home Jan. 28.
Modoc varsity girls team lost the first three Shasta Cascade League games and is hoping to rebound in the next few games.
The Braves lost to Mt. Shasta 49-34, to Weed 58-51 and to Burney 49-39. They meet Fall River Jan. 23 and Etna Jan. 24.
Against Weed, Jennifer Davis scored 19, Kristen Taylor added 12, Hannah Hays had nine and Emily Pence added seven.
The Braves played to a 10-10 tie after one and trailed 25-23 at half. By the end of three, the Braves trailed 42-38 and Weed outscored them 16-13 in the fourth.
Against Burney, Modoc trailed 12-7 in the first and 24-19 by half. By the end of three Burney led 34-28 and Burney scored 15 to Modoc 11 in the fourth.
JV boys lose pair of SCL games in fourth
Finishing a game solidly is hampering the Modoc Junior Varsity Boys team and coach Bunk Richardson is trying to instill some finishing instinct in the crew.
Modoc lost to Weed 62-59, after opening up a 19-3 first period lead and leading 29-22 at half. Modoc remained on top 43-40 after three. A pair of technicals and a flagrant foul gave Weed an edge and they scored 22 to Modoc's 16 in the fourth.
Ross Burgess, Zeke Bonham and Grant Hall each had 17 for the Braves. Modoc had Burney, who has only lost one game, on the ropes through three periods, but lost in the final minutes 48-46. Modoc trailed 10-6 after one and took a 24-21 lead at halftime. The Braves had a solid third period and led 35-27 going into the final stanza.
Taylor Dunn had 12 points and Burgess and Hall each added 10. Modoc has Fall River there Friday and is at Etna Saturday.
Modoc's junior varsity girls beat the Burney Raiders 42-38 Friday night and lost to Weed last Wednesday 35-22.
The Braves got off to a good start, leading 11-5 against Burney in the opening period. Burney fought back and led 21-20 at halftime. Rachel Crosby and Megan Thompson helped pull Modoc to a 27-24 third period lead. In the final period, Tacie Richardson hit four clutch free throws and Crosby scored six to keep Modoc ahead. Crosby led the scoring with 15 and Richardson pumped in 14 points.
Against Weed, the Braves had a common slow start and the Cougars took an 18-5 halftime lead. Coach Bill Hall made some adjustments at halftime and midway through the fourth, Modoc trailed by just five. Weed hit six of seven free shots down the stretch for the win. Marlana Bartram and Mary Nardoni had key steals in the game. Tacie Richardson had nine rebounds and Crosby scored five points to lead Modoc.
January 29, 2004
News
County counsel search on hold
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors put the search for a replacement Modoc County Counsel on hold Tuesday, pending a clearer picture of the budget.
The board has been actively searching to hire a county counsel, but the current state budget crisis is having all counties look very carefully at expenditures and personnel.
Modoc Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell told the board he wanted to have a firmer grip on the budget numbers, and the March 2 bond issue proposed by the governor could have a dramatic impact.
If that bond measure fails to pass the voters of the state, and it is now behind in the polls, it could have drastic effects on local government funding.
According to Maxwell, the costs of the new counsel would also include additional funding for office expense and he wasn't certain that during this budget crisis, those would be funds well spent.
Maxwell said the current situation with outside county counsel services performed by John Kinney is working and will continue. Supervisors Patricia Cantrall, Willy Hagge, Dan Macsay and David Bradshaw were in favor of suspending the search at this time, while Mike Dunn was opposed and wanted an on-board counsel hired.
Maxwell said he and department heads are keeping close tabs on the budget situation at the state level. While the budget picture is not wholly clear, Maxwell said he believes the county has a good handle on the situation as long as there are no major surprises from the state.
Just what the county is going to have to do, department by department, is still in the works, but county officials are working to save funding wherever they can and not make unnecessary expenditures. They are also seeking to secure funding from all applicable sources.
Candidate forums set
The Modoc County Farm Bureau is hosting a Candidate's Night for the County Supervisorial election in Districts Two and Four Feb. 4, 7 p.m. at Alturas City Hall.
District Four's Willy Hagge is facing a challenge from Ray Anklin and District Four's Mike Dunn is being opposing by Roy Moore and Ron Sharpless.
A Candidate's Night for the Alturas City Council election is Feb. 11, 7 p.m., also at City Hall. Incumbents Jack Ochs, George Andreasen and Joe Coffin are running for re-election and are being challenged by Steve Iverson, Cheryl Nelson and John Schreiber.
The election is set for March 2.
Quail Valley Ranch sale to DFG under scrutiny
The directors of the Pit River Resource Conservation District (RCD) and a number of concerned local farmers, ranchers and officials met at the Quail Valley Ranch last Tuesday evening to hear a presentation on the proposed sale of that ranch to the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). John Siperek, the DFG wildlife program manager for eight northern counties in California made the initial presentation, followed by an impassioned speech by Ed Parrish, Quail Valley Ranch owner, for the idea of creating a self-sustaining "youth oriented, hunting and educational facility" on the ranch.
"We think the facility can generate substantial income to maintain it in the condition that it's been maintained," affirmed Parrish. " We think we can generate extra revenue for youth programs."
"I also want to make it very clear right now that the department has not made any decisions whether we're going to acquire this piece of property or not at this time," asserted Siperek, who then called for an "active partnership" between DFG and Pit River RCD to manage the property. "What we'd be looking for is some assistance in contracting out the work. É We have the ability to contract with you directly to do that work. Again, we don't have the staff to do the work, so we're looking for some help here." Siperek outlined a program wherein the operation of the ranch would be placed under RCD management, ensuring local oversight. He pointed to a "master contract" or "master service agreement" currently under development in Yolo County between the DFG and RCDs there to manage farming activities as a roadmap for the proposed Quail Valley acquisition.
"What our vision would be is that this area would not be the traditional wildlife area," continued Siperek. "It would be an area that would be focused on youth activities for educational activities and hands-on activities. É So, it would be a lot different than our traditional wildlife areas."
The proposed acquisition raises many issues among concerned Big Valley residents. "One of the things that we recognized early on," explained Siperek, "is we had to try to deal with some of these issues instead of just moving forward, buying another piece of property, as the department traditionally does."
Explaining that he did not want to present the details of his proposal at the time, Siperek said, "I think it's better to start at the concept level É getting more of the concerns addressed and issues dealt with É then get the details as we move forward and make sure it's something we all want to pursue. "We think that the operations here are fairly wildlife friendly, and that we'd like to see some of those operations continue with the money that would be generated from those operations helping us staff the area."
Parrish gave assurances that the careful and profitable management of his property would continue as it has, even under DFG ownership. "This property is capable of generating enough income to keep it like it's been in the last 20 years and to make major contributions to hunting and education. And so, I'm willing to É help this effort É personally, at no charge.
"I see it as a tremendous positive for the youth and educational purposes," continued Parrish, "and maybe even trend setting for state-owned properties. So I'm extremely excited about the possibilities and extremely excited about staying involved."
First response to the presentations came from Lassen County Supervisor, Brian Dahle. "I applaud you guys for at least getting the community together and starting to talk about this. I think the dialogue is healthy. "The main thing, I think, that's hard for this community to swallowÑand I get around a little bit and talk to a few folksÑis that we have a very, very bad example of management right next door," said Dahle, speaking of the Ash Creek Wildlife Area (ACWA). "We have noxious weed issues, and when you don't take care of those they get to be huge and costly (problems) for the neighbors.
"That's the scary part for the community. We love what Ed's doing here; we don't really like what's happening across the street. And, we don't want to see that happening again."
Fear among locals is that the poor DFG management of the ACWA, also in Big Valley, might also be the fate of Quail Valley once it is acquired by DFG. One rancher said, "None of us are impressed by that. As far as I'm concerned, that's what you're bucking here.
"These people right here are the people who knew what this land looked like before the ACWA was here. It wasn't just a swampland full of grass (as it is now)," continued the rancher. "That was a very productive ranch at one time. It ran 2500 head of cattle right here in Big ValleyÑprobably the premier cattle ranch here. And everybody in this room that's local has been able to see it turn out to be what it is today."
Dahle continued, "Since the Pit River RCD has helped with the Ash Creek, I've seen huge improvements. At least we're grazing out there and doing some haying. It took us (the DFG) ten years to get there before you guys (Pit River RCD) got involved."
"As a Modoc County supervisor, I share the same concerns that Brian doesÑmore so because it (the Quail Valley Ranch) is in Modoc County," offered Dave Bradshaw. "As far as in lieu taxes, I know that you're working toward some solutions for that. Special districts are another concern.
"It makes a big difference to me how the Pit River RCD thinks about this, as a board. Modoc County does have an agreement with Fish and Game. I was glad to hear that they're going to bring this process to the Land Use Committee. That will start the process for Modoc County to take a look at this and give more input."
"I understand there's some misgivings about the way Ash Creek is managed. But overall, I think it's a great addition to the community," countered Parrish. "And I think if the community continues to work through the RCD with Fish and Game, I really believe Fish and Game wants to do a better job. And I can promise you, if this concept is allowed to happen hereÑkeeping the money here and keeping the management here and providing for youth and educationÑthat this is a win/win for Modoc, it's a win/win for Fish and Game and it could be precedent setting in the state. And that could be great. But it's got to be given the chance." Objections to the proposed sale ranged from the loss of tax revenue from the land when it moved to state ownership to the loss of jobs and income in the local economy and a fundamental distrust of the agency's ability to stay the course or keep its promises.
Neighbors asked what assurances they have that the youth idea is not simply a ruse, a "smoke screen" to overcome objections among locals to the state's purchase of private property? "I think it's great if the youth thing comes about," said one observer. "But I don't think much of it if it doesn't." "You talk about making all this money (from the operation of the ranch)," said another observer. "Who manages that money? Does it go directly to the state to pay its bills and pay the people and do away with the jobs if they put all the money in the general fund and spend it?"
"If the money doesn't come into the state's control, the RCD would be able to keep it more of a closed system in that we could recycle the money back into the system," replied Siperek.
"That would happen?" was the next question.
"That's what we're trying to pursue here is to see if we can't develop a system where the money would be recycled directly back into the system," answered Siperek. "If that can't be accomplished, then we can't go forward. That's a very key part of the operation."
"I think everybody needs to be very clear on this point because that's the 'A plus' question of the night so far," injected Parrish. "If this revenue goes into the state general fund, you'd be lucky to see half of it back. If the money stays in the Pit River RCD É for the furtherment of this project, the state general fund never sees the money. The reason I'm excited about this thing is because I'm convinced Fish and Game is not going to do this É unless the money is assured to stay in the project, in the valley, in the community (and) in the youth programs. And, hopefully, the Pit River RCD is the controlling entity of that revenue."
In an effort to deflect criticism of the DFG's plans to acquire more prime ranching and farming property in Big Valley, Siperek insisted that the process was just beginning, that all concerns would be explored in the upcoming process of creating a working framework for the proposed program to go with the Quail Valley acquisition.
Siperek proposed forming a group, a steering committee, composed of individuals that represent various interests involved in both the sale of the property and its management afterward "that would look at the development of this area and steering its direction in the future.
"We didn't come here tonight asking for some kind of a resolution from the group," summarized Siperek. "This is just informational."
A closed meeting to present "the finances É of this operation" to the Pit River RCD board members followed the lengthy public discussion.
Sage Stage rolls into 5th anniversary in fine form
This week marks the fifth anniversary of Sage Stage service in Modoc County. "We rolled out service on January 19, 1999," says Pam Couch, transportation manager and the driving force behind the entire operation. In those five years, the familiar busses have become a permanent fixture in the fabric of life in this community as they wind their way through city streets picking up passengers.
"It absolutely amazes me when I look back and remember that we had 215 passengers É or something like that É in the first six months. And now we carry that many in two days," exclaims Couch. "Our growth has been phenomenal."
A brief analysis of the statistics bears out that observation.
Ridership on Sage Stage busses has increased almost 1,800 percent in the last four years and the miles traveled have more than doubled. In year 2000 operations, Sage Stage carried 1,188 passengers and traveled 56,902 miles. The total passengers figure quadrupled in 2001, burgeoning to 4,717. That figure increased only slightly in 2002, but the miles covered had doubled since 2000. By last year, 2003, total fares had almost doubled again to 8,454, and bus mileage jumped to 123,248.
Since its humble beginnings, Sage Stage has clearly expanded its vital role. "The Sage Stage is public transportation," explains Couch. "The premise behind it is to provide access, mobility and move people aroundÑget them where they need to go."
Sage Stage is not your father's bus company, either.
It features thoroughly modern, comfortable busses and schedules that are much more accommodating and flexible than the ordinary public transportation systems so common in large urban areas. Riders no longer have to waste their time and suffer the inconvenience of waiting at bus stops, locked into rigid schedules, as was true in the past.
With dial-a-ride, intra-city serviceÑdoor-to-door in most casesÑthe bus can take riders anywhere in town within a ten mile radius. "We bend over backwards to accommodate and to do anything for almost anybody," insists Couch.
Noting that their busses routinely transport three or four persons per hour within the city, Couch says, "The bus is busy all the time. We're setting records for the type of service that we have."
Because Sage Stage is also an intercity service, providing transportation to and from distant cities like Reno, Redding and Klamath Falls, those familiar busses can also be seen on the highways, far from Alturas. "We're here for the community," says Couch, thoughtfully. "You may not need us today, (but) you may need us tomorrow. It is our goal É to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to move about and get to the places they need to go."
For many in Modoc County, the Sage Stage is their sole transportation provider. "If you don't have a car, you've got no way to É get to the places you need to go," Couch observes. "The focus of our operation is to provide lifeline transportation, to get people to basic services and needs.
"We have an aging populationÑaging in place," Couch continues. "The poverty level is such that many cannot afford to maintain an automobile that's capable of driving the distances that they need to go to get to the doctor or whatever."
Sage Stage is unique among transportation providers across the country, breaking new ground in the transportation business. "Nobody is trying to do what we're trying to do. But the need is so great here, there's nothing for us but to do it," Couch says.
Couch is lavish in her praise of Niki Witherspoon, her capable assistant, who is responsible for the successful day-to-day operation of Sage Stage. "She deals with the clients on a very personable basis, engages them, and figures their problems out. É She has the heart, the ability to chat with people, to bring her staff together, to make solutions, to always be available and ready, to be kind, to be strong. She actually is now shouldering the operation so I can go out and write the next grant."
For her part, Couch is zealously dedicated to building an unparalleled transportation system in this area. "I'm passionate about my work. I really am."
"I think that she's very motivated. She's out for the good of the people," says Witherspoon of her boss. "She brings in a lot of money to this county, and a lot of good things happen with that. She's done a great job, and works long hours."
Of course, some riders will always complain about public transportation fares. "You have to remember, and what people really don't understandÑalthough many of them complain about the faresÑthe fares are very, very modest. This is funded like a public utility is funded. Ninety percent of our money comes from government subsidy and funding. We get a portion of the quarter percent of local sales taxes collected in Modoc County, and that's directed towards the bus. We have about $135,000 a year (to operate). Period." According to Couch, the remainder of the expenses, by law, must be covered by the fares charged.
Also, some people are unsure about how the Sage Stage operates, thinking that it is much like a taxi or limo service. "They get upset a lot if we can't accommodate them right when they want us to," observes Witherspoon. "It's hard to make them understand that we're trying and that we can only do so much."
"A lot of people ask us things that we just cannot do," Couch adds. "There are limitations that we have."
While prior notice is important to route planning, "Frankly we do accommodate same day service on an as needed basis," explains Couch. "We can't drop everything and come exactly when you want, (and) we can't wait for you while you're in there." However, Couch characterizes their service as "flexible," in that they will make every effort to get riders where they need to go and do it on time.
For those who travel out of town, the four competent, well-trained Sage Stage drivers will make every effort to accommodate their needs. "When we get to the destination city, we bend over backwards to make the connections. We go to all the popular places in all of our destination cities for no extra charge."
Saying, "I've seen people's life change," Couch tells of a neighbor who insisted she would never ride the bus, that she had ample offers of transportation from friends. "She now rides four times a week with us," says Couch, smiling. "She actually gets on the bus andÑjust for an outingÑstays on the bus as it goes to pick up other folks, just to get around and socialize and meet her friends. She (even) gives birthday cards to the children on the bus."
"This is a life-changing thing," echoes Witherspoon. "That's the most rewarding part. There's a young man who lives in Susanville. I think he's under 18. His parents live in Tulelake, and he takes our bus weekly to see them. Without that, he wouldn't be able to see his parents."
Many riders who were largely housebound now regularly use the bus to get around for business and pleasure. "They never got out before. Now they can go when they want, stay out as long as they want, do what whatever they need to do: socialize, meet family and friends, go out to lunch, do all those kinds of things É get there without having to ask somebody and be dependent," Couch says. "And that really makes a difference. We really think that getting people from here to there is really, really important because it gives them more life. It's like a ticket with dignity."
Couch and Witherspoon encourage Alturas residents to avail themselves of the convenience and comfort the Sage Stage offers. "And a lot of people do," says Couch, adding that it is an easy way to make the trip to the airport. "Let someone else do the driving. The fares are extremely reasonable, and it's way more economical than leaving your car parked at the airport or having a motel room. It's much less stressful, and much more economical."
Davis Creek hosts Groundhog Supper
The Davis Creek community will welcome the public to their annual Groundhog Supper on Saturday, Feb. 7. Doors open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Davis Creek Grange Hall to offer a good time for all ages, with good food and plenty of visiting.
The annual dinner, comes together with solid community effort and will be hosted by the Davis Creek 4-H Club. Dinner is to be served from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is invited.
Tickets will be available at the door, $6.50 for adults; ages six to 12, $4.50; ages five and under, served free. An auction, games of Bingo and sales of cakes will be included.
The dinner includes freshly grilled sausage patties, mashed potatoes, green salad, green beans, and more.
The hall is set with long tables, seating all who come for the event. 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 community hall as well as 4-H.
The Davis Creek Grange Hall is located within the Davis Creek town limits. The Groundhog Dinner is a community tradition, which draws folks from throughout Modoc County to enjoy the event.
February 2 is official Groundhog Day in the United States, and bears the prediction of an early or late spring. If the groundhog does not see his shadow on February 2, Spring will come six weeks early.
Obituaries:
Ruth E. Westmoreland
Alturas resident Ruth E. Westmoreland, 94, passed away January 28, 2004 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, Calif. A Memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Rod Bodmer at the Faith Baptist Church on Carlos Street, Alturas on Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Building Fund at Faith Baptist Church. A private interment will be held in San Bernardino, Calif., where Mrs. Westmoreland had made her home before moving to Alturas some 16 years ago. She was born in McCausland, Iowa on July 17, 1909.
A complete obituary will be published next week.
Sports
Braves head to big Corning tourney
Modoc's Braves will wrestle in a dual meet with Central Valley Friday and then head to the Corning Invitational on Saturday.
Coach Shaun Wood feels the team will be able to place in the top five at Corning's event, one of the major tournaments of the year. Most of the top wrestlers in the section will be at Corning.
"I think we'll do okay, it will be comparable to the Anderson tourney," said Wood. "It would be nice to get in top five. We'll have the seven guys who are ranked do real well, and we'll hope some others can place."
Modoc had last week off and got some kids healthy, but will be without Mark Main and Ryan Carrithers for this week because of injury.
Next weekend, Feb. 6 and 7, the Shasta Cascade League championships will be held at Modoc. SCL duals will be Friday and Saturday begins the regular tournament.
Modoc meets Mt. Shasta, Trinity and Etna Friday in duals, beginning about 1 p.m. Saturday rounds will start about 9 a.m. and should begin the finals about 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Modoc is heavily favored to win the SCL again, with Mt. Shasta and Trinity following.
Modoc's only female wrestler, Samantha Brush will go to an all-female wrestling tournament in Oakland this weekend to compete. She has not had the chance to wrestle another female this year, so this will be a first. If she does well, she could qualify for a state finals. She wrestles at 145 pounds.
Modoc's Travis Wood is ranked number one at 145 pounds in the section and Cory Bell holds down the number one heavyweight ranks. Jason Jones has moved into the number two rank at 160 pounds and Luke Hammerness is ranked third at 152 pounds. Jaafar Mirholi holds down the fourth spot at 135 pounds and Joey Catania is sixth at 215 pounds.
Etna stuns Braves in SCL, tough weekend ahead
Etna's Lions dropped the Modoc Braves 70-49 Saturday night in Etna. Modoc beat Fall River 45-42 in Fall River Friday night.
Coach Mike Martin said the team shooting percentage needs to improve, and the team was simply flat in Etna. This weekend is going to be tough as the Braves travel to Mt. Shasta Friday night and return home Saturday to face unbeaten Trinity. Saturday's games start at 2 p.m.
"It's going to be a brutal weekend and we just need to play well," said Martin. "Mt. Shasta is tough at their place and Trinity is going to go 100 miles an hour the whole game, offense and defense. We need to play our game."
Against Fall River, the Braves got off to a quick start, leading 21-11 in the first period. The Bulldogs clawed their way back into the game and trailed 29-24 at half-time. Modoc maintained a 36-29 lead after three, but the Bulldogs got closer with a 12-9 fourth period. Micah Eppler led the scoring with 20, Kyle Madison and Marty Stevens each added six.
Etna jumped out to a 19-12 first period lead and lead 33-28 at the half. Etna outscored the Braves 17-10 in the third and 20-11 in the fourth. Stevens led Modoc with 15, Eppler added nine Cam Jeffers and Zack McKirahan had six.
The Braves beat Weed 64-40 Tuesday night in Alturas, jumping on the Cougars early, 21-12 in the first period. Modoc led 33-17 at halftime and 53-31 after three.
Stevens led the scoring with 26 points, Shiloh Pierce added 13 and Eppler had nine.
Modoc JVs win:
The junior varsity boys put together two solid scoring gamesd, beating Fall River 74-57 and Etna 64-30. Coach Bunk Richardson said both outings were solid for his charges.
Fall River got up on Modoc 21-15 in the first period and still led 36-35 by the halftime talks. The Braves came out in a different defense and took a 52-35 lead after three and had a solid 22-points for quarter for the win. Ross Burgess led with 24 points and Grant Hall added 19.
Modoc started quickly against Etna, leading 18-9 after one and 32-19 by the half. By the end of the third, Modoc led 47-25 and closed out strong in the fourth.
Burgess led the scoring with 27, Taylor Dunn had nine and Keith Montague had eight.
Tuesday night, Modoc beat Weed 54-44 at home. Modoc led 13-2 in the first and 29-16 by half. The Braves maintained a 43-26 after three periods. Burgess led the scoring with 24 and Hall added 13.
Modoc's varsity girls team is struggling this year, trying to put a solid game together in league play. Modoc travels to Mt. Shasta Friday night and plays Trinity at home Saturday, with the junior varsity girls starting play at 2 p.m. and all teams following.
The varsity girls lost to Fall River 69-33 Friday night and Etna dropped them 74-20 Saturday. Both games were on the road. Tuesday night the Braves lost to Weed at home 67-31.
Modoc started with a 9-7 first period lead against Weed, but the Cougars outscored them 24-6 in the second period to take a 31-15 halftime lead. Weed put up 36 points in the second half to Modoc's 16. Emily Pence had 12 for the Braves and Kristen Taylor added eight, with Allison Campagna getting six. Against Etna, the girls got behind 22-5 in the first period and 42-9 at halftime. The Lions outscored Modoc 19-8 in the third period and 13-3 in the final stanza.
Taylor led Modoc with 10 points, Pence added five.
Fall River also jumped on Modoc early, taking a 17-10 first period lead and going up 38-16 at hafltime. Fall River scored 15 to Modoc's 13 in the third but blew them out in the fourth 16-4. Pence led the scoring with 13, Brittany Bartram had seven and Campagna added six.
Junior varsity girls: Modoc's junior varsity girls won a low-scoring game against Fall River Friday night, 18-16. Modoc and Fall River were tied at four after one and Fall River led 9-5 at halftime. At the end of three, the Braves trailed 12-11. Amanda Martin hit two buckets in the third and Alysha Northrup sunk a pair in the fourth, with Tacie Richardson and Jessie Harden each hitting late free shots.
Etna beat the Braves junior varsity 45-31. The Braves started slowly and spotted the Lions a 21-7 lead at halftime. Modoc didn't score in the second quarter. Modoc fought back to close within nine at the end of three 31-22. The Braves came to within five, but were outscored 14-9 in the fourth. The jayvees lost a tight one to Weed 40-38 Tuesday night. The game was tied at 8-8 in the first and Modoc led 18-17 at halftime. The Cougars hit some threes in the second half to take the lead and Modoc came up just short. Richardson led the scoring with 12 points, and Rachel Crosby added seven. Richardson also grabbed nine rebounds.
The Surprise Valley Hornets boys basketball team put up 31 points in the fourth quarter, after only scoring 26 in the first half, to beat the Butte Valley Bulldogs, 86-67, January 23.
Surprise Valley meets Dunsmuir at home Saturday, with game time at 1:30 p.m.
Against Butte Valley, the Hornets had three players still fighting a cold, but four of the six players scored in double figures. Adam Evans and Loren Harris combined for 37 points, 18 rebounds, three blocked shots, and two steals. Josh Boneck and Scott Soletti combined for 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 steals. Butte Valley's Shane Cynor led with 18 points.
The Hornet girls were out-hustled by the Bulldogs, according to coach Arnold DeGarmo, and trailed 34-17 at halftime. Butte Valley won the game 54-38. Cara James led Surprise Valley with 24 points and Sara Teuscher added eight points and seven rebounds.
The Hornet junior varsity beat the Bulldogs 57-45. The Bulldogs led 30-23 at halftime.
Hemphill is reserve AA cowgirl
Tulelake's Jessica Hemphill earned reserve All-Around Cowgirl honors at the District One California High School Rodeo January 25 in Red Bluff. Hemphill won the breakaway roping event, placed second in goat tying, ninth in pole bending and tied for fifth in girls' cutting.
Alturas' Chris Brown took a second in bull riding.
The next rodeo is in Redding Feb. 14 and 15 and on March 6, the competitors head to the Red Bluff Fairgrounds for the Interdistrict Rodeo. March 19-21 is the Challenge of Champions Rodeo in Plymouth, Ca, and the District Finals will be held in April.
News
Snowpack for January above area averages
Snowpack is better than average in most of Modoc County, according to the snow survey just released by the federal agencies. Last year at this time, snowpack was just 40 percent of average.
Blue Lake has 26 inches of snow containing 8.9 inches of water this year at 6,800 foot elevation. That compares to just nine inches of snow last year, containing 3.4 inches of water. The 10-year average for the area is 29 inches of snow containing 7.6 inches of water.
Cedar Pass measures 43 inches of snow with 15.3 inches of water. Last year, only 14 inches of snow was at the spot in January, containing 3.4 inches of water. The 10-year average for Cedar Pass is 39 inches of snow with 12.7 inches of water. That snow survey spot is at 7,100 feet elevation. Barber Creek, south of Eagleville, has 37 inches of snow containing 12.4 inches of water. Last year it had just 12 inches of snow containing 4.5 inches of water and the 10-year average at the 6,500 foot spot is 32 inches of snow and 9.5 inches of water.
Last year at this time 49 Mountain (Nevada) had no snow at all. This year there is 22 inches with 4.8 inches of water. The 10-year average at 6,000 feet is 17 inches of snow and 4.5 inches of water.
Jake Coffey of the Modoc National Forest and Tom Hill of the Natural Resource Conservation Service took the surveys last week.
For the month of January, 2004, .96 inches of precipitation was measured. That's up over .75 inches of precipitation last year, but, well below the average 1.40 inches.
No use permit for Canine Country, appeal is planned
The Modoc County Planning Department will not issue a use permit for Judy Ford's Canine Country and has given the facility 15 days to appeal to the Planning Commission or 90 days to close.
Ford has operated Canine Country west of Alturas for several years and takes in stray animals, working hard to adopt them out and care for their needs.
On Wednesday, Ford said she plans on appealing the decision to the Planning Commission, and further explained that her facility is more of a holding area than long term kennel. She said she tries to get the animals to outside agencies, often out of state as quickly as possible. The question of renovations, or buildings she said, comes down to financial ability.
Modoc Planner Scott Kessler issued his opinion on January 29, stating that he had had multiple complaints from neighbors that "clearly demonstrate that this use is detrimental to the health, safety and peace of the property owners in the vicinity. The fact is your current operation removes all speculation about the matter and it is injurious to the rights and enjoyment of property in the area."
Kessler said after visiting the site, he found it consisted of a series of dog pens on concrete pads with igloo shelters and a series of unfenced dog houses with dogs chained to them. When he visited there were 14 dogs, and he said he's been told there have been upwards of 40 at different times. "There is no doubt in my mind that your care of these dogs provides a service to the community and is the humane thing to do," said Kessler. "It is the right thing to do and I am sympathetic to your cause. However, these conditions are unacceptable for such an operation. A series of open air pens on concrete pads does not constitute a kennel."
If Ford chooses to appeal, Kessler makes the following recommendations: design the facility more like a kennel, with indoor and outdoor pens; reduce the barking noise by putting animals inside a building and regulating the number, hours and mix of dogs outside at any given time; limit the number of dogs; changing operational policies to place an overflow of dogs in homes throughout the county until they can be adopted out; and plant a noise barrier with fast-growing hedges such as Austrees.
"The kenneling and adoption of animals is a community issue that extends well beyond one individual's personal and financial resources," wrote Kessler. "I would encourage you to seek assistance throughout the community to construct a facility that will endure beyond your efforts." Ford has run Canine Country for many years, relying primarily on donations and community support. She has wide support in the county from individuals and entities.
BV irrigators hope state's decision could force Hot Spring's hand
Ranchers and farmers along the Pit River reported mixed reactions to the recent "cease and desist" order the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) issued against Hot Springs Valley Irrigation District (HSVID) in the ongoing dispute over releases of water into the river.
"From the water users down here, it's been a good reaction," said Dave Bradshaw, Modoc County Supervisor. "I think that it's brought things to the forefront that showed that Hot Springs was operating, probably, outside of their licenses."
"The way I understand it," said Peter N. Gerig, a Big Valley water user, "is they don't have the right permits so they can't sell water any more. É I'm sure you couldn't talk to a soul that didn't think the decision was right." "I can't say that it's going to do much because, first thing, there's no enforcement," countered John Fitts, a Lookout resident who sees the decision having little effect. "I don't know that any progress has been made."
"We thought maybe they could go a little bit further É the state could É on the decision," said Dean Leventon, chairman of the Big Valley Water Users, making no effort to hide his disappointment in the decision. "We're just going to, I think, probably wait and see right now É what's going to happen."
The dispute centers on HSVID's sale of stored water to the power utilities downstream. Water users all along the Pit River below Canby insist that the water sold for power generation has historically been theirs to use for summer irrigation. "We used to get quite a little bit of water," explained Fitts. "They didn't used to run their system near as efficient. But, now, when there's money involved É at the far end of the season they hold that water back until we can't use it any more, and then they release it and let it go on down to Malacha Power. That has dried us right up."
"It seems like since all this started, we noticed a definite slowdown in the amount of water that came down here," agreed Leventon.
"There's not all that much water to go around to begin with," continued Fitts. "Both Hot Springs and South Fork (irrigation districts) have tightened up their system, and they've made it much more efficient. South Fork hasn't let hardly any water come on down, and there never is any water in the summertime on the North Fork, anyway."
Several complaints about the practice were filed with the SWRCB. "Landes, Monchamp and Big Valley Water Users É we all filed a complaint," affirmed Fitts.
Hot Spring's position that their release of water to the power companies downstream was within their purview has been ruled erroneous in the SWRCB's most recent ruling, issued early in December.
Bradshaw's view is typical of many Big Valley ranchers and farmers. "Water users in Big Valley the last several years have been shorted waterÑmaybe for that reason, or maybe not. At least the Water Resource Control Board has the scrutiny now. And, hopefully, that will work out in the long run, that we'll get our water back down here É or at least everybody in Modoc County will get the water that they have coming."
Gerig is somewhat optimistic about improved water flow as a result of the board's decision. "I think we're going to see a change this year É we're hoping anyway. I'm sure it (HSVID) will allow more down than has come the last couple of years, for sure."
Fitts is much less optimistic. "I don't think they'll do a thing, the Water Board, until the suits that are pending are settled. I think we're going to have to set kind of tight until they settle them lawsuits that's pending." How badly has the lack of water in the Pit River hurt downstream irrigators? "It's been hard to judge on account of the last three years have been (very) dry years," explained Gerig, referring to the diminished flows in the Pit River during the irrigation season. "I'm sure it's hurt us some on the natural flow, even though it would have been real small. Some of it's been nature's (doing), but I really believe it has hurt us some."
For his part, Bradshaw hopes to see immediate changes. "It's a positive thing. The only thing I'm concerned with is I hope that they get their monitoring started and everything started to help this season É for the water users in this area. But they need to get a long-term solution as far as monitoring."
"If they'd put some teeth into it," added Leventon, "I think we'd see some difference."
"They're not even going to give us a water master this next year," objected Fitts. "The state collected our money for the water master fee. For Big Valley Water Users, that's like $34,000 a year. And this is the last we heard: The state was broke, and they weren't going to give us a water master this summer. And I doubt that they're going to give us the money back, either, you know."
Indeed, Fitts seems to have the best grasp of the situation, as it stands. "Big Valley Water Users É I don't know that they will, as a group, be in favor of a lawsuit. Quite frankly, lawsuits cost money, and we don't have any money to spend."
Moreover, explained Fitts, the outcome of a lawsuit could very well backfire. "I retained counsel É oh É 20 years ago when it first came up. We didn't figure that we were being treated quite right. Basically, I was going to jump up and down and sue the guys at Hot Springs and so forth.
"My attorney said, 'I know where you're coming from. But É you're probably going to lose the suit, number one. And number two, it opens up the adjudication and the whole process by letting everybody have a whack at it again.
"We are an adjudicated district down here, and I don't know if that gives us any clout over the riparian users.
"Quite frankly, if we go to court, we're probably going to all of us lose, you know, and Los Angeles Power or somebody will probably wind up with all the water," says the beleaguered rancher with a knowing chuckle. "That's a little strong, but by the time Fish and Game and everybody gets into it, there wouldn't be any summer water left!"
Speaking of the SWRCB decision, Fitts summarizes, "Basically, as far as I'm concerned, we were given lip service so far. I don't think it's going to have much of an impact. I think it will have to go to court. É And as I said, I think that would change the situation (for the worse). I don't know that it'll help anybody."
Still, Fitts seems to be looking for a solution to the situation. "I wish we could forge some sort of a long-term relationship with the Hot Springs (Valley) Irrigation District and buy up so much water from Big Sage Reservoir. I think that would fly. It is irrigation water, you know. But I don't know that that will ever happen either. It isn't going to happen until a few tempers and so forth calm down."
Then, upon further thought he adds, glumly, "We can't outbid that power company. The water's very valuable. I think this might be kind of the beginning of the end."
Permanent absentee voters do not need new application
The voter registration deadline for the March 2 Primary Election is Feb. 17 and Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison said most people are paying attention.
She reminds people who are permanent absentee voters that they do not have to send in a new absentee application.
Madison also said the people need to make sure they are registered correctly -- in the right district, under the correct name and at the correct address.
Madison suggests that anyone who needs more information on the election, contact www.easyvoter.org.
People who haven't voted in several elections should check to make sure they are still registered properly. They might have been taken off the registration list.
For the election, absentee ballot applications can be made February 2-24. Voters may request those ballots by letter, with signature or they can be done using the application on the back of the sample ballots. Many of the local precincts outside of Alturas will vote by mail.
District Two Supervisor Mike Dunn is facing a challenge by Roy Moore and Ron Sharpless. In District Four, Willy Hagge is running against Canby rancher Ray Anklin.
Supervisor Pat Cantrall and Superior Court Judges Larry Dier and Fritz Barclay are unopposed.
In the City of Alturas, councilmen Joe Coffin, George Andreasen and Jack Ochs are seeking re-election. They are being challenged by Steve Iverson, John Schreiber and Cheryl Nelson.
Building slumps in January
Local building activity dropped off to low levels in the month of January, according to the Modoc County Building Deportment.
For the month, only eight building permits were issued, valued at $183,292. A manufactured home on a perimeter foundation made up about half the total and the only other large items were a garage with living quarters above and a hat storage barn.
In December, the county issued 17 permits, valued at $94,798.
The City of Alturas issued seven building permits worth an estimated $10,120 in January. In December, 11 building permits were filed with the City of Alturas in December, worth $65,747.
Curtis watercolors brighten pre-Spring Art Center show
The watercolor paintings of local artist and instructor Margot Curtis will be featured for the 2004 opening reception of the gallery on Friday night, Feb. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The public is invited to preview the new February show and to enjoy punch and hors d'oeuvres.
Margot Curtis is a third generation Californian, a retired rancher's wife and the mother of four grown children. She is a graduate of Pomona College, with later art courses from University of California, Santa Barbara and Western Montana College.
Starting with oils and acrylics and finally exploring the endless and exciting qualities of watercolor, Curtis began taking workshops with nationally known watercolorists. They have included Barbara Nechis, Sue Bennett, Gerald Brommer and the late Richard Yip and Irving Shapiro. Curtis attempts to attend at least one workshop annually and particularly enjoys painting on location.
Currently instructing watercolor classes for Lassen College's Modoc outreach, Curtis credits early encouragement from Sue Bennett and the books and teachings of artist and master teacher, Gerald Brommer, for the impetus to share her enthusiasm for watercolor with students. "Watercolor is a happy medium."
"Although I teach our students the basics, I consider myself still a dabbler. It's hard to limit myself to a single style of painting when there are so many new approaches and techniques developing in watercolor that I've yet to try," expresses Curtis.
The Art Center gallery is located at 317 So. Main Street, Alturas. The non-profit organization offers a gallery featuring the works of local and regional artists, gifts and classes. Those interested in Art Center membership are welcome to join. February is membership month.
Obituaries:
Ruth E. Westmoreland
Alturas resident Ruth E. Westmoreland, 94, passed away January 28, 2004 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, Calif. A Memorial service and potluck dinner were held at Faith Baptist Church in Alturas, Calif. on January 31, 2004. Pastor Rod Bodmer officiated. Burial took place in San Bernardino. She was born Ruth Ella Lehman to Joseph and Cora Lehman on July 17, 1909 in Solomon, Kansas. Ruth studied the Bible and music at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois and graduated in 1937. While at Moody, she met Leslie A. Westmoreland. They were married on Christmas Eve, 1937 in Davenport, Iowa. It was a double wedding ceremony with her sister, Amy marrying Troy Stipe.
