January 6, 2005

News

AP story casts dim light on Cal Pines sales

by Anthony Larson

Special to the Record

A recent Associated Press news story called California Pines, a real estate development not far from Alturas in Modoc County, "little more than a mirage in the high desert," stopping just short of calling it an illegal scheme. One Alturas resident is in a unique position to judge the merits of the AP story.

Allen "Butch" Hess, a retiree who worked as a local realtor for several years before becoming a tax appraiser for the county, has watched the subdivision, called "Cal Pines" by the locals, from its inception in 1968. "They're taking advantage of a situation," says Hess of the present development owners, National Recreation Properties, Inc. (NRPI). "I don't think they're doing anything illegal."

Hess generally agrees with the conclusions of the AP story. "The local realtors feel that it's a total rip-off." He notes that over the last 30 years two other developers before NRPI have marketed the subdivision in a similar fashion. What started out as a good faith enterprise has become a sales scheme.

Hess describes the moneymaking cycle thusly: A lot is sold. In time, the owner defaults. NRPI forecloses on the property, then puts it back on the market and looks for another buyer.

"Initially they (the buyers) might intend (to build), then reality sets in after three or four years. A lot of times they quit making payments. They (NRPI) foreclose on it, and sell it to somebody else," explains Hess.

This repeated turnover makes real property into a consistent moneymaking machine as the 15,287 lots are sold over and over again. "I, personally, sold more than one lot three times," Hess says. "Every lot out there has probably had more than one owner."

Promoted by television ads in large metropolitan areas in the state, the property appears to be ideal-and cheap by Los Angeles or San Francisco standards-which appeals to many in that crowded suburban world. The promotional ads make Alturas and its surroundings look like a resort area similar to Lake Arrowhead in Southern California.

When a potential buyer responds to the ad with a phone call, a salesman is dispatched to make the pitch right in their home: Pick a lot-sight unseen-and make a down payment with a one year right to exchange that lot for any one of the other lots available in the development. "They can't afford to buy property in Los Angeles or San Francisco. But, they can afford to buy this property," explains Hess.

The buyer has 30 days to take one of the free, chartered trips to visit the development and inspect their property. "They put some cash down," says Hess, "but they get that cash back if they decide they don't want the property."

Noting that "very few" ever bother to investigate the actual value of the property, Hess says that buyers simply take the sales agent's word for it. "It's definitely an inflated price."

The new buyers come to inspect the lot they've chosen in chartered air and bus transportation provided at no cost by NRPI "at least three weekends a month," usually in groups of 30 or more.

"When I sold out there, they didn't want people coming into Alturas," Hess affirms. This policy has apparently not changed. Organizers carefully choreograph the inspection visits, using a number of subtle strategies to keep the buyers from integrating with the locals to any significant degree. Prospective buyers are kept at the rustic lodge on the property rather than in local motels. Even the evening entertainment after the day tour of the development is provided on site at the lodge.

"I don't know what their closing ratio is now, but in my six years we sold over ninety percent of the people that showed up," affirms Hess, explaining the relish with which buyers gobbled up properties. "I sold six lots to one guy."

If someone decides not to buy, they still get their free trip home and their money returned.

Hess insists that the developer's sales approach is decidedly casual, that there are no pressure tactics, no arm-twisting or coercion. "It's the most laid back sales program that I've ever been involved in. I was really surprised at that. I expected it to be the snake oil salesman and the quick talking, sign right here. None of that."

The attraction of owning their very own property is apparently too intoxicating for these buyers to resist. "You didn't have to lie because the people would sell themselves," says Hess. "They want to own a piece of property."

Most buyers are simply fulfilling a dream, according to Hess. They do not care about the details. They simply have a desire to own land of their own, and Cal Pines looks like the fulfillment of that dream. "They're selling, basically, a dream-a tree-covered acre.

"When I started selling out there, I thought that everybody I sold to was going to be moving out here the next year. É After I'd been there two or three years, I realized it was just a dream (for them)."

Even though the California Department of Real Estate requires that buyers sign a statement acknowledging that they have not been told the property will increase in value, those warnings go unheeded. "The people didn't believe that. They truly didn't believe that," Hess points out. "Really, to be totally, absolutely honest maybe we should have said, 'This is not going up in value. As a matter of fact, right now you're paying $10,000 for this lot, and on the open market it's worth $2,000.'"

However, Hess is quick to point out that the actual value of Cal Pines properties has increased in recent years to between $5,000 and $6,000. Still, the NRPI asking price has increased dramatically as well. "Some of those lots we used to sell for $10,000 to $12,000 (now) sell for $30,000."

A few people actually do use their lots for weekend getaways or to build a second home. "Believe me, they're totally happy and satisfied with what they got," says Hess. "The ones that buy it for an investment end up very unhappy, and the ones that buy to use, for the most part, are not unhappy." There is a positive side to this charade.

"The property is gorgeous the hill property," emphasizes Hess. "It's pretty." He goes on to explain that while the property is offered at inflated prices, the potential is there for some excellent home sites in some cases. "The infrastructure is there for building a lot of homes. It's there. If something ever took place here in the Alturas area that employed a lot of people, you've got the infrastructure out there (to build) they're ready to go."

But that is true of only a handful of lots. Using most of them for more than recreational purposes is problematical since there is no infrastructure there. What NRPI agents may not explain, Hess explains, is that in order to build on these lots, electric lines must be constructed, wells must be dug and septic systems installed at considerable expense to the buyer. "They're selling recreational lots. They're not selling house lots," says Hess. Modoc County is happy to see the revenue that Cal Pines generates. Those properties represent considerable income for few services. Says Hess, "It's kind of a cash cow. That may be a little strong, but ".

Hence, there is no incentive for the county to discourage the scheme that helps pay for the county's library and waste disposal as well generating considerable property tax revenue.

"If you pay $30,000 for a lot, you're going to be taxed for $30,000, based on the sale price. Who am I to determine, as the assessor, that it's not worth that?" says Hess.

Even those buyers who acquire their property at a fair market value end up paying the same taxes as their neighbors who paid a greatly inflated price because the county uses a 'preponderance of the sales' yardstick to determine the property tax values "in order to follow the law. That's the way the appraisal business works," Hess says.

The final problem is that people fail to investigate the difficulties of living in a remote, rural area. "There is a tremendous turnover on the houses out there," notes Hess, because of those difficulties. "One winter and they say, 'Holy mackerel! Let me out of here!' That particular area is a snow belt. They get more snow there than elsewhere."

Hess observes that the locals have a jaundiced perception of the Cal Pines promotion. "People who live in Alturas think it's a bigger rip-off than it actually is." He goes on to explain that it is hard for the locals to believe that people could be so knowingly gullible. Moreover, most do not understand the money back provisions of the sales nor the exchange policy. He tells of trading property-even long after the property was paid off-just to please the buyers.

In summary, Hess says, "If somebody bought that property for an investment, they're going to be disappointed. But if they bought it to use, it's not a bad deal."

Local businessman loses parents in tragic Tsunami

For a local family, Ukrit "Dino" Bhavindhu and Nipa Sakdikul, owners of Nipa's Thai Cuisine restaurants in Alturas and Redding, the tsunami that struck Thailand and southeast Asia last week became tragically personal. Bhavindhu got a call from his brother in Thailand last Wednesday, informing him that his 80-year-old parents, who were vacationing on the island of Phuket, were killed by the tidal waves.

He wasn't concerned for his parent's safety initially because they lived in Bangkok, which was on the other side of the country and was not damaged by the tsunami.

Dino, who is well known and respected in Alturas as a caring and hard-working businessman and father, was shaken by the news. While he is mourning for his parents and deeply saddened, he said he is very concerned and empathetic for the thousands of people who died in the catastrophe, and especially for the lost children.

Dino and Nipa are also going through a medical trial with their adopted daughter, Deena, who suffers from a rare blood disorder. They are hopeful a new procedure will provide a cure and a better life for their six-year-old. They also have adopted two other children, Nikki and Jamie, also age six. Both are healthy.

Doctors are hoping to find a tissue match for Deena from the umbilical cord blood of her biological newborn brother.

The cord blood of Deena's infant brother, Nirut Kaiyen, was collected and shipped to a company via a courier for harvest, shortly after his birth at Modoc Medical Center on Dec. 8.

The cure now for Deena is to have a blood stem cell transplant (analogous to a bone marrow transplant).

If there's a match, the transplant will give Deena's body a new way to make blood. The medical term for the little girl's disorder is Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia.

Dino and Nipa adopted Deena when she was two months old. They knew something was wrong with their daughter's health at 18 months because she bruised so much and so frequently. She has had a number of therapeutic treatments to stimulate her platelets, but none have helped in a long-term sense.

The community has offered its sincere sympathy for Dino's loss and its concentrated hope for Deena's recovery.

Ski hills opens this weekend

The Cedar Pass Snow Park will open this Saturday and Sunday for full days of skiing and snowboarding.

The hill opens at 10 a.m. and will close at 4 p.m. There are free lessons for first timers under the age of 12 and equipment rental is available.

Skiers this year will be treated to many improvements, including new heated restrooms, running water, indoor plumbing and a well. The snow park also has more rental skis, boots, and snowboards to offer this season. Rates will be basically the same as last season: lift tickets, $15 for adults, $12 youth, $5 for kids under age six. Punch card season tickets will also be sold at the Lodge

Watch the Modoc Record for open dates or call the Snow Park hotline at 530-233-3323.

Clarification of Crum poaching conviction

In the article printed last week "Local vet tagged for poaching," there was some misinformation.

The article stated Dr. Don Crum was arrested, when in fact he was cited and the deer confiscated. The article insinuated that Crum did not have a valid hunting license or deer tag, which is the part of the code under which he was cited.

Crum did have a valid 2004 hunting license and a C-zone deer tag. The deer he killed, however, was taken on his property in zone X-2. Taking a deer outside of the tag's specific zone is the violation he was cited for and convicted of in Modoc Court

For information, the C zones are west of Modoc County, in the Shasta, Siskiyou areas.

The count as listed in the District Attorney's complaint against Crum states: "Count 1, a misdemeanor, in violation of section 4330 of the Fish and Game Code of the State of California, 'Taking for deer without license, tag or permit), in that said defendant did willfully and unlawfully take a deer without first procuring a deer tag for the zone in which said deer was taken.'"

Local Forest Service jobs could be in '05 jeopardy

Some local Forest Service jobs may be in jeopardy in this year due to consolidation and reorganization programs presently under way in the Department of Agriculture.

Calling it "competitive sourcing" rather than refer to it as outsourcing, as is commonly done in the private sector, Nancy Gardner, public affairs officer for the Alturas Forest Service office, indicates that some jobs that deal with business management and a few day-to-day functions-accounting, budgeting, payments and human resources, vehicle maintenance, computer services and telecommunications, for example-will be affected. "We won't have the same people working for us, for the Modoc National Forest. But, they may be in the community," says Gardner. "Some of them may be no longer working for the Forest Service." Centralizing some functions means a few jobs will move elsewhere-Albuquerque, New Mexico, in one case-while the nature of others will change considerably.