Ruth and Leslie lived in Missoula, Montana where they pastored a church. Later, they returned to Chicago where Ruth was employed at Brachs Candy Company office. They were members of Leavitt Street Bible Church and later Calvary Memorial Church.
Leslie passed away July 5, 1961. Ruth retired from Brachs in 1974. She then moved to San Bernardino, Calif. to care for her aging mother.
Ruth's mother passed away in 1985 and a few years later, Ruth moved to Alturas, Calif., to be near her sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and Warford Green.
In Alturas she was a faithful and much loved member of Faith Baptist Church and of Bible study. Her wonderful soprano voice was appreciated in church where she loved to sing. She also loved flowers and enjoyed her membership at the Art Center, where she sold her watercolor paintings and crocheted baby items. Also an avid reader, the post office and library were frequent destinations as she walked around town.
Ruth is survived by her brother the Rev. Glen Lehman of Grand Rapids, Michigan; sister, Mrs. Dorothy Childers of Bettendorf, Iowa; brother, David Lehman of Burbank, Calif.; brother-in-law Warford Green of Alturas, Calif.; niece Mrs. Phyllis Elliott of Hillside, Illinois and many other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Leslie, her sister Amy Stipe, sister Lucille Green, brother Harold Lehman and parents Joseph and Cora Lehman.
The family is thankful, first of all, to the Lord Jesus for their rich heritage of knowing Ruth Westmoreland, being in her family and sharingher faith in God. They are also very thankful to the many friends and loved ones who cared for Ruth through the years.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Building Fund at Faith Baptist Church, 810 West Carlos St., Alturas, Calif. 96101. Kerr Mortuary in Alturas was in charge of arrangements.
Lacene E. Boyd
Long-time Alturas resident and piano teacher Lacene Evadna Boyd, 88, went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2004 in Fortuna, Calif.
A resident of Alturas, Calif. since 1955, she was actively involved with the Alturas First Baptist Church where, for several years, she served in the positions of church treasurer and organist. She also taught piano to many youngsters in the area.
She was born Lacene Evadna Sweangen in Topeka, Kansas on January 12, 1916. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell and two sons, Robert and Gary. She leaves behind two sons, Dan of Alturas, Calif. and John of Fortuna, Calif., their wives, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at the Alturas First Baptist Church on Friday, February 6 at 10 a.m. with interment at the Alturas Cemetery. A time of remembrance for friends and family will take place at the First Baptist Church, following services. Pastor Bud Kirk will officiate.
Vicki Anne Christensen
Former Likely resident, Vicki Anne Christensen of Sacramento, died of natural causes in Carmichael, Calif. on February 1, 2004.
Vicki was born March 2, 1947, in San Francisco, Calif. to C. Brunel "Bru" and Barbara Don Christensen. She lived in Likely while growing up and always considered herself a Modocer. Vicki graduated from South Fork Elementary School and Modoc High School.
She worked as a telephone operator for several years at Citizens Utilities in Alturas.
Vicki moved to Sacramento in 1973, and worked in the answering service business and for the Franchise Tax Board.
Vicki was preceded by both sets of grandparents and her father, C. Brunel Christensen.
She is survived by her loving son, Gerald Watts of Sacramento; her mother, Barbara D. Reavley of Sacramento and sister Jan Christensen of Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Funeral services will be held at a later date at the Likely Cemetery, Likely, California. Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.
Ruth Flournoy Crew
A memorial service for Ruth Flournoy Crew will be held Monday, February 9 at 9 a.m. at Christian Life Assembly Church, 225 West B Street, Alturas. Burial will be at the Likely Cemetery in Likely, Calif. Mrs. Crew, who had been living in Alturas from 1999 until 2003, passed away of natural causes in Modesto, Calif. on January 30, 2004. She was 78. She was a native of Berkeley, Calif., born August 25, 1925.
Mrs. Crew was the mother of Cindy Marks of Modesto and Wade Crew of Ripon, Calif. She is also survived by her sisters June Lord of Auburn and Claire Goulden of Alturas, Calif. Four stepchildren survive and are Vivian Faust of Milwaukie, Oregon; Valerie Range of Boise, Idaho; LaVonne Oelschlager of Clackamas, Oregon and Hiram Crew of Milwaukie, Oregon; 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will also be held today, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. at Ripon Grace Brethren Church, Ripon, Calif. Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel in Modesto is in charge of arrangements.
Remembrances may be sent to Child Evangelism Fellowship, P.O. Box 981, Modesto, Calif. 95353.
Lucille Retzloff
Services were held on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Orland for Lucille Retzloff, 86, who passed away on January 22, 2004 at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, Calif.
She was born on August 23, 1917 to Antone and Mary Marks. She attended schools in Bayliss and Orland and later married John Retzloff in 1939. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening. She lived in Orland for 63 years and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother
She is survived by sisters Clem Ponciano of Willows, Ermaline Azevedo of Sacramento; brother Tony Marks of Oroville; daughters Carmen Brumbaugh of Orland, Sandi Ray and husband Lawrence of Alturas; and son Jack Retzloff, of Covelo. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild
She was preceded in death by her husband John Retzloff and sisters Mary Silva of Sacramento and Emily Alves of Bayliss.
Arrangements are under the direction of F.D. Sweet & Son of Orland
Theodore 'Ted' R. Martinez
Funeral services for Theodore "Ted" R. Martinez were held on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004 at 12 noon at the XL Reservation Cemetery in Modoc County. A wake was held Saturday night at the family residence on Carlos Street, Alturas. Mr. Martinez passed away on January 29, 2004 at 12:20 a.m. at his Redding home, as were his wishes.
Born in Likely, Calif. to Ethel and Teadoro Martinez on September 10, 1932, he graduated from Modoc High School and also attended Shasta College in Redding.
Theodore was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served as an ammunition technician during the Korean Conflict.
He had currently been employed at Win River Casino in Redding, Calif. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his son Victor Martinez and brothers Raymond Martinez and John Martinez.
He is survived by his wife Julia of Redding; son and daughter-in-law Ruben and Ana Martinez of Alturas, Calif.; sons Vincent Martinez of Redding; Shaun Martinez of Redding; Anthony Martinez of Redding; daughter Julie Martinez of Redding; three grandchildren, Catalina, Andrew and Edeweechee all of Redding; nieces Carmen Marin of Sacramento; Monique Chacon of Healdsburg; nephew and niece-in-law DeAngelo and Edith Regoles of Shasta Lake City.
The Family of Theodore "Ted" Martinez wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the Pitt River Tribe and Redding Rancheria for their financial contributions, also to the V.F.W. Honor Guard for their time and dedication and to the numerous relatives and friends for their support through this difficult time.
Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, Memorial and Honor Program/NCC, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720 or to the American Cancer Society, 3290 Bechelli Lane, Redding, CA 96002 or call the ACS at 1-800-227-2345 to make a donation with a credit card.
Sports
Modoc Braves hosts SCL Wrestling Championships
Modoc's dominant wrestling team plays host to the Shasta Cascade League Championship Tournament this weekend, with wrestling to start Friday about 1 p.m. and Saturday about 9 a.m. in the Griswold Gym.
The Braves, who just won one of the major tournaments in the north state at Corning last weekend, are heavily favored to win the league title again this year. Last year they won the league title by over 100 points.
"We should have a lot of kids in the finals," said Wood. "Some of our younger wrestlers are starting to peak, and this is the time. We have a few injuries, but should win league convincingly."
The Braves are coming off a win at the Corning Invitational last weekend, the first time ever for Modoc. "It was impressive," said Wood, "and we had some guys who didn't do as well as they could have. We had some other kids really step up."
One of the people who stepped to the front was Ian Jacques who took a third place in the 171-pound division. Hank Raabe took a fifth at 112 pounds. Wood also credited Jared Cox, who took a sixth at 152, Brian Weed who took sixth at 125, Nick Hawes who took sixth at 135 and Sheridan Crutcher who took a sixth. Scott and Chris Buchanan also did well.
Modoc's top wrestlers did their part as usual, with Travis Wood taking a second at 145 pounds and Jason Jones taking a second at 160 pounds. Both wrestlers Wood and Jones lost to were named top wrestlers.
Wood lost to Jeff Gross of Oroville, who was named outstanding middleweight and Jones lost to Nick Hernandez of Pleasant Valley who was named the top heavyweight in the tourney.
Luke Hammerness also took a second at 152 pounds.
Cory Bell took a third at heavyweight, losing a surprise match in the semi-finals. Brad Bell also took a third at 189 pounds and Jaafar Mirholi took a third at 135 pounds. Joey Catania took a fourth at 215 pounds and injured his shoulder in a match.
The team scores for the Corning Tourney were: Modoc 174.5, Paradise 163, Pleasant Valley 156, Willows 125, Corning 121, Durham 101, Foothill 94, Central Valley 92, Golden Sierra 90, Oroville 73, Mesa Verde 71, Etna 68, Clear Lake 66, Mt. Shasta 62, Jesuit (Sacramento) 62, Trinity 61, Tulelake 49, Esparto 39, Willits 38, Chester 37, Quincy 34, Upper Lake 34, Live Oak 33, Burney 32, Corning II 30, Lindhurst 29, Hamilton City 27, Esparto 22, Wheatland 22, Esparto 22, Wheatland 22, Fall River 8, Los Molinos 6 and Portola 4.
Brush places 6th in all-girls meet
Modoc High School's only female wrestler, junior Samantha Brush, placed sixth at the North State Regional All-Female tournament in San Leandro last weekend.
She just missed placing fifth, which would have qualified her for the All-Female State Finals this year. It was also the first time this season that she has gotten to wrestle girls instead of guys.
Brush wrestles at the 150 pound division, and in male competition that's one of the toughest weight classes. She said girls wrestle different than the guys, and the ones she faced last weekend were also tough.
"The guys try to use mostly their upper body strength, but the girls use a lot of legs and hips, and I just wasn't used to that," she said this week.
"Next year, I'll be better prepared for the tourney and I expect to qualify for the state finals. I learned a lot this year."
One of the major differences in the meet is Brush is the only girl on Modoc's team, and one of very few in the Shasta Cascade League. She was astounded that some of the girls she was facing in San Leandro actually were on all girl teams and didn't wrestle the guys. Actually, some of the girls she talked to were probably more amazed that she was the only girl on her team and had to wrestle guys all year. In addition, she said the girls she wrestled in San Leandro were strong, and their muscle structure was well defined. But, she said, most of them had been wrestling for years. "They were a little intimidating," she said.
Brush injured her shoulder in San Leandro and won't be able to wrestle this week for the Shasta Cascade League championships. But that's not going to deter her from next year.
"The first two weeks this season, I was saying to myself, 'Why am I doing this?'" Brush said. "But once I got into it, I really enjoyed it; I got in better shape and it's fun. I definitely will be back next season and I plan on working harder this summer to get into shape. I know what it takes and how hard it is."
She said she also wouldn't mind dropping a few weight divisions to get out of that tough 145-160 pound group.
One thing she knows is that in the middle of the state, there are a lot of girls wrestling in high school. She hopes more girls start out in north section.
Modoc boys drop pair in SCL to mammals
Modoc's varsity boys team fought tough against Trinity Saturday at home, but just couldn't keep pace with the top ranked team in the league, losing 70-58.
The Wolves played a very pressure oriented game, but Modoc played even the first period, trailing just 16-15 after one. The Wolves took a 38-30 lead into the halftime talks. Both teams played nearly even in the third, with Trinity maintaining a 54-45 lead. Trinity slowed the offense down in the final part of the game, using the time up on every possession. They outscored Modoc 16-13 in the fourth for the win.
Zack McKirahan led Modoc with 14 points with Marty Stevens getting 12, Kyle Madison seven and Shiloh Pierce six. Modoc hit just four of 19 three-point shots on the night.
Friday night, the Braves lost to Mt. Shasta, 60-53, in overtime. The boys led 28-20 at halftime, but the Bears tied in it the second half, and in overtime, outscored Modoc 12-5 for the win.
Stevens led the scoring with 21 points, followed by McKirahan with 11. Modoc committed 19 turnovers in the game and shot just 28 percent from the floor.
Modoc girls scare Trinity Wolves
Modoc's varsity girls basketball team put the fear of Modoc into the Trinity Wolves Saturday night, but came up just short, 52-49, in one of the Braves' better efforts.
Modoc and Trinity started even, tied at 10-10 after one. But the Wolves hit 21 and Modoc only seven in the second period, leaving the Braves behind 31-17. Modoc fought its way back into the contest in the third and fourth period, outscoring Trinity 13-11 in the third, and they went on a 19-10 fourth quarter run. The Braves had the last shot, but Kristen Taylor's effort bounced off the rim.
Taylor led the scoring with 19 points, Emily Pence added 14, Danielle Reyes had eight and Hannah Hays had seven.
Modoc got crushed Friday night in Mt. Shasta, 61-26. They were never in the game as the Bears took a 26-4 first quarter lead and built that to a 43-4 halftime lead. The Bears led 56-16 after three.
Taylor led with nine points, while Allison Campagna, Reyes and Maria Duran each put up four.
Modoc meets Burney there Feb. 10 and has Etna at home Feb. 13.
Hornets host Bulldogs for 2004 Homecoming
Surprise Valley basketball will celebrate Homecoming Friday night as the Butte Valley Bulldogs pay a visit to the Cedarville Gym.
The Hornet boys went 2-1 over the last week. They lost in overtime to Big Valley January 28. They trailed 33-30 at halftime and fought back to tie it at 62 before the overtime period. Scott Soletti led the team with 22 points and Loren Harris added 15 and 13 rebounds. Blake Oney led Big Valley with 24 points.
On January 31, the Hornets beat Dunsmuir in Cedarville, 78-65. Adam Evans led the scoring with 25 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Soletti hit for 17 points.
Tuesday, the Hornets beat Tulelake 78-72. Point Guard Mike Quick returned to the team after being out for two weeks. He had 12 points for Surprise Valley.
The Hornet girls varsity found themselves down 22-13 at halftime against Big Valley and lost 37-33, coming up just short on a rally. The Cardinals played a box and one to slow down Cara James, who still managed 18 points. Sarah Teuscher had six points and 14 rebounds and blocked four shots.
Surprise Valley won the junior varsity game 66-38..
The varsity girls lost to Dunsmuir 46-29, after trailing only by two at the half. James led with 14 points, 12 rebounds and one blocked shot. She was double-teamed all night. Teuscher had a big night as she pulled down 16 rebounds and blocked five shots.
The JV game went down to the wire as the Hornets fought back in the fourth to take the lead by one with a few seconds left, but committed a costly foul and Dunsmuir won 51-50.
Against Tulelake Tuesday, the girls lost. James had 19 points and Teuscher added nine. Tulelake won the JV game.
Modoc's junior varsity boys team lost a pair of Shasta Cascade League games this weekend, to unbeaten Mt. Shasta, 65-49, and to Trinity, 64-63. Against Mt. Shasta, Modoc trailed 19-15 after one and 43-28 at halftime. The Braves fought back to within seven, 47-40 at the end of the third, but fell off late in the fourth. Taylor Dunn led the scoring with 14 and Jayce Wheeler and Ross Burgess added nine each.
The Braves had Trinity on the ropes here Saturday, but missed a free three, a layup and a short shot in the final seconds to lose 64-63.
Modoc led 17-12 after one and 29-21 by half. They still had a 43-41 lead after three. Burgess led with 30 points and Grant Hall added eight. Dustin Philpott will be out because of injury the remainder of the season.
JV girls lose 2 SCL games in weekend
Modoc's junior varsity girls team started well against Trinity here Saturday, but foul trouble doomed them, losing 41-25.
The Braves had an 11-6 first period lead, but Trinity hit 11 of 14 free throws in the second period to take a 21-15 halftime lead. In the second half, several Modoc players fouled out. The Wolves outscored Modoc 20-10 in the second half. Jessica Harden led the scoring with seven, while Marlena Bartram pulled down nine rebounds.
Modoc lost a game Friday night to league-leading Mt. Shasta 27-20. The Braves went up 6-0 early but by halftime trailed 15-13. Modoc failed to score in the third period and the Bears took a 25-13 lead into the fourth. The Braves outscored the Bears 7-2 in the final period. Kelly Campagna led with five points, while Megan Thompson had five steals.
February 12 , 2004
News
Two-year-old boy saves family in fire
A Modoc Estates family is very fortunate that their two-year-old son woke up crying early Tuesday morning, allowing them to escape a fully engulfed burning modular home.
According to Alturas Rural Fire Chief Allan Jacques, the two-year-old was sleeping on the couch in the living room and was awakened when he felt heat on his forearm. He got up and ran down the hall towards the adults' bedroom. His father, Joshua Hayes and companion Penny Allen, heard him yelling and when they opened the bedroom door, saw the living room ablaze behind the youngster.
They gathered up two other kids, Paul, age eight, and Celeste, age six, and made it out of the home through the burning living room. Of the five, only the two-year-old was hurt, sustaining third degree burns to his forearm. He was treated and released at Modoc Medical Center.
Jacques said the home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived. The front and side walls had caved and the roof had fallen. Firefighters did what they could, but the Red Deer Lane home was a total loss. The ARFD was on the scene for about five hours.
"If that little boy hadn't awoken, there's no doubt it could have been a real tragedy," said Jacques. "The fire was burning very hot when we got there and it look liked it just exploded once the air got to it."
Penny Allen said when she went down the hall and looked around the corner into the living room, the fire was rapidly snaking its way up the wall behind a Monitor heater and the television. The cause of the fire is unknown. Allen said the family escaped though the front door, which was surrounded by fire. They got outside and were in their vehicle when the living room picture window blew apart and the fire exploded throughout the home.
"It was scary, like something you only see in the movies," said Allen. The family was sitting outside in their vehicle when firefighters arrived, said Jacques. That was a relief to firefighters.
The family's possessions were completely destroyed. A fund has been set up to help them at TEACH, Inc. In addition to funding, the family needs personal items, from clothing to furniture. Contact TEACH, Inc., at 233-3111.
County's 'Code of the West' draws public ire
In late May, 2003, Modoc Supervisors voted to adopt the "Code of the West," as a county Policy Information Statement.
On Tuesday, those same Supervisors are going to be asked by local realtors and agents and the Alturas Chamber of Commerce to rescind what those groups call an incredibly "negative representation of the County."
When the Board adopted the "Code" it was intended to be distributed to newcomers preparing them for life in rural America. The code has not been freely handed out by some county departments, who privately have said it was not beneficial to the county's stance or future.
Local real estate professionals have called the "Code" a major impairment to economic development and say it gives the wrong impression about living in Modoc.
Many of the lcoal businesspeople would rather see a document, that while it informs, also points out the wide variety of benefits to living in Modoc County. The County's "Code of the West" doesn't say a thing about the positives of living in Modoc County: good schools, low crime rate, clean air and water, affordable real estate, recreation, peace and quiet, and so on.
The Code actually came from Larimer County, Colorado and was tweaked a little to fit Modoc. In the introduction, it states, "It is important for you to know that life in the country is different from life in the city. County governments are not able to provide the same level of service that city governments provide. To that end, we are providing you with the following information to help you make an educated and informed decision when choosing to purchase rural land outside the boundaries of incorporated cities."
For instance, the first issue deals with Emergency Response. The code states: "Emergency response times (sheriff, fire suppression, medical care, etc.) cannot be guaranteed. Under some extreme conditions, you may find that emergency response is extremely slow and expensive."
On roads, the code states, "You can experience problems with the maintenance and cost of maintenance of your road. Modoc County maintains about one thousand miles of roads, but many rural properties are served by private and public roads, which are maintained by individuals or private road associations.
"Additionally, some county roads are not maintained by the county, which means there is no grading or snow plowing . . . Make sure you know what type of maintenance to expect and who will provide that maintenance . . . Extreme weather can destroy roads. Many roads were not built to current standards . . . Many large construction vehicle's cannot navigate small, steep narrow roads . . . In extreme weather, even county-maintained roads can become impassable. You may need a four-wheel drive with chains for all four wheels to travel during those episodes, which could last for several days. If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that Modoc County will pave it in the foreseeable future."
While no one argues that most of what's in the Code may be true, they say the presentation and the overall negativity of the document would scare even the most hardy newcomer and is hardly a "welcome" sign. Some say the Code points out many "worst case" scenarios.
When it comes to the necessities of life, the Code is downright distressing. "Water, sewer, electric, telephone and others services may be unavailable or may not operate at urban standards. Repairs can often take much longer than in towns and cities . . . Cellular Telephone communication can be a problem, especially in mountain areas . . . If you have a private line, it may be difficult to obtain another line for fax or computer modem use . . . If sewer service is available to your property, it may be expensive to hook into the system and may be expensive to maintain the system you use . . . if you have access to a supply of treated domestic water, the tap fees can be expensive. You may also find that your monthly cost of service can be costly when compared to municipal services . . . the most common source of water in rural areas is private wells. The cost of drilling and pumping can be considerable. The quality and quantity of wells can vary considerably from location to location and from season to season."And if someone wants electricity, well be prepared.
"Electrical service is not available to every area of Modoc County . . . it an be very expensive to extend power lines to remote areas. Power outages can occur in outlying areas with more frequency than in more developed areas, a loss of electric power can also interrupt your supply of water from a well. You may also lose food in freezers or refrigerators . . . it is important to be able to survive for up to a week in severe cold with no utilities if you live in the country."
Some other highlights of the Code could be dissuasive. "Fences that separate properties are not always an indication of true property lines . . . chemicals are often used in growing crops. You may be subject to spray drift or overspray . . . if you choose to live among the orchards, farms and ranchers of our rural countryside, do not expect county government to intervene in the normal day-to-day operations of your agribusiness neighbors. . . it is possible that adjoining agriculture uses can disturb your peace and quiet."
The conclusion pretty much wraps up the Code: "Even though you pay property taxes to the county, the amount of tax collected does not cover the cost of services provided to rural residents. In general, tax revenues derived from commercial, industrial, agricultural and forest uses and activities in the county subsidizes the lifestyle of those who live in the country by making up the shortfall between the cost of services received from rural dwellers . . . We at Modoc County have offered these comments in the sincere hope that it can help you enjoy your decision to reside in the country. It is not our intent to dissuade you, only inform you."
It's Snow Fun at Cedar Pass this Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day will be a blast at the Cedar Pass Snow Park, as Rotary hosts its annual free Snowblast '04.
The event will start at 10 a.m. with free skiing and snowboarding for anyone age 18 and under. There will also be free rentals and free lessons for kids over age six. Parental release forms are also required for the rental equipment. Forms are available at the ski hill.
A free barbecue starts at 11 a.m. for all Modoc students 18 years of age and under.
Beginning at 1 p.m., there will be ski and snowboard racing. Skiers and boarders must register at the race table with a $5 race fee. All kids who race must have a release form signed by a parent or guardian. Pick up those forms at Seab's True Value, at the Snow Park, all at all schools, Page's Market and Surprise Valley Motor Parts.
The awards and trophies will be presented following the races and medals and ribbons will be available for racers. The whole day will end when the lift shuts down at 4 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Alturas, Surprise Valley Rotary, Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce, Modoc Tobacco Coalition, and with donations from the following: Cedarville Cafe and Saloon, The Brass Rail, Modoc Drilling, Ed Staub and Sons, Betsy Ingraham, Frank's Carpet and US Cellular, Carstens Motors, Alturas Chamber of Commerce, Quality by Design, Modoc Engines, United Country Stevenson Realty, Warner Mountain Realty, Brown's Pharmacy, Modoc and Surprise Valley Motor Parts, High Desert Online, Western Irrigation and Pioneer Auto Body.
MJU dedicates new wing, discusses drugs
The Modoc Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees will dedicate the new Science Wing at Modoc High School February 18, 6:30 p.m.
The regular meeting was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday to accommodate sports activities.
The dedication, including a performance by the Modoc High Jazz Band, will open the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meeting will start at 7 p.m. Both will be held at Shirley Oxley Hall.
Topics on the agenda will include student drug testing for athletes and students involved in extra-curricular activities, an outdoor graduation for Modoc High School, funding waivers for community day schools, donations, key systems at Modoc High and Alturas Elementary Schools. In addition, there will be a presentation by the MHS Academic Decathlon Team Board policies will be reviewed in the area of all personnel, nondiscrimination in employment.
Hansel & Gretel seeks cast of local youths for special show
For the second consecutive year, Frontier, a Citizens Communications Company will sponsor a special opportunity for Modoc youth, by bringing the Missoula Children's Theater (MCT) to Alturas
On Monday, February 16, a school holiday, all local youths will have the opportunity to audition for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of Hansel and Gretel. Open audition will take place inside the A.C.T. Niles Theater, So. Main Street, Alturas from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., starting promptly at 3:30 p.m. No advance preparation is necessary and there is no cost involved
Actor/director team R. DeAndre Smith and Ivy Ellis will be searching for a cast of 50 to 60 local students, ages five through teen years, to perform in the 2004 production.
MCT is the nation's largest touring children's theatre and has made its reputable mark on Alturas, by returning with a different production annually with a team of actor/directors. MCT is celebrating their 20th year of working with Modoc County youths
Their residency comes complete with costumes, makeup, scenery and props
The show will be rehearsed throughout the week Feb. 16 through 20, after school. Two public performances will be presented on Saturday, February 21 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the A.C.T. Niles Theater
Among the roles to be cast are Hansel and Gretel, crafty cooks, loyal servants of the Wildwood Witch, modern day campers--somehow lost in time in the wood, lots of nasty critters--creepy denizens of the deep and a flock of cuddly Wallybirds. Rehearsals are held throughout the week each day
This year's Tour Actors/Directors: Ivy Ellis will play the roles of Mom/Mother/Wildwood Witch. A licensed cosmetologist originally from Los Angeles, she is passionate about theater and spent a year in Seattle, tap dancing, taking voice lessons and doing lots of hair and make-up. She plays the trumpet and is an avid reader. This is Ellis' third tour with MCT
R. DeAndre Smith will play the roles of Uncle Wally/Father/Giant Wallybird. He is in his second season with MCT and studied Music Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. A veteran of theater productions, he performed in Aida with the Cincinnati Opera and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with the Covedale Center for Performing Arts. DeAndre has also worked on the film The Siren of Nahler Street, an "urban fairy tale" produced by Scott Wegener to benefit the Children's Home of Cincinnati.
All MCT shows are original adaptations of classic children's stories and fairytales; a twist on the classic stories known and loved. MCT's mission is the development of lifeskills in children through participation in the performing arts.
This local opportunity is sponsored by Frontier, a Citizens Communication Company. The residency is presented by Antonio's Cucina Italiana Restaurant, Alturas Community Theater, Modoc County Office of Education and funded in part by the Modoc County Arts Council, Inc. and California Arts Council.
Performance tickets will be $8 for adults; senior citizens and students, 17 and under, $6 at the door. Pre-sale tickets will be available at Antonio's in Alturas.
Tulelake wins Academic Decathlon
The 2004 Academic Decathlon team from Tulelake High School will compete in the California Academic Decathlon State Finals on March 12 to 14, 2004, at the Radisson Hotel Sacramento and Rio Americano High School, Sacramento.
The eight-member Tulelake High team of Katharine Edgar, Eric Gasser, Jacqueline Macy, Amy Frey, Kyle Naylor, Jeremy Ross, Jessica Harris, Michelle Huffman, Judy Naylor, coached by Martha Hurlburt, scored 29,908 points out of a possible 60,000, last Saturday at the county/district level contest in Alturas. This was Tulelake's second consecutive win. The team competed against Modoc High's team total score of 29,187 and Surprise Valley High's team score of 28,400.
Each team member participates in 10 grueling events in the Academic Decathlon, including economics, mathematics, music, art, language and literature, and science. In addition, the contestants perform prepared and impromptu speeches, write essays on a given topic and are interviewed by a panel of judges. Tulelake's team will now go against the best schools from 42 counties/districts throughout California. The final event, the Super Quiz, an academic relay, will be held at Rio Americano High School, Sacramento, before a cheering crowd.
The California State Championship team will compete in the United States Academic Decathlon in Boise, Idaho in April. Watch the Record for individual medal winners and a photograph next week.
Obituaries:
Beverly Moore
After an incredible, near two-year display of courage and optimism, Beverly Moore finally succumbed to the cancer that had plagued her for so long, by quietly passing away in her sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 8, 2004 in Alturas, Calif.
Beverly Josephine Benner was born December 13, 1932 in Cedarville, Calif. to John and Bessie Benner of Empire, Nevada. She attended school in Gerlach, Nevada throughout her childhood and eventually graduated a year early from Gerlach High.
Shortly after graduating, Beverly met Wayne Moore and on April 1, 1950, the two were married in Reno, Nevada.
They then settled in Alturas and began a family that would ultimately include five children, twelve grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoyed a wide range of different activities, from bowling to water-skiing, reading to motorcycle riding. Everything she did, she did with all her heart and because of it, her passing will leave a deep void in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Beverly was preceded in death by brothers Virgil and Jack Benner, sisters Irene Smith, Jean Tierney and Eleanor Casselman, an infant son Michael Wayne, a grandson Tommy Anderson and great-grandson Travis Madden. She is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Wayne Moore of Alturas; children and their families, Debbie Anderson of Alturas; Diann Nelson of Elk Grove; Darlene Panner of Cedarville; Donna Hamilton of Alturas and David Moore of Redding. We love you gramma!!
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, 1450 N. Warner Street in Alturas
Memorials may be directed to the "MWMC Cancer Treatment Center," Merle West Medical Center, 2610 Uhrmann Rd., Klamath Falls, Ore. 97601. Eternal Hills of Klamath Falls is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Lee Rhodes
Alturas resident Don Rhodes, 75, died February 2, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, Calif.
Don was born June 17, 1928, in Fallbrook, Calif. to Roy Rhodes and LaVon (Orr) Rhodes Burke.
He was raised in Fallbrook and attended Fallbrook High School. During his childhood Don spent eight years in the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. He attended the National School in Los Angeles for diesel and auto mechanics.
On December 17, 1955 he married Marilyn Ruth (Bergo) Brooks. Don, Marilyn and her children Judy and Bill made their homes in South Gate, CA. September of 1958, they had a daughter, Sharilyn Marie. In November of 1973, they moved to Alturas, CA. where they made their home at California Pines. Don worked as a mechanic until he purchased the Auction Yard Cafe in Alturas, which he and Marilyn operated for several years, until retiring in 1991.
Don was a lifetime member of the Alturas Elks Lodge #1756. He had a great love for his family. In his early years, he enjoyed racing dirt bikes in the Mojave Desert and playing golf. He loved to fish and spend time with his friends at Blue Lake.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law Sharilyn and Terry McLain of Lakeview, Ore.; step daughter Judy Keeler of Los Angeles, Calif.; brother-in-law and his wife Ed and Mary Bergo of Arroyo Grande, Calif.; grandchildren Cambria and Ryan Amacker of Lakeview, Ore.; and Travis, Amber and Logan McKee-McLain of Gillette, Wyoming.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn; his parents; step father Gordon Burke; brother Russell Rhodes; and step son Bill Brooks. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
Shirley Mae Capps
Shirley Mae Capps, 67, died of natural causes on February 5, 2004, at the Lake District Long Term Care Facility in Lakeview, Oregon.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, at the Lakeview First Baptist Church, 910 North Second Street. Interment followed at the Sunset Park Cemetery. Desert Rose Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Capps was born April 9, 1936, in Alturas, Calif. to Lawrence and Josephine (Pratt) Mills. She was married to Ken Capps on February 16, 1954, in Reno, Nevada.
She grew up in Lakeview and was a 1954 graduate of Lakeview High School. In addition to janitorial work, Mrs. Capps cared for her beautiful yard, enjoyed doing all kinds of needlework, crafts, her kittens and going for rides. She loved to babysit her grandchildren. And she attended the Church of the Open Bible.
Mrs. Capps is survived by her husband Ken Capps of Lakeview, Oregon; daughters and sons-in-law Sheree and Dusty Willis of Estacada and Kathy and Dave Knowles of Lakeview; grandsons Ryan Willis and Cory Willis; granddaughters Kristin Knowles and Melissa Knowles; sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and Ray Bateman of Harrisburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospital Chapel Fund, c/o Lakeview Ministerial Association, P.O. Box 54, Lakeview, OR. 97630, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Sports
Modoc's hold on SCL wrestling title firm
Modoc's hold on the Shasta Cascade League Wrestling Championship wasn't threatened Saturday, as the Braves won the title with 241.5 points, over second place Trinity's 142.
The title marks the fifth consecutive year the Braves have won the league wrestling title, nine of the past 10, and it's been several years since it's even been close. Following Trinity, the results were: Mt. Shasta 114, Burney 87, Etna 80, Tulelake 77, Modoc B 72, Bishop Quinn 60.5, Fall River 46 and Mt. Shasta B 18.
While no league team has posed a serious challenge to Modoc's dominance, Coach Shaun Wood said there are teams rebuilding and who are getting stronger. One of those teams is Mt. Shasta, who is coached by Modoc High School graduate Rodney Grier. The Trinity squad is also coming back to form, and Burney is showing progress.
In the dual meet portion of the SCL finals on Friday, Modoc beat Mt. Shasta 63-12, Etna 66-24 and Trinity 55-17.
The Braves placed 11 wrestlers, out of 14 possible, in the finals of the SCL meet, and five of those won individual titles.
Travis Wood won the 145 pound division, Luke Hammerness won at 152 pounds, Jason Jones won at 160 pounds, Brad Bell won at 189 pounds and Cory Bell won at heavyweight.
Coming with strong second places were Hank Raabe at 112 pounds, Sheridan Crutcher at 125 pounds, Nick Hawes at 130 pounds, Jaafar Mirlohi at 135 pounds, Ian Jacques at 171 pounds, and Joey Catania at 215 pounds.
Several Braves won their third place matches, including Brian Weed at 119 pounds, Scott Buchanan at 125 pounds, Chris Buchanan at 135 pounds, Bill Hammerness at 140 pounds, and Jesse Harer at 160 pounds. Modoc now heads to the North Section Small Schools championships Feb. 20-21 in Etna.
The Braves go in as the top-ranked small school by MaxPreps and are the number two ranked team of all school sizes. Wood does expect a serious challenge to the Small Schools title from Durham. Modoc can only take one wrestler per weight class.
Individually, Modoc has Travis Wood and Jason Jones holding down the number two ranking in the North Section, with Luke Hammerness ranked third, Jaafar Mirholi and Brad Bell ranked fifth and Cory Bell ranked fourth.
Modoc Braves drop Burney boys 49-34
Modoc's Braves took advantage of a rest and dropped the Burney Raiders 49-34 Tuesday in Burney. Friday night, they have Etna at home and Fall River comes to town Tuesday.
Modoc fell behind 8-7 in the first period against Burney, and trailed 20-19 by halftime. Burney maintained a 30-28 lead after three, but the Braves jumped on the Raiders 21-4 in the fourth period.
Marty Stevens led the scoring with 16 points, Micah Eppler added 13 and Zack McKirahan had 10.
It's becoming a frustrating problem, as Modoc's junior varsity boys lost another close game Tuesday, 66-63 to Burney.
Modoc allowed Burney a 33-3 first quarter spurt and fought hard to come back. By the end of the first period Burney led 36-13, and Modoc cut that to a 45-32 Burney lead at halftime. Modoc chipped away and trailed 52-45 after three. Modoc finally got a lead by four in the fourth, but a questionable call and free throws gave the Raiders the win. Ross Burgess led the scoring with 18 and Taylor Dunn added 17.
Modoc's varsity girls basketball team got into the win column Tuesday, beating Burney 53-48, there. Modoc meets Etna here Friday and has Fall River here Feb. 17.
Against Burney, Kristen Taylor led the way with 20 points, hitting three-of-three, three point shots along the way. Danielle Reyes added nine points and Emily Pence had eight.
Modoc and Burney were tied at eight after one and the Raiders took a 30-19 lead at halftime. The Braves cut that to a 35-33 lead by the end of three and outscored Burney 20-13 in the fourth period.
The junior varsity girls beat Burney 29-20 after jumping out to a 9-4 lead in the first period. Burney cut the lead to 13-11 by half. Modoc played solid defense in the second half and led 18-13 after three. The Braves put up 11 fourth quarter points. Jessie Harden led the scoring with 12 and Kelly Campgna added five.
The Surprise Valley Hornet varsity boys team pulled out a close one over Butte Valley 66-62, to win their Homecoming game Feb. 6 in Cedarville. Butte Valley had trailwed the score to one by the end of the third period. With over three minutes left in the third quarter, the Hornets lost Adam Evans, who fouled out.
Surprise Valley outscored Butte Valley 22-19 in the fourth quarter. Josh Boneck put in 24 to lead and he, Evans, Loren Harris and Mike Quick pulled down 36 rebounds.
After trailing 15-13 at the end of the first period the varsity girls trailed 35-15 at halftime. The Bulldogs outscored the Hornets 34-32 in the second half to win 69-47. Cara James led Surprise Valley with 33 points, 12 rebounds and four steals. Sara Teuscher added 10 points and blocked five shots.
February 19, 2004News
March 2 vote could trigger budget action
Modoc County is facing a budget crunch, but just what magnitude that crunch will shake out to will be clearer after the March 2 Primary Election. On Tuesday, the county's Chief Administrative Officer, Mike Maxwell, presented the board with a budget review, citing several options, but stressed the issues on the table could change if Proposition 57, the Governor's $15 billion bond act does not pass.
He recommended the Board study the issue, but put off any budget decisions until the March 9 meeting, when the results of that bond measure are known. The Board agreed. What isn't known, said Maxwell, is just what the Governor's Plan B will do if the bond fails. "We're not sure anyone knows what Plan B is," said Maxwell.
"We are going to work for the best case scenario," said Maxwell Wednesday. "But we're going to have to prepare for the worst case. There are some question marks out there. We may not know what's going to come down from the state on March 9, but we will know that there will be some impacts if that bond measure fails."
Accordiing to Maxwell's recap of the budget, the county could be negatively impacted to the tune of about 1.1 million in the general fund for 2004-05. That breaks down to losses of $205,293 in property tax transferred to the state, a $186,383 increase in PERS retirement contribution, $207,080 in increased health insurance premiums, $60,400 increase in worker's compensation, $30,000 increase in property/liability insurance premiums, $40,000 from the loss of the City's planning contract, $30,000 decrease in funds to be transferred from tax sale and one time funds budgeted in 2003-04 of $397,000.