"Other agencies-Department of Interior, Park Service, Bureau of Land Management-all of those agencies are working, using this particular order," explains Gardner.

She also hastens to reassure that the basic functions, services and management of the Alturas office will remain the same. People on the ground in the forest will be largely unaffected. "Resource management continues," outlines Gardner. "We're talking more the business side of it." According to Louis Haynes, a public affairs specialist in the Alturas office, there are two studies done in recent years that have triggered these changes. "The impact is cumulative as a result of these two studies," he observes. Haynes also cautions that there are future studies as well, which may have more impact in coming years.

"We have about 145 people forest wide," says Gardner of the number presently employed in the Alturas office. She notes that some downsizing has already been done in the normal course of operation, minimizing the effect of this consolidation on their office and leaving most services unaffected.

The list of areas to be reviewed and reorganized along with a projected timetable shows that communication and business administration areas will be restructured in 2005, fleet management in 2006 and those who educate in fire prevention and protection in 2007 and 2008.

Haynes describes a similar consolidation he experienced during his time in the military. "They cut costs É and they basically streamlined their processing."

The government moved to eliminate the duplication of services in each office, consolidating and centralizing them, eliminating some jobs entirely, changing others considerably

"We really didn't see the jobs go away; the jobs moved," Haynes explains. "They took all those people that were working out on the posts and consolidated them. They were responsible for the same area, but just physically located in another place."

These reforms will allow outside contractors, as well as departments within the Forest Service, to compete to provide services to the agency so as to eliminate duplication of services, reduce costs and improve efficiency through centralization.

While Gardner emphasizes that it will be business as usual in the agency, it may have to be conducted a little differently since this will change the way some local people relate to the agency, according to Gardner.

For example, those who, in the past, have done business with the local office may no longer be able to do so. They may have to work through individuals or offices outside the area. "I think," elaborates Gardner, "a member of the public will say. 'Who am I going to know? Who am I going to be dealing with? Is good old Joe still going to be there? Because, I know that if I call him that he may not be the person that knows the answer but can always find out.' Coming here to the office where people could just do a face-to-face conversation É that's going to change.

"It's going to change for us too," continues Gardner, speaking of the Forest Service staff. "We're really going to have to work out how this new system works."

Gardner admits that some employees are anxious. "It's that unknown," she says, speaking for those affected. "Is my job going to go? Is it going to be left? Is a portion of it going? And if so, what am I going to do? Am I going to take on some other kind of work? Is my friend no longer going to be here to work with? So, it's that unknown, and I think that's a universal feeling, when you don't feel you have control."

As is the case in the private sector, Gardner notes that incentives will be offered to some to retire early. "Some people are ready to retire. Or some people are close to retirement, and may have decided that this is the time that is best for them to leave."

These changes mark a distinct departure from past policies and practices. Job security was something that seldom concerned most government employees. A public sector job in government meant near certain job security.

Not so any more. Consolidation and reorganization has introduced some uncertainty into employees of government agencies. "It has to do with the unknown and not being able to have control of your own destiny," Gardner observes.

Bring on the 40's with MPAT dinner theater excitement

The scene will be set and the excitement will start Saturday, January 15 with two in house performances at Antonio's La Cucina Italiana in Alturas.

Modoc Performing Arts Theater actors and Antonio's staff will be playing the roles in "Evening at Stan an'Tony's Speakeasy" or The Night that Chicago Died."

Karen Hays of MPAT sets the scene with the following description of the night's happenings:

"The fog rolls in on the south side of Chicago in the 1940's. It's Saturday night and you are having dinner at the premiere supper club with your best guy or doll. The night is romantic with good food and entertainment until the Cosa Nostra arrives. Don Carlo Parmesano wants Stan an' Tony's Speakeasy and means to take it!

"Stanley Tortellino fights to save his club and his life. Tensions run high! Words and bullets fly! Who will live and who will die?"

The special dinner theater performances will offer limited seating for an afternoon performance from 2 to 4 p.m. with audience seating starting at 1:30 p.m. An evening performance will be from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $10.99 per person which includes tip and tax. Reservations are binding and tickets must be purchased in advance at Antonio's. Save and bring your ticket to the performance as questions/answers printed on the back of the ticket will gain the holder entry at the "speakeasy door window."

The menu starts with mozzarella and Roma tomatoes with basil. Warm spinach salad will follow. The entre is Chicken Antonio and dessert will be Italian Cr�me with strawberries.

The MPAT cast and Antonio's staff are excited to present this production. There will be songs from the 40's, instrumentals, a combo group and a ruckus in the kitchen, as well as other goings-on.

The cast includes: Stan Yagi and the Antonio's staff, Denise Winfree, Kyle Yagi, Damian English, Aloha P. Schaefer, Gerry Gates, Nancy North Gates, David Cohen, Larry Manzer, Bobbi Ward, John Lawson, Kerry Davis, Karen Hays, Christy Cohen, Landon Flournoy, Dillon Flournoy, Niles Reynolds, Nat Futterman, Ross Montague, Sally Clark, TrŽ Hawes, Jeran Brown, with Carol Richert on piano.

Audience participation and costume dress is encouraged, but not mandatory.

So, dust off your tuxedo and rhinestones. Come and enjoy fine dining and entertainment, but keep your head down because the bullets are going to fly! For those who are current MPAT patrons, sponsors or supporters MPAT will not be able to honor any Evening with MPAT 2005 tickets to pay for dinner. However, if you bring your 2005 Evening with MPAT ticket to the performance, you will be given a complimentary flute of champagne, courtesy of Antonio's.

For further information, contact Antonio's Cucina Italiana at (530) 233-5600 or Karen Hays at 233-2309. Ticket checks should be made payable to Antonio's.

BLM Council to meet in Cedarville

Members of the Bureau of Land Management's Northeast California Resource Advisory Council will meet Thursday and Friday, January 13 and 14, at the BLM's Surprise Field Office, 602 Cressler Street, Cedarville. The meeting is open to the public.

On Thursday the meeting begins at 1 p.m. Agenda topics include an overview of the federal stewardship contracting process, management of juniper firewood cutting areas and sage grouse conservation planning. Time for public comment has been set aside for 4 p.m.

The meeting reconvenes at 8 a.m. Friday, with the agenda focusing on land use planning issues. Council members will hear an update on the management plan for the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon-Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, discuss the status of Resource Management Plan development by Northeast California field offices, and hear an update on the sagebrush steppe ecosystem management plan, which focuses heavily on Western juniper management. The council also will hear a briefing on a coal-fired power plant proposed for the Garlic area.

BLM managers from Alturas, Cedarville and Susanville will update the council on activities in their areas.

The 15-member board advises managers of the BLM's Northeast California field offices on natural resources and public land management issues. Members represent a diversity of public land interests including livestock grazing, recreation, environmental groups, wild horse and burro management, history and archaeology, off highway vehicle use, local government, the academic sector and the public at large.

For more information, contact BLM Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana, (530)252-5332.

Obituaries:

Kesner Dean Wylie

Former Modoc businessman Kesner Dean Wylie died December 6, 2004 in Escondido, Ca. He was a 45-year resident of Modoc County and was born in Cedarville, Feb. 16, 1917.

He had been gone from Modoc for 42 years, but his greatest pleasure was getting his wife Alice in the car and taking off from Escondido to Cedarville. They visited regularly until the last years of his life and maintained a home in Cedarville.

He married Alice Warrens February 19, 1938 in Carson City, Nevada. Mr. Wylie was the owner of Wylie Pharmacy in Cedarville and of B&W Pharmacy in Alturas. He and Alice relocated to their serene 100 plus acre Escondido avocado and orange ranch in 1962. He was a noted Avocado rancher in Escondido. He was appointed to the California Avocado Commission, representing District One, the southernmost district, comprised primarily of San Diego county.

He went to Surprise Valley schools and earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from University of California at Berkeley.

He also served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, reaching the rank of lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and enjoyed attending reunions of the crew of the USS Shasta.

Mr. Wylie was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary, honored in November, 1984. He had 52 years of perfect attendance and was the Escondido Club's "Official Greeter" for visiting Rotarians.

He was very entrepreneurial, had a photo studio is his basement, was a Notary of Public, loved track and field events, watching weekend football, beating the system with his coupon shopping, enjoying the principle of it. He had a photographic memory, enjoyed the History Channel and loved a "good fight" and talking story.

He is survived by his wife off 66 years, Alice; a son, Allen Dean Wylie, and wife Beverly, of Portland; daughter Ann Wylie Odgers and husband Gary, of Cedarville; daughter, Jan Wylie Compton and husband Skip of Escondido; a brother, Willard Wylie and sister Kathleen Grove; and seven loving grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be July 23, 2005. in Cedarville, CA with the Reverend Dr. Ben Zandstra officiating. Burial will be in the Cedarville Cemetery. The family would appreciate donations to the Surprise Valley Community Church.

James Neal Tillett

Alturas resident James Neal Tillett passed away December 31, 2004, at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA, from lung cancer. He was 69. Mr. Tillett, a well liked, kind and outgoing person, moved to Modoc County with his wife Myrna, 11 years ago. Both have been active in their Alturas community.

Born May 19, 1935 in Bathgate, North Dakota, Jim graduated from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, CA.

He spent two years in the National Guard before joining the U.S. Air Force, from which he received his discharge in September 1957. He and Myrna have been married for 45 years and were married Feb. 15, 1959 in Corte Madera, CA.

Jim was the Director of Maintenance and Grounds for 16 years for Ross Valley Elementary School District, Corte Madera.

He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and spending time in the outdoors, in general. An all-around handyman, he could fix just about anything. When the Tilletts moved to Modoc County, Jim became of member of the Art Center. He was an artisan and created many beautiful wood pieces which were sold to Art Center customers. He was a good vegetable gardener and a devoted member of the Alturas Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. 1756.

The Elks conducted a Memorial Service for Mr. Tillett on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. Inurnment was private.

Mr. Tillett is survived by his wife Myrna of Alturas; daughter Katherine Lou Tillett of Grass Valley; sons Brett Earl Tillett of Sacramento and Glenn Hlmer Tillett of Newport, Rhode Island; six sisters Evelyn Hendricksen, Bismark, ND; Isabelle Johnson, Cavalier, ND; Ruth Trottner, Walhalla, ND; Donnye M. Pizzio of Cavalier, ND; Barbara Lullo, Cavalier, ND; Lana Rich, Sparks, NV; brother Alfred Tillett, Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law Gloria Frazer, San Rafael, CA; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Jim Tillett Scholarship Fund, c/o Ken Fogle, P.O. Box 167, Alturas, CA 96101. Services were under the direction of Kerr Mortuary of Alturas.

Don Jorgenson celebration of life

A celebration of Don "Big Joe" Jorgenson's life will be held at the Ackley Ranch on Highway 139, south of Tulelake at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2005.

Mr. Jorgenson's family would appreciate those who plan to attend, to consider sharing a few remembrance words of their time with Joe, or to write down any recollections and the family will take them home and enjoy them. Any form participants are most comfortable with, will be appreciated by the family. Food will be furnished at the gathering.

Sports

Brave grapplers do well at Reno

Several of Modoc High School's top wrestlers competed in the huge Sierra Nevada Classic tournament last week, which attracted more than 90 schools from around the nation.

According to Modoc High School Coach Shaun Wood, it's one of the premier tournaments in the west and some of the top high school wrestlers in California are represented.

Modoc's Travis Wood at 152 pounds and Brad Bell at 189 pounds placed fifth, going 6-2 in the event and Jason Jones placed seventh, going 5-2. "We wrestled really well, and our section took home eight medals, with us getting three of those," said Wood. "Jones got to wrestle the number two ranked guy in our section and beat him 4-1. Travis beat the kid 17-1 who beat him in Modoc. Bell was leading his match against the number one guy in his weight, but made a mistake late and lost. We'll have a different strategy next time."

Hadji Mirholi went 2-2 in the tourney, Joey Catania was 3-2, Mike Main went 3-2 and Brian Weed was 1-2

"Everyone of our guys won at least one match and were very tough competitors," said Wood. "It's a big tourney and we learned a lot. We also impressed a lot of the bigger schools."

The Braves junior varsity heads to Mt. Shasta this weekend and the varsity will compete in the tough Anderson tournament.

Modoc varsity boys won pair in Hawaii

The Modoc varsity boys basketball team traveled to Hawaii over the Christmas vacation -- swam, snorkeled, sunbathed, toured, hula danced -- and oh, yes, they did play basketball.

The Braves won the opening game against a good Hawaii Baptist crew and won in overtime 59-58. The Braves trailed 19-13 after the first period and 33-27 at halftime. Hawaii Baptist led 43-35 after three, but Modoc outscored them in the fourth 17-9 to tie it at 52-52. The Braves outscored HBA, 7-6, in the overtime period.

Ross Burgess led Modoc with 24 points and Micah Eppler added 23. "We played well, but they shot really well, hitting nine three-pointers in the first half," said coach Mike Martin. "But we played well overall."

In the second game, the Braves beat Hanalani, 56-41. Modoc led 18-17 in the first and shut Hanalani down 17-2 in the second and 12-6 in the third to take a 47-25 lead into the fourth. Hanalani outscored the Braves 16-9 in the fourth.

Burgess and Eppler each had 18 points.

This week in sports--

Modoc varsity wrestling will be at Anderson, Jan. 7-8, and the junior varsity at Mt. Shasta Jan. 8.

Modoc boys and girls basketball will open Shasta Cascade League play at Mt. Shasta Jan. 7, at Bishop Quinn Jan. 11, and Weed will be in Alturas Jan. 14.

Surprise Valley boys and girls basketball will be home against Dunsmuir Jan. 7, at Hayfork Jan. 8 and at Tulelake Jan. 11.

January 13, 2005

News

Wet week in Modoc, January stays damp

It's been a wet beginning to January for Modoc County and much of the west, but Modoc seems to have fared much better than surrounding areas. According to Steve Riley, Modoc National Forest, the area has seen .94 inches of precipitation in January. Most areas are reporting about six to 10 inches of snow accumulation, but higher elevations got much more. The area had about five inches of more snow on Tuesday.

While the week-long storms dropped tons of snow around Modoc, the county has so far avoided any major power outages or traffic issues.

The same can't be said for Siskiyou County and parts of southern Oregon and western Nevada. Several feet of snow have fallen in some areas and power outages have hit Yreka, Reno, and parts of southern Oregon. January's average precipitation is 1.4 inches.

Things cleared up on Wednesday but the temperature fell rapidly, near zero and it is expected to stay cold through this weekend, with snow showers returning.

State budget impacts remain hazy for city, county future

The release of the state budget this month is certain to impact cities and counties, but just how much and where is still a little hazy.

According to Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell, the only certain impact at this time is that the $500,000 Rural Sheriff's Grant is not in next year's budget.

It wasn't in last year's budget at this time either, but was reinstated late and came as real relief to the county.

"Every year at this time, it's the same thing, at least for the past six or seven years," said Maxwell this week. "The state basically chooses not to deal with its budget problems and tries to make them ours. What comes out in January from the state won't resemble what comes with the May revision. That May revision will have huge differences from the final budget."

Maxwell said the state will have impacts this year locally, but just how to quantify those impacts will take some study. He sees major cuts possible in the social services area, transportation, roads and health care.

Association of Counties, local streets and roads will take a big hit statewide along with foster care funds, Calworks program funding, and in other areas.

Schools statewide are voicing displeasure with the budget and accuse the Governor of reneging on a deal made last year.

Maxwell said he felt his budget may not be as bad the one initially proposed last year, but he sees some impacts in services. He also says the county will be prudent in its approach to the budget, as usual, and will be working with CSAC and other groups to protect services to local residents. City Treasurer Kathie Alves said the state budget will have its impacts, but she said the city's budget has taken those into consideration.

She was thrown a $100,000 curve ball here this week, but is sorting though state regulations and believes the city's adopted budget will prove correct.

County to set policy for longer trucks

Modoc County will formally adopt a policy Tuesday allowing overlength trucks on its roads, without having those drivers obtain a permit first. County Supervisors have on their agenda Tuesday approval of a policy that includes relevent California Vehicle Code 35401.5 addressing trucks up to a maximum length of 75 feet "for the purpose of loading and off-loading cargo." The Board is expected to adopt the new policy.

According to the policy, the code applies only to overall truck length, not overall weight, width, height and kingpin to rear axle distance. The California Vehicle Code covers those issues and is not changed for Modoc. The policy applies only to the loading and off-loading of cargo within the boundaries of Modoc County and does not apply to state highways. State highways allow longer trucks as long as they ae considered terminal highways.

According to Mike Maxwell, Chief Administrative Officer of Modoc, the policy will fit in with the California Highway Patrol, who were consulted with and provided information and expertise.

Maxwell said the policy applies to overlength trucks coming into and going out of the county, not just those hauling livestock or hay. It was estimated, he said, that 500 loads requiring the overlength trucks are affected each year in Modoc.

What the new policy does is provide a mechanism to continue what has been common practice in Modoc for several years. There are some overlength trucks which will not fit under this new policy and those are spelled out in the vehicle code.

The new policy should resolve an issue that started in November, when the Board affirmed the California Legal limit on truck length at 65 feet. County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said subsequent Modoc County Cattlemen Association arguments following that decision were persuasive to the Board and the issue was revisited.

The Board had considered a permit process for the trucks, but has decided against the action.

In addition to the livestock haulers, the longer trucks also come into play for hay hauling, foodstuffs, construction, produce and other commodities. Those will also have to be addressed.

Last year, three Modoc women, Paula Henckel, Rendy Cockrell and Brooke Fredrickson sat down and came up with an idea to hold a Modoc County Home Show.

"Oh, get serious," was the first bit of advice and comment they got from some of their friends.

So they did.

The Modoc County Home Show last March turned out to be one of the highlights of the year and the challenge this year is to make it bigger and better than the first. That may be a tall order, but it's something this trio figures is possible.

"What we heard from a lot of people who didn't exhibit last year, was ÔBoy, did we miss out," said Cockrell this week. "We expect this year's show to actually require more space than just the Griswold Gym. We are planning to use part of the Modoc High Social Hall, and outdoors, as well."

This year's Home Show will be held March 26 at Modoc High School. Businesses who wish to display are asked to get their application in early. New this year will be the requirement of a business license or state resale permit, or contractor's license or federal tax identification number.

People who entered last year will have the first priority for the gym or whatever space they would like. The new exhibitors will be allotted space on a first-come, first served basis.

The deadline for all entries into the Home Show is March 11. There will be a $10 application fee per entrant.

Fredrickson emphasizes that people who plan to exhibit should show off what they have to offer local people, everything from building to decorating their home.

"I think people are somewhat surprised by what local businesses have to offer," Fredrickson said. "We were really impressed last year and so was the community. We wanted it to be a quality home show and we weren't disappointed. We honestly expect this year's show to be even better."

In last year's show, there were exhibits including: landscape contractors, real estate and insurance professionals, building contractors, plumbers, electricians, roofing, computers, Internet, cabinet makers, surveyors, home interior concepts, appliances, bank representatives, building supply, nursery, countertops and lighting, windows, insulation, flooring, solar technology, furniture, and a wide variety of decor items and ideas.

For more information or to enter contact Cockrell at Modoc Title, 530-233-3471; Fredrickson at Handmade Haven 530-233-1161; and Henckel at Modoc Public Works 530-233-6403.

Look for more information in the Modoc County Record over the next few weeks.

Members of the Bureau of Land Management's Northeast California Resource Advisory Council will meet Thursday and Friday, January 13 and 14, at the BLM's Surprise Field Office, 602 Cressler Street, Cedarville. The meeting is open to the public.

On Thursday the meeting begins at 1 p.m. Agenda topics include an overview of the federal stewardship contracting process, management of juniper firewood cutting areas and sage grouse conservation planning. Time for public comment has been set aside for 4 p.m.

The meeting reconvenes at 8 a.m. Friday, with the agenda focusing on land use planning issues. Council members will hear an update on the management plan for the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon-Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, discuss the status of Resource Management Plan development by Northeast California field offices, and hear an update on the sagebrush steppe ecosystem management plan, which focuses heavily on Western juniper management. The council also will hear a briefing on a coal-fired power plant proposed for the Garlic area. BLM managers from Alturas, Cedarville and Susanville will update the council on activities in their areas.

The 15-member board advises managers of the BLM's Northeast California field offices on natural resources and public land management issues. Members represent a diversity of public land interests including livestock grazing, recreation, environmental groups, wild horse and burro management, history and archaeology, off highway vehicle use, local government, the academic sector and the public at large.

For more information, contact BLM Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana, (530)252-5332.

MPAT teams up with dinner theater excitement Saturday

Modoc Performing Arts Theater and the staff at Antonio's Cucina Italiana will serve up excitement, entertainment and dinner in two performances at the Alturas restaurant this Saturday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

MPAT actors and Antonio's staff will be playing the roles in "Evening at Stan an' Tony's Speakeasy" or "The Night that Chicago Died."

"The MPAT cast and Antonio's staff are excited to present this production," offers MPAT's Karen Hays. "There will be songs from the 40's, instrumentals, a combo group and a ruckus in the kitchen, as well as other goings-on."