He said some funding will be available that will cut that negative to $505,365 and possible additional revenues could pull it down to $165,365.
"It is very difficult six months into the 2003-04 budget to provide you with anything other than projections for the 2004-05 budget," Maxwell said. "I can tell you that after review of the mid-year budget printout, we are at and perhaps a little better than where we are normally at this point in the budget year . . . it is a long time until the State finishes its budget, of which we have no control. The negative impact could grow . . . There well could be things that happen that affect those projections, good and bad, over the next five months. Certainly, the $15 billion bond measure not passing would have an impact to us."
Maxwell said cities and counties throughout the state are in the same boat, and the passage of Prop. 57 is hanging over their budget projections and decisions as well. He feels the county has a pretty good handle on the situation at this point, but a failure of Prop. 57 could upset the apple cart. "First of all, based on the projections, our problem could be somewhere between $165,365 and $500,000," he said.
Maxwell told the board that of the $8,419,213 General Fund Expenditure Budget, $5,044,724 (60 percent) is personnel salaries and fringes. Maxwell suggested the budget process for the 2004-05 budget start March 1 with budget requests returned from county departments by April 1. He suggests adopting a preliminary budget by the end of June.
Maxwell has met with department heads and discussed the budget situation with them and will be asking for their recommendations as the budget process continues. He said everyone is aware there could be some serious problems, and that departments have worked hard to save where they could this past year.
There has been no study of lay-offs to date, said Maxwell. There are a variety of options which could be put on the table as time goes on or if a need arises, including employees taking days off without pay.
Right now the county is facing more questions than answers, and the March 2 vote will be decisive. Most polls are showing Prop. 57 trailing.
Jessie Davis alive and well, obituary submitted was false
February 12 was more than just a little different for 18-year-old Jessica Marie Davis. She's one of few people to read her obituary and then call the Editor to find out what's going on?
Davis is alive and well. But there are questions and a police investigation into who would have submitted her obituary.
Last week, the Record received a submitted email along with Jessica's photo, from someone claiming to be Davis' father. The Record emailed back to the sender, twice, and both returning emails added new information over the next two days. Those emails came from someone who claimed to be Jessica's mother, Lynn Uchida, of Alturas with the email address matching the mother's information. But those emails were sent by someone other than Lynn.
The fictitious obituary contains some very personal information that only a few people could know, Jessica said. Oddly, she had been in an accident in September in Grass Valley where she totaled her 4-Runner and was injured. She has recovered. She was on her way home from studying at a friend's house.
That story is eerily close to what was reported in the fake obituary: that she was struck by a drunk driver while walking home from a friend's house where she had been studying.
"We take full responsibility for running the obituary, but we had no idea or reason to believe the information was fictitious," said Editor Rick Holloway. "It takes a pretty sick individual to submit a fake obituary, especially on a young person's death. That news shocks us and the entire community. It's pretty hard to fathom someone doing that and their thought process."
Last Thursday morning, a neighbor of Jessica's in Grass Valley called, and wondered where the Record got the information and what was going on? Then, Jessica talked with Holloway by phone.
Following some discussion with Jessica and her mother, Lynn, the Record opted to submit the emails and other information to the Alturas Police Department that morning in hopes the sender could be identified. Law enforcement is currently tracking down the computer address.
Jessica came to visit the Record on Friday afternoon. She's going to school at Sierra College, majoring in Criminal Justice and Victimology. She was quite calm and composed considering the issue, and had a long drive from Grass Valley to sort things out. She had already planned to come home over the three-day holiday.
"It's been weird," she said. "The experience certainly has made me appreciate life more. A lot of people have called and that's been nice. I don't know of anyone who has something against me or who would do something like this."
Jessica was steadier than a lot of people would have been in the situation, and found out she had a truckload of friends in Modoc. Those friends had emotions go from complete despair to outright joy to anger last Thursday morning. Most people, of the dozens and dozens of phone calls received at the Record, were just glad the news of her death wasn't true. She went to school in Alturas until sixth grade, then transferred to Surprise Valley where she graduated from high school last year.
"We're just pleased that Jessica is alive and doing well," said Holloway. "We're also pretty unhappy with anyone who would submit a fictitious obituary. We have a little trouble trusting email anyway, and will now change our policies concerning obituaries. We need to ensure that no other family has to go through the shock Jessica and her family did. We will still provide the obituary service free of charge and continue to respect the family's rights and privacy during those tough times."
County rescinds Code of the West
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimoulsy rescinded the "Code of the West" it had adopted in May
An outcry from the public over the negative representation the Code made of living inModoc was the key factor in the board's decision. Several people representing real estate, the public and Chamber of Commerce entities were in the audience Tuesday
Supervisor Dan Macsay, of Surprise Valley, who introduced the "Code of the West" said he took the responsibility for bringing it to the board. He said he thought it was just good information for newcomers and didn't see it in a negative light initially. He could, however, see how people could perceive it that way and felt a revision of the information could be in order down the line
When the Board adopted the "Code" it was intended to be distributed to newcomers preparing them for life in rural America
The Code didn't address the positives of living in Modoc County: good schools, low crime rate, clean air and water, affordable real estate, recreation, peace and quiet, and so on.
Local irrigators unhappy with new state water fee
"Everybody's upset about it," says Modoc County supervisor Dave Bradshaw, of the new water rights fees that the state is charging ranchers and farmers.
"It's taxation without representation is all it amounts to," says Dale Albaugh, a Big Valley resident. "It's to replace the money in the general fund in the state of California because they've taken all the money out of the general fund É So they're using fees instead of taxes to get the money back into the state fund."
The focus of all this ire is a newly-created water rights fee enacted last year by the California legislature. It is part of Senate Bill 1049, which imposes $77 million worth of new fees on the citizens of California, including fees for fire protection in state responsibility areas (SRA) and increased water rights fees
By all accounts, operating funds for the State Water Resources Control Board and for the California Department of Forestry were taken by lawmakers to help mitigate the state's budgetary shortfall. New fees were then needed to replace that funding loss.
According to State Senator Sam Aanestad, who "fought hard to stop the passage of SB 1049, it took away the general fund revenue of several state agencies mandating them, rather, to operate programs based on fees. Water users are among the first to feel the effect of that mandate." The question of legality repeatedly surfaces with regard to these fees. "My perception is it's another case of is it a fee or is it really a tax?" questions Bradshaw. "I did put it on the agenda for our next board meeting É for discussion and action. I hope that as a board we'll come up with something É because everybody's certainly objecting to it."
"Everybody's teed off about it because it's just another tax," opines Jay Younger, manager of Alturas Ranches, which got a bill for $900 from the state. "That's what it amounts to. It's just another way of taxing us. Rather than cutting expenses and making do with less like we have to do, they just go out the other door and start jabbing you somewhere else." "It's very similar to taxation without representation," declares Ken McGarva, president of South Fork Irrigation District, which reportedly received a whopping $4800 bill for fees on West Valley Reservoir.
John Flournoy, another South Fork rancher, feels that it amounts to double taxation in some cases. "The district's being taxed on its storage license, and the individuals are being taxed on their water rights. É The same people have to pay both bills!"
"Most of these ranchers and farmers are already paying, in some form or another, a fee for watermaster services, or paying their private irrigation company or what have you. They're already paying for the water. Now this is an additional fee," observes Richard Egan, president of the Lassen County Cattlemen's Association. "It's absurd. I believe even stock ponds are assessed a $100 fee."
"It's all just part of the budget mess. It's certainly going to get worse," says Rod McArthur, a McArthur resident. "I know my dam safety fees have tripled. We're getting hammered pretty hard, especially in these rural areas, between this and É that $70-per-parcel CDF tax."
"It's a new tax liability they've created because of their budget crunch," insists Flournoy, who questions the legality of charging for a water right. "A water right is like a timber right or a mineral right. I never felt we had to pay for them. You apply for them. If there's sufficient natural resources, you're given the right."
"In my view," says Egan, "what they are doing is they're ignoring the sideboards that the public has put on the state's ability to taxÑin other words, what Prop. 218 was all about. If the state is going to impose a tax on the public, they have to go to a vote of the people in order to do that. Of course, the legislature doesn't like that É so, their way around it is to call these various things fees."
"The Farm Bureau is suing (the state) É and so is the Cattlemen's (Association), so we need to see what comes out of that. I believe it's a tax, and I think most people do," says Lassen County Supervisor, Brian Dahle. "I just think that it's absolutely ridiculous that the state is ignoring what the public has said, which is if you're going to impose a new tax, you've got to get voter approval. They've basically ignored it," analyzes Egan further. "It's so blatant and so obvious we are kind of all hoping that people are going to come to their senses in the capitol."
Most farmers and ranchers are pessimistic about the state's ability to mend its spendthrift ways. They see no end to this trend, "not until they get a grip on government cost," says Younger, echoing the opinion of many, "not until they take a realistic look at what government is providing and what it is costing and make the necessary decisions. If they don't do thatÑand I don't have any faith that they willÑthey can't control it."
"It's having an effect on the ranchers and the property owners," says Egan of the fees, "but I don't think they'll have a significant effect on solving the state's problems, spending more money than they should be."
With wry sarcasm in his voice, Younger adds, "And they always do it for all the right reasons."
Speaking of private citizens, Younger continues, "We have plenty of right reasons to spend more money than we have, too. If we overspend our budget, we lose our home or we lose our farm or we lose our car or anything else we have. When the state overspends their budget, they just come knock on our door, take our home, take our car and take whatever we have that they want. That's what's going on here."
Flournoy observes, "The difficult part is: Where else is California going to get the money? They've either got to tax us or find some new resources of revenue. However, I think they should spend the revenue they have more wisely and try to live within their means like the private citizen has to do. The private citizen can't just drum up new income when they overspend. We are stuck with living within our means. The state doesn't want to live within its means."
New 4-way stop on 4th Street
Drivers will encounter a new stop sign Friday in Alturas at the intersection of Fourth Street and West C Streets.
Alturas Public Works Director Stacy Chase said the intersection will become a four-way stop, at the recommendation of the City Public Works Committee.
Currently, there is through traffic on Fourth Street and the City is hoping to make that intersection safer. Fourth Street is especially busy in the mornings and afternoons as parents and school buses take and pick up students from Modoc Middle and Alturas Elementary School. In addition with spring sports gearing up, the Alturas Youth Park becomes very busy. The City hopes the new four-way stop will make that intersection safer and slow down traffic on Fourth Street.
Frontier sponsors Hansel & Gretel
A cast of 57 local youths has been rehearsing this entire week, after school and evenings, to present the Missoula Children's Theater musical stage production of Hansel & Gretel on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the A.C.T. Niles Theater, Alturas.
On Monday, Presidents' Day Holiday and a no-school day, 84 youths turned out for the open auditions at the theater. The public is encouraged to see what these young people have learned during the week-long residency with the nation's largest international touring children's theatre, the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT).
Tickets are available at the theater box office: $8 adults; $6 at the door for students and senior citizens, or may be purchased in advance at Antonio's Cucina Italiana restaurant in Alturas.
Costumes, props and make-up are provided with the touring production. The production is sponsored by Frontier, a Citizens Communications Company. The residency is presented by Antonio's Cucina Italiana Restaurant, Modoc County Arts Council, Inc., Alturas Community Theater, Modoc County Office of Education, funded in part by the California Arts Council.
THE CAST:
New Campers: Nathan Fraley, Michel Funk, Denise Winfree, Monica Eppler, Chloe Phelps, Trent McQuarrie, Amanda Wolf, Keturah Bell. Wallybirds: Elizabeth Vass, Chelsea Baldwin, Allie Chapman, Kirsten Jones, Michelle Ward, Jessie Bradshaw, Whitney Vierria, Austin Kresge, Ryan Holloway, Cameron Johnston, Morgan Bagwell, Sienna Shepherd, Sabrina Heuschkel, Kenna Funk.Assistant Directors: Angela Tinnerman, Jordan Alexander, Cody Leslie, Travis Johnston, Brittany Johnston, Sami Schmidt. Nasties: Austin Bagwell, Cody Treat, Madison Ziegler, Benjamin Jones, Carter Alexander, Courtney Yamagiwa, Jesse Silva, Rachel Colt, Alex McQuarrie, Landon Aarstad, James Alexander, Ashlie Conner, Timothy Eames. Witch: Megan Billingsley. Hansel: Jonathan Jones. Gretel: Stacy Main. Cooks: Shannon King, Jennifer Beck, Amber Vucina, Krysten Welt, Samantha Ward, Aurora Hall, Danielle Moriarity, Amber Gallardo. Old Campers: James Budmark, Dejah Montague, Sarah Jo Montague, Heather Markson, Holly Bradbury.
The earlier MCT show times will allow the theater to also offer the motion picture "Along Came Polly" beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Something new for Spring: Home Show to offer ideas, local resources
The First Annual Modoc County Home Show set for Saturday, March 27, 2004, is promising to be a one-stop-shop for anyone pondering a remodel, a real estate purchase or construction of a new home.
From home project start to completion, the Home Show will allow established local businesses and professionals throughout Modoc County to come together to show and talk about what they have to offer, in one easy location for the public, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Modoc High Griswold Gym, Alturas.
Every resource from landscape contractors, real estate and insurance professionals, building contractors, plumbers, electricians, cabinet makers, surveyors, home interior concepts, appliance businesses, bank representatives, and more will offer information. Door prize give-aways, throughout the day, will be provided by the participating businesses.
The local show concept and organization is the brainchild of Paula Henckel of U.S. Bank who approached Rendy Cockrell, Manager of Modoc County Title & Escrow and newcomer Brooke Fredrickson, owner of the newly business, Handmade Haven in Alturas.
"We're excited about the concept and looking forward to it. We believe it will give people ideas and let them learn about the resources they have here in Modoc County," said Cockrell.
"We want this to be a quality, professional, well organized Home Show that offers ideas to Modoc residents," offered Fredrickson. "And Spring will be a great time to do it."
Admission will be free to the public and participating entities. Food concessions will be operated by a local non-profit organization. The public will also have the opportunity to show their support for the High Plateau Humane Society by participating in a raffle.
Information/registration packets for those interested in participating, are now available from Brooke Fredrickson at Handmade Haven, (530) 233-1161; Rendy Cockrell at Modoc County Title, 233-3471 and U.S. Bank in Alturas
Obituaries:
Mary Laudine Allen
Mary Laudine Allen passed on peacefully on February 13, 2004 in Emmett, Idaho.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2004 at the Emmett Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from noon until 6:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett.
Mrs. Allen was born in 1916 in Washington County, Oklahoma, the daughter of Clyde and Goldie Mills. She attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas.
The Allens operated the Madeline Service Center at Madeline, California, a business of general store, Chevron Station, motel and trailer park. Mrs. Allen also served that community as Postmaster and as County Librarian. She was involved in many activities on the Madeline Plains. She started the Friday night movies at the Madeline school and breakfast was always ready at 5:00 a.m. for the cowboys going into the Red Rock. She always had time to make a dress or hem the slacks for the girls and boys going to the school dance. Her home was open for all to use for weddings, memorials, and other gatherings.
Laudine was known to many, young and old alike as "Aunt Deane." She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Earl Allen, an Emmett native.
She is survived by her sister Willa Utt of Janesville, Calif.: nephew Paul Utt of Willows, CA., and his sons Jason of Reno, Nevada and Timothy of Janesville, Calif. and the Emmett family she called her own, Mike and Rhonda, Brunson and their children Jeff, Mikey and Lisa. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Sports
Modoc wrestlers head to small schools to defend championship
Modoc's wrestling team, ranked number one in small schools, will put that ranking on the line at the Division III Championships in Etna Friday and Saturday
Modoc won the Shasta Cascade League title easily last week, and Modoc Coach Shaun Wood expects a challenge for the Small Schools title from Durham. Both teams come into the event with ranked wrestlers and solid programs
Modoc won small schools with Willows, second, and Durham, third, last season. The Braves then went on to shock the entire North Section Masters Tournament with a second place finish behind Shasta of Redding
Modoc sophomore Travis Wood will enter the tournament as the number one ranked 145-pound wrestler in the section. Jason Jones has a solid hold on the number two spot at 160 pounds. Luke Hammerness is ranked fourth at 152 pounds and Brad Bell is ranked fifth at 189 pounds. Corey Bell comes in with the number four ranking at heavyweight and Jaafar Mirholi is ranked sixth at 135 pounds
The following Braves will also compete at the small schools this weekend: Martin Corns at 103 pounds, Hank Raabe at 112 pounds, Sheridan Crutcher at 125 pounds, Nick Hawes at 130 pounds, Ian Jacques at 171 pounds, Joey Catania at 215 pounds, Brian Weed at 119 pounds and Bill Hammerness at 140 pounds
The top four in each weight class will qualify for the Master's Tournament in Redding Fed. 27-28
Coach Wood will start his youth wrestling program for grades five and under March 1, 5 p.m. with practice in the Modoc High Wrestling Room.
Varsity boys beat Etna, Fall River, Trinity next
Modoc's varsity boys team beat the Etna Lions 53-34 Friday night, getting on track after a slow first period
The Braves trailed 10-9 after one, but led 24-18 by halftime. They outscored Etna 14-10 in the third and 15-6 in the fourth. Micah Eppler led the scoring with 22, hitting six of 11 treys and Marty Stevens added 17. Zack McKirahan had eight
McKirahan exploded for a 27-point night Tuesday against Fall River here, hitting five of nine three pointers and six of 12 two-point shots as Modoc won 62-51
The Braves got off to a good start, leading 17-13 after one and held 32-24 lead at halftime. Fall River jumped back in the game in the third period, leading 46-44 after three. Modoc's defense held Fall River to five points in the fourth and the offense pumped in 18 for the win. Stevens added 20 points for the Braves
Modoc finishes the regular season Friday night at Trinity and will await the playoffs
Modoc junior varsity boys put together two solid games, beating Etna 61-35 and Fall River 58-46
Against Etna, Modoc led 19-7 after one and 35-15 by half. The Braves poured it on with a 50-27 lead after three and finished well. Ross Burgess led the scoring with 22 and Zeke Bonham had 10 points
Fall River used a solid first quarter to lead the Braves 18-15 and held a 26-25 lead at halftime. But the Braves came out of the break hungry and took a 52-32 lead after three and cruised for the win. Burgess had 24 points, Bonham and Grant Hall each added six.
Modoc's varisty girls basketball team shot 21 percent from the floor against Etna Friday night, losing 70-22.
Etna got on top early, leading 23-6 in the first and held a 35-15 halftime lead. The Lions outscored the Braves 35-7 in the second half. Kristen Taylor had seven points and Emily Pence and Dominic Hall each had five
The varsity lost to Fall River Tuesday night, 52-37, stung by a poor second period. Fall River led Modoc just 12-11 after the first period, but added 10 points in the second to Modoc's four and took a 22-15 half-time lead. The Braves outscored the Bulldogs 14-12 in the third period, but got blown out in the fourth when Fall River scored 18 to Modoc's eight
Taylor led the Braves with 14 points and Emily Pence added 10
Modoc's junior varsity girls let one slip away against Etna, losing 26-24. The Braves led 10-8 after one and it was tied at 14-14 by half. The Braves came out flat in the third and Etna went up 24-18. Modoc fought back, but a last minute shot missed
Jessie Harden and Tacie Richardson each scored nine points to lead the Braves while Kelly Campagna had seven steals. The Braves have one game left, at Trinity, Feb. 20
On Tuesday, the jayvees shot just 17 percent from the floor and lost to Fall River 31-16. Modoc trailed 6-5 after one but didn't score a point in the second period. Alysha Northrup led the scoring with five points, while Richardson had six rebounds and six steals. Modoc's final game is Friday at Trinity.
The Hornet Varsity boys, after trailing 42 to 30 at the end of three quarters against Big Valley, made a run in the fourth quarter and with 16 seconds left in the game the Hornet Varsity boys attempted a full court pass; the referee missed a foul call and made a traveling call instead against the Hornets
On the next play, the Hornets fouled immediately which sent the Cardinals to the line. They hit their first free throw and missed the second to take a 52 to 49 lead. With eight seconds left the Hornets called a time out to set up a play centering around Adam Evans to shoot a three point shot with nine seconds left on the clock. He was fouled outside the three point line and sent to the free throw line for three shots
Evans hit the first and missed the second. Evans' next attempt was to hit the rim and hopefully the Hornets would get a tip-in off that attempt. The Hornets did touch the ball but were unable to put the ball back up and lost by a score of 52 to 50 in Big Valley. Evans led the Hornets with 20 and Big Valley was led by JC Hunsacker with 17 points
Big Valley Cardinal Varsity girls, after trailing for three quarters, outscored the Hornet girls in the fourth 24 to 10 to take a 62 to 54 win in Big Valley. Hornet Freshmen Emma Ruiz and Patricia Soletti pulled down 11 rebounds and both had two block shots apiece. Cara James put in 25 with 10 rebounds followed by Sara Teuscher with 16 points, seven rebounds and three block shots to lead the Hornets. Cyndie Juranits led the Cardinals with 25
Tuesday, February 17 the Hornet Varsity Boys played the unbeaten Happy Camp Indians in McCloud. Happy Camp jumped to a 28 to 9 lead and never looked back as they outscored the Hornets 83 to 53. Josh Boneck and Loren Harris combined for 14 apiece and Harris also pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Hornets. Happy Camp was led by Burnett with 22. The loss puts the Hornets in third place in the Evergeen league and they now await to see if they will make the playoffs
The Hornet Varsity Girls finally got in the win column by beating the Happy Camp Indians 36 to 25. Cara James, the leading scorer for the Hornets, had very limited playing time as she is coming off a severe left ankle sprain and only scored 10 points. The rest of the team all picked up their game knowing that James would have very little playing time. Sara Teuscher was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 11; she also pulled down 14 rebounds and had four block shots. Happy camp was led by Jaclyn Goodwin with 10.
The Hornet JV boys won their game 72 to 37.
Hemphill wins All-Around Cowgirl
Tulelake's Jessica Hemphill earned All-Around Cowgirl honors at the District One California High School Rodeo in Cottonwood, Feb. 14-15. Hemphill won the breakaway roping event and the pole bending event. She placed third in goat tying, fifth in barrel racing, eighth in girls cutting and was seventh in team roping
Alturas' Michael Sphar took second in bull riding.
Little League sign-ups will be held March 1 and 2 at the Alturas Elementary School from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. each night and on March 8 at the Cedarville Elementary School from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m
Please bring a copy of your child's Certificate of Live Birth. The Little League will keep this copy on file. If you have already turned in a copy to the League, you do not need to bring one. Little League International does not accept hospital birth certificates
Registration fees are $30 for one child and $40 for two children and a $45 maximum for three children or more per family
A child who turns five before August 1 and will not be 16 (girls) or 17 (boys) before August 1, 2004, is eligible to play. All children will be placed on a team and all will play.
News
Anklin unseats Hagge, runoff in District 2
Canby rancher Ray Anklin unseated Modoc County District 4 Supervisor Willy Hagge handily in Tuesday's primary election, getting 54.79 percent of the vote. Anklin received 395 votes and Hagge 292.
In District 2 , challenger Roy Moore earned the most votes (314) with 42.43 percent. He'll face a run-off in November with incumbent Mike Dunn who received 30.14 percent (223) of the vote. Ron Sharpless got 23.38 percent (173) of the vote cast. Moore had to receive 50 percent plus one vote to win outright in the primary.
In the Alturas City Council race, incumbents George Andreasen and Jack Ochs were re-elected and Cheryl Nelson will take the place of recently deceased Joe Coffin. The vote tally in the city election was as follows: Andreasen 473, Ochs 434, Nelson 421, Steve Iverson 388, John Schreiber 334 and Coffin 150.
On the state propositions Modoc voted against Proposition 55, the schools bond by 68 percent (2,143 votes) to 27.76 percent (871 votes). The issue barely passed statewide by 50.6 percent.
Modoc also voted against Prop. 56, the state budget majority issue by 71.16 percent (2,233 votes) to 24.44 percent (767 votes). The issue failed statewide with a 65.9 percent "no" vote.
Modoc voters were just barely against Prop. 57, the economic recovery bond. Modoc voted 48.60 against (1,525 votes) to 47.98 percent in favor (1,505 votes). The issue passed statewide by 63.3 percent.
Modoc voters favored the balanced budget issue by 59.50 percent (1,867 votes) to 36.97 percent against (1,160). It passed statewide by 71 percent.
In the Presidential Primary, Modoc Democrats favored John Kerry by 45.62 percent. John Edwards received 283 votes, Howard Dean 53, Wesley Clark and Dick Gephardt 23, Joe Lieberman 19, Dennis Kucinich 19, Carol Mosley Braun 16 and Al Sharpton 15.
While statewide voter turnout was low at 38.8 percent, Modoc came in at 60.49 percent. That's low for this county, but higher than all but four of the state's 58 counties: Alpine 64.3 percent, Humboldt 63.3 percent, Amador 63.1 percent, and Sierra 62.5 percent.
Local highway projects stalled
Five local highway improvement projects may be postponed from two to four years, as funds were appropriated to help solve the state budget crunch
Pam Couch, Modoc County Transportation Commission Executive Director is concerned that these projects, although needed and approved by the local commission, will be on hold and residents will have to deal with degraded roads a while longer
There will be a MCTC special public hearing March 30, 6 p.m. at Alturas City Hall to take public comment on the situation
Couch points out that $3.33 million were allocated to five Modoc County projects over the next four years. "Because the majority of transportation funds were appropriated to solve the state budget crisis, the MCTC must re-schedule and re-phase the project construction to fit funds availability worked out by the 'higher-ups' in Sacramento," she said. "So folks will need to deal with rough roads, potholes and deteriorating bridges awhile longer." According to Couch, the Warner Street Truck Route in Alturas, at $1.63 million could be postponed until 2007-08. It was originally scheduled for this summer. A replacement of the bridge on County Road 60, at $130,000 could be delayed until 2005-06. Renovation of 3.7 miles of County Road One in Surprise Valley ($735,000) delayed until 2005-06. A new priority was placed on the agenda, which would be replacement of the Stone Coal Valley bridge on CR 85 in 2005-06
A project covering 4.9 miles of County Road 114 in Newell ($745,000) could be canceled as well as a project to build a State Route 299 truck escape ramp one mile west of Cedarville ($2.07 million total).
Couch is urging citizens to send written comment to the MCTC or show up at the public hearing and voice concerns. For more information or to comment, contact Couch at 233-6422.
State budget cuts take out local DUI program as of March 1
State budget cuts have taken out the Modoc County Driving Under the Influence program as of March 1
Public Health Department Director Phil Smith said the department will continue to assist the people currently in the program through to completion, but will not accept referrals from the courts after March 1
He explained that the state cut his department's discretionary spending budget from $112,500 to about $32,000 over the past two years. His department was insuring the DUI program remained available here
The lack of the program could have a serious impact on DUI offenders. In order to get their driver's license back, first time DUI offenders have to go through an "intake" week and 12 weeks of the DUI program at a cost of $460. The 12-week program includes education, group counseling and meetings. DUI programs for enhanced first offenders or repeat offenders can be from six months to 18 months long. The fees are paid by individuals on a sliding scale, based upon income
With the cut in funds, people with DUI convictions will now have to travel out of county weekly for the service. The closest probable place is Lassen County, said Smith
"We realize this is going to create a problem for some people," said Smith. "But, we just don't have the money to run it any longer."
Smith is working with other north state counties to come up with a consortium to add some flexibility in all aspects of their funding. In addition, he said there is a private individual now looking to secure a license to operate the DUI program here
"We're supportive of someone doing it here, but it's going to take a minimum of two or three months before it's set up and running," said Smith.
MJUSD adopts student drug diversion program
On Monday, the Modoc Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees adopted a new drug diversion program for students.
The program is designed for first offenders being under the influence of a non-controlled substance. It is not available for students with a criminal charge who have been adjudicated.
If students enroll in the program, they will be allowed to continue school and participate in sports, band or other extra-curricular activities. But, the rules are strict and the student must complete a 13-week diversion program.
Basically, if a student is suspected of being under the influence, law enforcement and the Modoc County Drug Task Force will be notified to conduct field testing.
If the field test is positive, the student will be referred to the drug diversion program. The parents will be notified immediately and must sign forms to have the student enter the program. If the field test is negative, the student will return to normal school activities.
If a parent doesn't want the student in the drug diversion program, that student will face immediate suspension from the school site and be placed in the Community Day School or on Independent Study until an expulsion hearing before the Board.
If the students and parents agree to the diversion program, it would start immediately. The student would be assessed by the Modoc County Alcohol and Drug Services and a MJUSD diversion flow sheet would be filled out. In addition, the Modoc County Probation Department would be notified that the student needs an immediate urine/chemical analysis. After that test, the student would be released to parents and suspended for the rest of that school day. The following day the student would report to the appropriate site principal to receive instruction and return to school.
The student would then adhere to serious restrictions and will be under a Behavior Contract with the school. Random urine/chemical tests, at least six, would be conducted during a 13-week period.
The 13-week diversion program would include weekly one-hour counseling sessions with a Drug and Alcohol Service specialist, weekly family education meetings, attendance at monthly meetings of the Board of Trustees. If the student is successful, the Board may add incentives and if the student is not successful, sanctions may be imposed, including suspension, community service work days, detentions and restarting the entire program.
Wet February, but below record water
The past month of February was filled with storms which dumped 1.58 inches of precipitation in Alturas.
That's well above the 1.2 inch average, but below the record of 5.08 inches in 1986.
In 1986, the heavy rains caused pretty extensive flooding in Alturas and throughout the valley.
March started out like a lion as well, with .61 inches of precipitation on March 1, with about three inches of very wet snow. The temperatures remained cool as the mercury dipped to 14 degrees and only moved up to 38 degrees as a high Monday.
The good news is that warmer weather is supposed to arrive this weekend and stay through the middle of next week.
Temperatures are supposed to climb into the 60s by next week, with lows still at the freezing level.
Modoc jobless rate up to 11.3%
Modoc's unemployment rate increased to 11.3 percent in January, up from December's 9.1 percent. The actual number of unemployed individuals increased from 390 in December to 500 in January.
In January last year, the county's unemployment rate was 12.2 percent. Modoc is well above the state unemployment rate of 6.7 percent and the federal rate of 6.3 percent, The county ranks 41st out of the state's 58 counties for highest unemployment. Lassen County ranks 30th at 8.6 percent and Siskiyou County ranks 45th at 14.3 percent.
The highest unemployment is in Colusa County at 29.1 percent and the lowest is San Luis Obispo at 3.3 percent.
These figures come from the California Employment Development Department.
BLM announces Seasonal Road closures
The Bureau of Land Management's Alturas Field Office has announced seasonal road closures in Lassen and Modoc Counties. The closures begin March 12, and are designed to protect muddy areas from motor vehicle damage. Closures will be lifted when the areas dry later in the spring.
In Modoc County, the Delta Lake Road will be closed to vehicles at the north end of the Bayley Reservoir Dam. Vehicle access to Nelson Corral Reservoir in Lassen County will be limited to existing roads.
"These annual restrictions were initiated in 2000 following extensive public discussion," said Tim Burke, manager of the BLM Alturas Field Office. "The travel restrictions protect public lands from damage while still allowing reasonable springtime access to these popular fishing reservoirs."
Current road information is available by calling the Alturas Field Office at (530)233-4666 or from the website.
Sandhill Cranes have returned to Modoc
February 18 marked the return of the greater sandhill cranes to the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge. These large, beautiful and graceful birds are the oldest species of cranes in existence today.
On their migration north, many cranes will stop to use fields and wetlands throughout the area, while many others will stay to nest and rear their young.
Modoc County supports a large and very successful breeding population of greater sandhill cranes. Much of this success can be attributed to the abundance of irrigated pasture, hay meadows and natural wetlands throughout the County. Preferring shallow marshes, cranes become territorial during nesting and will defend their nest area which ranges anywhere from three to fifty acres in size.
Generally two eggs are laid per year, of which only one will usually survive to join the flock. Crane chicks, called colts, hatch in early to mid-April and should be visible in May. Come view these magnificent birds which will become more abundant in the weeks to follow. For more information, please contact the staff at the refuge at (530)233-3572, or by email at modoc@fws.gov.
Obituaries:
Harold C. Ascherman, Jr
Harold Calvin Ascherman, Jr., age 80, passed away in his Cedarville, Calif. home on March 1, 2004. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 5, 2004, at the Cedarville Community Church, followed by a private graveside service.
Mr. Ascherman was a 38-year resident of Surprise Valley. He was born on September 2, 1923, to Cal and Nell Ascherman of Petaluma, Calif. He was in the military service in the Army Air Force during World War II as a private first class. He married Ruby Kathleen Hope of Illford, England June 27,1945. They were married for 58 years and had four children.
Harold and his family moved to Fort Bidwell, Calif. in 1966, and to Cedarville, Calif. in 1985. Harold was a retired grocer. He was a long-time member of the Fort Bidwell Volunteer Fire Department, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and an active member of the Seniors Valley 50 Club.
Preceding Harold in death were his sister Marjorie Genola of Calistoga; his son Eric John Ascherman who passed in 1963, and two granddaughters, Faith Leann Ascherman (1995) and Hope Leann Ascherman (1979). He is survived by his wife Ruby, sons Butch and Guy Ascherman of Redding, Calif.; daughter Evelyn Reeves of Lake City, Calif.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Donations can be made to the Surprise Valley Hospital District, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104 or to the Valley 50 Club. Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.
James 'Randy' Lybarger
James Randall "Randy" Lybarger passed away peacefully at his home in Portland, Oregon on February 25, 2004.
Randy was born on July 22, 1950, in Alturas, Calif. and graduated from Modoc High School in 1968. He worked various jobs, including working for the University of Oklahoma in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He went to work at Pacific Northwest Bell, now Qwest, where he was also active as a union steward, until his disability retirement in 1996.
Randy loved rock hounding and was always in pursuit of antiques and collectibles. His house is a myriad of exciting, unusual and sometimes rare objects.
Randy is survived by his three sons, Richard, Chad and Evan of Lowell, Oregon; two grandchildren; brother Larry Lybarger of Puyallup, Washington; and his beloved Candy Monegan.
Chesley Hillman DeForest
Chesley Hillman DeForest died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Loma Rica, CA. on February 21, 2004. A service will be held at the Adin Community Church, Adin, CA. on Saturday, March 6 at 1 p.m. Rich Bath will officiate. Friends, neighbors and family members are invited to attend a potluck gathering at the Adin Community Hall, following the services. Ches was born in Johnstonville, California on November 11, 1916 to Charles Vaden and Christine Violet Hill DeForest. He was one of 13 children. He attended grammar schools in Standish, Johnstonville, and Buntingville, all places where his parents had ranches, and he attended high school in Susanville.
Upon graduation, Ches' father took him to Ash Valley to work for an old family friend, Thad Bath.
He spent four years in Ash Valley and then went on to work for Masten Ramsey at Madeline, and later Allie Clough at Los Molinos.
In 1941, Ches volunteered for military service and became one of the 196 men of Company E of the 161st Army infantry regiment. He was on the first boat to leave Fort Lewis, Washington heading for Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed. He fought at Guadalcanal, New Caledonia, Vella Larela, and New Georgia Island. When his company was granted rest in New Zealand, there were only 70 men left in the company. Ches was never seriously injured, but did contact malaria. He was discharged in 1945. Because of a fire and loss of records at Army headquarters, Ches finally received his war medals in the mail on February 11, 2004.
On November 24, 1945, he married the love of his life, Grace Margaret Bath. They raised a wonderful family of five children.
Throughout the years, Ches, with pride and dedication, worked on ranches for Masten Ramsey and the Flournoys of Likely, T.H. Richards of Oregon House, and Bob Obrien of Loma Rica. Upon retiring in 1987 he and Grace moved to their own place on the Loma Rica Road. Here, Ches continued to raise registered Hereford cattle and America Quarter Horses. In recent years Ches and Grace enjoyed their summers in Adin and winters in Loma Rica.
As a respected member of the communities he lived in, and strong supporter of youth activities, Ches served on the Oregon House School Board, President of the Yuba County 4-H Council, Community 4-H Leader, and Livestock Superintendent at the Yuba County Fair. He supported the Yuba Sutter and Intermountain Fairs' 4-H and FFA Livestock Auctions. Ches and Grace were members of the Loma Rica Community Church. Ches loved to rope and be on horseback. In his earlier years he was a fierce competitor in team roping. He loved to rope at brandings. He knew cattle and was a great cowman. He enjoyed being with family and friends, both new and old. And he adored his grandchildren.
Ches is survived by his wife, Grace of Loma Rica and Adin, CA.; daughter Cheryl DeForest, Loma Rica, CA.; daughter and son-in-law Beverly and Darrell "Bo" Tipton, Loma Rica; sons and daughters-in-law Tom and Kathy DeForest; Paul and Karin DeForest, Ash Valley, Calif.; and Charles and Becky DeForest, Wheatland; brother Gilbert DeForest, Cottonwood; brothers and sisters-in-law Ralph and Nancy DeForest, Likely; and Gay and Sunny DeForest, Empire, NV.; sister Bonnie DeWitt, Elko, NV. sister and brother-in-law Flora and Donald Genkinger, Sparks, NV. and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Vaden DeForest; mother, Christine Violet Hill DeForest; brothers Lawrence Vaden DeForest, Jesse Levoy DeForest, Charles Jr. DeForest, and Thomas Frazier DeForest; and sisters: Betty Jo DeForest Yeakey, Helen Marie DeForest Beterbide, and Marjel Christine DeForest.
A service was also held at the Loma Rica Community Church, Loma Rica on February 25.
Contributions in memory of Ches DeForest may be made to the Intermountain Cattlewomen Scholarship Fund, Box 161, McArthur, CA. 96056, or to a charity of choice.
Edrie Leona "Teddy" Hays
Edrie Leona 'Teddy' Hays, 99, Bonanza, OR. died February 22, 2004, of natural causes in Klamath Falls, OR.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bonanza Memorial Park in Bonanza with the Rev. Billy Hamblin officiating. Visitation is until 5 p.m. today in O'Hair and Riggs Funeral Chapel.
Mrs. Hays was born February 11, 1902, in Coos Bay to Charles Eugene and Julia Etta (McGee) Gallop.
She also lived in Coos Bay until moving with her family in 1910 to Fort Bidwell, where she enjoyed many of the community activities and met her future husband at a function in nearby Lake City.
After graduating from Fort Bidwell High School, she moved to Los Angeles and attended a business school there.