Advance reservations and ticket arrangements may be made at Antonio's. Tickets are $10.99 per person, tax and gratuity included.

The special dinner theater performances will offer limited seating for an afternoon performance from 2 to 4 p.m., with audience seating starting at 1:30 p.m. An evening performance will be from 6 to 9 p.m.

"The scene is set as tensions run high as words and bullets fly in the 1940s in Chicago. Who will live and who will die," describes Hays as the dining room action begins.

"The Night Chicago Died" is played out between and during a four-course dinner, starting with Mozzarella cheese and Roma tomato slices with Basil; a warm spinach salad, Chicken Antonio; and, for dessert Italian Creme with Strawberries. Tea, coffee or soda will also be offered. A wine list will be available.

Audience participation and era costume dress are encouraged, but not mandatory. Save and bring your ticket to the performance as questions/answers printed on the back of the ticket will gain the holder entry at the speakeasy door entrance.

The cast includes: Stan Yagi and the Antonio's staff, Denise Winfree, Kyle Yagi, Damian English, Aloha P. Schaefer, Gerry Gates, Nancy North Gates, David Cohen, Larry Manzer, Bobbi Ward, John Lawson, Kerry Davis, Karen Hays, Christy Cohen, Landon Flournoy, Dillon Flournoy, Niles Reynolds, Nat Futterman, Ross Montague, Sally Clark, TrŽ Hawes, Jeran Brown, with Carol Richert on piano.

For current MPAT patrons, sponsors or supporters MPAT will not be able to honor any Evening with MPAT 2005 tickets to pay for dinner. However, if you bring your 2005 Evening with MPAT ticket to the performance, you will be given a complimentary flute of champagne, courtesy of Antonio's.

For further information, contact Antonio's Cucina Italiana at (530) 233-5600 or Karen Hays at 233-2309. Ticket checks should be made payable to Antonio's.

Obituaries:

Charles (Bud) Williams

Likely resident Charles (Bud) Weber Williams passed away at the Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA on January 9, 2005. Bud, as he was known to his many friends, and family was the son of Allen Gary and Theresa Weber Williams.

He was born on June 6, 1918, and raised on the family ranch in Likely, CA. He attended South Fork Elementary School and graduated from Modoc Union High School with the class of 1937. Bud was a veteran of World War II. He volunteered for the U.S. Army in January 1941 and he was stationed at Ford Ord, CA on December 7 when Pearl Harbor was bombed.

He was a member of the 7th Infantry Division and saw combat during the invasion of Attu Island, part of the Aleutian Chain of Alaska.

He related later that he was only one of two men in his squad to survive the battle.

He married Dorothy (Dottie) Watson in Corning, CA on December 22, 1945 and together they had three children. Bud and Dottie made their family home in Likely, where he was a rancher for many years. In later years, he started a backhoe service. Bud's activities in the community included serving on the Modoc County Fair Board for a number of years. He was also past President of the Modoc County Farm Bureau and he served for many years on the cemetery board in Likely. He was also a charter member of the Likely Volunteer Fire Department. Bud was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Pete Christensen Post 3327 and was deeply appreciative of their efforts on behalf of America's veterans. He was a frequent passenger in the AmVet bus to the Veterans' Hospital in Reno.

Bud enjoyed life. As a young man his pride and joy was a Harley Davidson motorcycle. In his later years he turned to wood carving. He turned out numerous works of art for his family and friends. Bud and his wife Dottie thoroughly enjoyed traveling with an RV but also always enjoyed returning home to Likely.

He is survived by his wife Dottie, his son Gary and wife Cathy of Redmond, OR, his daughter Sydney and husband, John Flournoy of Likely, CA and daughter Mary and husband Craig Foster of Lakeview, OR., six grandchildren and a great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, West.

He will be remembered as a loving father and husband and one to whom family was always first. But his many friends in the community were a close second.

A celebration of life service will be held today, January 13 at 11 a.m. at the Likely Fire Hall in Likely. The Reverend Ben Zandstra will officiate. Mr. Williams' ashes will be buried at the Likely Cemetery. Kerr Mortuary in Alturas has charge of arrangements.

His family requests that any donations in his memory be made to the Federated Community Church in Alturas for the benefit of the Blue Lake Youth Camp or to AMVETS Post 2003 at P.O. Box 1118 in Alturas, CA.

Peggy Maxwell

Peggy Maxwell, former owner of Maxwell's Nursery in Alturas, passed away of natural causes on December 19, 2004 in Red Bluff, CA. where she had been residing these past four years.

The Alturas resident was originally from Klamath Falls, Oregon, where she was born Juanita Mae "Peggy" Ellis on March 20, 1924. She finished high school in Newberg, OR and married Homer Bert Maxwell on November 10, 1944 in Alturas, CA. For over half a century, Peggy made Alturas her home. She worked as a secretary at Modoc High School and Modoc Joint Unified School District, before taking up the work of Maxwell's Nursery, established over 40 years ago. Peggy and Bert spent their "retirement" helping customers establish their gardens, while Peggy offered planting advice and kept things growing. After Bert passed away February 20, 1990, Peggy kept the business going until she sold Maxwell's Nursery in October of 1992, to current owners Bill McGee and Sam Sutrino. Mrs. Maxwell is survived by her two daughters, Jerry Ann Turek of Corning, CA and Jean Arens of Redding, CA; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held in Alturas at a date to be determined.

LaRhee Sides

Former Alturas resident Katheleen LaRhee Sides, known in Alturas by the name LaRhee, passed away in Shelton, WA. on December 31, 2004, where she has resided for the past nine years. Services were held in Shelton on January 6, 2005.

She was born on April 21, 1921, in February, Nebraska, to Rex and Alta Clark. LeRhee was the youngest of eight siblings who have all preceded her in death.

She married Leland Sides in 1938 in Seattle, WA. They resided in Washington until 1945 when they moved to Alturas. She worked for years at the Alturas Laundry and Dry Cleaners. After retirement, they lived in several places before moving back to Washington. She loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and playing bingo. She was preceded in death by her husband.

LaRhee is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Sharon and Burney Huisingh of Shelton, WA. and Marsha and Gerald Quigley of Arizona, one son Gary and his wife Robin Sides of Alturas, CA., ten grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

LeRoy Edward Kunert, Sr

Cedarville resident LeRoy Edward Kunert, Sr. passed away December 23, 2004 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, from lung cancer. Upon his request, no services will be held

Born April 8, 1927 in David City, Nebraska, he graduated from hig.h school in Lincoln, Nebraska. He served with the 12th Marine Corps during World Wars II and the Korean War. After 10 years of service he received his discharge on July 19, 1953 with the rank of Sergeant.

Mr. Kunert married Lillie May Johnson, his wife of 54 years, while he was on leave from the Marines on March 9, 1950 in Visalia, California. Upon his discharge Mr. Kunert became a baker with the Sunbeam Bakery in Porterville, CA for 12 years, then became a logger. The family moved to Sisters, Oregon, where he took employment as a ranch hand. They later moved to Surprise Valley and lived at several places through the valley, until settling in Cedarville. They have resided in the valley where Mr. Kunert has been a ranch hand for 31 years. When not working, Mr. Kunert enjoyed having coffee with friends in Cedarville and outings to go fishing. He is survived by his wife Lillie; daughter Judie and husband Bob Hunt of Vacaville, CA; son LeRoy Kunert, Jr. and friend Melissa Berkshire of Portland, OR.; son Jeff and wife Cheryl Kunert of Alturas, California. He also leaves seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Joanne Allphine

Joanne Allphine of Alturas passed away Sunday, January 9, 2005 at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA.

Mrs. Allphine moved to Alturas in the late 1980s and had been a resident of Modoc Recreational Estates since July 1994.

At one time, she was employed at the Modoc Lanes bowling alley in Alturas.

Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. No services are planned. The Record plans to publish Mrs. Allphine's obituary and photograph next week.

Sports

 

Modoc heads to Burney invite after good Anderson outing

Modoc's wrestling team placed eighth in a very tough Anderson Invitational tournament last weekend, and will be heavily favored in the Burney Invitational this weekend.

Modoc's team placed eighth in Anderson, with the teams above them being no less than from schools of at least 1,500 students. Modoc has just 300. The Braves put four wrestlers in the finals, as many as any other school. Travis Wood took second at 152 pounds, losing the finals to a wrestler from Sprague, Or., who was a two-time Oregon state champ.

Modoc' Jason Jones placed second at 160 pounds, losing to a Sprague, Or. wrestler who was state champ last year. Sprague won the team tile at the tourney.

Brad Bell took a second at 189 pounds, wrestling very well and Joey Catania did a solid job, placing second at 215 pounds. He lost the finals to the third ranked wrestler in the state.

Several other wrestlers did well in Anderson: Ian Jacques went 2-2 at 171, Mark Main was 1-2 at 171, Nick Hawes was 2-2 at 140, Brian Weed was 2-2 at 125, Ryan Carrithers was 2-2 at 145, Sheridan Crutcher was 2-2 at 130, Martin Corns was 1-2 at 112.

Braves beat Bishop Quinn, home against Weed Friday night

Modoc's varsity boys survived what coach Mike Martin called a Legoland floor to beat a good Bishop Quinn team, 54-45, Tuesday in Redding.

The floor was plastic type tile, which was something Martin had never seen and was quite slippery.

"I don't want to make excuses, but that floor gives Bishop Quinn a distinct home-floor advantage," said Martin. "They are a pretty good team and I think they'll be able to knock off some people this year."

The Braves had a 14-9 lead in the first, but had a terrible second period, scoring just four points and Bishop Quinn led 27-18 at halftime. The Braves bounced back in the third, tying it 37-37. The Braves outscored the Lions, 17-8, in the fourth for the win.

Ross Burgess had 20 points and Micah Eppler added 17.

Note: Modoc meets Weed here Friday night and will make up the snow-postponed game against Mt. Shasta Saturday. Game times in Mt. Shasta are as follows: JV girls, 2 p.m.; JV boys, 3:30 p.m.; varsity girls, 5 p.m. and varsity boys, 6:30 p.m.

JV boys lose to Lions

Modoc's junior varsity boys had a poor game against Bishop Quinn, losing 41-28. The Braves trailed 6-3 in the first and 20-7 at halftime. By the end of three, the Braves trailed 29-14. Modoc finally scored in double digits in the fourth. Daniel Morgan led with 10 points, Liam Iverson and Keith Montague added seven each.

JV girls let one slip away

Modoc's junior varsity girls basketball team let a game slip away Tuesday at Bishop Quinn, 32-31.

The Braves had a five-point lead with 1:31 left in the game, but could not hold off Bishop Quinn. The Braves picked up three fouls, sending the Lions to the free throw stripe, where they hit six straight for the win. Alysha Northrup led the scoring with 11, Megan Thompson added eight and Tacie Richardson had six.

The varsity girls lost to Bishop Quinn 53-28.

Local Hoop Shoot winners head to Portola regionals

The Alturas Elks Hoop Shoot winners will head to Portola for the regionals January 16.

The Alturas competition was held last week. The winner in the girls 8-9 year olds was Katelyn Burgoyne of Cedarville; Cheyenne King of Alturas won in the 10-11 year-old; and Jennifer Jardine, of Alturas, won the 12-13 age group shoot.

Jonathan Morgan, of Alturas, won the boys 8-9 year-old competition with Alex Porres, Alturas, winning in the 10-11 year-olds and Ethan Bonham, of Alturas, winning the 12-13 year old group.

January 20, 2005

News

Juvenile arrested after assault in gym

A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested Friday night alleging assault after a fight broke outside the foyer of the Griswold Gym during a Modoc High School basketball game.

According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, the 17-year-old, reportedly a newcomer to Modoc, had an altercation with Kevin Townsend, age 18, of Alturas.

At one point the juvenile apparently went to a vehicle and came back with a baseball bat and then tried to hit Townsend in the head. Barnes said one blow struck Townsend's arm, breaking it before the fight was stopped. The juvenile was arrested and transferred to juvenile hall pending further investigation. He was initially charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting great bodily harm.

Barnes said a "look-alike gun" was also confiscated from the juvenile's vehicle.

2 rapes alleged involving Alturas teenage victims

An Alturas man, Leon Bonderer, age 20, was arrested at 606 West D Street January 12 following a disturbance at his residence and those of his neighbors.

He was apprehended in his driveway and started to resist. When he was placed into the patrol car, he kicked at the window, causing some minor damage.

While he was in custody, police investigated another report alleging he had forcibly raped a 16-year-old female. Following the investigation, he was charged with the rape and remains in custody.

Another man, Justin Leisey, age 20, was arrested Saturday alleging he forcibly raped a 13-year-old girl in Alturas on or about December 13. He was booked into the Modoc County Jail.

Police arrested a juvenile driver last Friday, charging him with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol after he backed into the fence at U.S. bank, and then hit the overhang support pole on the drive up window. He left the scene, but apparently came back and was detained by citizens until police arrived. He was turned over to Probation.

New forest planning rules favoring locals

Forest supervisors, like Stan Sylva of the Modoc National Forest, have new planning rules that will govern their management of the country's natural resources

"This process is looking more at a continuum-learn as we go and adjust as we learn new information or as conditions change," says Sylva, who emphasizes continuous monitoring for the "sustainability" of the forest, "environmentally, socially and economically."

Dubbed the 2004 Planning Rule, it is seen by the Forest Service officials as a means to streamline and shorten the planning process that goes into every project

"Some of the original plans would take five to seven years," Sylva says, pointing out the slow pace at which plans and projects formerly developed. "It might take $5, $10 or $15 million to complete it. It was time to really try to streamline the process."

Most notably, the new rule would not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment. It does, however, retain the means for public input and comment at the beginning of the planning process, just as under the old 1982 Planning Rule

Perhaps predictably, some are displeased with the rule. "It seems like many of the environmentalists are not happy with it. They seem to portray it as another means for the administration to lessen public involvement or the use of science," says Sylva, who flatly denies that there is any truth to that perception

Speaking of the language of the rule itself, Sylva says, "Everyone should read it and read it for what it says."

Referring to what Forest Service chief Dale Bosworth calls "analysis paralysis," Sylva explains that a more nimble and responsive rule has long been needed. "The regulations themselves have been in kind of a revision mode for more than just this administration. There's been a recognition that, through time, we need to have a planning mechanism that will allow us to adjust fairly rapidly in the case of wild fires and changed conditions, (such as) insects and disease, and use adaptive management-a learn-as-we-go process."

Significantly, in the two years since Sylva took charge of the Modoc National Forest there have been more timber sales than in the previous ten years-not as much as one segment of the public would want and more than another is inclined to accept. He explains that one of his priorities is to see that the forest has some useful commercial value as well as environmental preservation.

Sylva sees the new plan as a boon to his staff because the current forest management plan under which the Modoc National Forest operates, penned in 1990, was about to reach the end of its 15-year usefulness. A new plan "would be scheduled, basically, about now," says the pleased forest supervisor. "Currently, within our region, we don't have the budget to actually undergo that at this point in time. I think this process is a way for us to amend or revise our forest plan in more of a strategic mode, and probably take less time and money to do it."

Eager to see the public participate, he puts a high priority on input from outside the service. "In my opinion, you use your best information. You use your best science. And you engage the public so you glean what their interests and desires are."

Ultimately, doing what is best for the forest is Sylva's overriding concern. "We've got to be honest and up front. There are certain things that we can do that are supported by good land management practices and some things that aren't. Those that aren't, I don't have any difficulty stating that I don't think that that's the right thing to do."

Nancy Gardner, the public affairs officer in the Alturas office points out that Sylva believes that putting people in the forest to experience the situation first hand is the best catalyst to find agreement or consensus on most issues. Contending points of view are most easily resolved when both parties to an issue can see for themselves how their opinions affect the forest. "That's where that learning occurs," she affirms.

"I think that's one of the best (tools) that we have to do that," concurs Sylva. "I think it's an art to figure out when enough is enough, when it's time to make a decision or (when) you don't have the information to make an informed decision. (If) you leave some key players out, they're probably going to be the detractors. (Then) you've kind of missed your mark."

Sylva notes that local people are "really engaged and active in their forest. Part of my job our job here is to facilitate that collaboration and communication, and see how we can come to some common ground and conclusion. We have a community here that's really interested in the forest. That's a huge plus for us for me."

Speaking of forest service chief, Dale Bosworth, and regional forester, Jack Blackwell, Sylva says, "Those guys have worked hard to allow us locally to manage the forest, and have insisted that we work with people and we develop our project programs in concert with local people. The environment from the national level down is really rewarding to me in that I don't get a lot of detailed guidance-just broad guidelines. We've got to comply with laws. And then we've got some national priorities that make sense here-like protecting private property, our fire plans and all that stuff and then managing the forests so that they are sustainable and they're healthy. That work that they've done nationally really has contributed to our ability to work with local people and, I think, get local work done."

Proposed coal-fired power plant concerning residents

by Patricia Hemsley

Special to the Record

Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management briefed the public at two meetings in Cedarville last week regarding applications for permits they have received from Sempra Energy Corporation, headquartered in San Diego.

Sempra is in the process of laying the foundation for the construction of a coal-fired power plant near Gerlach, Nevada. Barbara Kehrberg, who works out of the Winnemucca Field Office, has been named the BLM Project Lead for course of the proposed project.

Dubbed the "Granite Fox Power Project", the conventional coal plant would supply 1450 megawatts of power, enough to support 1.45 million households each year. Sempra Energy hopes to locate the plant on the northern edge of the Smoke Creek Desert, 10 miles from Gerlach and 74 miles south of Cedarville along Nevada Highway 447.

Sempra recently built a monitoring tower, which will collect air quality information over the next year, at the proposed site. Its sudden appearance, for many who travel the corridor between Surprise Valley and Reno, was the first concrete evidence the controversial project was proceeding

Last week's local meetings were the first of their kind in Modoc County, though news and rumors surrounding Sempra's plans have been circulating for months. With a contingent of citizens from the Gerlach and Empire area joining local residents, Kehrberg had her hands full keeping the Thursday night "information-only" meeting on track.

With the help of an introductory power-point presentation designed by Laura Levy and detailed maps of the affected region, Kehrberg capably conveyed what facts were available, avoiding "rumors and rumors of rumors". She would take "generic questions" only from the crowd which contained many veterans of previous clashes with governmental agencies that oversee public lands.

Sempra has two other coal plant proposals in the pipeline in Nevada alone. The Granite Fox plant, by far its biggest project to date, would be sited on 2,000 acres of private land, though tying in to an existing DC power line will require government permits for access to approximately 260 acres of public lands. Those permits, for a railroad spur, a 1.5 mile 500 KV DC transmission line linking the plant to the Bonneville power line, and a water gathering line, must all be approved through the BLM.

"Our job is to make sure the process is followed. We take no sides and will follow all state and BLM regulations", assured Kehrberg. Locally, BLM geologist Ken Collum will be the Surprise Field Office contact person for the project. Other offices involved in the permitting process are the Winnemucca Field Office where Kehrberg is assigned, and the Eagle Lake Field Office near Susanville.

Kehrberg stated public scoping meetings will begin sometime in the next 3-4 months with the BLM information office distributing timely public notices to all local newspapers in the area affected by the proposed plant. An open house with Sempra representatives has been tentatively scheduled for February 16 in Gerlach. At that time, people will be able to ask direct questions of the energy company representatives about matters Kehrberg was unable to discuss last week.

The BLM is in the process of choosing a third-party contractor to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and doesn't expect a first draft until sometime in 2006. Submission of the initial draft report will be followed by a series of public meetings providing opportunities for people to thoroughly comment on the project. A final EIS report is expected to take up to three years to reach final approval.

If the EIS opens the way for proceeding with current plans, Sempra projects they will have one tower in operation in 2010 with a second tower being brought online the following year.

The Granite Fox Power Plant, which has an expected lifetime of 50 years, will likely employ 150 full-time workers when it goes online. However, plans call for up to 1800 people to be involved in its construction over three years. This influx of transient workers would more than triple the current population of both Gerlach and Empire combined.

Proposals call for a "man camp" housing workers to be set up near the site of the plant. "Temporary motel-like structures would be constructed to house workers, along with kitchen facilities that will feed 500 people at a time", reported Kehrberg. Many in the crowd wondered about the increased water usage, sewage and garbage disposal and other negative impacts of a sudden invasion of people to an area sparsely dotted with ranches and visited more often by wild horses than people.

BLM employees are also concerned about the presence of a camp of mostly transient workers so close to the resource area managed by the Surprise Field Office. "Many of these guys will have guns or bring ATV's for recreational use. Such a huge number of people running around on their 'off time' will almost certainly have a serious impact on the fragile wilderness surrounding the project site", said one concerned BLM employee after the meeting.

Sempra is also seeking permits to allow a dump site for the plant's by-products. It would be sited north of the plant just west of highway 447 on private land but within the resource management area administered by the Surprise Field Office. Fly ash, which is used in making cement, and calcium sulfate (which is simple gypsum and used in sheetrock), would be stored there. However, many in attendance at last week's meeting were frustrated at what was perceived as the BLM's failure to mention other more toxic by-products of coal-fired power plants. Kehrberg assured people that all impacts of the project would be carefully studied when the EIS was submitted. Challenges to any erroneous or omitted information could then be made at subsequent public meetings.