She later returned to the Surprise Valley and in 1927 married William J. "Bill" Hays in Lake City. They made their home on the Lake City Ranch, living there until moving to Ashland in 1944.
When all of her children had reached school age, she went to work as the school cook for Bellview Elementary School.
In 1959, she and her husband purchased a ranch at Malin, where they grew hay and grains and raised sheep and cattle.
They retired in 1964 and moved to Langell Valley.
Mrs. Hays then worked for several seasons sorting potatoes for L.K. Produce.
Her husband preceded her in death in 1976.
She was a member of Klamath County Home Extension for more than 50 years. While living in the Surprise Valley, she enjoyed gardening and canning produce. At the annual Modoc Fair, she won numerous awards for her canning, baking and sewing projects. In Langell Valley, she was active in the Langell Valley Sewing Club.
She enjoyed reading and crocheted a countless number of afghans that she gave as presents to friends and family members. She also enjoyed attending sports activities, especially baseball and basketball, of her children and grandchildren and watching birds that visited her yard.
Survivors include her daughter Lois Jean Struve of Bonanza; son William J. "Bill" Hays of Soldotna, Alaska; grandchildren and their spouses Vicky and Charles Ward of Wasilla, Alaska, Cindy Hays of Soldotna, Jeannie and Larry Bopp of Modesto, CA. Ray and Chris Struve of Malin and Carol Matense of Bend; great-grandchildren Jevon Struve and his wife Merridith, Lawson Struve, Kevin Mauseth, Kenny Bopp and his wife Becky, Roger Bopp and his wife Debbie, Tyler Brown, Emily Brown, Chayna Ward and Charles Ward Jr.; great-great-grandchildren Jon, Mike and Justin Bopp and Jordan and Anna Struve.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Vida Hanks and brother Everett Gallop.
Memorial donations may be made to Bonanza Ambulance, P.O. Box 363, Bonanza, OR. 97623.
Ruby L. Marx
Modoc native and frequent visitor to Alturas until last year, Ruby Marx, 80, died unexpectedly of a massive stroke on January 29, 2004, while talking at her dining table. But, she got her wish. She died on a beautiful sunny day in her Redding, CA. home, with her things and in the arms of her son.
Ruby Lorraine Marx was born July 23, 1923 in Cedarville, CA. The third child of seven, born to William Jesse Cannon and Edna Frances Royce. She moved to Alturas in 1926, was educated in the local schools and graduated from Modoc Union High in 1941.
On October 9, 1940, in Alturas, Calif., she married Clifford Marx. When the war broke out, Cliff went into the U.S. Navy and she went to work at Ralph Smith Lumber Company. She went to work for the Post Office in 1944, one of the first three ladies to do so. They moved to San Diego after the war and later moved to Redding in 1947 and remained there until her death.
She was reinstated with the Post Office in 1948; with the exception of three years with the State Offices of the Division of Highways and the Board of Equalization, became the Personnel Assistant and retired from that position on November 1, 1983 with a combined total of 37 years service.
After retirement, she was a homemaker. But, not to waste time, she ran the Redding Hotel for several years, and helped run Golden Umbrella for Seniors. She went to college to learn formal flower arranging and loved to bake wedding cakes, especially for those who thought they could only afford a cup cake. They would end up with a three-tiered cake.
She traveled for several years. One of her most rewarding experiences was on a trip to Ireland when she went to the Cannon ancestral home which was built in 1696. After a few more trips to islands of the Pacific she just stayed home, with the exception of coming to Alturas for Memorial Day and going to the Bay Area once a year.
She loved her family. Her heritage. Dearly loved her grandchildren. Loved ones who survive are son Bill of the home, daughter Carole Smith of Dinuba, CA., her dearest friend Ted Boczkowski of Redding, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves aunts Ruth Royce and Lucille Gysin Chandler, both of Alturas, and one sister Jessie Genung of Redding. Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, granddaughter Kimberle Denney, her parents and her siblings; Opal "Babe" Smith, Irene Blevins, Edna "Cissy" Meredith, Bob Cannon and Lodeana Burmister.
Her memorial mass was held at Our Lady of Mercy on February 5. Her burial was at the Redding Cemetery. Out of town persons attending were Carole Smith, Carole's son Kevin and his wife Angela, their sons Little Kevin and Prestin of Dinuba, CA.; Jolean and Patrick Alexander of Rocklin, CA.; Delwon and Gloria Cannon, Gary Blevins and Marion Smith of Alturas.
Virginia J. Terry
Memorial Services for Virginia J. Terry will be held Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m. at Grace Bible Church, First and College Streets, Bieber, CA. Pastor Kent House will officiate. Mrs. Terry passed away February 24, 2004 in Adin, CA. She had been a Modoc resident for the past 10 years.
Born Constance Virginia Jumper on February 26, 1923 in Covina, CA., Los Angeles County, she graduated from Covina High School, Covina and was married to James Donald Terry on March 29, 1947 in Las Vegas, Nevada. James passed away on their 45th wedding anniversary on March 29, 1992.
Mrs. Terry was active in her community, as a member of Grace Bible Church, Native Daughters of the Golden West, Big Valley Garden Club and 50+ Club. She was also a homemaker.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law M'Lou and Matt Hunsaker of Adin, CA.; grandson J.C. Hunsaker of Adin, CA.; granddaughter Kelsey Hunsaker of Medford, OR.; daughter and son-in-law Mindy and Jim Stuhler of Chino, CA.
A second Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, March 21, 2004, at 1 p.m. with a meal following at Gateway Community Church, 5885 Schaefer Ave., Chino, CA. 91710 (909) 628-6598. Senior Pastor Lynn Thrush officiating. Donations may be made to Grace Bible Church, Bieber, CA.
Melvin 'Mutt' Vermillion
Melvin Frank "Mutt" Vermillion, 75, a near lifetime Modoc resident, passed away March 2, 2004, in Cedarville, CA. A Memorial Service will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra on Saturday, March 6 at 11 a.m. at the Four Seasons building on the Modoc District Fairgrounds, Cedarville. A fellowship gathering will follow. Mr. Vermillion was born in Davis Creek, CA. on March 11, 1928. A complete obituary will be printed at a later date. Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Sports
Bell, Wood on way to state wrestling finals this week
Modoc's heavyweight Cory Bell and 145-pounder Travis Wood are heading to the California State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield this week and winning individual titles in the North Section Masters Tournament held last weekend in Redding.
In addition to sending two wrestlers to the sate finals, done only one other time, the Braves finished the North Section tourney in third place, surprising several schools, but not Modoc coaches.
The teams scores were as follows: Red Bluff 156, Willows 123, Modoc 119.5, Pleasant Valley 113.5, West Valley 112, Durham 110, Shasta 99, Orland 89, Corning 87, Paradise 77.5, Foothill 69, Sutter 57, Anderson 54.5, Lassen 41.5, Tulelake 39, Chico 38, Las Plumas 36, Oroville 34, Enterprise 33, Central Valley 28, Trinity 26, American Christian 22, Quincy 22, Burney 19, Winters 17.5, Mt. Shasta 16, Etna 15, Chester 8, Gridley 6, Wheatland 5, Portola 3, Hamilton 1 and Los Molinos 1.
Bell, a senior, whipped Central Valley's Schuyler Wilson, 6-4, in a tight match for the heavyweight crown. Wood, a sophomore, had little trouble beating West Valley's Josh Dame 18-2 in the title match. Only the first place finishers at the Masters Tournament qualify for state finals.
"Bell wrestled well both days and that finals match was tough," said Modoc Coach Shaun Wood. "Travis had a tough first match, only winning it 7-5 in overtime, but then destroyed everyone all the way through the finals. I think that first match woke him up."
The pair will head to Bakersfield the middle of this week, with wrestling starting Friday morning. Wood said he has no real idea how the two will do at the state finals, but knows they have both beaten a couple of state-ranked wrestlers along the way.
Wood said Modoc's 160-pounder, Jason Jones, had a great tournament, coming in second with a 10-3 loss to Nick Hernandez of Pleasant Valley. Wood said Hernandez is ranked in the top seven in the state. Jones is a junior and will be back next season.
Modoc's Luke Hammerness also had a good day, placing fourth at the very competitive 154-pound division, and Brad Bell took a solid fifth at 191 pounds, while Joey Catania finished strong with a fifth at 217 pounds. Two other Modoc wrestles, Ian Jacques and Sheridan Crutcher, did very well but finished just out of the medals.
In addition to Modoc's wrestlers heading to state, Tulelake's John Luscombe, qualified by winning the Master's title 6-4 over Shasta's Lenny Marandino. Luscombe is coached by Shaun Wood's brother, Shane. Of this year's starting lineup, Modoc only loses Cory Bell and Hammerness to graduation.
The Pierce Bears knocked the Modoc Braves boys varsity out of the North Section playoffs last Wednesday, 51-36.
Modoc shot just 34 percent and let Pierce get off to a good start. The game was close in the first period with Pierce leading 11-9, but the Bears put up 20 and Modoc just six to take a 31-15 halftime lead. Pierce led 40-24 after three. Marty Stevens led the Braves with 15 points and Zack McKirahan added 10. "We didn't play real well, but Pierce was aggressive and kept the pressure on," said Modoc Coach Mike Martin. "They were the most disciplined team I've seen all year. They just didn't make mistakes."
The Braves' season was successful overall, finishing at 8-4 in the Shasta Cascade League, with two of those losses coming in overtime. Those losses were to league champion, Trinity, and runner-up Mt. Shasta, and both were on the road.
Martin loses a bunch of seniors this season including: Stevens, McKirahan, Cam Jeffers, Skyler Oats, Shiloh Pierce, Raf Sevilla and Bob Martinez. But he does have a solid core of sophomores coming up from the junior varsity.
The Modoc High Basketball Banquet is scheduled for March 8, 6:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Alturas.
The Surprise Valley Hornets fell victim to a solid Redding Christian Lions team 66-49, last Thursday in the first round of the North Section CIF playoffs.
"All the scouting reports about the Lions were true and they'll surely be back in the playoffs the next two years," said Hornet coach Arnold DeGarmo. "Their quick hands had the Hornets turn the ball over 16 times by halftime."
The Lions led 41-20 at half, and the Hornets were able to outscore them 17-9 in the final period. Josh Boneck led Surprise Valley with 20 and Kyle Russell led the Lions with 10.
On March 5, Redding Christian will face the number one seed, Happy Camp.
Snow brings in baseball season
March 1 brought in a wet winter snowstorm, the general harbinger of Modoc High School baseball season.
The Braves played Lassen March 3, and head to the Enterprise tournament in Redding this weekend where it should be warmer. The Surprise Valley Hornets will meet Modoc in Alturas for a double-header March 9.
Modoc will be coming into this season defending last year's Shasta Cascade League title. Coach Brad Server said he has nine returning players and solid pitching to contend for league and wants to advance further in the playoffs this season. Server said the team is playing a tougher pre-season schedule this year to prepare for those playoffs.
The team is coached by Server and assistant Tim MacDonnell. Team members are: Joey Catania, Henry Correa, Rich Culp, Cam Jeffers, Josh Kendell, David Kolvoord, Kyle Madison, Skyler Oates, Shiloh Pierce, Travis Potter, Danny Randazzo, Adam Server, Marty Stevens, David Toaetolu and Cody Widby.
March 18, 2004
News
River Watershed Alliance wants quality program
For irrigators in the Pit River watershed, who are faced with the state's new monitoring and filing requirements, the water quality monitoring program of the Pit River Watershed Alliance may be a godsend.
"The primary focus of our monitoring program is to get a comprehensive look at the main stem of the Pit River as well as the tributaries that feed into it, just to accurately describe biologically what's going on in the system," says James Rickert, watershed coordinator. "We have eleven main-stem Pit River sites, ranging from the North and South Fork near Alturas to our lowest, most downstream site É at the Pittville Bridge . . . in the Fall River Valley."
Funded by grants from state agencies, the Alliance was created specifically to assess the status of water in the Pit River and its tributaries. "The main goal of our program is to really just take a snapshot of what's going on in the watershed," Rickert explains. "We really don't have much water quality information for our area. Where, in the future, we're going to need to meet all these water quality regulations, it would be nice to know what some of our baseline information is."
A data collection and dissemination program designed to focus on the Pit River, Rickert's alliance is positioned to be of considerable assistance as the irrigated lands waiver program comes up to speed. "We want to be ahead of the curve instead of behind the curve," affirms Rickert. "I guess, indirectly, we are the watershed group for this area because we're going to be able to supply the monitoring data.
"The Pit River Alliance is working to fill the role for this watershed with our monitoring program.Ê This would mean that agricultural producers would not have to pay any more out of pocket expenses for water quality work (for now).ÊÊThey've already got enough to pay for. Our monitoringÊis funded by the state primarily, and we hope to expand our program to fill the role for the entire watershed," observes Rickert.
The Sacramento Valley Water Quality Coalition, the largest of the irrigators' groups formed to answer the demands of the new ag waiver program, covers the entire Sacramento Valley watershed, of which the Pit River basin is a part. "They're basically going to be the lead organization taking care of the watershed program," says Rickert. "What we want to do . . . is send them our data and they can take care of the rest. This is the umbrella organization that will ultimately take care of everything. So, (Pit River area) farmers and ranchers are already included in this group. Whether they know it or not, they're being included."
The benefits for irrigators in joining a coalition may be considerable. "If each landowner were to have to do this individually, do all these things that we're doing, it might cost them anywhere between $7,000 and $14,000 per ranch," Rickert asserts. "That's tough for a farmer to cough up . . . just for something they don't get any benefit from. It's just another added layer of expenses."
Rickert notes that many irrigators see his Alliance as an arm of the state and its enforcement of regulationsÑa perception he rejects. "I'd like to see it geared more towards farmers and ranchers to get their input. They're the people that have grown up in this area. É They know the area better than anyone else. That's my personal position. I grew up on a ranch here in the Fall River Valley. I'm really interested in the natural resources here. I think we're in one of the most pristine areas of California. I'd like our water to show it as well.
"One thing that we're hoping to show with our monitoring program is that the Pit River is not an impaired waterway," continues Rickert.
Interestingly, Rickert's studies have found it likely that agricultural intervention has significantly improved the river's health. Based on solid, scientific data obtained from tree ring studies, it is clear that the Pit typically dried up in the summer months before the changes irrigators made
"We're looking at historic flows," says Rickert. "The Pit River is a runoff-based watershed. It's not, primarily, stream fed. And, actually, the reservoirs that have been created in this area . . . supply more water in the summer than the Pit River has historically seen."
Therefore, man-made storage on the Pit and its tributaries actually serves to maintain summer stream flows, creating a healthier stream environment than has been true historically. "In ways, yes," admits Rickert. "If you're looking at water flow in the summer, then definitely." Do irrigators need to worry about the heightened attention to return water flows? "There may need to be some changes made down the road, but I think for now," says Rickert, thoughtfully, ". . . status quo."
What do waivers mean for individual irrigators in this area? "I think, for now in our area, not much at all . . . and I'd like to keep it that way. I think that's the way it should be."
What is Rickert's take on the irrigators' reaction to the ag waiver program? "They're uneasy . . . as anyone would be. A lot of people that I work with want to do whatever they can to make sure that they don't have any impact on the river. And if the data can prove it . . . if we have determined that the Pit River is in as good of shape as it can possibly be, then people don't have to worry about it. And so, I think that's a way people would like to work with us and help steer our group.
"I'm just trying to do what's best for everyone, including farmers and ranchers," insists Rickert. "I identify with them. I know exactly what they're doing. I do farming on the side as well."
Where the new ag waiver program is concerned, Rickert wants to allay most fears. "They don't need to worry about dealing with all these state regulations. I hope that our group can take care of that headache for them. They don't even need to see it. They know that they're being taken care of. They know that all of these things in this program are being satisfied. They don't need to worry about it in their day-to-day ranching life."
Perhaps more ominous for irrigators are potential restrictions looming for the future, explains Rickert. "If we had a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) established for the Pit River, I think that's going to be pretty tough for some people to comply with. That will, supposedly, be established in 2011, if the Pit River continues to be on this (EPA) list. We're hoping, with our data, to show that we can take the Pit River off this list before we reach that point. And if that's the case, that our data can prove it, then it will be status quo for the farmers and ranchers here on out."
For more information about the Pit River Watershed Alliance, its web page can be found at www.pitriveralliance.net.
Prescribed burning begins on the Modoc National Forest
With the onset of spring, prescribed burning is being scheduled throughout the Modoc National Forest. These burns vary in size from a few acres to approximately 2,000 acres and have a variety of goals and objectives associated with them.
The primary objectives are to reduce the size and severity of wildland fire, reduce suppression difficulty and cost, protect investments, and improve forage and grazing.
The Devil's Garden Ranger District is planning to burn in the Hacamore and Washington Mountain area. Prescribed burning will occur beginning on March 17, 2004 and run until projects are completed.
The Big Valley Ranger District is planning to burn in the Long Bell and Rush Creek areas.
The Warner Mountains Ranger District is planning to burn in the Sugar Hill area.
The Doublehead Ranger District is planning to burn in the Bench area west of Tionesta.
For more information on planned burning activities, contact Keith Bryan on the Big Valley Ranger District at (530)299-3215.
Modoc Home Show offers something for everyone
People who want to know what's available in Modoc County for home building, remodeling, decorating or landscaping will be in for a treat with the first Modoc Home Show, set for Saturday March 27, in the Griswold Gym.
"We're excited and it's coming together really well," said Modoc Title's Rendy Cockrell, one of the organizers. "The businesses involved are going to have excellent displays and information. They are going all out on their displays. I believe people are going to be impressed with what's offered."
Organizer Paula Henckle, of U.S. Bank, also pleased with the business response, said the whole idea is to focus on Modoc businesses; just to show residents what is available here without going out of the area
"We want to showcase our businesses and what they have to offer," said Henckle. "Everything from starting a foundation to building, remodeling to landscaping will be featured. People will get a chance to see what the opportunities are and deal with businesses who can show them a variety of options and ideas."
Brooke Fredrickson, of Handmade Haven, also an organizer, said she's thrilled with the response of the business people and hopes the community will take advantage of the chance to meet and discuss their plans with the professionals. She feels people will be able to get some new and different ideas
Everything from home decoration, furniture makers, insurance, banking, general contractors, plumbers, hardware, home entertainment, window coverings, landscaping, computers, electricians, backhoe service, asphalt, rock and gravel, insulation, rental equipment, roofing, fencing, garages and sheds, engineering, Internet access, design, real estate sales and service and escrow service will be under the gym roof
"People will be able to talk about home building and decorating from start to finish with these people," said Henckle. General contractors point out that planning early makes a big difference, and also allows them to schedule work to suit both the customer and their needs
The new design possibilities are endless, say the organizers, and computer aided design demonstrations will allow some real time options and ideas to be shared
Admission to the Home Show is free and about 40 door prizes will be offered throughout the day. Refreshments will also be available and a raffle will be staged to benefit the High Plateau Humane Society
The businesses involved in the Home Show are as follows: Handmade Haven, Modoc County Title, U.S. Bank, Quality by Design, Woodworks of Alturas, Perry Clark Backhoe Service, Maxwell's Nursery, Walt Smith Landscaping, J-Mar Construction, Michael Church Voth, J.S. General Contracting and Roofing, Tony Darst, Janie Erkiaga Real Estate, Larranaga Construction, True Green Lawn Service, Dean Neer Modoc Realty, Modoc Insurance Services, John Wisser Plumbing, North State Homes, Ace 4-Seasons, G&M Marketing, Phillips Appliance, Guy Williams Construction, Randall Electric, United Country Stevenson Realty, Computer Haven, Warner Mountain Realty, Wild Mustard, A&M Pump and Plumbing, Jim's T.V., High Desert Online, Gift Gallery, Davis's Gallery of Gifts, Richardson Insulation, Modoc Fire Safe Council, Eagle Peak Rock and Gravel, Copp's Irrigation and Misunderstood Einsteins Unite and the National Society for ADA Transportation.
Jobless rates still climbing
Modoc County's jobless rate continues to be high as 11.5 percent of the county's workforce is unemployed. That's up from January's initial 11.3 percent, but that number has been revised upward to 11.7 percent
In February, 510 people were unemployed, that's up from last year when 480 people were on the unemployment list
Modoc ranks 41st out of the state's 58 counties for highest unemployment rate. Lassen County is ranked 32nd at 8.7 percent and Siskiyou is 45th at 14.0 percent
The state jobless rate is 6.5 percent.
13th Squirrel Round-up weekend
About the third week in February, fields in Surprise Valley come alive as local Belding ground squirrels emerge from six months of hibernation. They are quickly followed by the annual influx of plinkers and hunters intent on reducing the numbers of these pesky rodents variously known as "sage rats" or, in Surprise Valley, "bobby squirrels."
Saturday, March 20, marks the beginning of spring as well as the 13th annual Squirrel Round-Up. Sponsored by the Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce, this annual event draws eager participants from throughout the western states
This year, the 97 hunters who pre-registered will enjoy a full day of hospitality and hunting on local ranches, followed by a sumptuous dinner, door prizes and silent auction at the fairgrounds. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner tickets are $10
This year, the silent auction promises to be a highlight of the day with fierce bidding wars likely. Several major items have been donated, including a unique squirrel trophy, a custom-built shooting bench, and a fishing trip for two. Local businesses and crafters have also generously contributed items or services
The Chamber has received two recent phone calls and a letter questioning the event from a humane standpoint. The expressed concerns have been discussed at meetings. However, even a superficial investigation of the annual problems and expenses brought about by these seemingly small and harmless animals quickly shows the necessity of reducing their rapidly growing numbers
Ground squirrels are native to the Modoc County area. They have been spotted at 7,500 feet in the Warner Mountains as well as in the nearby deserts close to water sources, reports local naturalist and rancher Ray Page. However, in their natural habitat, their colonies are much more sparse than those found in the valley
"Alfalfa fields are a totally artificial habitat for this animal. They find plentiful food as they destroy young alfalfa plants and gorge on tender roots and leaves. They have very few local predators in cultivated fields so their numbers multiply virtually unchecked," says Page. In their natural habitat, the squirrels are rarely a nuisance because predators and cyclical deprivations keep their numbers in balance
Fields where squirrels are allowed to breed unchecked soon produce little of value and must either be renewed or abandoned. Ruined fields would inevitably reduce the population of the pests while causing catastrophic economic damage to local towns. Already, annual costs of equipment repair, eradication efforts, and field management or renewal are significant
Controlling the damage done by ground squirrels is an unending and expensive job for local alfalfa growers. The local species burrows fifteen feet or more into the ground, digging complex tunnels with numerous escape holes. These holes lead to equipment damage during haying season. Field flooding, used in the past more than in recent years, does little to eradicate the squirrels. Many ranchers resort to poisoning, even though it is very expensive and labor-intensive.
Shooting the squirrels is actually a humane method of partially controlling their exponential growth. It has the added benefit of attracting bald eagles. They enjoy the easy pickings after hunters have had a good day, reports Page. And visitors and locals alike greatly enjoy sighting the majestic birds
Surprise Valley welcomes the hunters who revel in the beautiful scenery and warm hospitality they find here while enjoying their sport. The ranchers appreciate any help they can get in controlling the "sage rats" that cause so much aggravation
For more information on the annual Squirrel Round-Up or activities planned for Saturday, March 20, please call the chamber office at 279-2001.
Sandhill Cranes forum at Modoc Wildlife Refuge
Coming soon-Green Eggs and Long Legs: The Sandhill Story. Everything you ever wanted to know about Sandhill Cranes if you could get close enough to ask one will be discussed at the Modoc Wildlife Refuge Saturday, April 3
Wildlife Biologist Shannon Ludwig will present a forum on one of the most entertaining species in the refuge. The reigning sopranos of Modoc's morning choir are also dancers, performing their graceful ballet throughout the spring. Find out why, then take a tour with Ludwig to see them in their natural habitat
The 9 to 11 a.m. event, sponsored by the Refuge and the River Center in Alturas, is free and refreshments will be provided. Participants are advised to bring binoculars, cameras, and wear hiking shoes.
Modoc RAC seeks projects and replacement members
The Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a meeting on Monday, April 5 in the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office at 800 West 12th Street from 6 to 8 p.m.
The RAC is actively seeking applications for projects seeking funding in 2005. Projects may include, but are not limited to road, trail and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvement; improvements in forest ecosystem health; watershed restoration and maintenance; control of noxious and exotic weeds. Fifty percent of all approved projects must be for road maintenance and obliteration or watershed improvements and restoration.
Currently there are two replacement member vacancies on the RAC. Replacement members are needed in the Outdoor Recreation, Affected Public at Large and Minerals/Energy groups.
For information about the Resource Advisory Committee positions available or how to submit a project contact Louis Haynes at (530)233-8846.
Obituaries:
Kermit 'K.C.' Tierney
Kermit Collins "K.C." Tierney, 83, of Alturas, Calif. passed away peacefully, with his family at his bedside, on March 13, 2004, at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas.
Born on the Fourth of July, 1920, in Alturas, Calif., he was the youngest son of William and Daisy Tierney. K.C. lived his life and served his community and Modoc County, residing in Alturas.
He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and spent two and a half years in service to his country during WWII. He fought at Guadalcanal and was the only survivor from his division.
He married Rose Marie Wilson in May of 1952. Five children, six grandchildren, and two step- grandchildren survive him: son Bevin Tierney of Quincy, daughter Michele T. Goralnick and husband Burt of Los Angeles, son Kermit Collins II (Bing) Tierney of Susanville, daughter Kim T. Gentry and husband Mark of Alturas, and daughter Angela T.
Alexander and husband Stephen of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Joshua Smith, 21, of LaGrange, NC, Casey Smith, 20, of LaGrange, NC, Nathan Tierney, 19, of Susanville. Amy Gentry, 19, of Chico, Shannon Smith, 18, of Provo, UT, Jacob Smith, 17, of LaGrange, NC; step grandchildren Amber Gentry, 25, of Spokane, WA. and Luke Gentry, 22, of Tumwater, WA.
Rose passed away in 1990. K.C. began a loving relationship with Deanie Weldin in 1991, and they were together for 13 years. Deanie was at his side during his final hours.
Known as the one who spearheaded the Rotary Fish Derby for Modoc youths, K.C. was also honored to be Grand Marshal of the Modoc Fair and Fandango Parades and was instrumental in the organization of the Fandango Parade for years. He owned and operated Tierney Ford Sales in Alturas and Skateland North from 1979 until 1983 in Alturas and later opened Mr. K.C.'s Used Cars.
K.C. was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Alturas. He was involved in many service organizations within the community such as the Alturas Elks Lodge 1756, Modoc and later Alturas Chamber of Commerces, and Alturas Rotary.
K.C. had a generous heart, always thinking of others. His love and concern for the community was evident in the service he rendered throughout his entire life.
Public Visitation is to be held at Kerr Mortuary in Alturas on Friday, March 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Liturgy of the Word, Catholic funeral services to be given by the Rev. Patrick Henry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, March 20, 2004, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Fourth St., Alturas at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 11:15 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Veterans' Organizations of Alturas. A reception will be held at the Veterans' Memorial Hall in Alturas.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to the following: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, The Elks Lodge, Rotary or the Chamber of Commerce. The viewing is to be held at Kerr Mortuary on Friday. March 19 at 4:00-8:00 p.m. Following the services, there will be graveside full Military service put on by the Veteran's Organization of Alturas. The reception will be held at the Veterans Hall in Alturas.
Beauford Buster Bouse
Services for respected and long-time Big Valley resident Beauford Buster Bouse will be held at the Adin Community Bible Church, Adin, Calif. at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, March 18. Pastor Harold Luke will conduct the service with military honors to follow at the interment at the Adin Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow at the Adin Community Hall.
Mr. Bouse passed away March 14, 2004 at his home in Adin. He was 79. Born in the southern California town of Piru to Vivian Bouse on March 23, 1924, he arrived in Big Valley in 1929 where the family (six brothers and sisters) lived on a homestead out of Lookout. He attended Widow Valley School through the eighth grade and attended Adin, Bieber and Fall River High Schools while living on the Kramer Ranch where he started working when he was 14 years old, living with Ward and Dorothea Kramer and her father Charlie Gerig.
On November 2, 1944, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the 82nd Airborn, specializing in demolitions, paratrooping, and gliders in the South Pacific. He fought with honor and bravery in a naval battle at the Marianas, where many lives were lost. Then, was sent to Luzon in the Phillipines, where he jumped and fought. He came back to the U.S. and was stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia, when President Roosevelt died in Warm Springs, Arkansas. Honor Guards were needed to place Roosevelt on the train to Washington and Buster was one of these proud and honored few. He received his discharge on November 17, 1946, and returned home to marry his sweetheart, Ruth Babcock of Bieber, on June 12, 1948 in Reno, Nevada.
Buster and Ruth worked, lived and reared their three children on the Kramer Ranch, where they remained for 37 years of their 55 years of marriage. Their family did everything together which attests to how close they are to one another today. A special outing was a visit to their favorite campsite at Widow Valley.
Buster loved to hunt and fish and had a passion for flying airplanes. He received his pilots license after finishing school in Fall River Mills. He owned an interest in the airplane that was at the Kramer Ranch. In November 1984, Buster and Ruth moved into Adin. In 2000, they were honored to be the Grand Marshals for Big Valley Summer Festival.
Together, they have been involved in Veterans of Foreign Wars, assisted the blood bank drives and community events. Buster helped with search and rescue operations with the East Shasta County Flying Sheriff's Possee. He also attended the GI Agriculture school in Bieber two nights a week for two years. The organization eventually became Future Farmers of America.
He and Ruth helped build Grace Bible Church while living in Bieber and were active in fellowship and as Sunday School teachers. For the last 20 years they attended Adin Community Bible Church. They have given praise and honor to God for all the blessings they have received in their lives. Mr. Bouse leaves his loving wife Ruth of Adin; their children Dan Bouse of Adin; Dorothy Hutchison of Adin and Jean Breakfield of Adin; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; his brother Henry Bouse of Adin, Calif.; sister Louise Taylor of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister Eleanor Cannon of Antioch, Calif. and brother Robert Carmichael of Gilchrist, Ore., and many friends whom they consider family as well. He was preceded in death by his sisters Norene Stroud, Elsie Thompson and Juanita Bouse.
In Mr. Bouse's memory, remembrances may be directed to the Big Valley Endowment Foundation, P.O. Box 356, Adin, CA 96006.
Patricia Petersen Gaylord
Patricia Elizabeth Petersen Gaylord peacefully passed from this life to the next after a short illness, on March 11, 2004, in Folsom, California. Pat was born to Carl and Claire Petersen, July 8, 1935, in Oakland, Calif. She spent her adolescent years in Downey, Calif. After Claire's marriage to Ted Tyrrell, they moved to the "ranch" north of Adin, Calif., in the Spring of 1950.
She graduated from Adin High School in 1953, continuing her education at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. While growing up, she enjoyed riding horses, helping cook meals for the haying crews in Ash Valley, singing for various events, community plays and participating in all school activities.
On November 27, 1954, she married Omar F. Gaylord, Jr., and to this union, four children were born. In 1956, she went to work for the U.S. Forest Service on the Devil's Garden Ranger District, later transferring to the Big Valley Ranger District where she retired from federal service in 1995. She worked in many capacities with the Forest Service, first as a fire lookout and district clerk, then as a district budget and finance officer and on many teams and task forces from local to national level.
Starting with her children and continuing with grandchildren, she supported many school and sporting events, as well as livestock and horse shows, keeping track of their progress and final point standings. One of her greatest passions was horses. In this capacity, she served as the Modoc Horseman's Association secretary for many years. She was involved in creating and running the trail class at the Modoc District Fair in Cedarville, as well as helping run the Adin Summer Festival Horse Show. She did not miss any of the horse events and greatly enjoyed watching her granddaughter participate in these shows.
For as long as anyone can remember, she crocheted blankets and created a beautiful flower garden. She also worked at Adin Automotive Products for the past four years.
She is survived by her spouse, Omar Gaylord; son and friend Bill Gaylord and Diane Schwebach of Adin; daughter and son-in-law Laurette and Kent Van Tassell of Dietrich, Idaho; daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Brad Jeppson of Adin; grandchildren Christopher and Robert Gaylord of Adin; William Gaylord of Canby; Quincy Menning of Moscow, Idaho; Lacey Menning of White Swan, Washington; Colton and Mary Jeppson, who are expecting Pat's first great-grandchild, due to make her arrival any day soon, of Reno, Nevada; and Deidra Jeppson of Weed, Calif. Also surviving are her two step-brothers Dick Tyrrell and Norman Tyrrell, step-sister Lois Brewer and half-brother Ted Tyrrell.
Preceding Pat in death were her mother, E. Claire Tyrrell; step-father Ted Tyrrell; father Carl Petersen; and youngest son Richard Gaylord
Services will be held at the Adin Cemetery, Saturday, March 20, 2004, at 11:00 a.m., with a potluck luncheon following at the Adin Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Modoc Horseman's Association, P.O. Box 513, Alturas, Calif. 96101
Louis J. 'Buck' Barker
Services for Louis Joseph "Buck" Barker, Jr., were held on Wednesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Branch President Butch Hess conducted the graveside service, as Mr. Barker was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alturas
Mr. Barker, 82, of Alturas, passed away Monday, March 15, 2004, at Modoc Medical Center's Skilled Nursing Facility, Alturas, Calif., where he had been a resident for the past three years
Born June 30, 1921, in Loyalton, Calif., Louis was one of three children and left Loyalton at a young age with his parents, Louis, Sr. and Rava Barker. His father worked for the railroad and the family moved from Klamath Falls, Oregon down to Alturas, Calif. in 1932. Louis graduated from Modoc High with the class of 1940. He attended Sacramento City College for a year, where he majored in Forestry, until he joined the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He fought in many battles in the South Pacific arena including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Tiana before his discharge as a Pvt. 1st Class. He settled in the Springfield, Oregon area where he was in insurance sales for many years in Eugene, Oregon. An avid reader of western novels, he also loved fishing and hunting and had become an avid Bingo player. He most recently had returned to Modoc County three years ago.
From his marriage to Maddona Kerksieck, two children were born. She preceded him in death. His later marriage to Marilyn Fulcher of Alturas gave him six children. She also preceded him in death, as did his parents and his brother Phillip Barker
Mr. Barker is survived by his seven children: Brooke Park of Battleground, Wash.; Jolie Ramsey of St. Louis, Mo.; Michael Barker of Lorraine, Ore.; Steven Barker of Hillsboro, Ore.; Leslie Hubert of Eugene, Ore.; Bruce Barker of Eugene, Ore.; and Christi Barker of Eugene, Ore. He also leaves his sister Thelma Barker of Alturas, Calif., 19 grandchildren, 24-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Kerr Mortuary of Alturas is in charge of arrangements
Dorothy Louise Coombs
Alturas resident Dorothy Louise Coombs, affectionately known as "Grandma" and "Dot" to many local residents, passed away of natural causes on March 11, 2004, at 2 p.m., after a short stay at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, Calif.
Born in Portland, Oregon to Albert and Lilly Sahli on April 22, 1921, Dorothy was reared in Gervais, Ore.
She helped her family harvest hop crops, traveling throughout Oregon as a young girl until she graduated from high school in Salem, Ore. She developed a strong work ethic.
Dorothy was later employed at a greenhouse in Oregon where she learned to start plants and later became known among her family and friends for her green thumb, nurturing numerous house plants.
She married Darwin "Buck" Coombs on August 9, 1943, in Salem, Oregon, and they reared two daughters, Nancy and Susan, making their home in the Corvallis area. Growing plants was something Dorothy continued to enjoy throughout her adult life. While her daughters were growing, Dorothy had many plant and yard sales.
When her husband passed away on Dec. 11, 1982, after 39 years of marriage, Dorothy moved to Eugene to be near her daughter Nancy, for 11 years. When Nancy relocated to Alturas, Calif. seven years ago, Dorothy also relocated and began helping in the family business, 4Corners Market. Dorothy enjoyed her early morning walks to help at the store, where customers enjoyed her courteous manner and friendly smiles. She, in turn, enjoyed the customers and the many friends she made while in Alturas. An avid Bingo player, she enjoyed playing Bingo at Veterans' Bingo nights and the Desert Rose Casino and also enjoyed the crowd at the Country Jam on Monday evenings in Alturas. As were her wishes, she was laid to rest near her husband at Benton Memorial Park, Benton County, Corvallis, Ore., with a private burial. A memorial service in Alturas will be announced at a later date.
Mrs. Coombs is survived by her close knit family which includes daughter Nancy and son-in-law Richard Yarbrough of Alturas, Calif.; granddaughter Heidi and husband Bill Hall of Alturas and their children Grant and Cam, Alturas; grandson Brenden and wife Jan Yarbrough and their children Kayla and Jalyn of Eugene, Ore.; grandson Mike and wife Star Yarbrough of Alturas, Calif. and their child Devon; grandson Jared Yarbrough of Eugene and his son Garcia of Hawaii; Mrs. Coomb's daughter Sue and husband Bill Farmer of Alturas, Calif.; grandson Chase and wife Kelly Farmer and their children Isaac and Chloe of Alturas; grandson Colby Farmer of Redding and granddaughter Shay Farmer of Alturas. She is also survived by all of her "Family" at 4Corners Market and the many customers she loved talking to.
Remembrances may be sent to Country Music Jam Flag Fund, care of Plumas Bank, 510 N. Main Street, Alturas, CA 96101.
Della Lucille Heard
Della Lucille Heard, 96, died March 15, 2004, at her home in Litchfield, Calif.
She was born in Fort Bidwell, Calif., May 5, 1907, to George and Emma Stiner of Lake City, CA. She married Claude Heard in 1923. They first lived in Cedarville where Claude worked in his first store. They were partners in a store in Gerlach, NV. from 1929 to 1931. They bought their second store in Standish, CA. in 1934, and sold it to their niece, Glenna Winchell, in 1946. Fifteen months later, they bought the store three miles away in Litchfield. Heard's Market has been in operation in Litchfield for the past 56 years. Della worked in some part of the store up until she was in her late 80's. She also drove her car, cooked her own meals and was self-sufficient until a few years ago.
Della Heard was the oldest member of the Lake City Baptist Church for over 80 years. She attended the Standish Bible Church while in Standish and Litchfield.