With a coal-fired plant as huge as the Granite Fox proposal, many are troubled at what is estimated to be the need for 16,000 acre-feet of water by the plant each year. Sempra has optioned water rights to 25,000 acre feet to date, including those of Squaw Creek Reservoir. However, the state of Nevada has so far granted no permits. "Water studies started about a year ago and the Nevada state hydrologist is involved", reported Kehrberg. "They are getting no water from public lands." The permit application for a "gathering line" is only to allow piping across BLM-managed land to transport water from private sources.

Power generated from Granite Fox is expected to be sent south to the Los Angeles area through the LA Water and Power line that runs nearby. Kehrberg reported Sempra has discussed tying in additional sources of "green energy" and has heard there are proposals for two wind projects and some geothermal power generation. Power could also be sent to the Portland area through the Bonneville line to the north of the plant's site. Because the permit process is not yet complete, hopes have been raised that Sempra will somehow fail to secure the necessary tie-in rights to the DC power line needed to carry the amount of power generated by such a massive plant.

There had been rumors a contingent from Empire Farms, which operates on geothermal power, would compete for the single available tie-in permit. "What most people don't realize is, whoever gets that permit will pay $150 million for it", said Ken Collum. He pointed out the obvious Ð most companies or entities that hope to generate solar, wind or geothermal energy do not have the resources to compete with a project as well-funded or potentially lucrative as the Sempra plant.

The Granite Fox plant will operate using coal shipped from either Wyoming or Utah. It is expected to consume the coal from 3 daily trains of 150 cars each hauling coal directly to the plant.

Kehrberg, while maintaining a professional stance as the project lead, seemed sympathetic to the frustrations voiced by many in the audience Thursday night. Her advice, to anyone hoping to impact the permitting process, was to "attend all public meetings. Show up in force. Talk to your congressmen and representatives." But her role, and that of the BLM and related governmental agencies, is to "make sure the process, the letter of the law, is followed."

Kehrberg did stress the field offices involved have a healthy appreciation for the public lands within their jurisdictions. The newest federally-designated protected area, the Black Rock Desert -- High Rock Canyon Emigration Trails National Conservation Area, lies just southeast of the proposed plant site. "We live near many unique places. There are historic sites, emigrant trails, hot springs, and recreational sites close by such as where a new land sailing record was recently set", said Kehrberg.

Michael Sykes, a business owner in Cedarville who attended Thursday's meeting, carefully studied the map distributed. He pointed out there is a Wilderness Study Area immediately bordering the proposed plant's western border. Ken Collum said such designated areas are generally "pristine, relatively undisturbed" and protected for the public's use and appreciation. However, the entire plant will sit on private land and sharing a border with any public land doesn't open the door to much oversight into their ultimate land use apart from following a few stringent guidelines set down by law. "We will absolutely follow the law", reiterated Kehrberg. "So far, with the first tie-in decision 18+ months out, we are not even close to a 'done deal'."

Though Sempra "is building these coal plants all over the US" at the present time, Kehrberg stressed the energy company has many hurdles to clear during all phases of the permitting process and impact studies for the proposed operation. "For example, there is only one tie-in to the DC line available. If Sempra doesn't get it, this project is over."

Pool info meetings set in Canby, Alturas

Informational meetings on the Modoc Aquatic Recreation Center are set for Jan. 25, 7 p.m. at the Canby Fire Hall and for Feb. 1 at the Veteran's Hall in Alturas.

The MARC Committee will be on hand to provide information on the project and answer questions from the public. MARC is also planning a meeting in Likely soon.

Voters within what amounts basically to most of the Modoc Joint Unified School District boundaries will vote March 8, 2005 on two questions involving a recreation district.

The first question on that ballot will be whether to form a recreation district in those boundaries, which exclude the Willow Ranch and New Pine Creek areas. The question needs a 50 percent plus one margin to pass and form the district.

The second question on the March 8 ballot will be the approval of a $25 per property owner tax to fund the district. That question will require approval by at least two-thirds of the voters. Property owners would only pay a single $25 fee, regardless of how many parcels they own.

Animal dumping too common in rural areas

By Lynda Demsher

Special to the Record

It was early and below zero when two black and yellow pups were bounced out of a warm car onto the cold ground in front of the General Store in Termo. While they were groggily tripping over each other, their former owner sped out of their lives. Unfortunately, in rural areas, this scenario is not uncommon.

Fortunately for the pups, an employee inside the store heard the car slow down and crunch gravel in front of the store, then abruptly take off. When she went to investigate, she saw the pups by the road and figured out what happened. She called a friend, who in turn called the High Plateau Humane Society, even though the pups were abandoned in Lassen County. HPHS does reach beyond Modoc County borders when animals are in need, and has had a presence in the area, about halfway between Alturas and Susanville.

An HPHS volunteer drove to Termo and rescued the two friendly youngsters, obviously siblings of German Shepard heritage and estimated to be four or five months old. The pups were hearty and well fed, although one had bite marks on his leg and the other had what appeared to be an eye problem.

"They were both really, really thirsty when brought in," said HPHS President Emilie Martin, who noticed that the little female's eye problem seemed to clear up once the pups were re-hydrated. The 20-30 pound babies were taken to Modoc Veterinary Clinic where they were checked out, vaccinated, and taken to Carey's Grooming to await placement in HPHS foster homes. They were given names: Termo, of course, for the male, and Tears for the female because she had looked a little weepy right after being rescued.

While Modoc County's Animal Control ordinance does not address dog abandonment, the state penal code does, saying "Every person who willfully abandons any animals is guilty of a misdemeanor." Animal dumping is too tragic to be considered a mere misdemeanor, says Martin, who, along with many HPHS members, are all too familiar with the problem. Animal dumping is a cruel, inhumane way to get rid of unwanted dogs and cats, she say, especially when all someone has to do is call HPHS for help.

Abandoned pets can become dehydrated, starved, hit by a vehicle, or eaten alive by wild animals before stumbling onto someone who may either feed them or shoot them, she pointed out. Also, it isn't fair to those on whose property the animals are dumped. They have the heartbreak of dealing with a confused, frightened displaced pet with no history, said Martin.

Sometimes such animals can bite someone trying to help them, especially if injured, she said. Since most animals are dumped without collars or tags so they aren't be traced back o the owner, anyone bitten by an abandoned animals would have to go through rabies prevention treatments, she added.

That's why those caught abandoning a domestic animal should be subject to large fines if caught, the HPHS president said. Dumping animals should be at least an intolerable as littering, she said.

Termo has since been adopted by someone who fell in love with his regal German Shepard looks and sweet disposition, while his sister waits for a new family in an HPHS foster home where she is are, well fed, and warm. They were lucky, but the next batch of pups may not be. "Better to prevent the litter in the first place through spaying or neutering," said Martin.

Martin has been working on a grant that will provide funds to help those who may not be able to afford the entire cost of getting an animal spayed or neutered, while other HPHS members are looking into ways to get animal abandonment's laws strengthened.

Anyone who would like to contribute to HPHS may write to P.O. Box 1383, Alturas, CA. 96101, call (530)233-9277, or email: hdhumanesociety.org.

Obituaries:

Georgia Rita Kelley Hess

Georgia (Georgie) Hess, lifelong resident of Modoc County and of XL Indian Reservation, passed away at the Warnerview Convalescent Hospital in Alturas, CA on January 10, 2005.

She was born Georgia Rita Kelley on September 28, 1928 in Adin, California to Eunice Hunt Kelley and Want Kelley. She married Archie Hess in 1949. She was preceded in death by her son by her first husband, three brothers, Leland, Roland and Leonard and her husband, Archie.

Throughout their lives, Georgie and Archie raised livestock and hay on their allotment on the reservation and were active in tribal affairs, where he served on the tribal council as chairman at one time.

She as a member of the Modoc Full Gospel Church (American Indian Full Gospel Assemblies) and Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Reno, Nevada. Georgie enjoyed her family, friends and their beautiful home on the North Fork of the Pit River. She was a Traditional Native American Healer and practiced that art throughout her life.

She is survived by her sister, Irma Hess of Alturas; niece, Marjorie Miller Walker of Carson City, Nevada and numerous other relatives throughout Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Robert Lake, Pastor, Modoc Full Gospel Church, at Kerr Mortuary in Alturas on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. with a brief graveside service at XL Ranch Indian Cemetery. A memorial gathering was held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church on North Street, Alturas, at approximately 2:00 p.m. following the funeral services. Contributions in Georgie's memory may be made to Rev. Robert Lake, Pastor of the Modoc Full Gospel Church, 1010 West Henderson St., Alturas, CA 96101

Elsie A. Cantrall

Elsie Ashford Cantrall passed away January 15, 2005, in Alturas, CA at the age of 96.

Born November 15, 1908, in Likely, California to Willard A. Smith and Della Leona Roys Smith, Elsie was the second child in a family of seven children. She and her family lived in Likely during all of her growing up years with the exception of one year when the family lived in Alameda due to her father's position with the railroad.

After a year in Alameda and missing Modoc County they returned to Likely. Upon their return, Elsie resumed her attendance at local schools and her high school years were spent attending Modoc High School.

Elsie married James Walter Cantrall on September 16, 1925 in Alturas. Together they purchased a ranch in Jess Valley from the Sweeney brothers the same year and so began a long and happy marriage and ranching business. In 1927, the couple had a daughter, Barbara Leona, and in 1929, a son, Glenn Walter.

Elsie was a supportive wife, a loving mother and talented homemaker. She worked daily at Walter's side with the routine operations. They had 28 milk cows and Elsie grew quite skillful at milking, a chore for which she was known in a humorous way by family members to even be competitive. While husband Walter could milk more cows than Elsie in the morning, Elsie could quite handily beat Walter by late afternoon's milking time. She raised chickens, she and Walter raised a heard of cattle and Elsie buckarooed right along with Walter. They raised hay and Elsie cooked for the hay crew. Walter and Elsie always enjoyed sharing their way of life on their ranch in Jess Valley with guests and entertained often. Elsie took great delight in cooking and baking, particularly for guests. Many marveled at the skillful way in which she was able to work like a ranch hand yet put on a dinner the same day, finishing it with the finest of homemade deserts that would impress even the most finicky.

Elsie was well known for her beautiful yard where she worked continually nurturing many plants, flowers, and shrubs. She was also known for her beautiful needle work. When the days work was done, she would put on a dress and retire to the den where Walter would be relaxing and sit and sew and do needle work.

She was preceded in death by her son, Glenn in 1952, her husband, Walter in 1972, her granddaughter, Robyn in 1994, and her daughter Barbara in 1999. Also, sisters Willetta Blevins, Erma Linville and Faye Chapman and brothers Ron and Don Smith preceded her.

Elsie is survived by brother Marion Smith of Alturas, grandsons Fletcher Christensen of Willows and Randy Christensen of Jess Valley, numerous grand and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 22 at 11 a.m. at the Likely Community Church in Likely followed by burial at the Likely Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Likely Community Church in care of John Abbate, P.O. Box 535, Likely, CA. 96116.