Della Heard was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Claude Heard, in 1982; two baby brothers, an older sister and her twin sister. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Everett and Sharon Heard, of Litchfield; five grandchildren, Tonja Tilstra of Standish, Howard Heard of Litchfield, Gena Meier of Susanville, Justin Heard of Reno, NV., and Shaun Heard of Susanville; seven great-grandchildren, Beau and Trever Meier, Jordan Tilstra, Myranda and Stevee Heard, Devin Heard and Rebeka Heard. And by numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services for Della Heard will be held at the Lake City Cemetery, Lake City, CA. at 11:00 a.m. March 20, 2004. Pastor Jerry Geotsch (the former Pastor of the Standish Bible Church) will conduct the vices. Donations may be made in Della Heard's name, to the Standish Bible Church, Standish, CA. 96128.
Walton's Colonial Mortuary of Susanville is in charge of arrangements.
William LeRoy Ogle
Local resident William LeRoy Ogle, 61, passed away at his Alturas, Calif. home March 10, 2004
A talented craftsman and outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Ogle had retired to Modoc County 10 years ago from the Bay Area. Born June 25, 1942, in Newark, Ohio, he grew up in Poway, Calif. He graduated from high school in Escondido, Calif. and DeAnza College, Cupertino, Calif.
He served in the U.S. Army as a Sp4 until his discharge Sept. 13, 1963. Employed at General Motors Fremont plant for a number of years, he later retrained as a computer technician, after the GM plant closed
Considered good at computer work, he was employed with several companies, the longest of which were with Zilog and Iicon in the San Jose area. Mr. Ogle was also a model train enthusiast and enjoyed working with wood. In addition, he was an able handyman.
Married on January 12, 1980, to Barbara Jean Specker in Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, both retired early and relocated to Modoc County, where they had owned property for 20 years.
Mr. Ogle is survived by his wife Barbara of Alturas; son William LeRoy Ogle, Jr. and wife Desiree of San Jose, Calif.; daughter Deborah Moore and husband Jeff and grandsons Jeff and Joshua of Fresno, Calif.
Pastor Case Admiraal will conduct a memorial service on Saturday, March 27, 2004, at the Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave., Ripon, Calif.
Memorials may be directed to the Hugh Currin House of Merle West, 2610 Uhrmann Rd., Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601.
Death Notices
William Kenneth 'Bill' Cockrell
Eagleville resident William (Bill) Kenneth Cockrell passed away March 16, 2004, at Merle West Medical Center in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Eagleville Cemetery, with fellowship to follow at the Eagleville Grange Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity of the donor's choice. A complete obituary to follow next week.
Chester O'Dell 'Chet' Tice
Chester O'Dell "Chet" Tice, age 61, departed this world on March 13, 2004 in Reno, Nevada. He was born July 29, 1942 in Hanford, Calif. Private family services are pending. Kerr Mortuary has charge of arrangements. Mr. Tice's obituary will be published next week.
Edward Puchalski
Edward Puchalski, a native of Poland and long-time resident of Lake City, Calif. died at his home on March 11, 2004.
He was born on October 25, 1906. He was an independent man at the age of 97. Bereaved are his many friends and neighbors in Surprise Valley. He will rest at the Lake City Cemetery. Kerr Mortuary has charge of arrangements.
Sports
Modoc girls 2nd in Etna tourney
Modoc's girls varsity team placed second in the Etna tournament last weekend, losing the title game to Central Valley 8-1.
Modoc beat Happy Camp 11-1 to open the tourney and then beat Etna in a thriller 3-2 in the semi-final.
"I was pleased with how we played overall," said coach Dennis Banister. "Central Valley was a solid team, but our girls show a lot of promise and I think we'll be fine."
Kristen Taylor was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player in the tourney and Allison Campagna was named All-tourney.
Against Happy Camp, Modoc went out 1-2-3 in the first, but pounced on the Indians with four runs in the second, three in the third and four in the fourth.
Amy Ridgway got the win for Modoc, striking out five. Campagna was three-for-three at the plate, Brittany Berchtold and Jamie Fain were both two-for-three, while Rose Wingate, Megan Thompson, Ridgway, Taylor and Brittney Bartram had one hit.
In the Etna game, The Lions went up 1-0 in the first and Modoc scored twice in the third. The Braves' Campagna scored the winning run in the top of the seventh on a Bartram bunt.
Taylor got the win, going 6 2/3 innings. She struck out eight. Taylor led the hitting, going two-for-three, Campagna, Bartram, Emily Pence, and Jamie Fain each had a hit.
Central Valley jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first and Modoc scored one in the third. Central Valley added a run in the fifth, two in the sixth and one in the seventh. Taylor led the hitting going two-for-three and Campagna had one hit.
Modoc lost to Lakeview Tuesday 6-1 in Lakeview. Lakeview went on top 1-0 in the third, and 3-0 in the fourth. They added three more in the six. Modoc scored one run in the seventh.
Taylor got the loss, allowing 13 hits, while striking out three and walking one.
Taylor also led the hitting, going two-for-three. Lakeview's pitcher fanned 10 Braves. Campagna, Berchtold and Megan Thompson each had a hit.
Modoc's junior varsity softball team won the Etna tournament last weekend, beating Happy Camp 13-3, Trinity 24-4, Etna 12-6 and Etna 13-1 in the title game.
Coach Keith Jacques said the girls played extremely well and feels his squad has solid talent throughout.
Freshman Tacie Richardson was on the mound in both the final games against Etna and struck out 12 batters in the wins.
Jacques said in addition to Richardson, Alysha Northrup, Lauren Bushey, Mandy Davis and Darcie Holloway each played exceptionally well and everyone played good, consistent softball.
The remainder of the team includes Olivia Pierce, Jennifer Joyce, Tanesha Almanza, Samantha Ward, Marlena Bartram, Patricia Gilbert and Janelle Hughes.
Modoc lost a tight game to Lakeview Tuesday, 9-8.
The Modoc High School Golf Team beat Lakeview 466-482 March 16 at Arrowhead Golf Course in Alturas.
For the Braves, DJ Northrup shot 86, Charles Knox shot 88, Keith Montague shot 96, Dustin Philpott and Dustin Oates had 98, and Taylor Dunn shot 99. Matt Williams shot 109.
Other members of the team are Micah Eppler, Ross Montague and Brian Weed.
Coach Harold Montague said he kept some of his top players out of the match against Lakeview to give the younger players a chance. He said he was pleased with the young players' performance.
"We do have a lot of work to do as our target score (best five scores of team) for nine holes is 205 and for 18 is 410," said Montague.
Modoc opens Shasta cascade League play at Eagle Point in Medford March 18. They'll be competing against Mt. Shasta (favored in the SCL), Weed, McCloud and Etna.
Modoc Little League tryouts set March 20
Little League Tryouts will be held on March 20, at the Youth Park in Alturas.
Girls minor and major tryouts will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and boys minor and major tryouts will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Following tryouts, coaches will meet at the Black Bear to draft players and equipment will be distributed.
It's not too late to sign up for Little League. Call Rick Malcolm at 233-3578 for registration details.
Little League Officials are asking that dogs not be taken to the baseball fields because of the mess they leave.
Modoc hosts youth wresting invite
Modoc will host its 11th Annual Youth Wrestling Tournament Saturday in the Griswold Gym with between 200 and 300 young wrestlers expected. Weigh-ins will start at 7 a.m. and the under six wrestlers will take to the mats about 9 a.m. The remaining age groups, from under eight through under 14, will start about 10:30 a.m. and run through most of the day. Modoc coach Shaun Wood said about 50 Modoc wrestlers will be competing. The Modoc High School team will handle the refereeing at this event. Last weekend, the Modoc Middle School and Youth team competed at Burney. The following wrestlers took first place: Alex Valencia, Kris Carrithers, Joshua Fletcher, Tyler Ewing, Marlehna Torres, Troy Culp, Matt Fletcher, Tyler Lancaster, Tyler Wood, and Josh Wood.
Second places went to the following: Riley Larranaga, Alex Moreo, Trent Wishart, and Mike Torres.
Placing third were: Travis Northrup, Patrick Bell, Jessie Holloway, Wyatt Valena, Kyle Voth, Justin Valena, Devin Fieguth, Neil Mohr and Justin Estes.
Fourth places went to: Josh Padgett, Felicia Torres and Drew Culp.
The Alturas AYSO is sponsoring a spring soccer league for all age groups (U-6 to U-19). Registration is set for March 23 and 25 at the Child and Family Resource Center, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each night.
Games will take place on Saturdays, running from April 17 though May 22. This is designed as a developmental league to have short-sided teams so that all kids get plenty of touches.
Any interested coaches or for more information, contact John McQuarrie as soon as possible at 233-4304 or 233-3429 evenings.
March 25th , 2004
News
PG&E, irrigator agreement is a 'win-win' for all
Irrigators in the Pit River watershed can breathe a sigh of relief. Their prolonged struggle with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) appears to be over. In a formal letter to the State Water Resources Control Board, Randal S. Livingston, lead director for power generation at PG&E, withdrew the power company's complaint against 10 major water right holders on the Pitt River above Lake Britton
After more than 20 years of legal wrangling and finger pointing, all parties to the dispute seem pleased with the outcome. Upstream water users have secured their rights to the water they store for irrigation rather than letting it go downstream to generate power for PG&E, and the power company has asserted its early water rights, securing sufficient water in the Pit to turn its generators
In the letter withdrawing the complaints, Livingston noted, "None of the settlements increase, decrease or in any other way modify any existing water rights." This, in effect, leaves these water rights along the Pit River as they presently stand
According to Jay Younger, ranch manager for Alturas Ranches, a primary member of the South Fork Irrigation District, this agreement as a model of cooperation between business, private parties and government agencies. "This is a whole bunch of really diverse people from really different places with really different problems coming together to solve a huge problem. What we've managed to do is completely solve a 90-year-old problem."
"I think it was a pretty substantial victory," adds Sean Curtis, resource analyst for Modoc County. "It tied everybody together, from the South Fork folks clear down to Burney."
"It's a win, win, win!" says the spokesperson for PG&E, Lisa Randle. "It's a win for the consumptive water rights users upstream, it's a win for the environmental aspect in terms of flows and it's a win for power generation as well. When you cooperatively work together, through that type of teamwork, you often achieve a better end result. And I think that's the case, this time in particular."
The two-decade-old issue turned on water rights, where the axiom "first in time, first in line" applies
PG&E obtained water rights to operate a power plant on the Pit River in Burney in 1921. In the nearly 60 years that followed, many upstream irrigators began water conservation and use programs. "So, we had a situation where many of the reservoir rights were junior to PG&E's claim for hydropower. (But) for fifty years there was never any assertion by PG&E that their rights were prior to ours," explains Younger
In 1980, during a periodic re-licensing process, PG&E once again asserted its 1921 rights over those of irrigators in the upper Pit watershed in order to forestall what appeared to be an impending loss of the water it needed to turn its generators, and the battle was joined
Originally, there were ten complaints filed by PG&E, though the outcome of the contest would decide the fate of hundreds of water users, some large, some small. "There were lots of battles that went on," recalls Younger, the acknowledged lead in brokering the final agreement. "Then, it kind of came to a head in the early 90s."
Younger relates that there was an early defector from the irrigator ranks that made it more difficult for the others. "As we were working our way through the battle, Hot Springs began to believe that they had a stronger case, a better case than some of the other reservoirsÑSouth Fork in particular É because they have less infringement on PG&E's rights than South Fork."
As a result, Hot Springs Valley Irrigation District entered into a separate agreement with PG&E. "The problem with that was that it more or less set precedence of cutting a deal," explains Younger. "It ruined our united front. I understand why they did it, and I even agree that they may have done the right thing for themselves, but it was not the right thing for the big picture and definitely not a good thing for us."
It appeared that, one by one, the irrigators, like Hot Springs, would have to reach their own agreement with PG&E. "Because the amount of water we were talking about was huge, in the system up here, our (potential) loss, our downside was devastatingÑparticularly for South Fork," explains Younger, adding, "because South Fork supplements the entire river, particularly on a good year, it actually has a huge cascading effect downstream. Anything you take out at the top (becomes) worse as you get downstream."
More surprising still was the fact that Younger chose to ignore the advice of his legal counsel and follow his own instincts instead. "All the way through, I'm getting calls from the lawyers saying, 'Settle, settle, settle. Cut South Fork off. Make a settlement. You will never put this together.' That's what my lawyers were telling me. And I'm saying, 'I don't have any traction by myself. I can't do this by myself. As soon as they separate me out, they're going to slit my throat,'" observes Younger, adding, " Éand they would have."
Just when things looked most bleak for upstream water users, they caught a break. "We realized, somewhere in the mid-90s, that PG&E was up for re-licensing," says Younger. "PG&E agreed to go through a public input type licensing, where it was a negotiated outcome. So, what South Fork did was, we went into the Federal Energy Regulator Commission (FERC) re-licensing process. We managed to get in because É we were a public agency, being a water district."
"Actually, it was kind of fortuitous because that re-licensing thing provided an opportunity for all the upstream users to come together," reports Curtis. Still, PG&E and FERC were disinclined to address the upstream water users dilemma. "When we got there, they had no willingness to listen to us or consider the problem," relates Younger. "We had a terrible time getting them to look back."
It was repeatedly pointed out to Younger that theirs was a water rights issue, that since FERC had no say in such matters, they could be of no help to him. "I battled for a year, (and) went to a meeting every month," explains Younger, who was dejected by the irrigators' lack of persuasive power. "It just stumbled and stumbled and stumbled."
As Younger explains it, he began to realize the root of the irrigators' problem. "When we first went in, we went in thinking only about South Fork's problem. But as we got into the process, I began to realize that we didn't have any power as South Fork because we were one entity asking for a specific solution to our problem without regard for others."
So, Younger sought to garner the support of all the individual irrigators. "There were some people that were tough to get to come, but most of them really came willingly."
"If you don't have the network, you can't make this stuff work," injects Curtis.
Throughout the process of gathering support, Younger struggled with indifference and ambivalence. "I think that you just had to convince them that what South Fork was doing wasn't going to hurt them. It's not that they didn't want to solve their problem. They were just afraid that we were doing something else."
Younger cajoled, coerced and ultimately convinced those he needed to aid in his quest. "And I got trapped into it too. As you pull more people into the process, you make commitments to get them to come in that you couldn't back away from. So, I got stuck; I got way stuck. And for a long time I didn't think it was going to workÑespecially when you call your lawyers and they're telling you it isn't going to work."
In addition to the irrigators, Younger also enlisted the assistance of many interested agencies, whether private or public, state or federal, to protest the possible effects of losing upstream water
"We developed some environmental data to show the agency people that this wasn't just an economic issue," says Curtis, who joined the irrigators' effort. "This was an environmental issue. If we pulled some water out of the upstream watershed, there were going to be some serious impacts to wildlife and fish."
In effect, they argued that taking a substantial amount of water out of the upstream watershed to satisfy power generation downstream would have a substantive, adverse environmental and wildlife impact upstream. "I've really got to credit the Forest Service's Hat Creek Ranger District folks who were the lead on that," adds Curtis. "They really worked closely with the upstream people, particularly with the county."
According to Younger, Curtis knows "where to find the resources to get the information and the support needed to get these things done."
Curtis' prior experience with such issues told him that arguing the economics of the situation would not allow them to prevail, that the convincing data would be the environmental effects of their actions. "That's really probably the piece that I contributed. You have to somehow find the environmental piece that will make them stop and think. If it's just dollars, they don't seem to care."
"In the end, we got tons of help from Forest Service, Department of Water Resources in Sacramento, Fish and Game, and the river coalition up here," observes Younger enthusiatically. "It really became a huge community issue. When we got it framed large enough and got enough interests in there, then PG&E began to back off."
"Jay was just superb," notes Curtis, "at pulling the agency people alongÑparticularly the state peopleÑinto really understanding that there really was a serious upstream issue."
The happy result was a settlement that apparently met everyone's needs. In fact, virtually all the upstream irrigators, large or small, benefit from the resulting agreement. "We all got really good settlements," says Younger, exultantly. "Really good!"
But the resolution seems to go even further than the irrigators anticipated. "I thought that we were only going to wind up with a commitment that was going to be for the life of this re-licensing," says Younger. "But there are no closing dates on any of these commitments. So, what we wound up with was a commitment that goes into perpetuity, which was very cool!"
How did the agreement set with PG&E? "I think PG&E found a place where they felt that their priority rights were protected," Younger notes, "and recognized the value to the upper river's economic and environmental concerns."
Says Curtis, "PG&E, I think, saw the handwriting on the wall and said that what's upstream isn't worth us hanging our license out for a long time to try to beat this down. I think this is one of the few licenses that's probably going to get resolved within the actual time frame that these things are proposed for."
Hogsback Quarry issue will come back in April
The proposed Hogsback Quarry, near Cedar Pass, will come back for hearings and possible action April 21.
The issue was on the Modoc County Planning Commission agenda March 17, but commissioners did not have all materials available concerning reclamation plans, financial assurances and use permit conditions to take action and continued it to a later date.
The quarry proposed by Eagle Peak Rock and Paving, Inc. (formerly Fitch Sand and Gravel), has been in the works since January, 2000. A contract planner, Bruce Steubing, has been handling the project for the county. According to Eagle Peak's Tony Cruse, the business employs 30 people during peak construction season and has 14-full time employees, with an annual payroll of about $900,000. Cruse said the company is in dire need of the new gravel pit as the others are petering out of material.
While planning commissioners appeared generally in favor of the project, they were advised by legal counsel that they didn't have the necessary documentation to approve it last week. A packed house of local residents came to the public hearing to voice their support of Eagle Peak and its continued operation. Most expressed concern about the possibility of losing the local business and the employees.
On April 21, the Commission will be asked to certify the Environmental Impact Report, and approve the reclamation plan and Conditional Use Permit. Steubing said he would have copies of those documents available to commissioners well before the meeting date.
The project is located about three miles east of the Intersection of State Route 299 and U.S. 395 (The Cedarville Y) and about 3,800 feet from SR299. It's estimated that the total volume of material would be 2,500,000 tons with a maximum permitted amount of 100,000 tons per year over a 50-year life of the project.
About 49 acres would be mined and 64.54 acres would be reclaimed. In addition to the mining operation, the project would include a rock crushing/screening plant, a washing operation, a concrete batch plant and an asphalt batch plant.
According to official records, because of public concerns the project was substantially reduced in terms of acreage disturbed and the operating season to mitigate significant impacts identified in the EIR. Some of those issues include wildlife, noise and visual impacts.
Pot growers found guilty
Two local suspects in the 2002 discovery of the largest marijuana garden ever found in Modoc County have been convicted in Federal Court. According to the Modoc Interagency Narcotics Task Force, Esequiel Quesada Garcia, age 48, of Alturas and Trinidad Sanchez Chacon, 56, Alturas were found guilty of manufacturing marijuana, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. They are facing sentencing of from 15 years to life.
The Drug Task Force made the marijuana farm discovery in September, 2002, on private and Forest Service land in the Witcher Creek drainage west of Alturas.
Over 6,500 mature marijuana plants were seized at the time, along with additional evidence, drug manufacturing equipment and other items. The two suspects were arrested at that time.
Additional suspects have been identified in the case and are being sought by law enforcement. Federal warrants have been issued for two fugitives and more suspects are under investigation.
The wholesale value of the marijuana seized in that case was estimated to be $20 million.
Skateboard park scheduled to open with new, safer surface
The Alturas Skatepark will open its gates this summer, hopefully before schools lets out the first week in June.
According to TEACH Executive Director Carol Callaghan, the reason it has been closed is because of the wood surface on the ramps. One of the major concerns, said Callaghan, was splinters.
She said she has made arrangements to purchase a new surfacing material that becomes available in late April. The material will make the surfaces much safer and should last much longer.
Callaghan said once the new surface is applied, she expects the skatepark to open. From that point forward, she said the park should remain open for the public. She is fairly optimistic that the park will be opened the first week in June, but the weather will have some impact.
She said she has had excellent volunteer assistance in finding the new surface material and volunteers are offering to the keep the facility open, maintained and operating.
The park has been idle more than it's been used since it opened, and Callaghan is hoping this latest repair will take care of most of the issues.
BLM Surprise Field Office plans spring prescribed burns
Several prescribed burning projects, most designed to reduce wildfire danger, are getting underway in Surprise Valley.
Bureau of Land Management Fire Management Officer Garth Jeffers said the projects will be carried out only on days when weather conditions and other factors allow for safe and successful burning and smoke management.
Work will continue through spring on the following burns: ¥ Emerson Project: Crews will complete a mile-and-a-half-long fuel break project in the Eagleville and Emerson Canyon areas. Piles of Juniper and slash created during construction of the fuel break, will be burned. The project, started last fall, will help protect private property and residential areas from wildfire and improve wildlife habitat. The Devil's Garden Conservation Camp crew continues to provide important assistance, Jeffers noted.
¥ Cedarville Project: Work is underway on a joint project involving the BLM Surprise Field Office and the Cedarville Volunteer Fire Department. It connects a new fuel break to a BLM fuel break completed in 2002 at the mouth of Cedar Canyon along the west edge of Cedarville.
¥ Lake City Project: Crews have begun cutting brush and burning piles south of Lake City. The project area extends from County Road 18, north along County Road 17 to about a mile south of landowners to remove vegetation in a 30-foot strip along the road, reinforcing the effectiveness of the road as a fire break.
¥ Fort Bidwell Fuel Breaks: Work will begin in late March or early April on two fuel breaks along the Indian Reservation boundary. The BLM, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Devil's Garden Conservation Camp are cooperating on the brush burning project, which includes maintenance of a fuel break completed along the Reservation's eastern boundary in 1991.
¥ Cow Project: The BLM fuels crew will be cutting and burning brush in a 60-acre area about six miles northeast of Fort Bidwell. The project is designed to slow the spread of wildfire, providing protection for private property and structures. Work began last year and will continue this spring.
¥ Snake Lake Project: BLM crews plan to initiate a 400-acre burn to reduce medusahead, an invasive weed, in the Snake Lake area about ten miles south of Eagleville. The project will improve livestock grazing and wildlife habitat conditions.
Jeffers said that for safety reasons, members of public should stay out of the project areas when burning is underway.
For more information, contact the BLM Surprise Field Office in Cedarville, (530)279-6101.
L.A. warrant arrest made in Ft. Bidwell
Modoc County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Shawn J. Friedman, 35, of Santa Ana, March 20, 6:45 a.m. on warrants out of southern California and Oklahoma.
According to Sheriff Bruce Mix, Friedman, considered dangerous, was arrested without incident. He was wanted on an $80,000 warrant from Oklahoma for transportation of multiple pounds of marijuana and on a warrant out of Los Angeles County for possession of cocaine. Mix said a warrant is also pending on sexual offenses with a minor girl, age 15, out of Newport Ca.
He was booked into the Modoc County Jail, then transferred to Shasta County where he will be transported to Los Angeles.
Burn barrel restrictions in place
On January 1, 2004 The California Air Resources Board (ARB) regulation restricting the use of burn barrels to dispose of residential waste became effective. This regulation was originally intended to ban the use of burn barrels throughout the entire State of California.
The Modoc County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) was successful in obtaining an exemption for all areas of Modoc County except for areas within the limits of the City of Alturas. The exemption allows the burning of dry non-glossy paper and cardboard as well as untreated lumber and natural vegetation in all areas of the county outside of the Alturas City Limits.
Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to: diapers, tires, plastics, rubber, coated wire and demolition debris. A full copy of the regulation order may be obtained by contacting the Modoc County APCD at 202 West Fourth Street in Alturas.
Burn permits and fire regulations continue to be under the jurisdiction of the local fire authority in your area.
Burn permits from the Modoc County APCD are required for broadcast burn in excess of 10 acres or piles larger than 10 (ten) feet in diameter.
Home Show set for big Saturday
The first Modoc County Home Show is set up for a big day on Saturday, March 27, in the Griswold Gym.
"Everything is all set and people seem to be pretty excited about the show," said Rendy Cockrell, manager of Modoc County Title and one of the organizers. "We think it's going to be very special and can't say enough about the business response."
Cockrell, Paula Henckle, of U.S. Bank, and Brooke Fredrickson of Handmade Haven, organized this fist show.
Henckle said it's a chance "to showcase our businesses and what they have to offer. Everything from starting a foundation to building, remodeling to landscaping will be featured. People will get a chance to see what the opportunities are and deal with businesses who can show them a variety of options and ideas."
Fredrickson feels people will be able to get some new and different ideas. Everything from home decoration, furniture makers, insurance, banking, general contractors, plumbers, hardware, home entertainment, window coverings, landscaping, computers, electricians, backhoe service, asphalt, rock and gravel, insulation, rental equipment, roofing, fencing, garages and sheds, engineering, Internet access, design, real estate sales and service and escrow service will be under the gym roof.
Something new will be the addition of the Alturas Rural Fire Department, who will be selling reflective address signs for rural homes.
Admission to the Home Show is free and about 40 door prizes will be offered throughout the day. Refreshments will also be available and a raffle will be staged to benefit the High Plateau Humane Society.
The businesses involved in the Home Show are as follows: Handmade Haven, Modoc County Title, U.S. Bank, Quality by Design, Woodworks of Alturas, Perry Clark Backhoe Service, Maxwell's Nursery, Walt Smith Landscaping, J-Mar Construction, Michael Church Voth, J.S. General Contracting and Roofing, Tony Darst, Janie Erkiaga Real Estate, Larranaga Construction, True Green Lawn Service, Dean Neer Modoc Realty, Modoc Insurance Services, John Wisser Plumbing, North State Homes, Ace 4-Seasons, G&M Marketing, Phillips Appliance, Guy Williams Construction, Randall Electric, United Country Stevenson Realty, Computer Haven, Warner Mountain Realty, Wild Mustard, A&M Pump and Plumbing, Jim's T.V., High Desert Online, Gift Gallery, Davis' Gallery of Gifts, Richardson Insulation, Modoc Fire Safe Council, Eagle Peak Rock and Gravel, Copp's Irrigation and Misunderstood Einsteins Unite and the National Society for ADA Transportation.
Green Eggs and Long Legs: The Sandhill Crane Story
Spring in Modoc County may be short on blossoms and long on bluster, but even if snow blows sideways and icicles hang long off the barn, it's spring when the Sandhills arrive, according to local ranchers.
Skirring in from hundreds of miles away, the proud crimson-hatted lords and ladies of bird land settle in and around the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge near Alturas to begin another cycle of birth and migration.
Where do they come from? Why are they here? The shadowy cranes, lofty and mysterious as they breeze by overhead or stalk through sagebrush on long, slender legs, leave many unanswered questions in the minds of their observers. That's why the Refuge, along with the River Center in Alturas, is holding a special event to help answer those questions.
Green Eggs and Long Legs: The Sandhill Crane Story, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 3, at the Refuge. For the first half hour or so, Wildlife Biologist Shannon Ludwig will tell the story of the Sandhills, talk about the Refuge's efforts to band and keep track of the birds, then answer questions from those attending. The question answering will continue during a walking (or driving) tour of the refuge where Ludwig will guide participants to particularly good places to watch the cranes.
With a bit of patience, participants may get to see the oldest crane recorded on the refuge, a real survivor, who is 19 years old. Cranes have a life expectancy of about 20 years, Ludwig said, so it will be interesting to see how many seasons he'll return.
"The refuge started banding in 1984 and this bird is wearing a 1985 band," Ludwig said.
The old crane and his companions in Modoc are called Greater Sandhills because there are other, smaller varieties also hitting the flyways through the United States. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish the varieties from a distance, Ludwig said, although few of the lesser cranes stop off here. This time of year, Sandhills are busy nesting on the refuge, re-claiming territory left last fall when they migrated to a milder climate in the Sacramento Valley. If a young pair comes in and tries to settle on already-claimed land, they are run off like unwelcome squatters, Ludwig said. The birds are very territorial, and a pair can claim, as their private reserve, 100 to 200 acres. With about 40-60 nesting pairs on the refuge, that means a lot of space is needed for the birds.
There are more nesting pairs outside the refuge in Modoc County as well, with some living in the hayed or grazed land of ranchers in the area, and others in irrigated meadows. The cranes love Modoc because practices here provide ideal habitat, Ludwig said.
"That's just one example where agriculture helps our wildlife here," he added.
Other nesting pairs have been spotted on Devil's Garden, and Ash Creek National Wildlife Refuge hosts many of the stately birds. There are also Sandhills in Surprise Valley, where "we hope to do some research this year and get a better feel for what's there," said Ludwig.
Although other refuges along the flyway may have larger numbers of nesting pairs, Ludwig says, "we fledge out more here." That means there are more colts, as the baby Sandhills are called, who survive to migrate with their parents in the fall. Ludwig will go into the reasons for that during his program.
Spotting scopes will be set up on the tour route during the crane event, and there is a good chance participants will be able to see some of the nesting pairs.
"The birds here are pretty well habituated to being observed; that doesn't seem to bother them unless people get too close," Ludwig said.
It is advised though, for participants to bring binoculars, cameras, preferably with telescope lenses, and wear comfortable shoes if walking around the tour route. The walking tour will be about a quarter of a mile and refreshments will be provided. The program is being offered free, as a public informational service, by the Refuge and the River Center.
Obituaries:
William Kenneth Cockrell
Surprise Valley rancher, William (Bill) Kenneth Cockrell passed away March 16, 2004, at Merle West Medical Center in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Bill was born to Lewis and Ferne Cockrell on December 6, 1930, in the A.K. Sweet house, south of Cedarville, Calif. He lived at Duck Lake, but the family moved to Reno, when he was age five, so Bill could attend school. After two years, they moved to the Hornback Ranch at Eagleville, Calif. where he was reared with his brothers Bob and Jim. Bill graduated from Surprise Valley High School, Cedarville in 1949.
He then went to the University of Nevada at Reno and graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry and a minor in Range Management. On June 10, 1951, he married Betty Harris. They have four children and 10 grandchildren: Jo and her husband Dan Henningsen of Twin Falls, Idaho; Carol and her husband Tom Wulfekuhle and children Julie and Sean from Billings, Montana; Jean and her husband Craig Spratling and children Gwen and husband Glen Uhlig, Justin, Amanda and Amelia from Dooth, Nevada; and Will and his wife Debbie and children Cassie, Ashley, Wayne and Weston from Cedarville, Calif.
Bill was a fourth generation rancher in Surprise Valley, where he ranched on the Barber Ranch, Cottonwood Ranch and Allen Ranch, where he and Betty lived. He was a cattleman and a buckaroo, and active in the Cattlemen's Association, the Farm Bureau and the Federal Land Bank. Graveside services were held Friday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Eagleville Cemetery, with fellowship at the Eagleville Grange Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity of the donor's choice.
Ruth M. Cantrall Royce
Beloved Mother and Grandmother, Ruth Molinda Cantrall Royce, born May 16, 1910, to Thomas Icabod and Harriet Barbara Morgan Cantrall, passed away at the age of 93, on March 18, 2004 in Alturas, Calif.
Ruth was born at home at her parent's ranch on Cedar Pass, Calif. She attended school in Cedarville at the Alpine School, which was also a church. At the age of 16, she met and married her husband Joseph Herman David Royce. They were married on October 9, 1926. Joe and Ruth moved to Alturas where they both spent the rest of their lives.
Ruth worked as a maid and waitress at the Niles Hotel from the early days of the Depression until sometime in the 1970s. During the Depression, a sign was posted close to their home, which stated "If you are hungry, go to the white house, and they will feed you." People passing through would come to the Royce house, and Ruth would feed them. Sometimes it would only be a sandwich and a cup of coffee, but no one was ever turned away. Through the years, this has held true. If anyone went to "Grandma Ruth's" house, she wouldn't let them leave until she had fed them.
Ruth loved working in her yard and spending time with her daughter, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Ruth's last days were spent at the Modoc Medical Center Skilled Nursing Facility in Alturas, Calif. All the nurses and staff called her Grandma. She was such an inspiring woman that she captured the hearts of all who knew her. She was a strong and caring woman and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Ruth is survived by her daughter Pauline Josephine Royce Lloyd of Alturas; grandchildren David and Diana Lloyd, Alturas; Barbara and Danny Baker, Alturas; Daisy and Bob Schwyhart, Red Bluff; Sharon and Gordon Rouse, Alturas; Janis Rouse, Mineral Wells, Texas; Jimmy and Lori Lloyd, Alturas; Delinda Gover, Alturas; Calvin and Debbie Lloyd, Alturas; Brenda and Rick Johnson, Alturas; 18 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father Thomas Icabod Cantrall; mother Harriet Barbara Morgan Cantrall; son Herman Leldon Cantrall; husband Joseph Herman David Royce; four brothers Henry, Elmer, William and Johnnie and one sister, Martha.
Pastor Jerry Chilson conducted services at the Cedarville Cemetery on Tuesday, March 23 at 2 p.m.
Alfreida C. Dwyer
Alfreida Clare Dwyer, 68, passed away peacefully at Merle West Medical Center, Klamath Falls, Oregon, on March 22, 2004, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
She was surrounded by her children and loved ones, when the quiet end came.
Alfreida was a most loved and loving mother, a Christian and a homemaker. She will be missed by her family and friends. A woman with a quiet demeanor, she was a private person and was kept busy with raising her family through the years.
She is survived by brothers Ed and Raymond Allen of Alturas, CA.; her children Dan Dwyer of Everett, Washington, Debra McGuire of Stockton, CA., Diane Marcuerquiaga of Modesto, CA., Dawn Dwyer of Issaquah, Washington, Dennis Dwyer of Alturas, CA., Doug Dwyer of Hillsboro, OR.; four grandchildren, Brian McGuire, Melissa Redding, Cody Helgerson and Jessica Dyer and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Caitlin.
Alfreida's greatest joys were her grandchildren. She was especially close with granddaughter Jessica Dwyer of Alturas, with whom she shared a deep bond. She also leaves behind loved ones, Mike McGuire and Barb Rush, Steve Helgerson, in addition to Alfreida's many nieces and nephews, whose children also had a warm place in her heart.
Alfreida was born to Rollen and Elvira Allen on November 1, 1935, in Alturas, CA. She was the first of five children. Although she was born and reared in Modoc, and attended Modoc High, she had lived for a time in Alaska and Nevada. She had returned 28 years ago, to make Alturas her home.
At Alfreida's request, a graveside service at the Alturas Cemetery will be conducted by Pastor Curtis Barber at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 27. A potlach gathering (potluck) will follow at the Alturas City Park. Kerr Mortuary of Alturas is handling arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to the Hugh Currin House of Merle West at 2610 Uhrmann Rd., Klamath Falls, OR. 97601.
Chester 'Chet' O'dell Tice
Private services were held on Friday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. Norman Forrest.
Mr. Tice, of Alturas, CA., passed away at the age of 62, March 13, 2004, at Washoe Medical in Reno, Nev.
Born January 29, 1942, in Hanford, CA., "Chet" came to Modoc around 1969 to work and raise a family. He was drawn to Modoc County, where he loved to hunt, fish and camp. He loved the mountains, the nature of the people, and the relaxed way of living in Modoc.
He was preceded in death by his first son Marcus Allen Tice; a second son Michael G. Tice, who left him a grandson Justin Tice of Klamath Falls, Ore.; his parents Houston and Ruby Tice of Brownsville, CA.
Mr. Tice is survived by daughter Debbie (Deborah) McNeal of Pendleton, Ore., granddaughter Jennifer Davis, great-grandsons Collin Timothy and Tyler Dean, of Pendleton, Ore., granddaughter Kristi Irene Herinckx, stationed with U.S. Navy in Japan, great-granddaughter Bailey Jewel, second daughter Rhonda Williams Moore and granddaughters Brooke E. Williams and Ashley T. Moore of Boise, Idaho, third daughter Sherri L. Tice, grandson Robert Tice, granddaughters Marie A. Budmark, all of Alturas, CA.; brothers Hubert Tice of Mississippi, Jerry Tice of Nevada, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Charles (Carlos) Ramos
Former Alturas resident, Charlie Ramos, passed away accidentally on March 12, 2004, in Penfield, New York. Charlie and his family had relocated there in 2000, after his retirement as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor for Modoc County, a position in which he served in for 20 years. Charlie was born July 17, 1938, in Oxnard, CA., to Salvador Amado Ramos and Marina Espinosa Ramos. He grew up in Southern California, and following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving for eight years in Texas, California, Washington, Frankfort, Germany, and Puerto Rico. After military service, Charlie worked in Southern California.
He earned an AA degree from Shasta College and studied counseling at UC Davis. He served as a substance abuse counselor in Red Bluff, CA.
In 1980, Charlie came to Alturas, CA. to serve as the Substance Abuse Counselor for Modoc County Alcohol and Drug Services. He received his certification in Chemical Dependency Counseling from California State University, Sacramento. He also was certified as a counselor, group facilitator, group educator and program administrator by the California Association of Drinking Driver Programs.
Although hard of hearing, Charlie was a great listener and possessed a large reservoir of wisdom for anyone who sought his advice. Being a recovering alcoholic himself, with over 32 years of sobriety, he understood the difficulties of achieving and maintaining sobriety. Charlie began the Brownbagger's AA group, which still continues to meet today.
Charlie served as a youth minister at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Alturas, and enjoyed cooking Mother's Day breakfasts with the teens and organizing camping trips, as well as teaching. A favorite story is when one of the teens caught him on the chin with a fishing hook, and he had to go to the local hospital to have it removed. He was the subject of many "catch of the day" jokes from the hospital staff.
Charlie had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and wood cutting for recreation. In recent years, although blind, he still enjoyed fishing and boat rides with his family on Lake Ontario. Even in failing health, Charlie never lost his enthusiasm for life.
Charlie leaves his wife, Eileen Drechsler Ramos, and daughters, Laura, Zulet and Marina Ramos, all of Penfield, New York; sons Richard Ramos and wife Lisa of Orlando, Florida; Charles Ramos of Colorado; Jerry Ramos of New Hampshire; his sisters and brothers: Mary and Russell Baker of Oxnard, CA.; Rachel and Manuel Larralde of Paso Robles, CA.; William and Miriam Ramos, Raul and Ruth Ramos of Lake Forest, CA.; Henry and Monti Ramos of Canyon Lake, CA.; Amato Ramos, and Louis and Anita Ramos of Ventura, CA. He is also survived by three grandchildren, 17 nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass was held at St. Louis Church in Pittsford, NewYork on March 15. Burial was in Pittsford, N.Y. Contributions in his memory may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH. 44720; the National Kidney Foundation, 3300 Monroe Ave., Rochester, N.Y. 14618; St. Louis Church Memorial Fund, 64 South Main Street, Pittsford, N.Y. 14534; or to Sacred Hearth Catholic Church, Alturas, CA. 96101. Charlie was a strong and humble person with deep faith and wisdom. His favorite prayer was The Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to change the things that I can; accept the things I cannot change; and the wisdom to know the difference."
He is greatly loved and missed by all those who knew him and hold on to rich and loving memories of Charlie.
As his brother, Henry, says: "He came to serve, and serve he did."
Hazel Dell Wertz
Services for Hazel Dell Wertz, 95, of Day, CA. will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Day Community Hall. A potluck will follow services. The Rev. Don Canright will officiate. Arrangements are being handled by Allen and Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding.
Burial will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in McArthur.
Mrs. Wertz died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Shasta Healthcare in Redding. Born May 4, 1908, in Lookout, she was a lifelong resident of Shasta and Modoc Counties. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include daughter Nola Shoup of Ono, Evelyn McArthur of McArthur, and Audrey Barber of Yreka; sister Nettie Hendrix of Day; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Fort Crook Historical Society, P.O. Box 397, Fall River Mills, CA. 96028.
Sports
Modoc opens league with Weed sweep
Modoc opened the Shasta Cascade League baseball loop by sweeping a weak Weed Cougars team 14-1 and 17-3. They travel to Etna March 26 for another league double-header
The doublebill will be Etna's SCL opening series. The Braves expect a tougher game than the Weed opener. Modoc has to travel to Etna. In Weed, the Braves had little trouble. In the opening game they scored one in the second, nine in the third, and four in the fifth, while Weed scored just one in the fourth
Travis Potter got the win, allowing just three hits and striking out seven. Leading hitters for the Braves were Marty Stevens with three, including a double and home run, Rich Culp had three and Joey Catania had a pair. In the second game, Modoc scored one in the second, two in the fourth, one in the fifth, three in the sixth and 10 in the seventh. Weed scored three in the third
Kyle Madison went three innings on the mound striking out eight and not allowing a run. Adam Server went three, allowing three runs and stuck out six. Leading hitters were Server with four hits, including two home runs, Potter had three hits, including two doubles, Catania added three hits with a double and Culp had two hits
Modoc got beat 9-0 by a solid Henley team March 17. Henley scored three in the second, two in the third, one in the fourth and three in the sixth. Henley held Modoc to just four hits, while 16 Braves struck out. Getting one hit each were Stevens, Culp, Catania and Potter
Modoc is now 4-4 on the season and 2-0 in the SCL. They meet Lost River here March 30 and Trinity comes to visit April 2.
Modoc spits in SCL opener with Weed
Modoc's Braves split a double-bill in the Shasta Cascade League softball opener against Weed Friday. They travel to Etna March 26.
The Braves blasted the Cougars 19-6 in the first game, collecting 22 hits along the way. Modoc scored six in the first, two in the second, four in the third, two in the fourth and five in the fifth for the win.
Allison Campagna led the hitting with four, Kristen Taylor, Rose Wingate and Jessica Correa each had three, Megan Thompson, Brittany Berchtold and Emily Pence had two each.
Taylor got the win, giving up just seven hits.
In the second game, Modoc went up 3-2 in the first, and led 4-2 in the second. Weed exploded for seven runs in the third to go up 9-4. Modoc fought back to tie it with one in the fourth, two in the six and two in the seventh. Weed countered with one run in the bottom of the seventh for the win. Pence had four hits while Campagna and Amy Ridgway had three each, and Taylor had two.
Eppler fires 79 in SCL golf opener
Modoc's golf team placed fourth overall in a Shasta Cascade League match, March 18, at Eagle Point Golf Course in Medford
Micah Eppler shot a 79, which tied him for the best round of the day. Modoc's team score was 239 on the front nine and 251 on the back nine. Brian Weed shot a 94 for ninth, Rose Montague and Taylor Dunn shot 103, Dustin Oates shot 111 and Keith Montague shot 121.
Fall River shot 246 on the front nine and 233 on the back, Mt. Shasta shot 236 on the front and 239 on the back and Weed shot 250 on both.
The SCL plays two nine-hole matches counting the best five of six scores per nine holes.
Modoc meets Burney and Trinity March 25 at the Mt. Shasta Resort in Mt. Shasta with play beginning at 12 noon.
Local youths do well in wrestling invite
There were 47 young wrestlers from Modoc who participated in the 11th annual Modoc Youth Wrestling Tournament in the Griswold Gym Saturday, and they all did quite well.
According to Modoc Coach Shaun Wood, there were hundreds of wrestlers in the event, which had kids from all over the region. Modoc's youth team travels to Tulelake this weekend. Wood is also taking Jason Jones, Justin Estes, andTravis, Tyler and Josh Wood to the huge Reno World of Wrestling Tournament. That tourney draws the top wrestlers from all 50 states.
Former Modoc High School Wrestler Blake Wilson, 197 pounds, wrestled in the NCAA Division 2 national finals for Western Colorado and went 1-2, coming off an injury.
Another former Modoc High grappler, Robert Flournoy, 157 pounds, wrestling for San Diego State, went 3-2 in the NCWA Nationals in Dallas. Local wrestlers who did well in Saturday's tourney were as follows; First places, Jarrett Royce, Duncan Hansen, Kris Carrithers, Stone Mocilac, Joshua Fletcher, Tyler Ewing, Troy Culp, Jacob Starkel, Brennden McTyre, Jess Picotte, Alex Valencia, Dustin Barlese, Justin Estes, Brandon Veverka, Josh Wood (2), and Neil Mohr.
Second places went to: Kyle Voth, Dustin Barlese, Matt Mayes, Justin Estes, Tyler Wood, Miguel Torres (2), Riley Larranaga, and Patrick Bell. Taking third places were: Alex Valencia, Kyle Voth, Trent Wishart, Gabe Fletcher, Tyler Wood, Kyle Fletcher, Wyatt Valena (2), Drew Culp, Riley Larranaga, Patrick Bell, Travis Northrup, and Devin Fieguth.
Fourth Places were to: Jarrett Royce, Josh Padgett, Gabe Fletcher, Ben Starkel, Rob Bartram, Brandon Veverka, Clark Mocilac, Brian Northrup, Blake Williams, Wesley Williams, Justin Valena and Dustin Rosenthal. Taking fifth paces were: Adam Pence, and Wyatt McIntyre. Sixth places went to Austin Kresge and Jessie Holloway. Felicia Torres took seventh while Brett Moore and Ian Berner took eighths.
Hunter Safety course now requires form for minors
A California Hunter Safety Training, certified by the Department of Fish and Game, State of California, will be sponsored by the Alturas Elks Lodge 1756, for anyone who plans to obtain a hunting license.
The classes are scheduled for three nights, April 13, 15 and 16, and begin at 6 p.m. in the Alturas Elks Lodge, 619 North Main St., Alturas. Participants must attend all three nights to receive credit for the course, which is required for a first time California hunting license.
A donation of $3 will be accepted to help cover the cost of course materials. Newly-required this year, is a permission certificate for minors, to be signed by a parental/legal guardian, prior to the minor's participation in the course. The form allows the Hunter Safety Training Instructors to furnish a firearm to the minor for the purpose of instructing him in the safe handling of firearms and safe shooting.
Pre-registration and the consent form will be available from Sports Hut in Alturas or at the Elks Lodge on the first night of class. Anyone up to age 18 must have the form signed by the parent/guardian, prior to the start of the class.
Another Hunter Safety Training session will be offered May 18, 20 and 21 at the Elks Lodge, Alturas. Pre-register or gain further information at the Sports Hut, Main St., Alturas.
News
Skaters may be banned from park after vandalism
Skate boarders and skaters may be banned from using Alturas Memorial Park, the result of about $25,000 to $30,000 damage over the past several months.
According to Modoc County Public Works Department's Rick Hironymous, the damage is continuing and the lack of respect shown by the suspect group will put the issue to the Board of Supervisors to pass an ordinance prohibiting their activities at the park.
The list of damages is incredible. And the County has had enough. According to Hironymous, the following vandalism has occurred: 13 picnic tables destroyed; fires set at numerous places; six newly planted trees destroyed and others damaged; about 50 sprinkler heads broken; destruction of rock walls, 30 rose bushes, Vets monument, the kiddy yard apparatus and fence; sprayed graffiti all over; broke locks off breaker boxes, glass off meters and broke 28 outlets twice; stole lumber and equipment from the shop; tore down signs; destroyed garbage cans and lids; spread feces on the floors, walls and ceilings of the restrooms; plugged toilets and sinks to flood floors; hung on basketball hoops until they broke; and have no respect for others using the park as evidenced by their music, language and actions.
Hironynous said the issue just kept getting worse and something has to be done.
Grassroots effort to save local taxes
The perceived chaos engendered in the present state budget crisis has spawned a grassroots initiative to halt the state government's historical practice of appropriating local taxes to supplement the state's expenditures. A group calling themselves "Californians to Protect Local Taxpayers and Public Safety" has begun a campaign to place an initiative on the November ballot that would serve to insulate local city and county budgets from state budgetary considerations.
"It puts the voters in charge of deciding whether the state politicians can continue to take local tax money to fund state services instead of leaving them at the community level for local services," explains Chris McKenzie, executive director for the League of California Cities, one of several grassroots organizations pressing for the initiative.
Historically, the state has dipped into cities' and counties' revenues to offset shortfalls in the state's budget, leaving local officials with the unpleasant task of cutting back services or raising taxes for things such as police, fire and emergency medical services, as well as public health care, roads, parks, libraries and utilities delivery.
McKenzie notes that the state is projected to take $5.2 billion from local revenue this year, though Governor Schwarzenegger's proposal may push that to as much as $6.5 billion.
"The legislature has shown no willingness to limit how big they want to grow state government at the expense of community services," notes McKenzie. "City, county and special district officials have been frustrated with this system for over twelve years since the state started doing it. We got so fed up that we started doing the research about three years ago, and we ultimately developed this measure."
George Andreasen, the mayor of Alturas said the City Council recently sent a letter of support for the initiative to the League of California Cities. "We realize that these are hard times, budget wise, and we all have to bite the bullet, so to speak," says Andreasen. "But, there are other ways, for sure, besides taking away funds that are so desperately needed."
"What we set out to do as a group was to put a measure on the ballot. That's what we're now circulating the petition for," says Jim Chapman, a Lassen County supervisor who has over 20 years of experience with this problem. "You'll be seeing a number of communities throughout the state working aggressively to get the 600,000 signatures we need to qualify it for the November ballot. We have a mid-April deadline right now."
At present, the issue seems to be dividing elected officials largely along party lines with Democrats opposing the measure while Republicans support it
"We're É basically at the political whim of Sacramento," Chapman explains. "Regardless of which party is in control and who the personalities are, this has been the reality of the last 25 years."
Opponents of the measure assert that it will force tax increases and reduce funding to education and other state programs. They call it "ballot box budgeting," since under its provisions voters must approve any state appropriation of local funds
Chapman takes issue with that view, insisting, that current state practices are just thatÑballot box budgeting. "Everybody and their brother have gone to the voters at one time or another and have sliced off their piece of the pieÉ at our expense. É Basically, there's nothing left. What we're saying is that we want our part back. Leave us alone. What we want to do is take the local government's core services and cut them out of the state budget altogether. We have no business being part of the state budget in that respect."
Local officials in charge of law enforcement and firefighting seem generally supportive of the initiative
"We've been waiting to see the language that's actually going to be in the ballot measure," says Modoc County Sheriff, Bruce Mix, who is also president of the California Sheriff's Association. "We're supportive of the idea and the concept, but we want to see what the actual language is going be."
Robert May, a fire chief of the Burney fire protection district that strongly supports the initiative, has some advice for area residents. "If they see somebody with a petition, locally, we need to support it so it gets on ballot in November."
Laying out his reasoning, May adds, "What the legislature has done for years is balance the state budget on the backs of local governments, cities, counties and special districts. In the last ten years we've lost over $350,000 in local tax money being shifted to the state."
McKenzie summarizes the initiative for voters, saying, "The services that they rely on day in and day out to keep them safe, to protect their property and to maintain a good quality of life in their communities are at risk unless this measure is passed."
"Just like the guy in the movie 'Network,' screaming out, 'We're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore,'" Chapman notes, "the voters have made it real clear: They don't want taxes being raised. So, if they have a shortfall at the state level, then they need to be responsible and É reduce their expenditures."
The initiative also provides a means for local government to ignore unfunded state mandatesÑthose programs imposed on local governments by the state that come with no fundingÑwhich will relieve local governments of additional financial burdens.
For more information about this initiative, go to www.protectlocalservices.com.
Burn barrels not permitted in city
Burn barrels are no longer permitted in the city of Alturas for the disposal of waste, effective immediately.
Alturas Fire Marshal Joe Watters said there was some confusion generated over last week's article relating to open burning in the city. He's out to help residents comply with the new California Air Resources Board regulations.
"Only natural vegetation such as cut dry grass, cut brush, cut weeds, leaves and tree trimmings no larger than two inches in diameter and untreated lumber can be burned," said Watters. "Burn piles shall be no larger than four feet in diameter."
Watters stressed emphatically that burning treated lumber and plastics, among other items, is strictly prohibited.
Burning hours are restricted to 6 a.m. to 12 noon, and burn permits will be required as of May 1 through December 1. Residents may call the Alturas Fire Department at 233-4500 for more information.
Green Eggs and Long Legs: The Sandhill Crane Story
By Lynda Demsher
Special to The Record
Spring in Modoc County may be short on blossoms and long on bluster, but even if snow blows sideways and icicles hang long off the barn, it's spring when the Sandhills arrive, according to local ranchers.
Skirring in from hundreds of miles away, the proud crimson-hatted lords and ladies of bird land settle in and around the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge near Alturas to begin another cycle of birth and migration.
Where do they come from? Why are they here? The shadowy cranes, lofty and mysterious as they breeze by overhead or stalk through sagebrush on long, slender legs, leave many unanswered questions in the minds of their observers. That's why the Refuge, along with the River Center in Alturas, is holding a special event to help answer those questions.
Green Eggs and Long Legs: The Sandhill Crane Story, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 3, at the Refuge. For the first half hour or so, Wildlife Biologist Shannon Ludwig will tell the story of the Sandhills, talk about the Refuge's efforts to band and keep track of the birds, then answer questions from those attending. The question answering will continue during a walking (or driving) tour of the refuge where Ludwig will guide participants to particularly good places to watch the cranes.
With a bit of patience, participants may get to see the oldest crane recorded on the refuge, a real survivor, who is 19 years old. Cranes have a life expectancy of about 20 years, Ludwig said, so it will be interesting to see how many seasons he'll return.
"The refuge started banding in 1984 and this bird is wearing a 1985 band," Ludwig said.
The old crane and his companions in Modoc are called Greater Sandhills because there are other, smaller varieties also hitting the flyways through the United States. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish the varieties from a distance, Ludwig said, although few of the lesser cranes stop off here.
This time of year, Sandhills are busy nesting on the refuge, re-claiming territory left last fall when they migrated to a milder climate in the Sacramento Valley. If a young pair comes in and tries to settle on already-claimed land, they are run off like unwelcome squatters, Ludwig said. The birds are very territorial, and a pair can claim, as their private reserve, 100 to 200 acres. With about 40-60 nesting pairs on the refuge, that means a lot of space is needed for the birds.
There are more nesting pairs outside the refuge in Modoc County as well, with some living in the hayed or grazed land of ranchers in the area, and others in irrigated meadows. The cranes love Modoc because practices here provide ideal habitat, Ludwig said.
"That's just one example where agriculture helps our wildlife here," he added.
Other nesting pairs have been spotted on Devil's Garden, and Ash Creek National Wildlife Refuge hosts many of the stately birds. There are also Sandhills in Surprise Valley, where "we hope to do some research this year and get a better feel for what's there," said Ludwig.
Although other refuges along the flyway may have larger numbers of nesting pairs, Ludwig says, "we fledge out more here." That means there are more colts, as the baby Sandhills are called, who survive to migrate with their parents in the fall. Ludwig will go into the reasons for that during his program.
Spotting scopes will be set up on the tour route during the crane event, and there is a good chance participants will be able to see some of the nesting pairs.
"The birds here are pretty well habituated to being observed; that doesn't seem to bother them unless people get too close," Ludwig said.
It is advised though, for participants to bring binoculars, cameras, preferably with telescope lenses, and wear comfortable shoes if walking around the tour route. The walking tour will be about a quarter of a mile and refreshments will be provided. The program is being offered free, as a public informational service, by the Refuge and the River Center.
Modoc Drug Task force reports arrests
The Modoc County Interagency Narcotics Task Force has been busy and has several reports covering recent activity.
On March 22 and March 23, agents were called to Modoc High School to interview and investigate two separate juveniles who were found to be in possession of marijuana. The juveniles were turned over to the school resource officer for further proceedings.
Over the past six months, Task Force agents conducted an undercover operation involving the purchase of methamphetamine and marijuana involving four suspects.
That investigation culminated in the arrest of Michael Godfrey, 34, of Alturas, and Christopher Banister, 21, of Alturas alleging sales of methamphetamine. Warrants have also been issued for the arrest of Larry Holdaway, 21, Alturas, and Ricardo Quesada, 21, Alturas. Those two have fled the area. The case has been turned over to the Modoc County District Attorney's office.
In mid-February, Task Force agents, with assistance from Cal Met (Multi-jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team), Modoc Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol and Siskiyou County Narcotic Task Force, executed three search warrants in the Tulelake-Newell area. One warrant was in the city of Tulelake and two in rural Modoc County, located on County Road 106 and 107A.
Leonardo Martinez Castenada was arrested near his residence in Modoc County and charged with possession of methamphetamine. Veronica K. Holder was arrested at her County Road 107A residence alleging possession of methamphetamine for sale. Not present at the time, but later charged was Barry D. Eldredge. He was charged with possession of methamphetamines for sale and felon in possession of a firearm. Eldredge remains a fugitive. The case has been forwarded to the Modoc County DA. That case was the culmination of an undercover operation.
Illegal ferrets seized from Alturas owners
The Alturas Animal Control Officer has encountered several cases where residents are keeping ferrets as pets, which is illegal in California. According to Jerry Shea, one ferret was caught outside, on its own and another was turned over to a local animal person after it had been lost. Two other pet owners were advised that keeping a ferret was against the law and they moved their ferrets back out of state. The other two ferrets were euthanized, as is required by state law.
Shea explains that ferrets are legally kept in Nevada and Oregon, so some people don't realize it is illegal to possess them in California.
"I'm trying to get the word out," said Shea. "It appears we're having more of these incidents, and we just want to make sure people are aware of the law."
The penalty for possessing a ferret is not less than $500 or more than $10,000 per violation.
Classes of '68-'69 holding reunion
The Modoc High School Class of 1969 will be joined by the Class of 1968 for a 35 and 36 year reunion at the Brass Rail July 3.
The reunion, organized by Lester and Chris Porter of Alturas will start with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing. The price is $25, which includes dinner, tax, tip and the band.
The classes are still looking for addresses, especially of those people who may have moved since the last reunion. Class of '68 may contact Mary Busby at 233-4068 or Rick Holloway at 233-2632. For the '69 class, the Porters can be reached at 233-3762 or 233-6245.
Obituaries:
Mary P. Young
Mary P. Young passed away March 24, 2004, in Alturas, Calif., at the age of 100 years.
Born January 5, 1904, in Green County, Wisconsin, Mary's parents were Martin Cook and Margaret Dunphy Croak. Mary grew up on the family farm with three brothers and five sisters. Her education began in the local county school, and after high school she attended the Lyceum Arts Academy in Chicago, where she studied acting.
After graduation she joined the Ellison-White Company of the Chautauqua play circuits. There she met G. Guy Young, a company director on the seven-day circuit. In 1928 the two married in San Jose, CA. Live theatre was no longer thriving after the advent of the "talkies," so Mr. Young went into the insurance business and came to Alturas in 1930 as an agent. Originally planning to stay for just one year, they remained 74 years. G. Guy and Mary worked together in the insurance business until his death in 1965. Mary was the last surviving charter member of the Alturas Garden Club, of which she was also a past president. She was deeply involved in the negotiations with the Southern Pacific for the purchase of the Whistle Stop station as a meeting place, as well as the land for the Alturas Garden Club, whose meetings continue there to this day.
The Alturas Cemetery District was another focus of Mrs. Young's energies from 1950 to 2001. Much of the current landscaping configuration of the cemetery is a result of her input.
Mary is survived by her son, Superior Court Judge Guy Martin Young and wife Gloria, of Alturas, CA.; daughter, Mary Colleen Lowe and husband Maurice of Taos, New Mexico; five grandchildren: Margaret and Michael Goben, of Sparks, NV.; Marilyn and Robert Baker, of Janesville, CA.; Janet and Michael Server, of Alturas, CA.; Lisa and Dennis Reed Jr., of Alturas, CA.; and Nathaniel and Denise Lowe, of New York, N.Y. There are nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter and an infant great-granddaughter.
Mary had always cared deeply for the people and the history of Modoc County and felt herself blessed to have lived here.
Services were conducted by the Rev. Patrick Henry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas on Wednesday, March 31 at 10 a.m. Interment followed at the Alturas Cemetery.
Remembrances may be directed to the Alturas Garden Club, Alturas, CA 96101.
Ila Morine Wistos
Ila Morine Wistos, a long-time supportive community volunteer and Modoc resident, passed away March 29, 2004, in Redding, Calif. at the age of 84. Born Ila M. Colton on September 18, 1919 in Kimball, Nebraska, she had three sisters and one brother. Ila moved to New Pine Creek in 1928 and had been a Modoc County resident since 1933. She graduated from elementary school in Alturas and Modoc Union High School
During World War II, she worked in Washington for Boeing Aircraft as a riveter.
She returned to Modoc and spent many years as a steam presser for Clint Old's Dry Cleaning. She and Stephen Wistos were married in Reno, Nevada on November 11, 1950, and during their 50 years together, Ila enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking and hunting (mostly arrowheads) with him and the family. Their extensive arrowhead collection is displayed at the Modoc County Museum. Ila was a supportive and active B.P.O.E. Elk's wife and assisted with Elks Lodge functions. She volunteered to work for many years at the Irwin Memorial Blood Drives in Alturas, when the Alturas Elks Lodge 1756 sponsored the community blood drives. An excellent cook, immaculate housekeeper, and seamstress, she was also a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Alturas.
She is survived by her son John Wistos and daughter-in-law Louisa of Alturas, CA.; her daughter Gee-Gee Taylor of Redding; brother Eugene Colton and sister-in-law Maryann of Condon, OR.; sister Letha Morley, Alturas, CA.; granddaughters Brenda Anderson, Sandy, OR., Tammy Strickland, Severn, MD, ReneŽ Clark, The Woodlands, Texas; great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Ila's husband preceded her in death on April 10, 2000. At Ila's request, there will be no services. The family requests any donations be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice. Interment was at Alturas Cemetery.
Sera Rico Taylor
Sera Rico Taylor, 83, a long time resident of Modoc County, who lived over 40 years on her ranch south of Cedarville in Surprise Valley, passed away of natural causes on March 20, 2004.
A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Charles May on Saturday, April 3, 2004 at 3 p.m. at Living Water Fellowship Church, 481 Main Street, in Cedarville. A fellowship gathering and dessert will follow at the church after the graveside burial in Cedarville.
Sera was born on February 15, 1921, in San Jose, CA. to Guadalupe and Isabel Rico.
During World War II, she drove a bus to and from Treasure Island in San Francisco. Later, after buying the ranch and moving to Surprise Valley, Sera and her husband, Bill Taylor, adopted three children, Melvin, Sandy and Terry. Much later, Sera raised two of her grandchildren, bringing to her ranch: Christy, age 2 from a foster home in North Carolina, and Brent from Arizona.
Sera enjoyed sheep, rabbits, chickens, and peacocks, and sold eggs, lambs, and rabbits locally. Sera was also an earnest gardener. During one of her last times to enter produce in the "Modoc Last Frontier Fair," the Modoc Record published a feature article about her because she had over 400 entries that year. Sera enjoyed fishing and had a sign under her homemade mail box, selling worms. When the Cedarville Farmers' Market began, her home-made enchiladas and ice cream cones were popular favorites among customers.
In 1974, Sera traveled with friends, Elaine and Shirley Lee, to attend a Basic Youth Conflicts Seminar in Portland, OR. and the World's Fair in Spokane, WA. At age 60 she went on an eight-day "Survival Backpack For Women Who Feel Over 30" out of Christian Encounter Ministries Ranch, belaying and rappelling on a major cliff successfully. Another memorable trip for her was a flight with Christy to San Diego for Brent's graduation from the Marine Corps Boot Camp. Later she traveled with friend Jeanne Emerson to Jeanne's family reunion in Sequim Bay State Park, WA. She thoroughly enjoyed weekly visiting, witnessing and praying with residents in long-term care in Alturas and Cedarville, and took great joy in telling them about Jesus. She especially loved her church--Living Water Fellowship and all her church family.
Sera is survived by her son Melvin Taylor of Palo Alto; granddaughter Chris (Christy) Bailey and Christy's husband Stuart of Quincy, CA.; great grandchildren, Timothy, 11 years, Jonathon, 10 years, Elizabeth, seven years; her daughter Sandy in New Mexico with three grandchildren; and her son Terry Taylor, whose whereabouts are unknown. She is also survived by her younger sister, Agnes Boulade of Alturas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by an older sister and brother, and by her grandson Brent. Memorial donations may be made to Living Water Fellowship Church, P.O. Box 447, Cedarville, CA. 96104, or to Christian Encounter Ministries, P.O. Box 1022, Grass Valley, CA. 95945.
Benjamin Calvin Casad
Benjamin C. Casad, 80, died at his residence in Tulelake, CA. on Friday, March 26, 2004, after a long battle with cancer. He is at peace and pain free with his Lord.
Memorial services were held at the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds Home Economics Building, in Tulelake, CA. on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Gary Jones officiating. Davenport's Funeral Home of Klamath Falls was in charge of arrangements. There will be no graveside services.
Mr. Casad was born March 22, 1924, in Yakima, Washington to Benjamin Cecil and Dora Leona (Hileman) Casad. He was a 1942 graduate of Bremerton High School. He joined the Army in 1943 and served his country in WWII as radio operator and rifle sharpshooter as Staff Sergeant of the Army's 3187th Signal Service Battalion. He was decorated with the American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal upon his honorable discharge in 1946.
He attended Olympic Jr. College in Bremerton for two years, 1946 and 1947. On September 13, 1947, Mr. Casad became the husband of Roberta McCoard. He continued with his education at the University of Washington, Seattle, 1947-1950, while the couple began their family. Benjamin, Jr. was born in 1948, Robert in 1951, and Steven in 1955. Ben's career in forestry began in 1950, taking the family to various towns in Northern California. In 1970, Tulelake, CA. became the family's home as Ben was stationed there. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 29 years as a ranger and an instructor. He retired as District Ranger in 1979. Ben Casad was active in many organizations and societies throughout the years. He became active as a square dance caller beginning in 1973, calling for Scott Valley, Fall River, and Alturas clubs. Ben and Roberta are best known through the Tule Twirlers Square Dance Club where they were a driving force behind the organization and performed at many regional events.
After his retirement, Ben worked as a station attendant at Dave's Chevron in Tulelake from 1979-1983, and drove the van for the Tulelake Senior Citizen's Nutrition Site from 1984-1986. He was a member of the Lone Pine Lions Club (serving a year as zone chairman), Tulelake Rotary Club, Tulelake Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service, First Aid Instructor, Organization of Professional Employees Department of Agriculture, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, International Association of Square Dance Callers, and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He served as director of the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair Board from 1988-1993, helping especially with the parade, museum and entertainment. In 1994 he was honored with the fair's highest "WFA Blue Ribbon" achievement award.
Survivors include his wife, Roberta; son, Benjamin C. Casad, Jr., of Fallon, NV.; son and daughter-in-law, Steven R. and Molly, of Bend, OR.; son, Robert, of Red Bluff, CA.; granddaughter, Emily and her husband Thomas Sims, of League, TX.; grandson, Timothy Casad, of Salem, OR.; granddaughters Maggie and Allison Casad, of Bend, OR.; brother and sister-in-law Frank and Peggy Casad, of Sequim, WA.
Memorial donations may be made to Klamath Hospice, the American Cancer Society, and Saddle Mountain Christian Camps, c/o Basin Bible Church, 500 Glendale Street, Tulelake, CA. 96134.
Sports
Braves trip up Etna in SCL
Modoc has yet to face the meat of the Shasta Cascade League, but beat the Etna Lions 9-0 and 4-2 Friday night. They face Trinity here Friday. Marty Stevens led the way in Etna, getting a home run in each game. Travis Potter got the win in the opener while Adam Server got the win in the second game.
In the first game, Modoc scored in the first, fourth, fifth and sixth, while Potter held Etna to four hits and no runs. Modoc collected 10 hits in the game.
Stevens and Server homered, with Rich Culp and Server also doubling. Stevens, Server, Danny Randazzo, Cody Widby each had two hits. In the second game, Modoc scored in the first, three times in the third. Etna scored on a home run and double in the second inning. Culp and Randazzo each doubled for the Braves, with Stevens, Joey Catania and Shiloh Pierce each getting two hits.
On Tuesday, Modoc beat Lost River 7-6 and 3-2 on a cold a windy day in Alturas.
The Braves' Rich Culp tied the first game in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run home run and Cody Widby slammed a home run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Braves the win. Modoc was down 5-0 in the fifth. Danny Randazzo got the win, striking out eight and allowing one earned run. Widby was two-for-three, Adam Server was two-for-four and Joey Catania had a pair of runs batted in.
In the second game, Shiloh Pierce got the win, striking out 10 batters and allowing just one earned run and three hits. Leading hitters for Modoc were Catania who was three-for-three and knocked in all the Braves' runs and Marty Stevens who went two-for-three.
Modoc's girls softball team split a twinbill with Etna last weekend, and will face Trinity here April 2.
Modoc lost the opening game 5-3 against Etna, but came back to win the nightcap 9-6. Kristen Taylor pitched both games.
In the opener, Etna scored five runs on seven hits, while Modoc scored three on six hits. Etna led 2-1 after two and Modoc tied it a 3-3 in the third. Etna added one in the fifth and one in the sixth.
Taylor led the hitting with a double and single, while Megan Thompson had a pair of hits.
In the second game, Modoc scored two in the first and two in the third. Etna tied it at 4-4 in the fourth. Etna went up 6-4 in the fourth, but Modoc tied in the fifth and then scored three in the seventh for the win. Modoc had 10 hits in the game and Etna had 11. Taylor, Thompson and Allison Campagna each had doubles, and Emily Pence, Campagna and Thompson had a pair of hits each.
On Tuesday, Henley beat the Braves 15-3 in Henley. Henley scored three in the first, one in the second, four in the third, four in the fourth, three in the fifth. Modoc scored three in the fifth.
Henley's pitcher struck out 13 Braves and allowed six hits. Christine DeLeon led Modoc going two-for-three, while Brittany Berchtold, Taylor, Amy Ridgway and Megan Thompson each had a hit.
Bears trip Braves in league golf match
The Mt. Shasta Bears beat the Modoc Braves golf team last week at Arrowhead Golf Course in Alturas. The match was played in windy and wet conditions. The next match is against Bishop Quinn and Fall River at Mt. Shasta Resort.
As a team, Mt. Shasta shot 444 and Modoc shot 474. Burney fired a round of 526 and Trinity shot 527.
The Bears' Jesse Kasten led all players with an 81, with teammate Jason Hanson shooting an 82. Tyler Eastman shot a 87.
Modoc's Micah Eppler and Taylor Dunn each shot 91. They were followed by D.J. Northrup with a 94, Brian Weed with 100, Keith Montague, Matt Williams with 101 and Ross Montague with a 105.
The leading golfer for Burney was Shane Prigmor with an 84 and Trinity's best round was by Travis Wills with a 97.
April 8, 2004
News
Budget cuts force layoffs in MJUSD
Facing a possible budget shortfall of between $235,000 to $450,000, the Modoc Joint Unified School District is looking at laying off some employees. The issue came to the Board of Trustees at its April 7 meeting. The proposed layoffs include two administrative assistants, a Computer Technician II, and the Operations Director. All layoffs would be impacted on the 2004-05 school year.
Superintendent Doug Squellati said the district is now negotiating with the teachers' union to come to terms on the health benefit package. If they can agree, the shortfall will be in the $235,000 range. If not, it could be higher and closer to the $450,000 total.
Squellati said the issue involves a higher deductible for individuals and family and a co-pay. He said all sides are working towards a solution. "No one likes lay-offs, but we don't have a choice," said Squellati. "We're trying to do this with the least negative impact to the district, while still providing high quality service to the students and community."
Squellati said the classified employees, under the Teamsters Union, have a health contract that's in force through January, 2005. At that time, it too will have to be re-negotiated.
The school district is in the same sort of shape as many local governments, and is relying on the best estimates concerning impacts of the state budget crunch.
While there won't be any teacher layoffs this next school year, the district may not fill be able to fill some open positions.
Squellati also said student enrollment was down this year, and the district is projecting a drop of 34 students for next year, which impacts the overall budget in average daily attendance rate payments.
Lookout man dies in SR299 accident
Edward J. Haas, 66, Lookout, died in a single-vehicle accident Saturday afternoon on State Route 299 near the Day Bench road.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Haas was eastbound at approximately 50 m.p.h. when for unknown reasons he allowed his utility truck to drift onto the right shoulder. He overcorrected sharply to the left, lost control, crossed the westbound lane, went down and embankment and the vehicle overturned onto its top. Haas died at the scene.
Minor injuries were reported by the California Highway Patrol in a single vehicle accident April 3, 4 a.m. on Hilltop Road west of Baldpate Road. The CHP reports that Nathaneal Clevinger, age 25, was driving a 1983 Ford Ranger eastbound on Hilltop at 20 m.p.h. when he lost control. The vehicle left the south edge of the road and overturned. A passenger in the vehicle, Greg Hoover, age 22, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Modoc Medical Center in Alturas. Seatbelt use probably prevented more serious injuries.
There were no injuries in a deer versus pickup accident April 4, 9:45 a.m. on State Route 299 west of the Canby bridge.
According to the CHP, Patricia Ann Gentry, 50, Irvine, Ca., was driving a 2000 Dodge Ram eastbound at approximately 55 m.p.h. when she observed a deer running down an embankment. The deer was moving away from the road, and Gentry slowed but lost sight of the deer. For some reason, the deer turned completely around, headed back to the road and leaped into the driver's side of the pickup. The impact caused damage to the windshield, driver side mirror and side doors.
On April 30, a rollover on SR299 resulted in major damage to a 1988 Mitsubishi pickup, but only minor injuries to the driver, Shanna L. Munyon, 33, Likely.
The CHP reports she was eastbound at approximately 60-65 m.p.h. when she reached down to pick up some groceries that had fallen off the seat. She allowed the pickup to drift off the road, quickly turned back and lost control. The vehicle rolled to its roof and she was able to climb out.
Bird banding a valuable tool in wildlife work
Banding is for the birds at the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, where a staff of five manages over 7,000 acres of habitat for about 76 species of waterfowl, including Canada geese, greater sandhill cranes, migrating ducks and other marsh and upland birds.
"It's just one of those management tools that we utilize," says Shannon Ludwig, wildlife biologist at the refuge, speaking of their banding program. Putting little metal or plastic bands around the legs or necks of birds is a scientific way of designating each individual bird, much like giving each one its own name. No matter where that bird may go, spotters can "read" the color codes or numbers on the tag to identify that specific bird
"The most visible program that we have is the greater sandhill crane banding program. That was established in the early 80s as part of a program to try and track where these greater sandhill cranes were going and what type of habitats they were using," explains Ludwig.
"Our little population of sandhill cranes in this part of the world is extremely productive and a key component of the overall population," adds refuge manager, Steven Clay, a native Californian who has nearly 18 years of service with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Once banded, the birds are easily tracked by wildlife specialists to learn migratory habits and population size as well as sex and species ratios. Some might wonder if the bands interfere with the bird's natural behavior. "They don't affect the bird at all," asserts Ludwig. "On Canada geese, we actually put collars around their neck. They have a series of numbers on them. The same with the cranes, we put bands on their legs."
The cranes are banded when they are young "colts," as they call them. "They have to be the right size to hold those bands, Ludwig notes, adding that the banding is usually done at night using an airboat and leg power to catch them. "We capture most of our young cranes on foot. We're actually running as fast as we can to catch those cranes."
Canada geese, which change their feathers all at once, are easier to catch in the molting season when they are flightless, a period lasting anywhere from two to four weeks during the summer. "We are also banding waterfowl," adds Ludwig, "any of the duck species during that time."
Natural mortality rates among the birds hampers the data gathering process. "That's the real difficult part," says Ludwig. "You might be able to band a bunch of these young birds, but those that actually survive to a fledgling is not a very high percentage."
Clay notes that of the 40 to 60 nesting pairs on the refuge, there are only about 12 successful bandings per yearÑactually an excellent record when compared to the success ratios at other refuges.
Of course, banding is only the beginning of the process. Sighting and reporting the birds over their lifespan is the longer part of the process. Called "band returns" those reports from all over the country go to a Maryland clearing house.
Over the years, considerable information about the birds on the Modoc refuge has been gathered. They found that the cranes winter in the south-central delta region, south of Sacramento. "This particular population of sandhill cranes that breed here will winter down there. We haven't received any band returns beyond those regions," Ludwig says, adding, "They don't do a lot of stopping between here and the central valley." According to the refuge manager, there are about 50 nesting pairs of greater sandhill cranes, or between 100 and 120 birds, that actually breed there.
"We just started a new program last year collaring Canada geese," says Ludwig. "We wanted to find out when and where these breeding populations were going and their local distribution."
What they found surprised them.
Accepted wisdom said that the Modoc refuge geese wintered in Bay Area lakes with others of their species. However, preliminary findings indicate that the 143 Canada geese on the refuge seem to stay put. "Most of our returns are local. These birds are staying within this area throughout the winter, which contradicts what you would have thought based on past banding data," says Ludwig, clearly excited about this development. "So, it's something we're learning. We're going to band another 157, hopefully, this summer É track them, and hopefully get more sightings data É from other areas to put this picture together."
The staff at the refuge is putting together an "Adopt the Pit" program in conjunction with the Alturas Elementary School to give children the opportunity to set up their own project on the refuge. Clay is anxious that the community appreciates the unique and invaluable asset the refuge represents, and wants them to "get a good understanding of what's in their backyard."
Says Clay, "If anyone has an interest in learning about banding or wildlife management, we would very much welcome them to contact us and take part."