F.R. (Dick) Klassen

F.R. (Dick) Klassen passed away peacefully January 17, 2005, in Alturas, CA with his family at his side. Born September 2, 1918, in Lincoln, Nebraska of parents Frank Gerhardt Klassen and Ada May DeLay, he was the youngest of four children. The oldest sister, Esh (95), is the only surviving sibling.

Dick gave 27 years of service to the U.S. Army, most spent overseas, retiring in 1967 as a Master Sergeant.

Dick and wife, Jeane, were active in the Solano Yacht Club and U.S. Power Squadron. They also were actively involved with Marantha Volunteers International and traveled to many places including Washington, Colorado, Mexico and California, assisting in building churches and schools. Dick's wife, Jeane, of 31 years passed away in 2001. Dick had two children, Dick Klassen, Jr. and Karen Teadkte and a step-daughter, Lori Johnson of Carmichael, CA. Dick's son preceded him in death in 2000, leaving daughter-in-law, Agnes Klassen of Alturas. He leaves 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Solano Yacht Club and will be scheduled at a later date.

James Walter Coppedge.

James Walter Coppedge died January 16, 2005, in Hillsboro, Oregon. Memorial services will be held Friday, January 21, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro, OR

Mr. Coppedge was born December 17, 1943, to Omar and Evelyn Myers Coppedge in Napa, California. He moved to Lakeview, OR. in 1946, and then to Alturas, CA. He graduated from Modoc Union High School in 1962, and attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. studying History and Political Science. He was a member of Gamma Sigma Fraternity. During summer vacation, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Modoc County. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Army.

After the service, he was employed as a truck driver for Stewart Stiles Truck Line out of Forest Grove. He was married in 1971 to Christine Walter and in 1978, he married Linda Magee. He married Kathy Newton in 2001. Mr. Coppedge coached t-ball and Little League teams in Cornelius Kids Youth Sports. He also coached Forest Grove City Swim Team. He enjoyed golfing and was lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Adin, California

Those who wish may make contributions in his name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars

Mr. Coppedge is survived by his wife, Kathy Coppedge, Hillsboro, OR.; daughter: Esther and Elia Freedman, Hillsboro, OR.; son Justin and Tammy Coppedge, Beaverton, OR.; son Adam and Lorelei Magee, Vancouver, WA.; son Chris Magee, Portland, OR.; step-daughter Lisa and Steve Ackerman, Washougal, WA.; step-daughter Dina Newton, Hillsboro, OR.; step-daughter Lori and Chris Liezert, St. Helens, OR.; sister Beth and Jim Walls, Rio Linda, CA. and mother-in-law: Mary Corrieri, Hillsboro, OR. and five grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Donelson, Sewell and Mathews Mortuary, 171 NE Third Ave., Hillsboro, OR 07124.

Joan Marie Allphin

Joan Allphin of Alturas passed away Sunday, January 9, 2005, at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Mrs. Allphin was 54.

She was born Joan Marie Hudson on August 25, 1950, in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, to Stella and Frank Hudson.

Mrs. Allphin moved to Alturas in the late 1980s and had been a resident of Modoc Recreational Estates since July 1994. She married Harold Allphin of Alturas on July 5, 1995, in Reno, Nevada. She loved to fish, hunt, enjoyed gardening and canned her own garden's bounty. She was an avid bowler and member of the Alturas Bowling League.

She loved animals, especially small dogs.

She was employed at the Modoc Lanes bowling alley in Alturas, prior to her marriage to Mr. Allphin.

From a previous marriage, she is survived by three daughters and two sons of New Jersey. She also told her husband Harold that she had five sisters and six brothers in New Jersey and North Carolina. She is survived by five step-daughters and three step-sons; 25 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Allphin's wishes were to be cremated. No services are planned. Kerr Mortuary in Alturas, tended to arrangements.

Sports

Modoc wrestlers win BRI, on to Corning Invitational

Modoc had little trouble winning the Burney Rotary Invitational wrestling tournament last weekend and will head next week to the tough Corning Invitational.

Modoc will send its junior varsity wrestlers to Mt. Shasta this weekend, in a makeup of a tourney canceled earlier this season.

The Braves scored 200.5 points followed by Middletown 128.5, Lassen 128, Corning 124, Quincy 122, Burney 113, Gridley 111, Upper Lake 84, Trinity 83, Chester 71, Bonanza 68.5, Etna 46, Tulelake 44.5, Modoc II 40.5, Hamilton City 37, Portola 24, Bishop Quinn 22, Los Molinos 18, Big Valley 10 and Fall River 9.

The Braves' Joey Catania won the 215-pound division and was named the Outstanding Heavyweight of the tourney. Tulelake's John Luscombe won the 145-pound division and was named the Outstanding Middleweight. For the Braves, Travis Wood won the title at 152 pounds, Jason Jones won the title at 160 pounds, Mark Main won at 171 and Brad Bell won at 189 pounds.

Ian Jacques tool a fourth place at 171 pounds and Jesse Harer took fifth. Brian Weed was fifth at 125 pounds and Chris Buchanan was fifth at 135 pounds. Ryan Carrithers took fifth at 140 pounds, Nick Hawes took fifth at 145 and David Holloway was sixth. Jared Cox took a fifth at 160 pounds and Tim Cruse was fifth at heavyweight.

Braves off to 4-0 SCL start, 3 home games should be helpful

Modoc's Braves are off to a 4-0 Shasta Cascade League start, made better because three of those wins were on the road. And nicer still, because Modoc has a three-home game stint.

Etna comes to town Friday night, Trinity comes to visit on Saturday and Fall River is in Alturas Tuesday. Modoc coach Mike Martin is pleased with the fast start and considers unbeaten Trinity to be the biggest hurdle for the Braves.

Modoc beat Weed 57-48 here last Friday. They led 10-7 after one and 30-20 at halftime. Modoc took a 41-26 lead into the final quarter. Ross Burgess led the scoring with 16, Micah Eppler added 12 and Zeke Bonham had 10. The Braves beat Mt. Shasta at their house Saturday 51-49 in a tight and tough game. The Bears led 19-11 after one and Modoc took a 30-26 lead at halftime. The score after three was 40-37, Modoc. Modoc held on for the win. Burgess led with 28 points and Eppler added 14.

Tuesday night, the Braves beat Burney, 57-37, there, with Eppler netting 27 and Burgess 11. Modoc trailed 15-13 in the first, but took a 28-22 lead by halftime and outscored the Raiders, 29-15, in the second half.

Modoc varsity girls lose three

Modoc's varsity girls team lost three Shasta Cascade League games this last week, but are playing better.

Modoc lost to Weed, 73-40, with the league's leading scorer Caitlin Faria scoring 35 points against the Braves.

The Braves lost to Mt. Shasta Friday night, 69-32, Missy Ackley, a transfer from Big Valley, led the Braves with 14 points and Ali Campagna added five.

Modoc then lost to Burney Tuesday 49-28 with Ackley netting nine points, Brittney Bartram, Campagna, Danielle and Jessie Harden each had four. The Braves have the Etna Lions at home Friday and host Trinity Saturday. They also play at home Tuesday against Fall River.

Modoc's junior varsity girls took two out of three games over the week, getting back into the hunt for an SCL title. Modoc beat Weed 44-11 at home Friday night with Sarah Catania, Marlana Bartram and Megan Thompson each getting seven points. Alysha Northup led with eight.

Modoc then met Mt. Shasta in Mt. Shasta, got off to a slow start and fought hard to get back in the game. They trailed by 12 but ended up losing just 45-43 at the buzzer. Tacie Richardson led the Braves with 11 points, and four players fouled out. Freshmen Whitney Ponti, Amanda Fain and Brynn Juanarena stepped in to help keep the game close.

The girls ran into the same whistle happy refs in Burney the JV boys did and wound up winning 44-39 in overtime. Northrup led the scoring with 17 points and had five rebounds. Kelly Campagna's three-point shot tied the game at 34-34 at the end of regulation.

SV girls win, lose

January 11 saw the Hornet girls, after leading at the half, lose to the Tulelake Honkers at Tulelake by a scorer of 40 to 25. Cara James and Jacque Laxague scored ten and nine points respectively as Laxague pulled downed nine rebounds and Sarah Teuscher had nine block shots.

On January 14 the Hornets traveled to McCloud to play the Happy Camp Indians and won by a score of 37 to 33. Leading scorers for the Hornets were Cara James with 22 points as Sarah Teuscher put in eight and pulled down 12 rebounds and had six block shots.

Tuesday, January 18 saw the Hornets losing to the Big Valley Cardinals at Big Valley in overtime 51 to 49. After trailing at the half, the Hornets fought back with only four players on the court with less than three minutes to go in regulation to tie the game. In overtime the Hornets found themselves playing with only three players with over two minutes to play as they tried to pull off the win.

Sarah Teuscher who leads the team in rebounds and block shots was unable to play due to illness but the rest of the team made the adjustments and did an outstanding job of having to play without her presence. Leading scorers for the Hornets were Cara James and Kendra Hill with 29 and ten respectively as James had 12 block shots.

The next game for the Hornets will be Homecoming this Friday against the Butte Valley Bulldogs and the following day will play again at home against the Dunsmuir Tigers.

SV girl wins Shasta ski race

Surprise Valley's Kaitlin Asrow won the girls slalom ski race January 14 at the High School Ski/Snowboard races at the Mt. Shasta Board and Ski Park.

Future races are January 22, January 28, February 4, February 11 and Feb. 18.

According to Ernie Genter, the coordinator for the races and the association, there are 25-60 racers in each category (boy boarders, girls boarders, boy skiers and girl skiers). The skiers and boarders will each race three giant slaloms and three slalom races over the season. The total points for the top two finishers in each go towards the championship. Total points for all race results go towards All-Division honors. The state championships will be at Mammoth Mountain March 7-10.

January 27, 2005

News

March 8 election deadline Feb. 22

The special election March 8 will have two measures on the ballot for voters in what's roughly the Modoc Joint Unified School District boundaries. Measure E asks voters to approve a Recreation District within those boundaries. That issue requires a 50 percent, plus one vote to pass. Measure F asks voters to approve a $25 per year assessment per property owner to help fund that district. That measure requires a two-thirds majority to pass.

Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison reminds voters that the final day to register to vote in the March election is Feb. 22. She stresses it's important that voters also correct their current registration, especially address or name changes.

Voters in precincts in Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork and Canby will have mail-in ballots. The North Fork precinct will vote at Surprise Valley Electric. The remaining Alturas precincts and Hot Springs will vote at Alturas City Hall.

The Modoc Aquatic and Recreation Center committee is out campaigning hard, with the central issue being the construction of an indoor pool and recreation center just north of the existing pool in Alturas.