Upcoming "get acquainted" programs include a refuge exhibit at the Children's Fair, May 15, the Migratory Bird Festival, August 27-29 and an open house during Refuge Week, October 11-15.
Anderson crowned 'Beef Princess'
Modoc County Cattlemen and CattleWomen crowned Ashley Anderson as the new 2004 Modoc County Beef Princess.
The March 27 competition was held at the Modoc District Fair grounds in Cedarville, where a full house watched the evening unfold.
This year the Cattlemen and CattleWomen had two deserving applicants, Meghan Binning and Ashley Anderson. Both contestants were asked to participate in an evening of personal interviews, and a speech on the topic of how they would address the mad cow problem in the United States, all the while being judged on their personality, appearance, and poise. Both gave the audience an opportunity to learn more about the issue, while enjoying their excellent prime rib dinner prepared by Lynn and Ron Schluter. After the contestants had concluded their speeches, the audience had the chance to see some of the many talents of Modoc residents, Onalea Sweeney with a poem and JoAnn White, Patty Bell, Donna Cooley and Jerry Cooley entertained in three-part harmony "sounding like a group of angels," described some listeners. The "exceptional cowboy poetry" of Leon Flick gave the evening some humor.
As the evening came to a close and the scores were tabulated, the announcement that everyone had been waiting for was given. Ashley Anderson a 16-year-old sophomore at Surprise Valley High School was named as the second young woman to earn the title of Modoc County Beef Princess. Ashley is an active member of 4-H, Junior Show Board, Volleyball team, Cheerleading and Junior Horse Show. She was chosen to represent the Modoc County Cattlemen and CattleWomen, and to promote the Modoc beef industry for the year of 2004. She will attend the Modoc District Fair and Parade, "Ag in the Classroom" day in May, Lakeview County Fair and use her speaking ability to share her knowledge of the beef industry with all whom she meets.
The committee thanks 2003 Modoc County Beef Princess, Nicole Frutuozo for her outstanding performance for the Cattlemen and CattleWomen and for "setting a great example for all the princesses to follow." She was given a $435 scholarship from United Country Stevenson Realty, Plumas Bank, Dean Neer Realty and DJ Ranch, to help her with her future plans at Lassen College.
One hundred-seventy-five guests were served by a "wonderful group of 4-H volunteers." The Modoc County Cattlemen and CattleWomen would like to extend their gratitude to the many 4-H, volunteers, committee members and most of all, the people and businesses which made donations to make the evening a success.
Building moves up slightly
Modoc County building activity remained constant with 15 permits issued, but the value increased to $195,777.
Most of the permits were for minor items and no new homes were included.
The county issued 15 permits for February, valued at $102,330. In January, eight building permits were issued, valued at $183,292.
The City of Alturas issued 13 permits, with an estimated value of $68,730. Most of the projects were also on the small side.
Last month, the city issued seven building permits worth an estimated $10,120.
Ecomonic workshop set for BV
The Big Valley Chamber of Commerce has set a community economic development workshop to explore the possibilities of creating new businesses to revitalize the local economy in the wake of the devastating lumber mill closing in Bieber nearly three years ago.
"I'm inviting everybody that I come across," says Jim Kilcrease, enthusiastically, hoping many area residents respond to his invitation.
The vice president of the chamber and a retired firefighter, Kilcrease points out that they are trying to connect potential businessmen with workable projects to create new jobs and utilize existing local resources. "I want people to come in there and listen to what these folks have to say."
Targeted at "forest resources and economic diversification in Big Valley," the daylong workshop will "explore ideas and project proposals to diversify, modernize and revive the use of forest resources as an important foundation of the area's economy," according to Merle Anderson, a community development consultant hired by the chamber to assist with this project. "The area to be considered in this workshop is the vicinity of Big Valley in Lassen and Modoc Counties including the 'working circle' of the Big Valley Federal Sustained Yield Unit."
"People are rightly concerned with the fact that as their children grow up and graduate from high school, there are no jobs for them here," says Kilcrease of the present employment situation in the valley. "So, they go elsewhere to get jobs."
The morning session will feature guest speakers from economic development programs in rural communities similar to Big Valley and from the U.S. Forest Service. The afternoon will be given over to group discussion of projects, plans and possibilities
The workshop will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building in Bieber on April 22. It is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:00 p.m. A community potluck lunch will also be available.
"I think the main target here is forestry, for right now," says Kilcrease, noting that utilizing natural resources seems the most likely way to go. In addition, he hopes that the workshop will "set a fire under some folks. There are plenty of people around here in the valley already (with) É the talent, the knowledgeÑeven a lot of the equipment needed."
"The most obvious thing," Kilcrease continues, "is the work that the Forest Service would like to do as far as cleaning up and making the forest here in and around the Big Valley less of a fire hazard than it is right now."
As an example of another project that might be viable in this area, Kilcrease explains, "There's an outfit out of Klamath Falls that's going great guns right now by harvesting juniper and making a resalable product out of juniper. They are developing ways to utilize this stuff. They're making (marketable) product out of what used to be just stacked and burned."
Kilcrease, who enjoys the supportive assistance of the boards of supervisors from both Lassen and Modoc counties, stresses that they are looking for entrepreneurs who will take ideas and turn them into viable industries. He cites two examples of present business ventures in the valley, a transmission remanufacturing operation in Adin and a candy maker in Bieber. "There are guys out there that want to go in and do stuff like that. They just aren't really sure how to get it going."
Anderson, who created the action plan for the chamber using a Forest Service grant to explore potential avenues of diversification says, "The workshop will stimulate ideas and encourage project proposals to support revitalization of the local economy and job creation through diversified use and management of forest resources."
For more information contact Jim Kilcrease at 530/949-9458 or Lillian Arnold at 530/294-5700.
Obituaries:
Francis Adrian Roberts, Sr.
Services for respected, long-time Alturas businessman Francis Adrian Roberts, Sr. will be held Friday, April 9, at 12 noon at the Cedarville Cemetery. The Rev. Patrick Henry will conduct the graveside service. Mr. Roberts passed away Saturday, April 3, 2004, in Chico, Calif. He was 86. Born March 22, 1918, in Lakeview, OR., he was the first child of Ollie Verl Thruston Roberts and William Harold Roberts of Cedarville, CA.
His grandparents, Frank Lora Roberts and Bertha Woods Roberts, were early settlers in Cedarville where they owned a small farm, south of town. Adrian spent much of his teen years helping on the farm and attending Surprise Valley High School, from which he graduated in 1937.
He then worked on different ranches, for the Flournoys in Likely, and Jess Stiner in Cedarville. It was there that he met his wife, Marie Dalla Lasta of Dunsmuir, who was teaching at the high school. Adrian worked for Mack Word, hauling freight from Ft. Bidwell to Alturas and back. For a few years he lived in Ft. Bidwell before moving to Alturas, where he worked for Farmers Exchange repairing and delivering machinery.
He worked for the City of Alturas Water Department and Fields Plumbing, before opening his own business in 1957. He operated his business from his house until he purchased the Bowman building on Main Street in 1967. Mr. Roberts was knowledgeable about plumbing and pumps, and often worked long hours to help people with their water problems. He retired after 40 years as owner/operator of A&M Pump and Plumbing in Alturas, and sold the business to his son, Bill Roberts, who worked for his father, helping solve the many problems concerning water and drainage.
He leaves his wife Marie, to whom he was married for 58 years; son Adrian, Jr., his wife Alice, and their daughter Amelia of Chico, CA.; daughter Mary Jeffers, her husband David of Dallas, TX and their son Jim of Norman, OK.; son Bill, his wife Marlene, and their son Brandon and daughter Charlene of Alturas and Chico, CA.; daughter Kathleen Gentry, her husband Dan, and their daughter Andrea of Chico, CA.; brother Arlen and his wife Betty, of Magalia, CA.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Harold, who died at age 40, his mother Ollie and his sister, Kathleen Roberts Ritchey.
Meera Myrl Pratt
Meera Myrl Pratt, age 84, of Roseburg, OR. passed away February 16, 2004 in Roseburg, Oregon.
She was born on July 13, 1919, in Quincy, CA. to Augustus Milton and Mary Myrl (Hunt) Elam with birth weight being 2-1/2 pounds.
Her mother died several days after giving birth, at the age of 23. Meera was adopted and raised by her father's sister and her husband, Gertrude Augustine (Elam) and Leonard C. Remick. Her brother, Edward Milton Elam remained with "Papa Gus" in Eureka, CA.
Meera was born and grew up living at the Plumas County Hospital where her father was manager and her mother was a nurse. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Quincy. Her great-grandfather, Dr. Willard Pratt, founded Prattville, CA., located on the west side of Lake Almanor. She had many adventures with cats, dogs, chickens, riding cows, donkeys, and horses, tap dancing and playing with many children in the water fountain located in front of the hospital. She hiked to the top of Mt. Lassen three different times, the third time being in 1976.
She graduated from Western School of Business in Sacramento. On October 12, 1946, Meera married honorably-discharged WWII Veteran Virgil Pratt of Alturas, CA. He had just graduated from Strutz School of Watch Making in Sacramento, including jewelry design and repair, and later from the Gemological Institute of America, Los Angeles.
Virgil and Meera moved to Redding, CA. and soon to Weaverville, CA. and opened the first of their four stores, Pratt Jewelers. They owned and operated their Alturas store for 14 years. Their largest store was in downtown Nampa, ID, which they operated for five years. Burney, CA. would be the home of their fourth store in 1968, which they sold for retirement in 1977. Next stop for hunting and fishing was Hamilton, MT., back to California, where they settled in Anderson, and moved to Roseburg, OR. in 1999. Upon Virgil's retirement, Meera worked for J.C. Penny and retired from Target in Redding in 1999.
Meera was a member of Order of Eastern Star and VFW Auxiliary, serving as District President. She enjoyed hunting purple bottles and arrowheads, antique shopping, crocheting, family barbecues, ocean and creek fishing, and being the official camp cook on hunting trips. She was full of fun and adventure, always ready to travel, and loved to laugh. The Pratts donated framed pictures of Captain Jack and tribe with arrowhead designs to the Modoc County Museum.
Meera is survived by her devoted husband of over 57 years, Virgil Pratt; daughter Suzanne Myrl Dean who was born in Modoc, grandsons, Ryan and Nathan, granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Sherah (Dean) and Carlos Gonzalez, all of Roseburg, Oregon; daughter and son-in-law Deanne and Michael Regan, granddaughter and great-grandson, Lynne and Sean Carrera, six step- grandchildren with families, all of the Sacramento area; brother and sister-in-law Edward and Maria Elam of Morris Plains, New Jersey; nephews, Robert and Thomas Elam, niece, Suzanne (Elam) Riggio and families; cousins, Elsa (Remick) Odermott of Hamilton, MT.; Jean Keeny and her husband, Albert of Grass Valley, CA.; Jere Hunt and sister, Sidra (Hunt) Pauly of Redding, CA. and families. Other loved ones are Mildred (Pratt) Jones of Cedarville, CA. Felix F. Styler of Salem, OR. John Fisher of Klamath Falls, OR. Edward Dean of Grants Pass, OR. Michael Gilbert of Anderson, CA. Karen Schmidt and Scott Fulton, both of Roseburg, and families. Preceding her are her parents and niece, Lisa Anne Carrera..
A private gathering celebrating her life was held at their home in Wilbur, OR. on February 21, 2004. Memorial contributions may be directed the American Diabetes Association or the Alturas VFW. Condolences may be sent to Meera's husband, Virgil Pratt at 1100 Oak Hill Road, Roseburg, OR 97470, (541) 464-0478. A Pratt Reunion is scheduled for Memorial weekend in Cedarville.
Edward J. Haas
Long-time Modoc County resident Edward J. Haas of Lookout, CA., passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2004. Services will be held at the Adin Community Hall at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9. A complete obituary will be published in next week's Record.
Sports
McMaster breaks '74 MHS shot put record
Scott McMaster took just one meet this year to break the Modoc High School shot put record held since 1974 by Tom Massey at 53-2. McMaster heaved the steel ball 53-7.75 in Lakeview Friday.
The event was Modoc's first taste of action this season. They travel to Mt. Shasta today and head to Redding for the John Frank meet April 17. Freshman Danielle Moriarity won the 1500 meters and the 3000 meters for Modoc. She clocked a 6:17.00 in the 1500 and a 13:49.59 in the 3000.
Scott Joyce picked up two second places for the Braves. He was second in the 1500 meters at 4:38.33 and in the 3000 meters at 10:40.06.
MaxÊWise took a second in the high jump at 5-5, Brad Bell was second in the 200 meters at 23.07, Joyce was second in the 800 meters at 2:33.31 and John Yeier was second in the intermediate hurdles at 51.88.
Third places went to: Grant Hall in the discus at 105-11; Clint Nardoni in the triple jump at 34-3.5 and the 400 meters in 57.88; Matt Wilke in the 100 meters at 12.42; Brandon Anderson in the 800 meters in 3:07.76; Yeier in the 110 high hurdles at 19.6, Bell in the intermediate hurdles in 54.30.
Taking fourth places were: Jake Gray in the discus at 99-8; Nardoni in the high jump at 5-0; Wise in the 400 meters in 58.48; Wilke in the 200 meters in 26.42; Bell in the high hurdles at 20.19; and Len Gladu in the intermediate hurdles at 59.99.
Coming in fifth were: Gray in the shot put at 32-7.25; Gladu in the long jump at 14-2.75; Gladu in the triple jump at 29-2.5; Robert Spedding in the 100 meters in 14.71; Wise in the 200 meters in 27.40.
Sixth places went to Hall in the shot at 32-7; McMaster in the discus at 90-10.5; Morgan Davis in the long jump at 13-1.75; Brett Joyce in the triple jump at 28-2; Joyce in the 100 meters in 14.8; Scott Joyce in the 400 meters in 59.17; and Davis in the 200 at 31.13.
For the girls, Sadie Harrison placed second in the 100 meters in 14.47 and the 400 meters in 1:10.44 and the 200 meters in 32.06.
Jess Gray was second in the 300 meter hurdles in 1:02.50, in the 800 meters at 3:28.21 and the intermediate hurdles in 21.67.
Other Modoc results by event: shot put, Ann Sanchez fifth at 25-0, Kim Crnkovic sixth at 22-3; discus, Sanchez fourth at 80-2, Christina Abbott sixth at 76-2; long jump, Kelly Campagna fourth at 9-7.5, Marielle Nardoni fifth at 9-4; 100 meters, Campagna sixth at 15.43, Helen Jones seventh at 16.56; 400 meters, Gray fourth at 1:20.42, Nardoni fifth at 1:22.78; high hurdles, Abbott third at 22.26, Sanchez fourth at 32,24; 800 meters, Nardoni fourth at 3:38.38, 200 meters Campagna fourth at 33.61, Jones fifth at 35.12.
Braves beat Trinity, Fall River looms
Modoc's Braves beat the Trinity Wolves Friday, 10-4 and 12-10, in a slugfest, and the Shasta Cascade League may be decided when Fall River comes to town April 20.
The Braves are ranked number one in Division III in the North Section and Fall River holds the number one rank for Division IV.
The Braves face Burney today and Fall River faces Mt. Shasta this week. In the opening game, the Braves scored three in the first, added two in the second, three in the fourth, one in the fifth and sixth. Trinity scored once in the first, one in the fourth and two in the sixth. Travis Potter got the win for the Braves, giving up five hits, while striking out 11 and walking just one. Rich Culp, Joey Catania, Shiloh Pierce and Skyler Oates each hit a home run in the first game. Culp and Catania each had a pair of hits. In the second game, Modoc scored two in the first, added two in the fifth, four in the sixth and two in the seventh. Trinity scored in the first, three in the fourth, four in the sixth and tied it at 10-10 in the seventh. In the bottom of the eighth, Marty Stevens was hit by a pitch and Catania came up with a game winning home run.
Culp had two home runs in the second game, while Catania, Potter and Stevens each slammed one. Stevens, Culp and Adam Server had three hits while Potter, Catania and Kyle Madison had a pair of hits.
Several pitchers took the mound in the second game, giving up a total of 15 hits, with Potter on the mound the last two innings for the win.
The Trinity Wolves handed the Modoc girls softball team a pair of losses here Friday afternoon, 5-0 and 9-4. The girls are at Burney today
In the opening game, the Wolves scored one in the third, two in the fourth and one in the fifth. Modoc was held to four hits with Brittany Berchtold getting two
In the second game, Trinity scored five runs in the eighth to beat the Braves. Trinity had opened with a 3-0 first inning lead and Modoc tied it at 3-3 in the fourth, Trinity added a run in the seventh, but Modoc matched it for a 4-4 tie. Trinity then exploded for five in the eighth
Kristen Taylor led the hitting for Modoc, getting two doubles. Allison Campagna and Amy Ridgway each doubled
Jennifer Davis got the loss in both games. She allowed seven hits in the second game after giving up five in the opener.
Bell wrestles tough at High School National finals
Modoc High's heavyweight Cory Bell wrestled very tough at the National High School finals in Cleveland last week, according to assistant coach Tim MacDonnell.
Bell got a couple of tough draws. He faced the number one wrestler in the nation in his opening match, and was pinned in the second round after being the aggressor.
In his second match, he faced the Wyoming state champ, and was leading 6-2 in the third round, before getting pinned.
"Cory was very competitive and they were both good matches," said MacDonnell. "He just made a mistake in the second match, or would have won that one. We were proud of his efforts . . . it was tough."
Big golf match set for Modoc.
Modoc's golf team will have a big match today at Lake Shastina, which could go a long way in determining the playoff picture.
The top three teams in the Shasta Cascade League (Mt. Shasta, Modoc and Weed) will face off for the last time. The top two teams advance to the North Section Small Schools Playoffs. There are only two weeks left in league play. Mt. Shasta is leading the league now, with Modoc in second and Weed nipping at their spikes, one-half match behind.
Last week, Weed improved its standings in a match at Mt. Shasta by finishing ahead of Modoc. Mt. Shasta won with a combined 425, Weed was second with a 461 and Modoc third with a 480. Fall River shot 507, Trinity had a 518, Burney a 535 and Bishop Quinn a 538.
Bishop Quinn's Chris Chitwood won individual honors with a 75 and Mt. Shasta's Tyler Eastman shot 76. Modoc's D.J. Northrup shot an 88. Other scores for Modoc were: Brian Weed 91; Taylor Dunn 92; Ross Montague 103 and Matt Williams 118.
Modoc's Micah Eppler is currently in seventh place individually in the north section with Northrup ninth.
Alturas' Arrowhead Golf Course is hosting the first tournament of the year April 10, with tee-off at 11 a.m.
Entry fee is $15 per player, plus green fees for non-members. The event will be a two-person best ball. Call 233-3404 to sign up or sign up at the clubhouse.
April 15, 2004
News
Layoffs in MJUSD delayed, wait for budget certainty
While layoffs were on last week's Modoc Joint Unified School District agenda, at least two of them have been put on hold by the Board of Trustees pending better budget certainty.
"The superintendent was premature in announcing the layoffs of two administrative aides," said board President Ken Fogle. "We chose not to enact those layoffs last week and want to see the results of negotiations with employees concerning the benefit package."
Fogle said the board discussed the layoffs, which are on the table, but said the board wasn't certain those layoffs would be necessary or wise. Last week, Superintendent Doug Squellati attended a meeting discussing those benefit packages and will report to the board soon.
The MJUSD is facing a possible budget shortfall of between $235,000 to $450,000.
Proposed layoffs of a Computer Technician II, and the Operations Director are probable.
If employee negotiations are fruitful, the shortfall will be in the $235,000 range. If not, it could be higher and closer to the $450,000 total.
The benefit issue involves a higher deductible for individuals and families and a co-pay.
While there won't be any teacher layoffs this next school year, the district may not be able to fill some open positions.
Drought rearing head in Modoc
While most of the west is suffering moderate to severe drought, Modoc is just on the fringes and is in the "abnormally dry" designation of the U.S Drought Monitor.
News from Big Valley Ranger District in its April snow survey indicates the snowpack is tenuous. According to U.S. Forest Service's Ken Romberger, there are 22.4 inches of snow at Sweagart Flat, containing 10.2 inches of water. The average since 1935, is 36.4 inches of snow containing 13.9 inches of water. The current snowpack represents only 73 percent of average.
There was a snow survey taken in the Warners, but the results were not released. They should be out next week.
Only patches for city streets this summer
Alturas Public Works Director Stacy Chase told the City Council Tuesday night that street funds had pretty much dried up for the coming year and not to expect anything other than patching potholes.
"The state has effectively taken most of the funds and the street fund scene is dismal," said Chase. "There is little carryover from last year and much of that will have to be reserved for winter snowplowing. There will be no major work, and we'll try to put base in the worst potholes. We are in a world of hurt for street funds."
He said the previously approved Carlos-Warner Street Project has been put off until the summer of 2008 or 2009. Chase said funding from both the state and federal levels will be low.
In other action, the council approved a plan to move the Animal Control function back under the Alturas Police Department and out of Public Works. There was little objection to the idea and the council felt it was more of an enforcement issue than a public works issue.
The council also noted that Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes is now at the FBI Academy for a 10-week training course and will graduate in June. Lt. Sid Cullins is in charge during his absence.
The council was also advised of an Economic Development Seminar scheduled April 27, 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Niles Hotel.
Man arrested following high speed chase on Highway 395
A Phoenix, Arizona man, Daniel Ray Tharp, was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a vehicle chase spanning about 22 miles and involving the California Highway Patrol, Modoc Sheriff's Office and Alturas Police Department.
According to the CHP's Pat Greene, officers tried to stop Tharp for speeding on U.S. 395 south of Sagehen Summit Wednesday before noon. He refused to stop and kept going north.
The CHP set out spike strips on U.S. 395 at Jones Lane and police put another set before entering the City of Alturas, in an effort to insure the speeding vehicle did not get into town. The vehicle never reached the area where the strips were placed.
Greene said officers boxed him in near the Lyneta Road cutoff and Tharp left the road, rammed his 1994 Ranger two-wheel drive pickup through the perimeter fence. He made it about a half-mile through the rocks and sagebrush before the vehicle was disabled.
Greene and Sheriff Bruce Mix drove a four-wheel drive to the vehicle and talked Tharp out of the vehicle. He was booked into the Modoc County jail alleging resisting arrest and reckless driving. Greene said he was not intoxicated and was not hurt.
Alturas Councilman questions the integrity of fellow councilmember
On Tuesday, Alturas City Councilman Jack Ochs presented other councilmembers with court documents he said shows that fellow Councilman Jerry Smith had defrauded individuals in Washington state in a 1983 real estate investment.
Ochs said he questioned Smith's honesty and integrity and wanted the council to see the case for themselves. Smith was not at the council meeting.
Smith was ordered by courts in Cowlitz County, Washington to pay restitution to the victims in that real estate investment case in 1986, and the court dismissed the actions when they considered restitution was complete in 1994.
On Wednesday, Smith said he was involved in the investment, but that it was not deceitful. He said that he was developing property on the Lewis River, but the Mt. St. Helens eruption had destroyed that property. In addition, he said his real estate business in Washington was wiped out by the Mt. St. Helens aftermath. Smith said he paid those investors under court order and the issue is closed.
Ochs showed a letter from one of the individuals who had invested $14,000 and the court ordered $8,000 be repaid in restitution. That individual, Allen Shade, of Washington, said that Smith never offered to pay the remaining $6,000.
The council took the issue under study and made no comment. Smith will discuss the situation with the council, he said.
Casino offers something new -- Comedy Club
In its continuing effort at progressive entertainment in Modoc County, the Desert Rose Casino is offering something new and exciting this month -- the Joker's Wild Comedy Club.
And the first headliner is pretty special. He's David Iannaci, a career comedian who is also the manager of the "Just for Laughs" comedy club at the Sands-Regency in Reno.
He'll put on two shows at the Alturas Casino, one April 26 and a follow-up on April 27. Each show will start at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are available at $10 each at the Casino. Seating is limited, so people should get their tickets early.
Bob Nay, the Gaming Commissioner of Desert Rose Casino, said he and his wife had the chance to see Iannaci at the Sands recently, and he had them in tears of laughter throughout the show.
Iannaci bills himself as: "Half Jewish and half Italian. That means 'If I can't get it from you wholesale, I'll steal it from you.'"
Fellow comedian Rich Little said that Iannaci is "one of the few comics in the business who really makes me laugh." He has opened shows for Frankie Avalon, Bobby Gentry, Bob Anderson, Dondino, Melba Moore, Jack Jones and Buddy Rich and has appeared on major stages everywhere in the U.S. including Alaska and Canada, and in Europe and Japan.
In his starring role in "Playboy Girls of Rock and Roll" at the Maxim Hotel in Las Vegas, he was voted "best comic" two years in a row.
He has also appeared in dramatic roles in television: in "Crime Story", "Elvis and Me", "Las Vegas Cast Party", and the documentary, "The Art of Comedy."
His cast of characters include: the old Italian fiddle player, Guisippe; the Indian rainmaker; cool cat from the 50's Vinnie Varoom; and the Chicken (who really lays an egg).
According to the Casino, Iannaci has committed himself to coming up here to open the "Jokers Wild Comedy Club" just so he could "see what the crowd was like." He is also going to recommend the venue to other comedians. He says he's also coming to get out of the city for awhile and check out a small town.
The Desert Rose Casino management says it is excited about this opportunity to bring something new to Modoc County and can't believe their good luck in getting a comedian of this stature as its opening act.
"If you want something different to do on Monday and Tuesday the last week of April, and if a good laugh is what you need after tax time, come and join the fun at the Iannaci show," said Nay this week. "It's going to be well worth your time."
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors will open both nights at 7:30 p.m. The Lions Club will serve beer and wine, so the Casino will only be open to customers age 21 and over.
Modoc RAC seeks projects and replacement members
The Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a meeting on Monday, May 3, 2004 in the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's office at 800 West 12th Street from 6 to 8 p.m.
The RAC is actively seeking applications for projects seeking funding in 2005. Projects may include, but are not limited to, road, trail and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvement; improvements in forest ecosystem health; watershed restoration and maintenance; control of noxious and exotic weeds. Fifty percent of all approved projects must be for road maintenance and obliteration or watershed improvement and restoration.
Currently there are two replacement member vacancies on the RAC. Replacement members are needed in the Outdoor Recreation, Affected Public at Large and Minerals/Energy groups.
For information about the Resource Advisory Committee positions available or how to submit a project contact Louis Haynes at ljhaynes@fs.fed.us or by phone at 530-233-8846.
Obituaries:
Edward J. Haas
Lookout resident, Edward J. Haas, died in a single-vehicle accident, on April 3, 2004.
Eddie was born June 1, 1937, in Woodland, California. He came to live with his Uncle John and Aunt Marge Poytress and their two sons, Jack and Tom, permanently, at the age of 10. Eddie had many jobs, using his many talents. His Uncle John taught him how to saddle a horse, hook up a team, milk a cow, roping, respect for horses and people, rounding up cattle and nights in cow camp.
Graduating from high school in 1955, his life changed when he enlisted in the Navy and married Lydia Kelley Haas. He was very proud to have served his country as an Aviation Ordinanceman Second Class.
Much of his time was served overseas, flying in P2V surveillance aircraft off the coast of Russia.
Upon completion of military service, he moved back to northeastern California where he went to work for Blacks Canyon Ranch in 1966, and eventually purchased the grocery store in Canby. He was District Supervisor for District 4 for five years. During his term, he was instrumental in establishing the Lookout park, and many other Modoc County improvements.
During this time, he became a pilot and worked at Cedarville Airport, flying to many meetings around the state. Flying was something he really enjoyed
In 1976, he joined the Modoc County Sheriff's Posse and became captain in 1980. He enjoyed the jeep rides, dinners, dances and other activities he did with good friends. He moved to Lookout, California in 1978 and worked for Modoc County Road Department.
In 1984, he changed careers and went to work for Tom Pearson Trucking and on to Del Logging. He was a truck driver for both companies, among many other jobs such as operating the chipper, cat and any job that was asked of him.
Wherever he was, he always enjoyed a joke, quick remark, and his hearty laugh was known by all. His last job was as a service mechanic, which was something he enjoyed doing. Working on a piece of equipment, fixing it and watching it drive away, made him feel good.
Residing in Lookout with his loving wife, Elaine, of 20 years, he found much joy with house boat trips on Lake Shasta, and was looking forward to retirement, doing a lot of fishing and some traveling. He especially enjoyed helping others whenever he was needed.
Eddie went ahead to "blaze the trial for the rest of us," leaving behind his loving wife, Elaine; his sons Dan Haas, daughter-in-law Kathy, granddaughters Danelle and Megan of Jermyn, PA.; Joe Haas of Panama City, FL.; daughter Kate Haas, granddaughter Emily and grandson Ethan of Alturas, CA.; step-daughter Jan Masters, son-in-law Dennis, granddaughters Jennifer and Tami, great-granddaughter Madisen of Union City, CA.; step-son David Hicks, daughter-in-law Jill of Sacramento, CA.; brother Ted Haas of Salinas, CA.; and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at the Adin Community Hall at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9.
Kenneth Lee Parsons
Kenneth Lee Parsons, 80, of Alturas, Calif., passed away at his home Saturday, April 10, 2004, at the age of 80. Mr. Parsons had moved to Big Lakes Camp in Modoc County, at the age of 15, in 1937. A veteran and Alturas resident for most of his life, he was born in Mitchell, Nebraska on March 2, 1925, to Clifford and Hazel Parsons.
Service arrangements with Kerr Mortuary are pending. Mr. Parson's obituary will be published inThe Record next week.
Catherine O'Donnell Neer
Catherine O'Donnell Neer was born June 10, 1918, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and passed away April 12, 2004, in Auburn, CA.
"Cathy O," as she was known, was a physical therapist during World War II. She and her second husband of 30 years, Jack Neer, who was the love of her life and a wonderful partner, owned their own company before retiring to a ranch in Alturas, CA. After he passed away in 1994, Catherine moved to Auburn, Calif. where she had lived for the past 10 years.
Cathy O is survived by four children: Kathy Richardson of Auburn, Alturas and Davis Creek, CA.; Michael Bellinger of Petaluma; Mark Bellinger of San Rafael and Pat Bellinger of San Diego and seven grandchildren including grandson Tyghe Richardson who grew up on his family's ranch in Davis Creek. She also leaves her brother-in-law Dean Neer and wife Marie of Alturas, CA.; brother Phil O'Donnell of Chicago and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins
Cathy O will be buried next to her beloved "Jack" Neer on Saturday, April 17, 2004, during graveside services at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery
She was preceded in death by her husband Jack in 1994 and then on April 10, 2004, her older sister Fran Rodgers of West Orange, with whom she was very close.
Martha Bath McNeall
Adin and Ash Valley native, Martha May Bath McNeall passed away in Reno, Nevada, on April 9, 2004, following complications from hip surgery.
Born in Adin, Calif. to Thad and Amy Bath on December 2, 1925, Martha grew up on the family ranch in Ash Valley and graduated from Adin High School. Martha's sense of adventure took her to flight school in Reno, Nevada, not long after finishing high school. There she met her sweetheart and future husband, Charles L. (Mac) McNeall.
Their life together took them to Quincy, Illinois, Flagstaff, Arizona, and back to northern Nevada, where they settled for life in 1954.
Mart and Mac had four children, Bruce, Carole, Connie and Susie. The family has many wonderful memories of exploring ghost towns throughout Nevada, camping in the Sierras and along the Oregon coast. Martha wanted her children to know ranching life as she did, and she sent them to spend every summer and school vacation with their grandparents in Ash Valley.
Mac died very young, leaving Mart to support and raise her children alone. A strong and independent woman, Martha set upon her career in the real estate business and remained involved in it to the end of her life.
Mart maintained close ties to her hometown, and attended the Big Valley class reunions at every opportunity. She also loved to come back to the ranch to ride, drive cattle and brand. Martha enjoyed traveling throughout the country, as well as abroad, and her travels took her to Ireland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, England and Scotland. She was a dedicated gardener and animal lover.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Amy and Thad Bath, brother Fred Bath, husband Charles and grandson Brian McNeall. She is survived by her four children, Bruce McNeall of Reno, Nev., Carole DeAngeli of Tucson, Ariz., Connie Douglas of Sparks, Nev., and Susan McNeall of Reno, Nev.; grandchildren Bradley, Justin and Amy; great-grandchildren Jessica, Levi, Devan, Joshua and Raji; sister Grace Bath DeForest and brothers Richard and John Bath; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held in Adin at the Adin Community Church, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2004. A gathering of friends and family, with potluck supper, will follow at the Adin Community Center.
Services today for Zora E. Lyons
Graveside services for former Bieber resident Zora E. Lyons, 100, of Emmett, Idaho, will be held at 2:00 p.m. today, April 15, 2004, at Hillside Cemetery in Nubieber, CA. Zora Conklin was born Jan. 9, 1904 in Chico and moved as a young girl to Adin, CA. She passed away Friday, April 9, 2004, in Emmett. A complete obituary will be published next week.
Sports
Braves lead baseball loop, next up is FR
Modoc's Braves are sitting on top of the Shasta Cascade League baseball loop, with a 8-0 record, but still have to face the toughest two teams in the SCL, Fall River and Mt. Shasta. Fall River comes to Alturas, April 20, and Mt. Shasta comes to town for the last game April 30.
Last week, Modoc trounced a weak Burney Raider squad, 19-1 and 21-0. The Braves collected 14 hits in the first game, including home runs by Travis Potter and Rich Culp. Culp also had two doubles to go with five runs batted in. Adam Server had three hits while Marty Stevens and Potter each had a pair. Potter got the win for the Braves.
Modoc collected 22 hits in the second game, on the way to 21 runs. Server got the win for Modoc, allowing just two hits in a shut out.
Culp, Danny Randazzo and Skyler Oates each had three hits in the game and Shiloh Pierce and Joey Catania had a pair. Catania also tripled. Culp and Catania each had four RBI in the game.
Modoc takes over SCL golf top spot
Modoc's golf team used a good day at Lae over the Shasta Cascade League lead by a half-game.
The Braves split both nine-hole matches with Weed and swept both Mt. Shasta and Etna. DJ Northrup led the Braves with a combined 83, followed by Micah Eppler's 86 and Brian Weed's 89. Taylor Dunn shot a 90, with Ross Montague and Dustin Philpott each shooting 92.
Individually, Chris Chitwood of Bishop Quinn had the best score of the day (at Fall River) at 74, while Weed's Bobby Wyatt shot 77 and Weed's Colby Toms shot 82.
Modoc shot a 225 in the front nine, and had its best round of the year, 213, on the back nine.
On Tuesday, Lassen defeated Modoc at Diamond Mountain in Susanville under very windy conditions.
Coach Harold Montague said since the match was non-league, he was able to play some of this younger players.
Scores for Modoc were: Eppler 86, Weed 104, Philpott 103, Matt Williams 117, Keith Montague 110 and Dustin Oates 116.
Modoc is at the Running Y with Henley April 19. The next league match is in Fall River against Trinity and Burney April 22.
Modoc girls drop SCL pair to Burney
Modoc's softball team dropped a pair of games to Burney last week, and will face Fall River April 20 in Alturas.
The Raiders opened with a five-run first inning the first game, but Modoc scored seven in the second to take a 7-5 lead. The Braves added one in the fifth, but Burney tied it at 8-8 in the sixth. The game went one extra inning where Burney scored for the 9-8 win.
Megan Thompson and Allison Campagna led the Braves with two hits each, while Jennifer Davis, Rose Wingate and Jamie Fain each had a hit. Thompson got the loss for Modoc.
The Braves lost a run-fest in the second game 19-13. Modoc scored three in the first, and Burney came up to score four. The Raiders added two in the second and five in the third. Modoc added seven in the third and three in the fourth. Burney came up with five in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the six.
Kristen Taylor and Campagna each went three-for-four in the game and each scored three runs. Jennifer Davis got the loss for the Braves.
Fall River is leading the Shasta Cascade league with a 6-0 record, followed by Etna 5-1, Trinity 4-2, Burney 5-3, Mt. Shasta 2-5, Modoc 2-6 and Weed 1-9.
Arrowhead tourney opens season
The first tournament of the year at Arrowhead Golf Course saw Jim Tillett and John Wall shoot a low net of 61 for the win.
There were 18 two-person teams in the best ball tournament, which was played in great weather.
Taking second place were Jay and Micah Eppler with a 62, Brian Weed and Gerald Widby shot 63 for third, and fifth place was a tie at 64 between Harold and Ross Montague, DJ and Rex Northrup, Phil and Ivy Smith and Mark Cummings and Mike Phillips.
The next tournament will be the Mother's Day Scratch and Scramble, May 9.
Modoc coach Shaun Wood took five wrestlers to the huge Reno World Wrestling invitational recently, and three of them placed. The Reno tournament brings the top young wrestlers in the nation.
Travis Wood took a third in the 145 pound division, going 10-2, and Jason Jones took a fourth at 160 pounds, going 8-2. Josh Wood took a 5th in his age group, going 5-2.
Also competing at Reno were Tyler Wood and Justin Estes who wrestled in very tough divisions.
The Youth wrestling team traveled to Chester last week with Riley Larranaga, Willy Mohr, Josh Wood, Justin Estes and Wyatt Valena each winning firsts. Miguel Torres took a second and thirds went to Justin Valena, Devin Figus, Trent Wishart and Felicia Torres.
April 22 , 2004
News
County seeks recovery of $455,000 overpayment
Modoc County is asking Fitch Sand and Gravel to repay about $455,000 from an overpayment in July, 2001 for work on the Cedarville Airport.
The issue came up during public comment at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting and Chairman Pat Cantrall asked that the matter be placed as the first item of business at the April 27 meeting. It will be on that agenda.
Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said the overpayment was finally caught at the County Department of Public Works when they were trying to close out the grant package and realized the huge mistake.
Maxwell said in July 2001, Fitch had billed the county for $240,641 as a part of the Cedarville Airport project. For some reason, said Maxwell, the county misread the invoice. The amount billed was in the middle part of the invoice, while the total amount of the grant, $695,769, was at the bottom. The county wrote a check for $695,769 and then paid subsequent invoices on the grant project.
"There's no doubt the county screwed up," said Maxwell. He said he feels Fitch Sand and Gravel holds some responsibility as well.
Fitch agrees it owes the county the funds, said Maxwell, and arrangements are now being negotiated to repay the funds, plus about $35,000 in interest. He said the warrant went through public works, the auditor's office and two audits and wasn't picked up. The amount was being carried as a negative balance for two years, which should have piqued someone's interest.
Maxwell explained that the funds came out of the "county pool" held under the Treasurer's office. That's where funds from a variety of entities are held, including roads, grants, schools and so on. The loss would not have been discovered through the normal annual adoption of operating budgets, explained Maxwell.
The recovery of the funds plus interest does not go back into the county general fund, so it really won't have any impact on the county's current budget crunch. But, it will be placed back into the pool to balance that account.
Currently, Modoc's County Counsel, John Kenny, is working with lawyers for Fitch to come to terms on repayment.
Mixed bag in snow survey
The April, 2004 snow surveys on the Modoc National Forest are showing a mixed bag, with only Cedar Pass looking in good shape.
According to the survey, Cedar Pass has 33 inches of snow, containing 14.6 inches of water. That's up from last April when 14 inches of snow was on Cedar Pass, containing 5.2 inches of water. The 10-year average for the area is 25 inches of snow containing 16.7 inches of water.
Blue Lake has only eight inches of snow now, containing 3.7 inches of moisture. That's pretty much the same as last year when the area had nine inches of snow with 3.4 inches of water. But it's down significantly from the 10-year average of 29 inches of snow containing 10.1 inches of water.
Barber Creek, south of Eagleville had 20 inches of snow containing 8.1 inches of water this month. That's up from last year's 12 inches of snow containing 4.5 inches of water. The 10-year average is 32 inches containing 10.4 inches water.
49 Mountain in Nevada has no snow this April and it had no snow last year at this time. The 10--year average is seven inches of snow with 2.6 inches of water.
The snow surveys are taken by Tom Hill, Natural Resource Conservation Service and Jake Coffey, U.S. Forest Service.
In January's snow survey, Blue Lake had 26 inches of snow containing 8.9 inches of water. Cedar Pass measured 43 inches of snow with 15.3 inches of water. Barber Creek had 37 inches of snow containing 12.4 inches of water. 49 Mountain (Nevada) had 22 inches of snow with 4.8 inches of water.
Blue Lake recreation area closed for logging safety
The Blue Lake Recreation Area is temporarily closed to the public during Blue Fire salvage logging operations
The recreation area is closed from the turn off for Blue Lake at Forest Service Road 38N30 and County Road 64 all the way into and throughout tbe recreationa area.
It is anticipated the area will be open prior to Memorial Day. For further information, contact the Warner Mountain Ranger District at 530-279-6116.
Local tax initiative garners necessary state signatures
by Anthony Larson
Special to the Record
More than one million signatures were submitted to county elections officials across the state last Friday in support of placing an initiative on the November ballot that would halt the flow of city and county tax and fee revenues to state coffers.
"We're just delighted," said Lassen County supervisor, Jim Chapman, who is an active proponent of the measure. "I think the supporters of the initiative are obviously pleased by the public's awareness, understanding and appreciation of the issue and their willingness to support getting it on the ballot."
Called the Local Taxpayers and Public Safety Protection Act, the initiative would require voter approval statewide before California legislators could take local government funds for state expenses. It would also require more timely reimbursements from the state whenever it mandates a program or service locally.
"For the past two months, we have been asking voters to sign the blue petition to give voters, not Sacramento politicians, more control over their local tax dollars," said Paul Stein, Calaveras County supervisor and president of the California State Association of Counties. "Voters responded enthusiastically to this call to action. More than one million voters said 'enough is enough.' It is time to change the system and keep local dollars where they belong."
"For too long, Sacramento has been stealing local dollars and ignoring the impact these thefts have on public safety," said Dan Terry, President of California Professional Firefighters. "We think voters clearly understand that the best way to protect vital fire and law enforcement services is to keep our local tax dollars in local hands."
Patricia Cantrall, Modoc County supervisor, is even more adamant about the injurious effects of siphoning away money from local services. She explained that this fundamentally puts lives at risk. "They are thwarting the purpose É of saving lives," said Cantrall, emphatically, noting that this is local government's primary duty. "It's jeopardizing lives to the nth degree. É When somebody dies and there is a big lawsuit against the state of California, maybe then they'll (the legislators) wake up and listen."
Supporters of the initiative point to the state's penchant for taking a growing portion of local revenue to cover budgetary shortfalls at the state level. This forces local city and county governments to either raise fees and taxes to maintain local services or to cut back on critical services such as fire protection, law enforcement, emergency health care, parks, libraries and public transportation.
"It makes my job difficult," Cantrall explained, "because I have to tell the people of (Modoc County) that they're not important enough É to save their lives, that this money has been taken by the legislature of California."
According to supporters of the initiative, the state has taken more than $40 billion in local property taxes to fund state obligations over the past decade. "If we really value our local services, this is an essential, necessary step to protect local taxes or local funds for local services," said Chapman to his constituents. "We are serious about thisÑthe firefighters, the law enforcement, your public health officials as well as your cities and counties."
Opponents to the measure insist that the initiative would force tax increases, given the state's present budgetary woes, and reduce funding for education and highway maintenance. Calling it "ballot box budgeting," detractors insist the measure would tie the hands of legislators as they sought to meet the fiscal demands of state programs.
The initiative is jointly sponsored by the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties and the California Special Districts Association. It is also supported by numerous public safety and community organizations, including the California Professional Firefighters, California Police Chiefs Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California and Fire Districts Association of California.
Ê"The submission of these signatures puts us one step closer to protecting our local services," said Bill Miller, general manager north of the River Municipal Water District and president of the California Special Districts Association.Ê "We are prepared to wage an aggressive campaign between now and November to educate the voters about this initiative. We are confident that, come Election Day, the majority of California voters will vote 'Yes' to protect local services and keep more of their local tax dollars at home."
"I think we've got the grassroots capabilities, and that's what is going to be our strongest asset," Chapman added. "We may not have the bucks that the big players have, but we have the grassroots opportunity to exchange and dialog."
"We are sworn to 'uphold and protect' the people as the Board of Supervisors," elaborated Cantrall. "Right now, as far as I'm concerned, Modoc County and the state of California have no enemy except the domestic enemy: our own legislature of California."
The coalition needed only 598,105 valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Official initiative qualification is expected to be forthcoming from the Secretary of State in June.
Eve with MPAT, prizes Friday eve
Modoc Performing Arts Theater and Desert Rose Casino will present "Evening with MPAT" on Friday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Alturas Elks Lodge, 619 N. Main St., Alturas. General admission, $5 per person at the door. Intermission will include refreshments.
"Evening with MPAT" is an opportunity to showcase some of the talent in the group, and this year's show should prove to be a "great show." The evening includes an original one-act play, "Royal Shades," by Nancy North-Gates of Alturas is about five different historical queens. In an original vignette, "You've Got Male," by David Cohen and Gerry Gates, both of Alturas, they will take to the stage before a scene from "Odd Couple" by Neil Simon, with Cohen and Gates. A number of musical selections will be performed by MPAT members.
Evening includes prizes:
At the end of intermission there will be drawing for the Membership Drive Raffle. Tickets for the raffle are only available to those who have joined MPAT at the $25 Supporter Level, the $50 sponsor level or the $75 Patron level. The Raffle tickets are an additional benefit for joining MPAT, and those who join still receive the benefits of membership, including two tickets to see Evening with MPAT. People will still be able to join MPAT and receive their raffle ticket(s) the night of the performance.
"We are very pleased with the donations by the local businesses for our raffle," says Brian Hubble, Co-Vice President of MPAT. "Because of their generosity, we have been able to put together five great prize packages."
"Grand Prize" includes an air cleaning from Phillips Appliance, 10 lbs. of country sausage from Walt's Market, scrapbook supplies from Scrapbook Store and More, a Home Interiors Candle from Dandelion Wishes, decorative wooden sign from Splinter's Auto Glass and a mini AM/FM pocket radio from Jim's TV.
"Second Prize" includes a one-night stay in one of the standard villas from Surprise Valley Hot Springs, a candle and a Boyd's Bears gift basket from The Flower Shoppe, wash and detail from Carstens Motors, gift certificates from Nipa's California Cuisine, Johnnie Busch at Kaleidoscope, and Faye's Jewelry, as well as a decorative bird house from Susan's Flowers.
"Third Prize" includes auto detailing from ABC Auto Detailing, auto alignment from Les Schwab, magnetic gloves from Four Seasons Supply Center, and a California car duster, car wash mitt, plus two umbrellas from Modoc Motor Parts.
"Fourth Prize" includes a 13-inch color TV from Seab's Mini Mall - Radio Shack, a framed picture from Frank's Carpets, King Me game and stuffed Audubon Parrot from Phoenix Feathers, four free movie rentals from Top Hat Video, and a gift certificate from The Auction Yard CafŽ.
"Fifth Prize" includes a large pizza, four salads and soft drinks from Antonio's Cucina Italiana, four movie passes to The Niles Theater, gift certificates to Hair Designers, and Lucy's Ceramics and Hobbies, and a decorative wooden sign from Splinter's Auto Glass.
Remit membership dues to MPAT, P.O. Box 1048, Alturas, CA 96101 or join at "Evening with MPAT." Karen Hays, President; Brian Hubble, co-vice president.
Plan for Fandango '04
"Celebrating Old Memories and New Beginnings," is the theme chosen for Fandango 2004 parade and festivities set for Saturday, July 3 in Alturas. Parade entry forms are now available at the Modoc County Record, Modoc Business Supply, Seab's True Value and the Alturas Chamber of Commerce office, Alturas.
The theme will celebrate the 130th anniversary of Modoc County. The Alturas Chamber of Commerce organizes the event each year with donations from local businesses. The Chamber is an all-volunteer organization.
The Alturas Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Fandango Grand Marshal will be Likely resident Patricia Demick Cantrall, a Modoc County Supervisor.
The Saturday, July 3 parade down Main Street, Alturas will be followed by activities at the park, to include but not limited to food and game booths, the Lions Club Barbecue, games provided by the South Fork Assembly Youth Group, the Chamber's Cowpie Bingo, music by Heartless in the park, and new this year, a Climbing Wall for adults and kids outdoors at the park.
Obituaries:
Kenneth Lee Parsons
Kenneth Lee Parsons, 79, of Alturas, Calif., passed away at his home Saturday, April 10, 2004. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, May 1 at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Alturas. The Veterans Groups of Alturas will conduct the service. Family and friends will gather at the hall, following the service. A Modoc resident for 67 years, he was born in Mitchell, Nebraska on March 2, 1925, to Clifford and Hazel Parsons and had moved to Big Lakes Camp in Modoc County, as a young teen in 1937.
He attended Modoc High School and enlisted in the Armed Forces with the Army Engineers in 1943 during World War II. He was a PFC and was discharged on December 2, 1946. Upon his return to Modoc County, he was familiar with the logging industry having worked two years in Canby with Big Lakes Lumber Company. He continued in the logging industry for many years and learned skills which he considered his hobbies such as repairing small engines, chain saws and many other things. He had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, prospecting and the company of his small dog Fluffy. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 3327 in Alturas. Known as "Kenny" to his many friends and his family, he was quick with a wonderful smile and enjoyed talking about the heydays of Modoc's logging.
He is survived by his brother Howard Parsons and wife Bertha of Anderson, CA.; sister Connie McBride of Anderson; nephews David and Dennis Parsons of Anderson; Jack Durante of Sacramento; nieces Shelley Holloway of Alturas, CA; Sherryl Ireland of Hawkins Bar, Kathy Hammond of Battleground, Washington; Mary Hoehn and Linda Custer of Redding, CA.; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. In his family's words: May the path before you have a gentle slope, large timber and take you where the fish always bite and the streams are full of nuggets. See ya later.
Kaye McIntyre Johnson
Kaye McIntyre Johnson was killed in a tragic accident April 16, 2004. She and her husband of 31 years, David Johnson, were traveling with friends and family in a commercial shuttle from Flagstaff, Arizona to Lee's Ferry, Arizona, when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Kaye's seatbelt failed and she was thrown from the vehicle. She died instantly.
Two other passengers were seriously injured and remain in critical condition at the Flagstaff Medical Center. The group was traveling to begin a 17-day raft trip through the Grand Canyon. Full obituary to follow and memorial service information will be announced soon, but is tentatively scheduled for May 8, 2004, at Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Burns, Oregon. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra will conduct the service. The Johnsons have been a vital part of the Modoc community.
Lisa Nicole Aegerter
Former Alturas resident, Lisa Nicole Aegerter, 33, passed away April 18, 2004, in Springfield, Illinois.
Daughter of Helen Holden and Larry Holden, Lisa was born December 16, 1970, in Ventura, CA. She had lived in Modoc for five years, where she graduated with the class of 1988, from Modoc High School, Alturas. A resident of Beardstown, Il., she was employed with the Illinois State Employment Department.
Her Services will be held Monday, April 26, at 2 p.m. at Christian Life Assembly in Alturas, CA. Burial will follow at the Alturas Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Kerr Mortuary on Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Lisa is survived by her mother Helen Holden of Alturas, CA.; father Larry Holden of Lake Chapala, Mexico; brother Jim Holden of Olympia, WA.; sister Diane Iworks, Buckley, WA.; daughter Mya Aegerter, age 10, and son Jordan Elliott, age 3. She was the niece of Sylvia Lawson of Alturas, CA., Eppie Hitt, Huntington Beach, CA., Pat Mendoza, El Centro, CA., Paul Ruby, Beeville, Texas, Gilbert Ruby, Santa Paula, CA.
Martha Bath McNeall
Adin and Ash Valley native, Martha May Bath McNeall passed away in Reno, Nevada, on April 9, 2004, following complications from hip surgery. Born in Adin, Calif. to Thad and Amy Bath on December 2, 1925, Martha grew up on the family ranch in Ash Valley and graduated from Adin High School. Martha's sense of adventure took her to flight school in Reno, Nevada, not long after finishing high school. There she met her sweetheart and future husband, Charles L. (Mac) McNeall.
Their life together took them to Quincy, Illinois, Flagstaff, Arizona, and back to northern Nevada, where they settled for life in 1954.
Mart and Mac had four children, Bruce, Carole, Connie and Susie. The family has many wonderful memories of exploring ghost towns throughout Nevada, camping in the Sierras and along the Oregon coast. Martha wanted her children to know ranching life as she did, and she sent them to spend every summer and school vacation with their grandparents in Ash Valley.
Mac died very young, leaving Mart to support and raise her children alone. A strong and independent woman, Martha set upon her career in the real estate business and remained involved in it to the end of her life.
Mart maintained close ties to her hometown, and attended the Big Valley class reunions at every opportunity. She also loved to come back to the ranch to ride, drive cattle and brand. Martha enjoyed traveling throughout the country, as well as abroad, and her travels took her to Ireland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, England and Scotland. She was a dedicated gardener and animal lover.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Amy and Thad Bath, brother Fred Bath, husband Charles and grandson Brian McNeall. She is survived by her four children, Bruce McNeall of Reno, Nev., Carole DeAngeli of Tucson, Ariz., Connie Douglas of Sparks, Nev., and Susan McNeall of Reno, Nev.; grandchildren Bradley, Justin and Amy; great-grandchildren Jessica, Levi, Devan, Joshua and Raji; sister Grace Bath DeForest and brothers Richard and John Bath; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held in Adin at the Adin Community Church, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2004. A gathering of friends and family, with potluck supper, will follow at the Adin Community Center.
Barbara Rae Schock
Barbara Rae Schock was born to Cecil and Rhoda Walker on August 29, 1957 in Alturas, CA. She fell asleep in death at her home in Alturas, CA. on April 16, 2004.
Barbara was a very special kind of person as she showed kindness to a fault to everyone. She has touched and helped many people. She was a very loving and loyal companion to her husband of 29 years and will be immensely missed, but never forgotten. He learned many fine qualities from her. She loved and enjoyed all of the Creator's works, especially the animals he created. She adored her loving Father and Mother and would do anything possible for them as well as anyone else. She loved and served her loving compassionate God Jehovah and wished everyone would know him as she did. She had full faith in his promise of living forever on earth in peaceful conditions with out all the hurt, injustice and death we have now. Her family and friends eagerly await to welcome her back as she awakes in that new world.
She is survived by her husband, David A. Schock of Alturas, CA; Father and Mother Cecil and Rhoda Walker of Anderson, CA; brother Mike Walker, sisters Linda Patricelli and Judy Brazo.
Private family services were held under direction of Kerr Mortuary of Alturas.
Hershell 'Tex' Benner
Hershell "Tex" Benner, 81, passed away on April 9, 2004, after a battle with cancer, informs his son Stuart Benner of Texas.
Tex was born in Moody, Texas and reared in the Waco Methodist Home for Children, along with his three siblings, following the untimely death of his mother.
He met and married Patricia Kloepfer, just prior to serving four years in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
After discharge, he and Patricia reared their family in Pittsburg, CA. Tex was employed with U.S. Steel as a metallurgist for 35 years. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Ft. Bidwell, CA. where her parents, Harold and Pearl Kloepfer, had retired in the 1960s.
Tex was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patricia; son Brent, two brothers and a sister. He is survived by his son Stuart of Dallas, Texas, where he resided for the past 10 years. He also has three grandchildren, Beau Benner, Alissa Fee and Mathew Vieira, and four great-grandchildren: Savanna, Bayley, Jake Fee and Isabella Benner. Tex loved his family, friends, golf and a good meal. He lived a full life and will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences may be directed to the family, care of Stuart Benner, 1210 Lariat Circle, Red Oak, Texas 75154.
Lilly Ruth Burgess
Alturas resident Lilly Ruth Burgess, 62, who had struggled with her health over the past few years, passed away April 16, 2004, in Alturas, CA. Her family will hold graveside services at 12 noon on Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at the Alturas Cemetery.
Lilly Ruth Fleenor was born in Texas on August 27, 1941. She was a Licensed Vocational Nurse for many years, employed in hospitals in Oroville and Alturas, CA. and elsewhere throughout the years. She had enjoyed living in many different locations during her life, but had returned to Alturas, calling Modoc her home over a 25-year period.
She is survived by her common law spouse of 22 years, Robert E. Sloan of Alturas, CA.; her son Billy Burgess of Sacramento, CA.; her daughter Dawn Mortimer and son-in-law Dennis of Alturas; three brothers and their wives, a step-daughter and two step-sons and 10 grandchildren. Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Zora E. Lyons
Long-time Big Valley resident, Zora E. Lyons, 100, of Emmett, Idaho, passed away Friday, April 9, 2004, at Emmett Care Center. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15 at the Hillside Cemetery in Nubieber, CA. Local arrangements made through the Potter Funeral Chapel.
Zora was born on January 9, 1904, at Chico, CA. As a young girl she moved to Adin, CA. where her father owned the Conklin Mills.
Zora learned and worked all facets of the mill, from operating the planer to maintaining the boiler. She lived all her childhood days at the Conklin sawmill site on Adin Mountain and attended Winter School until 1918 in Stone Coal.
On January 21, 1921, she married Rubert Lyons while he was employed at the mill. When they left the mill in the 1930s, they bought farm and ranch land and lived in the Bieber area most of their lives. Their two sons, Otis and Walter were born there. When Rubert died in 1978, Zora purchased a house in Bieber, where she lived until moving to Emmett, Idaho for the last two years of her wonderful life.
Zora was always busy volunteering for community activities. She had been a member of Native Daughters of the Golden West, Mt. Lassen Parlor #215, since June 6, 1930. She enjoyed and served a long time association with the sisters of the Order. She earned her 50-year pin and a lifetime membership. She was usually the winner in their spring event of most unusual hand-crafted Easter Bonnet; the most memorable one was fashioned in 1948 from paper plates and cups. She chose to wear it again for a dress up party in 1998. Zora participated in the annual card parties and helped with refreshments until moving to Idaho. She was an original member of the Ladies Pioneer Club in Nubieber. Zora and her sister Ivy were charter members of the Big Valley 50-plus Club and were the volunteer backbone in the Senior Lunch Program. Their years of dish washing, cooking and supporting the bus were what got the program on the firm footing it enjoys today. Many times they rode the bus just to assure the expenses for the trip were met. Zora was always willing to help when there was a need and could easily call everyone she met a friend. She used her 100 years on this earth to make it a better place to be. She moved to Emmett, Idaho in 1999 to live with her son.
Zora was the eldest of five sisters and a brother who all preceded her in death. Her son Otis also preceded her in death on May 19, 1981, in Redding, CA.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Walter and Ellen Lyons of Emmett; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, including an adoring niece in Alturas, Wilma Andrews. She will be missed by all. She was the best of the best.
Bob Cicle
Word was received this week, that friends and alumni are sorry to learn of the passing of Bob Cicle, former Modoc High School Athletic Director, who passed away April 20, 2004, in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he was residing. No other details were known at presstime.
Sports
Modoc sweeps Bulldogs to claim league title
Modoc's varsity boys baseball team swept a doublebill from the Fall River Bulldogs Tuesday, on a very cold and wet day, to guarantee a Shasta Cascade League title.
Modoc won the first game, 5-4, going extra innings and the second game 11-5.
In the opener, Modoc scored in the first, one in the second, one in the fourth, one in the seventh and 1 in the ninth. Fall River scored one in the fifth, one in the sixth and two in the seventh.
Cam Jeffers scored the winning run in the ninth on a squeeze bunt by Travis Potter. Potter also got the win for Modoc going all nine innings and fanning 18 batters.
Shiloh Pierce led the hitting, going two-for-four, Adam Server was one-for-four and Potter was one-for-three.
In game two, the Braves scored one in the first, two in the third, one in the fourth, three in the fifth and four in the sixth. Fall River scored one in the first, two in the fifth and two in the seventh.
Rich Culp led the offense with two doubles in three at bats, with Marty Stevens going two-for-four and Danny Randazzo two-for-four. Server got the win for Modoc, going all seven with nine strike outs.
. Modoc is 10-0 in league and 14-4 overall. Every other league team has at least three losses. Mt. Shasta comes to play Modoc April 30. The Braves are trying to win out the rest of the season, which would guarantee home field throughout the playoffs.
Modoc's girls softball team used a five-run seventh inning to beat the Fall River Bulldogs 6-5 and split a double bill, losing the other game 7-3.
In the win, Modoc trailed 3-0 after two and 3-1 at the end of four. Fall River added two runs in the top half of the seventh to lead 5-1, but Modoc exploded in the last half of the seventh. Emily Pence led off with a single, then Jamie Fain was hit by a pitch. Kristen Taylor brought Pence home with a single. Allison Campagna drew a walk and Jennifer Davis doubled. Amy Ridgway was hit by a pitch and Rose Wingate drew a walk. Pence, Fain, Taylor, Campagna came across the plate and Davis scored the winning run. Campagna was two-for three in the game, while Taylor, Davis, and Megan Thompson each had a hit.
The Braves lost the other game when Fall River scored two in the first, and five in the fifth. Modoc scored three in the third. Taylor was two-for-four, Campagna was one-for-two and Pence was one for three.
Modoc's Scott McMaster took second in the varsity shot put at the big John Frank Memorial meet in Redding April 17. He's ranked second in the north section
Scott Joyce took a fifth in the 3200 meters and the varsity boys were sixth in the 4x400 relay. Micah Eppler took a third in the junior varsity boys long jump.
Berchtold dedication is April 30
A dedication of the new Toni Berchtold Memorial at the Modoc High Girls Softball Field on Eighth Street will be held April 30, just prior to the Modoc-Mt. Shasta softball game.
The dedication will start at about 1:30 p.m. Toni Berchtold died in a tragic automobile accident on April 21, 2003. She was an employee of the Modoc Joint Unified School District and a softball coach and supporter.
Modoc's High School runner Scott Joyce ran in the Medford Pear Blossom Festival Run April 10 and placed 15th out of 549 runners, at 58:34. Joyce was second in his division and the first Californian to cross the finish line.
April 29th, 2004
News
County sees how $455,000 overpayment occurred
While it remains embarrassing, Modoc County Supervisors Tuesday were able to see how a $455,000 overpayment to Fitch Sand and Gravel occurred. In addition, Tony Cruse, President of Eagle Peak Rock and Gravel, explained to the Modoc Record this week that Eagle Peak Rock and Paving is not responsible or involved in that overpayment.
Cruse said Eagle Peak was formed as an employee-owned corporation in January, 2003, and no longer is associated with Fitch Sand and Gravel and Hardrock, out of Redding.
Cruse said he was 15 percent owner in Fitch Sand and Gravel at the time the overpayment occurred, so he believes he'll bear 15 percent of the repayment. He said he agrees there was an overpayment, and will pay his share once the attorneys come up with an amount.
Cruse also explained that the county wasn't actually "invoiced" by Fitch when the overpayment occurred. He said the County received a monthly payment estimate summary on the Cedarville Grant project from the engineer in charge.
Supervisors on Tuesday also got to see the engineer's statement and saw where the mistake was made. In the middle of the June 4, 2001 statement was the net payment of $240,641.28 due. Near the bottom was the total of the contract, $695,769.
The County Deputy Director of Roads and Public Works, Rick Hironymous, signed an order for the county auditor to draw a warrant for $695,769 and Auditor Judy Stevens signed the check to Fitch Sand and Gravel.
The overpayment was not discovered until December, 2003 when the grant was being closed out at Public Works. The mistake had gone through the Modoc County Auditor for two years as well as two outside audits.
Once the mistake was found, Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell contacted County Cousel John Kenny and the effort to recover the money began. That effort is ongoing at this time.
Hogsback Quarry Use Permit contingent upon state approval
While the Modoc County Planning Commission approved the Hogsback Quarry Use permit last week, it was contingent upon the state signing off on the Reclamation Report.
Planning Commission Chairman Rich Hamel and Vice Chairman Jim Hays explained this week that the Use Permit will not be issued until Eagle Peak Rock and Paving complies with all requirements from the state. The state had indicated last week that it did not have the time to study the Reclamation Plan prior to the advertised meeting of the Planning Commission.
"Not a rock or wheel can be turned until the state signs off," said Hamel this week. While some local residents have accused the Planning Commission of holding up the project, Hamel pointed out that it had only came to the Planning Commission twice since its inception in the year 2000. It came for hearing last month and for approval this month.
The project was actually taken out of the county planning department's hands by Eagle Peak (then Fitch Sand and Gravel) and turned over to an outside planner, Resource Design Technology, Inc. of Folsom. Eagle Peak was required to pay for the outside planning services.
Hamel pointed out that the county planning staff nor the Commission have had much to do with this quarry issue.
The issue did go before the Environmental Review Committee several times over the four-year period and Eagle Peak actually changed and reduced the size of the operation and agreed to shorter time limits of actually mining to mitigate some environmental issues. A lot of that had to do with antelope migrations and kidding grounds in the area.
When the Commission approved the use permit last week, it had several conditions, including that Eagle Peak Rock and Paving, Inc. shall incorporate any revisions to the Reclamation Plan or Financial Assurance required by Modoc County based on recommendations by the Department of Conservation Office of Mithe planning commission may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
FPPC Correction:
The Fair Political Practices Commission Consultant Linda Moureaux has contacted the Record and stated that a part of her original letter to the Record concerning Mike Dunn and Vickie Cochran was in error.
The Record quoted her letter verbatim in Thursday's issue, stating: "After discussing the matter with Supervisor Mike Dunn and County Counsel Vickie Cochran, it appears they failed to disclose the source of income on their Statements of Economic Interests, since they believed the arrangement was an exchange of services. Since both Mr. Dunn and Ms. Cochran have agreed to amend their Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700, to reflect the income we have decided not to initiate enforcement action in the matter."
Moureaux told the Record Thursday afternoon that that part of her letter was not factual. She said since the funds were paid to Mr. Dunn's business, his ranch, and did not amount to more than $10,000, there was no amendment to the Form 700 required. The Record has asked her to submit a correction to her letter.
She also said that there was no evidence submitted that proved a conflict of interest had occurred.
FPPC won't fine Dunn in Cochran conflict issue
The Fair Political Practices Commission will not take formal enforcement action against Modoc Supervisor Mike Dunn, but has advised Dunn on a probable conflict of interest involving business dealings with former County Counsel Vickie Cochran
The Modoc County Record filed a complaint alleging conflict of interest against Dunn with Modoc County District Attorney Jordan Funk last year and Funk forwarded that complaint to the FPPC. That Record complaint alleged a conflict of interest if Dunn participated in personnel decisions involving Cochran because of their personal business dealings
In a letter dated April 20 to the Record, the FPPC states it is closing the issue "without instituting an enforcement action."
The FPPC states that Dunn had provided Cochran with corral space for her cattle in exchange for one of her cows and that Cochran also purchased about $2,400 worth of hay from Dunn. The sources of income were not disclosed on either public official's Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700, as required by law
"Government Code Sections 87100 and 87103 prohibit a public official from participating in a government decision when it is reasonably foreseeable that the decision will have a material financial effect on the official or the official's economic interests, including sources of income of $500 or more ($250 prior to January 1, 2001)," the FPPC states. "After discussing the matter with Supervisor Mike Dunn and County Counsel Vickie Cochran, it appears they failed to disclose the source of income on their Statements of Economic Interests, since they believed the arrangement was an exchange of services. Since both Mr. Dunn and Ms. Cochran have agreed to amend their Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700 to reflect the income, we have decided not to initiate enforcement action in this matter." As to the question of Dunn's conflict of interest, the FPPC had the following decision:
"With regard to the conflict of interest issue, it appears after consulting other colleagues, Ms. Cochran advised Mr. Dunn that he did not have a conflict of interest
"However, after discussing the matter with Ms. Cochran and Mr. Dunn, it was clarified that since Ms. Cochran is a source of income to Mr. Dunn, any future personnel matters regarding Cochran could result in a conflict of interest on the part of Mr. Dunn. Since it appears there was some confusion regarding the application of the conflict of interest provisions of the Act, and Mr. Dunn has agreed to abstain from any future matters relating to Ms. Cochran's personnel matters, we have decided to close this matter without formal enforcement action. We will, however, send an advisory letter to both Mr. Dunn and Ms. Cochran."
The FPPC's decision is actually mute, since Cochran resigned her position as County Counsel, but she has since filed a formal action against the County of Modoc.
Aquatic Center issue heads to LAFCO process
The Modoc Aquatic Center is taking a big step forward this week as it begins the Local Agency Formation Commission process to form a special district and move the project forward.
Modoc Supervisors Tuesday voted to adopt a resolution to begin the LAFCO process.
The first step is the formation of the Modoc Parks and Recreation District, which includes property within the boundaries of the Modoc Joint Unified School District, excluding properly north of Sugar Hill and the Willow Ranch and New Pine Creek areas.
The entire project will depend on voters approving the formation of the district in the November election as well as approving a $25 per property owner assessment in that district
If the voters approve the district and assessment, the county has agreed to allocate $800,000 from Proposition 40 (State Parks and Recreation Grant Funding) and the City of Alturas will allocate $180,000 of its share of Prop. 40 funds.
Overall, the plan is to build and operate an Aquatic and Recreation Center at the Corner of Fourth Street and Warner Streets in Alturas, just north of the existing Alturas swimming pool.
In addition to the $980,000 allocated by local governments, the facility, including an indoor pool and gym, will be financed by a combination of loans, or grants, and the yearly $25 property assessment.
The Recreation District, when formed, would be operated by five directors, elected at a special election in March, 2005.
In addition to the LAFCO application, the Modoc Aquatic and Recreation Committee presented a business plan, which indicates the facility can be successfully operated.
The district plans to build and manage an indoor heated swimming pool, 75 feet long. That pool will be used for physical therapy in the water for residents recovering from injury or illness, swimming lessons, exercise classes, lap swims, family and youth nights, swimming competitions as well as open swimming for the public.
One of the keys to the new center, state the organizers, is that the gym and pool facility will be open all year round, and can be used as a community center for training sessions, plays and drama, overflow sport activity, community dances and other services desired by the community. Currently, outside of the Griswold Gym, which is booked mainly for school activities and sporting events, there is no public facility available in the winter months.
According to the business plan, the facility revenues will come from grants, membership fees, the $25 per property owner assessment, individual activity participation fees, private and public rental fees, and physical therapy fees.
"The Modoc Parks and Recreation District is committed to improving the health, fitness, wellness and recreation choices of Modoc County Citizens and visitors from cradle to grave. Our mission is to construct and maintain an Aquatic and Recreation center open year-round for the entire community," the committee states.
If voters come on board in November, the plan is to begin construction in January 2006, with actual operation in September, 2006.
The first cause of action will still have to be convincing the voters in the new district to support the project.
Some charges dropped in Brown theft case
Following a recent preliminary hearing in Modoc Superior Court involving grand theft charges against Mike and Cameo Brown, charges against Cameo Brown were dismissed and eight of the 12 charges against Mike Brown were dismissed.
Mike Brown was held over for trial on the four remaining counts, all felony grand theft charges.
District Attorney Jordan Funk said there was insufficient evidence in Mrs. Brown's matters and he felt there was insufficient proof in eight of the 12 issues involving Mike Brown.
Funk said the case remains under investigation and it's possible he may refile charges in the case against both individuals.
The original case filed in Modoc Superior Court against the Browns involved more than $200,000 stemming from several acts alleged to be grand theft by embezzlement, or grand theft, or grand theft of personal property by false pretenses. All the charges involved ranching operations.
MJUSD will interview for MHS administrators
The Modoc Joint Unified School District will interview for Modoc High School Principal May 5 and for vice-principal May 14.
There were 15 individuals for both positions, with nine applying for the principal and nine applications for vice-principal. Three of the people who applied for principal also applied for the vice-principal slot.
There will be four individuals interviewed for principal and three will be interviewed for vice-principal.
Annual Rabies clinics offer low cost vaccinations
It is the law to have your dog(s) and cat(s) current on rabbies vaccination. In order to make it affordable for all pet owners the State of California, Modoc County and Local Veterinarians will work together to provide low cost vaccination clinics. Protect yourself, the public and your animals by attending one of the following clinics
May 4--Tuesday
Canby Fire Hall 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Likely Fire Hall 11:00 to Noon
Alturas Fire Hall 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
May 5--Wednesday
Cedarville Fire Hall 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
May 6--Thursday
Adin, Big Valley Vet Clinic Noon to 1:00 p.m.
May 7--Friday
Lookout Fire Hall 5:00 to 7:00 p.m
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office, (530)233-6310, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Burn permits required in Modoc in Surprise Valley
As of May 1, burn permits will be required for all types of burning. In Surprise Valley, the Cedarville offices of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service will issue burn permits. Burning will be from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. Burning permits will be suspended July 1. Before burning it is encouraged to check the local weather forecast and pay attention to wind speed. For further information contact BLM at 279-6101.
A BLM representative will issue burn permits at the Fort Bidwell Tribal Community Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at the Eagleville General Store from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on April 30.
Obituaries:
Services for Ken Parsons
A Memorial Service for Kenneth Lee Parsons, 79, of Alturas, will be held Saturday, May 1 at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Alturas. Veterans Groups of Alturas will conduct the service. Family and friends will gather at the hall, following the service.
A Modoc resident for 67 years, he moved to this area as a young teen in 1937. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3327, Alturas. Mr. Parsons passed away at his home Saturday, April 10, 2004.
He is survived by his brother Howard Parsons and wife Bertha of Anderson, CA.; sister Connie McBride of Anderson; nephews David and Dennis Parsons of Anderson; Jack Durante of Sacramento; nieces Shelley Holloway of Alturas, CA; Sherryl Ireland of Hawkins Bar, Kathy Hammond of Battleground, Washington; Mary Hoehn and Linda Custer of Redding, CA.; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Kaye McIntyre Johnson
Former Alturas resident, Kaye McIntyre Johnson was killed in a tragic accident April 16, 2004 while headed on vacation with friends and family in a commercial shuttle from Flagstaff, Arizona to Lee's Ferry, Arizona, Arizona.
Kaye McIntyre Johnson was born November 29, 1953 to Rosemary and Charles McIntyre in Murphysboro, Illinois.
Her family moved her at a young age to Las Vegas, Nevada where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Western High School in 1971, and worked as a Dental Assistant while she attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in pre-nursing. In 1972, she became engaged to David Johnson who was serving in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. On August 24, 1973, they were married and together celebrated 31 years of love and adventures that took them all over the world.
After the Navy, they moved to Missoula, Montana where their children, Brandon Travis and Alyssa Brooke were born. Kaye attended the University of Montana but was unable to complete her nursing degree before 1978, when the family moved to Ely, Nevada where David worked for the BLM. One year later they moved again to remote Ruby Valley, Nevada where Kaye home taught both children while David worked at the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Four years later they moved to North Park, Colorado and Kaye worked in the town of Walden as a Teaching Assistant and as a Dental Assistant. In 1983, Kaye's family moved to Burns, Oregon where she worked at the hospital and at the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) office while her husband worked at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The family was very happy here, but other adventures called them away.
In 1989, Kaye and family moved to Corvallis, Oregon where she was finally able to complete her studies and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. Shortly after her graduation, David transferred the family to Alturas, California. Kaye was immediately hired by Modoc Indian Health Project as the Director of Health Education. She very much enjoyed working with the staff and Modoc tribal members to implement family support programs for the community. During this same period she completed her Master of Science degree in Family Support Studies from NOVA Southeastern University.
By 1998, both children were away attending college, so Kaye and David moved to the island of Oahu, Hawaii where Kaye became the Assistant Director for Hawaii Family Support Center--Healthy Start, Kapio'lani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu. Here she had the opportunity to oversee a very large program for early intervention and family support. Kaye thrived in Hawaii and loved to sail with her husband and friends on their boat, The Koae. However, they moved back to the mainland in 2001 to be closer to family again and settled in Great Falls, Montana. In this community, Kaye served as the Director of American Red Cross, Big Sky District, overseeing disaster and community services for several counties. She also became the Director of the Cascade County office of Public Assistance for the State of Montana where she supervised 35 employees and managed the family support programs. She loved her job and made many friends in the community.
Kaye and David made what they intended to be their last move back to Burns, Oregon where they had plans to retire. Kaye and her daughter-in-law, Kristen Johnson, opened the Antonio's Italian Restaurant and Kaye quickly adjusted to being a competent waitress. She loved to serve people, as it is what she had done in many other ways, all of her life.
Kaye was tragically lost at the young age of 50. She had many plans for the future that included becoming a grandmother in June. She led a full, productive life and those who love her can only assume that she was needed for bigger and more important tasks. She will be followed by her loving husband David, son Travis and daughter-in-law Kristen, daughter Alyssa Sexton and son-in-law Jason, mother Rosemary Proctor and her husband Bruce, father Charles McIntyre and his wife Lyn, brother Robert McIntyre and his family.
Services are planned for May 8, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pioneer Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra of Cedarville, CA. will preside. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Boys and Girls Club of Ha