The MARC committee has been working on the recreation district and the recreation center project for the past five years. In addition to going door to door, the committee has held and plans to hold several informational meetings in communities through the proposed district.

If the voters pass both measures on March 8, the county has agreed to use $800,000 in Proposition 40 grant funds and the City of Alturas will release its $180,000 in Prop. 40 funds. Those Prop. 40 funds are earmarked solely for recreation-type projects. That $980,000 one-time money will then be coupled with about $380,000 per year from the $25 assessment and user fees to initially build, and then run and maintain the facility.

The $25 assessment is per property owner, not per parcel and if passed cannot be raised except by another vote of the people in the district. That vote would also have to pass by a two-thirds majority.

Modoc Forest to begin noxious weed spraying

by Anthony Larson

Special to the Record

No one likes weeds, least of all farmers and ranchers whose valuable land can be rendered nearly useless by noxious weed infestations.

Weeds are also unwelcome in the forest where they can harm the habitat for plants and animals alike by excluding the native species. Rather than cooperate or cohabit, weeds are antagonistic in one way or another.

Officials of the Modoc National Forest are on the verge of doing something about weeds in the forest in a big way. Having recently completed a Draft Environment Impact Statement (DEIS), a one-inch thick document, the largest hurdle for treating weeds in that forest has been surmounted.

"This is of great importance to all the national forests, at least in California and maybe beyond that, because this is the first DEIS that has taken on the noxious weed treatment issue in California," says Nancy Gardner, Forest Service public affairs officer.

"There have been other efforts in California, but on a much smaller scale," adds Robert Haggard, team leader for the noxious weed treatment project. The realization of this project is the result of cooperation between interested public groups and the Forest Service, including many other local, state and federal agencies, according to Cheryl Beyer, a botanist for the Modoc National Forest

A typical example of the public groups that have had input into the project is a Lassen County group called a Special Weed Action Team (SWAT), composed of people from every group in the public sector that might conceivably have a concern about the use of herbicides in the forest. Due specifically to that public input, the proposed treatment program was replaced by a preferred treatment program, which increased annual first-time treatment of as much as 1500 acres, depending upon budgetary considerations, over the next 5 years to 3000 acres over 10 yearsÑthe option presently preferred by the agency.

Beyer points out that copies of the DEIS can be obtained at any Forest Service office. It is also available on the Internet (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/modoc/) She asks that comments contain suggestions and remedies rather than criticisms or compliments. The period for public commentary on the DEIS ends February 14. Beyer explains that noxious weed eradication has been a thorny issue between private landowners and the agency in the past. "Private owners blame the Forest Service for having the weeds first and for them spreading off of Forest Service land onto private land. They feel that they can't control their weeds until the Forest Service controls their weeds."

"Most of our sites are inside the forest," Haggard says, explaining that only a few private landowners will be affected by the spraying program.

Moreover, the Forest Service will make every effort to coordinate with those few so that both sides of the fence are treated at the same time, according to Haggard.

The DEIS indicates that of all the treatment methods considered, spraying would be the most effective, least costly and safest. The plan covers 15 noxious weed species on 465 designated sites covering 8,676 acres on the forest. Other treatment optionsÑhand treatment, fire control, biological control (insects)Ñwere fully considered, but ultimately rejected in favor of the spraying program.

Haggard outlines the next steps on the process. After February 14, the end of the public comment period for the DEIS, Forest Service personnel will analyze the comments, do whatever added research is necessary, and then respond in the Final Environment Impact Statement (FEIS). Once the final statement is complete, Forest supervisor, Stan Sylva, will weigh the options, and then make an informed decision. That is called a Record of Decision, which will then be published. That is followed by a 45-day appeal period.

"I don't think the appeal period will be extended any further than the 45 days. After that is when we'll be able to implement," says Haggard. "We're projecting right now the final appeal period ends May 30."

Rob Jeffers, range program manager, addresses the many questions raised by the public in the past. He notes that because the spraying will be localized and governed by the best management practices, there will be limited exposure to humans and animals. All the work, done principally by contractors under Forest Service supervision, will be carefully monitored.

The effect of spray treatments on livestock ranged on public land by permitees will be minimized through careful coordination with ranchers to inform them of spraying plans. "We don't want any surprises," says Jeffers.

Private landowners with land that adjoins Forest Service ground should stay abreast of developments as the program unfolds.

"Contact the local district ranger that they would normally work with," says Beyer to those affected, "and let them know that they're really interested in this particular program."

The Second Annual Modoc Home Show will be held March 26 at Modoc High School. Businesses who wish to display are asked to get their application in early.

New this year will be the requirement of a business license or state resale permit, or contractor's license or federal tax identification number. People who entered last year will have the first priority for the gym or whatever space they would like. The new exhibitors will be allotted space on a first-come, first served basis. It is anticipated that exhibits will be in the Griswold Gym, outside on the lawn and in the Modoc Social Hall.

The deadline for all entries into the Home Show is March 11. There will be a $10 application fee per entrant.

Organizers Rendy Cockrell, Paula Henckle and Brooke Fredrickson emphasizes that people who plan to exhibit should show off what they have to offer local people, everything from building to decorating their home. In last year's show, there were exhibits including: landscape contractors, real estate and insurance professionals, building contractors, plumbers, electricians, roofing, computers, Internet, cabinet makers, surveyors, home interior concepts, appliances, bank representatives, building supply, nursery, countertops and lighting, windows, insulation, flooring, solar technology, furniture, and a wide variety of decor items and ideas.

According to Cockrell entries are coming in quickly so far this year and it's looking like the show is going to be bigger and more diverse than last year. For more information or to enter contact Cockrell at Modoc Title, 530-233-3471; Fredrickson at Handmade Haven 530-233-1161; and Henckel at Modoc Public Works 530-233-6403.

Look for more information in the Modoc County Record over the next few weeks.

Big Valley burglaries shake Bieber

Imagine Peter Gerig's surprise when he came upon a stranger crouched in a corner of the kitchen in a rental home that was supposed to be empty. "I just happened to walk by and see him," says Gehrig, a Big Valley rancher.

"That about gave us heart failure," says Gehrig's wife, Lynn. "And I know we both have more grey hair."

It was about 11 a.m. in Bieber, the first Sunday of the new year, and it was snowing heavily outside. The Gerigs, as they had done before, were making a routine check of a rented home their daughter had recently begun to vacate.

Lynn noticed that the house was warmer and some things were out of place, but "I didn't pick up on the fact that somebody was there. It was just that there were things not like they were the time before."

When her husband started through the kitchen, Lynn reports that he suddenly hollered, "What are you doing here?" He then grabbed a handy crescent wrench to defend himself and keep the intruder at bay. According to Gerig, the intruder appealed to him saying, "Don't hit me," then whined that he was cold and hungry in an apparent plea for sympathy.

"He'd been drinking some, too," says Gehrig. "In the bedroom where he'd been camping there were a couple of bottles of liquor."

The intruder had clearly settled into the home to stay. Caught by surprise by the Gerigs' unannounced entrance, he hastily sought refuge in the spot where the refrigerator had once been. "If he'd have been in a closet, we'd have never known he was in there," notes Gerig.

"It was very frightening," says Lynn, who fled the house at her husband's directions to summon help. "I ran to call the cops, and the first three houses nobody was home."

Stacey Watkins, a neighbor, answered Lynn's frantic knock, then called 911 when she learned of the intruder

The dispatcher in the Lassen County Sheriff's Office, according to Watkins, said that the resident deputy in Big Valley was on vacation, that the closest deputy on duty was in Eagle Lake and that she could not say how soon the deputy might be able to get there due to the snowstorm and the poor road conditions

"We dispatched a deputy immediately following the initial call," says Ron Zielen, investigation sergeant for the Lassen County Sheriff's Office. "When we get a call for service, we dispatch a unit, and we try to get there as quick as possible."

The dispatcher then directed Watkins to call to the Gerigs to get out of the house and away from the intruder.

In the meantime, the intruder had escaped by briefly distracting his captor. "He just kind of outsmarted me a little bit there," says Gerig. "He darted out the backdoor and into the snow he went."

Concerned and anxious, Watkins asked the dispatcher to summon a nearby Modoc County deputy. She reports that the answer was "no."

In the face of the dispatchers seeming inability or unwillingness to promptly summon another deputy in the face of danger, Watkins immediately called county supervisor Brian Dahle to tell him of unfolding events. "When I got the call from my constituent, she told me what had taken place," narrates Dahle. "When I tried to dial the number for the dispatch, I was so mad I couldn't even dial correctly. I dialed it wrong twice."

The dispatcher denied Watkins' allegations, "so, there are conflicting stories there," says Dahle, who then called Steve Warren, the Lassen County Sheriff to inform him of events. Dahle told Warren that he would respond to the call himself.

"So I went down to Bieber along with my brother-in-law, and we started looking," tells Dahle. "It was snowing, (so) we could track the guy. They told us where they last saw him and where he went."

In spite of that, the small group of Bieber residents Dahle assembled were unable to locate the suspect, though they did find that he had gone to another vacant home nearby, put on shoes and continued on down the street.

During that search, deputy Frank Martin arrived from Eagle Lake and immediately organized a sweep of the area.

"I've got to give it to Frank Martin, the deputy," says Dahle. "He did an awesome job. He started talking to folks in the neighborhood, and he actually had a name and a description.

"There were four or five of us," continues Dahle, describing the fruitless search, "but we never did find him, and it was starting to get dark." Deputy Martin called off the hunt and returned to secure the crime scene and called the owner, the Gerigs' daughter, to assess items missing from the home. It was then that two semiautomatic pistols were discovered missing.

Only then, according to Dahle, did Martin summon assistance from Modoc County's deputy Ken Richardson, located in nearby Adin. "They took care of it," points out Dahle. "They did a great job once they got here."

Zielen reports that the two deputies apprehended the suspect around 9 p.m. Jacinto Jimenez, 31, was detained along with two juveniles who were also arrested. They were cited for burglary as well as trespass because several items of jewelry were taken.

Investigation determined that the three detainees were responsible for a rash of break-ins and burglaries in the Bieber area during the prior week. Called later to identify the intruder, Gerig says, "They had him handcuffed and in the car when I got back down there at midnight."

The entire experience left Bieber residents shaken. "My daughter and I were home alone," relates Watkins, who was frantic that a known intruder was at large in the neighborhood. "Actually, there were several of us moms home alone that day. And when there's a guy running around and no deputy around, it is scary. Later on we found out that the guy was armed. That scares you even more. Actually, my whole day ended up being devoted to that little ordeal right there."

For his part, Gerig is philosophical about the experience. Speaking of his daughter, he says, "I told her she could check her own house from now on."

First 5 Modoc leads early childhood oral health care effort

In celebration of Children's Dental Health Month in February, Fi